Youghal

Youghal Celebrates Landmark Victory: New Ambulance Training College Coming to Town

Youghal, Co. Cork 05/10/2024 – In a major announcement, Deputy James O’Connor, TD for Cork East, has secured the establishment of a brand new ambulance training college at St. Raphael's in Youghal. This landmark development promises a significant boost to the local economy, healthcare services, and educational opportunities.

A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR YOUGHAL
For years, Deputy O’Connor has championed this project, recognising its potential to revitalise Youghal. The college will create much-needed jobs, both directly through staffing and indirectly through increased local spending by students and staff. This investment showcases government commitment to the town's future.

BOOSTING LOCAL HEALHTCARE
The college will provide a crucial training ground for future paramedics, addressing the national ambulance service’s staffing needs. Residents will have easier access to paramedic training programs, leading to improved emergency response times and patient care throughout East Cork and surrounding areas.

A GATEWAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION
This exciting initiative paves the way for expanded educational opportunities in Youghal. The college is likely to offer degree-level programs, attracting a new generation of healthcare professionals and fostering collaboration with universities like UCC.

QUOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Deputy O’Connor expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This facility will bring a new generation into the ambulance service and make a difference for the entire region. Youghal will be a worthy home for this facility.”

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly echoed this sentiment, committing to visiting Youghal to expedite the project.

MORE THAN TRAINING: A COMMUNITY HUB
Beyond training paramedics, the college has the potential to become a community hub. Outreach programs and training sessions can raise awareness about emergency services and health issues, fostering a more engaged Youghal.

LOOKING AHEAD: A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The ambulance training college marks a turning point for Youghal. This project promises economic growth, enhanced healthcare services, and a vibrant educational environment. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2024, bringing a brighter future to the town and surrounding communities. ... See MoreSee Less

NEW AMBULANCE TRAINING COLLEGE TO OPEN IN YOUGHAL

Youghal, County Cork (04/10/2024) - James O'Connor, TD for Cork East, has announced that St. Raphael's in Youghal will be the site for a new ambulance training college, marking a significant boost for local healthcare and education.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy O'Connor said:

"This project is important to me, to the town, and to the people I represent. Youghal desperately needs government investment, and this is one key area that could bring employment, a much-needed training facility, and a vital service that the community both wants and desperately needs."

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly responded:

"Can I thank Deputy O’Connor for his powerful and relentless advocacy for healthcare services in his constituency and in Youghal. I am delighted to confirm that the development of the St. Raphael's site in Youghal is the preferred location for the permanent ambulance training college. This is wonderful news for our National Ambulance Service and for Youghal."

KEY BENEFITS

ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

- Job Creation: The college will create jobs directly and boost local economic activity.

- Investment in Infrastructure: This government investment is expected to revitalise the local economy.

ENHANCED HEALTHCARE SERVICES

- Improved Training Access: Local residents will have better access to paramedic training, increasing qualified personnel in the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

- Specialised Training Programs: Advanced courses, including critical care paramedic training, will enhance emergency medical response.

COMMUNITY HEALTH BENEFITS

- Increased Emergency Response Capacity: Training more paramedics locally will improve response times and patient outcomes in East Cork and surrounding areas.

- Local Engagement: Outreach programmes and training sessions will raise awareness about emergency services and health issues.

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT

- Higher Education Opportunities: The college will offer degree-level programmes, attracting new healthcare professionals.

- Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Partnerships with universities like University College Cork will ensure high-quality training.

ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

The project at St. Raphael's will also include a new 60-bed community nursing unit and a master plan for an ambulance base and daycare services for the elderly. Planning permission is expected soon.

Deputy O'Connor added:

"I know this facility will bring a new generation into the ambulance service and make a difference for the entire region. Youghal will be a worthy home for this facility."

Minister Donnelly has committed to visiting Youghal to see the location and expedite the project.

This new ambulance training college in Youghal is set to improve healthcare services, create jobs, and offer new educational opportunities for the local community.

Image: St. Raphael's Centre, Youghal, County Cork.

#Youghal #AmbulanceTraining #HealthcareEducation #CommunityInvestment #JobCreation #LocalEconomy #ParamedicTraining #CorkEast #HealthcareServices #Education #EmergencyResponse #GovInvestment #StRaphaelsYoughal #IrelandHealthcare ... See MoreSee Less

The Penny Bank in Youghal: A Glimpse into History

At the top of De Valera Street, where it meets Emmet Place, stands a building that has been part of Youghal's landscape for over two centuries. Known as The Penny Bank, this block-shaped structure has a fascinating history that not many people know about.

ORIGINS AND PURPOSE

The Penny Bank, officially called the Penny Savings Bank, was established in 1818. Its main role was to accept deposits for government securities. This was a significant service at the time, encouraging the local community to save money in a secure way. The bank was managed by a group of ten trustees and thirty managers, showing the level of community involvement and trust in this institution.

