Youghal

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘪𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘯.

Concerns over overcrowded bus services in Youghal and East Cork have been raised at Cork County Council, with reports of students being left behind in Midleton and passengers queuing from as early as 6.30am to secure a place on morning services.

At a council meeting this week, Cllr Patrick Mulcahy highlighted growing pressure on public transport across East Cork, including services connecting Youghal, Midleton and Cork city.

He told councillors that passengers in Youghal are now arriving half an hour before the 7am service, while commuters are facing journeys of up to two hours into Cork city.

“In Youghal in the mornings they start queuing for the seven o’clock service at half six now,” he said.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻

Cllr Mulcahy also raised concerns about students being unable to board afternoon services travelling east from Cork towards Youghal.

He said buses arriving in Midleton at approximately 3.40pm and 4.40pm are regularly so crowded that students are being left behind.

“Kids are being left behind until 6 o’clock because they can’t get on a bus,” he told the meeting.

The issue raises particular concerns for families whose children depend on public transport to return home from school or college, especially as the evenings become darker.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗸

The difficulties are not confined to East Cork.

Cllr Patrick Donovan called for additional buses during peak travelling hours, highlighting overcrowding, unreliable timetable information and services that fail to arrive.

He said parents in Crosshaven had contacted him about teenagers being left stranded, sometimes in darkness, while commuters elsewhere were reporting missed appointments and late arrivals at work.

Cllr Audrey Buckley also questioned whether promised improvements were being delivered, describing situations where full buses passed waiting passengers without stopping.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

Cllr Mulcahy stressed the importance of involving the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has responsibility for planning and securing public transport services.

He warned that growing traffic congestion and pressure on existing bus services could create further difficulties unless action is taken.

Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell confirmed that she would explore arranging discussions with Bus Éireann and the NTA, potentially through the council's development committee.

No date for such a meeting or commitment to additional services was confirmed in the report.

For passengers travelling between Youghal, Midleton and Cork city, the concerns raised at the meeting highlight the importance of reliable services with sufficient capacity, particularly during the morning and afternoon peaks.

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗯𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲? Have you experienced overcrowding, buses passing stops without collecting passengers or lengthy delays? We'd be interested to hear your experience.

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰: Eric Jones / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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

NEW CALLS FOR YOUGHAL COMMUNITY GARDEN

Questions remain over Porter's Lane housing plans.

A vacant site at Porter's Lane in Youghal is back in the spotlight, with renewed calls for the land to be turned into a community garden and allotments rather than used for a proposed social housing development.

The site, just off the town's main street, has been earmarked by Cork County Council for six one-bedroom apartments. However, the proposal has faced objections from nearby residents over access, construction difficulties and the suitability of the location.

Youghal Online previously reported on these concerns, which attracted considerable local attention. Now, following an unsuccessful procurement process, questions are being raised about what happens next for the site.

CONCERNS OVER ACCESS

Porter's Lane is a narrow, sloping road, with limited room for larger vehicles. Residents have questioned how construction traffic and heavy machinery could safely access the site without causing considerable disruption to neighbouring properties.

An official planning inspector's report confirms that the site has a significant gradient, restricted vehicular access and lies within Youghal's Architectural Conservation Area.

Residents have also raised concerns about the potential cost of developing the apartments on such a challenging site and whether the project would represent value for public money.

The final construction cost has not been independently established.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HOUSING PLANS?

The six-apartment proposal was advanced through Cork County Council's Part 8 planning process, which provides for public consultation and approval of certain local authority developments.

The project attracted objections from residents, particularly over access and the potential impact on neighbouring properties.

Public procurement records now provide further information about the project's progress.

A notice published on 2nd October 2026 records that Cork County Council's competition for architectural and associated consultancy services relating to the Porter's Lane development was closed without a contract being awarded.

Two tenders were received, but no successful bidder was selected. The notice records the reason as "Other" and does not explain the circumstances behind the decision.

This does not establish that the housing development has been abandoned, but it leaves questions about the next steps.

COULD A COMMUNITY GARDEN BE AN ALTERNATIVE?

With the land remaining vacant, some residents believe it could be put to use as a community garden and allotments.

The suggestion comes as the East Cork Municipal District has been considering opportunities to make land available for community allotments.

Those supporting the proposal see an opportunity to bring an overgrown site back into use, providing space for local people to grow vegetables and take part in a shared community project.

There are practical considerations, including access, safety, maintenance and whether the site would be suitable for gardening.

There is also the wider issue of housing. The original proposal would provide six social housing apartments, and the need for additional accommodation in Youghal remains an important consideration.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

According to the Irish Independent, local councillors are expected to raise the future of the Porter's Lane site at an East Cork Municipal District meeting in November.

For now, Cork County Council's intentions remain unclear.

The unsuccessful consultancy procurement process has added to questions about the housing proposal, while the renewed community garden suggestion has brought an alternative use for the site into discussion.

Whether the land is ultimately developed for housing or considered for another purpose remains to be seen.

For those living beside the site, the outcome will have a direct impact on their neighbourhood for years to come.

