YoughalOnline.com

YoughalOnline.com

1 day ago

Youghal's Maritime Movie Legacy: The Making of 'Moby Dick' in Youghal.

The late Paddy Linehan recalls the making of the film Moby Dick in Youghal back in the Summer of 1954 when "Hollywood came to town". In this fascinating never-seen-before clip he talks to Maurice Lynch who also recorded the interview on the old VHS video tape system.

Paddy Linehan's pivotal role in the production of the film "Moby Dick" in Youghal during 1954 is a testament to the town's enduring connection with this cinematic classic. His pub, initially known as Linehan's, played a multifaceted role in the filmmaking process. Beyond just serving as a base of operations for director John Huston and his film crew, Linehan's pub was also a significant on-screen location in the movie itself.

The exterior of the pub became an integral part of the film's backdrop, adding a layer of authenticity to the setting and immersing viewers in the maritime world of Herman Melville's epic novel. The decision to use Linehan's pub in the film was a nod to the town's rich maritime heritage, and it contributed to the unique charm of the movie.

In honor of its prominent role in the production, Linehan's pub was subsequently rebranded as "Moby Dick's," commemorating the film that forever left its mark on Youghal's history. This transformation not only recognized the pub's cinematic legacy but also solidified its place as a symbol of the enduring connection between Youghal and "Moby Dick."

The Linehan family, proud custodians of this iconic establishment, has preserved a remarkable collection of photographs capturing the cast and crew during the making of the film. These photographs offer visitors a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic of "Moby Dick" and provide a tangible link to the film's production history.

One of the most remarkable artifacts on display in Moby Dick's is Gregory Peck's prop whalebone leg, a generous gift from the legendary actor himself. This unique piece of memorabilia serves as a tangible reminder of the film's star-studded cast and their connection to Youghal.

Today, Paddy Linehan's pub, now known as Moby Dick's, has transformed into a beloved tourist attraction in Youghal. It stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the film, drawing enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers alike. The establishment continues to be a cherished part of the town's cultural and historical fabric, with visitors coming from far and wide to experience the magic of "Moby Dick" in the very place where it was filmed.

Youghal's nineteenth-century lighthouse also played a cameo role in the film, appearing in a scene depicting the Pequod setting sail at sunset on its fateful voyage. This picturesque setting added to the film's visual grandeur and further embedded Youghal into the narrative of "Moby Dick."

The filming of "Moby Dick" in Youghal in 1954, with Paddy Linehan's pub at its heart, remains an indelible chapter in the town's history. It continues to be a source of pride and fascination for both locals and visitors, preserving the enduring allure of this cinematic masterpiece and the unique role Youghal played in its creation.

Filmed by Maurice Lynch on VHS
Thanks to Kevin Linehan of Moby Dicks Youghal
Re-edited by YoughalOnline.com
#mobydick
#maritimehistory
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YoughalOnline.com

3 days ago

Ironman Youghal 2023 - Pedaling Through History:

Video shows the Ironman Cyclists' pass the landmark Youghal Lighthouse and Moll Goggins Corner.

The spectators line the Lighthouse Hill and beyond, cheering the cyclists as they head towards the east Cork byroads. The joy of the spectators watching the Ironman cyclist pass is palpable. ... See MoreSee Less

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YoughalOnline.com

5 days ago

"Youghal Little Theatre: Behind the Footlights and Friendship"

Ita Kirk Beecher, Denise FitzGerald and Michael Beecher talk about the Youghal Little Theatre Society. (Recorded 2014)

ITA KIRK - BEECHER: We met in different places; there were preparing for the first play, Shadow and Substance. It was quite a big group that times, including Tomás Begley, Kitty Cole from Ballymacoda and Eileen Walsh also Ballymacoda, my sister Nellie, Ned and his brother Jim Harris, Kitty McCarthy of Tallow Street, Joan Devine, Kathleen Heffernan (Twomey) and myself. There were others -worked in the bank, whose names I can't remember.

