The Mall Arts Centre – Youghal

‘Yew Wood Venues’- Youghals Premier Venues

The Mall Arts Centre & St. Mary’s Collegiate Church

Youghal Venues Yield €280,000 to Local Economy in Two Years

‘Yew Wood Venues’ – the new name behind Youghal’s Premier Venues – The Mall Arts & St. Mary’s Collegiate Church contributed in excess of €280,000 to the local economy of Youghal in two years according to surveys undertaken in accordance with Failte Ireland’s Festivals and Cultural Events Research Template.  The venues are run by The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group who currently lease the buildings from Youghal Town Council.

In building upon the success of the venues to date, the two venues are to be re-branded and will now fall under the title of ‘Yew Wood Venues’.  Yew Wood – the english translation of Eochaill – encapulates both unique venues of Youghal.  A new base and booking office will operate from ‘The Coach House’ of ‘Enterprise Youghal’ in Emmet Place.

The expansion plan of ‘Yew Wood Venues’ focuses on Youghal’s commercial and contemporary arts potential. Joyce Hosford, Events Manager of Yew Wood Venues commented “We are encouraging local artists to exhibit their works in the Mall Arts Centre and we are focusing on attracting and developing local and emerging talent. We are seeking to utilise the Mall Arts Centre to its full potential as well as seeking to explore contemporary arts events. In order to do so, we envisage a ‘bottom up’ approach to our developmental plan – that is, there is a hugely strong community arts base in Youghal and we aim to support and nurture such talent.  The vision is to ensure Youghal is a recognised centre of Arts excellence, built upon the strengths of the community”.

To date, the venues have delivered a range of productions across the arts spectrum, from visual to music, dance to drama.  This has made huge impact on the local economy – events which have been running in the Yew Wood Venues have contributed €280,000 over 2 years to the local economy.

Reffering to the economic spin-off to the local community, Manager of The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, Aileen Murray said: “The future plans of Yew Wood Venues also focuses on developing the local economy and boosting local businesses through ‘spin off’ revenue generated from events taking place. These venues share a common goal with many businesses and organisations within the Youghal community – to help increase the number of people visiting and investing in Youghal.  Failte Ireland identified that the average visitor attending an event in Youghal will spend on average between €30 and €55”, said Aileen.

The continued development of attendances at the venues will be crucial to the venues ongoing success. In order to achieve this, there will be several initiatives undertaken through marketing, education and outreach functions. For example, the well supported Sacred Roots events, which took place in St Marys Collegiate Church will recommence shortly. These events helped to promote the arts to the youths of Youghal as well as generating much support and recognition from the community and a far. Other such developmental programmes will encourage local artists to take residence in the Mall Arts Centre and exhibit their art on a monthly basis. Yew Wood Venues will also continue to support St. Raphaels and their future projects.

In aiming to develop new captive audiences within the community, Yew Wood Venues will commence a monthly film club hugely significant considering Youghal’s strong history of interest in film. This will be a low cost means of art and cultural activity and a means for those who wish to develop their interest in cinematic art.

David McSavage, the comedian of the infamous RTE production ‘Savage Eye’, will take to the stage of the Mall Arts Centre on Saturday 25th February at 8pm. Tickets are now available. 2012 will also see hilarity from the legendary Brendan Grace, a Shakesperean play, a Moby Dick production, the family favourite Lambert Puppet Theatre and the welcomed return of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne to name a few.  Plans are also underway to host a number of large-scale contemporary cultural and arts events which at time of press are still under negotiation.

“It is imperative in such a close community with numerous venues, we target to our specific audience and market the event accordingly” states Joyce Hosford. “We are hugely enthusiastic about the year ahead. It is great to have a permanent base, an office where people can come and meet me, discuss future plans, propose ideas, highlight queries or book tickets” she added.

In the current climate, it is imperative that local resources are utlised to their maximum potential. Yew Wood Venues is starting 2012 with much enthuasism and positivity for the year ahead. With this rebranding, also brings a very strong and forward thinking developmental plan for the Mall Arts Centre and St Marys Collegiate Church to accompany this new title.

