YoughalOnline.com

Minister Quinn opens Anti-Bullying Forum

YoughalOnline — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:13:32 +0000

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today (Thursday 17th May) opened an Anti-Bullying Forum at the Department of Education and Skills, to explore ways to tackle the problem of bullying in schools.
This is the first time that the Department, together with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, has hosted a dedicated forum together with students’ and parents’ representatives, rights and anti-bullying activists, and other experts, to address this important issue.

The holding of this major forum co-incides with International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, whose theme this year is homophobic bullying.

Opening the Forum, Minister Quinn said: “Bullying is a problem which I take very seriously. Bullying in school can ruin a young person’s enjoyment of some of the most important years of their life. In extreme situations it can also, tragically, lead to a young person taking their own life.”

“It is therefore my fervent hope that today’s Forum will provide us with the basis on which to develop a roadmap on how best to tackle all forms of bullying in our schools.”

“I am very anxious that the Forum focuses on identifying the practical steps and recommendations that could be taken in the short term to improve how schools approach and tackle bullying.”

More than 100 stakeholders including representatives of student, parent and school management groups, teacher unions, support groups for victims of bullying, rights activists and bullying experts are attending today’s forum.

The agenda for the Forum sees presentations from a variety of key interest groups. There is also the opportunity for broad discussion from all attendees in the afternoon session. Members of the public can make submissions by email to the Department at antibullying@education.gov.ie up to the 29th June 2012. Details of the Forum and the format for submissions are available on the Department’s website www.education.ie.

Alongside the Forum, Minister Quinn has established a Working Group on tackling bullying, including homophobic bullying, cyber bullying and racist bullying. The outcomes and recommendations from the Forum’s work will assist the Working Group in its deliberations.

The Working Group is made up of representatives from the Department of Education & Skills (DES) and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and will also draw upon the expertise of a range of organisations during the course of its work.

The first phase of this will concentrate on homophobic bullying as per the commitment in the Programme for Government. The Working Group will also be reviewing the 1993 DES Guidelines on Countering Bullying in Schools in order to update them to reflect the realities of modern communication technology and other contemporary issues.

The Forum is being webcast live via the Department’s website www.education.ie

Out Of The Blue – JD’s Pub Youghal 1990

YoughalOnline — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:35:06 +0000

A NOSTALGIC Video music clip of Youghal band ‘Out Of The Blue’ at JD’s Pub (Doyles) Youghal 1990. Thanks to Martin Prendergast for the old footage and Kieran McCarthy for converting to digital and posting on the tube.

The band were: Jason Byrne – keybords & vocals, Eileen Healy – vocals & guitar, Liam Healy – guitar, the late Peter Watson – bass & vocals and Kieran McCarthy – drums. It was a charity gig can anyone remember what for? Please consider using the Youghalonline Facebook if you know.

Davy Russell: Youghal’s Champion Ambassador

YoughalOnline — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:09:38 +0000

Davy Russell: Youghal’s Champion Ambassador – By Christy Parker

Back in February 2002, on being nominated the Usual Place bar’s sports star of the month, jump jockey Davy Russell expressed himself thrilled at having ridden a winner at Aintree. Nonetheless the then 22 year-old felt that winning the previous year’s point-to-point championship had been his career’s greatest achievement. Still an amateur, he advised that to be a success, he needed to “put 110% into the game. You have to eat, drink and sleep horse riding,” he enthused, explaining that he would “start at 7 am and some nights it’s too late to come home if racing up the country.” His ambition was to be “the top amateur rider in Ireland.” Second at the time, he was to share that title with JT McNamara by season’s end.

Davy Russell celebrates in style with Tony McCoy after being crowned Irish champion jockey for the first time

Ten years on and it’s fair to say that young Russell’s dedication has paid off. He has, to put it mildly, somewhat surpassed his ambition. On Sunday Saturday April 28th, with 104 winners behind him for the season, he was crowned Ireland’s 2011/12 Champion Jockey for the first (but hardly the last) time. The achievement was all the more deserved for having been runner-up five times since 2004.

The son of retired garage owner, former town councillor and avid horse breeder Gerry Russell and wife Phyllis, Davy is the second youngest of three boys and three sisters. He has been riding horses, he once said, since he was three and has “the photos to prove it!”

