YoughalOnline.com

Youghal Transition informal get together

Michael Hussey — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:27:34 +0000

Youghal Transition invites you to an informal get together at Padrone Restaurant
The Priory, 56 North Main Street, Youghal, Tuesday June 30th, 2.30 – 4pm.

Youghal has changed so much over the last 10 years. The legacy of the Celtic Tiger includes the bypass, the Aura Leisure Centre, Youghal News, the Community School, Tesco, Lidl, the RAPID process, Cumann na Daoine, the suburban type housing developments, the Mall Arts Centre, the closure of the factories, the Redbarn Hotel the Youth Café and www.youghalonline.com. What changes will come in the next 10 years? In the next 20?

Ireland used to have loads of sustainable communities. We called them towns and villages. The oil boom of the early 20th century led to a more complex global society, with increased production, consumption and waste. We are now dependent on cheap and plentiful oil for the food coming into local shops, for transport, agriculture, energy and tourism.There are over 200 Transition Town initiatives throughout the world as people get together to prepare their communities for change. Aware of the challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change, Transition groups set out to start conversations about the potential local impact of these global issues. Questions arise as to how Youghal could continue to prosper as oil gets more expensive, and more scarce. What do we need to do to prepare for the impact of Climate Change, which could mean rising sea waters, erratic weather and changes to local agriculture.

To what extent do we need to factor in the challenges of Climate Change and Peak Oil into our vision for Youghal’s medium and long term development? Can we prosper by using less energy? Can we reduce our collective contribution to Climate Change emissions? Can we support local enterprise by sourcing our food and other necessities locally?

Over the autumn and winter, Youghal Transition will launch a series of education and awareness raising activities about these big global issues, and positive local responses to them. But the summer is the time to socialise and get out and about so on Tuesday June 30 in The Priory, we’ll be meeting up informally, sharing news and planning a few trips to local and distant Transition type activites.

Anyone fancy a trip to Kinsale, where the Transition Town concept was born? Or the short hop to see the demonstration veg garden at the Blackwater Garden Centre? How about a visit to Corrigan’s City Farm in Cork? Have you ever been to a wind farm?

You’re welcome to join us at The Priory, Tuesday June 30, 2.30

Further information:
youghaltransition {at} gmail(.)com
086 3315096
www.youghaltt.ning.com

No related posts.

Deep Sea Angling Photo Competition

Michael Hussey — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:37:53 +0000

Youghal Town Cllr. Donie Daly calls for additional MABS resources for East Cork

Michael Hussey — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:19:01 +0000

Youghal Town Cllr. Donie Daly calls for additional MABS resources for East Cork
Mallow & Charleville have 7 staff covering North Cork,
Dunmanway 3 covering West Cork
Cork City has 7 staff covering City and East Cork.
This doesn’t make sense.

Cllr. Donie Daly with Seán Sherlock TD

Why does North Cork warrant 2 offices and East Cork none? Cobh, Carrigtwohill, Midleton & Youghal have been hugely hit by the collapse in property prices as young couples bought houses in these areas during the height of the property boom and are now burdened with huge mortgages with many tied into expensive fixed rates. I have people coming to my office for assistance who are unable to meet their financial obligations and are turning to unlicensed moneylenders in the absence of a local MABS service for the East Cork Region. We have 2 FF TD’s in East Cork but despite this the region has been badly left down by the Government over the last decade. Youghal has lost 2500 jobs in the last 5 years and these people are being told to ring a Helpline if they are experiencing financial difficulties! This is typical of a Govt. that has lost touch with the ordinary people. I would call on the Minister for Social & Family Affairs to either allocate additional MABS resources to the East Cork Region or fairly distribute the resources already at her disposable.

Donie

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: <sean.sherlock {at} oireachtas(.)ie>
Date: Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Subject: mabs
To: doniedalyyoughal {at} gmail(.)com

Question No 151 Ref No 24213/09

To the Minister for Social and Family Affairs

To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one Money Advice and Budgeting Service office serving Cork City, all of east County Cork and parts of west Cork with the average waiting period for an appointment now standing at five to six weeks; if she will allocate additional resources to provide a MABS service based in east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- Seán Sherlock.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 18th June, 2009.

R E P L Y

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Hanafin T.D.):

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded
service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and
advice in coping with debt problems. In 2009, almost €18 million has been provided to assist the MABS in dealing with its workload. There are 53 independent MABS companies with voluntary boards of management operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday at lo-call number 1890 283 438 and budgeting and money management information can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie.

