Connemara View May 2008

Community School Building Grinds To Halt An abrupt halt has been called to further progress with the development of the much needed new school building at Clifden Community School.

The Department of Education and Science, having just approved the Stage 3 submission which includes the design of the building, have shocked the local community by categorically stating that “this project is not authorised to progress to the next stage at this time”.

The next stage would have been to seek planning permission and place the project out to tender, and subsequently construction.

Having gone through a process that began in 1996, it appeared that with the imminent closure of Kylemore Abbey, the closing down of boarding schools (for those who could avail of them) and with an increase in the local school going population that the project would be identified as one of priority.

It would seem that the continuous slight on the people of North West Connemara in relation to infrastructural development has not abated.

Dr. James Mungoven, Principal of the Community School expressed the frustration and anger of all the staff and pupils of the school. He stated that the teaching staff were exasperated with the situation and had hoped that working conditions and facilities for themselves and students would have improved significantly.

The original school which was funded by the World Bank was built on a shoe string and was in fact never

finished. The capacity for the school was for 300 pupils.

There are currently 400 students attending the school and this will increase to 425 in September 2008.

While prefab buildings were supplied to temporarily meet demands, many of these date back to 1986 and are in constant need of maintenance. It had been anticipated that building would have commenced in 2003 but now, 5 years later, as outlined in a letter to Eamon O’Cuiv from the Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin, she is “making enquiries about this matter”.

Campaign The Parents Association Chairperson, Ann Mitchell is now calling on parents and residents of North West Connemara to lobby all politicians, TD’s and Councillors, together with Department of Education officials, to recommence the process by ringing, emailing and writing to them.

She emphasised the need for local support and urged that a concerted and continuous campaign would highlight the gravity with which the local community view the situation.

While recognising that many areas of the country are in a similar situation and not wishing to belittle their needs, the facts are that Clifden Community School will be the sole second level school in the area and with construction and completion estimated to take between 1-2 years it is imperative that this issue be addressed immediately.

The needs of our children and future generations are as important as those in any other area and must be seen to be cherished equally as has been promised by our politicians and stated in our constitution.

Ms. Mitchell urges all concerned to make frequent representations and lobby as strongly as possible to have this situation rectified.

Response In a reply to our enquiries the Department of Education outlined the current position and stated that the main focus of the Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme “is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas. Other projects in the School Building Programme will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school programme is rolled out”.

The Department’s spokesperson went on to state that “it is not possible to give an indicative timescale at this stage”.

The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, in a telephone conversation, indicated that due to substantial growth and shift in population to new urban areas there was major pressure to provide schools in these particular areas. The Minister also stated that as the year progressed the Minister for Education may be able to

facilitate the Clifden Community School project. “If she can, she will” he added.

He pointed out that progress may be dependent on planning difficulties or objections to other projects but it is not being held up indefinitely.

Deputy Padraic McCormack in a statement issued to the Connemara View recalled having tabled a Dail question in March 2006 regarding the school building programme. “At that time” he said, “you would think the school was going ahead, now two years later this is not much further advanced”.

Recalling election promises made by Government Ministers and TD’s saying that the school was forthcoming, he said, “Government representatives take the people of Connemara for granted” adding that “this is just another example of the neglect of this area” and “another example of broken Election Promises”.

Deputies Grealish and Higgins have expressed their awareness of the situation and are pursuing the issue with the Minister.

Deputy Frank Fahey’s office stated that they had not received our query but would address the issue on receipt. No reply has been received prior to going to press.

In conclusion It is astounding that a community should be penalised for planning ahead. Perhaps there is a lesson here.

The growth and shift in population had been well telegraphed, even if only by vast housing developments nationally. The predictable crisis in school development should never have been allowed to happen. It is poor example to us all that planned projects should be postponed because of a lack of action and foresight by Government. No project and certainly not one of this importance, should be dependent on the variables associated with predictable yet apparent inaction on the planning front.

Finally, the Parents Association has asked the Connemara View to list the names and contact details of the Dail TD’s for the Galway West constituency. They have asked that you take the opportunity to express your views and support for the school project as strongly and as often as you can.

John Durning

TD Contact List Minister Éamon Ó Cuív Email: aire@pobail.ie Phone: 091562846.

Michael D. Higgins Email: Michael.d.higgins@oireachtas.ie Phone: 091-528500.

Frank Fahey Email: info@frankfahey.ie Phone: 091-771020.

Padraic McCormack Email: padraic.mccormack@oireachtas.ie Phone: 091-568688.

Noel Grealish Email: noel.grealish@oireachtas.ie Phone: 091764807.

Threat to Mental Health Services Dismay has been expressed by the Rev. Anthony Previte regarding a proposed threat to the Mental Health services at the Elm Tree Centre and Sycamore House, Clifden.

Clients and residents at the Elm Tree Centre (Day Centre) and Sycamore House (Residential Home) may find their services curtailed as a result of indications that temporary positions associated with both services may not be renewed. The Rev. Previte, Chairperson of the Connemara Sheltered Housing Association (C.S.H.A. Ltd.), outlined that this unsatisfactory situation was causing great dismay to staff and clients alike.

The position of temporary staff has been placed in question by suggestions that these temporary but vital positions may not be renewed in line with national budgetary constraints within the H.S.E. Sycamore House and The Elm Tree Centre, which were set up in 2003 and 2004, respectively, by Connemara Sheltered Housing Association, has been a catalyst in preventing the institutionalisation of many clients and, in line with national policy, the centres place their emphasis on non institutionalised care.

The Elm Tree Centre provides services for between 50 and 56 clients at present, catering predominantly for the North West Connemara area.

The Rev. Previte stated that there was “approximately 30 clients attending the centre on a daily basis”.

“Mental Health is the poor relation in the medical system” he added “and indications are that temporary positions, which are so vital to the service, may not be renewed”. The uncertainty of the situation “impacts greatly on the temporary staff who are unsure of their position” and furthermore, the impact on staff morale which is understandably low has “serious implications for the clients” he continued.

Connemara Sheltered Housing Association Founded in 1992, the C.S.H.A. Ltd. was set up to provide much needed services for the mental health sector in the local community.

The Company, made up entirely of local people, has so far constructed properties under the Voluntary Housing Scheme to the value of €3m. The provision of a Day Support Centre, a residence for 10 people and purpose built

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He also pointed out that the C.S.H.A. has a very successful partnership with the H.S.E., who now manages both Sycamore House and the Elm Tree Centre on behalf of the C.S.H.A. Ltd. He added that there was no cost to the H.S.E. to provide the structures.

The Centre’s have had an exceptional record in keeping people out of hospital through local treatment and early diagnosis. “If there is a threat of staff cuts it would be most serious in relation to the treatments of clients and early diagnosis, probably resulting in increased numbers being admitted to hospitals” the Rev. Previte added.

The Rev. Previte also recounted how the Mental Health Commission on one of their inspection visits proclaimed the Elm Tree Centre and Sycamore House as “a model for the entire country”.

He emphasised that any cuts in temporary positions would primarily impact on the people attending the various centres and the “duty of care would be compromised”. He further acknowledged that the cuts as indicated would place an increased burden on permanent staff and too often in these circumstances, he concluded, their “goodwill is being taken for granted.”

H.S.E. Response An enquiry was made to Mr. Adrian Ahern, Manager, Mental Health Services, H.S.E. West regarding the following: • Are temporary positions at Elm Tree and Sycamore House going to be renewed?

• Have staff been informed of their situation?

• In the event of temporary positions not being renewed can you guarantee that there will be no impact on clients in the mental health sector in Clifden?

Mr. Ahern was unable to respond and was forwarding our query “to the communications department in line with protocol for dealing with media queries”.

Prior to going to press no communication has been received from the Communications Department.

The implications associated with cost cutting measures, particularly in isolated areas where there is no back up service, must be considered very seriously.

When dealing with an extremely vulnerable section of our community the most important concern must be the clientele.

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May 1, 2008

In the event of imposed cutbacks causing a reduction or having a detrimental effect on the services provided, who may one ask, will take responsibility should any individual’s health, safety and well being be placed in jeopardy or become a cause for serious concern?

We await clarification and comment from the H.S.E.’s Communications Department and we will bring you their response to this significant situation in our next issue.

Roundstone Water Supply The Minister for Environment, Mr. John Gormley has announced that the new Roundstone Water supply has been given approval.

Allocating €3.4 million to the scheme, the announcement clears the way for Galway County Council to build over 10km of new mains pipe line linking up with the newly upgraded Carna/Kilkieran Water Treatment plant.

The funding also provides for a new 400 metre cubed water reservoir and some upgrading of the existing water supply network.

However, the practice of having to boil water, since the recent outbreak of cryptosporidium, will probably have to continue until the infrastructure is in place.

Cllr. Tom Welby stated that the council has acknowledged that the capacity of the Roundstone reservoir was very low. The new reservoir should see an “increase in water pressure”. He also stated that the preliminary report had been passed very quickly and that the council were “viewing this as very serious”. He anticipated that work will start in the next few months after the preferred choice of tender is offered to the contractor.

In a statement issued by Councillor Josie Conneely, he welcomed the announcement and added that “it’s a long term solution to water problems in Roundstone”. He continued by stating that the “Works are to begin immediately and completion date is thought to be early 2009”.

N59 Dublin Meeting A delegation of Galway West TD’s and Connemara Councillors met with senior officials of the National Roads Authority (NRA) in Dublin. The news was very disappointing with no extra funding being provided for the N59 this year. In fact funding would not be available until the national primary routes between Dublin and the provinces were finished.

There was no indication when this would happen but it was anticipated that it could be sometime after 2010. The NRA said it was looking for €100m from the Government to make plans for a number of roads such as the N59.

Deputy Padraic McCormack described the meeting as “All talk and nothing else”. Regarding the taking away of €4.5m from work on the N59 Galway to Clifden Road at Derrylea, Deputy Mc Cormack stated that “it is another example of the neglect of this area”.

Cllr Tom Welby added that there would be “no visible change until funding became available”.

Cllr. Josie Conneely outlined that the deputation had been informed at the meeting with the NRA that plans were to seek tenders in relation to the Derrylea Realignment scheme. The proposal is to leave the road run along its original route and introduce an 80km speed limit through this section, rather than realigning the road on a higher section over the hillocks. “There may be a difference of opinion” he said, brewing between Galway County Council engineers and the NRA in relation to the exact route of the road. More on this issue anon.

He further added that discussions were taking place between the NRA and the National Parks concerning the bridge at Oughterard.

“They are close to agreement” he added.

Further improvements would see the Roscahill section of road going to tender later in the year together with an overall plan and design for the N59 by end of 2009.

Regarding road design, Cllr. Conneely would like to see double lanes and a hard shoulder along the route. He suggested that more lay-bys could be provided so that the wonderful scenery on route could be enjoyed at leisure.

He said that where the roads were narrow “we could live with a good surface and proper markings”.

On the Galway side of Moycullen “The NRA has instructed Galway County Council to CPO the land” Cllr. Conneely said.

Bunowen Pier Councillor Thomas Welby, announced that following representations made by him, the Department of the Marine has informed him that major structural work is to commence on Bunowen Pier in Ballyconneely.

“This is an extremely old pier and I have been lobbying for some time to secure funding for this vital improvement work” said Cllr.

Welby.

Continued on Page 37

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

HSE vs the Pharmacies: The Drugs Dispute Anyone who obtains medication under a Community Drugs Scheme or on a medical card will probably by now be aware of the ongoing dispute between pharmacists and the HSE involving the reimbursement of payments to pharmacists. Pharmacists have had their reimbursement under the scheme cut from over 17% to 8%. According to pharmacists this will force them to dispense drugs at a financial loss, and seriously damage their businesses along with their ability to provide a full service to clients.

Half the country’s pharmacists have now threatened not to dispense medicines under the scheme from Thursday May 1st, , despite claims by the HSE that to do so would be breaking their contracts and leave them open to legal action. Pharmacists counter claim that the HSE itself has broken its contracts with each individual pharmacy by forcing through these measures without proper or fair consultation or negotiation.

Morans and Clifden Pharmacy indicated on Wednesday April 30th that they were planning to go ahead with their withdrawal from the schemes, as their businesses would be unsustainable if the measures taken by the HSE go ahead. They have informed their customers verbally and by way of leaflets in recent weeks and emphasised that they do not want their customers to be inconvenienced or negatively affected, but that the HSE has left them with no other viable option. While the issue has gone unresolved for months now, as we went to press, the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union were

in discussions as to how to deal with the situation, in the hope that a resolution might be reached that would be satisfactory to all parties involved.

Both Clifden chemists have informed the HSE of their intentions to withdraw from the schemes and have not yet had notice of injunctions or legal action to be taken against them. Speaking to the Connemara View on the afternoon of April 30th, Declan Moran expressed that unless a resolution was found in the following hours he would be going ahead with the withdrawal on Thursday May 1st. Speaking on behalf of Clifden Pharmacy, Éamon Shanahan said “ Due to the HSE’s unilateral breach of the existing 1996 pharmacy contract, Clifden Pharmacy will not be in a position to dispense medicines under any state scheme from May 1st unless an acceptable resolution is found.” He emphasised that medicines would be available and dispensed, but not under the state schemes.

Consequently, the customer will have to pay for their medication and then seek reimbursement personally from the HSE. In recent weeks, the HSE has set up a help line to deal with queries from the public as to how they can obtain their medicines.

However, with so many pharmacies pulling out of the scheme, there is genuine concern as to how patients are to obtain their medicines, without having to pay, in the area where they live. Those affected are asked to call the HSE help line on 1850 24 1850 for advice and instructions.

Catherine Pryce

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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

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PAGE 3

REGIONAL NEWS Adventures in Leenane The Leenane Walking Festival, which is taking place from May, 3rd-5th is yet another example of how the Connemara region is becoming a world class setting for adventure and activity based holidays. The weekend is backed and supported by Fáilte Ireland, who are busily and effectively promoting Connemara as the “Adventure Capital of Ireland” in the domestic and international tourism market.

This is the first walking festival in Leenane and a busy and varied programme has been devised to cater for all levels of walkers. Highlights will include a guided walk up Mweelrea Mountain (the highest in Connemara with a speedboat drop-off at the start); an exploration of Leenane Mountain led by Michael Gibbons and guided hikes up the Devil’s Mother and Ben Gorm. There will also be low level guided walks along the famine tracks, the Western Way and self guided short walks for all the family. All guided walks and hikes cost €20.

There will be a Gala Dinner Cruise in the Killary on Sunday evening at a cost of €20pp, the perfect way to wind down after a day’s walking. Families are especially welcome and plenty of activities will be taking place for kids at both Delphi and Killary Adventure Centres. With qualified and experienced guides, and transport to all starting and finishing points provided for all walks there has never been a better time to enjoy an activity and fun filled weekend in Leenane. Dogs are not allowed, and suitable footwear and outdoor clothing should be worn by anyone planning to walk or hike.

For further details or bookings call Mona, Kathleen or Hazel on (095) 42017 or (087) 2133838 or e-mail leenanekillary@eircom.net. Details of this and other activity events and festivals in Connemara can also be found on www.discoverireland.ie

Cashel-Connemara Credit Union “Look after the pennies; the pounds will look after themselves”. And so it has been for so many in the CashelConnemara Credit Union over the past forty years. Actually,

PAGE 4

the growth from the first £12.7.6 to the €10 million of today is testament to how the pennies have enabled the pounds to look after themselves.

A momentous occasion took place on Saturday 12th April 2008 when over 200 people gathered in the Station House Hotel, Clifden to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. The celebration was to honour the Founder Members for their courage and vision to see that a credit union could work in a small rural community on the Western Seaboard.

The seed was sown by the late Fr. Seán Higgins, a native of Cummer in Tuam, who was then the curate in Cashel. Unfortunately Cashel no longer has a curate, but we still have the Credit Union. Fr Sean declined from serving on the Board of Directors. He was quite happy to see that the seed had taken root and left the rest who had come on board (if you pardon the pun!) to continue to cultivate it. This cultivation has indeed continued for forty years, which has resulted in the first rural Credit Union in Ireland becoming the success story it is today. Fr. Seán continued over the years to be the driving force behind many a credit union in Galway.

On the night, the Founder Members, or their representatives, were presented with Galway Crystal. His sister Maura O’Grady who travelled from his native Cummer represented Fr Seán, who passed away in 2005. Her husband Frank accompanied her. Seamas O’Donnell gave a lovely account of the initial meetings and the setting up. Seamas gave thirty very dedicated years to the credit union.

Paddy Joe Aspell represented Peter Veldon, Letterfrack, who unfortunately was unable to attend on the night due to illness.

Tom Conneely, a native of

May 1, 2008

Cashel was not present. Tom has the distinction of being the very first member of the Credit Union. Paraic Costello of Carraroe, who was teaching in Cashel at the time, was not present. Mary Duffy Joyce, a native of Killimor, Ballinasloe, died in 2005 and was represented by her daughter Phyllis O’Donoghue, who herself served on the Supervisory Committee for a period. Tom Eustace, a native of Clare died in 1998 and his son Fr.Conal represented him. Bid King was represented by her son, Martin. Bid died in 2004. Her son Michael who travelled with his wife represented Betty O’Toole, who now resides in Australia, from Mountmellick. Theresa D’Arcy represented her aunt Alice Crean, who passed away in 1988. Joe Joyce, who died just last year, was represented by his son John.

Joe McCarthy who is Chairman of Chapter 16, which is the representative body of the Galway credit unions, spoke eloquently of the Credit Union Movement and credit unions in general. Also joining us in the celebrations were representatives from many of the Galway credit unions. Cormac Duffy, our auditor, also spoke of the beginning years and his long association with Cashel-Connemara Credit Union.

A superb meal was enjoyed by all present, which was followed by a raffle. An array of prizes ranging from a plasma T.V.to shopping vouchers were won. Dancing continued into the small hours to the music of Killary Sound. Padraig Lydon was on hand to take the photographs.

It was a nostalgic evening with wonderful stories been told and revived memories of those no longer with us. It will go down in the annals of the history of Cashel-Connemara Credit Union as an evening of emotion and fun.

The celebrations are set to continue for the remainder of the year by way of a monthly draw for all members, so that nobody will be left out. There will be very worthwhile prizes culminating in December with another Plasma T.V. which will double as a very nice Christmas present for the lucky winner.

A word of thanks to all those who helped in any way in the organising of this event especially all the Hotel staff, including John the Chef, Wilson the Manager and particularly, Aoife who was helpful, professional, and patient as she guided us through the details. Here’s to the 50th!

Margaret Sheehan and Marian Ridge Photos (l-r): Top-Back John Joyce, Paddy J. Aspell, Seamas O’Donnell, Michael O’Toole. Seated: Theresa D’Arcy, Phyllis O’Donoghue, Maura O’Grady and Fr. Conal Eustace.

Bottom-Cormac Duffy, Joe McCarthy and Sean Brennan (Chairman of CCU).

Hill Farming Problems Continue Local IFA representative Brendan O Malley has indicated that the IFA is continuing to push for meetings with the Dept of the Environment and the Dept of Agriculture, in order to deal with the removal of sheep from the hills of Connemara for 5 months of the year. The government departments have repeatedly refused to interact with the farmers who will be affected by the measures, but the IFA, having pledged complete support, is continuing to lobby for the cause on a national level. The farming community has flatly rejected the proposed clinics for discussion of the scheme, and there is somewhat of a standoff at the moment as the relevant government departments and Ministers refuse to engage in negotiations. Mr O Malley indicated that further meetings would be arranged to keep the momentum going on the matter. All Galway TDs are also being called on for their support and efforts in resolving this untenable situation.

A landmark case involving two farmers accused of allowing their sheep to graze on in a habitat protected by EU regulations was recently dismissed in Co. Mayo, as the judge indicated that there was a doubt as to whether the farmers intended to break the law. Since both farmers’ own only small amounts of undesignated land, in close proximity to the protected areas in question, Judge Mary Devins ruled that it would be very difficult to prove in this case that the movement of the sheep was not accidental. In favour of the farmers, the judge concluded that the EU Birds and Habitat Directive did not impute strict liability. She also found that intent had to be proven in order to secure a prosecution, and as the case was the first of its kind she deemed it inappropriate to make any order on costs. Unfortunately, this is not likely to be the last case of this kind to end up before the court system, as the government’s measures will undoubtedly continue to make sheep farming difficult and more troublesome for farmers in the hills of Galway and Mayo in the future.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Biodiversity Week 17th-25th May at National Park Connemara National Park will have a wide range of events this year to celebrate Biodiversity Week, which will run from the 17th to the 25th May. Photography Contest As part of the week, they are having an amateur photographic competition. Photos can be any size and there is no limit to the amount one can submit, this will be open to all ages.

The theme for this competition is Biodiversity/Nature (flora, fauna, scenery etc). Entries should be posted or handed in to Siobhan Geoghegan Krone at Connemara National Park on or before 5pm on Wednesday 14th May. Please put your name, age and telephone number on your entries. The photographs will be on display in the Park from Sat 17th to Sun 25th and winners will be chosen and notified on Wed 28th May. For further information please contact the park on (095) 41054.

John Hume in Oughterard The former leader of the SDLP and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize John Hume is to give a speech at the Connemara Gateway Hotel on Saturday May 24th at 8.30pm for the memorial service of the late Jim McQuinn. Hume is regarded as one of the most important political figures in modern political history in Ireland and is one of

the architects of the Northern Ireland peace process. He also received the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Martin Luther King Award, making him the only person to receive all three major peace awards.

Internet Training Failte Ireland West invites applications for the “You, your business & the internet” training programmes which have been designed to help small and medium sized accommodation providers understand and use the internet to promote their business and to increase booking levels. These programmes are available at Introductory and Intermediate levels. Fáilte subsidizes the programmes, however there is an administration fee of €50 per person. To book please call ICE Group Ltd. on 091 546700 or email failte@icegroup.ie.

Renvyle Animal Rescue A sale in aid of Renvyle Animal Rescue will be held in the Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on Sunday 1st June from 11am-3pm. There will be a great selection of home baking, plants, arts and crafts, curios, bric a brac, jewellery, books, toys DVD’s, clothes and more. If you have any items you would like to donate for the sale they would be much appreciated.

Please call (087) 0566302 for more details.

We hope to have a good turn out for the sale, and thank you for supporting this local effort.

PB’s Portrait

Connemara in France Fáilte Ireland West recently led a Connemara trade delegation to Paris, to launch a new feature length film “2 jours à tuer”, which showcases the beauty and splendor of the Connemara region. A group of local representatives from Connemara Tourism also attended to help promote and capitalize on Connemara’s involvement in the movie. The week started with the premiere of the film on the Avenue des Champs Elyseés, Paris, on Monday 21st April, and was followed by a French trade and media lunch, hosted

by Fáilte Ireland, at the Irish Embassy. The film premiere in Paris marked the start of a dedicated Connemara marketing campaign, which will be launched in May. Speaking

at the screening of the film, Brian F Quinn, Acting General Manager of Fáilte Ireland West, said, “We are delighted to be involved in this promotion of the Connemara brand in Europe. We see this film as a golden opportunity for us to showcase Connemara in one of our biggest overseas markets and believe it will result in strengthening further the Connemara brand in Europe”.

Photo (l-r): Top - John Coyle, Renvyle House Hotel, Aine Aides, Tourism Ireland (France), Anne Anderson, Irish Ambassador, Patrick O’Flaherty, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel & Estate. Bottom - Ann Conneely, Connemara Tourism, Albert Dupontel, Star of the film “Deux jours a tuer”, Eileen Morris McCann and Josephine DeCourcey of Connemara Tourism.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

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REGIONAL NEWS Carna Student wins BOI Award Barbara Geary of Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna has won the Art Junior award in this year’s Bank of Ireland National Student Awards. The Bank of Ireland Student Awards is a 3-stage process. Winners at school level receive a special plaque and an award certificate to recognize their achievement.