He recalls that as a teenager he rode his first point-to-point in Skibbereen aboard his dad’s horse Whitebarn Colleen. “I think I finished fifth,” he speculates. His first points-winner came in 1999 at age 19 when Spanish Castle, owned by Waterford man Pat O’Connor did the business in Tallow. A recurring trait in Davy’s interviews is his eagerness to acknowledge those he believes contributed to his achievements. He doesn’t forget Pat O’Connor. “He supported me well in those days,” he remembers, “and was very influential to me.” Pat Budds from Killeagh was to provide the future champion with is first racecourse ride and since then the milestones of success were to come relentlessly past for the teetotal, non-smoking dedicated rider.

David with his daughter Jaimee

Move to Britain

By late 2002, Davy was probably the top amateur jockey in Ireland but, tall and not particularly light, he would still have envisaged farming as his most likely career path. When injury forced Ferdie Murphy’s stable jockey Adrian Maguire to retire, the Yorkshire based trainer invited Davy to turn professional and join him as a replacement. Davy accepted.

Following his first success as a professional rider aboard Inn Antique in a Sedgefield hurdle race in November 2002, Davy enjoyed two very successful years in partnership with Murphy. His burgeoning potential was underlined when he finished second in the 2003 Cheltenham Gold Cup -national hunt’s most prestigious race- on board Truckers Tavern, on whom he had previously won a valuable chase at Haydock.

Davy Russell winner of The Champion Jockey Award pictured at the National Hunt Awards which took place in County Meath last night. The Awards dinner which is organised by The Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee was attended by over 200 guests from the world of National Hunt. Dunboyne Castle Hotel 29-4-2012. Photo HEALY RACING.

Home and on-going success

However, his affiliation with home and an inherent loyalty towards those in Ireland who had always stood by him, (to the annoyance, it was reported, of Ferdie Murphy), saw the jockey return to his native shore in 2004.

Since his return, a series of injuries notwithstanding, life has been a parade ring of the success at the highest level for the Youghal man. His initial year back brought notable winners for trainers Eddie O’Grady and John Kiely amongst others, alongside an Aintree winner on board Cregg House for Shane Donohoe. In 2005/06 he rode a very impressive 75 winners from 567 rides, including 15 for emerging trainer Charles Byrnes. A horse called Native Jack gave him his first Cheltenham winner on the Cross Country Chase. The following season brought 79 winners from 616 rides, including four home successes while piloting Charles Byrnes’s renowned mare Cailín Áilainn. There was another Cheltenham winner too, steering home Joe’s edge for his former retainer Ferdie Murphy.

Michael O’Leary

Davy began the 2007/8 season with a career and life-changing agreement. Invited to a meeting at Ryanair’s headquarters in Dublin airport, the O’Leary brothers Michael and Eddie asked him to be their first choice jockey for their ambitious Gigginstown House Stud breeding/ownership enterprise. Though operating within the challenging framework of a freelancer, Davy had forged strong and trusted relationships with trainers like, Arthur Moore, Liam Burke and Charles Byrnes. They had provided good horses and, true to his instincts, he wasn’t keen to abandon or jeopardise those links. He refused the offer and left the meeting on amiable terms. Half an hour later as he drove to a race meeting t Downpatrick, he fully realised the enormity of the opportunity. Reining in his apprehensions, he rang Eddie Ryan and accepted the offer.

The Gigginstown operation, with top class horses stabled with top class trainers, has been extremely and mutually beneficial to the 33 year old and his retainers. “I am very grateful to them,” he says. “Michael O’Leary puts a lot into horse racing and loves the sport. He’s a very fair man and it’s very good for me to have such good horses to ride.”

From 2008 to this year, Davy has ridden close to an average of 100 winners per season. The roll call of big race success includes successive Cheltenham winners, including two in 2011, plus victories the other ‘big three’ meetings of Aintree and Punchestown. He has won the Garand Annual Chase, the Coral Cup (twice), the Aintree Hurdle, the Irish Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase and many, many more exalted trophies. His skills also helped to bring the maroon and white silks of Gigginstown within €100,000 of JP McManus in the Champion Owners table this year with over €1.5m in prize money.

