Youghal

When good entertainment was home-made. By Mike Hackett

The passing of Rodgie Galvin in his 99th year and Pat Geary (The Gare) also in his 90's - reminds us of how those musicians entertained us before the coming of the T.V. in 1964.

Knockanore-Kilwatermoy-Glendine had three public houses in the 1960's. You had the Shamrock - the Sycamore and Lombard's. Now it's only Lombard's alone in the parish.

Just for a short while - let us relive the fun when the Bridesiders band played in the Arch Ballroom in Tallow and when the musical nights in Lombard's drew players and singers from miles away. Paddy Geary was the drummer with the Bridesiders and Peter Gillen was another member playing the saxophone. The Arch would be packed every dance night in those days before the coming of the big showbands. Then turning to Lombard's - in that same era - Rodgie Galvin with his accordian was a regular participant. He used to make us laugh when he said that he was always nervous playing the first tune - and he felt he played much better after two pints. He had that great characteristic of being able to laugh when the joke was on himself. So buy Rodgie another pint !

Still staying at Lombard's - Susie Coleman would sing 'The Rocks of Bawn' and her son Michael would play the box. Michael Buckley from Inch was a wonderful piano-accordian player and John Barry from Clonmult was accomplished on the box, mandolin and violin. Very versatile also were Mary and John from Mogeely on Mandolin and violin. Then coming from across the Blackwater you would have Michael Hickey and his wife Nora. They were used to performing at the Piltown Thursday club and at the Halla Deuglan sessions every Monday afternoon with Father Milo Guiry in Ardmore.

Any good night at Lombard's would not be complete without the Farrell family from Cherrymount - Hanny and Bobby playing and singing.

Tommy Hurley lived nearby at Ballyglavin and he and his wife would call every Sunday evening on their way back from Dungarvan where her family lived. Tommy explained that they had an agreement that he would drive her to Dungarvan - but to always stop at Lombard's on the way home. She would quietly drink Power's lemonade while he had his pints of Murphy's porter.

Johnny Murphy was another regular to call and he spoke about his bad tummy. He could not absorb porter or whiskey. Barley Wine was his drink. Frances would openly announce that the supplier had called and she had the Barley Wine in stock specially or him. She applied the same attention when Jumbo Perks would come in from shooting pheasants with his pals - Sammy Adams and Jack Copithorne. "I have the Black Bush whiskey for you" she would say. Right enough the bottle of Black Bush was high up on a shelf behind the counter. I believe that he was the only customer for whom it was kept. On that same shelf was a stuffed pheasant to be admired. The gunmen would joke that they had seen at least one pheasant that day - but nobody said that it was in Lombard's pub.
We must not forget the percussionists like Bill Lackey on the bodhran and Mary Power from the Redforge rattling the silver spoons. Bill went to Dublin for Bloomsday every year to celebrate the writer James Joyce. One year when he had no proper messenger bike for the parade - the postmen in Cork gave him one with a front carrier and away he went.

Then Tom Fitzgerald - also from the Redforge - came home permanently from England to live nearby at Ballyglavin. Tom had entertained at the Irish clubs in Shepherds Bush and had songs and monologues by the dozen. He used to do 'Seomra hEocht - Miceal Bocht' excellently - also he did a favourite one of Charlie Flavins - 'Peg and Caoch O'Laoghaire'. Tom told a funny story about singing his two songs at an Irish club one night - and then to be told as he left the stage that the next singer hadn't shown up. It was Halloween weekend - so Tom just put on a ghost mask and went back out on stage to sing two more songs. Tom Dooley and Tom Cahill from Old Parish were others musicians to partake of the fun at Lombard's.

Put all this together and you have endless entertainment. Singers and players had to wait for their turn on some busy nights. People came out from the town too to enjoy the fun on Sundays. 'Doll' Roche - married to Syl Redmond (red-cap soldier) and living at Cork Hill - liked to get away from the townies for awhile. A cousin of Mossie Sheehan's (garage) is remembered for attending with her huge American husband (Jim Hyatt) of Indian descent. He was over seven foot tall - the pint glass was like an egg-cup in his big hand. The only man that I ever met bigger than he was outside the Head Quarters of the Canadian Mounted Police in Ottawa where a member eight foot tall and three foot wide kept vigil. I had to stand well back to look up at his face and I didn't go in.
Geraldine (proprietor) told me that recently they have moved to a higher cultural level with the appearance of an orchestra. Dr. Carmel Whitford with her daughter were part of that. Also in it were Mary O'Keeffe (nee Nugent Ticknock) with her daughter Jennifer plus her daughter. You had three generations in that small orchestra. They have given sessions in the halls of neighbouring towns playing violins and violas.

