Another lively day was had yesterday at the Spring Chickens Social Club. After a relaxing morning of Chair Yoga with Blathnaid Foley, the afternoon was spent with local photographer and archivist Micheal Hussey as we enjoyed seeing historical photos of Youghal and the families who live here. Members are invited to bring their own photos to these sessions, and yesterday we heard stories from Marie O’Sullivan and Therese O’Connell who talked about their own memories and sparked all kinds of stories from other members. The photos highlight the role of local families in creating a history of the town. 

We will be hosting more of these sessions in December, with a series of public heritage events planned for 2024. Our thanks to all who took part yesterday, and sincere thanks to Therese for letting us share just a few of her photos here.

For more information on the Spring Chickens Club, call 024 91900.

In front of O’Brien’s Sawmill, Cork Hill. Left to right: Therese O’Connell (née McCarthy), Jenny O’Shea (née McCarthy), Helen Downey

Always a popular game – local children play hurling in Copper-Alley

Presentation Convent school portrait

Mina Hallissey’s Nativity play in the Town Hall

 

 

Margaret & James McCarthy dancing at the American Wake in O’Connell’s of Cork Hill

 

The Slob Horse Races, Youghal

The McCarthy family who ran the pony rides on the Front Strand.

left to right: Eleanor Barry (née Seaward), her mum Nellie Seaward, Therése O’Connell (née McCarthy), Janie Doyle (née McCarthy), Bridget Downey (née McCarthy), James McCarthy on pony, Margaret & James McCarthy

 

 

And finally…the engagement photo of Therése’s grandparents, James O’Brien and Ellen O’Gleeson