Youghal celebrates sea link with mackerel festival

YOUGHAL celebrates its historic link with seafood tomorrow when the town hosts its first mackerel festival.

The succulent smell of mackerel cuisine will waft across Barry’s Lane, adjacent to the Clock Gate, when local chefs demonstrate various methods of cooking and presenting the grey-backed wonders.

The event is the latest in a series of activities spawned by the voluntary Youghal Concerned Citizens Group, which was formed in response to recessionary problems. Themed Hallowe’en and Christmas strategies are also being developed.

Meanwhile, YCCG spokesman Norman McDonald said: “Tomorrow will help to promote our maritime heritage. We’ll have free samples of mackerel — smoked, fried, boiled, marinated, sweet and& sour, curried, and God knows what.”

Local nutritionist Rose Kelly will also be available to offer advice, especially on the value of mackerel in children’s diets.

Music and a children’s line fishing (no rods) contest will also ensue.

Late summer traditionally brings thousands of mackerel into the old harbour, although signs are that they are not poised to drop by tomorrow.

The afternoon festival includes a ladies’ swim’ from the quayside. Among those expected to take a dip is the Loreto class of 1991, hosting a reunion on the day.