Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group hosted a special meeting under the inspiring theme, “Working Together – For All.” at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The event drew a capacity crowd, with representatives from clubs, community groups, and organisations filling every seat, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted passion for its future. ... See MoreSee Less
A Night of Unity and Vision: Youghal’s Special Meeting Shines Bright at The Mall Arts Centre
On the evening of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the upstairs theatre room of The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal buzzed with excitement and optimism as the Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group hosted a special meeting under the inspiring theme, “Working Together – For All.” The event drew a capacity crowd, with representatives from clubs, community groups, and organisations filling every seat, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted passion for its future.
The atmosphere carried a sense of urgency as individuals and delegates from a vast array of local organisations gathered to hear a lineup of dynamic speakers share their vision for Youghal’s regeneration. The message was clear: with grassroots support from the townspeople, the surrounding areas, and even the Youghal diaspora living abroad—who have already pledged their backing—this coastal gem is poised for a remarkable transformation. The evening radiated positivity, with each speaker emphasising that the plan for Youghal’s future hinges on the unity and enthusiasm so vividly displayed by the huge turnout.
The standout moment was the PowerPoint presentation led by Patrick Heaphy, General Manager at Youghal Credit Union, who flawlessy served as MC. Heaphy kicked off the night by highlighting a series of successful projects that have revitalised Youghal over the past decade: The Boardwalk, The Greenway, St Mary’s Collegiate Church Tours, The Mall Arts Centre itself, and The Clockgate Tours. These achievements set the stage for an ambitious roadmap ahead, one that promises to elevate Youghal’s unique charm to new heights.
Drawing inspiration from the Skibbereen Town Centre Group—a model of success for towns remarkably similar to Youghal—the presentation showcased how strategic planning, community involvement, and targeted funding can breathe new life into a town. Unlike its neighbours Midleton and Dungarvan, which have seen steady economic growth, Youghal has lagged behind despite its undeniable potential as a tourist haven. The speakers made a compelling case: with political will, government support, and the unwavering commitment of its people, Youghal can reclaim its status as a thriving town.
The agenda was well structured, covering key topics such as “A Strategy for Youghal,” the “Town Centre First Approach,” and a “Long-Term Vision.” Attendees learned how the Town Centre First (TCF) framework—backed by national and regional funding schemes like the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the European Regional Development (Thrive) Fund—offers a clear path forward. This approach unfolds in three stages: gathering data to identify community needs, crafting an integrated Town Centre Plan, and securing substantial funding for priority projects. The goal? A holistic strategy that reflects the aspirations of every club, society, and group, without dictating their individual paths.
A Q&A session followed the presentations, giving attendees the chance to voice their thoughts. While the mood remained overwhelmingly positive, some heartfelt concerns about the town’s current state added depth to the discussion, underscoring the urgency of the regeneration effort.
Community Radio Youghal captured every moment, recording the event for broadcast, ensuring that the energy and ideas shared would reach an even wider audience. The slideshow and insights from the meeting will also fuel the next steps of this exciting project.
As the night drew to a close, the sense of unity and purpose was palpable. The Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group made it clear that this is just the beginning. With a strategy spanning the next 5, 10, and 20 years, the group aims to unlock funding and push for progress on both local and national levels. The message resonated loud and clear: Youghal’s future is bright, and it starts with the people who call it home.
Picture: A capacity crowd pictured at the upstairs theatre room of The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less
That all sounds positive but were any of the local politicians there to support the local groups who want to do something positive for our Town ? If the basics are not done like keeping the streets clean and looking after the Towns iconic buildings we are fighting a loosing battle
I love the energy in this post! And that there is such movement focused on the great potential of Youghal, already such a lovely gem of a seaside town with unique charm. Wish I could be there more often to contribute time or talent in some meaningful way. For now I will be part of Youghal’s French fan club and send positive thoughts from afar... 😉 🙏
Youghal man Liam McCarthy will play the great 19th-century Irish nationalist leader, Daniel O'Connell - The Liberator
We are delighted to announce our upcoming play by Reg Keating called "The Epitaph", by Reg Keating. A courtroom drama based on historical Events.