Irish champion jockey Davy Russell pictured with his parents Jerry and Phyllis Russell at the recent Donkey Derby held in Youghal last March 2012. Pic: YOL

A wet afternoon

With a cv of success that would stretch to a furlong, Davy Russell would be entitled to enter the Walter Raleigh hotel with a swagger. Instead, on a wet Tuesday afternoon, he hurries in wearing green wellingtons and wrapped in a heavy, zip-up rain-resistant hooded jacket before apologising sincerely for being a tad late. He portrays the same good-humoured, obliging calm that he exhibited as an amateur aspirant a decade previous in the Usual Place.

He pings every question like a chaser charming the Cotswolds. Yes, it’s a brilliant feeling being champion jockey and a celebratory party is going to ensue very shortly in the Youghal GAA club, but it won’t make a difference to his life, as it remains all about riding horses anyway. The Cheltenham Novice Chase win on Willie Mullins’s Sir Des Champs had been great but was surpassed in the satisfaction stakes by his victories at Galway and Tipperary on board Tavern Time, who is part-owned by his dad.

Asked to nominate the best horse he has ridden, he quickly responds that the Gigginsttown bred, Charles Byrnes trained 2010 Cheltenham RSA Chase winner Weapons Amnesty was “a very good horse,” albeit one whose potential has been undermined by injury.

Weight

All success carries a price and, like many in his vocation, Ireland’s top jockey has been taxed by weight issues. “It can put a dampener on things,” he reflects. “I’m about 10½ stone now. I used to be 10 stone but I put a cap on it and I feel the better for it.” It’s a challenge not modified, he reveals, by a passion for chocolate! He probably wishes they’d move the Irish Grand National from Easter. There’s a story that Michael O’Leary encourage him to stop ‘wasting’ towards 10 stone with the analogy that nobody would drive a Ferrari beyond its recommended speed. (At least the Ryanair boss doesn’t charge him for the excess weight!).

SIX OF IRELAND’S TOP JUMP JOCKEYS set off to compete in the inaugural ‘Paddy Power Celebrity Donkey Derby’ on Friday 23rd March 2012 at 7.00 p.m in the Main Street of Youghal, Co. Cork.The celebrity jockeys have given their free time to support the Youghal ‘Queen of the Sea Festival’. Top Jockeys Martin Ferris and Paul Townend chase after Andrew McNamara (out of shot) followed by Davy Russell, Paul Carberry and Davy Condon pictured at the start of the fun race where they first took to pedal power followed by the Donkey Derby.

Ambassador

The season past has also seen the Youghal man fill the 12-month role of Horse Racing Ireland’s (HRI) National Hunt Ambassador, a position that personifies the link between his sport and the patronage on which it relies for support. “It was grand,” he says of his term in office speak. “A lot of it was about meeting younger people and trying to get them involved in racing.” He replies with sharp acumen when pressed about promoting horse racing. “I think the bigger meetings are well attended and doing ok but it’s harder to sell the lower profile, midweek ones,” he observes. “I think Mallow, Leopardstown and Limerick have come up with very good ideas, such as the student card schemes. Maybe race courses could target the time of year a bit more too,” he proceeds, “with Christmas or Halloween parties and so on.”

Horse safety

By its very nature national hunt racing has the potential to give any racing ambassador acute insomnia and horse fatalities at recent Grand National meetings has stressed the point. In response, the authorities have strived to modify the course somewhat, including lowering the fences a little. The falls and fatalities continued this year however and some jockeys argued that he measures only served to increase speed and thus accentuate the risks. Davy Russell is having none of that. “They should leave the fences alone now,” he argues. “I’ve walked Aintree and they are not too low. They (the jockeys) are sending out the completely wrong messages to people. It’s very unfortunate that injuries happen but people get knocked down crossing the road. It’s part of life. We are there for the welfare of the horse as much as anyone else.”

He does advocate one area where change might enhance safety or horses though it’s one where a country that adores ritual and pageantry might baulk at implementing. “I think they could change the parade beforehand,” Davy suggests. “We are on the horses a very long time, with music playing and so on and I’m not sure it’s really necessary. Horses can get wound up, but then again it’s the Grand National and it takes a certain type of horse to win it,” he surmises. Jockeys, he adds, “have not really been asked,” about the issue.

