The Wreckage of Connemara’s Beauty The scenic tour of Connemara above shows the frustratingly cruel treatment of our region that portends to attract tourists to bask in its bountious beauty. How do we as citizens eradicate these types of abuse to our communities? How can we encourage our local authority to respond to this havoc? On page 16, the Connemara View outlines the process to proactively communicate with Galway County Council to create change. Let’s do it! Photos: Top left: The view to Inishbofin from Bundowlish. A look over the shadowed cliff in the lower right of the photo reveals the dumping site in the photos below. The “No Dumping” sign lays ineffectively halfway down the cliff in a gulley. Top middle: One of the countless potholes that are prolific on our roads. Far right: Refuse washed up on Clifden Beach. Photos by Catherine Pryce.
Free Paper INSIDE THIS ISSUE GMIT Hurling Champs Page 11 Communicating with GCC Page 16 Artists at Work in Connemara Page 19 Detox After the Holidays Page 21 Valentine’s Day Ideas Page 22 Anglers Ball Pics Page 32
CLASSIFIED ADS Successful internet café for sale. A risk-free opportunity to run your own business. The Two Dog Café is available to purchase as a going concern, providing you with an immediate profit from year 1 onwards. Everything you need to get up and running straight away is available at a reasonable price; name, equipment, menus, recipes, website, signage, training and much more. The Two Dog Café is featured in all of the best Guide Books. The Two Dog Café leases their premises and the lease is available for renewal by potential purchasers. For more information contact: Tracey and John Claro on 095 22194. Serious enquiries only please. Two Dog Computer and Business Services. Continuing to trade from the Café until the end of February. We will be moving into new Clifden town premises soon! Websites, Laptops, PCs, Software, Cables, Pen Drives, Computer Repairs and Parts. NEW SERVICE – 3-D modeling for planning applications. Just call John on 095 22194 Chimney Cleaner available 095 22052, 087 639 9625. Book-keeper/Payroll Assistant. Available for full or parttime work. References available,call Anne on 086 079 2193. Connemara Coastal Cottages, Cleaners/Caretakers required immediately for holiday homes. Good rates of pay. For more info call 095 44307. Does your partner? Call you names, constantly criticise you? Control your access to money/phone/car etc? Monitor your time, threaten you and the children? If so you may be in an abusive relationship. For free, friendly, confidential advice and support call D.V.R.@ 091-866-740. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095 21219 For Rent: 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and rooms to let, 5 minutes walk from Clifden town centre, fully furnished. 095 44924 or 087 249 8097. Rooms to rent, town centre, beautiful new house. €60 per room per week. All mod cons. Ph 086 8377120 Apartment to let: Exclusive 2 bedroom apartment with large balcony overlooking Clifden harbour. Quiet complex. Private parking included. All mod cons. Short or long term letting. €800 per month. Ph 087 9450788. Car for Sale: Seat Inca Van ‘02. 50K miles. €4000 ono. 086386-4212. Disney holidays: Fabulous upmarket Villa to rent for family holidays in Orlando, Florida. Sleeps 12, own private pool, 20 mins from Disneyworld, Universal Studios, Wet and Wild and Downtown Orlando. High quality shopping outlets close by. Cost is E100 per night / E700 per week. Ph:0879450788. Algarve holidays: Beautiful new 5 star 2 bed /2 bath apartment with large balcony available for holiday rentals. Beside beach and golf club and 10 minutes from Albufeira, the resort has several pools and is regarded as the finest new resort in the Algarve. For enquiries on availability and prices, phone 087 9450788. “Jane” double buggy for sale; excellent condition, rain cover. €350 o.n.o. Contact 087 775 8579 For Sale: 5’ (Queen) orthopaedic mattress, 1 year old, excellent condition, (used mattress protector). €45. (095) 21688. For sale: Set of 4 new all terrain tyres-225, 75, R15. Suit Jeep etc. Cost €340, sell for €200. Phone 086 8418398. Forget your stressful day and winter blues! Experience the calm and gentle healing energies of a Reiki/ Seichem treatment. Energy healing on all levels; physical, spiritual, emotional. Call Yvonne @ 086 365 3266 for appointments. Clifden Yoga Classes for beginners, continuation, men. Starting now, please contact Simran Anette Mulkerrins 087 771 1513. Holistic Dietician Dip., member of the IHCA of Ireland. I can help with weight loss, muscle gain, sports performance, sports nutrition, muscle gain, sports injuries, family and child nutrition, menstrual problems, acne, eczema and more. Phone Ann on 086 0800934. Attention all pet owners!! Wide selection of dog/cat accessories, premium pet foods, professional advice on nutrition, pet maintenance, radio fence pet containment
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systems, micro-chipping, cat boarding service, grooming and lots more at Western Veterinary clinic, Galway Road, Clifden. Tel 095 22209. Veterinary emergencies only, call 087-917-9248. Have your pet dog or bitch neutered for only 20 euro! Ring Dogs Trust on 1890 946 336 to see if you are eligible. Renvyle Animal Rescue has a beautiful very friendly ginger male kitten, approx 5 months old. Found in Clifden on Saturday 26th January. Owner or kind home, please ring Babs on 087 3542451. Missing: brown terrier with white chest and four white paws. His name is Stocai. Please ring 085 767 2908 if you have seen or have him. Family pet. Working Dog wanted, male or female, 087 299 4674.
NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, March 6th Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Friday, February 22nd News Deadline: Wednesday, February 27th Classified Ad Deadline: Friday, February 29th February 7, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
REGIONAL NEWS Clifden Community School Quiz For Defibrillator The Clifden Community School Parents Association have recently been raising funds for a defibrillator for the school. Last year we held a sponsored walk and a table quiz. We are still short of our target amount, and so are holding another table quiz in Mannion’s Bar, Clifden on Thursday February 7th at 9pm. Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
Banking at School This year the local secondary Clifden Community School got involved in the post primary school ‘Build a Bank Challenge’ providing a useful, accessible facility for the students of the school. It is there to introduce the banking experience to the school, and to give the present Transition Years a chance to understand the running of the bank. As this is the first year, we hope it will catch on throughout the years when the present staff has moved on. It was set up to help familiarize students with the idea of budgeting their money and saving into an account. This was brought to us by the local Clifden AIB branch and we will be competing against other schools in the county at the end of February in the regionals. Wish us luck and we encourage all pupils to get involved in it by opening an account inside the school!
Award for young scientists Aine Hannigan-Dunkley and Kyra Coyne (see photo l-r)) from Clifden Community School travelled to
The workshop runs from 10am to 4.30 pm, and costs €110 per person. or €99 for 3 or more people, including lunch. Numbers are limited and booking is essential. For further details phone Brigit’s Garden on 091 550905 or see www.brigitsgarden.ie. For further information please contact Jenny Beale, 091 550905, 087 2206219.
Healy Eames Clinics Senator Fidelma Healy Eames commences new Constituency Clinics in Connemara on Saturday Feb. 16th. My aim is make myself personally available at the following venues once a month: Faherty’s, Oughterard at 12 noon; Keane’s of Maam: at 1.15pm; Gaynor’s, Leenane: at 2pm, Veldon’s, Letterfrack at: 3pm, and Mannion’s, Clifden at 4pm. “I will be happy to listen to people’s issues from a personal and/or community perspective.” All are welcome. If people wish to make an appointment they may call her Constituency office at 091-768466.
Suicide First Aid A two-day skills building workshop in suicide first aid will be given at Forum, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack by ASIST (Applied suicide intervention skills training) on February 26th and 27th from 9-5 p.m. on both days. The workshop is suitable for all caregivers. For further information pleases call Mary at (095) 21741 and leave your name and contact number.
Making Hearing Aids Work for You!
Dublin to compete in the BT Young Scientist in early January and returned victorious with 2nd place in the Groups Intermediate ‘Chemical, Physics and Mathematical’ category with their project “Is School Damaging Your Hearing for the Future?”. Congratulations!
Parenting Day The popular RTE psychologist David Coleman will be giving a one-day workshop on parenting and childcare on Saturday 9th February at Brigit’s Garden in Roscahill. David Coleman is well-known for his good humoured, down-to-earth tips and strategies for parents. His ‘Families in Trouble’ series on RTE television was widely acclaimed, and he will feature in a new parenting series starting on RTE this spring. He is also author of the popular book ‘Parenting is Child’s Play’. The workshop will be an interactive day designed to help parents and childcare workers to understand children’s emotions and behaviours and to be more confident in their role with children. He will also cover how to communicate better with children and enjoy time spent with them. All age groups will be covered, and there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
A free Hearing Aid Workshop will be held in the Clifden Day Centre on Wednesday 5th March between 11 am and 3 pm. The workshop will benefit people who have received hearing aids but who find the aids difficult to use and adjust to. Those who attend will learn how to maximise the use of their hearing aid and deal with hearing aid problems such as whistling of the aid, crackling sounds in the aid, use of the switch etc. The workshop will also be relevant to carers of hearing aid users who would like more information on hearing aids and troubleshooting problems with the aids. The workshop is being held to promote awareness of DeafHear. ie’s Aural Rehabilitation service, a service that was developed to assist adults with an acquired hearing loss to manage their hearing loss. Spaces are limited so if you wish to book to attend the workshop or if you would like more information about the service please contact Edel Killarney, Aural Rehabilitation Officer, DeafHear.ie, 9a Francis Street, Galway. Tel: 091 564871 Mobile: 086 6072923. The workshop has been organized with the assistance of the staff at the Day Care Centre in Clifden based in Clifden District Hospital.
RNLI Wonderful fundraising efforts were again made by people over the last couple of months. The Lifeboat Christmas cards once again sold very well and the proceeds of Eileen Coyne’s excellent Christmas hampers came to a whopping €4,900, so great thanks to Eileen. One young fundraiser who surely deserves a mention is 9 year old Harry Concannon from Inishbofin whose letter is below. Dear Ruth, I had a cake sale before Christmas to raise money for lifeboats. I raised €100 by selling buns and tickets for the ferry that my Dad donated. I hope this will help theLifeboats. Yours Sincerely, Harry Concannon, age 9, Cloonamore, Inishbofin, Co. Galway 14/01/08 It’s great to have a contribution from such a young helper, so a very big thank you to Harry for all his hard work. An upcoming fundraiser is the women’s mini-marathon in Dublin on the June bank holiday Monday. If anyone who would like to register, contact Geraldine Heanue Conneely at (095) 41363. More participants would be greatly welcomed so register soon to guarantee a place. More details on the mini-marathon will feature in the next issue.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
February 7, 2008
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AIB funds children’s projects On Monday 4th February, Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. launched the newly expanded AIB Better Ireland Programme. Having over the last six years focused on children affected by poverty, AIB will now broaden its programme to include children with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities. This year AIB will donate €1.85 million to local deserving projects for children. AIB’s 185 main branches will each have €10,000 to award to local projects and recipients will be chosen by a public text vote from a shortlist of groups in each area. A further enhancement to this programme includes a donation of €1.4 million towards four innovative flagship projects which will impact and benefit over 950 children nationwide. For 2008, the chosen flagship projects are: Festina Lente, Bray; Limerick Youth Service; Ability West, Galway and St. Joseph’s School for the Visually Impaired in Drumcondra, Dublin. A key element of the expanded AIB Better Ireland Programme is the simplified and convenient application process. Application will now be made online through www.aib. ie/betterireland over a four-week period from February 4th to 29th. Community participation is a fundamental feature of the newly expanded AIB Better Ireland Programme. Local communities will be encouraged to get involved in choosing their favourite group, from a shortlist of three per branch, by an innovative public text vote during May. Each winning group will receive the prize money of €10,000 plus the proceeds of their text vote in July 2008. Runners-up, from each branch, will also receive the proceeds of their text vote. Declan Maher, Branch Manager, AIB Bank, Clifden, said: “Now six years on, the AIB Better Ireland Programme has benefited vulnerable children by donating €16m to over 1,600 groups, including €8.6m to AIB’s Charitiesthe ISPCC, Barnardos and Focus Ireland. Today we are announcing the expansion of our programme to include children with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities
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and we are inviting our customers and local communities to have a say in who they want us to support. Local nomination, local voting and local benefit are what the new AIB Better Ireland Programme is all about.”
Cashel Connemara Credit Union 40th Anniversary Change of Venue Function in honour of the Founder Members will now be held in The Station House Hotel, Clifden on April 12, 2008. If you are interested in attending, please let us know before February 15, 2008.
Seal Sanctuary Appeal for Volunteers Each year, like clockwork, wildlife-loving members of the public report sightings of injured or sick seal pups along the coasts of Connemara. Western Veterinary Clinic, Clifden has been assisting the Seal Sanctuary in their efforts to save and care for these orphaned or sick seals. Seals are typically brought into the clinic in Clifden for emergency treatment and first aid (on average, 2-3 seal pups per year). However, these beautiful creatures almost invariably need specialist treatment and have to be cared for and housed in a very
AGM The AGM of the Cashel Connemara Credit Union took place in the Zetland Hotel on December 13th. There was a good crowd in attendance on the night and they very much enjoyed the plush surroundings and the hospitality of the host venue. The chairperson of the board Sean Brennan welcomed the assembled crowd as well as the attendance of auditor Cormac Duffy for his annual report. The total assets of the Credit Union stand at €9,588,007 and the membership is now over 2,600. The following were elected on the night: Catherine Mulkerrins joins the board replacing Mary Conneely (Calla) who stepped down. Annie O Carroll and Veronica Lydon join the supervisory committee replacing Mary Conneely (Derryadda) and Lorraine de Courcey who also stepped down. These committee members were thanked for their service and dedication in their various roles. The Cashel Credit Union office in Clifden has moved to a temporary premises at Unit 3,Tom Barry House, Main St, Clifden from early January. One of the big announcements was that on April 12th the Credit Union will host a function to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its foundation in 1968.The main purpose of this is to honour the founder members and their families and in particular the late Fr.Sean Higgins who was a guiding light in the Cashel Community from 1961 -1970.
February 7, 2008
particular way, so as not jeopardize their chances of survival once they are returned to the wild. The Irish Seal Sanctuary in Dublin has all the necessary specialist expertise, manpower and equipment to give these creatures the proper care, so the sooner the seal is handed over to them, the higher its chances of survival. Getting the seals to Dublin involves transporting them by road to Galway and placing them on a Speed Train to Dublin. The seals travel unaccompanied on the train, and they are received in Dublin by a member of the Seal Sanctuary. The train fare for the seal is always paid for by the Seal Sanctuary. The Seal Sanctuary is currently building a ‘database’ of volunteers who would be willing to drive the seals in to the Galway train station, free of charge. If you think you would like to get involved, and you are willing to give your time and support by offering this service, please ring the Seal Sanctuary on 01 8354370 or email them at info@irishsealsanctuary.ie or go their website www.irishsealsanctuary.ie.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Connemara Bridgestone Awards It’s been another excellent year for Connemara in the prestigious Bridgestone Guide, the bible of good food and great places to stay in Ireland. John and Sally McKenna began their research into Irish food in 1989, when they gave up their Dublin flat, splurged £100 on a broken-down Renault 4, and set off around Ireland to discover what they hoped would be an exciting food culture. Over the years they and their team of writers have highlighted and promoted good accommodation and gourmet experiences from all over Connemara and we are pleased to see that we are very well represented in the newest review which is on the shelves of all good bookshops now A true gem of Connemara, Ballynahinch House Hotel is singled out for outstanding acclaim by the Bridgestone team. They describe Ballynahinch as being possibly “the most relaxing castle in the world. It is, in every sense, an oasis, a place apart, and it is managed with superb control, calm and decorum by Patrick O’Flaherty, who oversees a superbly friendly crew who manage to make everyone feel welcome, and special.” Ballynahinch appears to tick all the boxes for the foodie detectives as they continue to enthuse “everything chimes sweetly, from service to some mighty cooking to excellent value for money, and it is the most democratic space in the west: a castle for princes and one for paupers who are just scraping by. Outstanding is right.” Great praise indeed, for a truly special establishment. In Clifden, two outstanding Guesthouses are recognized for their individuality and attention to detail. The appeal of Quay House is as strong as ever and it is a stalwart regular in prestigious guides worldwide. Paddy and Julia Foyle are once again applauded for their creation, described as “one of the design glories of Irish hospitality and Irish tourism”. Summer of 2007 saw Quay House resuming a lunch menu which went down a treat, with mouth-watering temptations of fresh crab and lobster, kedgeree, moussaka and much more so hopefully we will enjoy an especially good lunch venue in 2008 once again. Meanwhile within a stone’s throw another fine building, Sea Mist House, run by Sheila Griffin, is developing quite a name for itself in terms of comfort and class. Sheila has according to the guide, developed in recent years “an atmosphere, an aesthetic, a code of being, a way of behaving, that makes you sink with relaxation from the moment you walk in the door.” Heading north from Clifden three more places are highly commended. Rosleague Manor is described as “dreamily perfect” and has become “the hottest destination for stylish weddings in the west”. Rosleague is run with style and discretion by Mark Foyle who applies the Foyle magic to make a stay here really memorable. Rosleague is also praised for its pet friendly stance, outstanding view and is also voted one of the most romantic places to stay. A few minutes drive further up the Renvyle peninsula takes us to Renvyle House Hotel where the word magic is applied to pretty much everything, the service, location and of course the food.” Chef Tim O’Sullivan and manager Ronnie Counihan, the pair responsible for the “zeitgeist of Renvyle, would come out comfortably ahead of any collection of spiky-topped young kitchen brigands”, asserts the round-up on Renvyle. Next up is Delphi Lodge of Leenane which the reviewer described glowingly as “My favourite place of all. I loved the way this was done. Peter Mantle was lovely, the house party feel worked brilliantly, the cooking was I think probably the best we had, the wine list is quite amazing, and the rooms extremely comfortable with incredible views.” While there was a great performance in the accommodation guide, only one restaurant in Connemara was featured this year, the ever popular and creative Pangur Ban run by John Walsh. John’s cuisine is described as both ‘funky’ and ‘from the heart’ and while the menu may be unpredictable, the quality and assurance of the food and service never are. As anyone who has eaten there will attest, John’s use of seasonal and local food cooked with imagination and flair is truly a gastronomic delight in atmospheric and enjoyable surroundings. So overall, visitors to Connemara are well catered for in terms of stylish and world class places to stay and eat, and indeed those of us who are lucky enough to live here should make use of and appreciate these places, which are such a great asset to our community and how it is perceived in a
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
national context. Further information on any of the places mentioned and the full lists can be found at www.bestofbridgestone.com
Connemara Tourism Connemara Tourism is in existence for the past 20 years. It was set up by volunteers involved in the tourism business in the Connemara area to promote tourism products that are available in our area, from accommodation, restaurants, shops, bicycle hire, bars and activities.To become a member of Connemara Tourism you need to be approved by Failte Ireland if you are in the accommodation sector, or be licensed and approved in the activities sector. The cost per year is €175. The first meeting of 2008 took place last week and was well attended. Already we have attended our first Trade Promotion in Norway in January. In February we will be attending fairs in Hamburg, Brussels and Milan. We will also be going to France in conjunction with Failte Ireland West for the launch of a film which was filmed here in West Connemara, as well as joining them for a promotion in Lille. We are near completion of our new web-site www.connemara.ie and our new revised book “Connemara for all seasons” is already out an being used for the promotions abroad and will be available in Tourist Information Offices and Dublin
Tourism in the next week. Our Annual General Meeting takes place in the Station House Hotel on Monday March 3rd 2008 and all of our members will be getting notification for this event where our web site and book will be launched by a well known figure in tourism who has been very helpful to tourism in the Connemara area for many years. Anyone who would like to become a member can contact the office at the Square Clifden by telephoning Dolores on 095 22622 or email; info@connemara-tourism.org Thank you to all of you who have supported us over the years and we know we have been of benefit to you. Josephine DeCourcey Photo: Josephine DeCourcey, Brendan O’Scanaill and his sister, Aine Ades from Failte, at the show in Milan.
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com
GCC Funding 2008 Galway County Council invites applications for the following schemes: Financial Assistance Scheme for Community Based Economic Development to assist with community transport initiatives; youth activity, equipment and training, children activities, technical assistance, aid for agricultural shows, community events and farmers markets. Financial Assistance Scheme for Community Based Amenities and Services; e.g. support for programs delivering services to disadvantaged groups or areas, defibrillator funding, renovation, refurbishment or up grading of community facilities. improvement to community facilities/ centres. The application form and full particulars regarding both of the above financial support schemes can be accessed on the council’s website at www.galway.ie/en/Services/CommunityEnterprise/FinancialSupports and are also available by e-mailing dtully@galwaycoco.ie or by telephoning 091-746860. Heritage Grant Scheme -applications are invited from Community Groups only, for grants for heritage projects to promote interest, education, knowledge, and pride in, and to facilitate appreciation and enjoyment of the heritage of County Galway. Continued on Page 23
February 7, 2008
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The new Clifden Fire Station will be officially opened by Mr Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and Clifden Chamber of Commerce on Friday Feb. 15th at 11am.
extremely well looked after by their hosts Heather and Kate from High Life, the sponsors of the competition in conjunction with 2fm. The whole group are planning to re-unite in a few weeks time in Dublin, as one of the other guys who was on the trip is a soldier going on an Irish Army peace-keeping mission in Chad, so they’re planning a good send-off for him. Details and photos of the trip for anyone who didn’t catch Paul on the radio are available on the 2fm web-site. Photo below: Paul & Niamh getting ready to pop the cork.
Sewerage Situation
Chamber of Commerce
In relation to the Clifden Sewerage Plant, Galway Co. Co. have informed Cllr. Thomas Welby that they have sent a Supplementary Report to the Department of Environment in relation to construction of a new Treatment Plant in Clifden. The Supplementary report has indicated that the existing site in Clifden is now the proposed site. Cllr. Welby is contacting the Department in relation to the timescale involved in finalizing this report.