All school winners automatically go forward to the Regional competition where the regional judging panel selects 10 winners in their region-one in each award and age category. These 80 Regional winners receive an iPod Nano and a regional Award Certificate.

ceremony, one of the ten finalists will be named overall Bank of Ireland Student of the Year and will receive a cash prize of €3000 plus €5000 for their school.

This is the third year of the Bank of Ireland’s National Student Awards for 2nd level students. The Awards recognise exemplary performance across five categories at both junior and senior level-academic, art, community spirit, sport and entrepreneurial spirit.

Commenting on Barbara’s achievement, Aidan O’Halloran, Bank of Ireland Branch Manager in Clifden said “These awards give us a platform to recognise students who have excelled in many ways, not only academically but also in sport, art, entrepreneurial and community spirit. Previous winners have been an inspiration to all of us involved in the awards and Barbara Geary is testimony to that. I congratulate Barbara on her wonderful achievement and I wish her continued success”.

Photo (l-r): Fidelma Higgins, BoI Clifden Student Co-ordinator, Soinbhe Ni Earcha, Barbara Geary and Aidan O Halloran.

Under 17’s GAA Grant in Gaeltacht

Barbara has recently also been announced as a winner of a National Award and is now one of 10 Students in contention for the overall Bank Of Ireland Student of the Year award. As a National Award winner, Barbara receives €1500 in addition to €3000 for her school. The grand finale, the National Awards ceremony, will be held in The Osprey Hotel Kildare on 9th May. On the evening of the National Awards

On April 28th, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs sanctioned €25,000 to the Galway GAA Nurture Scheme and Óige na Gaeltachta to help organize under 17’s 7-a -side football in the Gaeltacht.

The Minister said this is a very important undertaking from the point of view of promotion and permanence of the Irish language, and he is hopeful that this will greatly assist the decline of Irish among young people in the Gaeltacht.

Especially he said, as the Irish language will be the language of communication to all who take part in the event.

The Minister also said that sport and physical activity are a positive influence on a healthy lifestyle for everyone in this day and age, especially the young. It is a vital contribution to education, social life and to people’s hobbies and it is extremely important that we all have these opportunities.

Fostering Equality in Community Groups Four Connemara community projects - Pléaráca Teo, Clann Resource Centre, Connemara Community Radio, and Forum – have been part of a network of community groups whose work was launched by Senator David Norris.

Senator Norris was in the offices of West Training & Development in Galway on April 18th to launch a range of new materials designed by volunteers and staff of a network of community groups in the West and Midlands. The materials were drafted after local community groups began working with GLEN (the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network). They include posters in English, Irish and Polish as well as a Code of Practice that acts as a guide for local community groups that want to ensure that all aspects of their organization’s operations are friendly to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual / Transgender (LGBT) communities.

Meta Ui Mháille, Coordinator of Pléaráca Teo. in Rosmuc, a community group that has been active in the network since it first met in 2007, described the importance of these new materials. “The posters are useful to us as they allow us to display something in our resource centre that gives out the message that this is somewhere that you can get information regarding LGBT issues in confidence”.

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Development of the Code of Practice has been a great help to the community groups.

“The Code outlines how our own internal management practices need to operate to become LGBT friendly, as well as the things we need to do out in our communities to ensure that LGBT people feel comfortable to participate in the range of services and development initiatives we put on” explained Meta.

Charity Cycle for Croí Heart charity Croí have announced that their annual ‘big charity cycle’ around Lough Corrib will take place on Sunday May 25th. The event which is annually sponsored by Corrib Oil, is expected to attract over 500 cyclists from all over the West of Ireland, having the option of a 29-mile or 75-mile route through scenic Connemara. The cycle has become one of the biggest charity cycles in the West of Ireland. To enter call Alma on 091-544310 or text ‘Cycle’ together with your name and address to 086-8193692 or log-on to www.croi.ie.

Reaching out to immigrants Integrating Ireland is an independent network of community and voluntary groups working to promote and realise the human rights, equality and full integration in Irish society of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants.

The organization employs Regional Development Officers in each of its regional networks (Dublin-Kildare, North East & Midlands, SouthEast, South West, Western Alliance) who provide information on regional activities and co-ordinate regional training and support.

Jipe Kelly is the Regional Outreach and Development Officer for the Western Alliance of Integrating Ireland, and he covers the large area of Galway, Clare, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal. As part of his job, he regularly visits asylum centres such as Dun Gibbons in Clifden in order to help and inform the residents with regard to their entitlements and rights and offer support and guidance.

Understandably, Jipe explains that urban areas like Galway City often have better support services and facilities for immigrants due to the larger numbers of immigrants living there, and that asylum seekers living in rural areas can often feel isolated and frustrated with their situations.

On a yearly basis, the organizations will co-ordinate training for regional groups in the area of skills development.

Modules in the coming year may include Communication and Media Skills, Lobbying skills, etc. Training is also offered as ongoing part of quarterly regional meetings and is focused on policy, campaigning and information/support issues. Training offered in the last year included the proposed Immigration Residency and Protection Bill, Social Welfare Entitlements and Appeals, Immigrants’ Rights And Entitlements, Pre- Budget Submissions, Reporting Racist Incidents, and Irish Born Child ‘05 Residency Renewal.

Integrating Ireland aims to influence the development and implementation of a national integration policy with workable structures reinforced by legislation resulting in better integration, the realisation of rights for, and improvements in the lives of, people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants and immigrants, their children and all other residents in Ireland.

Integrating Ireland’s mission statement is to work to foster ongoing national networking, ensuring the participation of our members in policy development, research and facilitating the sharing of information and good practice throughout our membership. The vision is a just, diverse and inclusive Irish society that ensures the full participation and rights of migrants, immigrants, refugees and people seeking asylum.

Some of the key actions of the Regional Networking Outreach and Development include: • Outreaching to members and potential members • Organizing regional members meetings/training • Follow-up on issues raised in networking events • Responding to member’s information and support needs • Supporting member and new community organizational development • Supporting regional participation in policy development, campaigning & communication • Building partnerships • Supporting members in developing strategic planning, accessing supports and funding Anyone interested in any of the above issues, or who would like to volunteer or get involved in Integrating Ireland can get information or advice from jipe@integratingireland.ie or www.integratingireland.ie or call Jipe on (087) 2164787.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Community projects need your vote!

AIB Better Ireland Programme Teen clubs, autistic services, crèches, schools and colleges, as well as drug and alcohol services for youth, are some of the 83 Galway projects that have applied for funding from the 2008 AIB Better Ireland Programme, using the new on-line application form. Countrywide, the programme received huge interest, with almost 1,300 children’s projects applying.

Applications were assessed and a short list of projects from each branch have been chosen. Three projects from this region are outlined below. The winning projects for each branch will be chosen by local people through a public text vote from 6th May to 6th June.

The winning project will receive €10,000 from the Clifden AIB branch along with the proceeds of their text vote. Runners-up from each branch will also receive the proceeds of their text vote.

Pat Heelan, AIB Regional Director,

Galway said “Community participation is a fundamental feature of the newly expanded AIB Better Ireland Programme. We are all really looking forward to the voting stage and hope that local communities will get involved in choosing their favourite group by public text vote. Local nomination, local voting and local benefit are what the AIB Better Ireland Programme is all about”.

The text voting for the Better Ireland Programme takes place between 6th May and 6th June. The local community will be required to text the shortcode applicable to their local AIB branch along with the unique code for their favourite children’s group to register their vote. Details on texting and the cost are detailed in the AIB advertisement on this page.

The three groups from AIB Clifden asking for your vote are: Ballyconneely National School; Scoil Mhuire National School, Clifden; and Cleggan/Claddaghduff Community Council.

Ballyconneely National School Scoil Bhríde is a small, rural two-teacher school in Ballyconneely designated as disadvantaged. Our main objective is to refurbish a pre-existing toilet/cloakroom into a sensory integration room for the requirements of children with special needs, as we have a high number of pupils with very significant special needs. These include Down’s syndrome, autism and physical, intellectual and developmental special needs.

The Department of Education makes no extraordinary provision for the additional needs of these children. Scoil Bhríde and

the parents are fundraising to provide a sensory integration room for the specific needs of these children in our school. This room would contain equipment that challenges that stimulate the children’s senses and communication skills. In addition, this room would be available after school hours for the needs of other special needs training courses such as visiting health professionals, special needs support, and also awareness groups such as Sign Language classes, Autism awareness, Down’s Syndrome parents information groups etc.

Cleggan Claddaghduff Community Council Cleggan Claddaghduff Community Council would like to fund a new programme of computer learning and web design that they wish to introduce for national and secondary school students of the area. The idea is to teach the children basic computer skills such as keyboard skills, basic software skills, ECDL, and web design.

The community council would like to encourage the local schools to participate in the research, design, set-up and maintenance of a Cleggan / Claddaghduff website, which

in turn would help to generate awareness about the area both locally and further afield.

The Community Council envisage small groups (approximately 6) learning at a time and the classes will be open to all, including any children with learning or physical disabilities. They hope to give the children the confidence to use computers with comfort and ease, and at the same time to promote their locality and learn a little about the local history and the ways forward for the near future.

Scoil Mhuire National School, Clifden An after school Reading Club would provide children of Scoil Mhuire with a warm, relaxing safe space, where reading and quiet music will help to enhance their formal primary school education and provide them with hobbies and interests for life. It would allow them to relax after school while at the same time, enjoy reading or being read to and perhaps share their reading skills with younger students as in the Reading Buddies Programme. With a lower student adult ratio, they will develop good vocabulary and oral language skills, in addition we plan to introduce the children to a variety of quiet

music to develop their music appreciation and teach them to relax. As a result they will derive greater benefit from their formal education and develop life skills, which will in turn enhance their quality of life.

This proposed project would run parallel to the existing Homework Club, which operates Monday to Thursday after school, and children could move between the two.

Hopefully, by obtaining the initial funding through the AIB Better Ireland Programme, the school with the assistance of local funding would be able to continue the project into the future.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

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Clifden Railway Heritage Weekend

Clifden Washington Post Loves Clifden The food of Clifden came in for great praise recently when four local establishments featured in a culinary tour of Ireland by a food critic from the Washington Post. Writer Ambrose Clancy and his wife, Mary, set out to get a true indication of what Irish food is all about. As part of their tour they visited Connemara, which is described as “that land of mountains springing from flat moors, ebony lakes changing to blue along with the vault of sky”.

First stop was EJ King’s, where they enjoyed an open crab sandwich and an excellent BLT. However, they concluded “the star is the chowder, based in rich stock, laced with sherry, cream, onions, potatoes and salmon that adds a touch of pink to the creamy whiteness”.

Dinner at the Marconi is described as “pleasantly eccentric” and the rack of Connemara lamb and Colcannon are singled out for particular praise. They also enthuse about the three different types of potatoes available and enjoyed the ice-cream dessert. Their quick stop guide also states that Marconi “reinvents what Irish cooking did best”.

The critics describe breakfast at Quay House as “superb” where they enjoyed “a counter of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit wheels, apricots, rhubarb and syrupy plums next to a bowl of thick yoghurt, the best tasted outside Greece”. It is also described as “one of the most luxurious and unique places to stay in Ireland”.

The couple later equipped themselves with all they needed for the perfect picnic at the Connemara Hamper. Their basket included “ salami, an Irish brie, olives in their own oil, two rolls and a bottle of Sicilian red which stands up to the salami and the Atlantic’s breeze” which they enjoyed on the beach in Roundstone.

Overall Connemara did very well in impressing the critics, which was certainly an achievement as other areas came in for quite some criticism. Once again, Clifden has been well represented on the international stage and can be proud that these local businesses continue to impress and provide a great service to visitors to the area.

Clifden Chamber of Commerce, together with Galway County Council & Clifden Station House & Theatre, recently held the inaugural Clifden Railway Heritage Weekend. Minister Eamon O’Cuiv opened the proceedings in Clifden Station House to a packed room, which included Mayor of County Galway, Sean Canney, Cllr James Joyce and Deputy Padraic McCormack. The Minister praised the efforts of Clifden Chamber of Commerce in taking the

of photographs and other memorabilia.

Again any one that has items which could be included in the exhibition please contact Paul at 09521092.

Readers of the Month March-Ronan Newman, AprilStella Hosier.

Easter Competition Hazel Scullion (see photo) was the winner of the Clifden Library Easter Competition.

Clifden Town Hall

necessary steps to keep our heritage alive. The event included local historian and author Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, who launched the reissue of her book “The Clifden Railway”.

Saturday’s day of lectures saw Michael Gibbons, Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, Shane Joyce, Paul Duffy & Fergus Mulligan cover a wide range of related topics from the archaeological and social aspects to the architectural & engineering perspectives. Fascinating exhibitions from Shane Joyce and The Clifden Library added to the enthusiasm of the weekend, which was rounded off by an absorbing walk with Michael Gibbons along the old Railway Line from Gowlane to Ballinahinch Castle.

Clifden Chamber of Commerce intends to continue promoting local heritage with similar weekends, the next one being an Alcock & Brown Commemorative Weekend from 12th-15th June. For further information, please contact Michele Hehir on 087 0520295; Email: michele@clifdenchamber.ie or on website www.clifden.ie.

Photo (l-r): Chamber President Gerard King, Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, Chamber Administrator Michele Hehir and Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv.

Clifden Library News Railway Exhibition As part of the Clifden Chamber of Commerce Railway Heritage Weekend the library held an exhibition of railway memorabilia. Many thanks to everyone who lent items, especially Jim O’Malley and Rose Mulkerrin.

Jim O’Malley is pictured with a signal lamp from Clifden Train Station at the Railway exhibition in the library.

The completion of the first phase of redevelopment at Clifden Town Hall should mean that the hall would be provisionally usable by the middle or end of May, according to the Town Hall Committee Chairman Pat Walsh.

Renovation of the west wing of the building will allow that end to be used for meeting and office space in the near future, while the second phase of work to be carried out on the main part of the hall has yet to begin. Engineers and electrical plans and drawings must first be carried out and finalized and the committee will then seek funding for the work.

The decision by the Arts Council not to fund the project was described as disappointing, but the committee will continue to seek funding from other areas so that the necessary improvements can be carried out as soon as possible. In the meantime the committee hopes that events like the Irish night, and other regular events will be able to take place during the upcoming tourist season.

St. Anne’s CNU May is the month for the bright May flowers. We will make sure to create a beautiful May altar in the Day room.

On Monday afternoon the 6th of May we will test our knowledge about flowers in a flower-naming quiz. Monday the 12th of May will see us talk about our jobs and share some stories from the past about the residents’ working life.

On Friday the 16th of May we will be doing some flower arranging and, weather permitting; we will go for a walk in the sun! On Wednesday morning the 21st of May we have an art session and anyone is welcome to participate. Tuesday the 29th of April will see us attend our weekly Mass with Fr. Neville. In the afternoon we will discuss the meaning of spirituality with the hymn “Mary, mother of God”.

The electrical upgrade work is now finished.

Residents have individual lights over their beds that swivel around to a necessary height and angle. The energy saving lights offers a choice; a night-light and a reading light. The next job ahead is the renovation of the kitchen; I hope to tell you the starting date soon.

Marian Hanrahan Director of Nursing St Anne’s CNU

10k RNLI Fundraising Run

R.T.É. Weather This is an exhibition of weather photographs and will be in Clifden Library from 2nd to 13th May. In conjunction with Clifden Chamber of Commerce we are celebrating the first transatlantic flight by Alcock & Brown in June 1919. The library will host an exhibition

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A 10k Run Fundraiser will take place on Sunday September 14th in aid of the local RNLI. It will be held on Sunday 14th September 2008. The race will begin at the Station House, go up the Sky rd as far as the quarry, and back to Clifden to finish in the Square. There will be many different categories to suit all ages and levels of ability. From serious runners who want a bit of a challenge with the first half, to those who might just want to walk it. It will also have a shorter one for the children category, and a team category where friends and work colleagues can form teams of 4 or 5 to race against other businesses. There will be many prizes; and certificates and medals for all whom finish the race. It is hoped that it will be a fun day, which all the family can enjoy.

Anyone wishing to sponsor this event or volunteer on the day would be most welcome. There will be more details soon, however anyone wishing to find out more can email Laurence Ingelbach or Frances Nee on clifden10k@yahoo.ie or text on (085) 1764380.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Ballyconneely Ballyconneely N.S. Green Flag On the 20th of Feb in the Galway Bay Hotel, the Ballyconneely National School was presented with their third Green Flag. The project was on energy conservation. Fechin Mitchell and Simone Nee collected the ag on behalf of the school. (See photo)

Ballyconneely Beach Clean Up A great eort was made to clean up Keerhaunmore and Aillebrack beaches in Ballyconneely on Sunday April 20th. As you can see from the photos, the clean up was a great success and thankfully the beaches are looking a good sight better for all that wish to enjoy them.

A huge amount of ropes, bottles, plastic and debris was washed up after the big spring tides but the vast majority of this rubbish was picked up, bagged and removed by the hardworking clean up crew. Photos below: Before, during & after the cleanup. Photos courtesy of Ann Steyaert and Laurence Hofman.

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May 1, 2008

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Camus Renovation for Community Centre Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has sanctioned a grant of €9,101 to enable Cumann Forbartha na Foirnéise, Camus to carry out renovation works on the roof of the Community Centre. A grant of €7,584 is being sanctioned under the Gaeltacht Improvements Scheme and a grant of €1,517 is being sanctioned under the CLÁR programme. The Minister said that the community centre is an important recreational facility for local and young people. Summer college students also use the community centre.

Cashel Cashel N.S. Well! Oh, My God! Didn’t everything just fly by? Here is all the news from Cashel!

Intergenerational Day is coming up soon.

Invitations are being printed, but the best invitation that will get everyone’s attention is the paper! Here you will get all the details for the day. This year, it is on the 13th of May from 10:15 to 2:30 and we are also including the Green Flag Raising Ceremony.

We have been awarded our second green flag. At the beginning of the exciting day, we will have workshops such as cross stitching, sean-nós dancing and lots more to make your day more enjoyable. These workshops will be followed by a light lunch. Shortly afterwards, the classes will entertain you with a concert. We all hope you can come and enjoy the fun of revisiting the past!

Holy Communion took place in St James’ Church, Cashel on Sunday 27th of April.

We congratulate our Communicants Gracie, Cáilin, Jack, Brendan and Shane and hope they had a wonderful day!

Congratulations to 5th and 6th class of Cashel and Roundstone on celebrating their Confirmation. Comghairdeas d’ár scoláirí Niamh, Lorraine, Michael, Nathan, Alan, Christopher, Thomas, John and Daniel.

By Roma, Sarah and Caoimhe

Cleggan/Claddaghduff Gala Evening in Hall On Saturday, May 31st, there will be a Gala Evening held in Claddaghduff Hall. The evening will begin with a concert featuring Cois Cladaigh conducted by Brendan O’Connor and will be immediately followed by a fabulous Cheese & Wine Reception and Art Auction.

Cois Cladaigh, founded in 1982, is based in Galway and is a 34 mixed voice choir, which specializes in European music from the late 15th and early 16th centuries and contemporary choral music, particularly from Ireland. The choir’s tours have always been a great success, due to the blend of both European and Irish choral music with traditional Irish song and dance music, and the choir has some excellent musicians and traditional singers within its ranks. This is sure to be an unforgettable start to the evening’s events for fans of music and singing.

The committee have also

been overwhelmed by the donations of art received from many local and visiting accomplished artists including Margaret Irwin, Caroline Canning, Deirdre Murphy, Rosemary Hogan, Maryrose Cahill, John Coll, Cathal O’Malley, Chris McGloin, Frank Loughlin and many others including Cathal O’Malley’s local art students. We are anticipating a great night, as this is a unique opportunity to support the new Claddaghduff Hall Community Centre and to purchase a remarkable piece of art at the same time.

Tickets are available at €25 locally and for further information please contact Laurence Conneely at (095) 44916 or Terry Minogue at (095) 44002.

Inishbofin Arts Festival Schedule Friday 9th May Gareth O’ Callaghan will be this year’s special guest of the festival. Gareth has had a hugely interesting career in radio and in literature.

Gareth will perform the opening at the Community Centre at 9pm. Admission free.

Lol Hardiman will unveil the children art heritage project with the children involved.

Breakdown Rambler will play at the opening function. This Galway based outfit is brimming with talent and will be performing their original material. An eclectic folk and roots group, their sound is earthy and exciting, with great harmonies. 9: 30 p.m.

Admission is free.

Island Eddy will headline on the Friday night.

A newly formed band but no strangers to the business. Island Eddy’s line up brings together the contemporary sound of Jim McKee’s vocals and the traditional expertise of Brendan Larrissey (fiddle), Brian Duke (flute) and Martin Gavin (bodhrán).

10:30pm. Admission €15 Saturday 10th Emma O’ Sullivan will be continuing her hugely popular Sean Nós dancing workshops for kids and adults alike throughout the weekend.12-2pm.

Local renowned filmmaker Kieran Concannon will be hosting a film workshop for 14-year olds plus, simply titled “An introduction to film and documentary making.”

Places are limited. Reserve by calling (095)45861.11pm– 6pm (break for lunch) €50 for 2-day intensive course.

Michael Gibbons will host his annual archaeological walk, this year encompassing Knock

kill and focusing on pre and early history of Inishbofin. (Wear appropriate outdoor footwear). 1pm. €5 Mary Noonan will give a reading of her poetry in association with the Galway County Library in the Community Centre.5: 30pm.

Peadar De Burca will perform his show “What Men Want” Returning after its sell-out success last September, the show starts off with audience members receiving glasses of champagne and Guinness, before taking you on a mission to find out what goes on in the mind of the most complex species on the planet! 7:30pm.

Stagecraft will perform a fire-show outside the Community centre in anticipation of the evening’s main concert 9:30pm.

The Hothouse Flowers and Jess Klein will perform a Double Bill with hugely talented New Yorker Jess Klein performing the opening concert at 10p.m. and The Hothouse Flowers heading the Bill. 11:30 €25 admission for the double bill concert. Doors open at 10pm.

Sunday 11th Emma O’ Sullivan will be continuing her hugely popular Sean Nós dancing workshops for kids and adults alike throughout the weekend.11 am-1 p.m.

Kieran Concannon continues his Film and Documentary workshop from 10 am– 4pm.

Dave McGrath, renowned marine biologist, will run an ecological coastline walk. (Suitable outdoor footwear required) 11am– 1pm. €5.

Stagecraft will do balloon modeling and face painting for kids from 1 p.m.

Bás Oileán (‘Death of an Island’). After the evacuation of Inishark in October 1960, Inishark became a forgotten island. This film recalls a proud, resilient community that survived for centuries despite being eternally pestered by the Atlantic and forever ignored by the authorities. A film by Kieran Concannon produced for TG4 and the Irish Film Board.. 7:30pm. Admission is €5.

Walking the Roads, the recent play by Dermot Bolger, after hugely successful Irish and World tours comes to Inishbofin for a special performance. Starring Colin O’ Donoghue as Francis, Kelly Hickey as Companion and directed by Ray Yeates.9pm.Admission €10 Dublin’s Niall Toner has been called the father of Irish Bluegrass music. Backed by double bassist Dick Gladney and acoustic guitarist/ vocalist Clem O’Brien. 11pm.

RNLI Fundraiser in Bofin A fundraising dinner dance in aid of Clifden RNLI was held in Inishbofin on April 5th last at Inishbofin House Hotel. The fantastic sum of €4,437 was raised by the event and a great night was had by all who came out and supported this vital local cause. There were 128 people in attendance for dinner and another 50-60 joined in with the festivities afterwards where a great night was had by all. Brian Sheridan, Galway Harbour Master gave a presentation, and Sean Scott also spoke about the forthcoming Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, which will stop in Galway this summer. Peter Bailey, Lifeboat Operations Manager of the Clifden station also spoke and thanked all who organized and attended for their efforts and donations. Special thanks from the RNLI must go to all local businesses who donated the raffle prizes and Rita Burke and Orla Day for their hard work also. It is hoped that the fundraiser will now be an annual event.