Irish champion jockey Davy Russell congratulated by the Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne for his contribution to the the successful Donkey Derby held in Youghal Town last March 2012. Pic: YOL

Party

As the new national hunt season commences at the less frenetic pace of summer festivals and such, the champion’s defence of his title has already begun. Even as the summer of travelling gets underway however, his focus is slightly diverted to matters more local. There had been a party in Punchestown at his official crowning at the National Hunts Awards ceremony but he is keenly anticipating a local version in the coming weeks. The focal point will be the Youghal GAA’s Club Arás headquarters at a date to be confirmed. There is also the matter of a civic reception as agreed by April’s Town Council meeting and of which he had yet formally to be informed. A non-drinker or smoker, his immense energy and natural appreciation for fun would see him enjoy himself in an empty room. He will be assured of a full house though, come his hometown celebrations.

One feels such occasions will touch the parts of his heart that even the Punchestown amongst his peers could not impress. He speaks with huge affection for Youghal. He is currently based in Cashel but journeys home regularly, not least to meet his eight year-old daughter Aimee Mangan and her mum Debbie, who live a relatively short gallop away in Conna. “I have so many relatives here,” he notes, citing brother-in-law Colman Walsh, the Galvins, Tommy Fitzgerald in Mount Uniake and friends like the Budds’s in Killeagh. “There are so many people who have supported me and stood by me all through my career,” he acknowledges in familiar refrain.

Top jockey Davy Russell more than happy to pose with fans. Pic: YOL

Memories

He recalls “a great childhood in Youghal,” smiling at the memories of the old Perks, the beach, the Slob Bank, the potato festival and the general joys and freedoms that come with being part of a solid family and a caring community. “I love Youghal. It’s a very special town,” he states. “But where did all the good weather go?!” he inquires as the Green Park takes a renewed drenching.

He played hurling and football up to under-16 level, conceding that he “wasn’t the best man in the team.” He was definitely the best jockey to play hurling for Youghal though! That particular sporting participation was pulled up when he “went off horse riding.” Given his allegiance, it’s a shame the Gigginstown colours aren’t maroon and gold instead of maroon and white.

Top Jockeys Andrew McNamara, Davy Condon, Paul Carberry, Davy Russell, Martin Ferris and Paul Townend with Michelle Kelly and Sinead Harte

Festivals

Indeed he would talk of Youghal for ten rounds of Cheltenham. “It’s a fantastic seaside resort,” he enthuses. “It deserves all the good news it can get and I have every confidence that it will recover and thrive. It’s great that the bikers are coming,” he continues as relentlessly as if tracking Ruby Walsh, referring to the impending arrival of over 800 Goldwing owners for the 28th Irish International Goldwing Treffen Festival in August.

That’s almost a quarter of the number of people he helped to induce onto the street for last ** inaugural Donkey Derby. He volunteered his support to the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, for whom his sister works. She considered a donkey extravaganza. Davy enticed several of his weighing room colleagues to participate and the rest is historic pandemonium. “These types of events are important, especially for the younger generation. It helps them to form a bond with the town,” he advises autobiographically. “I’m delighted to help and we’ll see if we can do it again next year and improve on it too.” Spoken like a true ambassador and a true champion.

It’s a while away on the horizon one hopes but when the finishing post of retirement is attained, Davy Russell fully intends to spend it in Youghal. “Oh God yes,” he confirms. “Youghal is my home.” It will again be, in other words, his usual place.

Home Security Dominates Youghal And District’s May Community Alert Meeting.

YoughalOnline — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:08:44 +0000

Home Security Dominates Youghal And District’s May Community Alert Meeting.

By Christy Parker

Youghal and District Community Alert’s May meeting focused strongly on the Garda Supporting safer Communities Campaign. Although running formally from May 3rd to 7th, the measures and advice underlining the initiative carry a permanent resonance. Community Garda Peter Queally spoke and circulated information regarding several points illustrated within two Home Security subsections in particular, as follows:

WINDOWS:

Over a third of burglars enter a property through a window. Vulnerability depends on three factors: i) Accessibility of the window; ii), it’s visibility to neighbours or passers-by and iii) the quality of its fabrication, strength and installation.