Clifden Chamber of Commerce are working hard on setting up a series of Heritage Weekends for Clifden, starting in April with a Railway Heritage Weekend, followed in June with an Alcock & Brown Weekend, & continuing our Marconi Festival in October. The long-term view for these annual festivals is to build on our local heritage and to advertise and promote Clifden’s importance as a Heritage town. Several new heritage festivals are in the pipeline for 2009. The Heritage Society, while still in existence, has been less active recently, and the Chamber of Commerce hope that by lending our assistance we can encourage a reinvigorated society to build on already successful chamber initiatives like the Railway, Marconi and Alcock & Brown celebrations. This would all be done with a view toward developing a heritage centre in Clifden in the future. If you have any suggestions on any of the above, please contact Michele Hehir on 0870520295 or at michele@clifdenchamber.ie This year the Chamber are also working closely with Proactive Design & Marketing for the Connemara Marathon on Sun 6th April and we are supporting the race organizers for the first time financially this year through our marketing and promotion fund. Ray O’Connor the race organizer is delighted to have Clifden Chamber of Commerce involved as an official partner and he has some exciting plans for future events, which the chamber will hope to be involved in. The race is fully booked with 3,000 participants, many of whom, with their families, will be staying in the Clifden area for the weekend. The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival on Sun 16th March 2008 at 12noon. For those who wish to get involved, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at the above contact details. We realize this year will pose particular difficulties for schools as it is in the Easter holidays but it is important that the town parade which is the only parade in the area is actively supported as in previous years. A Chamber of Commerce delegation met with the new county manager Martina Maloney before Christmas and had a very productive and informative meeting with her, her local officials and our local representative Cllr Josie Conneely. The chamber continues to push the two most serious issues facing Clifden; the sewerage plant and the town water supply. We have received a written statement from the county manager that the water issues for Clifden are of major concern, and that both plans are being worked on within the Council. The Council has given 2009 as the start date for both projects. We will continue to press the council and our elected officials to ensure that these projects are not dropped down the priority list. We have requested a meeting with Minister Eamonn O’Cuiv to discuss his support for our heritage initiatives and we will also be pressing the various water issues with him. Finally the Chamber would like to thank the volunteers and helpers who made the Christmas in Clifden a great experience this year. Cathal Walsh and his team did a wonderful job on the Christmas lights as always, and the Santa’s Grotto was a lovely treat for the children, so many thanks to the Christmas committee for their hard work which was again supported by the Chamber marketing and promotion fund. The Chamber of Commerce will hold it’s AGM in March, details to follow. Declan Mannion
Clifden Fire Station Grand Opening
Paul Ryan Ski-dates with 2fm Anyone listening to 2fm in the afternoon lately may have heard Clifden’s Paul Ryan on air from the ski resort of Val D’Isere, where he spent a week’s luxury holiday with five other competition winners in January. While listening to 2fm one day, Paul spontaneously decided to try his hand at a live on-air chat up with a randomly selected girl on Rick O Shea’s afternoon show. He went on to become one of six lucky singletons to go to a luxury chalet in Val D’Isere for a week of flirting and fun. The three guys and three girls met up at Dublin airport with Dave and Amanda, their hosts from 2fm, and all hit it off straight away according to Paul. The week was based around skiing and snowboarding lessons and trips every morning, and the group would all meet for lunch and to relay the news and gossip live on air each afternoon at 4pm. Highlights included the nights out and various slip-ups and experiences that made the trip unforgettable and overall great craic for all those involved. For example, taking the wrong bus home one night and ending up over an hour’s walk from the chalet in temperatures of –20 degrees, and one of the girls filling the van with petrol instead of diesel on the way back to the airport! A local connection was also discovered when Paul discovered that one of the girls, Niamh, is a niece of Mary Smith from Canon’s Lane in Clifden. While Paul denies any romance on the trip, he had a ball with all the other people there and enjoyed the all expenses paid trip to the full. They had their own chef on duty at all times in the chalet, top class lessons and instructors, and were
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February 7, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Tidy Towns The Tidy Towns AGM took place on 16th January. A discussion among the group decided that the focus of the Tidy Towns ’08 campaign should be to attend to problems brought up from ‘07 results and to get more involved in projects based on enhancing the town. The ‘07 results, whilst only showing a slight marking improvement over ‘06, highlighted some simple points which could result in significantly higher points next year. The pubs came in for particular criticism over the cigarette butts littering problem, yet the general impression of the town, (8 out of 10), was commented upon positively, with Mitchell’s Restaurant receiving a prize. Criticism was given about a small number of buildings needing a lick of paint and a small tidy up. Points were lost on lack of presentation of ‘07 plans and maps for Clifden, but this will be rectified in ‘08 with good defined maps, showing projects already done and those to come etc. We also lost points on issues such as signage for ‘Golden Mile walks’ and general walks around town. General litter control also got only 50% of points available, but Town Warden Tommy O Sullivan informed the group that at long last, the County Council is to install 8-10 new bins around the town. A discussion took place with Tommy about other issues also, and a good constructive working relationship with Tommy is now in place so we can all work closely together to improve Clifden. The Tidy Towns also received a cheque for €1,000 from Galway Co. Co. towards the upkeep of Ardbear Graveyard. Sheila Griffin and the Clifden Area Network have done superb work to clean up Ardbear and it was decided that the money could be given to C.A.N. for same, and hopefully a meeting of the two groups will take place to co-ordinate both our aims to clean up the area. So points made at meeting were: 1) Through Sandra and Alan Shattock, meeting(s) with Galway Co.Co. to be arranged so that we can figure out how to work along side same, attain Grants etc. 2) Continue to improve working relationship with Town Wardens. 3) Address litter problem with Businesses by approaching and talking through the issue. 4) Projects we can plan - hanging baskets, planting of trees, clean up of Brodóig River below Spar Petrol Station and Hotel, tidying up/painting any unsightly buildings, walking signs-these are only a few ideas. Many more can and should be done so please bring as many ideas on board as you can think of. 5) Tidy ups and clean ups: regretfully for too long the Tidy Towns has been seen as a Group responsible for cleaning up and disposing of filth belonging to others. A new approach has to be taken to ensure that each individual street / area is responsible in its own way for maintaining tidiness. We would like to break the Town into zones of varying sizes, where a minimum of one individual would become an ‘eye’ for that zone and would take responsibility to get residents within the zone to have a clean up day. This might then lead to a bit of ‘civic pride’ by keeping zones tidy in the long term. The Tidy Towns role in this should be to provide gloves, bags etc as well as give extra numbers to help with major clean ups and liaise with the Town Wardens to take any legal action necessary. It is this one old image of what the Tidy Towns is supposed to be that has stopped so many people from taking an active part in our Tidy Towns campaign. It is time to pass along to anyone wishing to help, that the focus is to be to on impact projects. 6) Beach Road /Bay clean up: It is expected that given tide constraints etc, that the annual clean up will take place at end of April on a Sunday, with a 12 noon start at the Boat Club. Further info will be posted regarding the date. Although this project got a pat on the back from Tidy Towns it was criticized for not recycling the waste collected, so this is something that will be rectified this season. First 2008 meeting Issues dealt with on January 30th ranged from planning applications to new projects to be undertaken such as: the garden at the bottom of the hospital, the court house garden, the Brodóig river(from side of Gifts By Grace to back of O’Tooles shops/Apartments. The aim should be to tidy up, form pools with weirs and see if Clifden Trout Anglers would help), the section of ground behind the Tourist Office
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
facing onto car-park to be enhanced, hanging baskets around Town, tree planting ,shrubs, etc, the repair of seating down Beach Road (Bernie Ward had talked to Council about same so she will follow up),a litter awareness programme for all businesses, the painting /tidying up of any buildings, the Old Jail walk, and hedge trimming as well as street/gutter cleaning, and street lighting. Everyone in attendance and on a contact list was asked to submit their ideas which will be short-listed by the Secretary and submitted to the County Council, firstly at a low level meeting, with a view to a comprehensive full meeting at a later date. It was felt among all present that if the right attitude and planning happens we could have most of Tidy Towns work done come April/May and this would seem to be the best strategy. If we can figure out Grants, Co.Co, etc, then 2009 projects should be easier to bring on stream. It is hoped that Clifden Action Network and any other local groups can be seen to work together and pool resources and labour. New Committee for 2008: Chairperson - P.K. Joyce; Secretary - Mary O’Donnell; Treasurer - Bernie Ward; Liaison Officers - Sandra and Alan Shattock. As always, should anyone wish to be part of, or be kept up to date on Clifden Tidy Towns, the meetings are ‘open door’ and info on times and projects will always be found in SuperValu or posted in Connemara View. The next meeting is on Wednesday 20th February in Station House at 7.30. Should you wish to be put on Tidy Towns E-mail list, please contact Mary O’Donnell (Secretary) at: cregg1@eircom.net.
GMT Extension GMT Ireland is a German owned company based in Clifden, which manufactures rubber anti-vibration pads for use in various industries. GMT Clifden has recently been granted planning permission from Galway Co. Co. for an extension to its existing premises in order to increase its product output and capacity. The extension will initially provide employment for six new staff, which will bring the number of people employed there to 32.There is also the possibility of employment for a further six people in approximately a year from which the extension is completed. Construction will begin in February-March 2008.
February in St. Anne’s CNU After January, when everyone is relaxing after the festive season we are looking forward to this special long February. We have just had renovation work done and major rewiring work is just finishing. At the end of the month, work will begin to give all beds individual reading lights and personal electric sockets. We are in the middle of renovating a large bathroom and building a wheelchair accessible toilet for the residents as well as a new staff toilet on the first floor. The following activities are planned: On February 1st the residents are going to be making St. Brigid’s crosses. February 5th is Shrove Tuesday and we are not going to be left out on the pancakes; we will try our skills with the frying pan in the afternoon. You are most welcome to participate…and eat a pancake! Tuesday the 12th of February we will be preparing for Valentine’s Day. You are invited to help the residents with making flower arrangements from roses and other flowers. Of course Valentine’s Day will be special and we will send our homemade Valentine’s cards to our loved ones. Easter arrives early this year and on Wednesday February 20th we will get in touch with our creative sides by making Easter greeting cards and sending Easter greetings to friends and relatives. Finally on February 29th we will have a special ‘Leap Year Activity’ in which the women of the house are the central persons. We hope you can come and visit us some day, and make our resident’s day. Marian Hanrahan, Director of Nursing St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit
Clifden Library Clifden Library lent out a total of 18,776 books in 2007, 6,364 of which were borrowed and read by children. The library’s three computers logged a combined total of more than 1,000 hours of internet use. The library also played host to many events during last year-Arts week, the Marconi exhibition, various talks and readings, and of course many reading initiatives for children including the Summer Reading challenge and presentation. Continued on next page
February 7, 2008
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Clifden Library continued Library Week 2008 From March 3rd – 9th Clifden Library will be celebrating Library Week. This is an annual event held to promote libraries and books. This year the library will hold two exhibitions: On show all week will be a collection of locally handmade crafts; also the library will exhibit its collection of photographs and post cards of Clifden and Connemara. Eileen O’Connor will give a talk on creative wellbeing and nutrition for everyone. Anyone who wishes to have items included in either of the exhibitions or who would like to demonstrate a craft or give a talk, please contact Paul or Bernie at 095 21092. Reader of the Month: December 2007: Sienna Galloway. 2007 Reader of the Year: Shauna Keaney. Congratulations to Shauna, and well done to all the 2007 Readers! (See photo).
months with great success. The old boat has given great service over the past 10 years, and has served the maritime and fishing community extremely well in that time.The new lifeboat, which cost in the region of €40,000, was financed through an appeal to the corporate and business sector in the west and indeed all throughout Ireland. We are extremely grateful and indebted to all those who donated so generously to our appeal. To illustrate to the reader the importance of having the RNLI service available in our area, we include some descriptions of incidents in 2007, one of our busiest years on record. Our two boats, the “Atlantic 75” and the “D Class” were called out on 18 occasions in total, and our operations manager Peter Bailey estimates that at least four lives were saved thanks to our crew’s efforts. Call-outs ranged from rescuing people from disabled yachts and capsized dinghies, towing drifting vessels, and taking people ashore from islands, to searching for divers and swimmers. The new boat, the “Grainne Uaile” is now on station and ready to continue the great work done by her predecessor. We wish her and the crew who man her at any time safe passage and safe return to shore. The annual RNLI dinner dance will take place in The Station House Hotel on Friday the 7th March. Tickets will be available from crewmembers.
New Arrivals
Christmas Winner: The Christmas competition was won by Neethu J Venat. (See photo).
Clifden RNLI Saturday the 8th of March will be a very important day for the local RNLI station, as we will be holding the official naming ceremony for our new “ D Class 1B1” lifeboat which has already been in service here for the past few
Fiona Fallon of Fiocco’s, Bridge St and Mark King of Market St, Clifden have become proud parents to a beautiful baby boy, Mark Francis King who was born on the 14th December last at 9:40pm, weighing 7lbs 7ozs. (See photo). Ciaran and Jacinta Canavan of Kingstown welcomed baby boy Ciaran over the Christmas period. Catriona O Toole and David Gavin, also of Kingstown, became proud parents to baby Adam who was 7lb 5ozs just in time for Christmas on the 19th December. John and Fiona (nee Gorham) O Toole of Fahey, Lower Sky Road welcomed baby boy Craig who arrived on the 28th December and weighed
Siobhan and Gerry Gannon, and her brother Killian also welcomed beautiful baby girl Siofra who was 8 lbs on the 24th January.
Ballyconneely
Photo below: Players from 1987 Carna/Cashel junior B team: Back (l-r) Martin King, Johnny Lydon, Hughie O’Donnell, Conal Lee, Noel Gorham. Front: Bernard Lee, Minister Eamon O’Cuiv, Paraic Cloherty.
Community Social Night
Detours Diverted The Galway County Council had posted a public notice with the intention of closing a section of the Ballyconneely to Clifden road at Eamon King’s Bridge at Derrygimlagh from 8th February to 19th February in order to facilitate works on Eamon King’s Bridge which needs weight reinforcement. According to Cllr. Josie Conneely, after accentuating the disruption that the diversion would cause, Galway CoCo have decided that this will not happen. If this had proceeded, traffic would have been diverted through Roundstone. The revised concept is now to widen and reinforce the bridge without closing the road. This involves negotiating with landowners of the adjacent parcels which will take some time, so plans are on hold for the moment.
Bunowen Galway County Council has allocated € 150,000 in the Annual Budget to carry out works on the Bunowen Pier in Ballyconneely. There will also be funding from the Department on Marine towards these works. Cllr. Welby has been lobbying for these works as the existing Pier is in serious need of work. Cllr Welby has also requested Galway County Council to implement parking controls due to the major problems encountered at peak season.
Carna/Cashel G.A.A. Dinner Dance The Annual dinner dance of the Carna/ Cashel G.A.A. Club took place on December 28th in the Carna Bay Hotel. There was a big crowd in attendance and the guest speaker on the night was minister Eamon O’Cuiv .After an enjoyable meal, there was a presentation ceremony for members of the Carna/Cashel Junior B west board championship winners from 1987. The team defeated St. Michaels from Galway on a score-line of 2-2 to 1-3 and were promoted to Junior A status .This was seen as an important stepping stone in the history of the club which has had so much success in recent years. The clubs progress culminated in their appearance in the 2005 senior championship final in Pearse Stadium against Salthill/Knocknacarra. It was announced that the club are to open a new training pitch in Cill Chiaran which will be of great benefit for players and coaching staff. Also the club has recently appointed Pat O Hanlon as the Intermediate team manager for the coming season.
The Cashel Community Social Night which was held on 29th December proved to be a huge success with locals and was much enjoyed by the many visitors home for the Christmas holidays. The event was organized by the Cashel Community Council and the music on the night was by Na Ceannabhan Bhana from Carna. This was the third event held in the Cashel Community Centre with the pub license from Tigh Paddy Festys in Recess and great credit and thanks must go to proprietors John Joe and Brid Hopkins .As well as the music there was some fine Sean Nos dancing from Clann ui Chuinnneagan from Cashel and the Hopkins family from Camus. The Community Council is hoping to have another community social night around Easter time.
St. Theresa’s N.S. Cashel Cashel Girls Book Club This year, the school had decided to create a book club for the girls of 3rd, 4th and 5th class. This is the very first book club and the girls are very happy to have it. The girls are reading lots of books and are greatly improving their reading skills. The girls get to pick one book, note it into their logs and put the card from the books into the cardholder. Books are being changed nearly everyday!“ We got a lot of new books for the book club and they’re fantastic!” says a member of the club. “On a Wednesday, at 2nd break, we discuss the books we are reading and swap books when we are finished”. Another member of the club says “We love the book club and want to keep going with it and to pass it on to the next generation of girls in the school”. Cashel Boys Book Club This year, we have also created a book club for boys of our school. The boys too are enjoying it and like it very much. “ It’s a great book club and we love it because we learn more and we will remember most of it.” The boys are also improving their reading skills above their usual standards. “ I’m getting better at reading and learning more since we started the book club. We can’t wait to return our books. I love the books that we have in the club” says one happy reader. From pupils in 3rd to 6th classes
Music Lessons Marie Walsh is now catering for beginners from 2nd class up. Our pupils are really progressing and are thoroughly enjoying learning the accordion and fiddle as well as the tin whistle classes with Noreen Sullivan.
8lbs 7 ozs. (See photo). In Clifden, Jack and Julie Foyle became parents again to beautiful baby girl Robin on the 5th December weighing 10lb 10oz. Her sisters Victoria, Sarah, Helen and Alaine are delighted with their new sister.
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February 7, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Cleggan & Cornamona Treatment plants Galway Co. Co. have informed Cllr. Thomas Welby that they are currently looking at two villages in relation to the construction of new treatment plants in the Connemara Electoral Area. The two villages that are currently being looked at are Cleggan and Cornamona. These treatment plants would be constructed with monies raised under the Development Contribution Scheme currently used by the Council. Cllr. Welby will request the Galway County Council proceed with these schemes as quickly as possible.
Kylemore Kylemore Retreats Day Retreats will begin again in March when the Victorian Garden re-opens for the Spring.
Paris Travelogue Sunday night 21st October was a crisp night and spirits were high as we boarded the bus in Letterfrack at 10.30 pm to begin the first leg of our five day school tour of the French capital.After weeks of preparation the day had finally arrived, and nothing could undermine the excitement and the expectation of what lay ahead. The bus journey passed quickly and 6.25am saw our plane taking off from Irish soil. Before we knew it we had landed in Paris. Our coach drive to the city afforded us our first glimpses of famous landmarks such as L’Arc de Triomphe, L’Arc de la Défense, and of course the hugely famous Eiffel Tower. Soon we were on the metro (underground system of transport) and we made our way to the really nice “Jardin de Paris” hotel. Later our sight seeing began in earnest and we started by walking along the Champs Elysées. This may be referred to as the ‘main street’ of Paris. It stretches from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde.L’Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz. We had seen this monument many times before in our French textbooks but nothing could have prepared us for the sheer hugeness as we stood underneath it. Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame commemorating the dead of the First World War. Here, every Armistice Day (November 11th) the President of the Republic lays a wreath. On July 14th the French National Day (referred to as Bastille Day everywhere except in France) a military parade down the Champs Elysées starts here. Most of the parades culminate at the other end at Place de la Concorde, one of Europe’s most magnificent squares covering more than 20 acres in the middle of Paris. This Square was once called Place de la Révolution and the guillotine used to stand here! The Death toll in the square in two and a half years was 1119 including Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, the revolutionary leader Danton and Robespierre. Renamed Concorde in a spirit of reconciliation, the grandeur of the square was enhanced in the 19th century by the 3,200 year old Luxor Obelisk, two fountains and eight statues personifying French cities. We quite enjoyed the walking and made our way along the Seine soaking up the atmosphere. We passed many famous buildings including L’Assemblie Nationale (house of Parliament) and finally
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
arrived at our destination- Notre Dame Cathedrale. No other building is so associated with the history of Paris. It stands majestically on the Ile de la Cité. The Cathedral is a gothic masterpiece, standing on the site of a Roman Temple. This landmark is one of the most visited in all of France. While we were there we also visited the “zero kilometre” mark, the point from which all distances are measured in France. It seems that by standing on this spot you are sure you will visit Paris again in the future.That evening we again travelled on the metro to the restaurant which was to provide our evening meals for the next three evenings. Tuesday morning came all too soon for those who had chatted until the early hours. Breakfast was an unusually copious affair with cold buffet, croissants, pains au chocolat, cereals, toast etc. After breakfast we started our sightseeing tour of Paris. We travelled to the impressive Musée d’Orsay, an old revamped railway station which houses fabulous exhibits, masterpieces of Manet, including “Dejéuner sur l’herbe”(1863), Rodin, “the Gates Of Hell” sculptures, Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Gauguin and many more. The visit to the Irish Embassy in the afternoon impressed us all as our guide Orla showed us room after room of splendour in the recently refurbished building. We really spent an amazing afternoon in an oasis of Irish soil in the middle of the bustling French capital. Late afternoon brought us to the Eiffel Tower. We had see it in the distance on many occasions throughout the day, we could see it was big, but standing underneath it was an extraordinary feeling. Many of the girls were actually speechless (a feat in itself !) but it didn’t last long! The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the International Exhibition of Paris, commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. It was not accepted at all at first, and petitions were signed protesting its construction. It is now accepted and is listed as one of the symbols of Paris itself. At 324m and 7000 tons it was the world’s tallest building until 1930. We got the elevator to the top and thanked God for it! We couldn’t have imagined climbing the 1665 steps… oh and did you know that the Eiffel Tower can sway up to 12cms on a windy day! Wednesday was probably our busiest day and we started off by a walk along the famous Rue Rivoli to catch up on our souvenir shopping. From there it was only a short walk to our destination of the Louvre Museum where our guide Muriel was waiting for us. As it turned out, Muriel happened to be the guide when the school group visited Paris in 2003. Here we had the opportunity to see some of its renowned works such as the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Venus de Milo’. We were amazed to hear of the catalogue of exhibits in the Louvre; seemingly, if you spent two minutes looking at each painting in the museum for eight hours a day, it would take you four years to see all the paintings. Needless to say we were all very impressed with the important collection of art, with a history extending back to medieval times. There were mixed opinions among the group however, as there were among Parisians about the glass pyramid entrance designed by I.M. Pei and opened amid great controversy in 1989 for the bi-centenary of the Revolution (sound familiar!?) After our visit we walked through the crowed streets past La Madeleine Church, L’Opera, L’Olympia and many more famous landmarks and along Boulevard Haussmann until we got to the famous waxworks museum, Musée Grévin. Picture the scene, velvet curtains draped down the walls, the smell of oak lingers in the air and an oldie tune is
February 7, 2008
being belted out on the piano…by the one and only Elton John. Standing close by is ‘Pretty Woman’ in a floor length red dress smiling at the elderly man in the tuxedo as he asks ‘permission to thrill’. The warmth and richness of the waxworks is a complete contrast to the bitter cold of the streets outside. So here we were, a group of girls from Connemara trying to see how heavy Queen Elizabeth’s crown was, returning the ‘thumbs up’ we received from Arnie , Governor of California, standing between Nicolas Sarkozy and George Bush for a photograph and wondering if Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were really that small, even before they lost their heads, all those years ago! Continued on next page
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Paris continued The likeness of the celebrities that the wax models portrayed was incredible. Often, one of us had to apologise to people we bumped into, only to realise that we’d elbowed Marilyn Munroe or Mother Teresa. There was a mixture of famous faces, old and new, French and others. Later outside, awaiting the next leg of the journey we all agreed that Musée Grévin was well worth a visit. We continued our journey to Beaubourg and we spent about an hour around the very ugly but so ‘art moderne’ building that is the Centre
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Georges Pompidou.After dinner that evening we had a delightful cruise on the River Seine. From the ‘Bateau Mouche’, we saw soaring monuments, the Grand Exhibition, Halls that are the remnants of the Napoleanic era and the Industrial Revolution. The exhilarating self-confidence of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais is matched by the more recent buildings such as Palais de Chaillot, Maison de la Radio and the sky scrapers of the Left Bank. In the opposite direction lies the historical heart of Paris and the islands of the East River. At the centre is Ile de la Cité, a natural stepping stone across the Seine and the cultural core of medieval Paris. Today it is still a vital part of Parisian life. Our busy day ended with a stroll along the Champs Elysées ‘by night’ while we munched chocolate to warm ourselves up after the enjoyable but cold cruise on the river. Thursday arrived before we knew it we took the train to Versailles about 20kms from Paris. The magnificent Chateau and Garden’s of Versailles created by Louis XIV, The Sun King, was brought to life for us by our guide Cécile. She told us also that a guide at Versailles walks on average 6kms a day!! As she showed us around we saw the Chapel, the anterooms to the Great Appartementes, including the King and Queen’s private chambers. The visit finished about two hours later at the Hall of Mirrors and the adjoining Peace Room; this was where the famous ‘Treaty of Versailles’ was signed to end World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of 1918. We were impressed also by the Hall of Mirrors, especially when we realised that 80% of the mirrors are the originals from centuries ago. The train trip back to Paris provided us half an hours rest before heading off to Montmartre. The Basilica of Sacré Coeur stands high on the hillside, the Hill of Martyrs, not far from where St. Denis, patron saint of France lost his head!! The first stone of the Basilica was laid in 1875 and it was completed in 1914. However it was not consecrated until 1919 until the First World War had ended. The final cost was 40million francs. Since 1885 there has been perpetual adoration and worship within. Sacré Coeur is home to the Benedictine nuns in Paris (sisters of the nuns here in Kylemore). Afterwards we visited the nearby Place de Tertre with its inspiring artists and colourful cafés and restaurants.A short walk brought us to Place de Clichy and our evening meal. We passed the extremely famous Moulin Rouge. It was actually rather disappointing, as it was much smaller than what we had imagined. Friday morning was set aside for some serious shopping as we hit the streets of the newly redeveloped area of La Bastille where the Bastille Prison used to stand. By this time we were looking forward to returning back home. The long trip went
smoothly and we were back in Letterfrack at 2.30am. It’s hard to translate to paper how much of a great experience this trip actually was. Every second we spent in Paris was filled with magic and there was never a dull moment. We would like to conclude with a word of thanks to everybody who made this trip a reality for us: our principal, teachers, Ann McGeever, Fr. Celestine and fellow pupils at Kylemore Abbey School for their keen interest, encouragement and support. Parents, who listened, trusted and encouraged every step of the way. Ms. Mannion, for coming with us at such short notice and helping all the way to keep us alert and aware, while at the same time making our few days so enjoyable. Special thanks must go to Ms. Keating, for developing the idea of the trip, and making the whole thing a reality. We thank her for her good humour, organization and planning, determination and never ending patience! This was not (as she kept reminding us) a holiday but a cultural and educational outing and a unique opportunity which we will remember for the rest of our lives… PARIS 2007 Many of the fifth Years will keep with them forever the memories which they collected on their trip to Paris last October. Five days of total magic followed for everyone involved, students and teachers. Landmarks visited included The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Sacré Coeur, Versailles and so many more. There were five days of learning, culture, walking, travelling, social interaction but above all, good fun! Every one has their own personal favorites as to which sights they preferred but some of the incidents that stick in our minds have nothing to do with the ‘educational and cultural outing’ that we were being reminded of! Lovely pizza, chocolats chauds, croissants, policemen, the walking (and it wasn’t the geography teachers that knew how to read street maps), never getting lost!(that’s the official version), singing, shopping, ‘legend’ chatting sessions, metro trips on which nobody (officially) got lost! Late night chocolate eating (which the teachers knew nothing about), a quick trip to the hospital but it seemed you had to be called Mary K. to go there, not to forget the mouse… and we didn’t even have to go Eurodisney to see him! I’m sure that this trip will be talked about for many years to come and everyone will have their own slant on every moment. We would like to conclude with a word of thanks to everybody who made this trip a reality for us. Students on Paris Trip ; Angela Coyne, Lena Coyne, Gemma Cunnane, Mary Faherty, Roisin Hennessy, Annabelle Joyce, Brigid Keane, Mary Kane, Hannah Mamalis, Caitlin Mullan, Sorcha O’Connor, Jessica Ridge, Sinead Salmon.