Photos (Clockwise from right): Olive Brennan and Pat Lavelle; Quentin O Halloran, Cathy O Halloran, John Cunnane; Anne and Pat Pryce, Fred Jones, Pat Concannon, Nicola Concannon, Martin Dudley, John McCormack.

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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Killannin Community Defibrillator Project The Community of Killannin has recently fundraised to purchase two defibrillators and train eighteen volunteers in CPR/AED. The defibrillators are placed in the community centre and the church porch, which also facilitates Killannin sports pitch.

Sincere thanks to all the community who gave so generously, to the eighteen volunteers pictured above, to the community centre and to Fr. Martin Moran for facilitating the placement of the defibrillators.

A sincere thanks to Croí who provided defibrillators compatible with out local HSE west ambulance service and trained volunteers. For further information on CPR/AED training contact Emer Burke, Croí life line project coordinators at 091 769866.

Photo above: (l-r): Back -Johnny Kelly, Pat Quealey, Frank Walsh, Mary Donovan, Majella Walsh, Elaine Audley, Pierce Laurence, Cathal Diviney. Front - Marie Gibbons, Mary Thornton, Margaret Hynes, Bernie Maloney, Sally O’Connor, Freda Ferrier, Annemarie Thomas. Absent from Photo: Dennis Carr, Ian Thornton, Niamh Fahey.

Kylemore Day Retreat The next day retreat at Kylemore will take place on Saturday May 24th and the subject will be “The Gift of the Spirit”. The usual programme will apply which is as follows: 10:30-Morning Tea. 11am - Welcome and Introduction, followed by the talk. 12pm - Free Time for walking, prayer and lunch.

2: 30 - Closing talk and afternoon tea. 3:30Retreat ends. There are no costs involved but donations are accepted. The directions are: Park in the Car Park, check in at the visitor centre and take the shuttle bus to the Garden Tea House. Sr. Genevieve OSB.

Leenane Delphi Mountain Resort Re-opens A champagne reception and gourmet lunch were enjoyed by guests at the re-opening of the Delphi Mountain Resort on Friday the 11th of April last. An estimated €12.5 million was spent on new luxury accommodation and refurbishment by proprietors Rory and Aileen Concannon and investors Tim Bohan and Michael McDonagh. Delphi is situated within 400 acres of Connemara forest, with fantastic views of the Twelve Bens and surrounding waterfalls, and was also recently singled out for praise by Duncan Stewart’s Eco-Eye programme on RTE for its environmentally friendly and energy saving practices. The spa at Delphi Mountain Resort is already considered world class.

Minister Éamon Ó Cuív launched the opening, and spoke of the importance of local people investing in local resources in order to benefit Irish tourism. He described the west of Ireland as being ideal for this type of development and praised the job

security that a development like Delphi provides. “If somebody came here a year ago and said they would set up a factory here with 60 jobs, there would have been disbelief. But the reality is that this number of jobs here are more sustainable than with a factory that could move to another country”. He wished the Concannons the best of luck for the future, and congratulated them for establishing this world class resort in Connemara.

LeitirMóir Clár Funding Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, announced that he has approved funding of €107,424 for single to three-phase electricity conversion/installations for 7 businesses in the west. Connemara Flatfish Ltd of Ross, Leitir Calaidh in Leitir Móir received €26,604 under the scheme.

This brings to 362 the number of businesses, sports clubs and community centres nationwide that have benefited from this scheme under the CLÁR programme since 2002.

For businesses/enterprises, Sports Clubs and Community Centres in CLÁR areas, the CLÁR programme pays their customer contribution to the ESB for conversion/installation of three-phase electricity. These conversions benefit not only the individual applicants but also the area in general. They serve as commercial and infrastructural assets, enhancing the level of access to goods and services in CLÁR areas.

The CLÁR programme is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that suffered more than a 35% drop in population between 1926 and 2002. The programme covers parts of 22 counties and benefits a population of nearly 727,000. CLÁR schemes cover a wide variety of developments such as village, housing and schools enhancement, electricity conversion, roads, water supply, sewerage disposal, health, coastal, sports and community projects.

Saturday morning kicks off with a set of music workshops featuring all instruments in Letterfrack NS at 11.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m., followed by an afternoon session in the Bards Den in which all the young players will strut their stuff. Later that evening, the ‘School House Gig’ takes place in Letterfrack NS, at 8.45 p.m. and will feature students and tutors. Later still the evening finishes with a mighty blast of the best of trad in the Renvyle Inn. The feature event of the first weekend will be ‘the Fun Run’ a 5km sponsored ‘race’ that takes place between the village of Tullycross and Letterfrack. All proceeds go to FORUM for youth projects. The race starts in Tullycross at 2 p.m. The day continues with a ‘fun sports’ in Letterfrack with lots of novelty events-jockey back races, three legged races, miniature golf, throwing horse shoes as well as penalty shoot outs and a clatter of short races for everybody from 4 to 84! A great day is ensured for all the family.

Everybody is asked to get a sponsorship card from FORUM or Letterfrack NS and take part in the ‘Fun Run’. It’s good for the figure and good for all the young people in our area, which will benefit from the FORUM projects, which will be run over the summer.

School’s Programme: There will of course be a vibrant school’s programme with a great team featuring Gordon Darcy, the well-known ecologist and artist; archaeologist Michael Gibbons, artists Pam Berry and Hardy Langer; actor / musician Nico Browne and scriptwriter Fan Browne visiting the schools. Children will be enthused, excited and put in touch with the magic of

Conamara.

Sport: Brendan Ridge and his team will have a number of soccer tournaments for adults and primary schools. The primary school tournament will take place in Letterfrack NS on the bank holiday Monday at 12.o clock. For further information on the adult competition please contact Brendan 087 9865023.

Continued on next page

Letterfrack Bog Week-May 23rd-June 2nd Conamara Bog Week ‘08 opens on Friday 23rd May with an exciting art exhibition in Conamara National Park Letterfrack. The exhibition entitled ‘A View from Outside’ features the work of the German artist, Hardy Langer, and American artist Pam Berry. Both artists are familiar figures on the Conamara landscape and the exhibition is arousing great local interest. The exhibition will open at 8.30 p.m. with not just the usual glass of wine, but will also feature some young talented musicians, singers and dancers in what promises to be a most memorable night. The fun continues with a gig in the Bards Den with an exciting line up. Earlier in the day the Cinema Mobile will be coming to Letterfrack and will be showing special programmes for the Active Age Club and for young people.

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Letterfrack Bog Week continued Music is also a big feature of the second weekend and will have a number of gigs in the pubs and in the school. Don’t forget the amazing Angklung Instant Orchestra, under the baton of Nico Browne, who will be getting together in the Ellis Hall on Saturday at 2.30 p.m. Remember, the orchestra features adults as well as children.

The Conamara Walkabout during May 31st, June 1st & 2nd will be one of the main events. This unique event features artists, poets, painters and scientists exploring the landscape together. “This stroll through the beautiful Conamara landscape with such a brilliant team is a unique chance for people to touch the magic and ancient history of this very special place that is Conamara,” says Leo Hallissey Director of C.E.E.C.C, organizer of the walkabout. The event starts at Letterfrack NS on Saturday June 2nd at 10.30 a.m. The fee for the weekend is Є50.

For more info go to www.ceecc.org.

You can also join our campaign to “Free the Letterfrack 10!”

Who is this mysterious group? What do they do and how can we set them free? Find the answers to these cryptic questions and many more this Bog Week in Letterfrack…

Letterfrack Water Scheme On Tuesday April 8th Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs announced almost €400,000 in funding for Small Public Water and Sewerage Schemes in Co. Galway. €56,032 of this was allocated to the Letterfrack Public Water Supply Scheme. This brings to 10 the number of small public water or sewerage schemes in County Galway which have been approved for CLÁR funding under this scheme since 2002 to date and will enable works amount-

ing to €793,298 to be carried out.

The current CLÁR funding for a small public water and sewerage scheme in a CLÁR area is as follows: 50% maximum from CLÁR, 25% maximum from Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Small Water and Sewerage Schemes’ allocation, and 25% minimum from the Local Authority and/or private funding. This should facilitate the development of many more small public water and sewerage schemes under the programme in small towns and villages within CLÁR areas.

Maam Classes and Workshops Art Classes are taking place every Wednesday evening in Maam Community Centre, with tutor David Keane. The 14 participants on the course are learning still life and landscape painting in acrylics, and the course is very enjoyable.

Circle Dancing Workshop People from Maam, Oughterard, and Westport took part in a Circle Dance Workshop on April 3rd, and another workshop is planned for May 8th from 8:15p.m. -10 p.m. at Ionad Pobail an Mháma. Cost is €5 for adults and free for children over 9 years.

Circle Dances are easy to learn and fun to do and lift the body and spirits. Everyone is welcome to attend, and take part in the workshop in Maam Community Centre.

Networking Day Twelve members of the Maam Women’s Group attended Forum Women’s Networking Day, which took place in Achill. The Achill Womens Group are celebrating their 15th Birthday this year and activities included music, dancing, pottery, jewelry making, cookery demonstration, crafts, etc. Beverley Cooper Flynn was guest speaker and women from all over Galway and Mayo enjoyed a fantastic day. The Maam Women’s Group

was formed in 1994 and will celebrate their 15th birthday in 2009.

Parish Centenary To celebrate the Centenary (1909-2009) of Kilbride Parish, which includes the churches in Leenane, Kilmilkin and Finny, a local history project is being carried out in the area. Anyone interested in helping with the project please contact a member of the committee.

Connemara Community Radio A live broadcast from Ionad Pobail an Mháma will take placeon Tuesday, 13th May, from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be music, singing, and poetry. People from the local community will speak about their involvement in voluntary groups, and about their hobbies. If anyone in the Maam area would like to take part in this programme please phone (091) 571108 for further information.

Rosemary Hanley

Maam Cross Peacockes Update Peacockes Hotel have recently opened a self service 100 seater Coffee Shop incorporated into the existing Craft & Gift Shop and soon will open their 62 seater ‘Leckavrea’Restaurant’. The restaurant will be opened to residents and non-residents and the menu is compiled and will be prepared by Head Chef Michael Canning (former second chef Renvyle House Hotel).

Peacockes parent company, the Atlantis Group, have secured planning permission for a further 2 holiday homes across from the hotel bringing it to a total of 24. Construction is to commence in April with the complex programmed for completion and occupancy for February 2009. Further plans were unveiled recently for additional bedrooms for the hotel and full leisure facilities including a swimming pool.

The newly refurbished ‘Lake View’ function

room to the front of the hotel will cater for all functions, weddings & conferences up to 250 persons. With the addition of the holiday homes in 2009 this will add an extra 96-bedroom capacity making Peacockes an ideal location for all events. Peacockes Hotel is proud to work with the local community and employs up to sixty-five persons in the high season.

Mart Re-opens The Maam Cross Mart will re-open on Saturday May 24th.

Oughterard Funding for Oughterard Club4U The Oughterard Club4U has been awarded €1,500 as one of 55 groups around the country working with youth and children.

The grants were made by the Irish Youth Foundation; a fundraising charity dedicated to providing positive opportunities for thousands of children and youth all over Ireland.

Club4U is a new fun alternative to the “drink-in-the-park” culture that haunts Ireland’s youth. Local Club4U clubs arrange discos and events for teenagers run by teenagers (15-18 years old), adults and community Gardaí. There are over ten clubs nationally, and with recent funding from the HSE, the Club is looking to expand into more communities. Club members receive training and participate in Crew Members of the Year Awards, a National Variety Show, and other national events. Club4U is a great example of youth participation, and the youth, volunteer adults, and local support from the Gardaí determine the success of Club4U at a local level.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Oughterard Club4U, either as an adult volunteer or a young person, please contact Clann Resource Centre on 091 557633.

To find out more about Club4U, check out www.club4u.ie.

Óg-Ógras at Owen Riff The senior Citizens and staff of Owen Riff nursing home were treated to a very enjoyable time recently when the children of the local branch of Óg-Ógras provided an evening of entertainment for them. The theme was based on the popular show “You’re a Star” and the children were even dressed up as the stars of the show!

A most enjoyable time was had by all and the Senior Citizens themselves were encouraged to take an active part. Tommy Sullivan (from Glann) in particular was in great voice and in fact could hardly be stopped once he got going!

It was indeed a wonderful opportunity for the members of Óg-Ógras to experience for themselves that the older generation have an abundance of talent. This very talented Óg-Ógras group will be looking forward to future “bookings” for birthday and Christmas parties at Owen Riff. Nár laga Dia sibh. Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh síad. Photo: The children, the elderly and the nursing home. Photos by Tom Broderick.

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May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Recess Passing of Delia Joyce Just a few weeks after her 103rd birthday, Delia Joyce passed away in Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Clifden on Tuesday April 15th. It was a difficult day for all her family, and the staff of the hospital also expressed their sorrow at the loss of the lady they had cared for over the last 6 years. Her son Patrick who cared for her for many years said it was a sad time for all the family but that they were thankful for the long life she lived.

Delia was laid to rest at Ballinafad cemetery on Thursday April 17th after mass in Recess.

May she rest in peace.

Renvyle Peninsula Connemara Mussel Festival May 2-4 The third annual Connemara Mussel Festival will take place in Renvyle from Friday May 2nd to Sunday May 4th.

The event has gone from strength to strength every year. Last year’s Master Chef competition was a huge success and this year they are adding two more chef competi-

This will be held at Errisbeg House, to re enact her music and with some of her memorabilia. This particular event has lots of possibilities, Errisbeg being a period house, for something like this event. We will also have workshops through the week for the kids and lots more, relating to the theme the Sea, youth and the environment. There will be also be plenty of sporting activities.

As time goes on and as the plan unfolds we will keep you informed through the Roundstone .ie website, community radio and the Connemara View.

Community Defibrillator Some weeks ago I spoke about the possibility of having a defibrillator placed in the village.

We have for this year lost out on a grant from the Galway County Council for the year 2008.

However, we can spend this summer in fundraising! I am hoping that the arts week will be part of that fund raising for this vital defibrillator, and in theory the GCC will match fund it in 2009, if not earlier. However, I am also in contact with St Johns Ambulance, and the order of Malta, to see if we bring this forward

the adults then got on to the floor for some traditional dancing. Then it was great to see Brian Cunningham from Cashel, with his superb dancing.

Lunch was then provided for every body courtesy of Siobhan Vaughan, and out came the retirement cake! So all in all the whole party was a great mixture of events.

So we wish you well Josephine, and of course the best of luck to Nicola Spokes, now in her fourth year, and of course to Ashling Ryan also. Photos can be seen on the www.roundstone.ie.

In the meantime work will be carried out on the existing Roundstone scheme to bring it up to drinking water quality

by July of this year. However, there is no guarantee that this will be the case as ultimately it will be the results of the HSE testing that will decide this. The County council will also be replacing some sections of the old water mains around the village so some disruption will occur over the coming weeks.

We will be meeting the Council’s Water Services division again towards the end of May after which time we will be in a position to update you further on developments on the Roundstone Water Situation.

Roundstone Development Council meet on the first Monday of each month. Our Water Committee will meet Galway County Council Water Services Section during the 3rd week of every month to review progress to date on our water supply. If anyone has any questions they would like us to ask at either meeting please put it in writing and send it to: The Secretary, Roundstone Development Council, Roundstone, Co. Galway and we will issue you with a written reply when we know the answer.

Richard De Stacpoole

Roundstone Development

tions-Amateur Chef and Celebrity Chef.

Connemara Radio will broadcast live from the heart of the action over the weekend.

The weekend will be officially opened by Éamon Ó Cuív in Tullycross village on Friday at 8p.m. Saturday will see the Amateur Chef competition in the Mussel Marquee and the Master and Celebrity Chef will take place on Sunday. Other events over the weekend include “Try a Dive” with Scuba Dive West, “Learn to Cast” with the captain of the Irish Fishing Team, Jackie Coyne, and plenty of song and dance in the local pubs.

The “Design a Placemat” art competition will once again be run in the four national schools, the theme of which is of course, mussels and other seafood! It was very popular last year with over 150 entries received.

A treasure hunt will also be held over the weekend.

Any help or contributions would be greatly appreciated. For more information on any of the events please call Gerry or Colin on (095) 43499 or e-mail connemaramusselfest @gmail.com.

Photo above: 2007 Chef Competitors (l-r) Tim O Sullivan, John Walsh, John O Toole, Alannah Adams and Brian Foyle.

Roundstone Arts Week 27th June-6th July First a little update of the forthcoming Arts Week. We will welcome Mary Banotti who will give a talk on her new book “All About the Mary’s”, and various historians relating to Connemara. There will be traditional music at the Anglers Return, and a reading from the biography “La Sheridan; Adorable Diva” written by Anne Chambers on Ireland’s most famous Prima Donna, Margaret Burke Sheridan (1889 – 1958).

for the Community.

Floor Circus Another date to bear in mind is Friday the 2nd of May. In the top part of the Community Hall, a circus will be held commencing at 7pm. This is a circus with a difference, no animals or trapezes artists; it’s very much orientated for children and schools, with the Italian style of puppets and clowns. It’s actually the same group that was with us 6 years ago. They were very well received and the kids loved it, well so did the adults!

Ross McMahon Our condolences go to the McMahon Family on the passing of Ross, who was buried in Ballyconneely. Ross spent many years living in Roundstone, and was an active member in the community in so many ways, until the family moved over to Ballyconneely. May he rest in peace.

Members of the Roundstone Development Council Water Committee met with senior officials from Galway County Council recently to discuss the ongoing Water Situation. Galway County Council have applied for €3.25 million from the department of the Environment to pay for the extension of the Carna/Kilkieran Scheme as far as Roundstone and the provision of a new reservoir on Errisbeg Hill. The time frame for completion of this work is February 2009.

Since then we have heard that funding has been granted for the scheme.

In the past two weeks, consultants working on behalf of the council have carried out some surveying of the area. They are working on determining the best route for the new water main to the Reservoir. Roundstone Development Council has recommended following Farrell’s Road up from its junction at the R341 rather than taking a route through the village, thus keeping disruption to the village to a minimum.

Josephine Roach Retirement Josephine spent 35 years as a teacher in Roundstone National School. Many past pupils are now married with children of their own with kids taught by her. The retirement party was a very special occasion, starting off with Mass in the classroom with Father McCarthy. The children did all the readings and the songs.

The students made presentations to her and Josephine made a speech about her early days as a teacher and describing her life up to the present day.

The party did not stop there: Johnny M. Lowry, Noreen Sullivan, John Gerard Walsh, and unfortunately I didn’t know who the violin player was, they all played some lovely music, with the kids themselves giving a rendition of their flute skills. After that some of

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Valiant Renvyle side beaten by narrowest of margins Renvyle U/21 B Final- Renvyle 3-06 Dunmore McHales 2-10

Despite a brave effort in a game played with pace, skill and commitment, Renvyle once again left Pearse Stadium with thoughts of what could have been. This was a game in which the prestigious Dun-

more McHales should have dominated as clear favourites, but they were well matched by a young determined Renvyle side. Dunmore led by 2 points at halftime and had taken their lead to 5 points

midway through the second half. However, Renvyle were not yet beaten and came back fighting for an exciting finish to keep their audience enthralled only to beaten by the dreaded one point winning margin that has plagued them many times before.

Although Declan Rhattigan from Dunmore was named Man of the Match, Renvyle had their own stars on the day. Jamie Flaherty was outstanding, closely matched

by Shane Lydon, Tommy Walsh and Lorcan Conneely in goal, but praise has to be given to an all round team effort. Con-

gratulations to Thady Salmon on getting his team this far, aided by his selectors John Heanue and Jason Walsh and many thanks also to Padraic Conroy who has put a lot of time and effort into training these lads. Praise must also be given to Des Wallace as many of his minor team did themselves proud on Saturday and may cause many problems for opposing teams in the future. Well done lads, we’re proud of you.

The photos featured are of the team that won the U 21 B Championship and Captain Eoin O Neill receiving the Cup for the team after they defeated St. Colmans by 3-10 to 1-13.

Jackie O Farrell Scorers: Michael McDonnell 1-01, Shane Lydon 1-01, Tommy Walsh 1-01, Mark Gannon-1 point, Liam Salmon-1 point, Brian Coyne-1 point.

Renvyle Team: Lorcan Conneely, David Kearney, Alan Walsh, Robert Lydon, Tommie Salmon, Brian Coyne, Jamie Flaherty, Tommy Walsh, Mark Gannon, Noel Varley, Eoin O’Neill (c), Liam Salmon, Shane Lydon, Michael McDonnell, Peter Wallace Subs: Bartley Heanue, Emmet Walsh, John James Gannon, Jason Ridge, James Coyne, Colm Wallace, Eoin Gannon.

Photos (l-r): Back - Bartley Heanue, John James Gannon, Robert Lydon, Emmet Walsh, Tommy Walsh, David Kearney, Colm Wallace, Jason Ridge, Mark Gannon, Michael McDonnell, Lorcan Conneely, Eoin Gannon.

Front - Liam Sammon, Alan Walsh, Brian Coyne, Noel Varley, Jamie Flaherty, Eoin O Neill, (Captain), Peter Wallace, Tommy Sammon, Cathal O Neill, Shane Lydon.

Renvyle Captain Eoin O Neill receiving the cup from Paddy Sweeney, Chairman of the West Board.

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May 1, 2008

Connemara SportsView

Connemara Rugby Connemara end season in style and move up to a well deserved 5th place in Division 3 of AIL Connemara 29-Naas 25 How things can change in a few weeks, from worries of retaining senior status to a position just outside the top four playoff positions. This postponed game gave Connemara an opportunity to show their true potential in a match that had no real bearing on the outcome of division 3, as both teams were secure. However, Connemara were well aware that a win would move them into 6th place and a bonus point would move them into 5th place. The question was how badly did Naas want to win this game.

Connemara started well despite a large number of changes to the team; Alan Keogh out with a hand injury, John O’Brien away with the Irish squad, Bernard Keaney, Paddy O Toole and Ollie DeLappe unable to make this game because of previous arrangements. But as before, their replacements all stepped up to the mark and played in true Connemara style.

After some great build-up play, in the sixth minute Bennie Bester finished off a great move to score on the right. The try was converted by Troy Nathan 7-0 Connemara. It looked like Connemara were on their way but Nass had other ideas and in the 15th minute Nass No.11 Fitzgerald went in on the left for a well worked try leaving the score 7-5 to Connemara.

In the 23rd minute Nass went ahead from a penalty scored

by No.10 Aherne- 8-7 to Nass. After some good play Kevin Ward, who was having a great game taking on the Naas defence went in for a great try, 12-8 to Connemara. With the home side playing against a strong wind could we dare dream of the bonus point? Naas were not giving up and went in for a try just before half time, 13-12 to Naas. The game was now set for a great second half and after 2 minutes Connemara were on the board with a penalty by Troy Nathan, 15-13 Connemara. At this stage Naas got on top and in the 5th minute went in for a try, which was converted to make it 20-15 to Naas. This was followed in the 10th minute with another Naas try from Melville.

The score now stood at 25-15 Naas. At this stage Connemara would settle for a win and in the 12th minute this was made possible with a wonderful try by Peter O’Toole and this time no one was going to take it off him. The try was converted by Troy, 25-22 Naas. The game was on and you could sense Connemara smelt success. In the 19th minute Connemara robbed the ball from Naas in their own half and Troy Nathan ran the length of the pitch to finish his season and that of Connemara on a high. The try was converted leaving the score 29-25. The final stages were played out with both sides giving it their best but it was Connemara’s day and when the final whistle blew there was great celebrations which went on well into the night. A great season for Connemara and while the future is always hard to tell this season saw a lot of the younger players making their way into senior rugby and this can only be good news for the

Records broken at the Connemarathon April 6th marked the eighth year of the annual and by now world-renowned Fáilte Ireland Connemara International Marathon. With over 4,000 recorded entries from over 40 countries, this truly was an International event. In traditional format, the Connemarathon offered 3 distances- the 13-mile half marathon from Leenaun to Maam Cross, the 26-mile full marathon from Lough Inagh to Maam Cross and the gruelling full-circuit 39-mile ultra marathon.

