Pages

Monday, August 31, 2009

Cobh & Harbour Chamber Summer Swing Finale!

This Saturday, 5th September, the Summer Swing will come to a close for this season. A fun filled day of family entertainment is planned and there is sure to be something to suit everyone.

Kicking off at 1pm will be the lyrical sounds of trad with Diarmuid Moroney and Niamh Halligan. These will be followed by the very talented ‘Driftwood’ whose rock influences include Jimi Hendrix and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers right down the scale to the soothing tones of Mozart! While to finish off the day’s entertainment the infamous Us2 will bring the day to a close.

In addition to the musical entertainment there will be a host of Food and Arts/Crafts stalls, free paintballing fun with Kartworld, and the talented Kevin & Amy will keep the children entertained with face painting and balloon antics.

Hopefully the weather will be good but if not the Commodore Hotel have kindly allowed us the use of the Jack Doyle Room in the event of rain.

The Cobh & Harbour Chamber would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the businesses who have supported this years Summer Swing.

43rd International Deep Sea Angling Festival & Cobh Youth Festival

GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS TAKING PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL DEEP SEA ANGLING FESTIVAL THIS WEEK - and here’s hoping that the weather stays fine for the COBH YOUTH FESTIVAL at the weekend!

The Deep Sea Angling Festival runs until 4th September
For further information, contact:
Mrs.Mary Geary,
Tel: (021) 4812167
e-mail: seaangling@esatclear.ie

The Cobh Youth Festival takes place on the quay side on 4th, 5th and 6th september - tell everyone bigger and better than ever!
Contact Adam Foley 086 3482750 http://www.bebo.com/cobhnonameclub

POST

Sirius Arts Centre
Cobh, County Cork
presents

POST
CORK•NEW YORK•BERLIN•COBH

An exhibition by
Stuart Coughlan and Declan Rooney
Opening reception
Thursday 3 September 7pm

Running until Sunday 27 September

POST is an exhibition based on the long running visual dialogue between two artists, Berlin based Declan Rooney and cork Based Stuart Coughlan.

This dialogue, conducted through the traditional postal system reflects both artists interest in mark making, collecting ephemera, ritual, repetition and personal mythologies. With the widespread use of electronic media, communication has become more immediate and sanitized. The artists reflect on the comparative slowness of the traditional mail system and the tactile qualities of paper, card and tape as it passes through hands, modes of transportation and crosses land and sea.



Gallery Hours

Wednesday – Friday 11AM – 5pm/Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 5pm/Monday & Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday, August 26, 2009


SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE
Cobh, County Cork
PRESENTS

AN EVENING WITH
JIMMY CROWLEY

One of Cork’s Finest Singer Songwriters

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST 8pm

Tickets €16

A rare acoustic performance in the Sirius Arts Centre

To book tickets or for more information contact us at 021 481 3790 or via email at cobharts@iol.ie

Monday, August 24, 2009

SUMMER SWING SERIES CONTINUES

"All the Fun of the Fayre"

Brian O'Hanlon & Band - just one of the acts which will perform
on Sunday 30th August ongoing from 1 pm to 8 pm

All gigs will take place in Kennedy Park (The Prom), Cobh.

The Summer Swing fun family day on Sunday 30th August is sure to be a winner! Contingency plans are in place should the weather turn against us. The entertainment will be moved to the Jack Doyle Room of the Commodore Hotel should the rain bucket down!

Despite the weather it promises to be a great day as we bid an ‘adieu’ to the Independence of the Seas as she pays her last call to Cobh for the season. Diarmuid and Niamh will kick off the musical performances with a host of traditional Irish music, they will be followed by Cork’s up and coming talent Brian O’Hanlon & Band. Brian has just released his new album ‘Switched’, which consists of eleven original songs, each providing a combination his high-energy guitar playing, melodious vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Come and see him in Cobh before he is snapped up. The Sons of Steve MacQueen will be next up and there will be tango lessons and dancing displays, mini golf, face painter, bouncing castle and a host of markets with food, arts & crafts and much, much more.