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Letterfrack
ronmental Education and Cultural Centre. An abundance of music, song and dance awaited the visitor – great trad with Josephine Marsh, Yvonne Kane, Marie Walsh, Edel Fox, Mick Kinsella, Tommy Keane, great Cork fiddlers Timmy Browne and Geraldine O’Callaghan and lots more. A dollop of feel good gospel from the Galway Gospel Choir was a foot tapping highlight, a blast of country from the great Niall Toner Band got everyone going, while wonderful harmonica player Mick Kinsella entertained listeners with his own touch of gospel and blues. Sean Nós workshops with the Cunningham family also took place as well as music workshops, story telling and singing sessions for all ages in what once again was a highlight in the Letterfrack year. Photos: Top - Gillian McGreal, Jani Coyne, Eve O’Donnell playing at the session in the Bards Den after the music workshops; Marie Walsh and some of the pupils at the Box workshop during Tareis na Feile Bride.
Taréis na Féile Bríde ’08
Mol an Oige
Leitir Móir
€35,200 for minibus Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has sanctioned a grant of €35,200 to enable Muintearas, who are based in Tír an Fhia, Leitir Móir, Co. Galway, to purchase a new minibus. This bus will be used to enable older people and youths to access a range of social, support and education services in Ceantar na n-Oileán in the Conamara Gaeltacht. The Minister said, “Muintearas is a Gaeltacht organisation which regards the preservation of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht as one of its core activities and which meets the social and educational needs of a strong Gaeltacht community through Irish. I am delighted to support the committee, and the region, and I expect the local community will benefit greatly from this service.”
St. Brigids’s Day – an ancient time, a celebration of womanhood, a time to welcome back the light. A time to reflect on the beckoning year. A time to rise up and move out, and what better place in which to welcome the year ahead than in the Quaker village of Letterfrack in north- west Connemara. As usual Letterfrack celebrated with vigour with their annual festival Taréis na Féile Bríde from Feb. 1st – 3rd which was organized by the local group, Conamara Envi-
The recent Mol An Oige concerts held in Creeragh Church, Kylemore and the Church of Ireland, Clifden were a great success. Over 100 young people from all over Connemara took part in these solstice concerts, played to packed houses and sent people home full of Christmas spirit. Their great efforts also had a practical cause as they raised in excess of €1,200 for the Galway Hospice. “Mol an Oige agus tiocfaidh siad”. (See photo bottom)
Village Voice continues on page 15
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
GMIT Letterfrack: All-Ireland Senior Division 3 League Champions 2007-08 Team Photo - Back (l-r): Sean Garvey, Ian McDermot, Darragh Butler, Noel Whelan (Captain), Martin Joe Cannon, Morgan Lalor, James Coen, Donal Conheady, Jason Kilkenny, Kieran Lynch, Robert McNamara, Patrick Naughton, Paul Leamy, Fergus Gahan. Front: Conor Ryan, Adrian Brennan, Shane Griffen, David Crehan, Ronan Costello, Michael Lennon, Francis Clohessy, Donal Murphy, Cormac O’Connor, David Gunian. Cup Presentation: Mike McMahon from the GAA Higher Education Council presenting the cup to GMIT Letterfrack Captain Noel Whelan.
Ulster Bank Higher Education Division: Three League Final
Letterfrack Graduate To Intermediate Grade With National Honours GMIT Letterfrack 1-15 GMIT Castlebar 0-6 The razor sharp representatives of GMIT Letterfrack hurled themselves into the history books in the heart of Mayo recently, with a scintillating performance of power, passion and no small amount of skill. They left the opposition trailing in their wake and their hardy bunch of loyal supporters dreaming of a League and Championship double down in the rebel county next month. The setting may have been bleak and the surroundings stark, but it mattered little to the Letterfrack lads who carved out a significant milestone for themselves, their long established, highly experienced and totally dedicated management team of Paul Leamy and Sean Garvey, and last but not least, the parish of Letterfrack – Ballinakill itself, which has always nurtured a keen interest in and affection for the game of hurling despite the non-existence of a club entity therein. Fate decreed that an All Ireland Final, originally fixed for Oughterard was ultimately switched to Ballyheane, tantamount to giving home advantage to Castlebar. Their large and vociferous support did everything in their power to transform the performance of the troops on the front line, but their exhortations were in vain. Letterfrack had a date with destiny and not even divine intervention itself on this occasion was going to deny them their day in the sun. It is often said that there is no substitute for class and never was this truism better exemplified than in this particular contest.
Connemara SportsView
From the outset, the Connemara College ruled the roost at midfield. Throughout the first quarter, their central diamond was totally dominant under the dropping ball off the Castlebar puckout, and the subsequent monopoly on possession that ensued, enabled them to bombard the Castlebar goal in almost non-stop fashion. By the twenty-minute mark, Letterfrack had built up a commanding six-point lead with their opposition still to register on the scoreboard. Francis Clohosey at full forward was Castlebar’s tormentor in chief. Having slotted over the opening two points in nonchalant fashion he subsequently played a leading role in the creation of the game’s only goal on twelve minutes, which was clinically dispatched by left corner forward Darragh Bulter. Six minutes later Clohosey’s converted free extended his side’s lead but in reality the gap should have been much greater. By the time Mark Regan landed Castlebar’s opening score on twenty-one minutes his opponents had already registered seven bad wides from eminently score-able positions. This opening score really ignited the Mayo College’s challenge. Clohosey did point his second free on twenty-three minutes but the momentum was temporarily with Castlebar. Captain Enda Cooney at centre-half back and centre-half forward Enda Concannon were now starting to make a major impact on proceedings. Continued on next page
February 7, 2008
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Connemara Golf Links Ladies - Sunday 20th January, 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Deirdre Murphy & The Ladies Committee. 1st Pauline Dolly (20) Galway 43pts, 2nd Mary O’Higgins (16) Galway 36pts last 3, 3rd Evelyn King (20) 36pts. CSS 36pts. Sunday 27th January, 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Carmel Murphy and the Ladies Commitee.1st Julie Donnellan (18) 40pts, 2nd Marilyn Kelly (Galway) 38pts, 3rd Ger Mc Gettigan 18 (Galway), CSS 35pts. Mens - Sunday 20th January, 18 Holes Single Stableford. 1st: MichaelWallace(20) 41Pts 2nd: Billy Reilly(11)40Pts Gross: David Scully(1)37Pts3rd:TonyConneeley(17) 40Pts CSS: 38pts. Sunday 27th January, 18 Holes Single Stableford.1st: Tom Vaughan (15)41Pts. 2nd: Francie Joyce (14) 40Pts. Gross: David Scully(1) 37Pts 3rd: Martin Casey(15)38Pts CSS: 37Pts. Sunday 3rd February, 18 Holes Single Stableford.1st: Donal Nee (16) 38Pts. 2nd: Tim Hickey (15) 37Pts (b9) 3rd: Michael King (14) 37Pts. CSS: 37Pts. Inter Pub League - Round 1: 1st: O’Dowd’s Roundstone, 244Pts. 2nd: Keogh’s Ballyconneely, 223Pts. 3rd: Tom King’s Clifden, 221Pts. 4th: Mannion’s Clifden, 219Pts. Photos:Claddaghduff N.S. Principal Marie Bourke receives cheque from 3-ball scramble fundraiser from Lady Captain Bernie Ward and Captain Paddy Flaherty on January 6th; Incoming Lady Captain Bernie Ward presents Hamper to Julie Donnellan, Captain Paddy Flaherty presents hamper to incoming Vice Captain Tom Vaughan; Captain Paddy Flaherty presents Golfer of the Year Award to Rory Sweeney.
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GMIT Letterfrack continued
Angling: First Catch
The latter fired over a free, and impressive wing forward Mark Regan chipped in with a quick-fire brace either side of a third Clohosey free, to leave only four points between the sides at half-time. Although Letterfrack led by 1-5 to 0-4 they were probably the less happier of the two teams going in at the interval, mainly because a four point advantage was a really poor reflection on their overall dominance during that opening period. Castlebar in contrast were still very much in contention, despite being on the back-foot for long periods and their management would have been well aware that a high quality third quarter on their part would ask serious questions of the favourites in the final run in. It never materialized however, because Letterfrack’s hurling was vastly improved on the resumption. They eradicated the over-elaboration and profligacy up front that had devalued their endeavours in the first half by adopting a far more direct and economical style. The half-time interlude, which allowed for the direct intervention of management had the desired effect, and ‘The Frack’ never looked back thereafter. The opening score of the second half went to Castlebar courtesy of an Enda Concannon free. This point cut the deficit to a puck of a ball, but it was to prove a false dawn for Castlebar. Over the next ten minutes, Letterfrack hit a real purple patch to effectively end this final as a contest. Clohosey was once again a major influence with a four-point contribution. Captain Noel Whelan also landed two placed balls as cracks began to appear in the Castlebar resistance all over the pitch. As the match petered out subsequently mid-fielder Morgan Lawlor, corner-back Adrian Brennan and cornerforward Darragh Butler (2) tacked on the remaining points in impressive fashion for the victors. A second converted free from the resilient Enda Concannon constituted Castlebar’s only symbolic act of defiance in the face of this Connemara onslaught. They had out-standing performances on the day from goalkeeper Nioclas O Lonain, centre half -back and Captain Enda Cooney, midfielder Oisín MacTiarnan, wingforward Mark Regan, and the aforementioned Enda Concannon. Now its very much back to the drawing board for Fr. Michael Murphy and the rest of his management team as they pick themselves up for the First Round of the Fergal Maher Cup against Garneville Gaels on February 12th. It was a very sporting contest all through, and both sets of players are to be commended on their exceptionally high levels of fitness. They also belied the greasy underfoot conditions with an exhibition of totally committed, disciplined and wholehearted hurling from start to finish. Castlebar had the heart, the pride, the intensity and the hunger, but ultimately couldn’t match the cuteness and artistry of their opponents. That was the essential difference on the day. Letterfrack had too much craft and guile, and were far too well balanced all over the pitch for their gallant but ultimately limited opponents. Once the Connemara College really got into the groove in the final quarter, they looked like a side that should be playing in a higher grade, and thankfully this will be the case in 2009 when they will move up to Division 2 League and Championship (Ryan Cup). The newly crowned champions were very strong all down the middle with Captain Noel Whelan, a colossus at centrehalf back. He was a tower of strength for the entire hour, dominant under the high ball and astute in his distribution. His commanding physical presence and intelligent reading of the game was a real thorn in the side of the Castlebar for-
The first salmon of the 2008 season was caught on the Delphi Fishery on Tuesday 5th February, weighing 8 lb 12 oz and fresh in from the sea. It was taken on a large yellow and orange tube fly from the whin pool. It was caught by Giles Fraser (see photo).
February 7, 2008
wards who failed to find a cutting edge all the way through. Whelan was ably assisted by tenacious wing-backs, James Coen and Donal Conheady, and it was this line that really laid the foundation for Letterfrack’s comprehensive victory on the day. Behind them, full-back Martin Joe Cannon was rock solid and his quietly effective, no-nonsense approach was also mirrored by corner backs Adrian Brennan and David Crehan, who saw a lot more action in the second half than in the first. Midfielders Morgan Lawlor and Michael Lennon reminded this writer of the famous O’Connor brothers from Newtownshandrum. They were busy, creative and industrious, and their tremendous work-rate was emulated by Patrick Naughton at centre-half forward who covered acres of ground, and led the line superbly until an unfortunate injury forced him to retire late on. Any set of forwards worth their salt must have a target man to ensure that the hard work and honest endeavour out the field is rewarded through the procurement of vital scores, and in the mercurial Francis Clohosey at full forward, Letterfrack have their man. It was also a great day at the office for left cornerforward Darragh Butler, who displayed great scoring prowess on the big occasion. The remaining trio of David Guinan, Shane Griffin and Jason Kilkenny can also take great pride in their contribution to the cause, particularly in the second half. At this level of hurling, Letterfrack have no weak links and will provide formidable opposition for either Kings Inn Law College Dublin or Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education in the quarter final of the championship on February 20th. Hopefully the best is yet to come in the form of a successful Championship campaign. Letterfrack suffered two successive heartbreaking defeats in Fergal Maher Cup Finals in 2002 and 2003 respectively, but this writer expects that it will be third time lucky for Paul and Sean in 2008. The local significance of GMIT Letterfrack’s achievement should not be underestimated and can be appreciated on a number of different levels. I am reliably informed that more than half a century ago, hurleys were one of the many items produced in the Christian Brothers Carpentry shop in the grounds of Letterfrack C.B.S. It is also half a century since the official opening of the Community Sportsfield in Tullycross. This groundbreaking initiative was the culmination of many months of hard labour, by scores of men from all the various town-lands in the parish. Most of those men now enjoy a heavenly existence. Nonetheless, I’m sure they and the few mortals who still remain with us will have derived a fair measure of happiness and satisfaction from the knowledge that this particular bunch of Letterfrack hurlers availed of their creation for training purposes in the build up to these final and earlier matches. I reserve the final word of thanks for the people of vision who brought about the creation of Connemara West, and by extension the establishment of a Third Level Institution of some renown in the Quaker Village of Letterfrack. They too are surely entitled to bask in the glory of this wonderful sporting achievement. Paul Gannon
Connemara SportsView
Connemara Rugby The new year has begun, and we have played just two games out of four due to weather conditions. Our game against Ards was called off when snow and ice made it impossible for them to travel, so hopefully that game will now go ahead on the March 8th. Our next game was against Middleton in Cork on the 12th January, and while there was frost here that morning it rained very heavily during the match. We had great support in Cork, and that helped the team to give a very disciplined display where we came away 9-3 winners. Middleton opened the scoring with a penalty after twelve minutes, and five minutes later Troy Nathan levelled the score with a penalty from 30 metres. The rest of the first was played between the 22’s , as no side had any chance of scoring a try. The rain was getting heavier and the pitch was cutting up, so mistakes had to be kept to a minimum, and well done to our lads as they did not concede any penalty in the second half. With the forwards getting the edge, Troy kept the home side pinned in their own half. With 15 minutes remaining we got a penalty forty meters out, and when that drifted wide we thought this might be a 3 all game, but another penalty two minutes later from the touch line sailed between the posts, and the travelling supporters let the team know they were there. No longer was the rain or cold bothering them as they roared the team on and another Troy Nathan penalty extended the lead. We closed out the game for the last few minutes and came away with a deserved win. The players were covered with muck from head to toe coming off the field but there was a smile on everyone’s face (log on to connemararfc.ie to see pictures). Well done to all who travelled to Middleton that weekend. Our next match was to be the following weekend against Banbridge, but we had very heavy rain on Thursday night and the forecast was for another 50mm of rain for Saturday, so we had to call off the game. That game is re-scheduled for the 23rd February. Our next game was against league leaders, Bruff who had won all of their games so far and only conceded 22 points overall in the season so far. This was always going to be a big test for us. We started well and 8 minutes into the game Troy Nathan (see photo) put us 3 points up-the first time all season that Bruff had been behind. That lead didn’t last too long however, a Bruff penalty came off the upright and the restart went straight into the hands of the fullback, who broke the first tackle and got in under the posts to make it 3-7. Bruff, like ourselves, like to run the ball and their support play was very good. Their second try after 25 minutes came from good passing and support for the runners. This was a disappointing try for us to have given away as we turned over the ball very easily. For the next ten minutes we put pressure on them
Connemara SportsView
and brought play into their 22. A penalty was awarded for hands in the ruck, and Troy made it 6-14. Injury time in the first is something Bruff no.8 will want to forget. After good support play he took the ball up to our line and as he was about to be tackled he off-loaded the ball, but came down awkwardly and suffered a bad leg injury. We wish Gerard Looby a speedy recovery. Bruff got the try but play was held up for twenty minutes. On the restart, Bruff added the conversion to leave the half-time score 6-21. With the wind in our favour we put them under pressure, and when their number 19 was sin binned for a dangerous tackle on Alan Keogh, the big crowd got behind our lads. Troy missed the sideline penalty. Two minutes later after good rucking, a quick ball to Paddy O’Toole gave him the space to attack the line, and despite two defenders, he scored in the corner (see photos below). The conversion was from the same place that Troy missed the penalty a few minutes earlier, this time he made no mistake. Four minutes later, more pressure yielded another penalty to make the score 16-21. When Bruff got their player back on the field they regrouped, and started to put us under pressure again but this time our defence was much better. They came looking for a bonus try but the tackles went in and every attack was snuffed out. We had one more chance but the off-load failed to go to hand. Bruff had a chance to add three more points with the last kick, but as their kicker was injured they kicked the ball dead, and we ended up getting a bonus point. This was one of the most exciting games played at the Monastery Field in a long time. A special thanks to the emergency services for their help on the day. Our next game is against Nenagh Ormond on the 9th Feb. A big crowd is expected to travel for what we hope is another big display from an improving Connemara team. Our Junior team is also suffering from the bad weather. Last Sunday’s game away to Creggs was the latest to fall victim to the heavy rain. That game is re-scheduled for Sunday February 10th. One game that did go ahead was the cup game against Westport last Saturday. Unfortunately, the subs of the senior side were required at home but the lads still gave it their all, and after a tight first half the home side ran out easy winners. This is a very young team who have improved with every game and should give the Plate competition a good run. The under 20’s travelled to Castlebar to play the hosts in a cup game, and after a close first half ,our lads cut loose in the second, and ran out easy winners on a score line of 529. It was great to see Paddy Madden back to his best after being out most of the season due to injury. The under 18’s have two games left in the league against Sligo and Castlebar, and a win in both would see them win their league. With the Cup coming up, a little more effort is required at training. The first round of the cup is a home match against Ballyhaunis on the 24th Feb. The under 16’s are also suffering from the bad weather with some of their games called off. Their cup match is also a home fixture against Castlebar next Sunday so please come out and support them. The under 14’s are away to Dunmore in their cup game on 16th Feb and the under 13’s are away to Buccaneers in their cup game on the 1st March. On Friday night, February 8th ,they play Monivea in Monivea under lights. The Mini’s had a good day in Carraroe last week and we hope to have another blitz soon if the weather settles down. Monivea had to cancel two weeks ago but hope to run it again soon. There is a coaching course coming up in two weeks for anyone thinking of getting involved in coaching from under 7’s to under 13’s. Please contact anyone in the Youths section for more information. Log onto www. connemararfc.ie for the latest info. Peter Keane
February 7, 2008
Connemara Pony Breeders At its first meeting of 2008, the Council of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society adopted Proposed Amendments to the Memorandum & Articles of Association, which will be presented to the general membership of the Society for ratification at an EGM on Sunday, March 2nd. In a historic move the Council also voted in favour of all members standing down prior to the AGM in April, in order to facilitate the election of an entirely new Council which will be reduced from its current 24 seats to the smaller size of 13. All Ordinary Members of the Society are urged to attend the E.G.M on Sunday, 2nd March in the Westwood House Hotel, Newcastle, Galway at 3pm and to give their full support to these progressive measures. Members will receive a copy of the Proposed Amendments and their support on Sunday, March 2nd will herald a new era in the 85-year history of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society. CPBS Diary Events at Clifden Showground except Sale which is at the Clifden Mart. 23 & 24/2/08: Connemara Pony Sale 27/03/2008: ICCPS AGM 28/3/08: Colt Inspections 29/3/08: International Judges Clinic 30/3/08: Annual Stallion Parade 21/8/08: Connemara Pony Show
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Darts The Inaugural Peter McMahon Memorial Cup was held in Glynsk House on January 13th last. There was a very high entry of 51 players from all over Connemara with several exciting and closely fought contests. The standard of darts was extremely high, particularly in the latter stages. Ultimately the honour of becoming the first ever winner of this prestigious trophy fell to Galway County player Tommy Flaherty from Leitir Mór. Tommy is also the Chairperson of the Galway County Darts Board. He defeated Renvyle’s Alan Flaherty in a nai-biting final. Alan had earlier defeated Richie McMahon in his semi-final. This competition was organised by C.L.G. Ghráinne Mhaoil. The John Hynes/Jack Coyne Perpetual Cup was hosted by the Renvyle Inn on January 26th last. There was an overall entry of 21 pairs and it was a night of high drama with several unexpected outcomes. Many of the pre-tournament favourites were knocked out in the earlier rounds with the exception of the defending champions Peter Lyons and John Roger Heanue. They held their nerve brilliantly all night and reserved their best form for the final itself when they overcame the gallant Renvyle duo of Conor Conneely and Mark Fitzpatrick. The tournament was organized by Johnny Coyne in association with Gráinne Mhaols GAA. Mná an Iarthair would like to take this opportunity to extend a special word of thanks to the Management of both Glynsk House and The Renvyle Inn for their generous donation of additional prizes to the raffle. We would also like to express our appreciation to Michael Cloherty of Glynsk House who kindly provided sandwiches free of charge, and to Collette Gannon who prepared the food for the John Hynes/Jack Coyne Perpetual Cup. Paul Gannon Connemara Inter-Pub Championship 1st Round Results: Leavys 28, Anglers Rest, 26. Teach Daingean 32, Keoghs, 22. Mollys
39, Tí Mheaic 15. Griffins 48, Sweeneys, 6. The Darcy Inn 35, Tír na nÓg 19. Quarter Final 1st Leg Results: Leavys 8, Griffins 19. Mollys 18, Veldons 9. The Darcy Inn 24, Tí Feistí 3. Teach Daingain 24, The Renvyle Inn 3. The Shield Quarter-Final Draw and Championship Semi-Final Draw will be conducted live on CCR Fm’s Talk Sport Programme on Monday February 11th. Photos: Richie McMahon presents Alan Flaherty with his runners up trophy; Johnny Coyne presents John Roger Heanue and Peter Lyons with the John Hynes/Jack Coyne Perpetual Cup; Johnny Coyne presents Conor Conneely and Mark Fitzpatrick with their runners up trophies after they lost out in the John Hynes/Jack Coyne Perpetual Cup Final; Richie McMahon presents Tommy Flaherty with the Peter McMahon Memorial Cup. Credit Union Sponsors: Photos - Paddy Gannon presents the Gráinne Mhaol Perpetual Cup to West Connemara Doubles Champions Alan Flaherty and James Flaherty. This Cup was kindly sponsored by Tullycross Credit Union; Margaret Sheehan presents the Gráinne Mhaols Perpetual Cup to West Connemara Singles Champion James Flaherty. This Cup was kindly sponsored by Cashel-Connemara Credit Union.