Dan Keane and Andy Lyons lived just across the valley via the two-mile bridge at Curraghboy. Both were blessed to have such a luxury as Lombard's nearby and they availed of it.
Charlie Daly worked for a local farmer nearby and loved to recite long poems. One was about a boxing match between Galligan and Sheehan - fifteen verses - a listener would be punch drunk before the end of it. Sam McGee was another favourite of his - again very long. Those poems gave a break from the music and a chance for the players to lift a glass to their lips.

The ballad of Sam McGee told of a prospector going to frozen Alaska to find gold. He was perished with the awful cold and died when he froze to death. His pal could not dig a grave in the frozen hard ground and decided to cremate Sam. The pal subsequently built a pyre (bonfire) of sticks and placed Sam's body upon it. While watching the cremation - the pal composed the ballad. "I'm Sam McGee from Tennessee - that's where I was born - - and since

I arrived in this forsaken place, it's the first time I've been warm". That always brought a laugh from the listeners in Lombard's.
Parish loyalty is very strong in Knockanore-Kilwatermoy-Glendine - and so the local Shamrocks G.A.A. club hold their weekly lotto draw at Lombard's pub every Monday night.
- Mike Hackett, September 2026.

Pictures:

1. Andy Lyons and May shearing a pet lamb that May had reared

2. Bertie Moore relaxes in the corner of the pub

3. Bridgie Griffin, John Sexton, Kathleen Long with Johnny Murphy as he drinks a glass of Barley Wine

4. Cousin John A. Lombard is happy

5. Gerald was blind but he could swallow okay

6. Geraldine in her P.O. days

7. Mike Hackett, John A. Lombard, Diarmuid and Stephen O'Regan with Eoin Parker ... See MoreSee Less

A SUPER TEAM FROM A SMALL VILLAGE. By Mike Hackett

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg have won their place to become a senior team in the Waterford County Hurling Championship by winning the Pat Hunt cup. This is a tremendous attainment from a small village of such size. When asked to describe it properly - my knowledge of those young players is lacking. All that I can say (at age 82) is that I knew their Dads and grandparents - so here is the scene from my viewpoint.

Before we start - let us think of the great win that Mayo footballers had after 75 years of endeavour. Now Clashmore are a senior club (founded in 1885) for the first time ever - and dare we hope to dream for a third uplift - that the Deise County Hurling Team would win another All-Ireland next year after a lapse of 68 years.

There is a remarkable thread running through this marvellous Clashmore/Kinsalebeg team. Let me explain ; - A man named Christy Ryan (R.I.P.) came from Cobh and worked at Youghal carpets before it closed. He married Bridie Joyce of Lickey and so became anchored by her to the Deise. Bridie is still with us and in good spirits. Christy's son Roger is manager of this young team and two of his grandsons are on it. No doubt then that the D.N.A. of Bridie and Christy form the backbone of this club and players.

Now let us go through this marvellous Clashmore/Kinsalebeg team slowly from an older generation point of view.

In goal Kyle Moloney - a family connection of Bridie Ryan (nee Joyce of Lickey). Aidan Trihy (son of Tom) was centrefield. At wing-back was Cillian O'Keeffe (son of Tim - club chairman) Brothers Ciaran and Tadhg Burke - (whose Dad installed my water system a few years ago) were at full-back and centre-back.

Then you had Sam and Josh Fitzgerald - wingback and wingforward - grandsons of Vinny O'Rourke - a great Clashmore player in his day. We go to Youghal bridge where J.J. Fitzgerald has his mobile restaurant to learn that his son Ronan was on the team at centre-forward Cian Ryan at corner-back is a grandson of Christy Ryan. Danny O'Mahony (Captain) is grandson of Budd and Eamon Foley of Monatrea.

Then we have the O'Halloran connections: - Brian son of Billy (the Glen) and Ed son of Jack at Rath. Brian Lynch had an outstanding game and was Man-of-the-Match. He is grandson of Paddy Lynch, Ardsallagh, who cycled to work at Seafield Fabrics in the 1950s. Brian has a family link with the great Ackie Lennon who played football for the Waterford County team and played for Munster in the Railway Cup St. Patrick's Day games. Brian's Granny was a sister of Ackie.

Then you had Dara Ryan at corner-forward - again of the Christy Ryan family. Paul O'Connor from Coolbagh was the other corner-forward.

Subs used were Shane and Luke Coughlan - grandsons of the late Pat Coughlan and Maura of Ardsallagh. Luke wasn't long on the field when he whipped on a ground shot to score the goal that turned the game for Clashmore in the closing stages.

So there you have it all. It helps old folk like me to link up with these young players. In case you are thinking that we are making a lot of this win - on behalf of a village club - enough praise could not be given to it. Long may it be spoken of and recorded.