WHEN: Friday 25th April & Saturday 26th April 2025. WHERE: The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal. TICKETS: Cree’s Card Shop, North Main Street (Cash Only, From April 1st) at the door (Cash or Credit/Debit card) or online at ylt.sumupstore.com More info at: Youghal Little Theatre... See MoreSee Less
EirGrid’s undersea Interconnector project has reached a landmark stage with the installation of three 90m ducting pipes at Youghal’s Claycastle Beach.
The project is the first such link between Ireland and continental Europe, and it will power about 450,000 Irish homes on completion in 2026.
As a large crowd of onlookers gathered to watch, a well coordinated operation saw the pipes laid into a trench at a depth of 3.5m before being anchored by 22 blocks of concrete weighing 1.8 tonnes each. ... See MoreSee Less
High voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, used to transport electricity over long distances, will transfer electricity to a converter station at Ballyadam
EirGrid's Subsea Pipes: Preparing for the Celtic Interconnector's Arrival at Youghal Beach, County Cork, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. ... See MoreSee Less
Going to be really stupid in this question.
So it's not ok for Ireland to have its own nuclear power station..and why not?
But ok to get , much needed power, from French nuclear power stations.
30/03/2025 EirGrid's Subsea Pipes: Preparing for the Celtic Interconnector's Arrival at Youghal Beach, County Cork, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Ned Brennan, Chairman of the Youghal Tidy Towns Committee, talks about this exciting project and its benefits for the country. ... See MoreSee Less
I believe Youghal has won the contract to be a permanent hub for international asylum seekers. Surely that ends it as a tourist town. Is this true
Well done Ned great interview the tidy towns committee are amazing and do fantastic work......I just fear that the reality of how our beach and town has become now...does not give us that feeling of waiting for the sun to go the beach....as it has been avoided by locals who would spend days upon end out there....alas no more.. but dare one say it......
All very positive, well done Ned a great interview.
DESIGN REDUCED AT YOUGHAL GREENWAY TRAILHEAD DUE TO 50% FUNDING CUTS. By Christy Parker
Designs on upgrading the greenway "trailhead" (entry point) at the old rail station in Youghal, have been reduced in scope following a budget reduction from €2m to €1m, March's East Cork Municipal District meeting was told.
The message was conveyed by Acting Administrative Officer Noreen Brennan, during a response to a motion tabled by Cllr Patrick Mulcahy.
The councillor had sought confirmation on 'when the works will be completed on the MY Greenway for the full opening...and also plans for the turntable'.
The official's reply diverted into broader territory as she revealed that work on the trailhead was expected to continue into 2025, but with presently no completion date set for the reduced design.
She also informed that a ceremony to mark the official opening of the full greenway is dependent on when Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien signals he is available.
In the wake of the budget cut, Ms Brennan said, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) had been contacted but had not itself received its annual allocation yet. She was unsure if it would help out financially anyway, but was eager to clarify that TII had been generous in its funding to date.
Director of Services -Municipal Districts Operations & Rural Development, Patricia Liddy, expressed similar gratitude towards the Department of Transport (Largely under former Minister Eamon Ryan). "We would not have the greenway without them", she stated.
More optimistically, the trailhead works had been approved to the tune of €110,000 under the Community Recognition Fund. "And we will continue to explore all funding sources", Ms Brennan promis ed. Courtesy of the Youghal News ... See MoreSee Less
Is anybody surprised with this outcome Youghal looses out again at the tail end of East Cork . Start the project in Midleton and fully fund it until you get to Youghal and then let it unfinished because they don’t give a 💩 about Youghal again . Let’s see how our councillors put a spin on this !
