'We love welcoming people': Museums in Youghal bring new life and old memories

THE visitor experience to sweet Youghal Bay and the town of Youghal has been enhanced by the recent opening of the Youghal Film and Photography Museum and the Kathleen & May Experience Museum on Main Street.

The Youghal Lace Museum is opening in September.

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening, deputy county mayor Mary Linehan Foley, extended a warm céad míle fáilte to the droves of dignitaries, locals and visitors who turned up for the occasion.

“We love welcoming people to this wonderful town and surrounds in east Cork,” said Ms Foley.

“Youghal has so much going for it; people have fierce pride in their town.

“These museums are a testament to our vibrant spirit. They are a window into our past, a chance to revive the magic of cinema, and to honour the remarkable Kathleen & May.”

The people of Youghal are can-do people.

“These museums wouldn’t be here without the extraordinary dedication of our volunteers,” added Ms Foley.

“These are the people who poured their hearts, time and passion into bringing these projects to life. Filling empty shops with cultural spaces like this is exactly what we need to attract visitors and to energise Youghal.”

Both themed museums on Main Street were two of a hundred or more empty business premises in Youghal. A group of community activists got together and requested that a small niche of museums be created on Main Street to attract more people into the town.

“The vacant premises were a sad reality, but also a real opportunity,” said chairman of Youghal Heritage, Bryan Mohally.

“I’ve lived here for 40 years now, and Main Street always looked sad.”

That all changed as enthusiastic community volunteers prepared to open the doors of the first two historical museums; Youghal Film and Photography Museum, (YFPM), in what used to be a butcher’s shop and the Kathleen & May Experience Museum by the Clock Tower.

“People can come here and dive into the rich tapestry of Youghal’s film and photography heritage,” said Michael Hussey, graduate of the BA in Film and Screen Media UCC.

The exhibits of digitalised photos which together with vintage footage, reflects much of Ireland’s social, political and sporting history through the prism of local communities.

“Here at YFPM, every image tells a story and every frame preserves a piece of history.”

The wealth of archival material including film, photographs and vintage cameras include 1,000 photographs seldom seen. The depiction of the filming of Moby Dick in 1954 is of particular interest to locals.

“There was once a shop, Pop Donovan, perched on the cliff near the lighthouse,” said local historian Dr Kieran Groeger.

“It was very attractive shop, and the photograph of the shop and the background is magnificent. The iconic photo reminds people of a lot of good memories.”

A historic incident during the Irish Civil war was also recorded on camera.

“Michael Collins’ troops took over Youghal, and proceeded to climb the Clock Tower and place the Irish flag atop the tower,” added Mr Groeger.

“In the chemist shop across the road, someone took a photo of the amazing sight.” We can see the historical scene in the YFPM Museum in all its glory.

“The role of Youghal’s Horgan Brothers, Jim Tom, and film who were the first filmmakers in Ireland and pioneers in the evolution of film and Photography in Ireland in the late 1800s, is well documented.” A familiar sight over the years sailing into Youghal Bay, photographs of the Kathleen & May over the years are also housed on Main Street.

“It was a fantastic boat,” said Mr Groeger.

The Kathleen & May is the only remaining three-masted wooden topsail schooner and her history describes her second maiden voyage to Youghal.

“The owner had three daughters,” added Mr Groeger.

“One boat he named Nellie Fleming, and he named this boat the Kathleen & May. We approached the Government with the suggestion of putting the boat into dry dock here as a tourist attraction but that was knocked back. The reason being it would cost between €140,000 to €150,000 a year.”

People seeking to visit a piece of history can travel by road, boat or automobile to Youghal.

“We had a small contingent of tour guides and travel agents, 20, visit the museums for the opening,” said Mr Groeger.

“They arrived by boat.

“And there are two cruise ships arriving here in August. Camera clubs and community clubs around Ireland are showing huge interest in visiting the museums and we can cater for them out-of-hours with a knowledgeable committee member on site to provide background information if needs be.” Kieran is excited to be involved in the promotion of the town he loves so well.

“Our museums are a treasure trove of cinematic and photographic wonders now available to everybody,” added Mr Groeger.

From little acorns, oak trees grow.

“The regeneration of the town is very important to us,” said Mr Mohally.

“Youghal should be our Kinsale. We pride ourselves on our town.” There are future plans afoot to revitalise the footfall on Main Street.

“Going forward we hope to open cafes and souvenir shops in the museums,” added Mr Mohally.

“We are very fortunate to have many interested people on board, including Youghal Active Retirement Association (YARA).

The massive community effort is putting Youghal firmly on the map.

“It is a combined community effort,” said Mr Mohally.

“Everybody, young and old rolled up their sleeves to provide their skills and manpower to get the show on the road.”

• YFPM availed of county council loan, €9,000. The Department of Film and Screen Media are associated with the project now open to the public 11m-4pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.