In terms of factor i) a thief can get through any gap that is slightly larger than a human head. Householders are advised that ground floor windows are the more vulnerable, though upstairs windows are often quite accessible too. Some windows can be protected by metal grilles, but these should be fitted internally to offset impediments to safety. Additional locks, limiters or stronger glazing is also advisable.

ii) Rear windows are susceptible to criminal attack so full use should be made of external lighting. Unnecessary visible obstruction like overgrown trees or hedging etc., should be pruned or removed.

iii) Good design features, plus quality fabrication and installation can provide a very high level of security. Additional security locks and quality frames with glazing help to foil burglars too. Quality of windows can vary considerably but windows should be of sufficient strength and quality to stop or deter the common methods used by burglars.

Though there is no compatible Irish standard available, householders should ask installers to supply a European or global equivalent (e.g. ENV 1627) to the British BS 7590 model, which is highly ‘attack resistant.’

External beading: Many double-glazed windows have external beading that can be easily pried away and the glass panel removed. Suppliers or crime prevention officers should be consulted.

Installing window locks and limiters helps to enhance security on older windows. It is advisable to take qualified advice if so doing, to avoid weakening the frame and/or affecting a warranty. Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of ordinary glass bonded with polyvinyl betrayal and gives excellent protection against accidents or burglary. If coming under attack, the glass breaks but the glazing adheres to the bonding layer.

Toughened glass is sometimes used as an alternative to laminated glass and is about eight times stronger than plate glass. It is not recommendable for security as it will fracture with sufficient force, usually with a pointed instrument. Additionally annealed glass, which is the most common type used, breaks easily and forms sharp fragments in so doing.

INTRUDER ALARMS:

These should be regarded as a back-up to good physical security. There are essentially two categories –‘wired’ and ‘wire-free’ each of which can in turn be subdivided into ‘audible only’ and ‘;remotely monitored.’

Audible only alarms, as the name suggests, draw attention to the building by high pitched sounds, etc. Remotely monitored alarms alert a central monitoring station which in turn informs gardaí and/or chosen key holders. An auto dialler can also be added to either system to alert a third party.

Choosing one’s ideal system can be influenced by cost, design of residence, location, pre-wiring etc. A local garda or even neighbours may assist with advice. Alarm installers must be licensed and can be found in the Golden Pages or online and it is advised that at least three quotes be acquired. An Garda recommends that in order to meet its response criteria, all installed alarms comply with European Standard EN 50131 or with the older Irish Standard IS 199 that it has replaced.

Monitored or un-monitored: To guarantee a Garda response, a Unique Reference Number must be obtained from the gardaí. The Garda Síochana website (www.garda.ie) offers full details on all matters related to alarms, including analysis of such associated terms as control box/panel, keypad, magnetic contact sensors, movement sensors/detectors, vibration and acoustic sensors/detectors/personal attack button, internal sounder/bell, external siren/box, strobe flasher, remote signalling and zone. See also Private Security Authority at www.psa.gvv.ie and the National Standards Authority of Ireland at www.nsai.ie

Statistics and advice

Against this background Garda Queally provided the following statistics: 27% of the 27,000 burglaries that occurred in Ireland in 2011 were perpetrated by front door access. 32% of burglaries occur through access of poorly secured doors and windows. He elaborated that modus operandi of a spate of overnight burglaries in Youghal on Good Friday involved thieves sequentially targeting the rear entrances of houses in the Cork Hill, Raheen Road and Sarsfield’s Terrace areas. 23.5% of burglaries tale place between noon and 4 pm, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays. There has been a 16% drop in residential burglaries over the summer months in recent times.

The garda then issued some common sense advice to reduce the risk of being burgled; i) lock all doors and windows when leaving the house (one in three of burglaries in 2011 could have been prevented in this way); ii) if your windows have locks, use them; iii) lock unused doors and windows even when at home; iv) turn on house alarm even if only leaving home for a short time; v) ask a neighbour or friend to check your house if away for lengthy periods; vi) join a local neighbourhood watch scheme/community alert scheme; vii) number your house clearly so that gardaí can easily find it, especially in rural areas; viii):report any suspicious activity, personnel or vehicles to local gardaí, without worrying whether it later proves to be an innocent situation or not.

Garda Queally warned that burglars were prone to making seemingly innocuous inquires by way assessing if a property is empty. This can extend to trying a door and entering the premises if it is unlocked, before furtively exploring and rifling any accessible areas within. “In their eyes, that is very low risk,” he advised.