This year entries for the Connemarathon sold out in early January, proving once again the race’s popularity and its unique appeal. Witnessing the crowds transcend upon the rugged roads of Connemara, it was easy to understand the appeal. Despite unpredictable and ‘very Irish’ weather conditions, the West of Ireland was at its most breath taking. The atmosphere was electric and there was a definite sense of determination and camaraderie in the air.

Personal bests and achievements were the order of the day.

Kenyan Lezan Kimutai broke his former record in effortless style. Lezan was a worthy and popular winner, having come from a situation of great political turmoil in Kenya where he and his family were dispelled from his home.

Other exceptional results included Peter Ferris, who completed his 300th marathon.

Connemara SportsView

future of rugby in Connemara. Pat Walshe

teer award- 28th March 2008

Rugby Volunteer Award

Connemara RFC Lifetime Award

As part of the IRFU Volunteer Recognition Programme, Peter Keane, long time volunteer with Connemara RFC was presented with a volunteer award at the Sportsground, Galway on Friday 28th March 2008.

Following a nomination by Connemara RFC Underage section, Peter was selected by the Connacht Branch IRFU to receive an award in recognition of his years of volunteering with Connemara RFC. Peter has worked tirelessly at senior committee level and also with the youth and mini rugby section of the club for many years and is still very active at both levels. He originally became involved with Connemara RFC back in 1977 and also played for the club for about 10 years. He has served the club well as a committee member since 1977 and has also served as PRO for many years. He is well known in many circles

At the end of season drinks evening for Connemara RFC, Br. Vivian Cotter was presented with a Lifetime Award in recognition of his work for the club over the years. Club President Charlie Bourke presented Br. Viv with his award to great applause, and thanked him on behalf of everybody involved with the club for his tireless efforts to promote and aid the Connemara rugby. Photo: Br. Viv receives his award from club President Charlie Bourke.

Captain’s Farewell

for promoting and encouraging involvement in Connemara Rugby. His roles in the club currently include: Mini Coach, Youth Chairperson, Youth Fundraising, Branch Delegate, Pitch Committee, Lotto Committee and Website Team.

A love of rugby and community are without a doubt only two reasons for such dedicated involvement. At training, games and events Peter is known for his ability to relate to and encourage all players all the way from Mini Rugby right up to seniors. He has seen many mini players make their way through the ranks up to the senior team. The youth and mini sections are delighted that the nomination was successful and that Peter’s dedication has been recognised by Connemara RFC and Connacht Rugby.

Connemara RFC strives to support all of our volunteers.

We recognise and value their contribution to the club at all levels. If you are interested in becoming involved in the youth or mini sections of Connemara RFC please email to info@connemararfc.ie or contact the Underage Section of the club. Contact details are on www.connemararfc.ie Photo: Michael Cunningham, President Connacht Branch IRFU presents Peter Keane, Connemara RFC with volun-

The end of a successful 07-08 season which saw Connemara RFC’s 1st XV finish 5th on the table in the AIB League Division Three was marked with an end of season club night in EJ Kings on Friday 25th April. This also doubled up as a farewell party for Captain Gerard Burke who is emigrating to Canada shortly. Gerard has captained the Connemara Blacks senior team for the past two years and is a long time 1st XV player. He was presented with an award in recognition of his time with Connemara RFC. Everyone involved in Connemara RFC would like to wish Gerard, his wife Julie and their children the very best of luck for the future. Photo: Gerard and Julie Burke.

Race director, Ray O’Connor, was particularly pleased with the day’s results, ‘After eight years, I’m still amazed at the atmosphere in the Connemarathon. This year was our biggest yet and I was so delighted to see Lezan break the record. He’s a worthy winner, a great athlete and a fantastically resilient character. My only regret in setting up the Connemarathon eight years ago is that I can’t take part myself!’

There were winners in several categories but there were certainly no losers. Watching people run, jog, walk and in some cases, hobble over the finish line, there really was a sense that everyone achieved something great.

Photo: Half marathon race winner and record breaker Lezan Kimutai of Kenya.

May 1, 2008

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West of Ireland Darts The inaugural West of Ireland Open Darts Singles and Doubles Competitions took place over two Sundays in the Atlantic Hotel in Clifden on April 13th and 20th. The work and meticulous preparation involved in organizing the event ensured that a great day of competition took place on both days. The Open Singles Competition took place first on Sunday April 13th. Proceedings got underway around 3 p.m. and carried on through the evening and night. There were seven boards in use for competition and also some practice boards.

A field of 44 players competed, and the Shield competition was eventually won by Leo Murray. The overall winner of the Cup was Richie McMahon who played consistently and skilfully throughout the day. Sunday April 20th saw the Doubles competition take place. In another successful week, Richie McMahon won the Shield Competiton with partner Peter Coneys. The Doubles Cup was won by James Flaherty and Alan Flaherty who were deserving winners on the day.

The Atlantic was extremely well equipped for the event and the lay-out of boards and areas was top class, it was generally agreed. With the infrastructure now in place, the Atlantic will surely continue to become an excellent venue for Darts competitions in the area.

Photos from top (l-r): Singles Shield Winner Leo Murray with organiser Steven Gannon; Tim Warbout, Richie McMahon Singles Cup Winner and Steven Gannon; Richie McMahon and Peter Coneys, Doubles Shield Winners with organiser Steven Gannon; James Flaherty and Alan Flaherty, Doubles Cup Winners with Steven Gannon.

Ladies GAA Scoreboard

Conamara Ladies Cruise To Facile Victory The Conamara Junior Squad recently defeated Leitrim in emphatic style on April 20th in the first round of the Connacht Junior Championship with a scoreline of 3-20 to 0-5. This is the first time in the history of the GAA that a representative Gaelic football team from Connemara has been granted inter-county status within a provincial competition. Undaunted by the historical significance of the occasion the team played to their impressive full potential. They dominated their North eastern opponents from start to finish, and the first half was a master class in points scoring; the half time score being 1-13 to 0-3 in Conamara’s favour. Scoring like this with the wind against them made the game effectively over as a contest by the halfway stage. In preparation Conamara played two challenge matches versus GMIT Galway and Tipperary Intermediates in Ballyline, Co. Clare.

The next game is against Galway North East on Saturday May 3rd and if Conamara can defeat them, they will qualify for the Connacht Junior Championship final at the first time of asking. The Connacht Junior Championship final will be contested on either July 12th or August 16th and with training sessions across Connemara going exceptionally well, we hope to see this team continue to make history.

Paul Gannon Photo: Gráinne Mhaols duo Mairéad Coyne and Kim Young were in impressive form in Conamara’s comprehensive victory over Leitrim in the 1st round of the Connacht Junior Championship in Oughterard on April 20th.

Squad Photo (l-r): Back - Richie Bohan (development officer), Katie Coohill (Gráinne Mhaols), Ita Seoighe (Clonbur), Val Coakley (Salthill/Knocknacarra), Caroline ni Loideán (LeitirMóir), Maura Cloherty (Gráinne Mhaols), Aoife Cummins (St Michaels), Caitríona Egan (Clonbur), Aoife Seoighe (Clonbur), Áine Bhreathnach (Na Piarsaigh), Mary Casey (Clonbur), Vanessa Sumner (St Michaels), Muiréad Bhreathnach (Na Piarsaigh), Sinead Egan (Clonbur), Aisling Egan (Vice-Captain/Clonbur), Deirdre Seoighe (Clonbur), Becky Heanue (Gráinne Mhaols), Fiona ní Fhlatharta (An Cheathrú Rua), Martina Cummins (Manager/ St Michaels).

Front - Paul Gannon (Manager Gráinne Mhaols), Roisín Bonner (St Michaels), Maura O Toole (An Spidéal), Mairéad Coyne (Grainne Mhaols), Michelle Thornton (An Spidéal), Lisa O Holloran (Killannin), Philomena ní Fhlatharta (Captain/ LeitirMóir), Kim Young (Gráinne Mhaols), Aisling Clancy (Gráinne Mhaols), Helen Moran (Killannin), Tíne Hogan (LeitirMóir), Karen Keane (Clonbur), Bríd McDonagh (Gráinne Mhaols), Cora ní Chonghaile (An Cheathrú Rua), Aoife ní Neachtain (An Spidéal), Veronica Lydon (Physio/ Gráinne Mhaols).

PAGE 16

May 1, 2008

Connacht Inter-County U-18 Championship Mayo 3-9 Galway 0-10 County Féile (U-14)Final Salthill-Knocknacarra 5-4 Glenamaddy 2-2 County Adult Leagues Division 1 (Senior) Corofin 4-9 Dunmore 2-10 St Brendans 3-11 Gráinne Mhaols 1-5 Tuam-Cortoon 3-16 Killannin 0-1 St Brendans 2-11 Tuam-Cortoon 2-8 Division 1 A (Intermediate) Caherlistrane 5-11 Annaghdown 4-7 St.Michaels W/O St Gabriels SCR Caherlistrane 4-5 Clonbur 1-12 Milltown 4-18 Annaghdown 1-15 Caherlistrane 7-8 St. Michels 6-7 Division 2 ( Junior A) Glenamaddy 5-10 Leitir Móir 1-7 Kilkerrin-Clonberne 5-4 Naomh Mhuire 2-4 St.Marys 3-5 Monivea-Abbey 2-4 Leitir Móir 3-7 Naomh Mhuire 2-8 Corofin 6-6 Monivea-Abbey 3-8 Division 2 A ( Junior B) Caltra Cuans 5-9 St Colemans 4-1 Bearna 4-14 Salthill-Knocknacarra 4-4 An Spidéal 5-11 St Brendans 1-3 Claregalway 1-16 Glynsk 0-7 Bearna W/O St Brendans SCR Glynsk 5-6 Salthill-Knocknacarra 1-4 Caltra 2-12 ClareGalway 2-5 St.Colemans 3-8 An Spidéal 2-7 An Spidéal W/O ClareGalway SCR Salthill-Knocknacarra 2-8 St.Colmans 1-6 Division 3 ( Junior C) Clarinbridge 2-4 Éire Óg 1-6 Menlough/Skehana 3-4 Renmore 0-4 Na Piarsaigh 7-2 Éire Óg 4-6 Mountbellew-Moylough 5-11 Renmore 5-6 Menlough/Skehana 6-9 Moycullen 2-2 Éire Óg 5-6 Mountbellew-Moylough 4-6 Tuam-Cortoon 2-12 Clarinbridge 0-3 Division 3 A ( Junior D) Killannin SCR An Cheathrú Rua W/O Michael Breathnachs 4-7 Na Laochra Gaeil 2-4 Oileáin Árainn 1-9 An Cheathrú Rua 1-3 Na Laochra Gaeil W/O Killannin SCR Michael Breathnachs 8-14 An Cheathrú Rua 0-1 Michael Breathnach W/O Killannin SCR

Connemara SportsView

GAA Naomh Feichin GAA Club Training Timetable Under 8’s: Starts on Wednesday 21st May at 6 p.m. & Saturday 24th May at 11 a.m. Under 10’s: Wednesday 6p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m. Contact Nicola Walsh 095 22593 or Ann Mitchell 095-23938.

Under 12’s: Wednesday 6pm. Contact Terence Sweeney 095- 23711, Gabriel McNamara 095-23567.

Under 14’s: Monday 6.30pm. Contact Fechin Mitchell 095 -23938, Gerry Delaney 095-21183.

Under 16’s: Thursday 6.30pm. Contact Tom Vaughan 0879975346, Tom Griffin 095-23601.

Minor: Monday 7pm. Contact John O Malley 095 23558, Pat King 095-23042.

Intermediate & Junior C: Wednesday 7pm. Contact John Coneys 095 21223. Pat O Toole 095-21951.

Notes: All underage players to arrive 15 minutes before time and be togged out and on the pitch on time. A special coaching Course for the under 13’s has been arranged. Date to be confirmed.

Féile na n-Óg A Shield Blitz 2008 Under 14’s Results: Co-ordinator: Breandan O’Conamhna.

Referees: B. O’Conamhna & M Mac Gearailt Roinn C Results: Renvyle 1-8 v Naomh Feichin 2-6 Carna Cashel na Piarsaigh 0-4 v An Cheathrú Rua 6-6 Renvyle 8-4 v Carna Cashel na Piarsaigh 1-4

Naomh Feichin Senior GAA Team (l-r): Back - J.Coneys.T.Vaughan, M.Conroy, R.Shanahan, M.O Malley, M.Flaherty, M.Conroy , M.Beecher, B.Flaherty, G.Walsh, S.Mitchell, P. O Toole, F.Mitchell. Front - A. Keaney D.King, D.Clancy, B.Gibbons, S.Conneely, D.Wallace, K.Clancy, S.Lydon, M. O Shaughnessy , M.Killkenny, C.Coneys.

Photo taken at the beginning of this season in April.

Carna Cashel na Piarsaigh 3-3 v Naomh Feichin 8-5 Renvyle 0-5 v An Cheathrú Rua 1-12 Naomh Feichin 1-3 An Cheathrú Rua 1-8 Winners : An Cheathrú Rua Runners up: Naomh Feichin.

Photos below (l-r):Top - Clifden, An Cheathrú Rua. Bottom - Carna Cashel na Piarsaigh, Renvyle.

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com

Success Eludes Renvyle lads at Mini-Sevens A football squad from Eagle’s Nest N.S. and Tully N.S. represented West Connemara at the INTO-GAA Mini- Sevens primary schools county finals in Claregalway on Tuesday April 8th.12 regional winners battled it out for the right to represent Galway at the Connacht finals in May. The West Connemara lads played 3 matches against Briarfield, Portumna and Corrandulla in Group 3. It was Briarfield who progressed from the group stages.

To date no school from the West Connemara region has ever won a county MiniSevens final, but we will continue to support the teams in their quest for one.

Photo (l-r): Back - Danielle Kvolewicz (Mentor), Shane Heanue, Ronan Cronnelly, James Salmon, Jack Keane, Barry John Salmon, Marcie Graham.Front: Matthew McCarthy, Ben Rima, George Mullen, Karl McConway (Captain), Josh Lydon.

Connemara SportsView

May 1, 2008

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Local man Donal Kelly does Oughterard proud

Donal Kelly had a fantastic result in Ras Conamara on Sunday 13th of April where he finished in 6th place in a very tough race. David Brennan of Castlebar won the race, with Barry Sutton placeing second and Galway Bay CC’s Nigel Forde coming in third.

Ras Conamara is in its third year and was a huge success attracting cyclists from, Belgium, Poland, Hungary and France. Other teams travelled from Dublin, Cork, Laois, Sligo and Mayo and both Galway city clubs were representedGalway Bay CC, who organised the event and are the club of Donal Kelly, and West Coast Wheelers. Conditions started out very good in the morning but a few nasty showers just before the cyclists came back into Oughterard made for tough cycling. The cyclists also had to contend with a strong head wind on the return journey to Oughterard. When the cyclists hit the 5 loops with 2 laps to go of the scenic route in Oughterard the race started to split. Three cork riders made a break with 2 laps to go and they finished about 25 seconds ahead of the main group.

The juvenile races and Senior Time Trials took place on Saturday April 12th. The day was fine for the most part with just a few light showers. The under 16 section was won by Colm Morris, with Diarmuid Hughes in second and Daragh Reidy in third place The under 14’s category was won by

PAGE 1 8

Francis Sheridan followed by Sean McConville in second and Christopher Kennedy came third. The winner of the under 12’s was Shane O’Hara with S McCrone in second and M Walsh in third place. Sorcha Johnson (aged 8 years) was the first girl finisher in the juvenile section.

Eoghan Considine of Galway Bay CC won the Senior Time Trial on Saturday completing the loop in 14 minutes and 34 seconds. Second in this section was Dennis Lynch of Kanturk, in 14 minutes, 39 seconds, and third place was taken

by Rory Geraghty of West Coast Wheelers in 14 minutes and 40 seconds.

Ras Conamara would like to thank An Garda Siochana for all their help on both days. Without their co-operation this event would not have been able to go ahead. Special thanks must also go to Joe Folan and John Kavanagh and all the motor cycle marshals. They did a fantastic job and kept both cyclists and public safe and they kept the traffic moving.

Thanks to all our sponsors and everybody who marshalled on the race circuit, particularly Justin Keogh who came up trumps at short notice, and finally to Rose Clancy and the lads who helped us out with this special event for the Gerry Clancy Perpetual Cup. Photos: Donal Kelly leading an attacking group on the race circuit on Sunday; Juvenile race winners.

Photos by Gerry Geoghan and Tom Broderick

On Your Bike!

The Safer Cycling Initiative recently called to spend a day with the pupils of Letterfrack, Eagles Nest, Tully, Leenane and Lettergesh National Schools. The tutors Páraic Ó Cuinn and Liam Collins were impressed with the level of interest in the cycling day and also by the standard of the cycling. “The pupils were some of the best we have seen this year, they have very good bike skills and are keen to learn,” they said. The tutors spent most of their time working on the safety aspect of cycling and the rules of the road, and helping pupils improve their co-ordination skills and agility.

All the pupils were provided with cycling helmets as part of the course, which is partly funded by Galway County Council and the Road Safety Authority. The pupils were given plenty of reasons as to why they should wear their helmets at all times, as prior to the cycling day, some did not even have a helmet. The tuition will most likely be done on a yearly basis to ensure that all that was learned during the tuition is being put to good use and also to ensure that cycling prospers in the community.

Photo: Liam Collins (Instructor), Íde Tynan (Principal Leenane N.S.) and Páraic Ó Cuinn(Instructor) with some Leenane pupils who took part in the cycling safety day.

May 1, 2008

Connemara Golf Results Ladies: Sunday April 6th, 18 Holes

Stableford, Sponsored by Angela Scully. 1st Deirdre Murphy (17) Connemara 32pts, 2nd Peggy Clarke (16) Castle 31pts. CSS R/O. Sunday 13th April, 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Claire Lennon-O’ Reilly.1st Mary O’Reilly (13) Connemara 39pts, 2nd Deirdre Murphy (17) Connemara 37pts Back 9,3rd Carmel Gaughan (24) Connemara 37pts.CSS 37pts. Sunday 20th April, 18 holes Stableford, Sponsored by Frances Killilea & the Ladies Committee. 1st Ann O’Donoghue (31)Galway 42pts, 2nd Ann Murphy (31) Oughterard 41pts, Gross Bryde Glynn (11) Galway 19 pts,3rd Mary Rogan (20) 35pts back 6.

Mens: Sunday 13th April 2008 18 Holes single Stableford Sponsor: Pilot View Capital 1st: Willie McDonagh (14) 38Pts, 2nd: Padraic Malone (8) 36Pts Gross: Rory Sweeney (5) 30Pts 3rd: Dave Beecher (12) 36Pts CSS 35Pts.

Oughterard Golf Club Results

18 Hole Competition 06/04/08. Sponsors: M. Power. 1st Ml. O Conghaile (9) 42 pts. 2nd David Walsh (14) 38 pts. Gross: Jamie Walsh (3) 30 Gross pts. 3rd Richard McNamara (10) 36 pts (19B9). Cat (0-12) 1st Maurice Power (7) 36 pts (18B9) 2nd Cathair Connelly (6) 35 pts (20B9). Cat (13-17) 1st Michael Concannon (15) 35 pts (18B9). 2nd Mattie Donoghue (17) 35pts (17B9). Cat (18+) 1st Michael Seoighe (19) 36 pts (16B9) 2nd Pat McGann (19) 36 pts (15B9). CSS 35 pts. Ladies18 Hole Stroke Competition 09/04/2008.Sponsor: Galway Oil and 3 T’s C.S.S. 72. 1st Martina Duggan (30) 69, 2nd Niamh Keogh (15) 71. Gross: Grace Morris (16) 87 Gross, 3rd Maureen Corcoran (29) 71.

Category 0 – 20 1st Valerie Heery (19) 73, 2nd Bridget Walsh (18) 73, Category 1 – 28 1st Mai Faherty (28) 72, 2nd Áine Bhreathnach (23) 72,Category 29 – 36 1st Ann O’ Reilly (36) 73, 2nd Maree Lundon (31) 73. 18 Hole Competition, Sunday 13/04/08. Sponsor: B. Kyne. 1st Tom Molloy (9) 65pts. 2nd Bernard Merrick (18) 66 pts. Gross: Liam O’Reilly (4) 74 pts. 3rd Hugh Walsh (8) 68 pts. Cat A (0-12) 1st David Lee (8) 69 pts. 2nd Gearoid O’Cualain (6) 71 Pts. Cat B (1318) 1st Michael Welby (18) 69 pts. 2nd Michael Concannon (15) 70 pts (33.5B9) Cat C (19+) 1st Eugene Hanly (20) 69 pts (33B9) 2nd Sean Rankin (21) 69 pts (36.5B9) CSS 70.

Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Competition 16/04/2008. Sponsor: Cases Wine Warehouse. C.S.S. 74. 1st Teresa Butler (29) 38pts, 2nd Cait Kelly (28) 37pts, Gross: Mary Molloy (13) 20 Gross, 3rd Margaret O’ Neill (24) 36pts. Category 0 – 20 1stMarguerite Fallon (15) 31pts, 2nd Bridget Walsh (18) 27pts, Category 1 – 28 1st Mary O’ Grady (27) 34pts, 2nd Maureen Corcoran (28) 34pts,Category 29 – 36 1stEileen Dixon (30) 36pts, 2ndClaire O’ Keane (36) 34pts. Nine Hole: Sheila Morley (31) 19pts. 20/04/08.Sponsor: Cameo Furniture. 1st Neil Podmore (17) 40 pts. 2nd David Healy (7) 39 pts. Gross: Michael Darcy Snr. (5) 32 Gross pts. 3rd Eugene Thornton (10) 38 pts (18B9). Cat A (0-11) 1st Jim Byrne (11) 37 pts 2nd Tim Mullins (8) 36 pts. Cat B (12-17) 1st Johnny Lynagh (17) (16B9) 2nd Shane Morley (12) 36 pts.

Cat C (18+) 1st Pakie Kellegher (22) 36 pts. 2nd Pat Egan (18) 35 pts (20B9) CSS 35 pts. Ladies 18 Hole Competition on 23/04/2008. Australian Spoons. 1st Eileen Waldron (29), Carmel Burke (34) 2nd Áine Bhreathnach (23) 39 pts. Eileen Dixon (34). Open Day Competition 22/04/08. 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Dick Lyons (21) 37 pts, 2nd Hugh Walsh (7) 36pts, (21B9), 3rd Alan Deacy (17) 36pts, (20 B9) 4th Jones Ferriss (8) 36pts, (18 B9) C.S.S 36 pts.

Pictured are the Junior Sponsors for 2008.Bank of Scotland – Michael O’Keane Photo: l-r: Barbara Richardson, Lady Captain, Claire O’Keane, Michael O’Keane and Pat McEvilly, Captain.

Connemara Sports View

Association Football Oughterard Soccer Club Senior Team win Cup in Division 3 The Oughterard Senior Soccer Team celebrated with the Division 3 Cup at The Boat Inn, Oughterard on April 27th. Pictured here are some team members and two loyal young supporters celebrating their victory. The team were undefeated all of this season and so could not be more deserving of this great win.

Photo (l-r): Back - Luke McConnell, Daniel Tuck, Martin Cody, Ronan Molloy, Aiden Deering , James Walsh , Jack McConnell and Michael Carter. Front - Damien O’Reilly, James McConnell Bryan Merrigan (with supporters Johnney Higgins and Michael Jarman).