Load o bullocks that greenaway. There's 6 miles of beach there ffs!!
Give the one million to a local group. Let it be managed and finished locally, by local interests. Make it a community project.
Remembering Youghal Carpets: "The Knot On The Fly" at The Mall Arts Centre.
The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal recently hosted "The Knot On The Fly: A Celebration of Youghal Carpets Legacy," an exhibition presented by Greywood Arts, Killeagh. Running from March 14th to 23rd, 2025, the exhibition, curated by artist Katie Nolan and supported by Greywood Arts Artistic Director Jessica Bonenfant, focused on the history of the Youghal Carpets factory, which operated from 1954 to 1984.
The exhibition, held in the upstairs space of The Mall Arts Centre, presented a range of works that aimed to capture the essence of the factory and its impact on the local community. Nolan's work combined archival materials with diverse artistic mediums, each contributing to a layered narrative.
Among the exhibits was "The Knot On The Fly," an installation featuring original and unspun Youghal Carpet wool, jute, felt, and a timber frame, incorporating 42 jesmonite hand casts of former employees and their family members. The piece served as a central focal point, embodying the human connection to the factory's legacy.
Further exploration of the wool's texture and form was presented in the "undone I, II, III" series, charcoal, graphite, and conté prints on épais grueso paper. The exhibition also featured "Spinning Yarns: A Collection of Memories," a 64-minute video documenting personal recollections of the factory. "Undoing," a 4-minute 21-second video displayed on a floor monitor, offered a more abstract reflection on the factory's closure.
Technological innovation was evident in "Untitled," a 3D print of former carpet worker Tom Donnelly's hands, created using an Einscan HX scanner and a Prusa MK4 printer. Another work consisted of handmade paper sheets, crafted from shredded photocopies of employee memorabilia and unspun Youghal Carpet fibers, letterpress printed with excerpts of memories using the extinct typeface Klang.
These varied exhibits provided a comprehensive look into the factory's history, highlighting the craftsmanship, personal stories, and community impact. Nolan's work focused on the people who worked there, and the displays reflected this in a respectful and informative way.
The collaboration between Katie Nolan and Jessica Bonenfant of Greywood Arts was a key factor in the exhibition's success. Greywood Arts, known for supporting artistic projects that engage with local history, provided a platform for Nolan's work. The exhibition highlighted the importance of preserving local heritage and acknowledging the contributions of those who worked in the factory.
YouTube Video: A video titled "The Knot On The Fly: Exploring the Legacy of Youghal Carpets with Artist Katie Nolan" is available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WawuJltScVY. The video provides further insight into the exhibition and Nolan's work, detailing the history of the Youghal Carpets factory and its significance to the East Cork and West Waterford community. Pictures: Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less
Review of the Netflix TV series ADOLESCENCE by Michael Twomey
It was ten minutes into Adolescence before I realized I was grinding my teeth. By the end of this often harrowing and intense four-part drama I felt I had lived the experience, that I was a witness and not simply a viewer. I was there and I was exhausted. From the moment the police arrive at the house of Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham) and his wife, Manda (Christine Tremarco) the story unfolds in real time. The one-take method sucks you in and holds you, pulls you through the story like threading a needle. When the Miller’s son, Jamie is arrested, by a swat team no less, confusion abounds as to the necessity of the police’s heavy-handed deployment. The surreal disposition of the parents’ fear, not just for their thirteen-year-old child but by being confronted with uncompromising law enforcement, leaves them bewildered, subservient and resistant in equal and painful measure - a time to rail against the reality of what is happening while desperately wanting to play dumb for fear of reprisal. All the time they/we have no idea why this is happening.
