News

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Youghal’s Triple Blue Flag Triumph: Beaches Ready for a Bumper Summer Season

YOUGHAL has once again proudly retained Blue Flag status for its three stunning beaches: The Front Strand, Claycastle, and Redbarn. This fantastic achievement comes as the town gears up for the summer tourist season, which seems to have started early this year thanks to the beautiful warm and sunny weather. The influx of tourists, both domestic and international, has already been noticeably high, drawn by Youghal’s reputation as a premier heritage and seaside resort town.

The confirmation of three Blue Flag beaches is a tremendous boost for Youghal’s local economy. It promises increased visitor numbers, benefiting local businesses, pubs, and restaurants, all eager to welcome the summer crowds. The Blue Flag status guarantees excellent water quality, safety, and environmental standards, making these beaches highly attractive to families and holidaymakers alike.

With the June Bank Holiday weekend just around the corner, signalling the official start of the summer season, Youghal is set for full, vibrant beaches. Visitors will also enjoy the new Greenway and Ireland’s longest eco boardwalk-stretching 1.48 km and linking all three Blue Flag beaches. This accessible, scenic boardwalk offers a unique way to experience Youghal’s coastline, enhancing the town’s appeal as a top summer destination.

Photos: Youghal’s Award-Winning Beaches Set to Shine This Summer with Blue Flag Status. ... See MoreSee Less

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An Evening of Enchanting Melodies: Honouring John Daly with the Gift of Music

The air in The Walter Raleigh Hotel crackled with anticipation and warmth on Friday evening as the Youghal Musical Society's tribute to the late John Daly, "Thank You for the Memories, John," unfolded before a packed house. Every seat in the venue was filled, a testament to the high regard in which both John and the YMS are held within the community. The beautiful May sunshine outside seemed to spill into the hotel, adding an extra layer of joy to the already special occasion.

From the very start, the audience was captivated. The C-Siders Senior and Junior Singers, along with their talented guest performers from Cobh, delivered a series of outstanding performances, breathing new life into cherished songs from the YMS's impressive repertoire. Musical highlights from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and many more filled the room, each note a poignant reminder of the joy John Daly brought to the world of musical theatre.

During the interval, patrons spilled out into the glorious sunshine, many gathering in the picturesque Green Park across the road, their conversations buzzing with appreciation for the talent on display. It was a truly communal experience, a testament to the YMS's ability to create not just a performance, but an event that brings people together.

The success of the evening was undoubtedly down to the incredible talent on stage, but also to the meticulous work behind the scenes. The professional band of musicians provided a flawless backdrop to the vocal performances, while the dedicated front-of-house and backstage teams ensured everything ran seamlessly. A special nod must go to the engaging MC, Tommy Collins, who expertly guided the audience through the evening, keeping spirits high and sharing heartfelt anecdotes about John Daly.

"Thank You for the Memories, John" was a heartfelt celebration of a man whose passion continues to resonate. The full house and the palpable emotion in the room were a clear indication of the profound impact John Daly had on the Youghal Musical Society and the wider community. It was, indeed, a remarkable evening, a shining example of the magic the YMS consistently brings to life.
Visit: Youghal Musical Society ... See MoreSee Less

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Operation Sandstone: Youghal’s Secret Role in Post-War Military Planning

In the late 1940s, Youghal became a discreet yet pivotal location in a highly classified Anglo-Irish military collaboration known as "Operation Sandstone". Ostensibly a peaceful harbour town, Youghal played host to what was, in reality, a secret beach and coastal intelligence-gathering operation—part of a wider British-led effort to survey the coastlines of the UK and Ireland in the wake of the Second World War.

This covert mission stemmed from a 1946 request by the US Navy for a complete topographical survey of British and Irish beaches. The British Chiefs of Staff recognised the strategic necessity and authorised the use of specialised units, including the Royal Engineers and Royal Marines, equipped with a DUKW amphibious vehicle and a Sikorsky Hoverfly helicopter. With the tactful approval of Irish Army Chief of Staff, General McKenna, the operation began in 1948, with British personnel dressed in civilian clothes to avoid political tensions.

Youghal became a key operational base. The DUKW, repainted in Irish military colours and fitted with an echo sounder, was seen rumbling through the town en route to beach landings—much to the curiosity of onlookers. The Sikorsky helicopter proved vital for aerial photography of inaccessible terrain. However, the mission wasn’t without incident: on 21 February 1950, a Hoverfly crashed in the graveyard of St Mary’s Collegiate Church due to tail rotor failure, an event etched into local memory and now commemorated with a plaque.