Mannions A.F.C. The league came to an end for our first team with a trip to Castle Park to play East Utd. It resulted in a 1-0 loss for us against the second placed team in the division. In a game that didn’t produce a lot of chances they took their one, with a sweet strike from the edge of the box.

It has definitely been a better season from our first team footballers. It was either a win or a loss for us all season, no draws, and apart from a poor performance against league winners NUIG, all of our losses were just by a single goal. As usual, we have had and used a large squad of players throughout the past 8 months and it’s great that there always seems to plenty of young talented footballers willing to put on their boots on a Saturday.

The hope for next season is to get a bit more consistency with our line up and a lot more points.

The reserve team had a very good win on the last weekend of April away at Tuam Celtic. We created lots of chances throughout the afternoon and we should have got a few more than the 3 we scored but Brian Flaherty, Brian Cosgrove and Sean Mitchell took their goals well to make sure we got the 3 points. Tuam Celtic somehow managed to score twice even though they never threatened our goal much, due to solid cool defending from our back line. With a few matches to go for the reserves it’ll be good to see them performing this way with their games against Kinvara, St Bernards and Dynamo Blues.

Kevin Gavin

Oughterard Show Society Show Secretary Needed Oughterard Show Society urgently needs a person to take over the duties of secretary with more or less immediate effect. Our current hard-working secretary, who has been at the helm for the past five years, finishes on a FÁS Community Employment scheme at the end of June when she will then be obliged to seek full-time employment in the work place.

A show office will shortly be opened in the town centre and it is envisaged that this will act as a base for the incoming secretary as well a secure place to keep the ever increasing volume of files and documents relating to the show and which have been accumulated the years.

If any reader has free time and would like to get involved with the biggest annual event held in Oughterard please contact us on 086 3981572 or 091 552462. Leslie Lyons

25th Anniversary Competition This is the 25th year of this All Ireland Ridden Registered Connemara Performance Pony Championship, currently known as the Powers’ Quarry International Performance Registered Connemara Pony Championship and, to celebrate the anniversary, we have decided to invite back the winning owners and riders together with the ponies where possible. It is intended to have a parade involving ponies, owners and riders prior to the start of this year’s competition when suitable mementoes will be presented to mark the special occasion.

Donkey Derby and Vintage

Ballinakill Chess and Draughts Club The Connemara Chess and Draughts Club has been up and running since December 2007. The Club runs every Friday in the Ellis Hall from 7pm onwards. All ages are welcome. Light refreshments are provided and admission is free. A junior championship, which was running over the last few months, concluded last week. Micheal Faherty of Lettergesh National School was the 2008 Junior Chess and Draughts Champion. Andrea Faherty and Charlene Glynn were the runners-up for Draughts and Chess respectively.

The Club is now hoping to increase the number of adults in attendance and, depending on numbers aims to run an adult championship in the autumn. So anyone out there who fancies themselves as a Kasparov or just simply wants to learn how to play, come along on Friday evenings. We hope to keep meeting until the end of May and then break for the summer. Anyone requiring further information about the Club can contact Mary on (087) 9143392. And congratulations once again to Micheal, Andrea and Charlene and all who took part in the 2008 Junior Chess and Draughts Championship.

Photos from top right: Charlene Glynn, 2008 Chess Runner-up and Anthony Faherty (club founder). Andrea Faherty, 2008 Draughts runner-up and Anthony Faherty.

Micheal Faherty, 2008 Junior Chess and Draughts Champion being presented with his trophies by Anthony Faherty. Championship competitors.

Back (l-r): John Enda Gibbons, Brendan Regan. Middle row: lr Daniel Kane, Cathal Glynn, Darragh Faherty, Aoife Gibbons, Kate Faherty, Karen Walsh. Front: Andrea Faherty, Micheal Faherty, and Charlene Glenn.

Tight Lines Bartley McGauley Memorial Cup Fly Fishing Competition Sunday 20th April

6th - Barry Molloy (2.030kg) 2 trout 7th - Tony McQuinn (1.960kg) 3 trout 8th - Eoin Kelly (1.885kg) 2 trout 9th - Aidan Kelly (1.860kg) 2 trout 10th - Jim Glynn (1.225kg) 1 trout Thanks to our sponsors Oughterard Angling Club, Tommy Tucks Angling Supplies, McGeoughs Butchers, Finnerty’s Butchers and Faherty’s Bar.

Entrants-31. No. of Prizes -10

Culfin Anglers

1st - John Kelly (4.400kg) 2 trout 2nd - Pio McGauley (3.755kg) 4 trout 3rd - Tommy Tuck (3.675kg) 6 trout 4th - Raymond Lee (2.845kg) 3 trout 5th - John Deacy (2.080kg) 3 trout

It was a very cold blowy day for the first competition of the season for the Culfin anglers on Carton and Carrabaun lakes. The unseasonable weather contributed to the poor result. Ricky Cronnelly won it with 2 fish.

Second was Tommy Kane with 4 fish, and third was Tommy Carroll with 3 fish. We also had one lady angler competing from South Africa, Mad-

Oughterard Anglers & Boatmen’s Assc.

Connemara SportsView

May 1, 2008

In addition to the two classes for male and female donkeys the show committee has this year decided to re-introduce the donkey derby which was very much enjoyed in previous years. A chief steward has also been appointed to look after the expansion of the vintage section and we look forward to having a much bigger display this year.

Equestrian Competitors Megan King of Derrygimla and her cousin David Connolly of Roscahill, recently competed in the Show Jumping Association of Ireland Finals at the Galway Equestrian Centre in Monivea. (See photo) elene Brinklowe, who has been working in Leenane for the past 4 years or so, and she took the Ladies prize with one fish. The weigh-in was in the Bards Den, and one and all had a great time; the Lotto was also won that night, adding to the atmosphere. The Club would like to thank Vincent Flannery for the great grub that he supplied, it was very much appreciated. The Clubs next competition is a charity event for the Clifden Hospital. The date will be announced shortly, the venue is Tully Lake and it is an open Competition. All are welcome and we hope there will be a good turn out for this worthy cause.

Rory Daly, Chairman, Culfin Anglers

PAGE 19

There were great pub sessions of music on Saturday night and all day Sunday which helped to generate a wonderful atmosphere in the village. From a very successful openGalway has long been regarded as a county ing Concert on Friday night all tastes were catered for including a Fun Fair for the which has been to the forefront of Irish young and not so young who had the courage Traditional music, song and dance. Names such as Joe Burke, Joe Cooley, Frankie Gavin, to take to the skies. A similar programme is laid on for this year’s Fleadh and if early Aggie Whyte, Paddy Fahy, the Keanes of indications are anything to go by, the 2008 Caherlistrane, the Hernons of Carna, our own Kane sisters Liz and Yvonne, Peter and County Fleadh will even surpass last year’s memorable event. The organising committee Vincent Broderick, John and Marie Walsh, is now putting the final touches to preparathe Ballinakill and Aughrim Slopes Céilí tions and coping with a huge influx of enBands and a host of others too numerous to tries. The official Fleadh programme should mention are among the most revered and be on sale from Wednesday 14th May and well known musicians on the Irish traditional in the meantime enquiries can be directed music scene. Many of the younger musicians of recent years who have risen to the top and to Kathleen Kane (Secretary) 095 41116 or Michael O’Neill (Chairman) 095 41047. established themselves as household names Top: Renvyle Seisiun Group.

Leader of the Tribes Ceili Band Above Left: Lettergesh NS U-12 receiving the Senior Ceili Band have come via the Fleadh Cheoil route.

A Movement of the People Set Dancers; Ashling, Brian & trophy from Teresa O’Grady Each year, County Fleadhs are held

By Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir CCÉ Irene Cunningham.

Payne, Adjudicator; Frank throughout the country in April, May and Tá súil agam go Above Middle: Emma O’Sullivan Coyne presents the Johnny June with the winners and runners up in each mbeidh Fleadh na over 16, Michael CunningMark Coyne Perpetual Trophy competition going on to compete in their ham 12-16 and Prionsias O to Des Nealon, Chairman of the Gaillimhe 2008 respective Provincial Fleadhs usually held in hIamain U-12 Galway and Galway Cty Board of Comtaitneamhach late June or early July. From the Provincial Connacht Champion Sean haltas.; Laura Coyne, Milltown agus tairbheach.

Nos Dancers; Cliodhna Ni Banjo U-12 Champion; Niamh Fleadhs the winners and runners up qualify Tá an náisiún go Eidhin, Nicola Ni Mhurchu Molloy, Ballindine Concertina for the All-Ireland Fleadh which will this mór faoi chomaoand Rosemary de Burca from U-12 Champion. year be held in Tullamore on the weekend of in agaibh de bharr Kilnadeema; Abbeyknockmoy Below: Paddy Costelloe of Caherthe 22nd, 23rd and 24th August. Musicians bhúr saothair.

Ladies Set Dancers. listrane singing; Pol 6 hUallawho are crowned All-Ireland champions at chain Concertina Under 12.

In 1951, Com- Right Column: Marcus Hernon, the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in August haltas Ceoltóirí have come through three testing rounds of Éireann was launched in Mullingar, and competition and are more than worthy win- quickly spread throughout Ireland and, inners of their titles. deed, throughout the world. As we look back On the weekend of the 16th, 17th and on those years of service in the promotion 18th May Round 1 which is the Galway of an ancient culture which today enjoys a County Fleadh takes place in Letterfrack. revered place in a progressive world, we recall Up to 1,000 musicians, singers and dancthe events, personalities, aspirations, humour ers from all parts of Co. Galway will come and nostalgia of those heady days when the West to compete in over 100 competitions to dying embers of a cultural identity were nurbe run over the weekend. The cream of the tured and fanned into a flame. The bonding county’s young musicians will be there and manifested at the Fleadh Cheoil. It was un- – preserving the authenticity of our heritage of youth and age in these endeavours is one many will go on to become household names of the highlights of this era as is the broad derpinned by an education programme which but ensuring a pivotal role in the market in the future. place. based acceptance of a music, song and dance ensured ready access for the new generation Last year’s County Fleadh was regarded as which were a legacy of another age.

To all our friends in Renvyle, Letterfrack to the cultural traditions of their forefathers. being one of the most successful ever held and Co. Galway I take this opportunity to Th e main thrust of our reminiscences is not The years under review were packed with because Letterfrack as a village is uniquely thank them for their friendship, vision and to be self-congratulatory but motivational. energy, vision and activity. The new movesuitable for hosting a County Fleadh having ment embraced all the people irrespective of It is in the spirit of the Comhaltas founders, service. You have been a source of inspiration an ample supply of suitable venues all conand encouragement to us all. Go raibh Rath class, creed or politics – it was a mass move- rooted in deed rather than word. It helps to tained within the Connemara West Centre.

Dé ar bhúr saothar. chart the road for further years of progress ment in a real sense which was particularly

Fleadh Cheoil na Gaillimhe Galway County Fleadh Letterfrack May 16-18

Scenes from Fleadh 2007

PAGE 20

May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Clár Ama – Satharn, Bealtaine 17, 2008 Venue

1: LT3

2: LT1

3: Ellis Hall

4: LT2

5: Board Room

6: Forum

7: Creche

8: LT4

9: Creche

10: Ellis Canteen

10.30

Fiddle U12

Accordion U9

Tin Whistle U12

Flute U12

Banjo U12

Concertina U12

Piano U12

Duets 12-15

Comhrá Gaeilge U9 & 9-11

Tin Whistle U9

Comhrá Gaeilge 11-13 & 13-15

11.00 11.30

Accordion U12

12.00 Flute Slow Airs U12

12.30

Piano 12-15

Harp U12 & 12-15

Accompaniment U12 & 12-15

Trios 12-15

Amhránaíocht Gaeilge Mná U12, 12-15

Piano Accordion U 12

Duets U12

Amhránaíocht Gaeilge Fir U12 & 12-15

Mandolin 12-15 LÓN

1.00 2.00

Fiddle Slow Airs 12-15

Mandolin U12

Fiddle 12-15

2.30

Melodeon U12

Tin Whistle 12-15

Flute 12-15

Banjo 12-15

Fiddle U9

Tin Whistle Slow Airs U12

Accordion 12-15 Piano Accordion 12-15

3.00 3.30 4.00

Melodeon 12-15

Lilting & Whistling U12 & 12-15

Flute Slow Airs 12-15

Misc. Instruments U12, 12-15

Uileann Pipes U12 & 12-15

Misc. Instruments U9

Concertina 12-15

Fiddle Slow Airs U12 English Singing Ladies U12

Trios U12

English Singing Ladies 12-15

Tin Whistle Slow Airs 12-15

Bodhran & Drums English Singing Men U12 & 12-15 U12

4.30 5.00

Grúpaí Cheoil 12-15

5.30

Grúpaí Cheoil U12

English Singing Men 12-15

Céilí Bands U12 Céilí Bands 12-15 All times are approximate If entered in more than one competition please notify the call steward in the venue affected

Galway County Fleadh 2008 in Letterfrack Daily Schedule Weekend Programme Friday 16th May 9pm: Ellis Hall- Official Opening of Fleadh; Renvyle Seisiún Group in Concert; Cheese and Wine Reception; Guest Performers Welcome. Admission - €10 Saturday 17th May 10.30am: Competitions Under 9, 9-12, 12-15.

10pm: Set Dancing - Bards Den with Marcus Hernon & Johnny Connolly. Admission Free.

Sunday 18th May 12pm: Ceílí Bands - Ellis Hall - 15 – 18; Senior.

2pm: Dancing Competitions in Ellis Hall: Full Sets mixed and Ladies – Under 12, 12-15, 1518, Over 18; Half Sets mixed only – Under 18 & Over 18; Ceilí Dancing – Under 12, 12-15, 15-18, Over 18; Sean Nós Dancing – Under 12, 12-16, Over 16 2pm: Competitions 15-18 and Over 18 Admission to Competitions each day: Adults €5 / Children €3

Clár Ama – Domhnach, Bealtaine 18, 2008 Venue

1: LT3

12.00

Grúpaí Cheoil O18

1.00

Grúpaí Cheoil 1518

2.00

Fiddle 15-18, O18

2.30

Fiddle Slow Airs 15-18 & O18

3.00

Banjo 15-18 & O18

3.30

Mandolin & Harp 15-18 & O18

4.00

Miscellaneous 15-18 & O18

2: Boardroom

3: Creche

4: LT4

5: Creche Amhránaíocht Gaeilge Mná 15-18 & O18 Amhránaíocht Gaeilge Fir 15-18 & O18

Flute & Flute SA 15-18 & O18 Tin Whistle & Tin Whistle SA 15-18 & O18 Uileann Pipes & Uileann Pipes SA 15-18 & O18 Lilting & Whistling 15-18 & O18

6: Ellis Hall Céilí Bands 15-18 Céilí Bands O18

Piano & Accompaniment English Singing Ladies Accordion 15-18 Damhsa / Dancing 15-18 & O18 15-18 & O18 Bodhran & Drums 15-18 & O18

Accordion O18

Duets 15-18

Melodeon 15-18 & O18

Duets O18

Concertina 15-18 & O18

Trios 15-18 & O18

Damhsa / Dancing English Singing Men 15-18 & O18

Damhsa / Dancing Damhsa / Dancing

Piano Accordion Amhráin Nua Cheaptha Damhsa / Dancing 15-18 & O18 Gaeilge

SPONSORS

Around the Village Newly Composed • Traditional Music Sessions in Local Pubs Damhsa / Dancing 4.30 Ballads English - Visiting Musicians Welcome Damhsa / Dancing 5.00 • Mullins Funfair on Village Green • Connemara Community Radio Live All times are approximate. If entered in more than one competition please notify the call steward in the venue affected.

• Professional Photographer in Attendance Enquiries: Kathleen Kane, Tel 095 41116 (work) 43510 (home).

FORUM

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

PAGE 21

Ceol Theatre

ied Fine Art at Masaryk University qualifying as an art teacher. She came to Connemara for the first time eight years ago and in 2006, inspired by its community and surrounding landscape decided to se le in the village of Le erfrack. During that time Martina rescued a white cat. Intrigued by its feline shape and fur, it has become the subject ma er for her first solo exhibition.

She is particularly inspired at present by the painting of Irish artist John Shinnors. Martina teaches art at the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden during the summer.

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Performances start May 2nd Station House Theatre Ceol Theatre is proud to announce that the long awaited Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be staged at the Station House Theatre this May. There will be four shows taking place on Friday May 2nd, Sunday May 4th, Friday May 9th and Sunday May 11th and the shows start at 8p.m. The multi-talented cast comprises of about 25 adults and 20 children and is headed up by Mike O Malley and Zelda Holloway. So for a night of great fun and singing and dancing come along and support Ceol Theatre’s latest production this May-you won’t regret it! Tickets are available at the door and are €10 for adults and €5 for children under 12 and OAP’s.

Clifden Arts Society Concerts May 5th & 23rd The month of May presents not one, but two great concerts from the Clifden Arts Society. Monday May 5th sees the Rothko String Trio return to the Church of

on the concertina and harp, and Eamon O Donnchada will provide the vocal section and the flute. This concert titled Tobar An Cheoil is presented in conjunction with Music Network.

Brian McNamara is one of the finest pipers of his generation and has toured extensively as well as producing some award winning albums, including the highly acclaimed Reed Only which was listed in the Irish Echo’s top ten recordings for 2007. Grainne Hambly is a wonderful young harpist from County Mayo, she has also released a good many albums. Dublin born Eamon O Donnchada fell in love with sean nos on a trip to Connemara and he sings in the style of this region. This concert should be very popular so come along early and bring a friend. The performance is at 8p.m. Tickets are €10 at the door or by booking on (095) 21206.

Clifden Jazz & Blues Weekend

Ireland where they gave a fantastic performance a few years ago that was very well received. Rothko String Trio is a very talented young trio. For this visit they will feature two pieces by Ludwig Van Beethoven. The first work will be the String Trio in D major op 9 no 2.

The second work will be a fiol for String Trio by Linda Buckley, a new commission funded by the Arts Council and a String Trio will follow this by Alfred Schni ke.

Then it’s back to Beethoven for his String Trio in C minor op 9 no 3. Rothko String Trio are made up of Cliodhna Ryan on Violin, Cian O Duill on viola and Robin Michael on cello. The performance will start at 8p.m. Tickets are €12/€10 at the door.

The next concert from the Clifden Arts Society, will be held on Friday 23rd of May in the Church of Ireland and will begin at 8 o clock. This will feature Brian McNamara on the Uilleann Pipes, Grainne Hambly

Page 22

Clifden Chamber of Commerce, together with Clifden Station House, are hosting an exciting Jazz & Blues Weekend this June Bank Holiday Weekend, 29th May-2nd June.

Headline Acts include Louis Stewart & John Moriarty, Honor Heffernan & The Cafe Orchestra. These acts will be playing at the Station House Theatre & can be booked directly on www.stationhousetheatre.com or by calling (095) 30303.

The music continues at various venues throughout the town over the weekend featuring The Mirenda Rosenburg Band, The Stone Rangers, The Lazy Blues Band, Gavin Ryan, Tom Portman, Joe Fury & The Hayride, Pure Jam Sessions, Rick Harris, Frank Kilkelly, Will Killeen, Pete Lamb, Chad Dughie, Some Like It Hot, Alalé, Glór , The Three Toms, Hot Frogs, Ian Date, Loose Chippings, John G & Martin Conroy, Ritchie Newman & Liam Aspell. Many more acts have yet to be confirmed & a full detailed listing will be posted very soon.

For more information, please visit www.clifden.ie or call 087 0520295.

Exhibition that’s the “Cat’s Meow” The opening of the exhibition “PB´s portrait“ by Martina Navratilova takes place on Saturday 31st May from 3 – 5 p.m at Pangur Ban Restaurant, Le erfrack.

Martina Navratilova is originally from Brno in Czech Republic. She stud-

May 1, 2008

Gigs at the Station Theatre May is another month with a fantastic line up of entertainment at the Station House Theatre, and who be er to get it off to a great start than Ireland’s favourite funny-man Brendan Grace. An entertainer for over 35 years, Brendan is loved up and down the country for his hilarious impressions, characters, accents, expressions and all round wit. Brendan has performed in Clifden before during Arts Week, and anyone familiar with his shows will surely be making their way to the theatre Rest assured, there is also plenty in the show to coax a laugh from the uninitiated newcomer. If laughter is the best medicine, an evening with Brendan Grace will cure many complaints and a great night will be had by all.

Get your tickets early as this is guaranteed to be a sellout show on Saturday May 3rd; tickets are €30.

Another acclaimed performer Eleanor McEvoy is appearing on Saturday May 10th. Eleanor is an accomplished singer and songwriter, who first found commercial success back in 1992, when her song “Only a woman’s heart” inspired the title for, and appeared on, the “A Woman’s Heart” anthology album. The album went on to become the best selling album in Irish history. Her critically acclaimed canon of work spans 6 albums, several singles and appearances on numerous compilation albums and she is today recognised as Ireland’s most successful female singer songwriter.

Her new album “Out There” takes a hard look at the precarious nature of our new wealthy world as well as throwing new light on the idiosyncrasies of love and life with fresh infectious tunes, and wry and wi y lyrics. The show is at 8 p.m. on Saturday May 10th and tickets are €20 for an evening of fantastic music.

Declan O Rourke, one of the brightest stars on the Irish music scene at the moment will perform a number of hits from his hit double platinum selling album “Since Kyabram” and his latest offering “Big Bad Beautiful World”. Declan’s voice has been described by music writers as “a velvet-tinged baritone with a killer false o” and when asked which song of the last 20 years he wished he’d wri en Paul Weller replied “Galileo by Declan O Rourke”. His lyrics touch on all aspects of the individual, his songs focus on the centre of everyday emotions and his voice irresistibly draws the listener in. His understated charm and quick-wit also make him a highly endearing live performer, so it is set to be a memorable evening with yet another high profile act at the Station House Theatre. Declan O Rourke is performing on Saturday May 24th at 8 p.m. and tickets are €25.

For more information and to book call (095) 30303/(095) 21699 or email info@stationhousetheatre. com. Also log on to www.stationhousetheatre.com for details of the Children’s Live Entertainment programme, weekly cinema listings, classic movie screenings and much more.

Connemara ArtsView

Battle of the Boyne in Connemara

Sounds of Connemara

Well-known local artist Lol Hardiman has just finished a copy of a giant canvas oil painting from 1693 with a cast of thousands and leading figures in all their finery. “It’s twelve by seven feet” said Lol, “and has been dominating my small studio space for over a year”. The original painting by Jan Van Wyke

Jackie Coyne is already well known in this area as an award-winning fisherman. Visitors to Connemara may have seen him performing the “brush dance”. Others may have encountered him telling stories and reciting poems. His carpentry skills are to be admired in homes around the region. And now, an eleven-track CD of his self-penned songs. It is a unique concept, profession-

is the property of the National Museum and hangs in Malahide castle. It depicts the Boyne river valley in Co. Meath and the impressive scene of the largest ba le ever to take place on Irish soil.

When the Catholic James II of England and Ireland was defeated by his Protestant nephew William III the course of Irish history was set for centuries to come.

This May, the new Boyne Valley Visitors Centre opens on the site of the ba le and is seen as a major NorthSouth event with many of the leading players in the Good Friday agreement a ending the opening ceremony. A large team of historians, archaeologists, designers and cra speople from around the country have contributed to the centre and Lol was pleased to be asked to paint a copy of such a remarkable contemporary

Connemara ArtsView

artefact to hang centre stage as part of the displays.