Cork MABS has 7 money advice staff and provides service to Cork city, in the main, as well as east Cork and other parts of the county. It is one of 4 MABS with a total of 17 money advice staff that provide services throughout County Cork. North Cork MABS has 4 money advice staff and is based in Mallow. West Cork MABS has 3 money advice staff and is located Dunmanway and Charleville MABS has 3 money advice staff. Applications for funding for additional staff are kept under review should any further funding become available for extra posts.

All MABS companies, including Cork MABS, operate an appointment system for meeting clients. Clients with urgent difficulties are prioritised for attention and dealt with promptly. Less urgent cases are referred to the National Telephone Helpline and to the MABS website for immediate assistance with budgeting and money management issues. The Helpline can now handle less complex straight forward single debt cases such as threatened utility disconnections and deals directly with the ESB and An Bord Gais in relation to these cases. Over 90% of callers to the Helpline find that their money management and budgeting issues can be resolved with the assistance of the helpline advisor. Some 10% of callers are referred to the local MABS for appointment.

In addition the Helpline provides assistance to local services to manage their appointment lists by providing an initial preliminary MABS service to clients and ongoing support while they await their appointment with their local money advisor.

The MABS advises that people coping with debt difficulties should take early action. An approach to MABS via any of the channels can be the first positive step in addressing debt difficulties. The MABS provides a high quality personal service that helps many people to cope with and overcome the burden of indebtedness that can have such an impact on their lives and that of their families.

deputy Seán Sherlock
Labour Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food
Cork East

Flemings (Davis) Lane
Mallow
Co. Cork

022-53523
087-7402057

–
Cllr. Donie Daly

48 South Main Street,
Youghal,
Co. Cork

Tel:- (086) 8103886
Email:- doniedalyyoughal {at} gmail(.)com

Cllr. Donie Daly

48 South Main Street,
Youghal,
Co. Cork
Tel:- (086) 8103886
Email:- doniedalyyoughal {at} gmail(.)com

Youghal Pipe Band Competition Triumph

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:07:09 +0000

Youghal Pipe Band triumphantly won at two major pipe band competitions for the 2009 season. The band took 1st place in grade 4 and 3rd place in grade 5 at Cobh on Sunday 31st May 2009 Ireland for the South of Ireland Pipe Band Championship.

Following on from their Cobh success was a double win at The Munster Championships held in Tralee on Sunday 21st June where they won 1st place in Grades 4 & 5.

Report: Kieran McCarthy | Photos: Thomas Kennedy & Patrick Kearns | Video: Kieran McCarthy

Leanne Murphy & Pearl McCarthy hold the winning cups at The Munster Championships, Tralee

A great season win was had by all. For more information please visit the Youghal Pipe Band website at: www.youghalpipeband.com

Pipe Major - Christy McCarthy @ The Munster Championships

Youghal Pipe Band – South of Ireland Pipe Band Champions 2009, Cobh

Visit the Youghal Pipe Band website at: www.youghalpipeband.com

Youghal – Oldest Procession in Ireland – Attracts huge crowds

Michael Hussey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:33:54 +0000

It is said that Youghal is the second oldest town in Ireland, after Kinsale. That’s as may or may not be, but it is certainly true that the Corpus Christi Procession in Youghal is the oldest and longest running in the country. This is something of which the local people are obviously very proud and, on Sunday last the Feast of Corpus Christi, the people of Youghal did not come out to line the streets during the Procession. No! But the people did come out in their hundreds to walk the streets of their town to accompany the Monstrance, the Body of Christ through Youghal. Denise FitzGerald Reports | Photos: Michael Hussey-YoughaOnline.com and Kevin Power | Audio of Youghal Parish Choir courtesy of Community Radio Youghal www.youghalradio.com

The oldest Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland took place on Sunday 14th June 2009 with very large crowds marching through the streets of Youghal in the glorious sunshine. The procession started way back in 1898 and has continued ever since.

The sun shone brightly on the Gardens of St. Mary Collegiate College, where chairs had been set out to facilitate the huge numbers of people who gathered there for 12.00 noon Mass. The congregation was made up of all ages, from babies in prams to those more elderly who needed help, teenagers, men, women and children. The Choir were there to sing during the entire service, and during the Procession took place through the town, a very efficient loudspeaker system was in place so that those walking could sing with the Choir.

The 2009 Corpus Christi Procession was led this year by the local boys and girls Communicants, all of whom behaved beautifully and were obviously delighted to be part of this wonderful ceremony. The Clergy, with the Monstrance held high, received a Guard of Honour from the gates of the Gardens, through the town, and back again to the Gardens. Members of the local Cork Hill Pipe Band stood respectfully and played their music as the Procession commenced. The Procession, which took the route down the back streets and up the main street, was a most profound display of faith and love from the people of Youghal, for the Body of Christ.