CHALLENGES AND CLOSURE

Like many banks of its time, The Penny Bank faced financial difficulties. By the end of the 19th century, it could no longer sustain its operations and eventually collapsed. After its closure, the building was converted into a private residence, marking the end of its role as a financial institution.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Even though The Penny Bank is no longer operational, its historical significance remains. The building itself is a piece of Youghal's heritage, often mentioned in discussions about the town's history. The limestone plaque on the facade, featuring the town seal with a ship and a medieval harbour, is a reminder of its past importance.

LEGACY

The establishment of The Penny Bank was part of a broader trend in 19th century Ireland to promote savings and financial responsibility among the public. While it no longer serves its original purpose, the building stands as a symbol of the town's financial history and community development. Its legacy continues to be an important part of Youghal's story.

Researched and archived by Michael Hussey and thanks to local historian John McGrath for additional information.

Image: The plaque on its facade, depicting the town seal with a towering ship and fortified medieval harbour, serves as a tangible reminder of the bank's historical significance. Photo by Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less

ROISIN O BRINGS HER NEW TOUR TO SEA CHURCH, BALLYCOTTON
Irish singer-songwriter Róisín O is set to perform her new found folk sound at Sea Church, Ballycotton, on October 5th.

A night of singing, storytelling and entertainment is planned for Ballycotton as part of her upcoming tour. It is a pivotal moment in Róisín O's career as she transitions more fully into the folk genre.

The artist is embracing her roots with the release of her captivating rendition of the iconic track, "Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves".

This reimagined version showcases Róisín O's powerful and soulful vocals, blending traditional folk elements with a fresh, modern sound. With flutes, banjo, and violins, Róisín O creates a rich gypsy-folk musical landscape, breathing new life into the beloved classic while staying true to its timeless essence.

Her interpretation has already resonated deeply with audiences, amassing over 500,000 views across social media platforms. Fans are drawn to her ability to highlight the often- overlooked dark undertones of the original lyrics, making it both relevant and compelling for today’s listeners.

As she prepares for her national tour, Róisín O reflects on this creative shift: "Folk music has always been a part of my life. This last winter, I found myself writing on my own for the first time in a long time. When I wasn't thinking about what the songs needed to be, or should be, folk-style songs started to pour out of me—songs that told stories and helped me heal. The time seems right to move further into the genre that has always been closest to my heart." ... See MoreSee Less

Youghal Little Theatre Stages "Lend Me A Tenor" Amidst Rehearsal Space Woes

THE YOUGHAL LITTLE THEATRE, a vibrant community of actors, is buzzing with anticipation for their upcoming production of the hilarious comedy "Lend Me A Tenor." This comes just two weeks after their successful participation in Culture Night, where they captivated audiences with Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."

A DEDICATED CAST AND CREW FACE CHALLENGES

While excitement fills the air, the theatre faces ongoing challenges due to the lack of a permanent rehearsal space. Director Jimmy Morey expresses his gratitude to various venues who have offered temporary solutions, including the Youghal Community Centre, Community Radio Youghal, Cumann na Daoine, Youghal Pitch and Putt Club, the old Kodak building, and Eoin White at Millenium Park.

"We are a bit nomadic as you can see, and it's not good enough in this day and age," says Morey. "We badly need a proper permanent place in town for the arts and artists to rehearse."

Despite these obstacles, the cast and crew remain dedicated. They even endured the heartbreaking loss of their valuable props stolen along with a horse box they were using as storage space. However, their commitment to bringing quality theatre to Youghal remains unwavering.

A RICH HISTORY OF LOCAL TALENT

Youghal Little Theatre has a rich history of showcasing local talent in a variety of genres, from classic dramas to heartwarming comedies. Their recent productions of "Moll" by John B. Keane and "The Year of the Hiker" were met with enthusiastic audiences, filling the Mall Arts Centre to capacity.

"LEND ME A TENOR" PROMISES LAUGHTER

"Lend Me A Tenor" promises three nights of side-splitting laughter - and a matinee on Sunday afternoon. The classic comedy by Ken Ludwig tells the story of a chaotic night at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. As the world-famous tenor Tito Mirelli arrives late and experiences a series of comical mishaps, the pressure mounts on his understudy, Max, to save the show.

SUPPORTING THE ARTS IN YOUGHAL

Tickets for "Lend Me A Tenor" are available at Cree's Card Shop, at the door, or online. By attending this production, you'll not only experience a delightful comedy but also contribute to the continued success of Youghal Little Theatre, a vital platform for local artists and a source of cultural enrichment for the community.

LET'S HOPE THIS TALENTED GROUP FINDS A PERMANENT HOME SOON!

Tickets : Cree’s Card Shop (Cash Only) North Main Street, on the door (Cash or Credit/Debit Card) or online at ylt.sumupstore.com ... See MoreSee Less