From the floor there emerged some valid observations. “We should all be alert within our community,” said one man, reminding that recently a deceased individual lay undiscovered in his home in Wexford for three months. A second, female voice complained that a section of Kilcoran Road remains without a street name, despite appeals to the town council. She said an ambulance driver unfamiliar with the area was unable to locate a residence for some 45 minutes recently.

The garda informed that, subject to authorisation, a new, pilot SatNav system may be installed in garda patrol cars. With particular regard to rural areas –and even moreso at night- he asked that names and addresses be forwarded to gardaí with a view to installing them within the scheme. “You don’t need even to inform the other person, just provide such addresses in the interest of their safety and security,” he urged.

Alarms and funding

There was some good news regarding finding for socially monitored alarms when Garda Queally revealed that, contrary to a contention aired some weeks ago, government funding towards the devices had not been terminated. It was, however curtailed in the cases of fire alarms, CO2 and a few other categories.

There seems to be some evidence of foot dragging amongst the mandarins processing the applications mind you, as the garda spoke of forms being submitted, then returned for further information, re-submitted, returned etc., in what still seems to pass for normal behaviour amongst the pen pushers dictating government in this country amidst general tribulations. Nonetheless the hope remains, he sighed, that applications currently in train will be deemed successful in the coming weeks.

Garda Queally elaborated that those on the waiting list for the alarms were being prioritised in accordance with perceived need. Meanwhile, he reminded, all installed alarms remained the property of the community alert group and he asked that alarms that were no longer needed be returned so that they could be re-installed for others.

On other issues, it was revealed that the community alert group had installed 48 subsidised CO2 alarms this year. Unfortunately there were now no funds left to continue this sponsorship. The kitty maybe replenished somewhat with the group’s annual church gate collection on Sat & Sun July 7th/8th.

Neighbourhood Watch

Chairman Des Davis asked for an update on the town’s neighbourhood watch schemes. Garda Queally said he was currently awaiting further literature, stickers, pamphlets and relevant information to be forwarded to him. There had nonetheless been three such watches founded in past six months, at Copperally Close, Dun Corán and The Green. He agreed with the general view that one neighbourhood watch scheme comprising the four estates of The Rise, Dun Corán, The Green and Ridgewood made far more sense than individual projects per each estate and he would try to promote that concept. He felt the increased volume of numbers would be much more effective when seeking such requirements as speed bumps, etc.

As regarding forming further neighbourhood watch schemes, Garda Queally said “it just takes a few residents to convene and contact me.” Once ratified, there would be two co-ordinators appointed to work with the community garda in addressing whatever issues that arise.

In concluding proceedings, the chairman said six volunteers had so far signed up for the CARA Wellness pilot project. This scheme involves the volunteers home being monitored internally with high tech equipment and is considered the security system of the future. The technology would see centrally-monitored sensors installed in the home. These would interpret any changes in behaviour pattern along medical instrumentation to record physiological details such as blood pressure, heart illness, diabetes, dementia etc., etc. Volunteers must be 65 or over and be living alone.

The monthly reported crime and action statistics were unavailable for May’s meeting but subsequently provided. They read as follows: Criminal Damage: 5; Thefts from Shops: 3 (all solved); Drug Searches: 8; Possession of Drugs: 1Burglaries: 5; Drink Driving: 4; Assault Causing Harm: 1; Stolen car: 1;; Minor Assault: 1; Under-age Drinking: 1

President Michael D Higgins to attend the 3rd Annual Lismore Music Festival 2012

YoughalOnline — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:01 +0000

President Michael D Higgins & 200 School Children to attend a special performance of The Barber of Seville at The 3rd Annual Lismore Music Festival

Box office number for tickets 058 54975 or online at www.lismoremusicfetival.com

We are delighted to announce that President Michael D Higgins has accepted our invitation to attend the LMF Schools Opera Education/audience development performance this June Bank Holiday weekend. Great for the festival, the town and the school children who will be attending their first opera in the stunning surroundings of Lismore Castle. They are in for a treat with our new production of Rossini’s Barber of Seville.