When Jamie (Owen Cooper) is being processed at the station, officers look on with mixed expressions of pity, disgust and a sort of discombobulated awe. This is no ordinary day. This is no ordinary child. This will live with them. Here is the moment they feared. Now, all other crimes will be relegated. Like all nightmares, the worst case scenario is yet to reveal itself, the inevitability of the reveal is the real horror. This analogy is befitting of the entire series as many of the issues we feel so helpless towards in our current society rise to the surface, one after another, like vengeful zombies exacting the truths we half buried in the back of our minds. Those issues range from the inability to monitor the unpalatable extremities of the internet and its influence on young, curious and developing minds, the anemic laws that govern social interaction online, the incremental rise of violence and the casual toxicity around sexual behaviours, the visceral omnipotence and omnipresence of violent pornography, the rapidly decreasing distinction between reality and perceived reality, the eruption of anxiety paralysing the young, a society retreating to the darkness of its rooms with only the light of a phone screen to negotiate the vast forest of uncertainty. Who would be a parent today? Who would be a child today? Those are the questions that Adolescence asks but doesn’t give any easy answers to because there aren’t any easy answers to give. Society was and is not ready for these challenges. In terms of the internet, technology and the growing influence of AI, the genie smashed the bottle while we were making vain wishes for ourselves.
For those hoping that Adolescence wraps up its dilemmas in a neat narrative arc, you’ll be very disappointed. This is no Hollywood pretend-slasher. Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne were inspired by real events, not one in particular, but several. Director Phillip Barantini has worked with Graham before in another taut drama, Boiling Point. The pool of talent all put in award-worthy performances and if you miss Adolescence this time round you’ll hear all about when it dominates the Baftas next year. Most astonishing is the debut from Owen Cooper whose portrayal of the perversely likeable but volcanic Jamie leaves one wondering where he found the timing, expressions, nuances and facial expressions to elicit sympathy and horror, flitting like some manic ventriloquist doll that you wouldn’t want to fall asleep in the same room with. Episode three, in which Jamie and his counsellor, Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) exchange dialogue that is as sharp and threatening as any kitchen knife, is a drama in its own right. The performances of both seemed to transcend acting and though you are aware of the contradiction its visceral quality makes the viewing experience all encompassing to the point of relief when it’s over. The name of Andrew Tate is raised during a police information gathering at the secondary school. The episode almost casually exposes the depth to which barriers have sunk between what children know and what adults think they should know and the utter hopelessness of traditional institutions to assert some control over the noise adolescents carry around in their heads. This isn’t school as much as it is day care for premature adults in children’s uniforms. Some of the final scenes in Adolescence will have viewers squirming at the obvious: how to keep your child safe when all the possible sickness of the world is on the devices we gave them before they were old enough to withstand it.
Adolescence is an astounding piece of television in all aspects, technical, scripting, filming, performances and storytelling. It’s an event, magnetising and magnifying. Sometimes, rarely in fact, something speaks for how we feel, collectively and instinctively about what has gone awry. Adolescence screams it out and you will hear its echoes long after it ends. Director: Phillip Barantin ... See MoreSee Less
Great review of a show that has left me craving a better life for my grandchildren 🙏
Absolutely spot on review. It should be shown in our schools and government should act now so should parents and grandparents to help our young people navigate this real nightmare on the internet.
You couldn’t have reviewed this better 💯
I would only like to share a thought as a parent of 3 young women (one still in her teens) unfortunately we are the guinea pigs in this world. We adults don’t know all this, it’s new to us - we don’t have experience and/or someone to teach us - it’s all new. Our children living in a very dangerous world and we don’t know how to protect them! We are “appropriate adults” ‼️‼️‼️and it isn’t enough clearly. We must learn from our/and others mistakes - quickly, in some cases it is late already, but never too late. And I would suggest to start with very very basic- we all can do - love, attention and parent control.
Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group hosted a special meeting under the inspiring theme, “Working Together – For All.” at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The event drew a capacity crowd, with representatives from clubs, community groups, and organisations filling every seat, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted passion for its future. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A Night of Unity and Vision: Youghal’s Special Meeting Shines Bright at The Mall Arts Centre
On the evening of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the upstairs theatre room of The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal buzzed with excitement and optimism as the Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group hosted a special meeting under the inspiring theme, “Working Together – For All.” The event drew a capacity crowd, with representatives from clubs, community groups, and organisations filling every seat, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted passion for its future.