GAA: Renvyle County Junior (A) League Final Annaghdown 2-11 Renvyle 2-10 A hugely disappointed Renvyle will remain at Junior A level for 2008 after losing the 2007 County League final in the cruellest fashion, by one point to Annaghdown in Spiddal on Sunday 27th December. The score-line accurately reflects what was a Championship class match, but a few missed opportunities in the first half were to be ultimately costly for Renvyle. Out of four goal chances, only one was converted, nonetheless, Renvyle were by far the superior side of the first half but the scores were level at 1-4 apiece at the half-time interval. The second half was fast and intense with both teams trading scores at a rapid pace. Michael Aspell was a force to be reckoned with and could not have worked harder, while county minor Lorcan Conneely pulled off a couple of terrific saves. Another county minor
star, Tommy Walsh scored a penalty to put Renvyle back in the lead by 2-8 to 1-9 by the 50th minute. However trouble was ahead for Renvyle, as this Annaghdown team were not backing down. By full time Annaghdown led by 2-11 to 2-10 and they held out for injury time, leaving a frustrated and disappointed Renvyle side. Renvyle can take some heart from the stylish and committed way they played. They would have deserved the win every bit as much as the Annaghdown victors. Renvyle: Lorcan Conneely, Gary Mortimer, Aidan Flaherty, Jamie Flaherty, Mark Gannon, Tom Nee (0-1), Gerry Salmon, Enda Walsh (0-1), Michael Aspell, Conor Conneely, Tommy Walsh (1-0(pen), Stephen Heanue (0-1), Shane Charlton (0-3(2f ), Patrick Folan (0-2), Eoin O Neill (1-2). Subs: Michael McDonnell, Brian Coyne.
Connemara Athletics Little Athletics is starting on Wednesday 30th January to 12th March for 7 weeks, where your chil-
dren can build up their fitness levels. The venue is the Sports Complex at Clifden Community School from 4.30pm - 5.30pm. The age group is 6-12 years old and all primary school children are welcome. Children must bring training gear; runners, tracksuit or shorts. Membership for the year is €20 per child Volunteers are needed for training and supervision. Connemara Athletics Club A.G.M. takes place on Weds, 20th February at 8.00 p.m. at the Station House, Clifden. In order for the club to continue, we really need volunteers to help with training and supervision. If your child/children are interested in joining the club, why not come along and lend a hand? It is very important for kids to keep fit. If you cannot attend the A.G.M. but would like to help, contact: Patricia Dunford, 095 21379 or Sharon Maher, 095 22939.
Clifden Tops the West Coast The Clifden Boat Club wons two out of three classes and the Overall Title in The “Dubarry West Coast Super League” 2007. Overall Winner: Jackie Ward’s yacht, “Hallmark”, Clifden Boat Club. Class 1 IRC Winner: Thomas & Kieran Whelan’s X332 “Chaos”, Royal Western Yacht Club. Class 2 IRC Winner: Dave Griffin’s Dehler 34 “Egalite”, Clifden Boat Club. Class 3 IRC Winner: Jackie Ward’s Parker 27 “Hallmark”, Clifden Boat Club. Class 1 ECHO Winner: Thomas & Kieran Whelan’s X332 “Chaos”, Royal Western Yacht Club. Class 2 ECHO Winner: John & Edward Conway’s GK34 “Golden Kopper”, Foynes Yacht Club. Class 3 ECHO Winner: Donal McCormack’s Shamrock “Battle”, Foynes Yacht Club.
Connemarathon Over 4000 runners, joggers and walkers from around the globe will converge on Connemara on April 6th for the ‘Connemarathon’ which is already sold out for this year. The Clifden Chamber of Commerce, one of the sponsors, is calling on the local business community to work together and make this a special event, not only for the runners but spectators alike. Interest in the event has increased in the last number of years and every hotel, guesthouse and B&B in the Clifden area has been sold out prior to the marathon weekend. For more info go to www.connemarathon.com.
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February 7, 2008
Connemara SportsView
Maam Zambian Housing Project The communities in Clonbur, Cornamona, and Maam organized recent fundraising events to raise money to build houses for people in Zambia, to help them have a better lifestyle.Some of the events which have taken place include a play by Cumann Dramaiocht in the Sean Scoil, Cornamona, and a concert in Ionad Pobail an Mhama. €5450 was raised for Zambia and six volunteers from Joyce Country are going out to build houses there in 2008.
2006 for the Tiernakill Road. This has been an exciting time for the Group as they also won a “Make it Happen Award” from Combined Insurance Company and the Connacht Tribune, and a “Pride of Place Award” from Co-operation Ireland and Galway County Council. Those awards are for the participation of local people in community and voluntary work in their area. Photo C. Marzouk
Ionad Pobail an Mhama Monday Aerobics Classes take place at 7.45pm. Tuesday Card Games at 8.30pm. All are welcome. Wednesday Art classes to begin in early March. Date to be confirmed. Thursday Meetings of Maam Women’s Group on the first Thursday of every month at 8.30pm. New members welcome. Friday Set Dancing Classes to begin in early March. Meetings of Coiste Forbartha an Mhama, Leenane/Maam Red Cross Group, Galway Mountain Rescue, Galway Walking Club, etc. take place in the Community Centre on a regular basis. It is also used by pupils of Scoil Bhride Tir na Cille and young people in Maam for sports, games, table tennis, pool, etc.
Charity Darts Night Photo: Cheque presentation by members of Cumann Dramaiochta Chorr na Mona to the Zambian Housing Project. Front (l-r): Maire Ni Shuileabhan, Rosemary Hanley, Dermot Birch,(Zambian Housing Project), Nora McHughKing, Tomas O Maolruaidh, Mike Dolan,(Zambian Housing Project).Back: Jack Hanley, Padraig O Duitche, Eamon O Suilleabhain, Padraig O Caomhanaigh, Aine Ui Choirbin, Aine Ui Chuiv, Micheal O Tuairisg, Padraig O Coirbin, Deirdre Bhreathnach.
Book Launch Eamon o Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, launched a new edition of the book An tIomaire Rua in Keane’s Bar, Maam. This book was written by Professor Tomas O Maille of Mounterowen ,who was the first professor of Irish in N.U.I.Galway. It is an account of the war waged by the I.R.A. on the R.I.C and the Black and Tans in Maam Valley, Clifden, and Tourmakeady in 1921. Mairtin O Cadhain wrote the new edition of the book and it is published by An Gum, 24 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1.
Joyce Country Echo The winter edition of the Community newsletter is now on sale in shops in Joyce Country. It contains local news, interviews, poetry, memories from times past, photographs, recipes, news of various fundraising events for charity, voluntary work in Africa and much more. Contact number: 091.571108. E- Mail:anita.hanley@hotmail.com
Maam Women’s Group Congratulations to Maam Women’s Group who won an award for the best litter free mile for the Drimsnave Road, in the Golden Mile of Galway Competition 2007. (See photo). The Group won awards in 2005 for the Curr Road, and in
On Saturday the 29th December a charity darts night was held in Keane’s Bar, Maam, in aid of the children’s playroom, UCHG.This now has become an annual event of the social calendar in the Maam and Cornamona areas. This year players came from Maam, Cloughbrack, Clonbur, Ballinrobe, Tourmakeady, Derryrush and the Aran Islands. In total 39 people played on the night. After two hours of play we were down to the last four players; Gerard Folan, Enda Brown, Cathal O’ Malley, and Padraic Lydon. The winner was Enda Brown from Clonbur. Highest score of the night was Michael Mannion, Cloughbrack, with a Score of 172. The night would not have worked without help from the ladies, Rita, Roisin, Ann Marie, Caroline, Brid , and Patricia, who cooked and served food. Thanks also to Mary T, Grainne and Ann Marie for doing the draw for games, and also to the ladies who helped fill and count all the money in Homer. Thanks also to Terry Og and Gerard Coyne for chalking games. At the moment we have €1,500 in the kitty for the kids in Galway Hospital. Hopefully the same lads and ladies and a few more might turn up next year, and we will have another go at it again in December 2008.
€10k funding for Oughterard Youth Café Connemara Councillor Thomas Welby has secured €10,000 in funding from Galway County Council for a new youth café for Oughterard. Cllr Welby announced news of the funding at a recent meeting with members of the committee, who hope to set up the youth café, if planning permission is granted by Galway Co Co. “I have been working on this issue for some time and I am delighted that Galway County Council has agreed to provide funding for this important facility”, said Cllr. Welby. “I am continuing to work closely with the committee and my colleague Deputy Noel Grealish to try and secure additional funding from other sources for this much-needed youth facility in the town” he added. “The young people of Oughterard have very little places to relax and take it easy, and given the success of other youth cafés around the city and county, such as The Gaf on Eglinton Street, I believe this is an excellent opportunity for the young people of Oughterard.” The youth café in Oughterard will benefit from a town centre location and will be an important drop-in centre for young people in the locality in a safe environment. “The fact that it will be alcohol free and will close at a reasonable hour should reassure parents”said Cllr Welby. He concluded “the committee hope to lodge a planning application for this youth café in the very near future and I will be working closely with them to ensure that this project becomes a reality as quickly as possible”.
Let’s Dance! Salsa dancing is resuming in the Connemara Gateway Hotel, on Thursdays at 7.30pm. Brighten up your dull evenings with Eglis from Cuba & enjoy learning to dance Salsa & Latin Dances. Only a few places left! Booking at 087 99 33 070, or just pop in!
Sven Kapp Hatchery Dinner Attached photograph is from the annual Sven Kapp Hatchery Dinner in the Connemara Gateway Hotel, Oughterard, on Friday 25th January. Frank Kyne, the retired headmaster of the Boy’s School in Oughterard, is presented with a bog oak carving in recognition of his service on the Oughterard Anglers & Boatmen’s Association committee for over 40 years. Photo: L-R; Sven Kapp, Frank Kyne and John Gibbons, Chairman, Oughterard Angling Club.
Oughterard “Thousandaire” Launch The parents association of Scoil An Chlochair and Scoil Chuimin Naofa Oughterard are holding the fundraiser “Who wants to be a Thousandaire?” to raise much needed funds for the sports hall and equipment in the new school, which will see the amalgamation of both schools. We are having a cheese and wine reception to launch the event on Friday February 8th at 8.00pm in the Connemara Gateway Hotel. All are welcome.Adrian Lydon from RTE’s Prime Time and Newsroom will be on hand to officially launch the show. Photo bottom right: Councillors go back to school - Cllr Thomas Welby and Cllr Seamus Walsh, standing. Committee members Ann Marie Gibbons, Richard McDonagh and Ann Watts, seated. Photo by Tom Broderick.
Paths Cllr. Thomas Welby has welcomed the works on the extension of paths from Billamore to the Graveyard being carried out by Galway County Council. Cllr. Welby has long been campaigning for these works and is hopeful that the works will be completed in the very near future.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
February 7, 2008
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I’ve heard that tune before! The first in a series of investigative reports on Galway County Council by John Durning In each and every democracy the flow of information from the public sector to the general public is paramount to its health and ability to function properly. All public institutions have a duty to inform the public of its decisions, actions and not least the entitlements and rights of the public it serves. Every citizen should have the choice to make representations either personally, through an elected representative and/or through a representative body of which they are a member or by the use of a third party chosen by that citizen to represent the citizens’ point of view effectively. While we all may aspire to such an ideal, too often our quest for information is met with a stony silence or even more frustratingly the famous “run around”. Rarely do we hit the jackpot and get a direct answer to a direct question. How often have we, at one time or another, been subjected to this typically Irish solution to a problem? It’s often a case of... “If I were you... I wouldn’t start from here!” and so…I’m going to send you on the greatest wild goose chase you’ve ever experienced but you’ll hear some great music along the way ! Increasing our appreciation of popular and classical music is all very laudable, but do we have to be treated to these interminable loops when our sole pursuit is to garner some information and preferably, quickly. You can almost tell by the type of tune being played, just how long your query is going to take. The soothing ‘classical’ pieces of Vivaldi etc. attempt to ease you into a false sense of all being well with the world until you realise that you’ve not heard a human speaking voice for god knows how long. Frustration builds…..then suddenly a friendly voice listens again to your tale and asks you to hang on while they transfer you the ‘right’ department. I remember once telling an operator that I was 56 minutes on the phone without receiving a reply to which he chirpily answered “That must be a record!” He was lucky I wasn’t standing next to him otherwise; he would have had a record…a record sized orifice in a certain part of his anatomy!
However, isn’t it astounding that in a time of numerous tribunals where the pursuit of “openness, transparency and accountability” is the desired result that so many of our public bodies would appear to have difficulties in adopting such a policy? With the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act and the publication by the Department of the Environment and Local Government of “Modernising Government – The Challenge for Local Government”, which outlines a need for “pro-active information dissemination to customers”, you would expect that a policy bordering on secrecy would have all but disappeared by now. Unfortunately the hesitancy and, sometimes, delay in releasing information to the public still persists in at least one local authority…Galway County Council. To give the County Council its due, it has made efforts to improve it’s dissemination of important information. The introduction and implementation of their policy document Customer Service Action Plan 2005-2009 has outlined its aspirations.
Our Values
Our Challenges
Inclusiveness
Delivery of services in partnership with community and interest groups
Transparency and Decision-making processes that are Accountability open Value for Money Efficiency and effectiveness in allocating resources Responsiveness Proactively respond to the needs of the citizen Community Provide leadership and support the Leadership and democratic process Public Confidence Accessibility Ensure services are accessible and appropriate Source:http://www.galway.ie/en/AboutYourCouncil/ CustomerService/CustomerServiceActionPlan2005-09/TheFile,504,en.pdf
However, as so often happens, the practical implementation of these aspirations too often fall short in their execution. So, how can we play our part in improving the communication connections between this public body and the customers they serve, ourselves! Perhaps, for openers, an outline of the Councils Complaints Procedure might help to clarify how the problem/s that confront us can be outlined precisely and, hopefully, help with a speedy resolution. ________________________________________________ Source: www.galway.ie
How do you make an enquiry or complaint? The County Council outlines its procedures in this way: If you have a concern or suggestion about a particular service you should write or speak to a member of staff in that particular service area. If there has been a problem, we will try and sort it out straight away. You may express your concerns in any of our office locations. How do I make a complaint? We want to know when our services have gone wrong. We want to put things right and learn from our mistakes. So we have tried to make it easy for you to make a complaint. You can use our online comment form or you can send us a letter, visit, telephone or send e-mail or fax. You can also make a complaint about the standard or manner of the delivery of a service to the Customer Services Officer in the relevant Unit. Outcome: Complaint is dealt with and a response issued within 15 working days.
If I am not happy with the reply I received, what can I do next? If you are not happy with the reply you can make a formal complaint using our online form or complete and submit our complaints form to the Customer Services Officer in Corporate Affairs. Complaints forms are available at all our office locations. You will receive an acknowledgement within 7 working days and a formal response within 15 working days. If for some reason this is not possible they will write to you and give you an approximate timescale for reply. Complaint Forms should be submitted to: Customer Services Officer, Corporate & Cultural Affairs Unit, Galway County Council, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway Tel: 091-509000 Fax: 091- 509010
Online Comments Form Our Customer Services Officer in Corporate Affairs will: 1. acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 7 working days
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February 7, 2008
2. complete the processing of your complaint within 15 working days 3. where your complaint is upheld, apologise to you and, where possible, try to rectify the situation immediately 4. where your complaint is not upheld, explain our reasons to you 5. advise you of any statutory rights of appeal 6. download complaints form
If I am still not satisfied can I take my complaint further? The Ombudsman is a independent person who investigates complaints about the public service and its delivery of service. You have a statutory right to complain directly to the Ombudsman at any time. But she will usually consider your complaint after it has been looked at under the complaints procedure outlined above.
Freedom of Information Requests under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 & 2003 should be addressed in writing to: Freedom of Information Officer, Corporate & Cultural Affairs Unit, Galway County Council Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway.
Ombudsman Statutory redress through the Ombudsman can be taken by contacting: Office of the Ombudsman, 8 Lower Lesson Street, Dublin 2, Tel: 01 6785222 Lo-call 1890223030, email: mailto:ombudsman@ombudsman.irl.gov.ie.
How to get information under the Freedom of Information Act Applications for information under this Act should be addressed to: County Secretary, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway. Phone: (091) 509000; Fax: (091) 509010, Email: secretar@galwlaycoco.ie. Your request should preferably be made on the official Freedom of Information application form which is available in all sections. Requests made other than on the Freedom of Information application form should indicate that information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act. If you wish to receive the information in any particular form, e.g. photocopy, computer disk, etc., you should indicate this in your request. Please give as much detail as possible to enable the Council to identify the records to which you require access. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise records which you require, the Council will be happy to assist you in preparing your request. The Council must issue an acknowledgement of your request within two weeks of receiving it and make a decision on your request within four weeks of receiving it unless the request relates to such number of records that compliance within the specified time is not reasonably possible, in which case, a time extension not exceeding a further four weeks may be allowed. You must be notified of the period of the time extension required and the reasons therefore. Fees may be charged as follows: 1. Personal Information Requests: a. shall be charged at the rate of € 20.95 (IR£ 16.50) per hour, or part thereof, for requests requiring dedication of a search and retrieval time equal to, or greater than, 1 hour. b. charge shall be waived in circumstances when the request requires the dedication of a search and retrieval time of less than 1 hour. c. no photocopying fee shall arise in the case of personal information, where such charges would not be reasonable, having regard to the means of the requester. 2. Non-Personal Information Requests: a. These shall be charged for at the rate of € 20.95 (IR£ 16.50) per hour, or part thereof, for all such requests requiring the dedication of a search and retrieval time of 15 minutes or more. b. The fee shall be waived where the information would be of particular assistance to the understanding of an issue of national importance. 3. Photocopying: a. All photocopy sheets required in compliance with a request shall be charged at the rate of €0.04 (3p) per sheet where the amount produced exceeds 35 sheets. €0.51 (40p) for a 31/2 computer diskette and €10.16 (£8) for a CDROM. b. No charges may be made in respect of photocopying and retrieval where the total charge involved would be less than € 6.35 (IR£ 5.00).