“I had to visit Malahide three times and took hundreds of photographs of the original” said Lol as he supped on a fresh brew outside his studio. “It was impossible to light the heavily soiled canvas evenly for a single high resolution shot, so I made a composite from a series of pictures which was about a tenth of the original size, and then referred to all the close up shots for detailed work”. The finished painting was collected from his quiet Connemara studio in mid April encased in a large protective crate labelled “Handle with EXTREME care” a er which he went back in to reclaim his space for more personal work. “It is not the biggest thing I’ve ever painted but it is by far the most prestigious and challenging and I have learned loads in the process. It was interesting to step into the shoes of an artist of the time and a empt to reproduce his particular technique and aesthetic. I’m kind of relieved now that it is gone and am looking forward to catching up with odd jobs around the house”.

Lol is now working towards a summer exhibition in Anton’s Artspace in Galway and some of his waterscapes and sketches can be seen at the back of An Bhean Feasa health store in Clifden.

May 1, 2008

ally performed, that deserves a ention as much for its musicianship as its fascinating glimpse into the mind of a man who has fished throughout his life, following the tradition of his family.

“The Last Lakes of Kylemore” comes in a DVD sized package, together with a booklet of some of Jackie’s other poetry, alongside the lyrics from the album. It is a collection of music, which ranges stylistically from traditional Irish ballads, through banjo-driven country to evocative songs accompanied by string ensemble and concert flute. The variety of singers and musicians is one of the main charms of the CD. While emotional upset and separation wrought by emigration are touched on, the underlying theme of this collection of very personal songs is fishing and what it means to Jackie.

Continued on next page

Page 23

The Art of Videography Pat Coyne - Wedding Videographer Over the years in Connemara, Pat Coyne has provided the music, dancing and entertainment for literally countless events in the area. While he is known to most as a DJ who can and regularly does, cater for every musical taste possible, Pat also has added more strings to his bow and has developed a high class Wedding DVD service which has been exceptionally well received by those who have hired the service so far.

For anyone who knows Pat, his approachability is probably the most noticeable aspect of dealing with him.

His understanding of what people want when they hire his service puts the customer instantly at ease, and the element of uncertainty that o en goes with hiring a service like his is practically non-existent. We’ve all heard horror stories of wedding photographers and DJ’s not delivering what the couple expected, and of course, once the big day and its events are over, they’re over and can’t be relived. This of course, is where the wedding video/DVD traditionally serves as a

Jackie Coyne continued Not only was the CD inspired by the local scenery and amenities, it was actually recorded “out and about” in Connemara as well as in a studio. The baroque organ played by Shona Flaherty on the song “The Last Lakes of Kylemore” resides in the nuns’ private chapel in Kylemore Abbey itself. The rich piano sound on “No Sweet Alibis” was courtesy of the Renvyle House Hotel’s grand piano which is believed to have belonged to the great Irish tenor, John McCormack. All sea swells, thundering waves and gusting winds (especially on “Frothy Torpedoes”) come guaranteed direct from the caves of Le ergesh.

Credit must be given to all the musicians who contributed to this project. “Frothy Torpedoes”, sung by Jackie himself and “The Old Caorthann River” (performed by his son, John Peter) are accompanied solely

by Fionnuala Hannigan-Dunkley on concertina (in a cave) and Fiachra O’Regan on uilleann pipes respectively. Numerous members of the renowned musical Coyne family played flutes and bass and guitar and banjo. Violins and cello and mandolin and accordion complete the instrumentals, and the Le ergesh Dramatic Society singers’ contributed humour with their “rebel song” about the state of the Connemara roads.

The cover of “The Last Lakes of Kylemore” shows Jackie in his element, Hardy rod in hand and trusty dog, Chelsea by his side. The words are wri en by a true cra sman and brought to fruition by an astonishing range of artists. Forget the leprechauns and shamrock -this is as genuine an example of what is life in Connemara today as you’ll find.

Eithne Hannigan

Review: “Krapp’s Last Tape” Becke is not the easiest of playwrights for the occasional theatregoer. There is li le “plot” that moves the action forward. There is only one character so there is no dialogue. Even the most eager designer would be hard pressed to “dress” the play in anything resembling a set. In short, it is a piece of acting that leaves the single performer naked except for his banana, his drink and his memories, painstakingly collected on audio tape.

The director Art O’Briain and Fergus Cronin, playing the 69- year old Krapp, have been friends and work colleagues since the 70’s. What they have produced here is a mood poem about old age and death. The audience is drawn into the tetchy existence of Fergus’ old Krapp, by becoming absorbed by the tiny habitual acts that recur over and over again. He shuffles, he likes bananas, and he is almost anal in his careful

Page 24

wonderful memory and account of the big day. It has long been an integral part of the wedding ceremony as it also allows the couple to look back on parts of the day that they missed or weren’t present for. So imagine the disappointment if you were to end up with a costly, bad quality video, where you can neither see nor hear what is happening properly. It has certainly happened to many people and can be a big disappointment to be le with. To help you decide if this service is for you Pat also helpfully provides a demo DVD so you will know what to expect.

As someone who has worked as a DJ and videographer at many weddings, Pat uses his technical skill and experience to ensure that the customers receive a high quality, personalised product that they can show to friends and family and enjoy re-living the highlights of their big day. He promises an unobtrusive and discreet service while filming the events of the day. The equipment used is of the latest technology and highest quality. The cameras used give exceptional image quality even in low lighting, so there is no need for bright garish lighting, and excellent microphones ensure that every word can be clearly heard.

As a DJ, Pat has a great reputation for catering to all musical tastes, and is inventive and interested enough in what he does to make sure that everything runs smoothly and is satisfactory to the customer. Conveniently Pat offers a range of wedding packages ranging from the production of the DVD, to the evening entertainment required, which can condense two very important aspects of the day into one simple deal. His skilfully edited end product ensures that long a er the disco and dancing is over, the happy couple will always have a professional and distinctly personal reminder of their big day to look back on over the years.

For more information, contact Pat Coyne on (095) 43756 or (086) 406 2394 or check out www.fiddisco.com for more details and testimonials from some very happy customers.

manipulation of the keys to his desk - the single piece of furniture onstage. His performance is a delight.

Krapp’s mouth rounds itself almost sensuously to say “spool” as he searches for the particular recording of his thoughts made years ago that he wants to revisit.

His fingers treat the tapes with reverence, though definitely not love. His banana is not where it “should” be

(is Krapp absent minded, or has there been an interference?. As our hero po ers, though with some aim we do not fully understand, we, the audience, have to work to make sense of it all, to write our individual sub-plots. To dot the “I”s and cross the “t”s.

Everyone I spoke to a er the show thought Fergus Cronin had managed, almost imperceptibly, to convey disturbance and inner turmoil while displaying control and neatness. The performance was an economical one, with no wasted action. Krapp doesn’t howl at the moon so much as rail silently, internally. The themes of the play are not new - youth and fertility versus old age and decrepitude leading to death. Our emotions are only touched if we let ourselves be affected-if we let ourselves feel for this obsessive old soak. The pathos of Krapp alone with his tapes would be sad if the situation weren’t so absurd.

Why do we go to the theatre? The reasons are many; to be amazed and enthralled; to admire the skills of the performers; to have fun; to learn. This particular piece of theatre caught me by surprise. I didn’t know the play, never having read or seen it, but I came away from this having experienced something I’m still thinking about and analysing. It was thoughtfully and skilfully performed and I’m still wondering why the banana was in the “wrong” drawer. I hope this production, rehearsed and premiered in Connemara, flies off to talk to new audiences. Theatre doesn’t need to be a laugh a minute to be good, and this is a small gem that deserves a wider audience. Eithne Hannigan

May 1, 2008

New Video Releases The Golden Compass is an exciting fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people’s souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist.

At the center of the story is Lyra, a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who’s been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers - and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well! Starring: Daniel Craig & Nicole Kidman.

I Am Legend: Years a er a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.

He busies himself with preparing for a nightly a ack from the rest of the world. Starring: Will Smith & Alice Braga.

Charlie Wilson’s War is the true story of how a playboy congressman, a renegade CIA agent and a beautiful Houston socialite joined forces to lead the largest and most successful covert operation in history. Their efforts contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, with consequences that reverberate throughout the world today. Starring: Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman & Julia Roberts.

P.S I Love You; Adapted from the novel by Cecelia Ahern P.S. I Love You tells the story of a young widow who discovers that her late husband has le her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life. Starring: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler & Kathy Bates.

Sweeney Todd: Based on the hit Broadway musical which tells the infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Love . Tim Burton Directs. Starring: Johnny Depp & Helena Bonham Carter.

Monthly video release update courtesy of Video Vault, Main St., Clifden, 095-22033.

Connemara ArtsView

What’s the deal with...

Betting?

The arrival of a third bookmaking shop to Clifden has prompted much conversation and debate about the general state of gambling and betting in the area and the country.

What has always been a lucrative industry seems to be growing and prospering more than ever before in our current economic climate.

Market research reports estimate that annual spending on gambling has risen from €1.6 billion in 2001 to over €3.6 billion in 2006, and claim that more people than ever before visited a bookies in 2007. A recent survey of 18-74 year old Irish adults indicated that more than 1 in 5 consumers had visited a betting shop in the past 6 months. Almost 4 in 10 had attended between 2 and 4 times in the past 6 months and 1 in 4 had done so on 10 occasions or more.

Subsequently, competition among bookmakers has increased hugely, with a startling variety of choices and options available for bettors. (Source: www.amarach.com).

Gambling at betting shops has been generally been seen as a socially acceptable part of Irish culture for a long time now. In a similar way to having your first drink, your first bet or win is often fondly recalled as a sort of rite of passage.

Often kids will pick a horse in the Grand National with their parents or family and be introduced to the fun and excitement at an early age, which is my personal experience and that of many others I know. Like all other pastimes, people who try it will love it, hate it, or just not be particularly interested. Those who love it are very likely to continue placing bets throughout their lifetime, while those with a mild interest will probably place occasional bets for big events. I would like to point out at this stage that I bet on a fairly regular basis so I have absolutely no problem with the practice itself. I find it fun and entertaining and I enjoy the conversation, tips and general banter that take place in

betting offices. The image of a smelly smoke filled room full of old men has been redundant for a long time now, largely due to the smoking ban and the efforts of bookmakers and bookmaking chains to provide high-tech, clean and comfortable surroundings in which to place a bet.

In recent years, however, a new aspect has completely revolutionised the betting industry, the massive, varied, and hugely profitable world of online betting. In international terms, Ireland has been slow to take off in terms of online betting. However, the progression is now well and truly underway, and the murky realities of the scope of online betting are likely to be played out on a grand scale in the near future. Due to a grey area in legislation on online betting, most, if not all Irish bookmakers that currently offer online betting, host their servers offshore. So whilst Boylesports has its headquarters in Dundalk, its Fone-A-Bet and internet service boylesports.com are both registered in the Isle of Man, and Paddy Power’s online services are also based off-shore.

Many studies have already been undertaken on the implications of a huge worldwide betting industry. Recent TV ads for partypoker.com show a number of different people of different nationalities playing poker online, and the reality of the situation is actually very similar. Online poker in particular is extremely popular and is an ever-increasing industry, with many young players encountering and accessing games online. Cable television is also rife with all night coverage of games and tournaments, again compounding the popularity and making learning how to play and compete extremely accessible.

While it outwardly appears to be a matter of personal choice and personal responsibility, there does seem to be an increase in the number of people experiencing gambling problems due to the 24/7 availability of online playing.

Gamblers Anonymous describes gambling as a “secret” addiction, since it can be practised by a person completely privately. Very often there are no telltale signs as there may be with alcohol or drugs. A person could have thousands of

A new shop specialising in beauty and relaxation products has opened on Bridge St in Clifden. Amber Body and Soul is a veritable treasure chest of bath scrubs, foams, oils, salts and bath balls, solid shampoos and essential oils, room scenters, dried flowers, candles and so much more. Amber also has two shops in Dublin and one in Drogheda.

From their huge range of products they can make up personalised gift boxes for the perfect present and the friendly helpful staff will advise you on what products will suit you or answer any questions you might have. In keeping with its name the shop also stocks a beautiful range of silver and amber jewellery. Amber promises a fantastic range of high quality natural products, and once you see (and smell) what this shop has to offer you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

has many years’ experience in creating excellent authentic Asian food in New York, and Chef Alan Barry also has spent many years working in the industry in Connemara and Galway. (See photo).

Traditional ingredients for the Asian dishes are imported from Malaysia while all fish, meat and other ingredients are sourced in Ireland. The restaurant also has two function rooms where all types of occasions can be catered for, from birthdays to christenings and more. The restaurant will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in its 100-seater space with a full Sunday carvery lunch also available. A delivery service will also soon be available using special heated containers for transport making delivery possible all over Connemara. The emphasis is on having an extensive Asian and Irish selection of delicious dishes on offer, all at very reasonable prices. For bookings, information or deliveries call (095) 30885.

New Restaurant at Dan O Hara’s

Dog Gone Café Opens

An exciting new restaurant is opening at Dan O Hara’s Heritage Centre in Lettershea on Friday the 2nd of May. Eddie Lee and Canness Liew have taken over the Centre’s restaurant where a combination of Asian cuisine and traditional Irish fare will feature on the menu. Chef Kelly Lieu

The former Two Dog café on Church Hill in Clifden has re-opened as The Dog Gone Café and Gallery.

The café will serve Illy coffee, home baking, soups salads and regular and toasted sandwiches. Ruairi O Neill of An Duach jewellery studio in the Station House Complex has moved his gallery upstairs where his contemporary silver jewellery and abstract art are on display and for sale. Opening hours are 10-6 from Monday to Saturday.

New Businesses Amber Body & Soul Opens

Send in your news, views & photos to news@ connemaraview. com CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

euro worth of debt and nobody would ever know, except the bookmaker and the credit card provider. Both Paddy Power and Boylesports have prominent links on their websites to GamCare (a counselling and information service for problem gambling) and Gamblers Anonymous, should a customer feel their betting has spiralled out of control. Paddy Power also add that if a customer requests their account to be closed due to the fact that they believe they are gambling too much, they will close the account and do all they can to prevent new accounts being opened by that customer in the future. However, with the abundance of online betting sites out there it would take even a hardened gambling addict quite some time to work their way through them.

In a society where many people have little or no interaction with their neighbours, and often exist between work and home, it is easy to understand the entertainment and time passing qualities of online betting. Personally, I would prefer the interaction and atmosphere of the bookie office, where you talk to actual people and receive and spend actual physical money, as I think it helps to keep the reality of betting present in your mind. It also possibly makes it easier to self regulate your spending habits and logically, the prospect of watching a sporting event with others who also have a vested interest is more enjoyable than being hunched over a computer alone.

Gambling is usually a habit formed pretty early in life.

Many begin as a student, or through work where they may meet others who bet. In a recent interview Paddy Power stated that “about 360,000 bet with a bookie monthly (12%) while fewer than 65,000 people bet online (2%).” It is further estimated that of people who gamble, only 1-2% are thought to be seriously addicted. However, Paddy Power also admitted that the online trend can only increase, and when it does those gambling addict statistics are likely to rise with them. In the mean time, those of us who prefer to place a bet in a bookie’s office will be watching with interest to see whether Clifden can sustain three of them.

Catherine Pryce

DEATH NOTICES Delia Joyce, Barnanoraun Mary Loughery, London & Clifden Ross McMahon, Ballyconneely Mary O’Toole, Cloonisle, Cashel Margaret (Peggy) Sullivan, Clifden 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.

CONSUMER WATCHDOG

Petrol Survey Service Station

Petrol Diesel

Cosgraves, Castlebar

119.90 121.90

Statoil, Clifden

122.90 128.90

ESSO, Clifden

122.90 128.90

Actons, Moyard

122.90 128.90

Kylemore Filling Station 123.90 131.90 Sweeneys, Moycullen

124.90 131.90

Welbys, Oughterard

124.90 132.90

Joyce's, Recess

124.90 133.90

Rogans, Renvyle

125.90 131.90

Ferrons, Roundstone

126.90 134.90

Keoghs, Ballyconneely

128.90 133.90

Prices based on phone survey on Wed 30/04/08

PAGE 25

Health Problems & Natural Medicine Q: Why do I crave foods that are “bad” for me?

A: First we must determine if these foods are indeed bad for you. How are you after eating the desired food? If there are problems after eating this food, such as headache, stomach ache, sinus discharge, flare up of eczema, arthritis or other symptoms, hypoglycemia, palpitations, loss of energy, sleepy or chilly, or other symptoms, then this food is bad for you.

Is a small portion of the food satisfying, or do you continue to have cravings? If there are cravings for more of the same, then this food probably is bad for you. Whereas if it is satisfying & there aren’t cravings, it probably is okay.

These two questions help determine whether the food is bad for you.

Addiction is by definition self propagating. The heroin addict craves exactly what is bad for him. Ditto the alcoholic, and so on.

High glycemic index carbohydrates (sugar, candy, biscuits, white bread, crackers, donuts) is a common addiction.

Shortly after eating these foods blood sugar shoots up very rapidly. This is short lived and may be followed by a blood sugar rush in the opposite direction. Reactive hypoglycemia is when blood sugar gets too low. Blood sugar fluctuations create food cravings, typically for more high glycemic index carbohydrates. This addictive pattern is classic of drug users – crack, speed, etc. Addiction to high glycemic index carbohydrates is immunosuppressive and opens the door to candida.

Candida thrives on sugar imbalance, and its waste products include molecules that enhance the addiction. In this way, candida contributes to the addiction for fast carbohydrates.

There may be addiction to other foods that are not carbohydrates. For example, meat, dairy, egg, fruits, soy, and so on. The explanation of why high glycemic carbohydrates are addictive does not apply to these other food groups. The mechanisms of addiction in these cases vary and can be obscure. Characteristic patterns are commonly seen with each of these food groups. Addiction to dairy is often associated with respiratory tract problems; meat with inflammatory conditions; and potatoes with arthritis. These patterns are only tendencies, no more.

With addiction there may be an unstable dependency of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, endorphins) with the addictive foods.

It is simple to test for food addiction. Stop eating the suspected food and see if there are withdrawal symptoms,

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or improvement of other symptoms. After the period of abstinence, eat the suspected food for a few days, to see if any symptoms recur. This is the best way to identify which food is addictive or pathogenetic.

If you need help with stopping the offending food, see me for support. Some combination of acupuncture, herbs, supplements and dietary changes are effective in reducing or stopping the cravings. Sugar cravings, for example, I probably will diagnose in part as spleen and kidney qi xu, and on this basis select acupuncture points. Herbs are useful for reducing sugar cravings and for normalizing the pancreas (which controls blood sugar). Fatigue suggests adrenal deficiency, and this calls for short term adrenal support.

Chromium piccolinate, a supplement available at health stores, may help with persistent blood sugar abnormalities.

And understand the glycemic index is essential. This is how I approach addiction to fast carbohydrates.

The ways to support someone through food addiction are various and depend on many factors: the food involved, the symptoms, and the unique patterns of that person.

Nicolas Kats, ND, Lic. Ac. practices in Clifden (087-7714710 or 095-30671) and Galway (091-583260). He treats people with diet, supplements, acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic.

Acupuncture is covered by VHI, Quinn Healthcare and VIVAS.

Learning about Herbs In earlier societies, once women had passed through their child bearing years they were regarded as being enlightened, as having attained wisdom and having a new, different role to play in society. Today though, there are social and media pressures on women to remain young looking for ever, to literally be young forever, which can cause some women to feel inadequate and past it. Coupled with some body changes or symptoms of menopause, the change of life can be a difficult time.

Fortunately, there are wonderful herbal remedies, provided

by Mother Nature (and she’s not so young anymore, but is still very active and beautiful), which can ensure that you have a trouble free menopause. First of all, a healthy diet, (perhaps cutting back on too much red meat), adequate sleep and exercise go a long way to balancing hormones. If you feel that your usefulness is over, or sad that your reproductive years are ending you may be feeling stressed and a little down. Siberian Ginseng can help reduce stress as it is an adaptogenic herb and improves vitality, Borage or Star Flower can also help.

If bleeding is very heavy or irregular, Agnus Castus will reduce the flow, making it more manageable. Calendula and Milk Thistle are two deep cleansing herbs and can rid the body of toxins that can contribute to a heavy blood flow.

Taken alongside Agnus Castus they can help to reduce heavy periods and make you feel lighter and better in yourself.

One of the most common problems that a majority of women experience is hot flashes and night sweats. The herb Sage, well known as a culinary herb, can help as it works on the hypothalmus gland which regulates body temperature and is especially effective. Other oestrogen-mimicing herbs are Wild Yam, Black Cohosh and Liquorice. These herbs are particularly helpful if you suffer from aching breasts, vaginal dryness, mood changes and mild depression. If you begin

May 1, 2008

Baby Feeding Most of our tastes and habits relating to food start at a very young age; as young as 4 to 6 months of life. This occurred to me after reading various articles in the Connemara View relating to health, diet and eating habits.

Between 4 and 6 months your baby may want more than just milk and seem hungry after the feed. This is an exciting time for an infant where new tastes, textures, colours and eating habits can be introduced. Of course all babies are different and the following guidelines are flexible.

Always go for the best, fresh products. Try to get organic products if available and affordable (why not think of keeping a small vegetable patch, it’s worth it!).Here is an idea of the kind of diet to start a 4 to 6 month old baby on when milk is not enough any more.

Your baby will still need breast feeding or 4 bottles of 5, 6 or 7oz to adjust to the needs of each baby’s appetite and rhythm everyday. At lunchtime it is time to start gradually with the vegetables. There is no emergency to start the introduction of veg at 5 months and you can perfectly reasonably wait for 6 months or even after.

Feeding Ideas Make a vegetable soup (without salt) and replace the water of one of the bottles (usually the lunchtime one) with the vegetable stock (7 oz of stock and 7 measures of formula). The following days you can add progressively the mixed vegetables while reducing the amount of formula, until after two weeks you reach a bottle of thick soup with only 5 measures of formula.

It’s also possible to add a little veg from a baby food jar to one of the bottles (usually the lunchtime one) reducing the formula amount as above until you reach a bottle with 150 ml water +5 measures of formula +1 jar of 130 g).

It is also common to start vegetables gradually on the spoon as a complement to the bottle or breast-feeding.

Remember that it’s a good idea to eat at the same time as baby with the family. Such a shared experience is rewarding and alleviates the stress of weaning.

Continued on next page to feel anxious and you don’t know why, Passiflora is a very calming and soothing herb to try. Bach Flower Remedies can also be very appropriate for emotional issues that this time may through up. Embrace change, relish the freedom and remember that even if “...beauty changes, it does not necessarily diminish – a wise woman of ninety can indeed be beautiful”. Terri Conroy

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Reiki/Seichem A beginner’s guide Yvonne Maguire of Clifden is a Reiki/ Seichem Master who has been practising the holistic healing therapy for some years now. She first became interested in the art of energy healing in the late 90’s after hearing details about it on the radio. She felt it was an area she would like to explore further and subsequently began training as a practitioner.

Yvonne is a Reiki Master which is the highest level attainable after completing Levels 1 and 2 and is a member of the Reiki Federation of Ireland. A Master will generally practise or teach the art, and Yvonne is currently focusing on practising but may return to teaching in the future. To perform Reiki, one must first be attuned to the energies that are part of our bodies and everything around us. Reiki (“rei” means universal energy, “ki” means “life force”) is said to re- energise the body, mind, emotions and spirit naturally, by channelling energy back to the areas where

Baby Feeding continued Vegetables you can use between 5 and 10 months: Small amounts of potatoes can be a good thickener.It’s better to only offer one “green” veg a day (along with the spuds) so that the child gets to learn the particular taste of each vegetable. What I mean by “green” is carrots, green beans, spinach, courgettes (without the pips and skin), or the white part of the leek and pumpkin. Peas should only be used in small amounts. Limit the amount of carrots in case of constipation.

Avoid veg with a very strong taste or with an important allergic potential or with a too high content in fibers: cabbage, turnip, onions, green part of the leek, celery, peas, tomatoes,

we need it most. Brought to the West by Hawayo Takata in the 1960s, the practice of Reiki was developed by Japanese scholar Dr Mikao Usui in the mid-1800s and is now the fastest growing method of alternative healing in the world. Yvonne also combines Reiki with Seichem in order to maximise the benefits of both treatments to the client.