The atmosphere carried a sense of urgency as individuals and delegates from a vast array of local organisations gathered to hear a lineup of dynamic speakers share their vision for Youghal’s regeneration. The message was clear: with grassroots support from the townspeople, the surrounding areas, and even the Youghal diaspora living abroad—who have already pledged their backing—this coastal gem is poised for a remarkable transformation. The evening radiated positivity, with each speaker emphasising that the plan for Youghal’s future hinges on the unity and enthusiasm so vividly displayed by the huge turnout.
The standout moment was the PowerPoint presentation led by Patrick Heaphy, General Manager at Youghal Credit Union, who flawlessy served as MC. Heaphy kicked off the night by highlighting a series of successful projects that have revitalised Youghal over the past decade: The Boardwalk, The Greenway, St Mary’s Collegiate Church Tours, The Mall Arts Centre itself, and The Clockgate Tours. These achievements set the stage for an ambitious roadmap ahead, one that promises to elevate Youghal’s unique charm to new heights.
Drawing inspiration from the Skibbereen Town Centre Group—a model of success for towns remarkably similar to Youghal—the presentation showcased how strategic planning, community involvement, and targeted funding can breathe new life into a town. Unlike its neighbours Midleton and Dungarvan, which have seen steady economic growth, Youghal has lagged behind despite its undeniable potential as a tourist haven. The speakers made a compelling case: with political will, government support, and the unwavering commitment of its people, Youghal can reclaim its status as a thriving town.
The agenda was well structured, covering key topics such as “A Strategy for Youghal,” the “Town Centre First Approach,” and a “Long-Term Vision.” Attendees learned how the Town Centre First (TCF) framework—backed by national and regional funding schemes like the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the European Regional Development (Thrive) Fund—offers a clear path forward. This approach unfolds in three stages: gathering data to identify community needs, crafting an integrated Town Centre Plan, and securing substantial funding for priority projects. The goal? A holistic strategy that reflects the aspirations of every club, society, and group, without dictating their individual paths.
A Q&A session followed the presentations, giving attendees the chance to voice their thoughts. While the mood remained overwhelmingly positive, some heartfelt concerns about the town’s current state added depth to the discussion, underscoring the urgency of the regeneration effort.
Community Radio Youghal captured every moment, recording the event for broadcast, ensuring that the energy and ideas shared would reach an even wider audience. The slideshow and insights from the meeting will also fuel the next steps of this exciting project.
As the night drew to a close, the sense of unity and purpose was palpable. The Youghal Town Centre Stakeholder Group made it clear that this is just the beginning. With a strategy spanning the next 5, 10, and 20 years, the group aims to unlock funding and push for progress on both local and national levels. The message resonated loud and clear: Youghal’s future is bright, and it starts with the people who call it home.
Picture: A capacity crowd pictured at the upstairs theatre room of The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
That all sounds positive but were any of the local politicians there to support the local groups who want to do something positive for our Town ? If the basics are not done like keeping the streets clean and looking after the Towns iconic buildings we are fighting a loosing battle
I love the energy in this post! And that there is such movement focused on the great potential of Youghal, already such a lovely gem of a seaside town with unique charm. Wish I could be there more often to contribute time or talent in some meaningful way. For now I will be part of Youghal’s French fan club and send positive thoughts from afar... 😉 🙏
Youghal Little Theatre Rehearsals:
Youghal man Liam McCarthy will play the great 19th-century Irish nationalist leader, Daniel O'Connell - The Liberator
We are delighted to announce our upcoming play by Reg Keating called "The Epitaph", by Reg Keating. A courtroom drama based on historical Events.