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
4. Consideration: No charges may apply in respect of time spent by the local authority in considering your request. 5. Deposit: A deposit may be payable where the total fee is likely to exceed € 50.79 (IR£ 40). In these circumstances, you may request assistance from staff to amend your request so as to reduce or eliminate the amount of deposit. All of this information can be found in greater detail on the County Councils website: www.galway.ie or www.gaillimh.ie
To whom do I direct my enquiry or complaint? The County Council has a Director of Services for each department. The names and contact details of the Director of Service together with department contact details are outlined for your convenience:
Galway County Council Contacts County Manager: Martina Moloney, 091-509321, comanager@galwaycoco.ie Finance Officer: Gerard Mullarkey, 091-746857, finoff@galwaycoco.ie Director of Community & Enterprise: Frank Dawson, 091-746860, dce@galwaycoco.ie Director of Roads & Transportation: John Morgan, 091509371, jmorgan@galwaycoco.ie Director Of Housing: Frank Gilmore, 091-509276, fgilmore@galwaycoco.ie Director of General Services: Kevin Kelly, 091-509327, kkelly@galwaycoco.ie Director of Planning Services: Paul Ridge, 091-509136, pridge@galwaycoco.ie Director of Environmental Services: Jim Cullen, 091476411, jcullen@galwaycoco.ie Law Agent: Vivian Raine, 091-509343, vraine@galwaycoco.ie County Secretary: Tony Murphy, 091-509327, secretary@galwaycoco.ie
Galway County Council Departments Motor Taxation: 091 509304, motortax@galwaycoco.ie Driving Licences: 091 509305, motortax@galwaycoco.ie Planning: 091 509308, planning@galwaycoco.ie
Register of Electors: 091 509310, electors@galwaycoco.ie Housing Applications: 091 509300, housing@galwaycoco.ie Housing Loans & Grants: 091 509301, housing@galwaycoco.ie Environment: 091 476402, environment@galwaycoco.ie Personnel: 091 509303 personnel@galwaycoco.ie Water Services: 091 476401, water@galwaycoco.ie Community & Enterprise: 091 746860, bfcg@galwaycoco.ie Roads & Transportation: 091 509309, roads@galwaycoco.ie Higher Education Grants: 091 509310, education@galwaycoco.ie General Services: 091 509310, general@galwaycoco.ie The mailing address for all departments is: Galway County Council, Aras an Chontae, Prospect Hill Galway. The Environment and Water Services departments have now relocated to: 1st Floor, Centrepoint, Liosban Business Park, Galway. The County Council also operates a series of local area offices within this region.
Galway County Council Connemara Offices Carraroe: Pat Clarke (Engineer), (091) 595771 Clifden: TJ Redmond (Engineer), (095) 21186 Oughterard: Nial Kennedy (Engineer), (091) 552353 All of the contact details above have been confirmed with Galway County Council and are correct at the time of going to press. It might be of help to forward a copy of your enquiry/ complaint to the County Manager by mail or send a cc copy by email. We would also suggest that you forward a further copy to the Connemara View, Clifden, Co. Galway or news@connemaraview.com where we can monitor, with your assistance, the progress of your query.
What details should be included in a complaint? The most important details in processing a complaint is to supply exact details with regard to Name and Address to whom the complaint refers and in particular the exact location of the problem, a sketch map would be of help, highlighting recognisable landmarks etc.
Photographic evidence should also be forwarded, if available. This should be accompanied with a detailed description of the facts giving rise to the complaint (including Date, Time and Duration of occurrence). Receipt of your complaint should be acknowledged within 7 days and a more detailed response should arrive within 15 days. Whether or not the problem will be resolved within that period is anyone’s guess and this is where the Connemara View hopes to be supportive in monitoring the issue. In this way, perhaps the time period between founded complaint and satisfactory resolution can be shortened to the benefit of all.
Problems to be Highlighted As we are all very much aware, many important issues in relation to the quality of life of our residents have been raised. The County Council has acknowledged them, at times given rhetorical responses, have had plans devised and STILL many of these concerns, which often include health and safety implications, are left in some kind of limbo. Among these issues, which we will highlight over the coming months are: • The long awaited development of Clifden Sewerage Plant • Water Services • Town Development Plans • Roads • Pot Holes • Litter • ...and numerous other concerns. RESPONSE is one thing but what we now require is ACTION with scheduled and implemented timescales. Finally, do not hesitate to voice your opinions with regard to any of these issues by, firstly, contacting the County Council either individually or as a group, and also, please use our letters page to express your opinion and just maybe, in partnership with everyone, we too can say goodbye to this limbo. John Durning
Kavanagh’s SuperValu Clifden
It’s back... Celebrating Kids in Action 2008 with a wide range of Fresh Fruit & Veg. Help us make this year bigger and better. Collect your tokens until 16th March.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
February 7, 2008
PAG E 17
Clifden Arts Society Hope you all enjoyed the last concert. There was a very good reaction to it so we might get this trio back again. Our next concert will take place on Monday 11th February, again at the Station House Theatre, and will feature a remarkable jazz quartet, Trihornophone. They were awarded a place in 2007 on Young Musicwide, Music Network’s development programme for selected young professional musicians. Trihornophone, is dedicated to performing original, new music, wri en for trumpet, two saxophones and a drum kit. The group is made up of Bill Blackmore on trumpet, Sean Og on alto saxophone, baritone saxophone is played by Kelan Walsh, and Dennis Cassidy plays drums and percussion. Sean Og is composer, performer and band leader. He studied under Michael Buckley and graduated with a Diploma in Jazz Studies from the London Guildhall School of Music. As well as composing and recording, he teaches at Newpark Music Centre and he also plays concerts in many European countries.Bill Blackmore began trumpet tuition under Killian Bannister of the NSO. He graduated in 2003 from Trinity College Dublin with a B.A. in Music Studies. He plays with a number of bands on the Dublin scene, including Fuzzy Logic. Kelan Walsh, graduated with 1st class honours B.A. in Jazz Performance from Newpark School of Music in 2007. He plays with a wide range of jazz groups in the Dublin area, he has also toured in Europe and travelled to Siena to Represent Ireland in the International Association of Schools of Jazz. Dennis Cassidy, studied at Newpark Music Centre, under Conor Guilfoyle, he graduated in 2004 with a diploma in jazz performance. Since then he has established himself as one of the most popular musicians on the Dublin scene. He has also begun composing, including the film score for Stuck by Orla O’Rourke. Hope we see as many people as possible at this wonderful concert. The starting time is 8pm. Breandan O Scanaill
Are you a published writer? Do you live in or visit Connemara? Then come along to the inaugural meeting of: The Twelve Pens at The Station House, Clifden, on Wed. 13th Feb. 2008 at 8.00pm.
Ceol Theatre Our next production “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”, is in full rehearsal mode. With the largest cast to date and the desert and Egyptian sets we hope that it will be a hit. The scheduled dates are March 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th for the time being, however; we may do a two-week run on the first two weekends of March. Posters will be out soon with all of the details. Ceol Ensemble will be performing a Jazz/Blues concert in May and details for the next review show will be coming soon.
Letterfrack Film Society The films will be shown every Thursday between February 7th and March 13th at the Audio-Visual Centre in the Connemara National Park, Le erfrack. You can catch up on our news and upcoming events on www.le erfrackfilm. net. We welcome your comments and suggestions on info@le erfrackfilm.net. Listen to Connemara Community Radio on 87.8 or 106.1 FM every Tuesday eve-
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ning for film news and reviews. 7 February:Night of the Sunflowers. Dir: Jorge Sánchez-Cabezudo Spain 2006 123 minutes. Starring: Carmelo Gomez, Judith Diakhate, Celso Bugallo, Manuel Moron, Mariano Alameda, Vicente Romero. A gripping film noir set in the forgo en hinterlands of the Spanish interior. The film starts with the discovery of a young woman’s body in a field. As the search for the murderer progresses, the plot unfolds through a series of overlapping chapters, presented from the point of view of six different protagonists. 14 February: Jindabyne. Dir: Ray Lawrence Australia 2006 125 minutes. Starring: Gabriel Byrne,Laura Linney, Deborra-Lee Furness, John Howard, Leah Purcell. Gabriel Byrne is excellent as an Aussie bloke who discovers the corpse of an Aboriginal woman while on a fishing trip with his mates. His actions have far-reaching consequences for his personal relationships and the community at large, as racial tensions explode within the town. The superb acting and the background of Australia’s endless horizons, make this a film to be seen. 21 February: 12:08 East of Bucharest. Dir: Corneliu Porumboiu Romania 2006 89 mins. Starring: Mircea Andreescu, Teo Corban, Ion Sapdaru. A satirical gem that won the Camera D’or for best first film at Cannes in 2006. It features strong performances from the central actors and a tightly constructed narrative that conjures great interest from small, anecdotal events. It’s all held together by Porumboiu’s wonderful lightness of touch; politics, here, is leavened by a gentle sense of the absurdity of small-town life, and even some great one liners 28 February: Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Dir: Steven Shainberg USA 2006 122 minutes. Language: English. Starring: Nicole Kidman, Robert Downey Jr. Fur is loosely based on the life of iconic photographer Diane Arbus who was noted for her portraits of people on the fringes of society. Nicole Kidman is excellent as the repressed 1950s housewife and mother who breaks away from her bourgeois life, to join a world peopled by outcasts and so-called freaks. 6 March: Transylvania. Dir: Tony Gatlif. France 2006 101 minutes. Starring: Asia Argento, Amira Casar, Birol Ünel. This spectacular film follows the beautiful, dark and haunting Zingarina as she travels through Transylvania in search of her missing lover, a gypsy musician. The passionate gypsy music, the harsh landscapes and ancient rituals of Translvania remain in the mind long a er the film has ended. 13 March: Paris Je t’Aime. Dir: Various. Liechtenstein /Switzerland/ Germany/ France. 2006. 120 minutes.Starring: Julie e Binoche, Fanny Ardant, Steve Buscemi, Gena Rowlands, Catalina Sandino Moreno. A virtual Who’s-Who of international actors and directors (including, among others, Joel and Ethan Coen , Wes Craven, Gérard Depardieu, Walter Salles, Gus Van Sant and Gurinder Chadha), this is a collection of short films ranging from the whimsical to the bi erly tragic, each with Paris as a backdrop. Each director brings an individual vision to this collective love le er to the French capital.
Inishlacken: A Place Apart The evening of the 30th January saw Galway Arts Centre’s first exhibition opening of 2008; ‘Inishlacken: A Place Apart’ which will run through the first week in March. For several years, Roundstone based artist Rosie McGurran has run a residency for artists on the now uninhabited island of Inishlacken. Drawing inspiration from the artist Gerard Dillon, who spent a lot of time on the island in the 1950’s and invited fellow artists to join him, artists from Ireland and abroad have been making work with McGurran each Summer on the Island. The resulting exhibition features twenty-three artists’ work. Galway audiences will be familiar with artists such as Kathleen Furey, Seán Ó Flaithearta, Margaret Irwin, Jim Vaughan, Dolores Lyne, Siobán Piercy, Aideen Barry, Jay Murphy and Louise Manifold. The exhibition also features work by Mick O’Dea and sees the return of UK artist Caroline Wright, who recently exhibited work in Tulca 2007. The exhibition also introduces Netherlands based composer Kate Moore and several Belfast artists including Simon McWilliams and Susan McKeever. The exhibition consists of work of varying media; from the paintings of Kathleen Furey, Mick O’Dea, and Dolores Lyne which capture the beauty, tranquillity and sometimes loneliness of the island, to a multi media artist such as Louise Manifold who has drawn inspiration from a Gerard Dillon painting. It considers the island as a different, alienated and dreamlike world. Caroline Wright will present video work of performances made on the island. The title of the exhibition: ‘Inishlacken: A Place Apart’ explores the idea of an island as separate, alien, perhaps an in-between space for artists to separate themselves from daily life in order to reflect and create. Continued on next page
February 7, 2008
Connemara ArtsView
FOCUS: Artists at Work in Connemara
Silversmith and Metalworker, Ruairi O Neill
Twelve Pins Poetry Contest
Connemara has long been a haven for creative people to nurture their artistic instincts and is an influential and inspiring landscape for many. Locals and visitors to the area alike o en find something Congratulations to Martina Conneely of indefinable here that accentuates their cra s and we at The ConneLe erdyfe, Roundstone who is the winmara View, in a series of articles, plan to highlight local artists ner of the Connemara View “Twelve Pins” and cra speople who deserve recognition and exposure for their Poetry Competition. Her poem is below. work, all of which adds to the rich cultural and creative tapestry of Look for the Short Story Winner in the Connemara. March issue. Many thanks and well done One such person is silversmith and metalworker, Ruairi O Neill, to all the entrants! who currently has a studio and shop in the Station House Courtyard in Clifden. Ruairi has been based in Connemara for the last few years, and The word was out, slowly but surely building up Spreading all about. a customer base for fans of unique and intriguing silverThe whale is kaput, ware. He cites nature and the We are all up the spout. occurrence of natural shapes and designs as an overSuch an omen may be bad, whelming influence on his Oh it’s all so very sad. work, indeed the name of his But hold on there a tad, design website and jewellery label is “An Duach” or “dumhach” Are we all going mad? which is Irish for sand-dune. Ruairi first began working with precious metal in the mid 80’s during a pilot scheme in Kilkenny. It was to sow the seeds of a This is just a winter’s tale, future career as a silversmith and jewellery designer. Different the beaching of another whale. moves and jobs in varied fields took Read into it what you will, him to Canada where he spent a But the children see it as a thrill. number of years before se ling in Connemara in the early 00’s, where Some think it foretells a famine, he opened his first studio and shop Others feel it’s the end of the salmon, in Clifden. Even the pigs may not give us gammon, Many cra workers find themselves in a difficult position when it And Galway never win under Sammon. comes to retaining artistic integrity while at the same time succeeding So all you locals get on the phone, commercially. Silver is, of course, Global warming has hit Roundstone, an expensive material and the time Nothing to do but cry Ochon Ochon, and labour that go into creating a Is this the end of Cloch na Ron? piece are o en forgo en when the customer surveys the price of the finEnough of this pessimistic rhyme, ished product. Ruairi acknowledges that it is sometimes a tough sell to Enjoying ourselves is never a crime, persuade the average customer, who Sure while we are all still in our prime, when looking for something, might be inclined to buy a less exLet’s all go have a whale of a time! pensive mass produced piece rather than a more expensive one-off creation. Martina Conneely The jewellery that Ruairi O Neill creates is likely to appeal to those who prefer their pieces to be distinctive and unique, those that invite discussion because of how different they are to bland mainstream styles. Rings are shaped like seashells, earrings shimmer like shadows of birds in flight, and necklaces vary from delicate chains interspersed with beads, to chunky lengths of hand cast silver. His pieces seem to merge influences from the natural world with the curves of the female form to produce a beautiful and unique style of his own that is to be found in each piece. As well as his studio in Clifden’s Station house Courtyard Ruairi also exhibits and sells at trade shows, both at home and abroad. The month of February sees him in Paris at the Maison et Objets trade show where he is bringing his work to a bigger crowd than usual, where hopefully his pieces are received with appreciation and success. Ruairi also paints and sculpts, and a myriad of art work and jewellery can be found in his studio shop in the Station House Courtyard from 10-6 pm from Monday to Saturday. Catherine Pryce Photographs from top: Silver & Connemara Marble Brooch €130; Pendant and Earring (bo om) Set €150.
A Whale of a time?
Connemara ArtsView
February 7, 2008
Inishlacken continued The idea of re-inhabiting is also prevalent in the exhibition: of re-populating what was once a vibrant community. It is a reflection of peoples’ current need to re-connect, to slow down and to re-inhabit the periphery. The exhibition was opened by Martin Dillon, a nephew of the renowned artist Gerard Dillon. ‘Inishlacken: A Place Apart’ was devised by Rosie McGurran and is supported by Galway County Council. The exhibition will also be showing at the Aras Eanna on Inis Oirr during the summer and at the Redhouse Arts Centre in Syracuse, New York in December. For more information please contact Galway Arts Centre on 091 565886 or info@galwayartscentre.ie.
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com
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What’s the deal with...
The Early Sexualisation Of Girls? After decades and centuries of striving and fighting for equal rights in society as a whole, it would appear that women have never had it so good. While women enjoy great success as the leaders of corporations, universities, and political movements, there is growing concern among researchers and academics of gender studies about the messages being given to young girls today on what is considered to be success or getting ahead in the world. American author and lawyer Carol Platt Liebau, in her new book “Prude: How the Sex Obsessed Culture Damages Girls” claims that overexposure to carnality is undermining girls’ sense of worth in their most vulnerable formative years. Liebau, who became the first female author of the distinguished Harvard Law Review, says “The overwhelming lesson teenagers are now learning from the world around them is that being ‘sexy’ is the ultimate accolade, trumping intelligence, character and all other accomplishments at every stage of a woman’s life.” She believes that with the likes of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan et al being
Style File It’s a New Year and time to make some hair resolutions! A good start is to think about detoxing the hair. We can start off by remoisturizing the hair by getting a deep treatment at your local salon or a do-it-yourself treatment at home. With the cold front hanging around longer than we are used to, we have the home fires constantly going or the heat up higher, therefore we are drying our skin and hair out more than usual. A good DIY is to towel dry after cleansing and then to apply conditioner. Heat a towel by rinsing it in hot water, wring it out until damp then wrap it around conditioned hair until it cools. This locks in the conditioner, leaving the hair super shiny and much softer. Another tip is to put on conditoner and go into the sauna for 15 minutes while at the gym! Rinsing the hair with warm water, not
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seen as icons and role models, girls are being brainwashed into believing good looks, promiscuity and a lavish lifestyle are synonymous with success. The obsessive scrutiny of pop media with appearance places young women under intense pressure as they aspire to emulate those who they see to have a glamorous and desirable existence. The most disturbing and deeply disconcerting aspect of this cultural trend seems to be the early sexualisation of girls. A leading professor of childhood research, Sheila Greene, Director of the Children’s Research Centre in Trinity College, Dublin says that Irish children as young as four years of age are now wearing thongs. In a stark warning to parents Professor Greene explains “We’re seeing girls as young as four with jewellery and make-up and clothing. Thongs are being marketed for pre-teens as well as thongs and T shirts with messages on them about flirting and being sexy”. Allowing young children to dress in skimpy clothing could lead them to develop poor self confidence, eating disorders, depression and an excessive preoccupation with their appearance, she says. Another American expert in gender studies, Professor Tomi-Ann Roberts recently gave a talk in Trinity College on the cultural sexual objectification of girls in which she pinpointed the bestselling Bratz dolls as one of a wide range of toys which are contributing to the early sexualisation of young girls. She claims they display very pouty sexualised expressions and that they promote exposing a lot of flesh and use of heavy make-up, despite being aimed at 4-8 year old girls. The “Tween” market has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of big business for many years now, with an as-
too hot or it can make it feel oily, then finishing off with a cool rinse. If the scalp feels extra itchy then try a ‘Bed Head’ peppermint treatment which soothes the scalp and leaves it feeling refreshed. Looking for a quick change... then it’s fringes for you! They make a fast change, refreshing a tired look. Very strong full fringes are the look of the moment and can make a real statement.Your stylist can recommend one that suits you whether its straight or curved. Curls aren’t as tight as we have seen in the past. Big, bouncy full curls are taking over and they are lovely twirled and separated or softly brushed out and pushed into place. If you’re lacking in length, the HOTTEST new arrival for hair that is going very mainstream is adding clipped-in human hair extensions. They are fun and can dramatically change your look in seconds. They clip in so are easy to apply. The most popular lengths are 12” and 18”. We usually colour the hair to match in the salon with semi-coloring so you can change
tonishing array of merchandise drawn from television shows and film making a billion dollar industry of clothing, toys and cosmetics. Some examples of products that are openly available are padded bras for flat chested pre-pubescent girls, electronic ‘make-over’ games for 6 year olds, and the aforementioned thong underwear bearing logos such as ‘Wink Wink’ or ‘Eye-Candy.’ Last year in the U.K, Tesco came under fire for selling a ‘Peek-a-boo’ pole dancing kit, which offered to “unleash the sex kitten within”. While Tesco protested that the kit was marked for adult use, it was displayed for sale in the toys and games section of the website. Similarly, Playboy stationery for schoolgirls, with its distinctive pink bunny logo of the Hefner soft porn empire has become one of WH Smith’s best ever selling ranges. The idea that young children are being sexually objectified is clearly disturbing and depressing but the advice from experts is mainly based on provoking discussion and awareness of this issue among adults. After all, it is adults who are responsible for developing and manufacturing goods and creating a world wide media which is showing very little responsibility towards children and the images they are bombarded with on a daily basis. Professor Sheila Greene urges parents to think twice before buying goods and clothing like those mentioned earlier for their children. Otherwise, we may end up with a young generation on our hands who are cynical and jaded as a result of behaving and feeling like adults since a young age, and will never have known the bliss of childhood innocence that once was taken for granted, but can never be regained. Catherine Pryce
the colour within reason. They are easy to take care of at home and they can be curled or ironed straight depending on what your preference is. I would suggest that you stick with the human hair as synthetic is not as versatile. Talk to your stylist about the extensions and they will guide you to make a realistic choice. They are loads of fun and there are so many looks that you can do with them from plaits to upstyles to bouncy curls or just sleek and long. They definitely are the accessory for 2008! Happy Valentines, Joanna! Photos: Hair extension before and after shots of Niamh and Jennifer.
February 7, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Hea lt h P ro blems & Natural Medicine Manic Depression Q:
My husband suffers from manic depression. He has never taken drugs for this, he isn’t interested. Suggestions?