Comhghairdeas aris agus go mbeidh chraobh eile agaibh. Congratulations and that you may have others wins.
Just heard that the Clashmore/Kinsalebeg team visited the three local schools of Ballycurrane, Clashmore and Kinsalebeg with that County Intermediate Hurling (Pat Hunt) cup and that brought great excitement. The cup is named in memory of Pat Hunt of Clonea who passed away suddenly.

Another nice gesture was when the club presented a club shirt to every new pupil (who are just starting this September) at the three schools.

Anois - sin deire leis an sceal seo agus buiochas mor do Tim O'Keeffe - Big thanks to Tim O'Keeffe for his assistance with this project. ... See MoreSee Less

🎭 Free Events to Enjoy in Youghal for Culture Night 2026

Music, film, art, local history and live performances will take over venues across Youghal on Friday, 18 September.

Culture Night 2026 is shaping up to be a busy one in Youghal, with free events and activities taking place across the town from afternoon until late.

From live music and local film to museums, exhibitions, open studios, guided tours and the night market, there's plenty happening throughout the day and evening.

📍 WHAT'S ON

✏️ All Day | Finola M Power Exhibition: An exhibition window at Cree's Card Shop featuring charcoal drawings by Finola M Power of local Cumann na mBan women.

🛍️ 4:00 - 9:00pm | Youghal Night Market: Food, crafts and local producers at Barry's Lane.

🎨 4:00 - 5:30pm | Kids Workshop with Judy Fisher: Irish wild bird printing and collage with Judy Fisher at Youghal Library. Advance booking required.

🏛️ 6:00 - 9:00pm | Culture & Curiosity: Explore Youghal Freemasons' Hall, museum and meeting rooms. Talks at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm.

🖼️ 6:00 - 8:00pm | Merricks: An exhibition recalling Youghal's historic Merricks department store at the Mall Arts Centre.

🎺 6:00 - 7:00pm | Strings & Brass: Live music in the hidden walled garden at 118 Plumbers Yard on North Main Street.

🎬 6:00 - 7:00pm | Traveller Voices: Short films exploring Traveller music and culture at Cumann na Daoine.

🎨 6:00 - 8:30pm | Artists Open Studios & Picture Framing: Meet Youghal artists and see painting, metalwork, illustration, comic art and picture framing. Located behind Youghal Enterprise Centre, Emmett Place.

🎻 6:00pm onwards | 75 Years of Passing It On: Celebrate 75 years of Comhaltas. Open-air performance at the market at 6:00pm, followed by a recreation of the Inis Oírr Seisiún at Brú na Sí from 7:15pm. Community Bus available from 7:00pm.

🧵 6:00 - 9:00pm | Youghal Lace Museum: Youghal Lace Museum opens its doors for Culture Night from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

👩 6:00 - 9:00pm | Pioneering Women of Youghal Museum: The Pioneering Women of Youghal Museum will be open to visitors from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

🕰️ 6:00 - 8:00pm | Youghal Clock Tower Guided Tours: Free guided tours of Youghal Clock Gate Tower, with tours from 6:00 - 7:00pm and 7:00 - 8:00pm. Advance booking is essential.

📷 6:30 - 8:00pm | Passport Through the Lens: Youghal Camera Club exhibition at Youghal Credit Union, featuring photographs and cultural experiences from around the world.

🎥 7:00 - 8:00pm | Call Me Isabel: Short film shot at Youghal's Regal Cinema, followed by a Q&A with director Sean Breathnach and actor and producer Ruth Hayes at Youghal Film & Photography Museum.

🧙 ̶C̶a̶n̶c̶e̶l̶l̶e̶d̶ | A Tale of Florence Newton: The story of Youghal's famous 1661 witchcraft case comes to life around Barry's Lane and Cromwell's Arch. * This event has been cancelled.

🎶 7:15 - 8:15pm | Youghal Choral Society: An hour of choral music at the Glass Annex, Mall Arts Centre.

🥁 8:00 - 8:30pm | Youghal Pipe Band: An open-air recital by Youghal Pipe Band at Barry's Lane.

🎤 8:00 - 10:00pm | Niall McCabe Live: Niall McCabe performs at St Mary's Collegiate Church with the YewTonics and Ruairi De Leaster.

📅 Friday, 18 September 2026

🎟️ Culture Night events are FREE

Plan Your Night

With so much happening across Youghal, several events will overlap, so have a look through the programme, pick your favourites and plan your evening. Most venues are within walking distance, making it easy to take in a mix of music, art, film, local history and more.

Culture Night Youghal takes place on Friday, 18 September 2026, with free events taking place throughout the town. Advance booking is required for some events, including the children's workshop at Youghal Library and the Clock Tower guided tours.

Know of another Culture Night event happening in Youghal that we've missed? Let us know in the comments.

Which events are you planning to visit? Tag someone you'd like to bring along, and please like and share this post to help spread the word.