WHEN: Friday 25th April & Saturday 26th April 2025.
WHERE: The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal.
TICKETS: Cree’s Card Shop, North Main Street (Cash Only, From April 1st) at the door (Cash or Credit/Debit card) or online at ylt.sumupstore.com
More info at: Youghal Little Theatre ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Good luck with the play - sorry I’ll miss it!
EirGrid’s undersea Interconnector project has reached a landmark stage with the installation of three 90m ducting pipes at Youghal’s Claycastle Beach.
The project is the first such link between Ireland and continental Europe, and it will power about 450,000 Irish homes on completion in 2026.
As a large crowd of onlookers gathered to watch, a well coordinated operation saw the pipes laid into a trench at a depth of 3.5m before being anchored by 22 blocks of concrete weighing 1.8 tonnes each. ... See MoreSee Less
90m ducting pipes at East Cork beach 'a key milestone' for EirGrid project
www.irishexaminer.com
High voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, used to transport electricity over long distances, will transfer electricity to a converter station at Ballyadam0 CommentsComment on Facebook
EirGrid's Subsea Pipes: Preparing for the Celtic Interconnector's Arrival at Youghal Beach, County Cork, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Eirgrid: Celtic Interconnector pipes being laid at Youghal Beach, Co. Cork, Ireland: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuMx6Vnnheo
Going to be really stupid in this question. So it's not ok for Ireland to have its own nuclear power station..and why not? But ok to get , much needed power, from French nuclear power stations.
Fantastic work being done
View more comments
30/03/2025
EirGrid's Subsea Pipes: Preparing for the Celtic Interconnector's Arrival at Youghal Beach, County Cork, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Ned Brennan, Chairman of the Youghal Tidy Towns Committee, talks about this exciting project and its benefits for the country. ... See MoreSee Less
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
I believe Youghal has won the contract to be a permanent hub for international asylum seekers. Surely that ends it as a tourist town. Is this true
Well done Ned great interview the tidy towns committee are amazing and do fantastic work......I just fear that the reality of how our beach and town has become now...does not give us that feeling of waiting for the sun to go the beach....as it has been avoided by locals who would spend days upon end out there....alas no more.. but dare one say it......
All very positive, well done Ned a great interview.
View more comments
DESIGN REDUCED AT YOUGHAL GREENWAY TRAILHEAD DUE TO 50% FUNDING CUTS. By Christy Parker
Designs on upgrading the greenway "trailhead" (entry point) at the old rail station in Youghal, have been reduced in scope following a budget reduction from €2m to €1m, March's East Cork Municipal District meeting was told.
The message was conveyed by Acting Administrative Officer Noreen Brennan, during a response to a motion tabled by Cllr Patrick Mulcahy.
The councillor had sought confirmation on 'when the works will be completed on the MY Greenway for the full opening...and also plans for the turntable'.
The official's reply diverted into broader territory as she revealed that work on the trailhead was expected to continue into 2025, but with presently no completion date set for the reduced design.
She also informed that a ceremony to mark the official opening of the full greenway is dependent on when Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien signals he is available.
In the wake of the budget cut, Ms Brennan said, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) had been contacted but had not itself received its annual allocation yet. She was unsure if it would help out financially anyway, but was eager to clarify that TII had been generous in its funding to date.
Director of Services -Municipal Districts Operations & Rural Development, Patricia Liddy, expressed similar gratitude towards the Department of Transport (Largely under former Minister Eamon Ryan). "We would not have the greenway without them", she stated.
More optimistically, the trailhead works had been approved to the tune of €110,000 under the Community Recognition Fund. "And we will continue to explore all funding sources", Ms Brennan promis
ed.
Courtesy of the Youghal News ... See MoreSee Less
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Is anybody surprised with this outcome Youghal looses out again at the tail end of East Cork . Start the project in Midleton and fully fund it until you get to Youghal and then let it unfinished because they don’t give a 💩 about Youghal again . Let’s see how our councillors put a spin on this !