These events are supported by SECAD and are part of the Cobh Calls initiative. For further information please visit www.cobhcalls.com or www.cobhharbourchamber.ie

Monday, August 17, 2009

‘The Journey’ – Inaugural Exhibition of Sculpture & Fine Art at the Clock Tower Gallery, Cobh

It is said that art mirrors life. It is fitting then, that the inaugural exhibition of Sculpture, Photography, Fine Art, and Video Art of both new and established artists,
which runs from 28 August until 20 September, at the Clock Tower Gallery Cobh,
showcases life so memorably.

Life’s journey has brought many artists to our shores, whether through birth or relocation. Fusion has become a popular word in Irelands arts scene. And nowhere can the phrase be applied more comfortably than to the work of Sanyanga.

Blessing Sanyanga’s journey commenced in Zimbabwe.
From the Shona tribe, which is internationally recognised as having produced the world’s best stone carvers, Sanyanga has combined the influences of that tradition with Celtic symbolism.
The concentric circles favoured by the celts are interspersed in the curving lines, characteristic of Shona art. His sculptures are inspired by his country’s nomadic tradition, family, journeying and history.
In many works he preserves the texture of the stone, highlighting the way in which the sculpture has developed. “I allow the sculpture to come out of the stone, it is in there, and it is my job to bring it out.” Blessing works with Irish limestone, Italian sandstone and wonderful African green opal.

NowWhatRichview, Dublin, ‘A Day in the Light’ features a collaboration of ten peoples Journey Across Ireland from East to West on 29th July 09. Photographs and video images taken were then digitally manipulated to create a single printed digital collage and a video installation, to show the changing light, rhythms, space, time, weather of the the day.

Christ Watts, a conceptual documentary photographer, exhibits his latest body of work titled ‘What they left behind’, a story of loss, hope and change as part of the Irish Social landscape.

Photographic works by Patrick Hough, National College of Art & Design, RDS Student Art awards exhibitor 2009. Part of a body of works of ‘The Great Irish Famine’, “dissonances of the Hollywood Image”

Fine Art exhibits include works by Philip Gray, Martin Stone, Elsie Sheridan, Derek Lyons, Gary Snelling, Dolores Stephenson, Kerry Collins, Hazel Revington Cross, Other mediums; Siobhan Leonard, Sinead Kiely, Leon McCarthy, Dave Russell, Lukas Becker, Jim O’Halloran, Alona Klaro and Anthony Sheridan.

“The longest journey begins with the first step”
Enter the Clock Tower Gallery, Cobh and join their journey.
Itineraries will be provided.

Open 7 days a week, 10 – 6 weekdays, 11 – 6 weekends.
Contact us on 021 4815148 or email info@clocktowergallery.ie






Notes to Editor:

Official opening by Alice Taylor, Author & Poet.
Her novel “The Parish”, recently won ‘best Irish published book of the year’.

Alice recalls many ‘American Wakes’ before people departed from Queenstown
(now Cobh).
A.Taylor “departures now are not so sad, the young journey but return like swallows and then fly off again to new shores”
Her latest book of poetry, documenting her own life, and also titled The Journey,
will be launced in October of this year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cobh has a history of journeying, from the convict ships that departed for Australia,
emmigrant ships to American, the Irish Naval Service, and today is a major port for travellers departing from and arriving to our shores.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The effect of immigration on the Irish artscape has yet to be fully realised.
As Sfrican and Asian communities develop around the country, influences other thatn European will gradually change the face of irish art.
A forebear of that change is the work of Cork-based Zimbabwean sculptor Blessing Sanyanga.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sanyanga champions an Irish tradition of stone carving that predates the christian art of the High Crosses, generally regarded to be the last period for which Irish sculpture was famed.
The work of artists such as Sanyanga could represent a rejuvenation of Irish stone sculpture that has languished in ovscurity for years.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Clock Tower Gallery, a listed building dating from 1850’s , opened as an
Art Gallery and Exhibition Centre in April 2009, showcasing works of art produced in Ireland by established artists and encouraging young artists to exhibit their art.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Australia Day in Cobh

Australia Day in Cobh

Experience “Down under” – right here

Sunday 23rd August is promising to be a unique day for Cobh as 1500 Australians on a World Cruise aboard the Cruise liner Dawn Princess step foot on Irish soil. To celebrate, Cobh Tourism and the See You in Cobh committee have worked together over the past few months to organise the first ever “Australia Day” in Cobh.