Not so many years ago, only men and young boys could take part in the Eucharistic Processions in Ireland, and women were prohibited from taking part, but it was the tradition that the women and girls would line the streets to encourage their men folk. It was a sombre, silent Procession with the men all wearing their best suits which were mostly black or dark brown. The men walked with their Parish and the children were kept quiet as the Procession passed.

Large crowds enter the Market Sq

In Youghal on Sunday last, nothing could be further from this scenario. It must be said that the reverence, respect, honour and love shown by all to the Monstrance was humbling. It demonstrated the huge faith of the people, and their joy at walking with their God. And people came from all over the town and surrounds to do just that. Men and women, children, the elderly, the teenagers all walked respectfully but with great joy. The Rosary was heard over the loudspeakers, called and answered from the streets. The Choir sang, and so did the people. The entire town, back and front streets, resounded with the glory of the occasion. Moms pushed their children in buggies, and those elderly unable to walk themselves had plenty of offers to push them in their wheelchairs behind the Monstrance.

Tamera Dambrauskas and Leah Hennessy and communicants at The Mall

East Cork Journal, who was present on the occasion, was truly humbled at the turnout of such a huge number of all sorts of people who took such great pleasure to be exactly where they were on the day. The footpaths on either side of both the back streets and the main street were virtually empty – because the people of Youghal did not want just to watch the Procession – they wanted to be part of it. And they were part of what is not just the oldest and longest running Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland, they were also part of a Ceremony to honour and exalt their Lord as He was carried through the streets of their town.
Click on image to see the oldest and longest running Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland

Philip Sheppard wrote to YoughalOnline and asked ‘I am carrying out historical research and am interested in the Youghal Corpus Christi Procession as being Ireland’s oldest procession dating from 1898. I would greatly appreciate any’ Many thanks

Hi Philip
Re your query on Youghals Corpus Christi Procession as being Ireland’s oldest procession dating back to 1898.
In a letter to me by Fr. Bernard Cotter SMA (Native of Youghal) he confirmed the facts about the origin and date of the first Eucharist Procession in Youghal excerpts read as follows……… ‘I have succeeded in locating an article in my files about Dean Keller, a former Parish Priest of Youghal. He was the person who obtained Papal permission for the holding of the first Corpus Christi Procession in our hometown. That was in the year 1898.
Dean Keller visited Italy in 1896, for the beatification of Blessed Thadeus McCarthy. It was during that visit that Dean Keller was received in audience by the Pope and received the permission to hold the Eucharistic Procession. On his return from Rome it would have taken him some time to organise the event. Hence it was 1898 before they were ready to process.
In 1998 – as I have verified from an old diary-I was given the privilege of carrying the Monstrance in that Centenary Procession, as our then Parish Priest, Dean Thornhill, thought it would be good for a local priest to do the necessary. Enclosed herewith is a copy of an article that appeared in “Ireland’s Own” magazine which you might find of interest’…………
[Excerpt from relevant article in "Ireland's Own" magazine (Nov. 17-2006) on Monsignor Daniel Keller, The People's Priest by Maurice Aherne]………..In September 1896, he accompanied a party of Bishops and Priests to Ivrea, Turin, for the beatification of a former Bishop of Cloyne- Thadeus McCarthy. Whilst there he sought, and was granted, an audience with Pope Leo XIII, who had condemned the Plan of Campaign. He left an enlightened Pope with a Special Papal Blessing for ‘The Plan of Campaign’ stalwart, Maurice Doyle, who had spent seven months in jail for his beliefs. That was not all he brought back from Rome. He also obtained Papal permission to hold the Eucharist Procession in Youghal on Corpus Christi and the very first one ever held in Ireland was held in Youghal……….
I hope this is helpful in your research
All the best
Michael Hussey
Editor
YoughalOnline.com

Youghal Arts Network Midsummer’s Ball 2009

Michael Hussey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:29:07 +0000

Youghal Arts Network are a group of different arts groups and people involved in the various arts, who came together approximately three years ago under the umbrella of the Youghal Arts Network. Various fundraising events are organised each year, the proceeds of which are used to fund a programme of events in the town each Summer. Denise FitzGerald Reports/ Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Youghal Arts Network Midsummer's Ball

The Youghal Arts Network Gala Ball made its debut last year in the Mall Arts Centre, and such was the success of the evening that this year the Group organised yet another Ball for the same venue. This was held on Saturday night last, June 13th and it was a memorable night for all who attended. East Cork Journal went along, and in these days of recession, it did the heart good to see the style and effort which went into the night. Long gowns came out of the tissues and were worn with panache, and the gents weren’t left wanting in their black ties.
The evening commenced at 9pm and those arriving were met with large baskets of flowers – carnations for the gents and a lovely corsage of roses for the ladies. The entry of €60 included wining, dining and entertainment and was great value for such an enjoyable evening.