Load o bullocks that greenaway. There's 6 miles of beach there ffs!!
Give the one million to a local group. Let it be managed and finished locally, by local interests. Make it a community project.
View more comments
Remembering Youghal Carpets: "The Knot On The Fly" at The Mall Arts Centre.
The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal recently hosted "The Knot On The Fly: A Celebration of Youghal Carpets Legacy," an exhibition presented by Greywood Arts, Killeagh. Running from March 14th to 23rd, 2025, the exhibition, curated by artist Katie Nolan and supported by Greywood Arts Artistic Director Jessica Bonenfant, focused on the history of the Youghal Carpets factory, which operated from 1954 to 1984.
The exhibition, held in the upstairs space of The Mall Arts Centre, presented a range of works that aimed to capture the essence of the factory and its impact on the local community. Nolan's work combined archival materials with diverse artistic mediums, each contributing to a layered narrative.
Among the exhibits was "The Knot On The Fly," an installation featuring original and unspun Youghal Carpet wool, jute, felt, and a timber frame, incorporating 42 jesmonite hand casts of former employees and their family members. The piece served as a central focal point, embodying the human connection to the factory's legacy.
Further exploration of the wool's texture and form was presented in the "undone I, II, III" series, charcoal, graphite, and conté prints on épais grueso paper. The exhibition also featured "Spinning Yarns: A Collection of Memories," a 64-minute video documenting personal recollections of the factory. "Undoing," a 4-minute 21-second video displayed on a floor monitor, offered a more abstract reflection on the factory's closure.
Technological innovation was evident in "Untitled," a 3D print of former carpet worker Tom Donnelly's hands, created using an Einscan HX scanner and a Prusa MK4 printer. Another work consisted of handmade paper sheets, crafted from shredded photocopies of employee memorabilia and unspun Youghal Carpet fibers, letterpress printed with excerpts of memories using the extinct typeface Klang.
These varied exhibits provided a comprehensive look into the factory's history, highlighting the craftsmanship, personal stories, and community impact. Nolan's work focused on the people who worked there, and the displays reflected this in a respectful and informative way.
The collaboration between Katie Nolan and Jessica Bonenfant of Greywood Arts was a key factor in the exhibition's success. Greywood Arts, known for supporting artistic projects that engage with local history, provided a platform for Nolan's work. The exhibition highlighted the importance of preserving local heritage and acknowledging the contributions of those who worked in the factory.
More of Katie Nolan's work can be found at www.katienolanartist.com.
YouTube Video:
A video titled "The Knot On The Fly: Exploring the Legacy of Youghal Carpets with Artist Katie Nolan" is available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WawuJltScVY. The video provides further insight into the exhibition and Nolan's work, detailing the history of the Youghal Carpets factory and its significance to the East Cork and West Waterford community.
Pictures: Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done to Katie, all your hard worked payed off 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wonderful piece Michael 👏
Well done to Katie and all involved.
View more comments
Review of the Netflix TV series ADOLESCENCE by Michael Twomey
It was ten minutes into Adolescence before I realized I was grinding my teeth. By the end of this often harrowing and intense four-part drama I felt I had lived the experience, that I was a witness and not simply a viewer. I was there and I was exhausted. From the moment the police arrive at the house of Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham) and his wife, Manda (Christine Tremarco) the story unfolds in real time. The one-take method sucks you in and holds you, pulls you through the story like threading a needle. When the Miller’s son, Jamie is arrested, by a swat team no less, confusion abounds as to the necessity of the police’s heavy-handed deployment. The surreal disposition of the parents’ fear, not just for their thirteen-year-old child but by being confronted with uncompromising law enforcement, leaves them bewildered, subservient and resistant in equal and painful measure - a time to rail against the reality of what is happening while desperately wanting to play dumb for fear of reprisal. All the time they/we have no idea why this is happening.
