FESTIVAL FANTASIA IN YOUGHAL Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 - The East Cork Journal
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DENISE FITZGERALD REPORTS
Aileen Ahern, Christina O’Flynn and Karen Farrell James, Georgia and Laura with mum, Joan Connon
Brother and sister, Conaill and Jennifer in their Youghal gear
Coran and Rebecca have lollipop power
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Sorcha and Natasha Kilgannon
Niamh and Sally Ann Quill with their homemade breads and pastries
EVERYONE agreed, it was the best Festival ever to grace the streets of Youghal. More than 5,000 people, young and not so young, male and female, thronged into the town of Youghal for the weekend of July 16th to 18th to see for themselves if so much fun and activity could really be available, free of charge. And they were not disappointed. A plethora of activities included the opening Mardi Gras Parade which was amazing, and featured not only the beautiful Queens of the Sea, but also several of the local clubs and organisations whose members were bedecked royally for the occasion. A BBQ and a Gala ball were just two of the evening events, and both were tremendous successes. On Saturday, the most comprehensive Food Festival was held in Barry’s Lane and included foods and drinks of all kinds, most of which were either locally baked or locally sourced. Children were hugely catered for in this brilliant Festival with hip Hop Dance Workshops, Story Telling, Sandcastle Building competition, Crab Catching from the quays, and Busking on the Main Street in Youghal, among many more. All these events took place in beautiful weather.
But...come Sunday and the rain arrived. Events which had been scheduled for Green Park were transferred across the road to the Walter Raleigh Hotel, and the fun and merriment continued on with the most varied of competitions for parents and children alike. The most glamorous event must have been the Queen of the Sea competition, and with well over thirty beautiful girls entered, the town took on a cloak of expectancy as to who would be the eventual winner. Compliments must be extended to each and every one of the “Queens Elect” for their presentation of themselves and their families all over the weekend. They were fun, friendly and courteous and it was easy to see the rapport that was built up between them. Suzie Fitzgibbon representing Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant and Hotel was the very popular and beautiful winner, but it must be said that most certainly there were no losers. Each and every one of the girls could have been Queen of the Sea, and it’s just a pity that only one could win. Congratulations to Suzie – an amazing royalty. And these fantastic girls contributed yet another wonderful surprise when it was announced that the Sponsor Card, which each Queen got for ISPCC Childline, raised the astonishing amount of €5000.
The organisers are absolutely delighted with the success of the Festival, but not quite as delighted, surely, as those who came along and availed of the wonderful programme of events on offer to them free of charge. At the closing ceremony of the event, Sal Tivy paid tribute to the hard-working committee who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible. “They were magnificent’, she said, ‘a fantastic, hard working team of ladies and 3 gents. I would personally like to express my thanks and say it was these people who made it such a successful event for Youghal, and it was my privilege to have worked with them.” The children, in particular, were the winners at the Festival having the most wonderful time, and the scenes must bring back great memories of family fun together. Which is what the main aim of this Festival was – to bring family fun back to the great town of Youghal, showcasing that the family circle never ends.
Local ladies support the festival
Cousins, Shauna, Kate, Erin, Jaydin and Zack
Eileen and Valerie Hunt, mother and sister of Kerry Rose, Veronica
Jamie Curtin and Leah Dowling supporting their friend Amanda
Liam and Cathal Marriga with fried, Cian Colman
Mother and daughter, Alison and Kay Curtin at Condon’s flower stall
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