A: Manic depression is a bi-polar state. The person yoyos between two states. One is elation, irritation, anger, hyperactivity & impulsiveness. The other is depression & withdrawal. The pattern is alternation between excess and deficiency. There is no peace of mind. It can be very difficult to live with. Lithium is the GP’s drug of choice. It can be very helpful & should be considered as one of the possibilities your husband can use. Other drugs might be prescribed, e.g. antidepressants for the depressive phase. There are limitations to the drug approach & these should be understood. The therapeutic & toxic dosages of psychoactive drugs often overlap in patients, requiring particular care from the prescribing GP, and there may be an “acceptable” level of side effects at therapeutic doses. Drugs do not address the cause of manic depression. Usage may be long term or permanent. If these limitations are unattractive, keep drug therapy in mind & pursue other approaches.From my perspective (as a doctor of natural medicine) there are many angles to consider. What caused it? Did anything happen at or before the time it began? What makes it better or worse? What happens during the shift from one phase to the other? Such questions can yield insights that indicate specific therapies. Another angle is serotonin. This neurotransmitter is important for happiness, peace of mind. It is hundreds of times more abundant in the nerves of the digestive tract than in the brain. The relative dominance of serotonin in the digestive tract calls for careful screening of digestive problems. Serotonin comes from 5 HTP (banned in Ireland a few years ago for potential interaction with antidepressants, but available in other countries). 5 HTP is made from tryptophan, an essential amino acid, meaning that it cannot be manufactured in the human body and must be obtained from diet. The best sources of tryptophan are animal foods – meat, fish, dairy, egg. Is your husband vegetarian? Does he eat large portions of meat (harder to digest; also an excess of animal protein can impair tryptophan absorption). Does he have trouble digesting animal foods? There is another twist on 5HTP. Deficiency in the enzyme that converts tryptophan to 5HTP is common. The result is less serotonin. 5HTP enzyme deficiency needs to be ruled out in manic depression. Another angle is nourishment of the nervous system. High glycaemic index foods (refined carbohydrates & sugars) cause a sugar rush which can be hard on the nervous system. These foods are also deficient in B vitamins, magnesium and essential fatty acids, all critical for healthy nerve tissue. Alcohol can be worse than high GI foods. What does your husband eat? Does he drink alcohol? The manic phase is very stressful. The stress hormones may be far too high during this phase. Calming herbs can help. Acupuncture is useful & should be used in conjunction with other natural therapies. Acupuncture must be tailored to fit the person at the moment of treatment. I always review basic functions, to improve weaknesses or resolve problems. This may have a beneficial effect on manic depression. No two people with manic depression are alike. Each must be understood for the unique person he is, the unique patterns he presents. This is the most effective way to use natural therapies. Nicolas Kats, ND, Lic. Ac, uses herbs, acupuncture, diet & supplements. Acupuncture is covered by VHI, Quinn Healthcare & VIVAS. His clinics are in Clifden (087-7714710) and Galway (091-583260).
ASK THE DOCTOR If you would lke a response to a health question from Dr. Kats, email drkats@connemaraview.com. Absolute confidentiality guaranteed. CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Learning about Herbs Herbs to revitalize with a spring-clean & boost your energy If you are feeling sluggish, heavy, tired and over indulged perhaps, then it is time to have a good clean out. Just as spring cleaning the house, the shed or the office, and getting rid of so much accumulated rubbish and clutter can make you feel better and lighter, so can spring cleaning the body. A periodic cleanse, traditionally at spring and autumn times, can revitalize you on every level making you feel physically and mentally lighter, sharper and more optimistic as you rid your body of toxins that can build up and cause health problems further down the line. Cleansing the system does not mean running to the toilet every minute or eating unpleasant food or taking something horrible. It can be a very pleasant and relaxing process. The simplest thing to do is to drink more water – at least 200ml per hour (that’s just a small glass) A little more exercise will get the lymph system moving, which is responsible for cleaning out toxins but needs your movement to be really effective. There are also many herbs which will gently and effectively clean your insides, the liver, the colon, the kidneys and which aid organs such as the gall bladder to work more effectively improving your digestion, your skin and your process of elimination with the result that you have more energy and lose a few pounds. Milk Thistle (shown above) is a herb that promotes the better functioning of the liver by protecting and feeding the liver cells, encouraging regeneration of liver cells and improving fat metabolism – exactly what’s needed after a Christmas of drink and rich food. Dandelion Root works in a
Health Notes Hypnotherapist Joins Clifden Holistic Centre Registered Hypnotherapist Patricia Canavan is a new addition to the Clifden Holistic Centre, at An Bhean Fheasa premises on Market Street Clifden. Hypnotherapy can be hugely beneficial in dealing with a wide range of health and wellbeing complaints, including weight loss, stopping smoking, asthma and arthritis. It has also been used to alleviate children’s problems, like bedwetting and irrational fears and phobias. Hypnotherapy has also been safely and successfully used to treat adult phobias like fear of flying, panic attacks, pre-test or exam nerves, confidence building, and much more. Unconventional treatments such as natural breast enlargement are also offered by means of hypnotherapy so it truly is a wide ranging complementary course of action! For further information, appointments or enquiries contact Patricia on 087 927 6743.
similar way, improving the production of bile and as this is vital for the metabolism of fats, it can have a positive effect on weight control. Dandelion also assists the kidneys. Berberis is a herb which acts as a bitter tonic and therefore aids digestion. It also helps in bile production but also works as a blood purifier and has antibacterial and anti-parasitic qualities. It also cleanses and stimulates the spleen and pancreas as well as cleansing and protecting the membranous lining of the digestive tract. Calendula cleanses the lymphatic system removing toxins from the glands. Other herbs to consider would be Nettle, (Urtica), a blood cleanser and Solidago a herb which reduces inflammation of the kidneys and keeps infection at bay. It is also a good idea, when cleansing the body to avoid acid producing foods. These include ALL processed food, wheat, dairy, red meat, sugar and alcohol. Avoid or cut down on these foods to increase the alkalinity of body cells. It would also be very useful to increase green vegetables in the diet as these will also reduce acidity in the diet, which among other nasty things can increase the painful problems of arthritis. So, happy cleaning – the benefits are well worth it. Please call in to An Bhean Feasa if you need any advice. Terri Conroy
•Complementary solutions for aches and pains •Other relevant topics Come along and relax with a FREE herbal tea within a small informal group. Booking is advisable. €5.00 per person.
Wellness Clinics Eileen O’Connor will be running an “Active Wellness Hour for Older Adults” offering people the chance to meet socially whilst looking after their health and staying fit for longer. This varied programme will run each week from Thurs 31 January 10 – 11a.m at An Bhean Feasa Health Shop and involves learning about •Nutrition and Wellness in later life •Weight Management •Stress Management •Safe self massage techniques (increases energy and improves circulation) •Gentle exercise
February 7, 2008
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Every February 14th, in a great many places across the world, sweets, flowers and gifts are exchanged in the name of St Valentine’s Day. What has traditionally been a day set aside for the celebration of romantic love has become dramatically and widely acknowledged in the calendar, with many people feeling the emphasis is excessively commercial these days. The exact origin of the holiday is somewhat mysterious with the Catholic Church recognizing at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. The most popular view appears to be that Valentine was a priest under the rule of Emperor Claudius II of Rome, who cancelled all marriages in Rome to get his soldiers to join his military leagues, as he believed it was love of their women and families holding them back. Valentine helped the lovers by conducting secret marriages and was rewarded for this kind deed by being condemned to being beaten with clubs and death by beheading. At this point we may assume that Claudius was no great fan of romance! It is also contended that while Valentine awaited death, a daughter of a jailer visited and supported him with friendship and loyalty. On the day of his death he wrote her a note signed “From your Valentine”, so we can surmise that this is where the practice may have begun. There have been many Valentine traditions down through the centuries, many of which seem preferable to many modern day acknowledgements. • A Welsh tradition was to give wooden love spoons carved with hearts keys and keyholes, meaning the gift would unlock the heart. • Youth in the Middle Ages would draw names from a bowl to find their Valentine, and then wear the name on their sleeve, giving rise to the widely used saying, “to wear your heart on your sleeve” which means that it is easy for others to see how you feel. • Cutting an apple in half and counting the seeds was to indicate how many children you and your true love would have. Modern frenzied marketing may have swamped the simple notions of Valentine’s Day and the actions that are most likely to be heart warming and appreciated are usually found by going back to basics, like a soft word or a thoughtful gesture. But to all the men out there, neglect it at your peril! Although some “doth protest too much”, there is bound to be a hint of romance somewhere in everybody that’s waiting to be noticed.
Romantic gestures guaranteed to get a response A recent online survey by GMTV found that 58% of men think that a dozen red roses is the most romantic thing they can give their wives or partners on Valentine’s Day. They can’t go wrong with roses, but women surveyed did not list this as the MOST romantic, probably because they have so many fantasies and would appreciate a little more thought. Your average Irish man may not be internationally renowned as a master of romance but there are many little things, that don’t require grandiose gestures to warm the heart of your loved one, so here is the Connemara View’s idiot proof guide to being the perfect Valentine in 2008. For the basics: 1: If you are told to not bother with Valentine’s this year, ignore it as it is probably not meant, and you may just pay later with the cold shoulder. 2: If the thought of an expensive meal puts you off, light a candle, put on some music and have a meal at home. Can’t cook? Order In. Or at least manage a bottle of wine and some chocolate. 3: Present your loved one with a voucher for something they can redeem with you, for example, a back rub or a foot massage. If your loved one’s feet are not very lovable, however, you may want to reconsider and just run them a nice hot bubble bath instead… 4: If you’ve been together a long time and are stuck in a routine, why not go back to planning a date? Show up at the front door with a bunch of flowers, give your date a few moments to get ready and whisk them off for a romantic evening out of the blue. For the exhibitionist: 1: Fill your Valentine’s car with red balloons. Guaranteed to get a smile especially if they get up to go to work on a grey morning, find they can’t get into their car, but yet can’t help smiling. 2: Go for a walk and bring your Valentine to a place where you have written them a love message, for example “I love you” written in the sand, or in leaves or twigs on the ground. 3: Buy her a diamond. Not an engagement ring necessarily, just a diamond piece of jewellery. Not only will she be bowled over but her friends will be jealous, which makes you the perfect guy and her a very lucky girl. 4: Bring your loved one on a cruise, bring her up to the front of the ship and re-enact scenes from the movie Titanic. If you make fools of yourselves and laugh together, the future will be bright.
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For an alternative Valentine’s… 1: Serenade them. It may sound typical but who do you know who has ever done it? Exactly. Once again treading the fine line between embarrassing and romantic. Also guaranteed a reaction, hopefully not a bucket of water. 2: Promise her a rose garden, literally. Instead of buying stems and dumping them a week later, plant a rose bush. If you don’t have a garden, pick a location in the countryside where only you both know, where you can go together. 3: Get matching tattoos. This old chestnut has been around a long time, longer than some of the lasered off tattoos anyway. Not for the faint hearted, and best considered for a while first no matter how much you both love being “spontaneous”. 4: Get your Valentine tickets to a gig she’ll love and wrap it up inside a bar of chocolate with a gold foil wrapper-Willy Wonka Style. So to conclude; if none of the above gets your Valentine in the mood for love, check their pulse and reconsider. Finally, while researching and writing this piece, the one anecdote that kept making me smile was the farmer who wrote “I Love You” in cow dung and then flew his wife up in a plane to see it. Each to their own and remember, the sky’s the limit when it comes to being imaginative this Valentine’s Day! Catherine Pryce
February 7, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
in the first phase of the competition which was devised and supported by the European Commission and organised in Ireland by Fáilte Ireland. Full competition details are available at www.failteireland. ie/eden or call 01 6024151 or your local regional tourism office. The closing date for entries is Thursday 28th February 2008; Fáilte Ireland looks forward to discovering Ireland’s hidden gems. The winning destination will be announced in the week commencing 5th May 2008. For further information please contact: Fáilte Ireland: Louise Tolerton, PR Officer (01) 8847135 / (086) 6086578. Sheena Doyle, Project Manager EDEN (01) 6024155/ (087) 7979244. Ciara O’Mahony,RTDO Failte Ireland West – (091)-537700.
REGIONAL NEWS GCC Funding 2008 continued Arts Acts Grants Scheme-to assist any events or activities which would, in the opinion of Galway County Council, stimulate public interest in the arts, promote the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, or assist in improving the standards of the arts in County Galway. Application forms and particulars of the grants scheme are available on www.galway.ie or from: The Heritage Officer, Áras an Chontae, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway. Tel 091 509198 / 509121 or e-mail mmannion@galwaycoco.ie. Individual Artist Bursaries-applications are invited by the Arts Office for the 2008 Artist Bursary Awards. This fund provides funding to individual artists artists practicing in any of the artistic disciplines (Film, Literature, Music, Visual Arts etc).They are to assist with further educational or training opportunities development of new work (recording, exhibitions, residency, publication etc). Application forms are available from the Arts Office, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway Tel: 091 746865 or email: bcunningham@galwaycoco.ie. Application forms are also available on Galway County Council’s website www.galway.ie/en/Services/ArtsOffice Fully completed application forms for all of the above schemes/ grants must be returned not later than 5p.m. on Friday 15th of February 2008 to the Arts Office, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway.
GMIT Letterfrack GMIT Letterfrack is pleased to announce a collaborative agreement with Homag UK Ltd, a leading supplier of CNC woodworking machinery, who will supply and install two CNC machines to the Letterfrack campus free of charge. Homag UK Ltd. is a leading supplier of machines, cells and factory installations for the panel processing furniture, structural element and timber frame house construction industries. The agreement provides for the supply of two machines - a Weeke Venture 3M CNC and a Holzma HPP250 beam saw every year for the next five years. Dermot O’Donovan, Acting Head of Centre, GMIT Letterfrack, says: “This collaboration allows both students and staff of GMIT Letterfrack to avail of the most modern and advanced woodworking machinery as well as industry expertise, and places us at the forefront of the modern manufacturing environment. This is an excellent template for collaboration between industry and third-level institutes, and is recognition of the role that GMIT Letterfrack plays in educating and training highly-skilled graduates for the furniture and wood products industry. We look forward to seeing the benefits to both organisations from this collabo-
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
ration.” added Mr O’Donovan. Photo: GMIT Letterfrack presented with two CNC woodworking machines from Homag UK, at a recent reception in the campus. L-R:, Michael Hannon, Assistant Registrar GMIT, Marion Coy, President of GMIT, Ian Brown, MD of Homag UK, and Dermot O’Donovan, Acting Head of Centre, GMIT Letterfrack. Mr Brown was presented with a wine bottle holder designed by furniture students at the campus using one of the new CNC machines.
Failte Ireland Excellence Competition Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, is currently inviting entries for the second phase of the European Destinations of Excellence competition. This year’s theme of excellence is Tourism and Local Intangible Heritage. Tourism destinations in Ireland which have developed a tourism offer based on the appreciation of local intangible heritage, for example; traditional arts, culture, crafts and sports are encouraged to enter. The aim of the project is to draw attention to the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations and to promote destinations where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism. Commenting on the competition, Séamus Brennan, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, said: “As a country, Ireland is rich in history, heritage and culture. This competition is especially beneficial because, in addition to selecting one destination of excellence for particular attention and support, it also encourages the sensitive development, promotion and safeguarding of our tourism and intangible heritage product right across the country. By May, Fáilte Ireland will have identified not only the winning entry but also destinations where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism.” Eligible destinations will be those where the visitor density is low; where specific regular events such as festivals, themed exhibitions and visit opportunities are focused on local intangible heritage assets; and where the tourism offer is managed in such a way as to ensure its social, cultural and environmental sustainability. The winning destination in Ireland will receive a photo shoot of the destination, €5,000 for business development support initiatives, a certificate of achievement and an awards ceremony. In addition, the EU will offer the winner in each Member State international promotion of the destination, an EU award ceremony during the 2008 European Tourism Forum, a DVD of the winning destination, e-marketing opportunities, and participation in an EU network. All applicants will receive a written report on their application with expert feedback. Fáilte Ireland is appointing a panel of adjudicators composed of cultural and development experts and representatives of Fáilte Ireland and other relevant government bodies to select the top destinations in each region of the country and the overall winner. The evaluation process will short-list the top five applications for on site assessments during the week of Monday 14th April 2008. This assessment will allow each applicant an opportunity to provide further evidence on their destination of excellence. The competition is being promoted in the 16 member states of the European Union and 2 candidate countries. Last year Clonakilty District was awarded the title of European Destinations of Excellence-Best Emerging Rural Tourism Destination 2007 in Ireland,
February 7, 2008
Fáilte cautiously optimistic about 2008 Fáilte Ireland West, the body responsible for developing tourism in the region and Tourism Ireland, the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas, met with the tourism industry interests in the West to outline their plans for developing and promoting tourism in the region over the 2008 season. Attending the meeting, Mr Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland said the fundamentals underlying tourism in the region remained relatively healthy although more investment would be necessary for sustained growth over the longer-term and that Fáilte Ireland would be making additional investment funding available. Turning to the coming season, Mr Quinn said that, while 2007 appeared to have been a relatively good year for the region, conditions in 2008 could be more difficult in light of economic challenges internationally. “We cannot ignore the potential impact of stock market volatility and exchange rate movements on our business but it is much too early to speculate on any impact at this stage. We can only strive to offer the very best value we can and make every effort to minimise costs without compromising on quality.” He noted that in the home market, which was important in the region, there was potential for further but more modest growth rates to be achieved. Commenting on Fáilte Irelands plans for the coming season, he said that the priorities were to almost double investment in new and existing tourist attractions and related infrastructure and to provide more practical business supports to tourism enterprises. This should include helping the industry to develop more overseas business and ensure that strong web presence is in place. However, while the tourism authority is cautious about 2008, recent research from Fáilte Ireland has indicated that the tourism industry is very optimistic about its prospects for the year ahead with nine in 10 accommodation providers believing that their overseas business this year will be at least as good as or even better than in 2007. Mr Quinn also indicated that Fáilte Ireland is to launch its biggest ever ‘Discover Ireland’ campaign, which aims to encourage Irish people to take a break at home.
Ireland West Preliminary figures for overseas visitors in 2007 suggest that Ireland West experienced above average growth with an approximate seven per cent increase on 2006. Mr Quinn acknowledged the region’s average performance in the domestic tourism market where total domestic visitors increased by two per cent on the previous year. During 2007, Fáilte Ireland launched its Tourism Product Development Strategy, whereby the agency will invest €137m in capital investment projects. Since its launch, Fáilte Ireland has invested over €2m in tourism infrastructure and facilities in the West including a canal walkway in Galway City, improvements to beach facilities in Mayo, and access for angler developments in Roscommon. As part of the new cycling strategy a number of hub towns have been created with the support of local authorities and the assistance of NDP Infrastructure Grants. Work is currently underway in developing day and half day signed looped routes in a number of centres around the country including Clifden, Co. Galway and Westport and Achill Island in Mayo. In addition over 50 new walks were constructed and marked and have been uploaded on the Fáilte Ireland website with downloadable maps. These walks, which include Letterfrack, Carnacon, and Derrada, Co. Mayo, have been developed with the assistance of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Continued on next page
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REGIONAL NEWS Fáilte continued The promotion of festivals throughout the country continues to be a focus for the tourism authority and during 2007, over €350,000 was allocated to more than 40 festivals across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. This included the Galway Arts Festival, Ballina Arts and Street Festival, the Clifden Arts Festival, the Galway Comedy Festival, the Boyle Arts Festival, and the Galway International and Clarenbridge Oyster Festivals. The recruitment and training of people to work in tourism remains a key issue for the industry across all regions. In 2008, we are operating a temporary centre in Clifden (for culinary skills). Locally run programmes have proved to be extremely popular as a means of providing training relevant to the needs of local employers and have proven to be successful in encouraging more local people into tourism. Fáilte Ireland will also provide financial support for 467 students in the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology who are pursuing accredited skills courses in tourism and hospitality. Continuing on from its success in 2007, Fáilte Ireland will run three Tourism Learning Networks in the Ireland West region. The networks will also be expanded to facilitate the tourism enterprises that participated in 2007 and will offer further support to these businesses going forward into 2008. Outlining Tourism Ireland’s priority action areas for 2008, Paul O’Toole said that improving the distribution of tourism to more rural areas continues to be a priority for the organization. “The new co-operative regional marketing campaigns launched last year worked well in overseas markets and delivered results. We have refreshed and enhanced these campaigns for the regions this year. In Great Britain, for example, the successful region-to-region approach capitalizing on the excellent access links between specific areas of Britain and the regions of Ireland will continue. A new car touring campaign is planned to attract those visitors, who either take their own car to Ireland, or who come here and hire one. Research shows that visitors who travel by car stay longer and tour the countryside more extensively,” said Paul O’Toole. For 2008, Tourism Ireland has extended the number of overseas marketing opportunities available to the industry in Ireland and has developed a range of new marketing packages which will enable industries, big or small, to promote their product or service directly to the overseas consumer. “In an increasingly competitive climate, with new and emerging destinations fighting for share, consumers are spoilt for choice. If we want to convert ‘lookers’ into ‘bookers’ we need to tempt them with attractive and compelling offers,” said Paul O’Toole. Chairman for Fáilte Ireland West, Raymond J Rooney, said: “2007 was a watershed year for tourism in the West of Ireland. It was the first full year of the new Fáilte Ireland Board in the region and the first regional tourism development plan has been prepared. Now the responsibility falls on us all to work together to deliver our ambitious targets. The strong cohesiveness which has now emerged in the various public sector bodies, in particular our local authorities and leader companies, to work together to deliver a more joined up and collective approach is most welcome. I have no doubts that if the industry and Fáilte Ireland can develop a strong partnership it will drive growth and allow the tourism industry to reach the huge potential that currently exists.
Community Care for Older People Pat Carey T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is pleased to announce the approval of funding for sixty-two voluntary organisations under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. This is the first tranche of funding in 2008 under this Scheme; in excess of €3.6 million was provided in 2007 under the scheme to 460 community groups. The Scheme of Community Support for Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. This grant scheme aims to improve the security of older members of the community. Funding is available towards socially monitored alarm systems, security lighting,
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smoke alarms, window locks, door locks, door chains and interior security lighting for qualifying older people living on our offshore islands. Applications can be made by voluntary organisations throughout the year, which allows applicants to benefit from the wide range of security aids available as the need arises. A list of beneficiaries under the first round of funding in 2008 is available on the Department’s website at www. pobail.ie
Snowy Holidays in Clifden photo by Siobhan Stoney
Western Development Commission 41% of people under 35 who live in East would like to move west. 43% of people believe economic gap between East and West has widened in the past 5 years. A new opinion poll conducted on behalf on the Western Development Commission, the body charged with the economic and social development of counties Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare, shows that 36% of those living in the East, when asked, said they would like to live in the West. An even higher number, 41% of those under 35 expressed the same wish. The poll surveyed a representative sample of 400 people in Western counties and 400 in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. The findings revealed that one of the main attractions of living in the Western region was ‘ a superior quality of life relative to Dublin’ according to to 54% of those in the East and 75% of those living in the West. The poll also shows a dramatic shift in the way Ireland works, with work practices becoming more flexible. 41% in the West and 43% in the East say that it is possible to work remotely in their job. However 42% of those in the East and 46% of those in the West believed that the economic gap between the two has increased in the last 5 years. Despite high levels of investment and improvements in infrastructure, the perception remains that the West is lagging behind the East. The factors most relevant were transport, broadband availability, road routes and train services. According to the WDC, access in all its guises must be the main priority in coming years, though the planned four lane north-south Atlantic Road Corridor and improvement of the main East to West routes help greatly in opening up the West. Up to 70% of those polled were of the opinion that job opportunities were poorer in the West, but the WDC has found that a growing number of top level vacancies are to be found. All of these issues will be raised at a national conference on balanced regional development in late May.