Seichem is based on and originated from, the same source as Reiki. It allows many healers to channel the extra elemental healing rays of fire, water and air and spirit. This in turn allows the four elemental healing rays to flow together greatly enhancing the healers potential. Interestingly, the healing energies of Reiki and Seichem can also be used to great effect on animals and plants as well as us humans! Yvonne also always involves the angels that she believes surround us all in her healing practises.

When experiencing or receiving Reiki and Seichem healing most people feel the different energies, as they flow through them.

Yvonne describes it as a hands on method healing that is non intrusive and that utilises the energies of the universe which are available to us in infinite supply.

In order to get a better understanding of the practice, I went for a session with Yvonne recently to experience these energies for myself. Going in I had a basic understanding of what was involved, but was curious as to whether it would really be possible to “feel” the energies that are talked about as being the basis of the treatment. I didn’t have any

particular health complaint at the time apart from tense and knotted shoulders and upper back, which I explained to Yvonne in our pre-treatment chat. She explained to me that I would not only get relief from that physical tension, but assured me that I would feel re-energised and physically and emotionally cleansed as a result. As the treatment began I lay on my front while Yvonne explained that she was re-balancing my energy points or chakras. This took about 20 minutes and then I lay on my back for the rest of the treatment. You are fully clothed and covered with a blanket for the entire procedure. Only very light touching is involved, so the process is completely non-invasive and very gentle.

Yvonne explained that she would begin at my head and then work her way around the rest of the seven energy points of the body. After a few minutes of Yvonne working on my head I began to feel a warm sensation, as if energy was actually flowing through my body from my head down. It was an incredibly enjoyable and relaxing feeling. As time passed I began to sink into a state of deep relaxation, similar to being asleep, but yet I was not actually asleep. In Reiki the energies of the healer are combined with that of the client and I could really feel a huge difference and awareness of a new feeling throughout my entire body. I had absolutely no concept of time during the treatment. Yvonne instructed me to put thoughts of whatever I had to do out of my head, which I did my best to do in order to get the most out of the experience.

When the treatment was over, I felt as if I was actually glowing. My skin and eyes were unmistakably brighter, and to put it simply-I just felt absolutely brilliant. Yvonne explains that it a serious cleanse and rids the body of negative energies, and I genuinely felt that there wasn’t an unwell or negative square inch in my body. She advised me to drink plenty of water later that evening to maximise the benefits, and writing this article the next day, I was still feeling the benefits and planning my next session. I found it to be a very personal and powerful experience, and I feel each person would differently interpret it.

I can now understand how people who are suffering from long term illnesses could really benefit from what this form of healing can do. I felt privileged to be able to experience such a powerful sense of wellbeing and calmness from a practice I previously knew so little about. In writing this, I found it quite difficult to relate the whole experience in words. Far from being a sales pitch, this is really a treatment that needs to be experienced in order to be understood. I have no great experience or knowledge of alternative therapies, but any doubts I may have had about the credibility of Reiki are long gone.

This is a valuable and extraordinary practice that can make you completely re-evaluate the way you experience and feel your own mind, body and soul. For further information on Reiki and what it can do for you call Yvonne on (086) 365 3266. Catherine Pryce

artichoke, peppers, aubergines, and parsley.

It’s possible to use frozen vegetables of high quality. The best option are the homegrown veg from the garden as long as they are grown without pesticides or artificial fertilisers, and that they are used as soon as possible.

When the soup gets thicker you must get a medium or fast flowing teat or widen the hole yourself. Also at lunchtime or at teatime, roughly two weeks after starting the veg you can start homemade stewed fruit. Use ripe fruit, cooked and mixed with no added sugar or baby jars (if you start fruit at the same time as the veg your baby might prefer the sweet taste and refuse the veg.)

Kiwi can cause allergic reactions up until the age of a year and beyond. It is better to start a fruit at a time so that the baby

learns the particular taste of each fruit. It is important to respect the tastes and appetite of each child. It is also possible to add some baby cereals without gluten (2 teaspoon in the evening bottle).

A few ideas of menus between 4 & 6 months Morning Breast feed or a bottle of 6 oz of formula depending on the appetite of your baby. It is possible to add a tablespoon of “cereals” for babies without gluten to this bottle. Some diluted fruit juice can be offered throughout the morning (none of the citrus family).

Lunch Time Either a vegetable puree without salt or stewed fruit without sugar. Either A baby food jar of 130 g veg or a jar of fruit (the weight of the jar is not standard so there is

no need to finish them up). It is very important to respect the taste and appetite of each individual.

Tea Time Breast feed, or a bottle of formula 6 oz. A Yogurt, or Fromage frais and a half bottle of formula or breast-feed.

Dinner Either: Breastfeed with spoon fed soup or cereal, or a bottle with baby cereals (without gluten) added or a bottle of soup with 5 measures of formula and eventually some stewed fruit.

The egg yolk and fish can be introduced after 6 months, and after 7 months meat can be safely added. I will post more ideas in another issue. Good luck!

Dr Sophie Faherty

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

PAGE 27

FINANCIAL PLANNING

MAINTAINING BUSINESS PROFITABILITY Most residents of the Clifden and surrounding area will accept that this area of Connemara has seen dramatic changes in the last 10 years with increased levels of tourism. The town of Clifden has seen major building projects which have changed the face of Clifden and made it into a modern, well serviced shopping and tourist centre. But the development of Clifden is mirrored in other tourist venues throughout the country and even though the services and standard of accommodation has undoubtedly risen over the years this is probably only keeping pace at best with our competitors in the tourism sector. And with all the investment in building and improvements many businesses now find that their bottom line cost of servicing debt has risen substantially.This has the potential to make local businesses uncompetitive in a world where two of our major tourism markets (US and UK) have seen their purchasing power decrease by about 15% because of the fall in their respective currencies.What this means is that businesses should never be complacent about their continued success and they should constantly review their operations to ensure they are maximising their return and planning for a future where increased competition and price pressures are likely to be the rule rather than the exception.

So what should business owners do to review their operations with a view to maximising their returns? Well business profitability is a function of a number of factors which need to be considered both individually and collectively. But in a time where everyone is getting concerned about the economy and the future it is imperative that anyone in business is in a position to ensure that costs are being kept under control. If your business costs are too high you inevitably have to try and charge more for your service which in today’s market might very well result in a business losing many customers who are becoming increasingly price conscious.

The heady days of the Celtic tiger when people could apparently charge what they liked and get away with it are now a distant memory. In business only the fittest will survive in an economy where inflation is rising, banks are becoming increasingly reticent to advance funds and unemployment is on the increase.

Cost control doesn’t necessarily mean cutting the price you pay to your suppliers or the laying off of staff but rather it means a critical review of all your business costs and seeing are you getting

PC Home Networks – Wireless Woe Defeated?

Tips When it comes to accessing the & Internet everybody seems to be sayTricks ing “you gotta go wireless-it’s the

best thing since sliced pan”.No wires-sit 20 miles away from civilization on the top of Benbaun and surf the web.Maybe order a pizza.But hang on it’s not that simple - if it was, I wouldn’t keep getting folks asking me for an alternative to the wireless kit they just bought.

First thing you should know about wireless is that it only transmits up to 100m,not the 20 miles needed for sitting on the top of theTwelve Pins.Put walls in the way (most houses have‘em) and the signal drops significantly.OK,this may shock you so I hope you are sitting down wireless DOES NOT pass through brick walls (or concrete)! It also has a hard time penetrating glass if you have Pilkington K,the‘K’bit is a metal coating to conserve heat.This alone can kill the signal by 30%.It does pass through wood and plasterboard,but it is weakened significantly; if the plasterboard is foil backed for energy efficiency you’ll have problems.I am talking about the 2.4GHz wireless as opposed to the newer 5GHz wireless which will pass through these,although any more than 1 brick thickness and again,muchos problemos.Looks like wireless is not all it’s cracked up to be,huh.

Let’s look at a typical household setup.The wireless router is downstairs plugged into the phone line,and you want to beam the Internet to the kid’s bedrooms upstairs so they can do their homework online.We know that wireless signals will be reduced the more floorboards (wood) and walls (plasterboard with foil) that they have to go through,so they bounce off the walls instead just like one of those rubber ‘superballs - you know,the ones that bounce for days.If the signal happens to bounce its way up to the bedroom without running out of steam you get a signal showing on your PC. The signal strength shows if it did a lot of bouncing or not so much.But it is not just the signal strength that is important,it is the message it sent that you need.If the signal bounced around your house in lots of

PAGE 28

the best value from your expenses and is there a way to improve the return you get from each expense heading. I will select a few just to highlight the kinds of issues I am referring to.

Staff Costs

Often in the service/tourism industry one of the major costs is payroll. However many businesses don’t conduct the periodic review of rostering and costs which can lead to improved services to the customer and sometimes cost savings to the business.The labour economy has changed.Two years ago you might have been afraid to change work practices as it was difficult to get staff, today the market seems to have swung in the direction of the employer and necessary changes might be easier to get through to staff now that unemployment is on the increase.What we have seen in today’s businesses climate is that each month is different and the staffing needs of one month may be very different to the next month. Flexibility in the working day with employees is a must.

For example the ability to work split shifts (e.g. 4 hours on, 4 hours off and 4 hours on again) are often required to accommodate the movements in spending habits of the customers.The ability of staff to do multiple tasks during their working day (e.g. cash register when busy, stock control in quieter periods) will lead to more efficient business operation and ultimately greater efficiency will equal greater profits.The list is not exhaustive and all businesses are different but the efficient use of staff hours is a key cost control in any business.

“I’m not sure?” which means that the cost of these services can drift up as those who expect nothing, generally get that from insurance companies, banks and utility providers. A day spend by a business owner finding out how much each service costs and what potential savings can be got from competitors could be one of the most profitable days of the year. It is important each business person does this before the start on the tourist season and they might be presently surprised at what savings can be achieved.

Taxation and accounts

What is the cost savings from alternative insurance quotes every year? Do you question the cost of borrowings/life assurance and compare bank offerings each year? Which of the many telecom and energy providers provide the best and most cost effective solutions for your business? For many business owners the answer is

Taxation is a real cost to business and one which a business neglects at its peril. However there are ways in which a business can work to legally minimise its tax bill through various revenue approved schemes. As tax can be peculiar to businesses circumstances it isn’t advisable for me to give general advice as each scheme needs to be tailored to individual businesses, but in general it involves allowances and deductions such as approved expense claims, pension planning, family employees and tax designated investments among others. However in our business we often see new clients with their affairs over a year or more behind. Paying an accountant to advise you on what happened 18 months ago is poor value for money but often (not always however) it is the clients fault for not getting the affairs up to date in time.The best use of your professional fee to your accountant is to get the accounts ready within a short period of time after your year end and to use the opportunity to discuss how the recent figures compare with other local businesses. Discussing accounts which are over a year old is almost pointless in today fast changing business world.The accountant will generally charge for time, the client should make sure this time is useful and current. Using a local accountant will mean that one, they are more accessible to you and two they know what the local business climate is like and what trends are emerging.

Cost 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.

Declan Mannion can be contacted at Mannion Lochrin & Co, Chartered Accountants, Clifden, Co. Galway. Tel: 095 30030 Fax 095 30031 e-mail declan@mannion-lochrin.com

different directions,as if you threw a box full of rubber balls up the stairs,more than one might make it to the bedroom.Unfortunately then you get an additional problem,loads of signals all with the same message,but slightly out of sync with each other (some took a longer route than others to get there).There is the link quality - the more out-of-sync messages,the poorer the quality and less chance to put them back together and decrypt the message. It seems you can’t win!

What if we invest in a bigger antenna than the one that came with the router? Bigger is best,right? Your router probably came with a 2db (low gain) antenna,you could get a high gain 5 or 8db antenna and try that.You might think that is like throwing a bigger box of rubber balls,but you would be wrong.A higher gain antenna doesn’t emit more signal,it can only transmit what the router is giving it,instead it is concentrating the signal into a more defined beam,as if we were aiming the box of rubber balls rather than just throwing them.However,in my scenario of the router downstairs and the PC upstairs we are not going to improve much,because the high gain antenna changes the signal in the wrong direction.The low gain antenna gives off a signal that looks like a balloon with a dimple on top,(antennas don’t transmit out the top).The high gain antenna effectively increases the range of the signal by‘squashing’it into more of a doughnut shape,with more out the sides and less out the top,not ideal for getting a signal upstairs.However you might find that the signal can now bounce further and does get to the PC with less loss of quality but this is unlikely.You will still get a better connection with any PCs you have downstairs.

So now that I have told you wireless can be a waste of space,cluttering up your house with rubber balls,what about 5GHz wireless-is that any better? Well sure,it has a stronger signal giving you better penetration of walls etc,a better bounce off the walls (more balls!) and also affected less by moisture.The 2.4GHz is stopped by water, believe it or not,and damp walls etc will absorb the signals rather than let them bounce off.Since most humans are 70% water,you can

put your hand around the antenna and cut the signal strength by half! The 5GHz units are slowly coming down in price but they are still out the reach of most folks.

So what’s the alternative to wireless? Simple-put cables in! You can’t beat a bit of copper wire. But drilling holes in walls and running cables along the skirting boards is the reason you went wireless in the first place, innit? Well there is an alternative to wireless that uses cables and there is no need for you to drill, cable or even redecorate, was that a sigh of relief I heard? Your house already has the cables in it that you need to get the Internet to every room in the house, even possibly the garage.Your 240v electric ring main, feeding every 3 pin socket in your house, they are all connected together at your breaker/fuse board. Now using some kit called Ethernet Bridges you can send the Internet from your router downstairs to anywhere you have a 3-pin socket.You could even sit on top of Benbaun as long as you had a 20-mile extension lead. Bridges put the Internet signal from the router onto the 240v ring main around your house (or office) and then you tap it off using another bridge at the 3-pin socket next to your PC. I have installed dozens of these around Connemara, with a 90% success rate. If security is a concern for shared offices etc, then I add some software to encrypt the network traffic.

There are a couple of issues with Bridges.They don’t work if they are plugged into surge protectors,and are designed to work within single premises,where a single ESB unit controls the supply of electricity into the building.If you have 3-phase supply,then you are very possibly out of luck.Other obstacles such as PowerTransformers (often attached to printers,mobile phone chargers etc) should be plugged into a separate socket as they generate‘local’interference,which in some circumstances may degrade performance;a little experimentation here often yields results! Sound interesting? Contact me atTwo Dog Computers on 22194 to discuss!

JohnClaro.

Control over goods suppliers

Too often we see businesses operate practices in this area which can lead to cost overruns. If you use the same suppliers year in, year out and never question the prices being charged, check the quantity delivered against the quantity invoiced or check what other suppliers are in the area and what they can do, then the chances are you will probably be overcharged for your business. It is human nature that the costs tend to drift up for those who do not question. It is important that every business does enough to ensure that the best value is being got so that ultimately the business can run as profitably as possible.

Control over service costs

May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Cashel House Celebrates 40th Anniversary The 2008 tourist season sees the McEvilly family celebrate 40 years running one of the country’s most unique and prestigious hotels, Cashel House Hotel.

The building itself has always had a colourful history.

Geoff rey Emerson, who is said to have designed it for Captain Thomas Hazell, built it in 1840. Emerson is also a great great grandfather of the present owners, the McEvillys. From 1919 to 1951, Cashel House was the home of Jim O Mara T.D., who was a keen botanist and carried out a lot

of work on the gardens. He turned the orchard field into a walled garden of rare trees, azaleas, heathers and dwarf rhododendrons called the “secret garden”, which is still a wonderful feature of the gardens today. In 1952, Lt Col and Mrs. William Patrick Browne Clayton took over the house, and during their time there, the late British Prime Minister Harold McMillan stayed as their guest many times.

Dermot and Kay McEvilly purchased Cashel House in 1967, and Kay recalls that most people, including banks and financial institutions, thought they were crazy to open a hotel in the location. Even with financial restraints, they began refurbishing and installing all modern facilities, and the house re-opened in May 1968 as Cashel House Hotel. They

preserved the original house with its asymmetrical gabled elevations and any additional building was done to the side of the house in order to maintain its original elegance.

The natural beauty and tranquillity of the Cashel Bay area helped to make the hotel a true gem of Connemara. It quickly gained a reputation as a place where guests could come and rest and relax in stunning surroundings, while the family provided them with some of the best fresh food and Irish hospitality in the country. The superb gardens of the house have always been a special feature. When the McEvillys took over the house, the gardens were seriously overgrown and required a lot of restoration, particularly in the first three years. Indeed sections of the garden are still being restored and developed today and no small amount of work is required to keep them in all their glory.

Cashel House quickly began to attract high profile guests, due in part to the hard work of Dermot with regard to marketing and building a brand name both at home and abroad. In fact, the late General and Madam De Gaulle of France spent two weeks of their Irish holiday in the hotel in May of 1969.

In the years the McEvilly family has been running Cashel House, it has won many awards and accolades. Most recently it has been voted Country House Hotel of the Year 2008 for Ireland and Great Britain by The Good Hotel Guide. Dermot was also involved in the development of Connemara Golf Club, and was a founding member of the prestigious Blue Book guide to hotels along with the likes of Myrtle Allen and Jane Callahan. In the late 60’s and early 70’s telephones were still a rarity in the area Kay explains, so most bookings were made by writing in advance, a far cry from today’s habits of last minute and internet short notice booking.

As a hotelier for 40 years now, Kay has experienced all the highs and lows of the industry. She mentions the significant drops in numbers of British tourists after the events of Bloody Sunday in the North, and confirms that the numbers of American visitors has also dropped since 9/11. The longevity her family enjoys in the business can be attributed to 100% hard work and dedication she says, explaining that you often have to put your personal life to one side when providing the best possible service to guests and customers.

Another sure sign of a well-run establishment is a backbone of great staff, and Kay emphasises how lucky they consider themselves to have exactly that. Local Mary Gabriel Conroy has been with the hotel since the summer of 1969, and oversees and manages the kitchen that consistently produces fine gourmet fare. Hotel manager Ray Doorley has been Hotel Manager for almost 30 years and heads a staff that the McEvillys are justly proud of and grateful to for helping to create the top quality standards of hospitality

offered in Cashel House today.

The McEvillys are showing no signs of slowing down yet. The hotel is a labour of love for them and it is evident in the pride they take in the beautiful building, spectacular gardens and the excellent stud farm run by daughter, Lucy.

Son Frank recently produced a booklet of walking routes in the area in yet another example of how the family keep adding to and improving the facilities available. All considered, the wonderful hospitality provided to visitors to the area by the McEvilly’s and Cashel House looks set to continue for many more years, thanks to the great work and achievements of the past four decades. Cashel House is open to the public for Sunday lunch from 12:30-2:30, bar food from 12:30-3:00, afternoon teas from 3:00-5:00 and special dinners. The Heritage Gardens are open daily with donations going to local charities. For more information contact (095) 31001 or check out www.cashel-house-hotel.com.

B ig C lean- up in C l ifd e n On two consecutive Sundays in April, citizens of Clifden took to the streets , beaches and shores with neon aprons and big red gloves. The Tidy Towns and Chamber of Commerce spearheaded these weekends to rid the area of litter.

The participation was even larger than in previous years! Well done all! Let’s all work to keep Clifden clean.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

PAGE 29

Clifden Son Stars in Upcoming TV Series

Planning Applications in April

“Tin Man”, the hit 3-part TV mini-series is to be screened on the SciFi channel on this side of the Atlantic after it’s American debut last December saw it achieve the highest ever viewing figure for the network. The show stars Neal McDonough, brother of Ellen McDonough (Publisher/Editorin-Chief of Connemara View) and son of Frank McDonough of Derrylea, Clifden.

Neal is best known for his roles in Band of Brothers, Minority Report and TV series Boomtown and Medical Investigations. He also starred in movie “88 Minutes” which is currently on release in the U.S. He graduated from Syracuse University’s Drama School in 1988 and has been a working actor ever since, having also trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. The “Tin Man” series is hugely anticipated and is sure to be another highlight of his career to date. It is based on the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” , but this modern interpretation diverges hugely in style and tone and delighted American audiences.

Neal is currently in Thailand filming the upcoming Street Fighter movie in which he plays the character of M. Bison, the arch villain of the Street Fighter game, which video game and movie fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating. “Tin Man” begins on Sunday May 11th at 8p.m. on the SciFi channel and will be concluded on the following two Sundays at the same time. So expect to see plenty more of Connemara’s export to Hollywood soon on a screen near you!

Photos: Neal in character as the “Tin Man”. Neal and his one year old daughter playing with a chatty elephant in Thailand last month during the filming of “Street Fighter”.

PAGE 30

081004 Pryce, Catherine Clifden. 07/04/08 For retention of change of use of an extension to a dwellinghouse from an ensuite bedroom, store and garage to three independent apartments, each containing two bedrooms. Also a change of elevations, increase of ridge height from 6.5m to 7.5m and increase of floor area from 70 sqm to 135 sqm by the addition of an upper floor (Gross floor area 45 sqm).

081031 Aspell, Petrina Knockbrack. 09/04/08 For extension / alterations to previously existing dwelling house and all ancillary site works and site services (Gross floor area 113.9 sqm).

081033 Wilson, Ita Kane Dawrosbeg. 09/04/08 To construct a dwellinghouse, septic tank and percolation area (Gross floor area 126 sqm).

081045 O’Connor, Thady Killannin 10/04/08 To construct a dwelling house, sewage treatment system and domestic garage (gross floor space 286sqm).

081047 Coolacloy, Pryce, Roisin. 10/04/08 To construct a dwelling house and septic disposal system (gross floor space 224sqm).

081056 Geoghegan, Siobhan Baunogue. 10/04/08 For construction of a dwelling house, sewage treatment plant and percolation area and ancillary services (gross floor space 198.5sqm).

081071 O’Donnell, Peter Derrylea. 11/04/08. For (a) retention for demolished rear extension, (b) restoration & renovation works to existing dwelling, (c) retention of partly constructed new rear extension replacing the original demolished rear extension, (d) retention of partly constructed new extensions to either side of existing dwelling, (e) permission to complete partly constructed new extensions (f ) retention of partly constructed new garage, (g) permission to complete partly constructed new garage, (h) upgrade existing septic tank to a Bord na Mona Treatment System & construct a new percolation area. (Gross floor area Proposed 92.9sqm, To be retained 47.8sqm).

081073 Mullen, Michael Carrowroe 11/04/08 To erect a domestic garage with ancillary site works. (Gross floor area 59.99sqm).

081074 Gibbons, Michael Clifden. 11/04/08 For (a) to retain front elevation (b) to retain new rear boiler house. (Gross floor area 14.5sqm).

081077 Sullivan, Michael Carrowroe North 11/04/08 Áiléar tí a athrú ó stór tí go dtí seomra comhluadar ina mbeidh athrú ardais. (Gross floor area 79.31sqm).

081134 Daniels, Francis 17/04/08 To construct a new dwelling and puraflo waste treatment plant (Gross floor area 222.40 sqm).

081173 Conneely, John C. Manninmore. 21/04/08 For construction of a dwelling house and private wastewater treatment system (gross floor space 118.2sqm).

081185 Keane, Mary Carrowroe 22/04/08 For construction of a dwelling house and private wastewater treatment system (gross floor space 118.2sqm).

081241 Lyons, John Kilkerrin 25/04/08 To construct 12 No. 2 storey semi-detached dwellings, 4 no. single storey semi-detached dwellings, 3 no. single storey detached dwellings and associated site works and services. (Gross floor area 1458.6sqm).

081247 Heanue, Padraic & Nicola Clifden 25/04/08 For the change of use of a dwelling to a commercial unit. (Gross floor area 104.50sqm).