Though wrapped in secrecy at the time, Operation Sandstone highlighted Youghal’s strategic importance and the quiet diplomacy that enabled a rare moment of post-war cooperation between Britain and Ireland.

Researched and archived by Michael Hussey

Photo Captions:

The DUKW (Duck) entering the sea at Youghal Beach, 1948. (Photo Mikey Roche)

The helicopter crash at the graveyard in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal. (Photo Mikey Roche)

Commemorative plaque marking the crash site. (Photo Michael Hussey)

The late photographer Mikey Roche with the images he took of the helicopter crash back in 1946 and part of the rotor blade. (Photo Michael Hussey) ... See MoreSee Less

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May Devotions to Our Lady at Sarsfield Terrace Grotto: Join Us Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Throughout the month of May, the Sarsfield Terrace Grotto becomes a focal point for the community’s devotions to Our Lady. This cherished tradition sees parishioners and friends gathering at the Grotto every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening at 7:30pm to recite the Rosary together. All are warmly welcome to join in these prayerful gatherings, regardless of background or parish-everyone is invited to take part in this special time of reflection and unity.

The weather has been particularly beautiful lately, adding to the serene atmosphere at the Grotto. As the sun sets, Our Lady’s statue is beautifully illuminated, casting a gentle glow that enhances the peacefulness of the evening. The base of the plinth is adorned with fresh flowers and soft lights, creating a truly uplifting and reverent setting for prayer.

These May devotions are a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, seeking Our Lady’s intercession and giving thanks for her guidance and protection. Whether you are a regular attendee or simply wish to experience the tranquillity of the Grotto, you are most welcome. Join us in honouring Our Lady during this special month, and share in the blessings of faith and fellowship. ... See MoreSee Less

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Youghal Shows Support for LGBTI+ Community with Flag Raising Ceremony.

Today, Tuesday 13th May, the Progress Rainbow Flag was raised at Youghal Town Hall to mark Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week and IDAHOBIT Day. The sun shone as Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, representing the County Mayor, expressed the importance of local authority support for LGBTI+ people, their inclusion, visibility and equality. Thanking Youghal Municipal Council for their unwavering support, Councillor Linehan-Foley stressed the importance of maintaining LGBTI+ visibility, making Youghal and its surrounding areas a welcoming and safe place for its LGBTI+ people.

The initiative was led by Cumann na Daoine through its Development Worker, Hayley Fox-Roberts, who also manages the Seeding the County LGBTI+ development project. This project links groups and actions across the county and administers the Cork County LGBTI+ Interagency Network (CCILN). The event was attended by representatives of Youghal Municipal Council, Youghal Family Resource Initiative, Youghal Community Health Project, Youghal Library, Youghal Blue & Green Community Network, the East Cork Traveller Project, the East Cork LGBT+ Network, Youghal Pride, the Parents of LGBT+ Kids group and the LTI Community Development Course.

Speaking today, Hayley said: “We want to acknowledge the important role that Cork County Council and Youghal Municipal Council play in ensuring ongoing, proactive support for LGBTI+ people, and thank the local authority for the financial support received by Seeding the County. Our flag flying on the Town Hall is an uplifting and meaningful sight, both for LGBTI+ people and for the wider community.” She continued: “This event marks Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week, with its 2025 theme of ‘Proud Allyship in Action’. Witnessing those of you who have come out to celebrate this with us shows that here we most surely have that allyship in action.”

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) takes place on Saturday 17th May, and its 2025 theme of ‘the Power of Communities’ is reflected in what we see today and in the work each of us undertakes.
For more information on Seeding the County, the East Cork LGBT+ Network or Youghal Pride, please call 087 9890336 or email hayleycumannnadaoine@gmail.com.

PICTURE: Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, representing the County Mayor, with Hayley Fox-Roberts, Development Worker for Cumann na Daoine, at the launch of Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week and IDAHOBIT Day outside Youghal Town Hall on Tuesday, 13th May 2025.

PICTURE: Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, representing the County Mayor raising the flag at the launch of Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week and IDAHOBIT Day outside Youghal Town Hall on Tuesday, 13th May 2025.

PICTURE: The launch of Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week and IDAHOBIT Day outside Youghal Town Hall on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, pictured: Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley (representing the County Mayor) with Hayley Fox-Roberts (Development Worker, Cumann na Daoine) and supporters. ... See MoreSee Less