The Mall Arts Centre-Youghal- Photo Michael Hussey-YoughalOnline.com

East Cork Journal spoke with Donacha O’Cearuill, Chairman of Youghal Arts Network, who was loud in his praise for the group. He was delighted to outline the events for the evening, commencing with the wonderful group, Lar na Cruinne (the meaning of which is Centre of the Earth), a group attached to the Youghal Comhaltas. They would entertain the guests at the commencement of the evening. Then, after wining and dining, the guests would be invited up to the ballroom where the Roaring 40’s band would entertain. A break would be followed by a surprise entertainment, which Donacha assured would be hugely received by all. The Roaring 40’s would then take to the stage again, and the night would go on….and on….and on.

Well, Donacha was not exaggerating. The meal, which was a superb buffet provided by Le Gourmet, meant that guests could help themselves to whatever they wanted. Drinks, and especially their wonderful lager, Bavaria, were courtesy of the Gleeson Group and they went down a treat. The weather on Saturday night was balmy and warm, ideal for outdoors, and where nicer a place to be than in the company of good friends in the Mall Arts Centre, overlooking the River Blackwater. After the meal, the guests met in the large function room for the start of the evening’s entertainment. The Roaring 40’s Swing Band is well known and very popular, and they started things going with a bang!
After a break, superb entertainment was to come in the form of Youghal Musical Society, who were invited to send a representative group along to further entertain the guests. The Musical Society are currently in the final stages of rehearsal for their forthcoming production of Oklahoma, which is being staged in the Mall Arts Centre from June 20th to June 26th. The group took to the stage at the interval where they delighted the audience with their rendition of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, “Kansas City”, “I’m Just a Girl who can’t say No”, finishing with a rousting version of “Oklahoma”. The audience got to their feet at the finish to show their appreciation of the wonderful singing and entertainment, and it certainly set the pace for the rest of the evening. Eileen Hunt, Youghal Musical Society, told East Cork Journal that it was a great compliment and challenge to be invited along, and they were very honoured to perform. She thanked the members of the cast who attended, as they are so busy with rehearsals at present.
And so, it was back to the great Roaring 40’s and the dancing, ceol agus craic continued long into the night and early morning.
The efforts of this great group of artists and art groups in our town are entirely voluntary, and the wonderful summer programme of events which is put in place as a result, is testament to their commitment and hard work. They certainly deserve to be supported, and on Saturday night last in Youghal, they received that support.
Click on image to see who was at the Midsummer’s Ball (Allow a few seconds to load)

Youghal Polio survivor featured in new RTÉ documentary ‘Outbreak’

Michael Hussey — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:14:20 +0000

Rose Russell O’Donovan from Youghal will feature in the new RTÉ documentary called Outbreak tonight (Tue.16th June ‘09) at 8.30pm Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Rose Russell O'Donovan pictured with Sean Og O'Halpin at a recent fundraising event in The Walter Raleigh Hotel- Youghal

It’s difficult to believe that it is over 50 years since “The Polio Epidemic” that hit Ireland and especially Cork. It started in June 1956 and lasted for several months. It was so serious that even the Cork V Wexford All-Ireland Hurling Final was postponed for three weeks. At the time I was 11 months old when I contracted the virus. I was admitted to the Fever Unit in St. Finbarr’s Hospital and the later transferred to St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital in November 1956 which was more or less to be my home and school for the next 18 years.
Initially I was under the care of Dr. Roche who was tragically killed in a plane crash. Then I was transferred to the care of Mr. Fred Moore who continued to look after me throughout my childhood and performed eighteen surgical procedures.
Even though all this surgery was difficult for me and more so to my parents Josie and Alfie Kavanagh, as I was their only daughter at the time, but the most daunting difficulty for me was the ward sister who ruled Block Three, the Children’s Unit, with a rod of iron, who even went so far as to force feed me on many occasions.
However, there was a romantic side to the Orthopaedic, as on attending the physio department, I met my husband the late Jim Russell who was also a patient. Jim was subsequently discharged but continued to visit me. At the time a day-pass could be obtained with parental consent to allow you out for a few hours and away from the hospital on Sunday afternoons. So Jim collected me and our first date was for tea at the Hilltop Hotel, Youghal. This Sunday afternoon trend continued to blossom, and having sought my father’s permission, Jim proposed and we got married in September 1975.
Our marriage was blessed with three lovely children, Aoife, Jimmy and Sinead. We had 16 wonderful years together as a family until fate intervened on 17th February 1992 when Jim died suddenly. Even though Jim had departed this life, I always felt he was with me in spirit and 18 months later fate again intervened when a cousin of mine introduced me to my second husband Max O’Donovan and we got married in June 1995.
For approximately 20 years I had no contact with the Orthopaedic Hospital until the late effects of Polio manifested itself and 4 further surgical procedures were necessary, but the only long term solution was to have my leg amputated. This was a difficult decision, but with the support I got from my husband Max and the expertise of my surgeon Mr. Anthony McGuinness, it made my decision easer to go ahead with the amputation, which duly had done in October 2004.
To the reader it might suggest that life may have been difficult for me, but even though I didn’t have two perfect legs, nevertheless I was compensated with two perfect husbands and three healthy children and one grandchild.