The 3rd annual Lismore Music Festival, funded by the Arts Council, will take place in the stunning surroundings of Lismore Castle on 2nd and 3rd June 2012. This years expanded programme of events includes two performances of Rossini’s popular opera The Barber of Seville featuring Puerto Rican Tenor, Javier Abrue, Turkish born Soprano Pervin Chakar, irish singers Owen Gillhooly, Gerard O’Connor, Mark Duff, American Baritone Damon Nestor Ploumis and Sandra Oman in the converted stables of Lismore Castle.

Lismore Castle Entrance - Photographer Peter Power

The death has occurred of William ‘Nooche’ Kenefick

YoughalOnline — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:27:33 +0000

One of Youghal’s best loved citizens, William ‘Nooche’ Kenefick, has died after a short illness. He was 81 and is survived by his wife Agnes and a large family. Nooche presented the popular Sunday Morning Show on Community Radio Youghal, having been involved with the station since 1979. He served two terms as a member of Youghal Town Council and also served as the town’s first citizen (Mayor). Nooche played in goal for Youghal GAA club and won a County Championship with the club. He was also a GAA referee.

As well as his wife Agnes and family, he leaves behind a huge circle of friends and colleagues from Youghal and much further afield.

'The Voice of Youghal' - Nooche Kenefick

Speaking to CRY 104fm news, Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Eoin Coyne paid this tribute to Nooche, – “On behalf of Youghal Town Council i would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the Kenefick family on the passing of Nooche. Nooche was a member of Youghal Urban District Council for many years and in 1996 was the chairman of the Youghal Urban District Council. He was a fantastic servant to the town of Youghal both to YUDC and of course to CRY. He was essentially the voice of Youghal for many years. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Nooche Kenefick - "The face of community radio"

Community Radio Youghal’s secretary and founder Noel Cronin said about his friend Nooche “He was the daddy of us all here at CRY because he was the face of community radio , he epitomised community radio. Sunday morning won’t be the same here in Youghal because Sunday morning was Nooche Kenefick’s morning, you sat down and listened to Nooche and for all intents and purposes Nooche was talking directly to you. He had that unusual ability of communicating directly to everybody out there. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Agnes and all the family. Nooche will never ever be far from our thoughts here at Community Radio Youghal. We all looked up to you and indeed it’s a seat that will never be filled.

Local historian and regular guest on the Sunday Morning Show Michael Hackett paid this moving tribute, ‘Nooch was the life of the local Community Radio with a two-hour show every Sunday morning. It had the biggest listenership and brought in the biggest phone-call response. He was larger than life in every way, was great fun, a pleasure to encounter or listen to on the radio. He shall be so missed all over town.’ May he rest in peace.

The funeral arrangements for the late Nooche Kenefick are as follows -

Rosary, Tuesday 15th May, Egan’s Funeral Home at 7.30pm. Removal to Holy Family Church, Wednesday 16th May at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass, Thursday 17th May at 12 noon followed by Burial in North Abbey Cemetery.’

‘The pleasure of your company’ – The signature tune especially associated with Nooche’s Sunday Morning Show. Nooche it was indeed a pleasure to have your company.

Stanton launches Justice Committee Missing Persons Report

YoughalOnline — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:52:28 +0000

Stanton launches Justice Committee Missing Persons Report
Report highlights need to Child Rescue System

David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Justice Committee was pleased to launch the Committee’s report on Missing Persons last week. The report followed a series of Committee hearings, which invited groups involved in searches for missing persons and assistance for families affected, to discuss what can be done at national level to increase levels of help and support with missing person cases.

David Stanton TD, with teachers and students of Davis College, Mallow at the launch of the Justice Committee Report on Missing Persons

“I would hope that our Committee Report will make a meaningful contribution to help raise public awareness and public assistance in searching for those who have gone missing and in supporting families and friends,” said Deputy Stanton.

“The Committee strongly backs suggestions that were made to by groups to help achieve this and we are very aware of the need to explore further how to help and support families and those left behind. The never ending deep trauma, worry and sense of loss arising from not knowing how or why a loved one has gone missing, what has happened to him or to her, whether he or she is still alive or not was appreciated by all other Committee Members.

“The report recommends the establishment of a single helpline, Child Rescue Ireland, for those wishing to report a missing person. This would be similar to the internationally recognised amber alert system which will be used ‘when a child has been abducted and there is a reasonable suspicion of an immediate and serious risk to his or her health or welfare’. This telephone line should be staffed by fully trained personnel who can make the appropriate initial enquiries to allow quick commencement of any investigation.