Yew Wood Venues office is in the Coach House of the Entreprise Centre, Emmet Place – just next to St. Marys Collegiate Church. The office will be open 5 days a week and contact number is 083-3606507 or 024-81823.

Yes, it’s definitely Christmas! Santa is here!  Santa certainly visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3^rd December 2011, Santa made a spectacular entrance on water with the help of local sailing school, Aquatrek to the Quayside in Youghal.  Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, Santa was transported on horse with his ‘one horse open sleigh’ to The Mall Arts Centre for an afternoon of free fun and festivities where the children of Youghal were treated to a ‘free’ Santa visit.

Hundreds of kids turned out to greet Santa on the day, which saw the Youghal Pipe Band give of their time to accompany Santa to Market Square in the town for the turning on of the Christmas Lights. The occasion was made all the more special with a blessing by Canon Browne of the Christmas Crib which was presented by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development.  Speaking about the event, organiser Clodagh Mahon thanked all those who assisted in making the event possible.  “This event was meant to really lift the spirits of the families of Youghal and I really believe we managed to achieve that even for one day.   We wanted to take the pressure off many hard-pressed families, providing a ‘free-Santa’ visit on the day.  Our sponsors once again allowed us to undertake an entirely free event, really demonstrating the community Christmas spirit in the town.”

Local Mum, Zara Kelly was thrilled with the day, commenting: “Well done to everyone involved in the festivities. It was a fantastic day and very well organised and run by those involved. My 3 year old woke up this morning and said “Mom and Dad, thank you for my lovely day yesterday”. Her smiles were all down to the hard work ye put into it. Thanks so much to all involved.

Following on the party atmosphere, the stunning surroundings of Youghal’s 13^th century St. Mary’s Collegiate Church played host to the inaugural Medieval Christmas Market on Sunday 4^th December 2011. With over 1200 people attending the event, it proved to be a  one-stop shop for all Christmas gifts with in excess of 15 first class indoor stands on show.  The magnificent setting showcased craft and food products of the highest calibre, including quality textiles, pottery, children’s medieval themed arts and crafts, jewellery, fine art, sculpture, confectionary, jams and preserves, cheeses and many more.  Warmed mulled wine was on hand to warm the cockles of visitors as they browsed and was very gladly received by the visitors!   This event was proudly organised by local volunteer, Catherine Desmond of the Youghal Heritage Committee.  “We were really thrilled with the turnout on the day, and hope to build on the success of this year in years to come.  This venue is such a wonderful setting, and is just another event in the calendar year to celebrate Youghal’s Medieval past, following on from the annual Medieval Festival each August.

Santa visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3^rd December at 2.00pm this year in Youghal, Co. Cork, Father Christmas is set to arrive on water with the help of local sailing school; Aquatrek to the Quay-side.

Events are set to kick-start the seaside town’s annual Christmas festive season celebrations. Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, a ‘free’ Santa visit for all the children in Youghal will follow from 2.15 – 4.30 pm in the Mall Arts Centre.

Santa’s horse, and his ‘one horse open sleigh’ will collect Santa following his arrival from Youghal Bay to Nealon’s Quay.  Accompanying Santa will be the lucky winner of the Youghal Primary School’s colouring competition to The Mall Arts Centre where an afternoon of free fun will ensue.  Kids of all ages will enjoy the festivities from with a ‘free Santa visit’, face-painting, and Barty’s disco will only add to the festive atmosphere!

At 4.30 pm Santa will lead Youghal’s very own Pipe Band on their march to Market Square for the official turning on of Youghal’s Christmas Lights which has been organised by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development.

Speaking about the event, organiser Clodagh Mahon thanked all those who assisted in making the event possible.  “With so much doom and gloom about, we wanted to ensure that this day was extra special for the families of Youghal.  The many sponsors of the event allowed us to undertake an entirely free event, really demonstrating the community Christmas spirit in the town.  We are expecting a large turn-out which will only add to the atmosphere on the day.”

For more details log onto: www.youghal.ie or Facebook page: ‘whatsonyoughal’.

The Mall Arts Centre  - Youghals Premier Civil Ceremony Venue

Elegant and intimate or lavish and alternative, The Mall Arts Centre can be tailored for every bride’s desires. Venue hire available for civil ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding receptions and much more!