Dancing Thru The Ages featured on RTE’s The Reel Deal

Oldest Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland this Sunday 14th June 2009

Michael Hussey — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:28:07 +0000

The oldest Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland will take place in Youghal tomorrow (Sun.14th June 2009 at 12.oo noon) The procession started way back in 1898 and has continued ever since. Report/Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Fr. Patrick Winkle carries the monstrance with the Consecrated Host for the adoration of the people through the streets of Youghal flanked by Canopy Bearers, Canon Tom Browne P.P., Fr. Bernard Cotter S.M.A. and members of the 34th Reserve Defence Force at North Main St. Youghal - May 2008

The Eucharist Procession will begin directly after 12.oo Mass in The College Gardens. Fr. Patrick Winkle will then carry The Monstrance flanked by canopy bearers from Emmet Place down Church St. on to North Main St.- Watsons Corner- Dolphin’s Sq.- Catherine St.- Grattan St- Market Sq. -The Mall- Strand St. turn at the Grotto on to Pierce Sq.- Friar St.- South Main St.- North Main St. turn up DeValera St. -Emmet Place where Benediction will then be celebrated back in the College Gardens. The Procession will be broadcast live by local radio CRY on 104fm and on the internet www.youghalradio.com. YoughalOnline.com will also cover the event. If you have photos of this years Procession and would like them posted on this site please send them in as soon as possible after the procession to news {at} youghalonline(.)com

Major Deep-Sea Angling Competition for Youghal

Michael Hussey — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:10:02 +0000

An estimated 100 anglers are set to take to the waters of Youghal Bay to take part in one of the biggest angling competitions on the South Coast this year. Running over two days, 27th and 28th June 2009, ‘Youghal’s Deep Sea Angling Competition’ will feature two categories, Charter Boats and private boats. For further information on Charter Boat Entry contact: Gavin Tivy on: 087-2112488 and Private Boat entries contact: John Murray on: 087-9704241. Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

With cash prizes totalling in excess of €2,500 the competition is already attracting major interest from some of the top anglers in the country.

Deep-sea angling in Youghal has seen somewhat of a revival over the past number of years with two ’state of the art’ Charter Boats operating from the Bay; The ‘Rebecca C’ operated by South Coast Charter’s Martin Colfer and ‘Seahunter’ operated by Youghal Dive Charter’s Gavin Tivy.
“Youghal has always been a favourite spot for anglers down through the years and thankfully the industry here is on the up. Angling is widely regarded as the biggest participation sport in the country and we felt the time was right to capitalise on that and introduce the first deep-sea angling competition here for many years” said Gavin. “We are thrilled with the interest, and it has far exceeded our expectations”

To add to the occasion Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce has organised a number of activities over the weekend to coincide with the spectacle. A ‘busking competition’ will run on Saturday 27th June throughout the afternoon in the town, and a range of activities including ‘face-painting’ and Barty’s Disco will operate on the quayside on Sunday 28th June.

Bookings are still being taken for both competitions. Charter Boat entries cost €50 per person for the weekend, €5.00 per person for the competition and equipment can be rented for €10.00. Entry to the private boat competition is €20.00 per person. The organisers have also indicated that any profits generated from the competitions will go to the Youghal RNLI.
For further information on Charter Boat Entry contact: Gavin Tivy on: 087-2112488 and Private Boat entries contact: John Murray on: 087-9704241.

Issued by: Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group
Contact: Aileen Ahern, E: tourism {at} youghal(.)ie Tel: 086-1703128

Click on image to see Skipper Martin Colfer and Gavin Tivy’s charter boats

Youghal Town Council June 2009

Michael Hussey — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:45:00 +0000

With all seven contesting members having been re-elected, there was an air of relief, triumph and confidence about the final sitting of the 2004-9 Town Council. Business was strictly and enthusiastically observed, as emphasised by the main issue of the night: Report Christy Parker

Cllr. Burke "retrieve the situation"

Motion by Cllr Burke, supported by Mayor Casey: “that this Council develops a Retail Strategy for Youghal to be incorporated into the Youghal Town Development Plan 2009-15. A major component of this strategy should be the inclusion of a major retail shopping complex on the Mill Road site identified for same in the Development Plan by Youghal Town Council and (ii) actively encourage developers to construct a major retail complex on the Mill Road site identified and zoned by the Council in the Youghal Town Development Plan 2009-15.”