The day’s festivities are aimed at enticing people from the entire Cork region to come to Cobh to experience a taste of “Down under” right here. Everything from Australian wine and beer tasting to musical entertainment, art exhibitions and even surfing displays are included in a day that will have something for everyone and give people a taste of life in Australia.

Local businesses have been enthusiastic about entering the shop window display competition and many have devised special promotions to coincide with the event. A number of restaurants are also adding an Australian flavour to their menus. On the streets the aromas and sizzle of barbecues and food stalls will tickle the taste buds and local arts and crafts producers will display their colourful goods. Wine Australia Ireland will have free wine tasting and Cobh’s Carry Out Off Licence will have Australian beer to sample. ForeignAFares Travel agents will be on hand to answer any queries about holidaying in Australia. Tubes Surf shop and Eddie English’s SailCork will ensure that outdoor pursuits enthusiasts are also catered for.

As well as creating an Australian atmosphere throughout the town, local performers will ensure that the Australian visitors will be immersed in Irish music and dance. Aoife Ryan’s Irish dancers, Luasca Trad group, Diarmuid Moroney and Niamh Halligan, Buster Luscombe and Amadáns and Bodhráns will have locals and visitors alike tapping their feet.

The Australian Ambassador Ms Anne Plunkett will be in Cobh throughout the day as a guest of the Port of Cork and will attend a function aboard the Dawn Princess. Cobh Town Council will host a Civic Reception for the Ambassador in Cobh Museum where records of people who emigrated or were transported to Australia are held. The strong links between Spike Island and Australia will be outlined in a brief lecture by Michael Martin followed by a concert by Ryan Morgan. Tickets are available from the Sirius Arts Centre. Jack Gilmartin will give another fascinating tour of the Old Church Cemetery at 2.30 pm and the Waterford based Irish Coastguard helicopter will give an Air Sea Rescue Display.

As well as all these events there are art exhibitions in the Clock Tower Gallery and Sirius Arts Centre, a Carillon recital on the bells of St. Colman’s Cathedral, Harbour tours and all the other attractions that Cobh has to offer.

The Cobh Confraternity Band will play on the quayside as the Dawn Princess sails for Le

Havre to continue its 104 night odyssey around the World. Perhaps the traditional “Anchor’s Aweigh” will be replaced by “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” as 1500 happy Australians are given a traditional Cobh farewell with white handkerchiefs and Australian and Irish flags waving.

For full details of all events in Cobh on that day see www.visitcobh.com/australiaday.html.

ENDS



Further information from:

Hendrick Verwey

Chairman Cobh Tourism

087 2593850

Sheree Clem’s Blog on the World Cruise aboard Dawn Princess http://clemsworldcruise.blogspot.com/

Information on the Dawn Princess http://www.linersincobh.com/gpage27.html

Friday, August 7, 2009

Cobh Calls Main events


Cobh Calls you to our exciting season of festive events!

Summer Swing Series
- Free Concerts All Summer Long!
22 free concerts take place in Kennedy Park (locally known as the Prom) many coincide with Cobh’s frequent liner visits. The Cobh & Harbour Chamber offer a varied programme of free entertainment for all – especially on Sundays! Extra dates 30 Aug & 5 Sept include fun family entertainment, food/arts/crafts stalls and live musical performances all day.