Nestled on the shores of the Blackwater River, The Mall Arts Centre is a spectacularly sited 230 year old venue that has two enchanting locations for your civil ceremony.

For intimate ceremonies with up to 40 guests, the Glass Annex overlooking the waters of Blackwater River is a beautifully romantic choice. This bright and airy glass foyer opens directly onto the seafront with a large terrace area  – ideal for a drinks reception.

The classic Ballroom is suitable for larger parties of up to 200 guests. The high ceilings and imposing windows of the Ballroom are truly magnificent. This Ballroom is also the ideal choice for wedding receptions.

The Mall Arts Centre is an approved venue for Civil Marriages. The event manager will guide you through your preparation leading up to your Special Day and will ensure the day itself runs seamlessly.

Venue hire for civil ceremonies is just 100 plus VAT for the entire day! For drinks receptions and wedding receptions, speak to our experienced event manager for more details.

Contact 083 360 6507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com for more information!

Recent reviews of Eric Sweeneys Organ improvisation to Silent Movies – just to give you a taste of what is to come!

Enhanced by improvised organ accompaniment by Eric Sweeney, the uncanny tale of murder and madness was made even more atmospheric by the haunting vaults of St Canice’s Cathedral (Irish Times 6th August 2011)

With Eric Sweeney and 3epkano providing the live score, one of the most important horror movies in the history of cinema, Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari became the first movie to ever be screened in St Canice’s Cathedral. For seventy minutes the audience sat spellbound by the tale of Dr Caligari and his somnambulist Cesare as well as the beautiful compositions of 3epkano and Eric Sweeney….It’s a movie I’ve seen several times before but it was quite special to see it in a venue like St Canice’s and, especially with this new live score, it has never looked so good. (kilkennyarts.ie/blog/article/review)

Christ Church Cathedral brought their Organ Festival to a close with a really scary showing of the classic silent movie Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari as their contribution to the Imagine Festival… Eric Sweeney on the organ with his own improvised score made my flesh creep with wonderful scary passages of music that were so apt to the visual content. Eric Sweeney provided over seventy minutes of atmospheric music and his work was the perfect accompaniment….Great night and heaps and loads of praise for a classy sensitive composer – Eric Sweeney!  (Munster Express)

The Phantom is making his way to St Marys Collegiate Church very soon!

The Phantom of the Opera – an Organ Improvisation by Eric Sweeney to the silent movie.

St Mary Collegiate Church has been home to a wide variety of events down through the ages – however it will be the first occasion that this serene setting will screen a movie.

Renowned Irish composer and organist Eric Sweeney will perform a live organ improvisation to the film The Phantom of the Opera. This adored film will be shown in its original silent version on a large screen in the imposing archway of St Marys Collegiate Church, with the astounding organ recital to accompany.

The chosen venue of St Marys Church is of the utmost antiquity, being one of the oldest Christain sites in Ireland. The apt and eerie surroundings of the Church along with the remarkable ecoustics will acutely intensify and augment this event. Unquestionably, the venue itself, coupled with the supreme talent of Eric Sweeney, makes this event particularily momentous.

Eric Sweeney is the organist and choirmaster of Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford. He was Choral Director at RTE for a number of years as well as the Head of Music at Waterford Institute of Technology. He has become well known for his sold out performances of organ improvisations to a wide variety of silent movies.

The event takes place on Friday 11^th November 2011 in St Marys Collegiate Church, Youghal at 8pm. Tickets are 12.50 euro for adults and 10 euro for concessions. Purchase tickets from Youghal Tourist Office or reserve tickets by contacting Joyce on 083-3606507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com. Prior booking advised – to avoid disappointment!

The Church is a wonderful and mystical setting – whilst we will attempt to make it as comfortable as possible – warm clothing is very much advised!

LAMBERT PUPPET THEATRE Presents BOSCO and ‘HANSEL & GRETEL’

The legendary Bosco is coming to Youghal! Let the magical story of ‘Hansel & Gretel’ grasp the imaginations of your young ones and let Bosco entertain and engage with all. This is a great family day out that should not be missed!