Wood Fuel Plan The WDC has established that wood fuel has the potential to heat the region’s 900 primary schools by 2020 if it’s new report, Wood energy strategy and action plan is implemented. The report estimates that by 2020 using wood to create heat could be worth €15 million, create up to 900 jobs and provide up to €1.7 million each year to the West’s farming sector. Increased use of wood fuel could also see a reduction in the region’s carbon footprint by cutting 600,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum; a saving of nearly €7 million for the country by reducing the number of carbon credits needed to meet our Kyoto commitment. The WDC worked closely on this report with the Regional Wood Energy Advisory Group (RWEAG) and the next steps will continue on the basis of co-operation and partnership.
Ecotourism On January 30th at the Greenbox All Island Ecotourism Conference, CEO of the WDC Gillian Buckley outlined how rural communities can tap into the potential of ecotourism. She also described the policies and practices involved in developing successful tourism products, and presented case studies of where the WDC approach has delivered for rural communities. The Greenbox is Ireland’s first integrated ecotourism destination. It is based on sound environmental practices highlighting all that a region and its people have to offer. For further information on any of the issues dealt with by the WDC, please contact www.wdc.ie, www.lookwest. ie and www.greenbox.ie or Gillian Buckley (087 2236982) / Bernadette Phelan (086 834 0279), or Angela Bane, Bane Mullarkey, (087 286 5217).
February 7, 2008
DEATH NOTICES Annie Conneely (nee Lydon), Moyard Sheila Connolly, Clifden, & Kerry Bridget Conroy, Lettergesh West, Renvyle Martin Conroy, Kylemore Noreen Mahon Mangan, Clifden Sonja Matz, Tullyvoheen, Clifden Peter Molloy, Rosleague, Letterfrack, & Roundstone Michael Roache, Ballyconneely Tom Walsh, Kylemore The Connemara View would like to extend sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. This list is compiled from various sources and we apologise for any errors or ommissions.
Connemara View Newspaper 7,000 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888/Fax 095-30913 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor/Publisher: Ellen McDonough Reporters: Catherine Pryce, John Durning Sports Writer: Paul Gannon Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Contributors: John Amenhauser, Tom Broderick, John Claró, Terri Conroy, Colleen Curran, Joanna Galloway, Aine Hannigan-Dunkley, Dr. Nick Kats, Peter Keane, Bernard Lee, Declan Mannion, John O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Declan Weir, Alex Xuereb and many local schools, groups and organisations. Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.
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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
CONNEMARA COMMUNITY RADIO 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Repeat of previous evening: Noon-4 pm.Weather Forecast (*Broderick Electrics; Sweeney Oil) & Community Notices : 3pm/4pm/8pm (*Gannon Sports) *Sponsors
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
11am – 12 Noon
10am – 12 Noon
Monkeying Around
Sounds A Bit Irish
Heather Heanue & Dympna Heanue
Michael O'Malley
Mary Roe
Cathy Keane Brendan O'Malley
Various Presenters
Heather Kearney
Eamonn McLoughlin 11am Clifden Mass live
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
Pirates of the Airwaves
Gateway Hour
Gateway Hour
Gateway Hour
Gateway Hour
Gateway Hour
Pirates of the Airwaves
David Ciefielski 5:05 - 6 pm Hooked on Music John Duane * Clifden
Rory Tangrey 5:05 - 6 pm Jack's Spot
Mickey Mac 5:05 - 6 pm Inishbofin Live
Kathleen O'Brien 5:05 - 6 pm
Tonya Ni Cuireen 5:05 - 6 pm The Friday Feeling
Tonya Ni Cuireen 5:05 - 6 pm
David Ciefielski 5:05 - 6 pm Lyrical Allsorts
Jack Tomlinson
Paul Kehoe
6 - 7pm Turning the Tables
6 - 7pm Live with
Una Mc Keever
John Dunne
6 - 7pm My Kind of Music Martin Conroy *Clifden
7 - 8pm
7 - 8pm
Talk Sport
*Connemara View
Margaret Sheehan
Pretty Good Day So Far Sean Halpenny
6 - 7pm Take It Easy
6 - 7pm It's the Weekend
6 - 7pm Live to Inish Bigel
6 - 7pm Footappin' Time
Michael O'Toole
Liam Joyce
Wlliam Coyne
Tom Mongan
7 - 8pm
7 - 8pm
7 - 8pm
7 - 9pm
Community Matters
Lift the Latch
The Great Outdoors
Injury Time
Music Spectacular
Vivian Cotter
Pat Walsh*Tullycross and
Breandan O'Scanaill
8pm
8pm
Michael O'Neill & Helen King 8pm
7 - 8pm Senior Side of the Street Josephine DeCourcey
Roundstone Report
Cashel Report
Clifden Report
Cleggan/Claddaghduff
Bernard Lee
Breandan O'Scanaill
8:15 - 8:30pm Classic Half Hour Pat O'Toole
Chamber of Commerce
Supply Centre
Cashel Credit Unions
Richard de Stacpoole Anne Conneely 8:15 - 9pm Mandy's Manic Monday Mandy Linton
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Shelter from the Storm
Ballinakill Report
Mary Gordon O'Toole
John O'Malley
Dave O'Halloran
Paddy Gannon
8:15 - 9pm Music with Pat
8:15 - 9pm Classical Voice
8:15 - 9pm American Country
Coast to Coast
8:10 - 9pm Decades of Hits
Pat Keaney
Breandan O'Scanaill
Brendan Ridge
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Across 1. Co Mayo town (9) 9. Re-echo will hold together (6) 10. Battle (8) 11. Once in a blue moon (6) 12. First mass-produced vehicle (5,1) 14. Sanction (4) 15. Boxer with a taste for human flesh (5) 16. German city (6) 18. At ease (7) 21. Castrated horse (7) 24. Make beloved (6) 26. Co. Antrim coastal town (5) 30. Currency unit (4) 31. Immoral (6) 32. Pill (6) 33. Ulster town and county (8) 34. European country (6) 35. Removal, clean-up (9)
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*Acton Construction
The Connemara View Crossword No. 40 1
Failte Mary Corbett Joyce *Aran Direct
*Mulcrone Bros
Down 2. Leinster town (6) 3. Aim (6) 4. Lives (6) 5. Midlands town (7) 6. Spinach loving cartoon character (6) 7. Indian capital (3,5) 8. Ulster county (9) 11. Black fur (5) 13. Wild cat (4) 17. South American country (9) 19. Brightly coloured beetle (8) 20. Heron-like bird (5) 22. Alan should give you his girl’s name (4) 23. Co. Tipperary town (7) 25. Another name for Tarzan (6) 27. African country (6) 28. Mystery (6) 29. Picture or decoration made from small pieces of glass, stone etc. (6)
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
*FORUM
8pm
Paul Phelan
Michael Coyne
Across Bogman 35 8 Falsify set price to make them reclaimable on expense accounts. (8) 9 Bad actor in setback with London mainstream banker? (6) 10 Tradesman with healthier occupation than most? (6) 11 A grand bit of music, though the finale is not real. (8) 12 Get Middle-East money to develop part of Dublin? (6) 13 Give a precise and brief account before tailing clergyman. (8) 15 Call for a division on having the law repealed before litigation begins. (4) 17 Have the sheriff ’s group caught up with the ship? (7) 19 Call a temporary halt in case one finds a commercial at the start of a book with no ending. (7) 22 Sort the letters one could produce between the manuscript and the word-processor. (4) 24 There’s no need to hurry, that is, once you get to her underwear! (8) 27 Called one in top rank of academia? (6) 29 Be careful! Member of lynch-mob has given his tail the slip. (8) 30 Staggered to find such a slippery customer is in the red? (6) 31 Being together for duet in new arrangement. (6) 32 Greengrocers’ products becoming more common with global warming? (8) Down 1 Make two sign for precious stone in one. (6) 2 Materials to lie about in new messages? (8) 3 Animals eat young fish and become birds. (8) 4 In USA bring up the fact that the old name for St. Paul changes, Enter answers into draw of correct answers yet it’s just like always. (2,5) for a local voucher by February 27th 5 & 28 Any geometric realignment could lead to a power structure Winners: Christmas Bogman Mark McMahon, Ballyconneely with the Green Party in permanent opposition. (6) Connemara View 39 Christie Burton, Cleggan 6 One of the sillier things to eat? (6) 7 Worried listener from one of the provinces? Answers S M A I P S P R A Y I N G A (8) F I R Christmas Bogman (right) C H A R D O N N A Y I U C A I A N R E C L A I R A 14 Applaud vulgar STD involving use of the hands? (4) Connemara View 39 M A D A M E S T A Y S D N C R I B 16 It’s a return on one’s investment in a wine-bar. (4) P S O R U F L A G S I T A P F I D C 18 Legally they are considered to explain why E X I S T T R I F L E A F L E A B U L G A R I A R E A S O N R R O H D E S N O W S V nothing clips the wings like they do. (8) R I O S O R R S H I N G L E G O L D G I A M E N 20 Debited? Actually dead and gone. (8) S K A T E D H O N G K O N G S A R E O A S Y L U M R 21 Motorist tore crazily around the top of St Paul’s E A U I E E E S O H O U N E G O Y L I C E D L F U N F A I R W I N D O W S T M Y S T I C O R D I N A R Y and this will show him just how crazily. (8) W O L F T T A L L E W H A T S E E T N A E 23 One who showed strange style in ruling R A L I B I S O A N K L S E A S I D E I N T R U D E before the next one was put in? (7) F O I L D V A C I D I M I T A T E T A B L E E S C Y R I L A O G D M V 25 Man gets around one lieutenant for having T H R O T T L E A L P I N E S O O T T S T A R C H S T O L E done the dirty deed. (6) I R H L P O E I T O K Y O E A T A R C O R N B E E F T O R I E S 26 Nation emerging from destructive war and L A M E U P E D I T H T U R K E Y P A E A I T D E M I L L E T I O S I O genocide. (6) K I T T E N S U D D E N L Y N O W J A N L O R D N E L S O N 28 See 5 Down. (6) A E D T E R E T L E A P Y E A R N E R S E 1
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PROPERTIES in CONNEMARA Cashleen is the perfect holiday location. There are white sand beaches nearby and numerous hill and mountain walks. The area is particularly noted for the outdoor and water activities, with a number of adventure centers within easy access. Asking Price: €270,000. Sherry FitzGerald Kavanagh, Main Street, Clifden, 095 21888, clifden@sfkavanagh.com www.sherryfitz.ie.
“River Cottage”, Oughterard Claddaghduff This two bedroomed property overlooks magnificent views over Omey Island and beach. This property is set in Claddaghduff village just a short walk from the pub, shop, church and is next door to the national school. This setting is ideal for a holiday home, rental property or if extended would make an ideal family residence. Price: Offers on €250,000. Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, The Square, Clifden. 09521066 email: property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.
price €820,000. Connemara Properties, Bridge St. Clifden. 095-21473. connprop@iol.ie. www.connemaraproperties.com
Oughterard
A stunning and unique riverside village property combining the best of contemporary design, architecture and modern construction blended with the charm and character of a period cottage. This deceptively spacious 5 bedroom
Three bedroomed terraced house with stone façade in the highly regarded Creig na Coille development within walking distance of the village centre. A very appealing property, which should be of interest to both homeowners and investors alike. The property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and provides spacious accommodation comprising a sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility,
The Old Garda Station, Roundstone A beautifully well appointed three bedroom semi detached newly refurbished property situated in one of the most picturesque and unique villages in Europe. This property was formally the local Garda station and has undergone extensive refurbishment which is finished to a very high standard benefiting from wooden floors throughout, newly fully fitted kitchen, bright and spacious accommodation throughout and car parking space.The accommodation comprises of open plan reception/dining room with fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with door leading to paved yard. Two bright double bedrooms (one ensuite), further bathroom, stira staircase leading to a bright and spacious double bedroom (ensuite) with spectacular sea views. Within walking distance to local shops, pubs and restaurants. Price Guide €700,000. O’Brien Auctioneers, Market Street, Clifden. 095 22386 info@obrien-auctioneers.com, www.obrien-auctioneers.com
Aughrisbeg, Cleggan A very fine, spacious house on an elevated site 2 minutes walk from Aughrisbeg’s beautiful, clean and sandy beach. The property offers panoramic views of Inishbofin, Inishshark, High Island, and Cruagh Island. Cleggan Hill is to the east. The Aughrisbeg area is much sought after as it offers excellent seclusion, relaxation and outdoor activities including walking, fresh water and sea angling, boating, swimming. The landscape is an artist’s paradise. Accommodation includes four reception rooms, three bedrooms, office, bathroom, shower room, utility and detached garage. Asking
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downstairs WC, 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) and bathroom. Early viewing is strongly recommended to fully appreciate this property. OFCH..Guide price: €285,000. Michael O’Toole Auctioneers. Main St., Oughterard, 091 557711 info@.michaelotoole.ie www.michaelotoole.ie.
Cashleen, Renvyle This is a lovely traditional styled cottage, with unrivalled sea views. Located near the tip of the Renvyle Peninsula, the property enjoys excellent privacy with breathtaking views over Renvyle and towards Achill Island. Tully Village and the renowned Renvyle House Hotel are both convenient. Trawmore is a popular beach which is within walking distance of the property. Standing on an elevated site, the cottage has three bedrooms all with sea views. The main room accommodates the living / dining area with open fire. A galley kitchen has been added to the original cottage.
February 7, 2008
property which combines a contemporary extension attached to the existing dwelling has been renovated to retain the period charm in a property of this age. The property, which is situated on the banks of the Owenriff River, provides 2,150 sq. ft. of well balanced and well proportioned accommodation and delightful private gardens. For sale freehold. Offers on €925,000. Spencer Auctioneers, Main St., Oughterard, 091 552999 email: info@ spencerauctioneers.com www. spencerauctioneers.com
Planning Applications December and January 075067 Dyck , Ann; Cushatrough,04/12/07. To construct a dwellinghouse and private wastewater treatment system (Gross floor area 232.7 sqm) . 075115 McGrath, Frank; Roundstone; 07/12/07. For alterations and additions to existing dwelling and all ancillary site works. (Gross floor area 39.47sqm). 075173 Sumner, Geoff rey and Sheila; 13/12/07; For renovation of existing building. (Gross floor area 114sqm). 075245 Sweeney, Malachy; Bunowen Beg; 18/12/07. To demolish and re-build new dwelling house, treatment plant and percolation area (Gross floor area 99.74 sqm). 075249 Buell, Anne; Claddaghduff; 18/12/07. To retain existing dwelling house and domestic garage and to upgrade existing effluent treatment system (Gross floor area House 113 sqm Garage 28 sqm). 075295 Conneely, Paul; Aughrusmore; 20/12/07. To construct dwellinghouse, treatment system & percolation area. (Gross floor area 157.084sqm). 075317 Booth, Liam & Dempsey, Clodagh, Maum; 20/12/07. For alterations to site entrance from that which was granted under Pl. Ref. No. 06/25. 075327 Burke, Bertie; Aillebrack; 20/12/07. To redraw site boundaries. 075344 Vaughan, Sean, Clifden; 21/12/07; For demolition of a two storey residential building, and to construct a 3 storey building facing Bridge Street containing 6 No. 2 bedroom apartments and a two storey attached building at rear of site containing 2 No. 2 bedroom and 2 No. 1 bedroom apartments, together with all ancillary site works and the provision of carparking at rear. (Gross floor area 623sqm) 08115 Roundstone Marina Ltd, Roundstone; 22/01/08. For the construction of a 34 berth Marina, extension to Community Hall and ancillary works. 08147 Beecher, David & Myra, Ardbear; 25/01/08. For the construction of extensions to the existing dwelling. The extensions shall consist of a sun room extension to the east and a porch extension to the north. (Gross floor area 19sqm). Continued on next page
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
FINANCIAL PLANNING Although 2008 is over a month old it is still appropriate to make some belated New Year’s resolutions. The economic climate has become increasingly uncertain over the last six months with fears of a US recession, dire predictions about the Irish property market and the meltdown in the Irish stock exchange. Given the changing economic climate, now might be a good time for some New Year’s resolutions for business owners to ensure they are best placed to see out whatever turbulent times may lie ahead. The last few years have shown how fragile a local economy dependant on one major industry (i.e. tourism) can be if the growth in that industry stalls. In recent years we have seen Dublin grow as a major tourist destination in Ireland and the fall in value of the US dollar has affected the numbers of tourists which visit the west. So even though Ireland’s tourism numbers are up, the regional focus of these numbers seems to have shifted to the east. So businesses should look at their operations and their ability to plan for a more uncertain future.
Review Your Business Profitability A profitability review is a constant requirement for those in business. It is necessary for each business to constantly review their sales mix, pricing and strategy and to tackle costs both from suppliers and service providers. By improving the underlying profitability of the business you are ensuring that you are capable of facing increased competition and challenging business conditions in the best possible shape, and therefore safeguarding your assets and income security into the future.
Turnover Every business needs to critically review your sales numbers and see how much it actually costs you in purchases, employee time, shop space, expense overheads etc to generate those sales, and compare the results to other areas of
your business. What might result from this review is that you identify that some areas of your business simply are not profitable enough, so you may decide to either charge more for the service or discontinue any loss making activities.
Gross Profits Your gross profit percentage measures the difference between the sale of goods to your customers and the cost to you to purchase those goods. What affects the gross profit percentage is the cost to you to purchase the goods and the price you can charge to sell those goods. Firstly, you need to look at purchase costs to see if goods can be sourced cheaper. This review needs to be ongoing in every business as the cheapest supplier today may not be the cheapest supplier in three months time. Secondly, you need to review your pricing structure. Are you too dear or too cheap? If you are too dear, then sales will be depressed and this will affect turnover and profits. If you are too cheap, then you are not maximizing the profits and are selling your wares for insufficient return. Striking this delicate balance is not easy so pricing policy needs to be constantly reviewed.
Business Running Expenses Often businesses only realize what the actual associated costs of running the business are, when they receive the financial statements from their accountant. This is a bit too late to address any excess costs. Every expense heading needs to be reviewed to ensure the business is getting value for the money it spends You just need to review all your service providers (like electricity, telecommunications, insurance, bank charges and interest, advertising, professional service providers etc.) to ensure you are getting good value for your hard earned money. In fact, in my own business many of our clients previously used accountants in Galway or beyond. A common complaint was that this distance was too far and means that they don’t get to see their accountant as often as they should (because it took half a day for a 30 min meeting). Essentially these clients were paying for a service which
they weren’t fully availing of (i.e. they were not really getting good value for money). Money is scarce enough without spending it on a service you are not fully using. Your accountant is a key person to assist in challenging times, often telling you things you don’t want to hear but essential to ensure continued survival and profits. So use him or her as a key business resource, not just to file your taxes once a year.
Accumulate a Nest Egg A lot of SSIA money matured in 2007, which was the end of a five-year saving plan. If you did continue the savings habit then you will be in reasonable financial shape this year. If you stopped saving on the maturity of the SSIA, then perhaps a new savings plan is a good resolution for 2008. Why? Well consider how you would fare if the money stopped coming in from your business for whatever reason. How long would your savings sustain you until your business got back on track? A good savings reserve would see you survive for a number of months (I suggest six months) so the building of a contingency nest egg in case your primary income stalls for whatever reason should be a goal for 2008. We do seem to be heading for a more uncertain economic climate. If you are in business you need to review operations to ensure your business is running as efficiently as possible and generating the best possible return to you as owners. Business is the survival of the fittest and with banks becoming increasingly strict with their lending criteria you must ensure that your business can cope with a potentially more difficult trading environment on the way and that you have the profitability and cash reserves to see out whatever the New Year brings. May I take this opportunity to wish all our clients and friends a prosperous and rewarding 2008. Declan Mannion FCA is a Chartered Accountant with Mannion Lochrin & Co., Market Street, Clifden, Co. Galway, Tel 09530030; Fax 095-30031; email declan@mannion-lochrin.com. Visit the firm’s website at www.mannion-lochrin.com.
Planning Applications continued 08151 Casey, Dr. Michael, Carna; 25/01/08. Le athru a chur an an usaid a bhainfear as an bhfoirgnimh 5 sheomra le haghaidh loistin foirne ar tugadh cead pleanala le n-aghaidh ar an suiomh seo cheanna (Uimhir thagarta Pleanala 03/6399) agus cead pleanala anois le haghaidh loistin chuig leaba a bheadh bainteach le Teach Altranais Charna, Carna Conamara agus a thabharfadh ait chonaithe do dhaoine a mbeadh cabhair ag teastail uathu. (Gross floor area 250.7sqm). 08142 Nic Dhonnacha, Brid, Carraroe North, 25/01/08. Chun teach nua conaithe a thogail agus coras nua searachais Kingspan Envirocare (Gross floor area 179.3 sqm). 08129 Teo, Muirachmhainni; Lettermullen; 24/01/08, To construct an office block, car parking spaces and all associated services. (gross floor space 145.56sqm). 0817 Judge, Lucy; Cloonderavon; 10/01/08. To construct a fully serviced dwelling house and treatment plant plus garage. (Gross floor area 255sqm). 0823 Cloherty, Mary & Paraic; Glinsk; 11/01/08: To construct 6 dwelling houses, access road, private wastewater treatment system and all associated works. (Gross floor area 1207sqm). 0873 Seoighe, Declan; Glinsk; 21/01/08. Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus seirbhis searachais a thogail. (gross floor space 277sqm residential, 60sqm garage). 0878 Kelly, Martin; Inveran; 21/01/08. For retention for garage, partly constructed and permission to complete same. (Gross floor area 56.24sqm). 08163 Heanue, Paul; Derryherbert; 29/01/08. To retain and complete minor alterations /changes to House Types A to G (7 No. Houses) previously approved under Pl. Ref. 05/1598 and all ancillary site works and services. (Gross floor area 86sqm). 08112 Mullen, Michael, Rossaveel; 23/01/08. For the construction of a new roller shutter door to the side elevation of an existing industrial unit. 08103 Comhar Creidmheasa Cholm Cille Teo, Carraroe South, 23/01/08. Chun athru a dheanamh ar chead pleanala 05/3826 le spas 128sqm as spas iomlan 289.6sqm, a athru o ionad miondhioltora go dti ionad comhar creidmheasa, le 22sqm eile a bheith roinnte ina ionad miondhioltora doirse dubailte le paineal ar an taobh a athru go dti doras aonair le paineal ar an taobh agus spas a dheanamh do mheaisin ATM. (Gross floor area 150sqm).