Programme details and times are subject to change. This guide includes official Culture Night listings along with additional events and updates supplied directly by local organisers.

Article by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less

Templemichael & Molana Abbey: What’s Happening With Local Access?

Concerns are growing locally about access to Templemichael graveyard, Templemichael Castle and Molana Abbey.

Much of the discussion centres on the small car park beside Templemichael graveyard, where a barrier was installed earlier this year and opening hours have varied.

While access to the graves remains available, locals point out that the road is narrow and there are few safe places to park when the car park is closed.

That raises an important question: is access really practical if there is nowhere nearby to park?

There has also been discussion about 30th September. Current reporting indicates that this relates to seasonal access to Molana Abbey, rather than a confirmed closure of the Templemichael car park. Molana Abbey is due to close to visitors after 30th September and reopen on Easter Sunday.

The owners of Ballynatray say there are no restrictions on access to the Templemichael graves, although they say there is no right of way.

Meanwhile, Waterford City and County Council is in discussions with the landowner and has sought legal advice.

These are historic places that local people have visited for generations. A local resident has pointed out that the laneway from Templemichael towards the Blackwater was historically associated with an old ferry crossing to Ardsallagh and was used for generations. Questions have therefore been raised about traditional public use and whether any historic right of way exists.

What should reasonable public access look like going forward?
Have you visited Templemichael or Molana recently?
Have you noticed any changes?

Let us know in the comments below but keep the discussion respectful.

Article by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less

⇰ When people started breaking through Youghal’s town wall

Youghal’s town wall was built for defence, control and protection.

But by the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, parts of it had become something else: a problem to maintain.

The Irish Historic Towns Atlas shows that Youghal’s town wall needed regular attention in the 1600s. Repairs are recorded in 1616, 1617 and 1619, with more work again in the 1620s and 1640s.

Despite all that, by 1647 the walls were described as:

“exceedingly ruined and fallen into decay.”

That gives us a different picture of the old town wall. Not the clean heritage feature we see today. Not just a medieval defence. But an old working structure with gaps, repairs, breaches, patched sections and disputes over access.

The Atlas also notes that the corporation continued dealing with breaches into the mid-eighteenth century, either patching them up or trying to control tenants who were breaking through the wall to reach their holdings.

That detail brings the story to life.

For some people, the wall was no longer just a symbol of protection. It was something standing between them and a garden, yard or piece of land.

So they made their own way through.

Historic places do not become “heritage” overnight. For centuries, they are used, repaired, altered, argued over and sometimes simply worked around.

Youghal’s town wall once marked the edge of the protected town.

Later, for some residents, it was probably just the thing in the way.

📚 Source: Irish Historic Towns Atlas, no. 27, Youghal.
Article & photo by Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less

TODAY ♫ SAT 29TH AUG · 7:30 to 9:30PM · LIVE BAND · THE ANCHOR BAR

→ Enjoy live music but not the late start? This one's for you.

The Session Bros, play The Anchor Bar, Youghal this evening. Expect classic songs of the ’70s, ’80s and beyond.

Come early for the best seats.
📍 The Anchor Bar, Youghal
📅 Saturday, 29th August
🕢 7.30pm to 9.30pm ... See MoreSee Less

🎶 FROM YOUGHAL TO ELECTRIC PICNIC: TWO LOCAL ACTS HIT THE STAGE THIS WEEKEND

Youghal will be well represented at Electric Picnic this weekend, with local acts Safe From Harm and DJ Michael Downing both performing at Ireland’s largest music festival.

Youghal band Safe From Harm will bring their live trip-hop and electronic show to the Survivor Stage on Sunday.

The band are:

🎤 Leah de Leastar, vocals
🎤 Erin Ahern, vocals
🎸 Warren Tivy, bass
🎹 George MacDonald, keys
🎸 Ross Stack, guitars and vocals
🥁 Paddy Moloney, drums

Their set features music from Massive Attack, Portishead, Moby, Morcheeba, Gorillaz, Fatboy Slim, Air, Moloko and more.

🎤 Safe From Harm
📅 Sunday, 30th August
📍 Survivor Stage

DJ Michael Downing has spent decades developing his skills behind the decks in his spare time. This Friday night, he will play at Electric Picnic, a moment he once could only have dreamed of.

🎧 DJ Michael Downing
📅 Friday, 28th August
⏰ 10pm to 11pm
📍 Treasure Beach

Two very different Youghal acts, one major festival and a brilliant achievement for everyone involved.

Article: Kieran McCarthy | Youghal Online

👏 Help us wish Safe From Harm and DJ Michael Downing the very best by leaving them a message in the comments. If you’re heading to Electric Picnic, make sure you catch them live and show them plenty of Youghal support! ... See MoreSee Less