“The Committee also believes that a national forum consisting of Gardaí, relevant State bodies and recognised NGOs that work in the area of missing persons should be established to ensure a viable, agreed and co-ordinated response system is put in place. Other key recommendations included the possible involvement of mobile phone service providers in the provision of an alert system for missing persons; a public information process, and the establishment of a National Missing Persons Day.

“During the hearings, I was particularly pleased to welcome the contribution from Davis College, Mallow, Co Cork. Students from this college undertook the very successful ‘Forget Me Not’ campaign as part of their transition year project to raise awareness of the issue of missing persons in Ireland. These students recently won first place at the National Final of the Young Social Innovators Awards, and have worked hard to have a National Missing Persons Day established which I believe the Minister for Justice is considering.

Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence and David Stanton TD, with teachers and students of Davis College, Mallow at the launch of the Justice Committee Report on Missing Persons

Click on video below to see Chairman David Stanton TD introduce Report on Missing Persons

Cinema club opens in Youghal

YoughalOnline — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:58:34 +0000

A CINEMA will return to Youghal next month, as the Access Cinema Club opens up in the town. The community based cinema club will give local audiences the opportunity to see a range of world films, not usually available on commercial screens. The club, which is being run as part of newly established, Yew Wood Venues, will be held at the Mall Arts Centre. Events manager Clodagh Mahon outlines that the cinema will be particularly relevant in the light of last year’s closure of the Regal Cinema.

Click on image to visit www.accesscinema.ie

Clodagh Mahon - Events Manager of 'Yew Wood Venues'

Info: http://thecorknews.ie/articles/cinema-club-opens-youghal-5558

‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ – Youghal Community Centre – Mon May 14th to Sat 19th 2012

YoughalOnline — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:28:55 +0000

The Cripple of Inishmaan’, directed by Finbar Hannon, features a highly talented cast, including some new exciting talent. It runs from Monday May 14th to Saturday 19th (incl) at The Youghal Community Centre. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Admission: €12.00. Over 15’s. Booking: Cree’s Card Shop Tel. No. 024 93899. This is a powerful, beautiful and very funny play. Don’t miss it!

Click here to read more

County Council Wants Urgent Funding To Restore Youghal Sea Wall

YoughalOnline — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:27:45 +0000

County Council Wants Urgent Funding To Restore Youghal Sea Wall
By Christy Parker

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL is to seek urgent funding to restore a section of sea wall in Youghal that collapsed 40 feet onto rocks due to coastal erosion. The 15-yard section lies within a 50 yard stretch between Youghal lighthouse and Moll Goggin’s Corner and borders the public footpath leading to the front strand.

The sudden collapse, at about 2 pm last Wednesday (9th May 2012), left a gaping hole in the four foot high wall that also forms part of the Slí na Sláinte walking trail. Gardaí and council staff raced to the scene and protective wire fencing was quickly erected. Youghal Town Clerk Liam Ryan expressed relief that nobody had been “injured or even killed.”

An emergency pathway has been installed at the scene of the collapsed wall

Senior Executive Engineer at Cork County Council, Dave Clarke, says a report by JODA Engineering Consultants, Cork will include assessment of the on-going stability of the adjacent road and will be forwarded with an application for emergency funding to the OPW. “Given the location, the potential for further deterioration and the threat to public safety, we are treating this as a matter of urgency and would hope to issue a contract to address the immediate problem very soon,” he says.

The collapse reflects an accelerating threat of structural deterioration in the scenic, windswept area. Two extended viewing balconies have also been fenced off in recent years amidst evidence of subsidence.

Following the closure of the second viewing balcony in 2009, a survey commissioned by Cork County Council concluded that a new retaining wall be installed, at an estimated cost of €180,000.

Mr. Clarke was unable to cite costing for the immediate work but confirmed that the county council would be renewing funding applications with regard to erosion in the general vicinity.

An emergency pathway has been installed at the scene and while two–way traffic remains in force, “this is under constant review,” says Mr. Clarke. He also strongly advises against accessing the rocks to view the collapse from beneath. “It remains an area prone to further collapse and there is also the danger of being cut off by a fast incoming tide,” he concluded.

The collapsed wall lies between Youghal lighthouse and Moll Goggin’s Corner

Subsidence under pavement.