The Motion sparked a lively debate on An Bord Pleanala’s recent rejection of planning permission given to Galvin Developments Ltd. for construction of a retail complex at Indian Point, Mill Road. Referring to the “shock waves” unleashed by the decision, Cllr Burke said Youghal ‘had been looking forward to a modern shopping complex with a nationally known anchor tenant, that would have vastly improved its competitive position in relation to neighbouring towns.’ Hundreds of jobs would have been created in its wake but instead, ‘Youghal money is ’supporting the Dungarvan economy particularly, including Dunne’s Stores,’ he said.

The councillor launched a scathing attack on those who had “again prevented the advent of new business and enterprise” in Youghal. He said the “the objections were basically all about keeping competition out of town and preserving existing vested interests.” He claimed that ‘for so many years local business had jealously guarded its own little patch and objected to any development which would have enhanced the town’s economic profile.”

Cllr Burke called on the Council to “retrieve the situation” by drawing up a Retail Strategy for Youghal, with terms of reference to include a major retail complex at the Mill Road site, “which was unanimously rezoned by the council members’ for such purpose. This strategy should be included in the Town Development Plan 2009-15. He believed every effort should be made to encourage developers to utilise the Mill Road site and hoped that Galvin Developments would make the necessary amendments and submit a revised planning application.

“Poor planning application”

Cllr. Murray "Poor planning application"

Amidst unanimous support for the motion, Cllr Murray said there was an identified need for a Retail Strategy in both the Public Realm and Town Development Plans and that it would encompass all areas, including Youghal’s periphery. She then expressed disappointment that the developers had submitted “such a poor planning application” and felt it “unfortunate that Dunnes Stores, which “was a carrot to sway support,” had become synonymous with the application without having made any commitment to it. She hoped that Galvin Developments, now that they owned the expensively bought site would return with “a better plan” such as Youghal deserved. She added that, “Dungarvan kept big developments out of its town until it got the best plan.”

Mayor Casey sparked a furious response from Cllr Murray when he suggested that if she hadn’t liked the plan, she should have voted against it. Vociferously supported by Cllr Beecher, Cllr Murray stood up to remind him that she had voted for the rezoning but that -as he knew- councillors had no input into the planning process thereafter. Town Manager Patricia Power concurred, saying the councillors had rezoned the land but the council executive had issued the planning permission. “There is nothing we could have done to prevent the Bord Pleanala decision,” she concluded.

Cllr Burke would later correct Cllr Murray that part of Galvin Developments’s presentation to the council on seeking rezoning was “a legally binding letter of intent from Dunne’s,” subject to the development going ahead.

Cllr Linehan Foley was 'disgusted"

Cllr Linehan Foley was ‘disgusted” with An Bord Pleanala’s decision. Like many Youghal people, she said, she shopped in Dungarvan and Mahon Point, “because I have to” and she claimed Youghal had continuously rejected large retail development for 40 years.

Cllr Savage said it would be very difficult for any developer to invest in Indian Point given An Bord Pleanala’s views, especially its emphasis on town centre retailing. He agreed strongly that a Retail Strategy implemented into the Town Development would prove “very useful.” Cllr Burke then observed that An Bord Pleanala had “used the Cork Retail Strategy, which was never incorporated into Youghal’s Development Plan.”

“Flawed report”

Town Clerk Liam Ryan "Flawed report"

Town Clerk Liam Ryan added further fuel to the fires of ire when he asserted that “the inspector’s report was flawed in its description of the site because it classed it as “‘out of town.’” Yet when appeals had been made against the Tesco and Lidl (which is 50 yards further removed than Indian Point), An Bord Pleanala had classed them as ‘edge of centre.’ Mr. Ryan said, “It’s completely irrational and smacks of the inspector having his mind made up in advance. He also believed that Youghal had been wrongly “used by vested national interests as a test case for other towns.”

The Town Clerk provided further insight when he rubbished the Bord’s consideration of intrusion on the graveyard wall as a telling factor, saying no relevant heritage organisations had appealed the development. .

With the motion unanimously agreed, there was support for Cllr Murray’s insistence that only consultants who specify in retail strategy be employed for the purpose. Mayor Casey said this was particularly important given the unique, elongated nature of the town.