One time Killarney had a drama festival and we hired a bus and went there; the adjudicator was Micheál Mac Liammóir from the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. But in the past, Eddie Colbert and him had some differences in Dublin, so our play came last. We struck the wrong place to go for a festival!

Every summer we would go off on a picnic of the Blackwater; let our hair down at that - with a big bag of crubeens for the boys.... And sandwiches for the ladies. The boys went to the pub in Villierstown. But there was no pub for the ladies at that time. We hired the ferry boat; one day when we went up the men were all active and they told us to stay where you are. We are stuck in the sand bank. We started laughing but they told us it was very dangerous. We had to get the oars out and do some pushing and shopping to get off the sandbank.

Eddie Colbert was an insurance agent in Youghal and his sister Kitty was a great actress and she cycled in from Ballymacoda for rehearsals. Eileen Walsh was an attendant at St. Raphael's. Usually people who were working in the bank would join us - there weren't actually coming in from any place, but were staying in Youghal.

All the photographs were taken when we went on the picnics; we never had any social side otherwise. My name was Ita Kirk and then Ned Harris, Kieran Nolan, Seán Rogers who was a clerk, in Joe Brodericks drapers; Con Hurley, Claire O'Brien, Jim Harris and Mrs Albert Cole, Michael Murray and some more I can't place. Kathleen Heffernan is in there and Eileen Walsh, who had a shop out the Strand. Betty Doyle from De Valera Street who was the Canon's housekeeper in Shadow and Substance and worked in the bank. My sister Nelly and Teresa Guiry, myself, Ned Harris, Ned O'Brien Clair's husband, Con Keogh, Roger??? Charlie Flavin, a great actor, Joe Hallissey, Tom Begley and Eddie Colbert at the back and Kitty Colbert. We were always very happy together. That's the original lot - others came and went over the years. It's nice that it's going to be revived after all these years.

I hope they will have a play for the Golden Jubilee, in which they hope to produce Shadow and Substance.

DENISE FITZGERALD: I think I became a member around 1968. At the time you kind of had to be asked if you'd like to join. I was asked but I wouldn't be as good as Ita at remembering. I think it was for Juno and the Paycock. At the time the plays were held in the town hall. But I also remember going out to The Bush in The Quarry Road. Nuala Casey's place. A woman married to a guy called Maurice and we used to do rehearsals there. I was very young and I remember it was the first time I saw people drinking wine. It was all very modern and sociable and lovely.

The main characters I remember in the little theatre were Albert Cole, Con Hurley and Tommy Curtin as a very young lad and playing that type of part in one of the productions.

I remember playing a part in a play that Con Hurley was in and I had to come on stage with eggs in a brown paper bag. I was very angry with him in this part and he was sitting with his back to me and I was to catch the bag and bate him on top of the head. The idea was that the eggs would break and all the goo would come down over his face. It worked most nights. On this particular night, I think there were three eggs in the bag and I built him on the head but nothing happened. So I belted him again; still nothing happened. So I belted him a third time and maybe a fourth. And they broke the fourth time. Con had a bump on his head from all the building and Canon Sheehan in the front row cut a blob of yolk across the face. The whole place stopped, including the play as he stood up trying to wipe himself. The people on stage lost their lines and the audience started laughing. Con Hurley told me never again to hit him four times on the head! He was sore after the banging on his head and he was angry.

We had great fun. We had our parties in the Devonshire Arms on the closing night - I think they usually ran for three nights. They were great audiences. Albert Cole was very strict and everything had to be done right. You would redo everything until you got it right. He was a perfectionist. Con was great fun too. They were great times.

MICHAEL BEECHER: Michael recalls his fondness for live shows and praises the director, Seán O'Neill. He notes that the theater group had periods of inactivity but is now putting on shows again. Michael recalls Albert Cole's performance in "Dracula" and describes him as being on par with Hollywood actors. ... See MoreSee Less

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