When Jamie (Owen Cooper) is being processed at the station, officers look on with mixed expressions of pity, disgust and a sort of discombobulated awe. This is no ordinary day. This is no ordinary child. This will live with them. Here is the moment they feared. Now, all other crimes will be relegated. Like all nightmares, the worst case scenario is yet to reveal itself, the inevitability of the reveal is the real horror. This analogy is befitting of the entire series as many of the issues we feel so helpless towards in our current society rise to the surface, one after another, like vengeful zombies exacting the truths we half buried in the back of our minds. Those issues range from the inability to monitor the unpalatable extremities of the internet and its influence on young, curious and developing minds, the anemic laws that govern social interaction online, the incremental rise of violence and the casual toxicity around sexual behaviours, the visceral omnipotence and omnipresence of violent pornography, the rapidly decreasing distinction between reality and perceived reality, the eruption of anxiety paralysing the young, a society retreating to the darkness of its rooms with only the light of a phone screen to negotiate the vast forest of uncertainty. Who would be a parent today? Who would be a child today? Those are the questions that Adolescence asks but doesn’t give any easy answers to because there aren’t any easy answers to give. Society was and is not ready for these challenges. In terms of the internet, technology and the growing influence of AI, the genie smashed the bottle while we were making vain wishes for ourselves.
For those hoping that Adolescence wraps up its dilemmas in a neat narrative arc, you’ll be very disappointed. This is no Hollywood pretend-slasher. Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne were inspired by real events, not one in particular, but several. Director Phillip Barantini has worked with Graham before in another taut drama, Boiling Point. The pool of talent all put in award-worthy performances and if you miss Adolescence this time round you’ll hear all about when it dominates the Baftas next year. Most astonishing is the debut from Owen Cooper whose portrayal of the perversely likeable but volcanic Jamie leaves one wondering where he found the timing, expressions, nuances and facial expressions to elicit sympathy and horror, flitting like some manic ventriloquist doll that you wouldn’t want to fall asleep in the same room with. Episode three, in which Jamie and his counsellor, Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) exchange dialogue that is as sharp and threatening as any kitchen knife, is a drama in its own right. The performances of both seemed to transcend acting and though you are aware of the contradiction its visceral quality makes the viewing experience all encompassing to the point of relief when it’s over. The name of Andrew Tate is raised during a police information gathering at the secondary school. The episode almost casually exposes the depth to which barriers have sunk between what children know and what adults think they should know and the utter hopelessness of traditional institutions to assert some control over the noise adolescents carry around in their heads. This isn’t school as much as it is day care for premature adults in children’s uniforms. Some of the final scenes in Adolescence will have viewers squirming at the obvious: how to keep your child safe when all the possible sickness of the world is on the devices we gave them before they were old enough to withstand it.
Adolescence is an astounding piece of television in all aspects, technical, scripting, filming, performances and storytelling. It’s an event, magnetising and magnifying. Sometimes, rarely in fact, something speaks for how we feel, collectively and instinctively about what has gone awry. Adolescence screams it out and you will hear its echoes long after it ends.
Director: Phillip Barantin ... See MoreSee Less
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great review of a show that has left me craving a better life for my grandchildren 🙏
Absolutely spot on review. It should be shown in our schools and government should act now so should parents and grandparents to help our young people navigate this real nightmare on the internet.
You couldn’t have reviewed this better 💯 I would only like to share a thought as a parent of 3 young women (one still in her teens) unfortunately we are the guinea pigs in this world. We adults don’t know all this, it’s new to us - we don’t have experience and/or someone to teach us - it’s all new. Our children living in a very dangerous world and we don’t know how to protect them! We are “appropriate adults” ‼️‼️‼️and it isn’t enough clearly. We must learn from our/and others mistakes - quickly, in some cases it is late already, but never too late. And I would suggest to start with very very basic- we all can do - love, attention and parent control.
View more comments