Cllr Burke summarised the Retail Strategy as possibly looking at Youghal’s capacity to accommodate extra shopping, considering the competitive positions of Tesco/Lidl area versus the town centre, making recommendations as to the type of town centre retailing to compliment a Mill Road development, looking at the issue of vacant town centre shops and rents and analysing the suitability of ‘town centre’ and ‘edge of town centre’ sites.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke requested ramps at the Green, road markings at Dun Chorain, “in consultation with the residents,” public lighting at the Fair Field and a seat to be provided in the foyer of the post office, particularly necessitated for elderly people. He asked that the council write to the HSE regarding visits by the school dentist who now visits only twice weekly for emergency treatment, with “the days of check-ups or prevention being better than cure seemingly gone.” He also wondered if the builders bond could be invoked to get the Green Area at Oak Hill trimmed. A handrail on steps at Raheen Park needs repairing, road markings in the area need improving and the grass on the bank form nos.15 to 20 need cutting. Nearby, the holes in the town walls are inadequately protected and pose a serious danger of collapsing on children who might decide to access the vicinity. He voiced the need to clean the Gaol Steps, repair the water channels on Golf Links Road behind the Marine bar, repair footpaths at 29 Sweetfield Estate and complete paths at Windmill Hill.

Cllr McLellan asked if ramps could be provided at McCurtainstown and at Parklands. Cllr Beecher asked that the footpath from Aura to the Front Strand be completed. He said the entrance to Green Hole is very dangerous, with washed out sand causing a 10ft drop. The litterbin at the tourist office needs to be better secured and a nearby tree stump requires uprooting. He called for ball playing at Barry’s Lane to be stopped as it intimidates locals and pedestrians, while a tree hanging into Moonraker, Cork Hill, should be trimmed back.

Cllr Barbara Murray asked that the De Valera Street car park be completed and broken footpaths on various areas of North Main Street be repaired. Cllr Linehan Foley said an abandoned car on Kilcoran Road had smashed windows, stored rubbish and, being adjacent to the ESB power station, posed a serious fire hazard.
Cllr Revins said every estate is looking for speed ramps and said a Town Council by-law was needed to address ball playing at Barry’s Lane. Mayor Casey asked that “a mighty pole” used for drying hoses in the distant past be removed from the vicinity of the fire station.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Linehan Foley asked if Town Engineer Paul Murray for updates on the Greencloyne footpath and kerb problems and the landscaping to discourage the parking that obstructs emerging traffic opposite Crowley’s garage. She reminded that a footpath at Dominic Collins’s Place needed extending and said more bins are needed at Claycastle, along with signs denoting their presence.

Cllr Revins asked that cutting at top of Kilcoran Park be undertaken and large potholes at Knockaverry Estate be treated. He informed of an e-mail from the Quality Hotel complaining of the littered Redbarn beach and asked whether the County Council planned to put bins there. Town engineer Paul Murray said Redbarn is being piloted as a Blue Flag beach, with no plans to install bins. Instead, a ‘pack it in, pack it out’ program was being operated, whereby signs had been erected to encourage visitors to bring their waste home. “I don’t think anyone understands that,” interceded Cllrs Murray supported by Cllr McLellan. “The Council should put up a simple sign such as, ‘Take your litter home.’

Cllr Savage, at his final council sitting, asked that grass margins at the town entrances be trimmed. Cllr Burke asked if any sort of patching could be done in lieu of complaints about potholes, etc on the back street, which are damaging cars. He wanted signs denoting Youghal as a Fair Trade town erected at town boundaries. “Lets tell the world,” he advised. He continued with “the usual list of broken footpaths” -Tallow Street, South Main Street, junction South Abbey/Strand Street before concluding with unfinished road surfaces at the entrance to Summerdale Lawn. Cllr McLellan referred to an abandoned car at Kilcoran Road and said residents at Glean Tuarigh had complained of rats being attracted by rubbish dumped within.

Cllr Beecher complained that it wasn’t acceptable that lifeguards are only deployed at weekends during June and said a strong swimmer had had so swim to the rescue of someone in a canoe recently. Town Clerk Liam Ryan Clerk explained that current finances only allowed for the present rota. “Funding comes 50% each from the Town and County councils,” he said. “The level is exactly the same as previous years, with daily lifeguards only in July and August, but if money was allotted at December’s budget meeting, it would change.” Cllr Beecher further asked that ponding (flooding) both at Store Street and the second last house in Kilcoran Park be resolved (although he didn’t request a lifeguard!)