Cobh People’s Regatta
14th – 16th Aug
Three fun filled daysof free entertainment for all the family! A huge array of fun events, sailing and rowing races, dancing, food & craft stalls and live music. Friday features the Festival Queens, races, busking, live music & dancing. Saturday
is Kiddies day with fancy dress and mini queens. Sunday – the free family day, will see the tug of war, crab fishing, trawler race, parades, presentations, dancing and more – all culminating in a magnificent fireworks display.

Australia Day
23rd August
From Australia, Dawn Princess will arrive in Cobh to a fanfare welcome! Over 1500 Australians will be welcomed to Cobh as part of their 104 night World cruise from Sydney. For local visitors to the town, the Australian themed fete will feature barbecues, shop window displays, Aussie wine & beer tasting, live music & dance, family fun, outdoor pursuits and our finest local Irish foods & crafts.
T. +353 (0)87 2593850 www.visitcobh.com

Cobh Blues Experience
25th – 27th Sept
Blockbuster Blues All Over Town! Cobh comes alive to the rhythm of the blues with bands playing in 8 pubs plus all the hotels in Cobh for 3 whole days! Saturday will be a family day with live music playing on the Prom and many other features including music workshops for minors at the Sirius Arts Centre. For further info. Contact Paul on +353(0)87 2073067


Our Formula for Fun also includes:


• Art Exhibitions & Concerts at the Sirius Arts Centre
Tel +353 (0)214813790
• 31 Aug – 4 Sept Cobh International Sea Angling Festival +353(0)214812167
Liner Visits
• Farmers Markets with local foods & Crafts
• Carillon Recitals
…and don’t forget all the rest that Cobh has to offer for a great day out: Exhibitions, water sports, sailing, boat trips, walking tours, great food, great craic and more...
Tourism info office: +353 (0)214813301

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

‘Cobh Calls’ is the Name of the Game for Cobh’s Festivals & Events!


A brand new pilot initiative is being launched this week, which will see all of Cobh’s festivals and events pulling together to help each other out, under a collective joint banner ‘Cobh Calls’.

Cobh comes alive every summer with music and song, entertainment and fun for all the family with many festive events taking place. Under the auspices of SECAD, this pilot scheme is being launched to bring existing tourism related events together to support each other in whatever practical way possible. Much like the Cork Midsummer Festival, this will be through co-promotion and a reduction of their existing promotional costs, such as fliers.

The initiative is being coordinated by Kathleen Geary, CEO Cobh & Harbour Chamber of Commerce, and the promotional aspects are being project managed by Margot Mulcahy. President of the Cobh and Harbour Chamber, Michael Martin, noted. “There is always something going on in Cobh to entertain you, with several annual festivals, plus 54 cruise liner visits this year alone! All our major events include Farmers Markets, musical entertainment and family fun. Added to that is all the rest that Cobh has to offer. We have ongoing carillon recitals at St Colman’s Cathedral, galleries and exhibitions to browse through, history to be explored, activities such as sailing, golf, boat trips and walking tours - plus the best food and Irish craic to be found anywhere!”

A broader aspect of this SCEAD project is to directly increase the number of local businesses, particularly local food and crafts, participating in these events and promoting their products on the streets. Local businessman, Peter Kidney, has had a major role to play in bringing local artisans to all of Cobh’s festive events with a fine selection of local foods and craft stalls.

Cobh Calls includes the Cobh Peoples Regatta on 14th to 16th August – the oldest and best regatta in Ireland; the Summer Swing Series of free musical entertainment on the promenade on the 30th Aug and 5th September; Australia Day on August 23rd – where Cobh welcome the Dawn Princess all the way from Down Under; the Cobh Blues Experience from September 25th to 27th - when Cobh comes alive to the rhythm of the blues, and the Cobh International Deep Sea Angling Festival 31st August – 4th September.

Many events have already place in the town this season, particularly the “Summer Swing Series,” which features over 22 free concerts performed on the beautifully restored bandstand in Kennedy Park. The Cobh Peoples Regatta will also take place shortly from the 14th to 16th August. However, this collective initiative is seen as a first step to taking a positive stand in working together for the future promotion of festivals and events plus food and craft businessess in the town.