The Lambert Puppet Theatre is now widely recognised as the Premier Touring Puppet Theatre Company in Ireland and also internationally renowned for its many fine productions in Theatres throughout Ireland, UK and Europe.

From its earliest beginning the Lambert family has been involved with RTE, working on the hugely popular series Wanderly Wagon featuring the Late Eugene Lambert and Judge.

Paula Lambert was the ‘Bosco’ voice on TV for seventeen years and indeed BOSCO is still a firm favourite with the younger children and will make a nostalgic appearance in the opening part of the Show.

This is a beautifully produced show with large puppets, colourful sets and exquisite lighting and is suitable for an age group up to ten years of age.

The show will take place in the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Sunday 20^th November 2011 at 2.30pm.

Tickets are 10 euro. To reserve tickets, please contact Joyce on 083-3606507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com. 

CULTURE NIGHT – SEPTEMBER 24TH

St. Mary’s Collegiate Church took part in the very first Culture Night held in Youghal. We had two local ceramic artists exhibiting their works, Andrea Cashell and Teresa Watkins, Ian Sexton gave a fantastic organ recital and Una Whyte gave a magical recital on the harp.

6 other venues took part in the evening’s free entertainment around town.

Artists Andrea Cahesll & Teresa Watkins, exhibiting their work

Beautiful ceramic flower by Andrea

Andrea showing Teresa Watkins her latest collection of ceramic flowers

Works by Teresa Watkins, based on engravings from St Mary's Collegiate Church

Teresa Watkins, Andrea Cashell with her twin sister Nessa, sisters Margaret, Susan and Martina Kiely enjoying Culture Night.

local talented harpist Una Whyte performed for the crowd

Una Whyte

LAKEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHOIR – SEPTEMBER 29th

The delightful and talented Presbyterian Church Choir from Lakewood, Florida.

Lakewood Prebyterian Church Choir from Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

Mossie Whelan

Pat Shortt played to a full  house las Friday night, November 26th at The Mall Arts centre.  On his last night of his recent tour “The Hall”, Pat played to a full and happy house !

Set in the community hall of a small rural town, The Hall features an array of madcap characters brought to life in Pat Shortt’s inimitable style.

With the headlining act missing, Drama Group chairman, local shopkeeper and would-be comedian, Mossie Whelan enters the spotlight, with a bottle of wine to give him courage.

Pat Shortt playing Dixie Walsh

Just when it looks like the night will be a complete disaster, all is saved by the arrival of singing sensation, Dixie Walsh. Fresh from a tour of the entire diocese on the back of his hit single The Jumbo Breakfast Roll, the ever popular Dixie gets the crowd going with his follow up hit single, Where Did My Money Go?

A great night’s entertainment was had by all in Youghal at The Mall Arts Centre.

Gerry, the caretaker mingling in the crowd...

Recently we had the pleasure of welcoming the great choral ensemble Anuna to perform in our beautiful 13th century, St Mary’s Collegiate Church and to give a free workshop the following day in The Mall Arts Centre.

What a weekend we had !

One of the most quintessentially Irish acts on the current musical scene, Anúna perform material spanning a thousand years of history.   Their unique performance style and ethereal, haunting music have garnered critical acclaim and  and an enormous international following over the last two decades.

Founder Michael McGlynn, introducing each singer to the audience

Founded by Dublin composer Michael McGlynn in 1987, Anúna’s name derives from the collective term for the three ancient types of Irish music, Suantraí (lullaby), Geantraí (happy song) and Goltraí (lament).

What a performance from this great choir.   The voices, the  costumes, the candles and in such a great setting.  It was a performance that one doesn’t get to experience every day.  It was haunting, magical, absolutely brilliant !  It was a visual and magical spectacle.

In addition to their performance on Friday evening, Anúna gave a workshop for singers, on Saturday 5 November at the Mall Arts Centre.  The workshop was aimed at local singers and choir members, and  focused on the physicality of singing, with participants learning tips and new techniques on voice production, use of the face, posture, voice projection, confidence and many other aspects.

These workshops were offered free of charge to choirs and individual singers on a first come basis.  Over 80 men and women took part from local choirs, individuals and groups coming from as far as Waterford and West Cork.

We can’t wait for Michael and his team to come back again to Youghal very very soon !