Cllr Murray sought repairs to the footpath outside Con Keogh’s would be done, having first raised the matter last April. She wondered when road markings, a stop sign and a crash barrier would be installed at Ardan na Mara and asked that sand be cleared from all wheelchair ramps at the beaches. She suggested some flexibility in the County Council’s work schedules for litter to be picked from the beach on weekends. “Perhaps a shift switch by some workers from midweek to weekends?” she suggested.

Mayor Casey asked that ponding outside Nagle House be resolved, especially as the premises was just painted. He asked that a ‘No Overtaking’ sign be erected at the Mall, as cars often have to stray a little to the left before turning right to park perpendicular to the path. “Unfortunately, drivers tend to overtake at that moment and someone is going to get killed,” he warned.

Having listened to the list of concerns, Town Engineer Paul Murray added that litterbins at Redbarn would attract vermin. He said he is waiting for a price to be submitted from the contractor before authorising completion of the path from Aura. He agreed the back street is in bad shape but argued that in the coming years it will be dug up for the new main drainage scheme -though he failed to impress his listeners! He also said his outdoor staff are dealing with a series of water leaks in town, which once resolved, would allow attention to be turned to road, including the dip outside the court house.

Cllr Beecher again complained about obnoxious odours emanating at weekends from Foxhole. Mayor Casey said the EPA is monitoring the area and a report would be forthcoming.

Manager’s Orders (and Mayor’s tributes!):

Mayor Casey took the opportunity to convey how honoured he had felt to serve the community over the past 15 years. “It was -and still is – in my blood,” he said, “but having stared work at 15 1/2 and now being 67, there comes a time to stand down and take a break.” Amidst much good wishes, Cllr Linehan Foley recalled the mayor affording her guidance and respect when she was first elected in 1999. “It was an honour to work with you and I’ll miss you,” she proclaimed. She then asked that the media clarify a previous, seemingly disparaging incident in which she had alluded, caustically, to ‘the face on the Mayor’ during a strongly heated debate. “We both know it was nothing personal” she said, “but I got some stick for it on doorsteps.” Done.

Cllr Burke thanked the Mayor for a “wonderful 15 years.” He said he had given “half a century to Youghal” from a teenager in Youghal Gasworks to 40 years as water curator, 21 as fire brigade station officer and then councillor, with three terms as mayor. “You are a person of principle, integrity, honour, honesty, dedication and commitment,” he said to his retiring friend, followed by spontaneous applause.

Mall Arts Centre:

The council unanimously agreed to transfer running of the Mall Arts Centre to Hatherton Ltd., which trades as Youghal Enterprise Centre. The agreement followed a brief appraisal from the Town Clerk in which he referred to “enormous difficulties” imposed by the present financial climate, in running the centre from the Town Council offices. He referred to such aspects as staffing and funding being difficult and believed the transfer could bring a financial viewpoint to bear, with a more imaginative, less restrained approach. The initiative would be executed “immediately,” he added.

Correspondence:

Cllr Revins expressed reservations in providing East Cork Tourism with a requested €7,000 fee. “We don’t even get invited to their annual showcase and get very little information from them,” he said. The Town Clerk’s suggestion that East Cork Tourism be invited to make a presentation as to their strategy for Youghal prior to being given any money, was accepted.

Congratulations:

Cllr Sammy Revins congratulated Youghal United for winning the Beamish Stout Senior Cup recently. He said they are only the third team outside Cork city to win it since 1938 and he “would be asking for a civic reception.” He also congratulated Youghal Pipe Band for their victory in the South of Ireland Championships in Cobh on may 31st and snooker players Brendan Cooney and Aaron Tobin for their triumphs in the All Ireland Masters and Under-14 Championships respectively.

Cllr Sandra McLellan sparked a round of applause when she congratulated her Sinn Fein colleague and sister-in-law Cllr Michelle Hennessy on the birth of a baby girl. Cllr Mary Linehan Foley also paid tribute to the Youghal Pipe Band before inquiring as the civic receptions agreed for the Mayor’s wife Anne and also for retired HSE ambulance medic Paddy Neville. Mayor Casey said it would be appropriate for the incoming Mayor to set the date and details.

Any Other Business:

Cllr Linehan Foley was informed that business or homeowners can still apply for inclusion in the street painting scheme.

Cllr David Savage said a fond farewell to his colleagues after five years as a councillor. He said it had been a privilege to serve and while he had “thoroughly enjoyed” his five years as a councillor, he had particularly enjoyed his term as mayor from 2007-8. He paid tribute to the Town Clerk, the present and previous Town Managers their staff. He recognised they had a hard job but believed that future generations would recognise that good things had been delivered to Youghal under their stewardship. Mr Ryan said working together was the key to success and had been in particular over the past two councils. He thanked Cllr Savage for his contribution. Town Manager Patricia Power concurred with Mr. Ryan’s sentiments.