What do you think would be the most suitable use for the Porter's Lane site?

Article by Kieran McCarthy | Youghal Online

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

1. An Coimisiún Pleanála:
Inspector's Report, Porter's Lane, Youghal, ABP-322913-25
2. Cork County Council, eTenders:
Published procurement notices, reference N4/2/230

Photograph: Google Maps ... See MoreSee Less

SAY A PRAYER FOR THE SPIRITS OF TEMPLEMICHAEL
By Mike Hackett

The approaching dark nights of October and Halloween tend to make us think of spirits and ghosts.


Long ago ghost stories were told to gatherings of neighbours at the fireside and the tales sounded so genuine that visitors were often afraid to go home alone around midnight.


In the middle of the last century - a historian named Padraigh O'Maidin of Cork discovered a sad story that concerned Ballynatray Estate. The location is four miles up the Blackwater river from the harbour mouth. It occurred over two hundred years ago when times were difficult for the native Irish.


A poor widow woman lived near the estate and owned a few acres of land. She was asked to sell it to the estate but refused. She was working it with her only son until he was arrested for poaching. This was a serious offence and he was sentenced to death. He was moved to Waterford where he was hanged. This caused consternation in West Waterford and the rage of the local people was amplified when the Estate refused to allow him to be buried in the family plot at Templemichael graveyard. The funeral procession was met at the entrance to Templemichael by thousands of people - and the police in attendance were outnumbered so much as to be unable to stop it. The burial took place and the people disbanded and went quietly home.


Templemichael has two adjoining cemeteries - one outer and the other inside it through a pedestrian-size doorway in a wall. The remains of a Norman castle stand high overall - half of it blown away by Cromwell's canon guns when he crossed the river here on his way to Youghal. Also in the graveyard is the frame of an old Church-of-Ireland building beside an overground vault containing a lot of coffins. Those coffins can be glimpsed through the slits in the steel doors at both ends. It is not a place to frequent after dark.


Now there are a lot of reports of unusual experiences - especially in the inner graveyard. One visitor told me of a terrible cold feeling coming over him there suddenly. He panicked and had trouble getting away out through the doorway in the wall. He claims it was definitely supernatural. The claimant is an ex army Commandant and quite sane and sober. Another story tells of a ghost hunter travelling around the different buildings and graveyards of Ireland to record her exploits in a book. She reported that the atmosphere in Templemichael was the eeriest of the whole lot.


So back to the poor widow woman's son who is buried there. Is his spirit demented and awaiting prayers to free him or is some other poor soul troubled in that centuries old graveyard.

Another sad story associated with Templemichael tells of a young cabin boy on board the ketch 'Daisy' while it was moored in Youghal Harbour in 1933. A fight broke out between the captain and the boy and it became so bad that the young lad jumped overboard in an effort to swim to shore.

The Blackwater has vicious currents and the boy was drowned. He was named William Perrot from Wales. His body was washed ashore upriver near Templemichael and he was buried there in that graveyard. William's family came for the funeral and they arranged with Tom Hickey of Stael Boreen - across the road from the graveyard - to care for the plot and the little timber cross that they could afford. Tom was very reliable - oiling the cross, cutting the grass and he even planted box hedging around the perimeter.

Every Christmas -the Perrott family would send a present to Tom in appreciation. But the years flew by - Tom died in 1976 and the grave became overgrown. The timber cross decayed and fell.

Move on a few years again - to when a local fisherman was gathering periwinkle shellfish on the rocks below Youghal Lighthouse. In clearing away some seaweed - he discovered a simple memorial to William Perrott carved into a plateau on the rocks. It seems that a brother of the deceased was a stone mason and he chiselled the one foot square memorial high on the rocks. It is difficult to find and one has to climb onto the higher side of a rock formation on the seaside of a sand walkway to see it. It is directly below the viewing platform beside the dwelling of the Lighthouse. That simple reminder - although covered by full tide twice a day - is still visible.


Then because so many local folk - having heard the story - could not find the memorial - a special 'unveiling' was arranged to show the exact location. After the gathering had heard the story - some sea shanties were played and a new timber cross with a brass plaque was brought to Templemichael to be placed on the grave.

Kitty Fleming who lived nearby had identified the exact location and the reminder of the box hedge confirmed it. For those visiting - William Perrott's grave is just behind the overground vault of the Smyth family and now has a special concrete cross kindly donated by Colin Bulman of Egan's Undertakers.


The last of the Smyth family to live at Ballynatray - Horace Holroyd Smyth - died tragically while out shooting deer on his deer-park in 1964. His gun fired as he crossed a ditch killing him instantly. He is buried just inside the gate at Templemichael graveyard on the left-hand side. A small headstone marks the spot. Horace was a thorough gentleman and was greatly respected by all his neighbours. He encouraged visits to the famous Molana Abbey (on Ballynatray Estate) at any time. Following his death - visitors to the 501 A.D. Abbey were allowed to have open-air Mass there every year. Then in the 1960s when the Catholic church in Glendine was being renovated - the Protestant one in Templemichael was made available for the locals to attend Mass.