The 2009 Cobh Calls scheme will see a collective promotional mini booklet plus a new web site, www.cobhcalls.com , which will go live shortly. The web site will give full details of all festivals and events taking place in the town. A blogspot for Cobh Calls has also been set up for updates on events http://cobhcalls.blogspot.com
ENDS

For further information, contact Margot Mulcahy 086 8045468 margotmulcahy@gmail.com

Cobhs Peoples Regatta 2009 news!

The Cobh Peoples Regatta is one of Irelands oldest Regattas. It is a Regatta in the traditional mode, with sailing rowing and other water events plus a full social programme ashore. Brass bands, live music, street entertainment, the Regatta Queens and the gala Fireworks display all contribute to the electric atmosphere.

The Regatta was one of the main European Regattas at the end of the last century, with the top racing yachts coming from abroad to compete with the crac local boats from "Queenstown" - as Cobh was then called. This tradition is kept alive to-day with the race for the Cork Harbour One Design Class of sailing yachts, built here in 1896. These boats have raced in Cork Harbour's historic waters for over 100 years and this year the beautiful boats will be competing for the Regatta Cup.

Public entertainment has always been of utmost importance and hence the name Cobh Peoples Regatta. The Regatta opens on Fri 14th Aug with the Cobh youth busking competition, a drag wheelbarrow race and later in the day, a childrens fancy dress parade before the introduction of the Regatta Queen contestants. The Queens will be presented to the people of Cobh, and to our many visitors, in the Town Square on Friday evening and will be involved in events throughout the weekend. Music will continue on Friday night with Cork based band 'Planted' on Main Stage and 'Bon Jovi Tribute Band' at our festival club in the Commodore Hotel.

Through the week-end, a Traditional Market, selling a vast array of mouth-watering cuisine, plus jewellery, arts and crafts, will add a continental element to our picturesque victorian town.

Saturday is the day when the dinghy sailing begins, with small boats competing in various classes. Ashore there will be a shore angling competetitions, kiddies fancy dress parade, followed by the mini queen and pretty princess competitions and the kiddies disco. There will also be street preformers, jugglers and martial arts demonstration. Saturday afternoon in the Promenade and Saturday evening will continue with the Unchle Albert Rupp Band at 7-30pm and Big Generator band playing on Main Stage. The Festival Club in the Commodore Hotel will be open till late with Night C and Queen Tribute Band.

On Sunday, the harbour will be alive with the multi-coloured sails of the cruiser classes - these are the bigger boats and there will be six different races, including the 108 year old Cork Harbour One Desings. Oarsmen and women from all over East Cork will strain to capture the many trophies for the rowing regatta.

Ashore, the free music aspect of the regatta will continue with the legenry Ryan Morgan (Welsh Tenor) at 2-30pm and Arkadia live on Main Stage at 3-30pm. Free Kid's Entertainment in the Promenade, including the Kid's Crab Fishing Competition, Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Tug Of War Compitition, Dancing Display at Main Stage, Cobh Fishermans Trawler Race and much more.

After the competition, sailers and rowers will be presented with their prizes and musical entertainment will continue with the Flash Harry Band on main stage. Announcement of the Regatta Queen title will be prior to the gala Fireworks display. The 20min. firework display on Sunday night has been a tradition for over one hundred years, as has the tradition of thousands of visitors pouring into Cobh to enjoy the fun and sample the atmosphere of this unique maritime town.

To close the Regatta we have the extraordinary and flamboyant Flash Harry on main stage which should not be missed.The Festival Club in the Commodore Hotel will be open till late with Night Club C, and Abba Tribute Band in the Jack Doyle Room.

COBH PEOPLES REGATTA - IRELANDS FUN REGATTA!!

Secretary Hylton Richards
22 West Beach Cobh,
Co. Cork.
086 8110374.