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com. News deadline for next issue: February 27th. CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Know Your Rights
vides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 095 22000 & 087 1301100 / Email: clifden. cic@comhairle.ie. Address: c/o VEC, Statoil Apartments, Galway Road, Clifden. Citizens Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation. ie & from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-Call 1890 777 121. Declan Weir
Q: What are the changes to the Drugs Payment Scheme? A: Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, an individual or family has to pay a maximum of €90 for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and certain appliances for use by that person or his or her family during that month. To qualify, you must be ordinarily resident in Ireland, i.e. you must be living here and intend to continue to live here for at least a year. Family expenditure covers the nominated adult, his or her spouse/partner and children under 18 years or under 23 if in full-time education. A dependant with a physical or mental disability/illness living in the household who does not have a Medical Card and who is unable to fully maintain himself/ herself, may be included regardless of age. Medical card holders are entitled to approved prescribed drugs and medicines free of charge so they are not eligible for this scheme. You should register by completing the registration form, which is available from pharmacies or from your Local Health Office. Your Local Health Office will then issue a plastic swipe card for each person named on the registration form. You should present this card whenever you are having prescriptions filled. You can use the Drugs Payment Scheme along with a Long Term Illness Book. Your Drugs Payment Scheme Card is issued for a limited time (generally 5 years). When it expires, you must apply again to obtain a new card. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Centre, which pro-
February 7, 2008
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Trojans at the Gate Another year has begun and the garden is looking a little stressed. Rain and wind have begun to take their toll and there is mud where there should be grass or flower beds, and the ground is littered with bits of branches and twigs. I often give the garden a once over if the weather stays dry for a few days, but it is almost a waste of time doing to much as the next wind will have the place littered again. I prefer to leave things until March or even April, after that there should not be that much wind. For all its chaos the plants are doing well. I had a few daffodils for New Year and the Camelias have started flowering. The snow drops and blue bells are making their appearance, and shrubs and plants look like they are ready to burst into bud. It is great to see the first splash of colour arriving. Nature has also started bursting out, and birds are singing as loudly as if it were spring, I hope that they and/or the flowers don’t get a rude awakening. If the weather gets a lot drier I will begin the clearing of paths and clearing new areas of the garden, this is one of the best times to clear away briars and shrubby plants which have gotten too big. The briars pull out of the ground very easily and even if they are big, you can cut them down to below ground level. Once they are at this level I cut the new growth with the lawnmower from spring onwards, this avoids them getting out of control again, or at least that’s the plan. I was in Dublin recently and I met a few people who had just had their gardens made over. This is becoming popular, there are even a few in Connemara, and I have visited a number of different ones. But in almost all of them, I felt that there was something lacking. A sameness, a bit too much of a formula. Fashion in gardening, no more than in anything else, is very much dictated by a few and copied by many. I voiced my opinion to one lady who had a firm of garden designers in, but she didn’t agree with me. Basically, she said that she was not a very keen gardener, but liked looking at a fairly orderly space. She was delighted with the transformation. Gone were the mish-mash of odd plants and various planters to be replaced by neat and matching shrubs and plants, a perfect circular lawn and various other features. The lawn had arrived in strips and was put down like carpet. I can see that her life will be a lot easier, but I wonder how long she will enjoy the sameness, or how she will manage, when a plant dies or comes up in the wrong place. Another friend mentioned that he was going to enjoy the ease of looking after the space and having more time to do other things. I suppose it is different strokes for different folks. I love the unexpected nature of the garden, waiting to see what is going to happen, but also I love the work. There is nothing more relaxing than pottering about in the garden, getting your hands dirty. Also learning about the various plants, their likes and dislikes, how they look and feel throughout their lives, never seem to disappoint me. I can say that I know each and every plant, and section of the garden as a friend. If you do decide to get in a landscape company, make sure that you check out their qualifications, and if possible get to see some of the work that they have done. They are not going to come cheap, so as in most things it is value for money that counts. Have a good idea of what you want, or don’t want in the garden, think how you want to use the space, do you need space for children to play, a place for entertaining, a display area for special plants or trees? The more homework you do the better, time is money as they say. As I have mentioned before this is a good time to see the problems that may be cropping up in your garden, flooding, or exposure to winds. These can be serious problems and even if this is not the best time to try and sort them out, being aware of them is half the battle. Another task I am undertaking at present is clearing ivy from a number of young trees that have become festooned over the past few years. I am not against ivy most of the time but there is a time and a place for everything, in fact I like the softening effect which ivy gives to hard
PAGE 28
In recent weeks I noticed a recurrence of an Anti-Spyware /Anti-Virus scam infecting computers sent to me for service. I call it a scam because that is exactly what it is. This virus pretends to be on your side, and issues a fake Virus Alert like the one shown. You will also get a little icon (a shield or something similar) that the alert pops up from.
Click on this alert, and the main payload of the virus is executed. It is then that a Zlob Trojan virus (great name, huh) displays irritating pop-ups that look similar to Windows alerts, informing the users that their machine is infected with malware. If you click on any of these Fake notifications, you will be redirected to WinSecureAV”s home site where you will be triggered to purchase the commercial WinSecureAV version. Do NOT purchase this software because WinSecureAV program is created only to trick people and empty their pockets.
surfaces and it is a great source of food and shelter for birds and insects. At this time of the year people make new resolutions and I think it is always a good idea to plan something new for the garden, no harm if it is something almost impossible. The planning and challenge will be great fun, and if some or all of it comes off the sense of achievement will be great. Maybe it would be best to keep the plans to yourself just in case, but do write them out for your own benefit, these plans will act as a checklist for what has been done and what has still to be done. My plan for this year is... well I don’t think I will tell you yet, if it comes off I will give full details, I will take photographs to show you as the work progresses. For people who are either newcomers to the area, or starting a garden, the Connemara Garden Club, is a friendly bunch of people who meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Station House Hotel. The meetings are informal and usually involve a discussion on what is happening or not in the gardens at that particular time. Help and advice is freely given and there are often plants and seeds exchanged or simply given away. The meetings start at 8pm. Happy Gardening! Breandan O Scanaill
February 7, 2008
All Fakes!! At the moment I have seen several variants of this sneaky virus, WinSecureAV, VirusProtect, and WinPCDoctor are the most popular. All sound (and look) legit, but are actually spyware infections that can download further scams onto your PC. I’ve had several clients who have paid up for this, and then faced a further expense having the infections professionally removed. You may be wondering how this virus ended up on your PC. Usually, if you’re infected with malware or spyware, your system’s and web browser’s security settings may be set much too low, you may not follow safe web browsing and email habits, and you may need to regularly use a good anti-spyware application. Major sources of Trojan-borne infections are Freeware or Shareware, Peer-to-Peer Software like LimeWire, and ‘Questionable Websites’. When you’re infected with malware, whether it’s spyware, adware, trojans, rogue anti-spyware, keyloggers, worms, or viruses, there are a few key symptoms you’ll notice, like slow computer performance, new desktop shortcuts or switched homepage, and annoying pop-ups. Manual removal of this infection is very complicated, since the program is able to regenerate its files as they are being deleted. Do not purchase WinSecureAV! Or VirusProtect, or WinPCDoctor, or MalwareBurn!! You will only lose your money. If one of these viruses has occupied your computer, get professional advice, and review your computer’s security pronto. Trojans are some of the most sophisticated and dangerous type of malware, capable of controlling your system. Because of this, all fake anti-virus programs and Trojans should be removed from your computer immediately. John Claró is an I.T. Consultant with over 20 years experience offering all kinds of computer sales, services and repairs at Two Dog Computer & Business Systems in Clifden. He can be contacted on 095 22194.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Roundstone Seal Rescues
very much alive and in terrible stress. The poor thing got an awful battering from the high winds and seagulls were picking at it when Paddy found the poor thing. When one of the gulls got too close to it’s mouth,
While out walking the dog on December 20th Margaret and myself happened upon a baby seal that had crawled up from the water to the marram grass and seemed weak and helpless. We immediately contacted the seal sanctuary for advice. After getting it into a dog cage and carrying it back the beach with help from Rosie McGurran and Jemima Maxwell, we brought the pup to Maurice O Scannaill in Clifden, who treated her for dehydration and administered some antibiotics. We arranged a pick up from Ballinasloe with a volunteer who took her to the Seal Sanctuary at An Clochan, Tobergregan,
Garristown, Co. Dublin. She turned out to be a fully weaned pup and we were reassured we had taken the right decision to help her as she was very weak and would not have survived the night. (See photo) Just a couple of weeks later, another pup was found down in Dolan; this time by Pious DeLappe who got in touch with me straight away. We contacted the Sanctuary once again and Clare Greene from the Western Veterinary Clinic in Clifden, who liquid-fed and treated the seal with antibiotics. This second pup was also sent to the sanctuary to be cared for until she is ready for release. If you should come across a baby seal close to the water, the natural instinct may be to return them, although this is almost certain death for the poor creature, so contact the Seal Sanctuary or Sean Farrell who is a representative in Clifden. In Roundstone, contact either Nicky Griffin or myself and we will collect it and put it in the right direction. Be very careful dealing with them however as they have fine sets of teeth and will bite. At this time of year, pups are weaned at five weeks and food is scarce for them, hence the weakness and exhaustion that affects them so much. It is so great and rewarding to learn about and be involved in situations like this, where one can learn so much about nature from qualified experts. The Seal sanctuary has an education officer who will be in the Galway area in early 2008 and she is available to give talks to schools or groups who are interested. For more information on this free service check out the Irish Seal Sanctuary web-site, and if you find a stranded seal, act without delay and please do not ignore the situation.
Minke Fin Whale Beached A beached 24 foot Minke whale was found just below the wall of Robinson’s Wood by Paddy (shoulders) McDonagh and his family on 28th December, at that point
Oh well, it’s probably just as well for us, he is a good man to have around our islands regularly.
Condolences Our sincere condolences go to the Matz family on the sad loss of Sonia. I understand Reverend Previte conducted a wonderful and much respected send-off for a lady who will be sorely missed. Our sympathies go out to James Conneely of ErrisBeg who lost his mother Annie Conneely. May she rest in peace. We will also mourn the loss of Pete Molloy, formerly of the old cottages here in Roundstone. May he rest in peace.
Roundstone Development Council
the whale grabbed it and swallowed it! A ranger was called out to see if anything could be done, but sadly it seemed not. The next morning after more heavy winds and rain the whale floated a little nearer to Roundstone and beached at a sandy, rock-free resting -place. Word got around very quickly and a great number of people came to see the magnificent creature. Some children decorated the whale with shells and seaweed, and said a little prayer. What a lovely thing to do for the very noble whale. NUI Galway investigated the cause of death and it transpired that the whale was an eight-month old baby, which got separated from its mother and died of starvation. The whale has now been buried.
As we have no Community Council yet, it has been proposed that the directors will give the go ahead for the ongoing work to the community hall as well as continuing to pay the community’s overheads. Martin J Conneely proposed that Nicky Griffin act as treasurer; this was seconded by Michael King and Nicky accepted the post. Rosie McGurran was approached by Nicky Griffin to act as Secretary for the Directors until the Community Council is formed. All nominees from the ’07 elections will be contacted as to whether they would like to go forward onto the council. Those who do not wish to go forward will be notified of their decision in writing, and the directors will arrange a public meeting to vote in the new members. 15 members will be accepted and directors will meet again at a later date to arrange a suitable format for the public meeting and election.
Village Quite a bit of work has been going on in the village, what with the complete demolition of the old Harbour View restaurant, which was purchased by one of our very regular visitors Tom Lynch. Plans are cer-
tainly in keeping with the village style. Work has also started on the old Curley house for a complete renovation, and some internal work is going on in The Shamrock Bar for its potential new management.
Clothes collection for Africa A whopping 89 bags of clothes were collected from Roundstone to be sent to the Dochas Nasamu Children’s Home in Kangare, Kenya, where they will no doubt be greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all who kindly donated the clothes. Richard De Stacpoole
RNLI Aran Islands Lifeboat Members of the Roundstone Summerfest Committee, Thomas King, Mark Forsyth and Simon Ashe presented a cheque for €4,000 to the Aran Lifeboat on Inis Mor recently. John O Donnell, coxswain of the Aran Islands crew, and members of the Lifeboat Committee on the Aran Islands gladly received the cheque acknowledging the fact that the RNLI, a voluntary service, needed all the funding it could get to keep it afloat. Thomas King, one of the founders of the Roundstone Summerfest, a charity festival held in August each year in aid of the RNLI said: “We are glad to be able to fundraise for such a worthy cause, over the past 6 years we have donated nearly €30,000 to the RNLI and we will continue to do so.We will also be making a donation to the Clifden Lifeboat at a later date”. There are over 230 lifeboat stations strategically placed around the coast of the U.K and Ireland. Lifeboat rescues have doubled since 1980 with the RNLI saving 137,000 people as of November 2006. Photo (l-r) Thomas King, Simon Ashe, Eileen Mulkerrin, John O Donnell, Marian Flaherty, Mark Forsyth, Margaret Gill. Ciara King
Christmas windows The winner of this year’s window decoration went to Agnes De Courcey with 1,882 votes. Agnes won the €100 voucher sponsored by Michael Reynolds of Ferrons shop, and the voter’s prize went to Nora King of Wit’s End B & B. There were 5,767 votes in total, very interesting for a small population don’t you think?! This is only the second year of the competition and some of the windows were not only in the village but in houses all over the Roundstone area. The whole place looked really fantastic throughout the whole Christmas period, and the effort that was made to tidy up and decorate the village was great. Perhaps as a New Year’s resolution we as a community can be aware of a few eyesores and clean them up in preparation for the forthcoming 2008 Tidy Towns Competition. Rest assured we will enter again; last year was successful, but we know we can do better and get higher marks in our category. We are so close to the 400 points!
Population Explosion! A good start for 2008; congratulations to Ruth and Richard Freeman on the birth of a baby boy, to Marion and Barclay Molloy a baby girl, and to John Paul Ferron and Chrissie, a baby boy. Not to forget the christening of Yvonne and Michael Mahon’s new little boy, best wishes and welcome to all.
Letterfrack: Scenes from Ta r é i s n a F é i l e B r í d e ’ 0 8
Senator Dodd You may be aware by now that Senator Christopher Dodd, who has a house on Inishnee for a number of years now, has decided to withdraw from the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination race.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Photo right: Fiona Molloy, Tom Regan and Martina Coyne sharing a joke at the Ballinakill Active Age Group on the Intergenerational Day. Photo left: Eithne Hannigan gleefully fiddling with the Niall Toner Band at the Bards Den.
February 7, 2008
PAGE 29
Photo Corner (Clockwise from top left)
Weddings Áine O’Neill and Adam Conroy, both of Clifden, married on December 15th. One of their first public appearances afterwards was at the Annual Clifden Trout Anglers Fancy Dress Ball in early January. We look forward to the formal wedding photo for the next issue! Kieran Shaugnessy, originally from Cloughan, Co. Offaly but living in Connemara for the past 20 years, and Jeanne Conroy, Clifden, were married on Friday 9th November at the Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. The wedding of Ms Olivia DeLapp from Oughterard and Mr Daniel Gadd from Suffolk, England took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oughterard on Saturday 29-12-2007. The celebrant was Rev Fr Sean Manning.
The wedding reception took place afterwards in Peacocke’s, Maam Cross . Photo: The wedding party. Photo by Tom Broderick. Connemara Smokehouse couple, Marek Burak and Justyna Janusiewicz from Trzebnica, Poland married on Christmas Day. Congratulations to all.
Kylemore Debs (below l-r) Brian Hogan & Fiona McDermott, Colin Connelly & Aisling Kane; Dean Elcock & Mary-Louise Walsh. The Connemara View mistakenly left these photos out of the last issue. Apologies!
We love your photos! Send in your pics of weddings, births, christenings, milestone birthdays etc. to news@connemaraview.com, drop in the View Box in the Paper Shop, Clifden or post to Connemara View, Clifden, Co. Galway
Church Hill and the Sky Road as Ski Slopes photo by Siobhan Stoney
PAGE 30
February 7, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
c o n n e m a r a s ta r s
The Crystal Ball
by John Amenhauser
FEBRUA RY TA ROT REA DI NG
Total Eclipse & the Virginids Moon: The New Moon is on Thursday 7th February, and Full at on Thursday February 21st, when it is in the constellation of Leo. In Connemara this month we’ll have a total eclipse of the Moon in the early hours of Thursday the 21st. Starting around 2 a.m., when the Moon is high in the S, the shadow of the Earth will start to appear at the left-hand edge of the Moon. The shadow will spread until the last speck of sunlight disappears from the lower right-hand edge at 3 a.m. For 50 minutes the Moon will be totally in the Earth’s shadow – but won’t disappear completely. Although no sunlight can reach the Moon directly, some light is usually refracted through our atmosphere, giving the Moon a dim, reddish glow. Earthshine! During the eclipse, the sky will get pretty dark, particularly if you can get away from artificial lights. Look out for the bright star Regulus to the upper right of the Moon, and the bright planet Saturn to its upper left. Just before 4 a.m., sunlight will reappear at the lower left edge of the Moon, and the shadow will retreat rightwards; the last of the shadow will disappear from the right-hand edge soon after 5 a.m. Mercury is at inferior conjunction and very difficult to find. However, on the morning of Wednesday 27th, it will appear to be right above Venus, about a degree from it. Mercury will appear very much fainter than Venus, but if you can locate Venus and use a good pair of binoculars, you may just be able to glimpse Mercury. Venus is not well placed for observing this month, since it’s in the southernmost part of its path through the sky. But it’s still well to the right of the Sun, so we should still be able to see it at dawn, as a brilliant Morning Star, far brighter than any of the genuine stars, or any of the other planets – it out-shines giant Jupiter, which is close by. Throughout February Venus is rising in the SE at about 6:30 am. Mars was at its best in December and January, but it’s still pretty good. It’s well up in the S sky at dusk, and doesn’t set in the NW until shortly before dawn. It is fading a little, but still brighter than most of the stars, and shines with a steady, reddish-orange light. It’s moving slowly E, heading away from Aldebaran, the bright “eye” of Taurus,
towards Gemini.
Jupiter is now emerging from behind the Sun into the dawn sky. On Friday February 1st, it’s immediately below Venus; the two planets are just half a degree apart. Venus is much brighter but both objects should be clearly visible low in the south-east before sunrise. Jupiter’s four major moons can often be seen in binoculars, as tiny points of light in a straight line to either side of the planet. The outermost one, Callisto, can sometimes be glimpsed with the naked eye, especially in twilight, when the dazzle from the planet is reduced. Callisto will appear to the east of Jupiter around February 16th, and to the west around February 7th and 24th. Well worth a look! Saturn: At the start of February, Saturn comes up at 7 pm; but by the end of the month, it’s rising at sunset, shining all night with a steady cream-coloured light. When Saturn rises on the evening of Wednesday February 20th, the Full Moon will appear above and to the right of it; the Moon will gradually approach closer to Saturn throughout the night. Meteors: The Virginids are a vast complex of a dozen or so radiants that become active in late January and last until mid-April, without reaching a definite peak. Several meteors per hour may be seen and the later you wait to begin observing, the more meteors you will see. Meteors are about twice as common after midnight because the Earth’s rotation is carrying us forward, in the same direction as the Earth’s motion in its orbit. In other words, before midnight the meteoroids that the speeding Earth runs into must catch up to observers, for the world is turning us back away from them. Got it? So we see fewer meteors (many fail to catch us), and those we do see appear to be moving slower… After midnight the Earth’s rotational velocity is added too, not subtracted from, the orbital velocity and in the early morning we are at the front edge of our planet, meeting the meteors as head-on as possible. Those morning meteors therefore are faster and, as a result, brighter on the average. Happy Stargazing! John Claró
PRESENT: The Chariot
FUTURE: Page of Swords
The Empress, reversed in the past position is letting you know that you are coming out of a time where you gave to much of yourself, to the point that you were neglecting your own needs over those of others. The Chariot, reversed in the present position, is telling you that you are in the race of life but may be going in the wrong direction right now. It’s time to stop for a breather and look at the paths ahead before continuing the race. The Page of Swords in the future position is telling you to set some goals and make some plans for your future so that you know what it is you wish to accomplish.
FEBRUA RY RUNES REA DI NG Movement, Progress, The Horse. You are being told to take on movement within your own life and in all forms. This could be a shift in job, home or other aspects of your life. ACTION CHALLENGE OVERVIEW Journey, Communication, Movement Journey Initiation Union, Reunion is letting (Ehwaz) (Raido) (Perth) you know that you must be attuned to both sides of all things that are happening. There is always another viewpoint involved, make sure that you know what the other side is. Initiation, Something Hidden, A Secret Matter represents the unknown and the mysterious; there are powerful forces of change at work in your life guiding you to an unknown future. Lift yourself above the everyday and broaden your vision.
“The external is a reflection of the Internal”
FEBRUA RY HOROSCOPES
CONSUMER WATCHDOG Service Station
Petrol
Diesel
Cosgraves, Castlebar
114.90
114.90
Welbys, Oughterard
117.00
117.00
Sweeneys, Moycullen
117.90
119.90
Statoil, Clifden
119.90
119.90
ESSO, Clifden
119.90
119.90
Actons, Moyard
119.90
119.90
Joyce's, Recess
119.90
118.90
Sweeney's, Claddaghduff
119.90
119.90
Rogans, Renvyle
120.90
120.90
Kylemore Service Station Ferrons, Roundstone
121.90
121.90
122.90
122.90
Keoghs, Ballyconneely
122.90
122.90
Based on phone survey February 5th 2008
Note: Apologies to Diamonds of Renvyle for an incorrect price on coal in the December issue.
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
PAST: The Empress
February 7, 2008
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Aries the winter months are never the best for you, so this winter do some soul searching. This month is ideal for learning about YOU! Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20) Taurus it’s time to use up some of that vast reserve of strength and energy that is the core of your being, this month get active. Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Something in your belief system will be challenged this month. Don’t just dismiss it. Hear it out and then evaluate what has been presented. Cancer ( Jun 22 – Jul 22) Animals will have an affect on you directly this month. Trust your instincts and all will be well. Leo ( Jul 23 – Aug 23) Consider doing some investing, or making some plans to do so in the future. Check out the options available for you and pick the right one. Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) My, you did work very hard this year Virgo and you have much to show for what you accomplished. Time to get something back. Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) Go on, you know you want to, and believe me, you can and will be able to do it. Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) Stop trying to manipulate the situation in the way you want it to come out. If you do, you will be better off in the end. Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) Sag, happiness is just around the corner. Make some plans now to help fulfil your hopes and dreams. Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20) Something very good will drop into your lap this month so make the most of it! Aquarius ( Jan 21 – Feb 19) Happy Birthday! Some financial windfall is on the way this month. Save all that birthday money for a special treat. Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) It’s always good to have a dream even one that you think will never come true. Without those dreams, life would be dull indeed and sometimes even those dreams do happen.
PAGE 31
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hotel
food
shops
Scenes from the always zany Annual Clifden Trout Anglers Fancy Dress Ball
theatre