Kitty Fleming - who was secretary for Horace - kept the accounts and paid the bills. He thought very highly of her and whenever a meeting of the West Waterford Hunt was held - they would both ride out. A white horse was always provided for Kitty. Kitty outlived Horace by decades and when she died some of her ashes were buried in his plot - the rest are buried in the Fleming family plot in Clashmore.


So now you have reason to think of spirits and say prayers at Templemichael.


Anois beidh tu ag abairt paidir dos na daoine ann. Now You'll be saying a prayer for the people there.

- Mike Hackett - October 2026. ... See MoreSee Less

A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE ON YOUGHAL BEACH FOR MARY KEARNS.

Where better to celebrate your 80th birthday than on Youghal’s famous Blue Flag beach — surrounded by good friends?

Regular swimmer Mary Kearns got a lovely surprise recently when she emerged from the water after her daily swim to find her swimming friends and colleagues waiting to celebrate her special birthday.

There were gifts, plenty of good wishes and, in a particularly romantic touch, a beautiful rose for the birthday girl!

Mary, pictured in green with her swimming friends, has been a regular on Youghal beach and clearly knows the secret to keeping fit, happy and surrounded by great company.

Happy 80th birthday, Mary — and many more happy swims! 🌹🏊‍♀️🎂 ... See MoreSee Less

Team M to Close After 18 Years in Youghal - Mat and Jen call time on an era

After 18 years in business, Team M has announced that it will close its doors in Youghal this Sunday.

Mat and Jen shared the news on the Team-M Tattoo Studio Facebook page, describing it as a sad decision but saying they had reached a stage in their lives where other things had become more important and new ventures were waiting.

Over almost two decades, Team M became a familiar name in Youghal, operating its tattoo and piercing studio on South Main Street, alongside the hair salon which was also part of the business over the years.

In announcing the closure, Mat and Jen thanked everyone who had been part of Team M during its 18 years, particularly the many customers who passed through both the hair salon and tattoo studio.

The business has also been involved in the wider Youghal community over the years, regularly supporting local events, charities and fundraisers.

That contribution was reflected in many of the messages posted following the announcement, with customers and friends wishing Mat and Jen well and recalling the role Team M has played in the town.

While the doors are closing on Team M, it may not be the last Youghal sees of Mat and Jen.

Responding to one of the messages wishing them well, they were quick to point out that people weren't getting rid of them quite so easily, adding that it is Team M that is closing and telling followers to "watch this space."

Before the final day, Team M is running its Flash tattoo and piercing offers this week as a thank you to customers.

After 18 years, Sunday will bring the Team M chapter to a close, but judging by Mat and Jen's own words, another chapter may not be too far away.

By Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online
Photo: Team-M Tattoo Studio ... See MoreSee Less

€120,000 Donation in Memory of Youghal’s Emer Casey - Funding will support vital genetic testing.

Twenty years after her death at just 28, the legacy of Youghal woman Emer Casey continues through work that is making a real difference for cancer patients.

The Emer Casey Foundation has donated €120,000 to support cancer genetics and genetic testing at St James’s Hospital in Dublin, continuing two decades of fundraising and support for research into ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Emer Casey, the youngest of five daughters, was from Youghal and had recently qualified as a solicitor when she became ill. She was diagnosed with ovarian/endometrial cancer in February 2006 and died on June 10th that year, aged 28.

Following her death, her family, friends and work colleagues established the Emer Casey Foundation in her memory, with a determination to support research that could improve the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.

What began in the aftermath of a devastating loss has since developed into a sustained programme of fundraising and research support spanning Ireland and further afield.

Over the years, the Foundation has funded major research projects, including three PhD fellowships at Trinity College Dublin. Earlier funding included almost €500,000 for the DISCOVARY research consortium, which brought together researchers working to better understand ovarian and endometrial cancer.

More recently, the Foundation played an important role in making BRCA testing available to women with ovarian cancer in Ireland through the tBRCA study.

The testing looks for changes in the BRCA genes, information which can influence treatment options and can also have implications for family members. Cancer Trials Ireland has highlighted how the Emer Casey Foundation helped make the Irish tBRCA study possible alongside AstraZeneca and OvaCare. Clinicians involved in the programme have reported that identifying BRCA mutations allowed some patients to access treatments which have significantly extended their survival.

The importance of this area of research continues to grow. A nationwide Irish study published in September found clinically actionable inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants in more than one in ten ovarian cancer patients who underwent germline testing. The research itself also acknowledges support from the Emer Casey Foundation.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Foundation.

The milestone was recognised at St James’s Hospital in September with an event focusing on inherited cancer genetics and the opportunities that genetic knowledge can provide for patients and their families.

For Youghal, it is also a remarkable local story.

A foundation created in memory of a young woman from the town has gone on to support researchers, specialist cancer services and patients for two decades, while helping to advance an area of medicine that can directly influence how cancer is treated.

Twenty years after Emer's death, the work being carried out in her name continues.

Article: Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online
Photo: Emer Casey Foundation ... See MoreSee Less