081253 Sullivan, Michael Carrowroe North 28/04/08 Le haghaidh ailear i dteach conaithe a athru ina aith chonaithe lena n-airitear athruight ingearchlo. (Gross floor area 79.31sqm).

081257 Passemard, Paul Clifden Demesne Planning Permission 28/04/08 For 1 new window on the westerly elevation, additional velux roof lights, minor alterations to internal layout, and retention of remaining house and external shed. (Gross floor area 197.60sqm).

08932 Nic Dhonncadha, Bairbre Aine 02/04/08 Le haghaidh teach nua, dabhach searachais agus coras eisilte meinuil a thogail (Gross floor area 171.57 sqm).

08937 King, Bernard & Alison Leenaun 02/04/08 To erect 4 no. detached houses and associated access, siteworks and landscaping (Gross floor area 860 sqm).

08949 Pumfrett, Debby Killymongaun 03/04/08 For retention of shed / store, horse stables and mennage and horse riding paddock (gross floor space 134sqm stables, 45.38sqm shed/store).

08974 Lawless, Colm Carrowroe North 03/04/08 To construct a dwellinghouse, domestic garage and septic tank including all associated services (Gross floor area House 367.9 sqm Garage 49.62 sqm).

08984 Beecher, David & Myra 04/04/08 For the construction of extensions to existing dwelling which consists of a sun room extension to the east and a porch extension to the north (Gross floor area 19 sqm).

08985 Conneely, Joseph Derrygimlagh 04/04/08 For extensions and alterations to existing dwelling consisting of the following: (a) The part demolition of existing rear extension & shed, (b) The replacement of existing roof with new raised pitched roof. (c) The construction of new extensions to the side & rear. (d) New septic tank, percolation area and ancillary site works. (Gross floor area 179 sqm).

08986 Beatty, Michael Lettermore. 04/04/08 Chun teach nua agus seirbhis searachais a thogail. (Gross floor area 291.61 sqm).

08998 Mac Donnacha, P Carrowroe North. 04/04/08 Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail (Gross floor area House 271 sqm Garage 54 sqm).

Source: www.galway.ie

May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Reading Tree Project My name is Sarah Burke and I’m going to tell you about the reading tree project in which our class participated.

The Galway County Library and Ms. Eily Vaughan, who is our home school co-ordinator, runs this project. The Library provided all the books, which were specially chosen to for us to use in the project. Most of the books were written by well-known authors and have won various awards.

My favourite book that I read during the project was ‘Melody for Nora’ which was written by Mark O’ Sullivan. It is about a girl called Nora who has to move from Dublin to Tipperary when her mother dies and it was set in 1922 during the civil war. I would highly recommend it, as it is a very interesting book.

The aim of the reading tree project was to get us more involved in reading and for us to

Galway’s only Concierge Kevin Prunty was recently presented with the Golden Keys of Les Clef D’Ors, which is the International association of professional hotel concierges. Kevin has been Chief Concierge at Glenlo Abbey Hotel for over a year. Les Clef D’or is a very prestigious international organisation and the required standards to become a member are very high indeed.

A member of the Clefs D’or is expected to be presentable, courteous, helpful and experienced, with good tourist knowledge.

They must know how to advise their clientele, as well as be its privileged listener. Furthermore, they must have the ability to cooperate and work alongside the management team for the benefit of the hotel guests. The aim of the Clef D’or is to continue to improve and maintain the quality of service provided by Concierge staff in their hotels and to ensure

venture away from the books that we would normally read on a dayto-day basis. We read one book a week and did this for ten weeks.

One book that was quite popular was titled ‘The Amazing Book Eating Boy’. This book had some very interesting illustrations.

I thoroughly enjoyed the project and after talking with my class-

mates we all agree that the reading tree project was a great success! Sarah Burke Photos of participating schools: Top row from left - Kingstown, Cashel, Clifden. Bottom - Claddaghduff, Roundstone.

that this little appreciated profession is given the recognition it deserves Kevin is the only professional concierge in Galway County, and has an excellent background in the tourism industry, having worked at the Oughterard Tourism office for many years, where he underwent comprehensive training by Failte Ireland.

Photo (l-r): Eimear Killian, Deputy Manager Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Kevin Prunty Chief Concierge Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Brendan Spence President of Les Clef D’or Ireland, and Brian Burke General Manager Glenlo Abbey Hotel.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

PAGE 31

010508-CV-32:CV Master even

29/04/2008

19:45

This month should give us plenty to do provided that the weather gives us a break; the fairly mild period around Easter brought hope that spring had finally arrived but the bitterly cold east winds and the hailstones of the past few weeks brought us back to earth very quickly.

Containers can now be planted up. If reusing old window boxes, pots or whatever, it is a good idea to wash them first. Use a

small amount of bleach to really clean the surfaces of the containers. A great selection of plants can be grown in pots, depending on the size, anything from fairly tall trees to

Page 1

miniatures. All need good drainage, good soil and compost and need to be positioned correctly. It is a good place to let your garden ideas run wild, as if you are not completely satisfied it is fairly easy to re plant them. I like to mix different type of plants in containers. You can put the fairly tall in the centre or to one side, a selection of annuals or herbaceous plants, bulbs and trailing plants.

You can blend them in any way you want, either contrasting or one colour schemes work well in pots.

Make sure that you have a drainage hole in the base of the pot, sometimes you have to make your own, especially with window boxes. Once that’s done put a layer of stones, broken pots or brick in the bottom. Mix good garden soil and compost, I prefer to use nonpeat type, as peat is not particularly nutritious and is difficult to wet if it becomes too dry.

Also if you use too much, it does not give the roots much to hold onto and the plant can rock in heavy winds.

Hanging baskets can also be planted now, and once again a wide variety of plants can be used in these. For a few years I even grew herbs in hanging baskets. This was useful beside the kitchen door, as it kept the herbs

away from most pests and allowed the ground underneath to be used for other plants. Do not put your baskets or boxes out until you are sure that the real cold has gone.

It is no harm to put them out during the day for a few hours. Make sure they are kept well watered and it is no harm to feed them every few weeks.

An enjoyable task and I feel a rewarding one is the creation of a shrub border in your garden. This can give you more scope than a traditional herbaceous border. You should use a mixture of evergreen and deciduous shrubs in order that there is always something to look at. I also feel that a proper mixture would contain shrubs that will give you a variety of shape both in leaves and shape. Colour should match your taste, I wouldn’t use just one colour. Mix them between leaf, flower, and stem colour. Remember, flowers are not everything, and shape and texture are very important.

I will give a few of my favourite plants, which would look well in any shrub bed. Mahonia Charity- this evergreen shrub has wonderful yellow flowers in winter.

Grows fairly tall so keep to the back. Another tall shrub, which grows well here, is Elaeagnus pungens Maculata. This is grown for its evergreen leaves, which are very much marked with deep yellow patches. One of my favourites and one which I have mentioned before is Enkianthus perulatus (see photo)which has a variety of seasons, small bell shaped flowers in spring, nice green leaves during the summer, these turn bright red in autumn and interesting small fruits in autumn. Another good variegated shrub is Osmanthus heterophyllus Aureomargiantus

Local Open University Graduates

Mary Keenan ( photo right) of Clifden who is a self-employed Farmer, embarked on her first course with the OU during the year 2000, considering it a new, personal challenge for the new Millennium. She first decided to enrol on an IT course to gain an overview of computing and its history. She found her continuing studies very informative and enjoyable, successfully fitting in alongside her existing commitments. Financial support from Galway Rural Development (via Social Inclusion

PAGE 32

May 1, 2008

which has holly like leaves splashed with yellow, it is also evergreen. For contrast, add a few purple leaved shrubs such as Berberis thunbergii atroppupurea, or maybe Photinia x fraseri, which has large red/purple leaves.

For Autumn colour a Cotinus coggygia can be planted at the back of the border. There are whole ranges of hebe which are valuable as fillers, theses have a wide variety of leaf shapes which also give added interest.

Most of these shrubs will give you all year round interest, others could be added which give short time colour, Deutzia and Spiraea varieties will give weeks of white flowers followed by green leaves while Spiraea japonica gold flame has pink flowers as does Escallonia Apple Blossom. It is important to prepare the ground well in advance of planting, I like to dig a fair amount of compost into the soil.

More care should be taken at the early stage as these plants once established are not easy to move as they often have large root systems. As most of the shrubs will arrive in pots, the planting is straightforward enough, but take care to water them well, until established. If you didn’t get a chance to plant a tree for Tree Week in March it is still not too late to do so. It is a good time to select a tree at present, as you can see what the leaves are going to be like. Always be careful when planting trees that you give them plenty of space, read the label carefully for likes and dislikes. If the label doesn’t give much information look up a book, or go online and find out what the tree needs. They can be very expensive items and you don’t want to see your hard earned cash go to waste, never mind see a beautiful tree die.

Happy gardening.Breandan O Scanaill Programme) also provided impetus to further boost her study efforts. Congratulations to both Elaine and Mary on their graduations this April.

If you would like to see what the Open University has to offer, check out www.open.ac.uk for details of courses and more.

Elaine Conroy (photo left) of Ballyconneely embarked on the Masters in Education specialising in Special Needs with the Open University three years ago. She wanted to study for personal reasons but the material helped her immensely in the classroom. In the past three years, she has planned a wedding, got married and had two babies with only 16 months between them.

She also continued to work full-time. The flexibility of The OU allowed her to achieve her Masters even with so much else going on! The modules gave her excellent information for teaching. In attendance at her graduation in April were her husband Pat and her sons, Joe and Thomas. Elaine is now a teacher and deputy principal.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

The Connemara View Crossword No. 44 1

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Across 1. Imitation chompers (5,5) 6. Baby sheep (4) 10.Main blood vessel (5) 11. Most important (9) 12 Egg dish (8) 13. Be clear about this county (5) 15. Road bridge (7) 17. Quench (7) 19. Theft (7) 21. Money or veg? (7) 22. Painful infant tummy complaint, or not (5) 24. Chaos (8) 27. Spill the beans (4,5) 28. Hooligan website (5) 29. School of note (4) 30. Tall abrasive edifice (10)

Down 1.Young horse (4) 2. Council chief (4,5) 3. Ethereal message (1,4) 4. Earth’s equidistant dividing line (7) 5. Very popular barmaid could be this (7) 7. Odour (5) 8. Caged egg layer (7,3) 9. Cost label (5,3) 14. Drink outlet (3,7) 16. Vietnamese fighting force (4,4) 18. Stellar craft (9) 20. Islamic veil (7) 21. Motor car frame (7) 23. Absurd biblical venue, or pole dance (5) 25. Purchaser (5) 26. Acidic, gone off (4)

Across Bogman 39 1 It’s natural to provide wrapping for the clown heading on. (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 There’s a strangled scream as the slaughter commences. (8) 9 Distant cousin is a swinger with cash, about a thousand. (6) 10 Will international body be back in time to unveil the memorial? (8) 9 10 12 Saying that LO is better than no this? Then, so, presumably, is AF! (5) 13 It’s a new local organisation, so make an exception. (9) 11 15 Being untreated, put back fighting. (3) 12 13 14 16 Police artist is a bit of a nut, possibly from 5 down? (5) 17 Lives with common sailor before the fateful date? (6) 15 22 Takes off on a journey in a ship? (6) 16 17 18 19 24 It gets to the point where it will fire up the wicked lights. (5) 27 If you’re wrong, it’ll be all right. (3) 20 21 28 Tradesman at rear slept fitfully with his work under a few coats. (9) 31 Get it in the neck for expressing sorrow about T bone. (5) 22 23 24 32 Make abstruse reference to Mr Clapton about broken toes? (8) 25 26 27 33 One cc’s mixed in for a light solution. (6) 34 Holy woman goes about in creepy situation. (8) 28 29 30 31 35 People who take drugs get around the hospital head to show the way. (6) Down 32 33 1 Return with the right to redress. (8) 2 Fool leads casual worker to tea, with no respect for the outcome. (8) 34 35 3 Above medical man, back in navy or in red? (9) 5 Make a charge on a small island? (5) 6 What the brave wife descried about the first couple in the queue. (5) Enter answers into draw of correct answers for a voucher 7 This removes dirt from broken lances. (6) from Homewares Plus in Clifden by May 28th 8 One way or another, I am going into space. (6) Winners: Bogman Mary Devane, Roundstone Connemara View Detta Conroy, Clifden 11 With berry, first class, I end up in a state. (6) 14 How strange to have nothing on the holy man. (3) Answers to Bogman 38 & Connemara View 43 18 Put butcher’s hook into non-reactive surround1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 T B M ings. (6) A H R B H P T P B L U E W H A L E 9 10 11 A Y O A C I N E M A 19 Gates Earns Cent! Crazy! (9) F L U T E A L I A S A D O P E P 20 This is an accommodatingly open clue, T R C K D E X W U P S E T T I N G 12 13 T L T T G S P I R A L especially for the visibly rich! (8) E A R L Y E X E C U T I V E E B E 21 Church leaders have to get a grip on their R 14 I C R S D R D O L E Q U E U E 15 16 P T B I O R D E A L crooked staffs or crises may develop. (8) O C U L I S T M O T I V E H A O D E A L E 23 Medical person leaves the machine in the A E R D S 17 18 19 C L A I M E D G O R I L L A laundrette to get us drink. (3) A N O D E S S E C U R E 20 A L U D U O Y Y F S E H E 25 Have long talks with the secret service 21 22 23 24 R E F U G E M A S B W I S E S T F A T A L L Y people about the Labour leader. (6) 25 26 E C S S P A R E T Y R E I U T S M E S 26 To a degree, this might be a blessing to 27 28 29 C R A G G Y T M A O F A C E T I O U S P I V O T another distant cousin. (6) R S A A E R O P L A N E A U P A I A A 29 In haste ensure that they’re on their way to 30T 31 32 O N T I M E E U L Z L E G R A I N Y O W N E R score. (5) W E E E N G R O S S E D Y E E C S N T E 30 Is/are confused by lift? (5)

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME

11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME

11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME

11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME

11am – 12 Noon

11am – 12 Noon

10am – 12 Noon

The Friday Fix

Monkeying Around

Sounds A Bit Irish

Mary Roe

Cathy Keane Brendan O'Malley

Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond

Heather Kearney

Eamonn McLoughlin 11am Clifden Mass live

Heather Heanue

Mike O'Malley *Connemara View

*Mulcrone Bros

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 Live with John Dunne

6 - 7pm My Kind of Music Martin Conroy *Clifden

7 - 8pm

Talk Sport

Failte Mary Corbett Joyce *Aran Direct

Margaret Sheehan

Pretty Good Day So Far Sean Halpenny

6 - 7pm Take It Easy

6 - 7pm It's the Weekend

6 - 7pm Full of Beans

6 - 7pm Footappin' Time

Michael O'Toole

Liam Joyce

Terri Conroy

Tom Mongan

7 - 8pm

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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

6 - 7pm As Gaeilge Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig 7 - 8pm

Richard de Stacpoole Anne Conneely 8:15 - 9pm Anne Conneely

Cashel Credit Unions

Supply Centre

Brendan Ridge

*AIB

Alternate Weeks

Linda O'Malley

*Acton Construction

Clifden

8pm

8pm Ballyconneely Report

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 2 Man Show

8:15 - 9pm American Country

Coast to Coast

8:10 - 9pm Decades of Hits

Pat Keaney

Sam & Beatrice

Brendan Ridge

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

Paul Phelan

*FORUM

8pm

Michael Coyne

PAGE 33

FETAC Awards for Rosmuc and Cashel The staff and learners of The Further Education Centre in Ros Muc and Cashel Community Training and Education Centre celebrated a presentation of awards night recently.

Seósamh Mac Donnacha, CEO of County Galway VEC presented over one hundred certificates between FETAC, ECDL and Commercial Examining Board awards. He praised the work of both staff and students for their achievements.

VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) and BTEI are both run by County Galway VEC at An Crannóg, Ros Muc. The courses are both full and part time and available to adult learners. At VTOS Ros Muc students can take a full time course in Business Studies FETAC Level 5. Modules include Communications, Mathematics, Business Calculations, Pay roll, Computer Skills, Organic Farming, Work Experience and Art. Students work in small groups and get a lot of one to one help and support with their studies. The course is two years with an optional third year depending on one’s circumstances.

BTEI (Back to Education Initiative) is a part time programme. At the moment there are courses running in Computers, childcare and bookkeeping between three centres at Ros Muc, Cill Chiaráin and Leitir Mealláin.

For further information on courses run by Ros Muc Centre call Mairéad Seóige at (091) 574411. For further information on courses at Cashel Community Training and Education Centre call (095) 31052.

Photos (l-r): Commercial Examining Board in Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced word processing from Leitir Mealláin and Cill Chiarán: John Keane, Teresa Joyce, Catherine Mannion, Joe McDonagh, CEO, County Galway VEC, Maureen Mannion, Christina Mannion, Deirdre Ní Cheannabháin and Diarmuid Ó Céidigh, FETAC. Organic Production FETAC Level 5: Eileen Noonan-Connolly, Phil Cloherty, Marian Ridge, Joe McDonagh, CEO, County Galway VEC, Fiona Joyce and Diarmuid Ó Céidigh, FETAC. Communications and Irish at Ionad Breisoideachais Ros Muc: Eileen Ward, Mary Delaney, Emer Ní Rioghin, Heather Ward, Chris De Cursa, Sue Eldred, Marian Ridge, Joe McDonagh, CEO, County Galway VEC, Bairbre Seoige, Mary Theresa Nee, Barbara Davis, Mary Conneely, Aileen Ward and Diamuid Ó Céidigh, FETAC. Child Care: Caitlín Nic Dhonnacha, Seosamh Mac Donncha, Tine ní Ghríofa, Maighread Breathnach, Máire Uí Fhlatharta, Joanna Ni Chadhain, Maria Ristori, Diarmuid Ó Céidigh, FETAC, Eileen Nic Dhonnacha, Bairbre Ban Mhic Dhonnacha agus Anna Maria Ní Fhatharta.

Mathematic, Gaeilge agus Ríomhaireacht Fheidhmeannach: Seán Mac Lochlainn, Oifigeach Aosach, Coiste Gairmoideachais Chontae Na Gaillimhe, Treasa Dundass, Mary Ann Uí Ghriallais, Bríd Uí Chualáin, Margaret Hopkins, Ann O’Toole, Seosamh Mac Donncha, Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiocháin, Coiste Gairmoideachais Chontae Na Gaillimhe, Gwyneth Uí Ghaora, Dara O’Toole, Mary Mhic Dhonnacha, Kate Kelly, Mairead Seoige, VTOS Co-Ordinator, Pádraig ó Conghaile agus Diarmuid ó Céidigh, FETAC. ECDL Ros Muc, Leitir Mealláin agus Cill Chiaráin: Bríd Uí Laoi, Neansaí Gamble, Seosamh Mac Donncha, Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiocháin, Coiste Gairmoideachais Chontae Na Gaillimhe, Úna Ní Chonghaile, Bríd Uí Eidhin, Bernie Joyce, Maighréad Breathnach, Maureen McDonagh, Mary Ann Ní Ghriallais and Diarmuid Ó Céidigh, FETAC. First Aid, Civil Defence Service: Mairead Seoige, VTOS Co-Ordinator, Caitlín Nic Dhonnacha, Maighréad Breathnach, Joanna Ní Chadhain, Bairbre Ban Mhic Dhonnacha agus Maria Ristori. Photos by Iain McDonald

PAGE 34

May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

The Cr ystal Ball By John Amenhauser We will probably lose sight of the Moon by Saturday May 3rd, as the New Moon is on Monday May 5th. The new crescent could be visible in the western sky at sunset any evening from Tuesday 6th onwards. It stays up later each evening.

Full Moon occurs at 02:11 UT on Tuesday May 20th, in Ophiuchus, close to the border of Scorpius.

New Moon occurs again on the evening of Tuesday June 3rd.

Constellation Map

Above: the night sky at 22:00 in mid-May. Map is centred on Cleggan.

Mercury: We have an opportunity to search for this elusive

little planet, low in the NW after sunset. The best night to look is Tuesday May 6th, shortly after 9 pm. The new crescent Moon will be low in the NW, and Mercury will be just to the lower left of it, about 2 degrees away; both objects will fit easily into the field of view of a pair of binoculars. On the next few evenings, the Moon will be higher up and further left than Mercury. Draw a line down and right from the Moon, towards the brightest part of the twilight sky, and look for a tiny spark of light near the horizon. Binoculars will

help you to locate it, but once found it should be visible to the unaided eye. After the middle of the month, Mercury will be too faint to see.

Venus: Venus is only a few degrees to the west of the Sun, and it’s rising at sunrise, so we won’t be able to see the brilliant “Morning Star” this month.

Mars: Mars is still well up in the western sky at dusk; it doesn’t set in the NW until the early hours of the morning.

Relative to the stars, Mars is moving quite rapidly eastwards, leaving the constellation of Gemini on May 5th and crossing into Cancer. Around May 5th, Mars is almost exactly in a straight line with the bright “Twin” stars of Gemini; after this it moves further left, away from them. Mars is about the same brightness as the Twins, but it shines with a steadier light and may look more orange in colour. On Friday May 9th, the Moon will be 9 degrees to the right of Mars. The Moon keeps moving to the left, and in the middle of Saturday 10th passes directly in front of Mars.

Jupiter: Jupiter has taken over the role of “Morning Star”; it comes up before dawn. Look for it low in the south-east before sunrise. Although it’s not as brilliant as Venus, Jupiter still outshines any of the real stars. However, this month it’s almost stationary in the constellation of Sagittarius, where the Sun is around mid-winter. So Jupiter remains low down, near the horizon, and it’s not easy to observe.

Saturn: Saturn is well up in the south-western sky at dusk, and doesn’t set until dawn. It is in the constellation of Leo, moving very slowly south-eastwards, close to the upper left of the bright star Regulus; the two objects are around 2 degrees apart all month. Saturn appears brighter than Regulus, and it shines with a steady light, slightly more creamy in colour than the blue-white star. On the evening of Monday May 12th, our own half-Moon will appear directly below Saturn, 3 degrees away.

Meteors: On any clear night, we may see the occasional random meteor or “shooting-star”, as tiny specks of interplanetary débris burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. At certain times of the year, the Earth travels through a cloud of this dust, and we get a meteor-shower. However, there are no significant meteor-showers for northern-hemisphere observers in May – still, always worth a look as sporadic meteors are highly-visible in our (as yet) unpolluted skies.

John Claró is a keen amateur astronomer operating Two Dog Computer and Business Solutions on The Square in Clifden.

095-22194.

Singing for Fame on TG4

TG4’s new talent show ‘Nollaig No. 1’ is searching for a new singing sensation. The winner of the series will launch a single, coupled with a music video and mount a challenge for the top slot in the Irish charts this Christmas. Over 13 shows, thousands of young and old hopefuls will put themselves on the line and under public scrutiny to enter the music record books. Bands, singers & groups will go toe to toe and audition and perform before the three wise judges to become the Chosen One. And a new era of Irish pop will be born!

Have you got the voice that will rule the airwaves this December? If so, we want to meet you! It may only be springtime, but if you want your chance to be top of the charts this Christmas, apply now for Nollaig No. 1.

Log on to www.tg4.ie to fill out the application form or call (1512) 71 72 17, leave your details and we will be in touch! All calls cost 25 cents.

Western Writers Centre

The Western Writer’s Centre has been based in Galway City for almost seven years now. It is the only writer’s centre west of the Shannon. Readings, workshops, visits and more are organised on a regular basis and we have a small library as well. We are based at 34 Nun’s Island in Galway and would like to hear from any and all writers in the west. For more information contact Administrator Marvelle Maguire on (091) 533594. Also check out our website www.twwc.ie.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

M AY T A R O T R E A D I N G

Past The Empress

Present The Chariot

Future 7 of Cups

The Empress lets you know that you are capable of doing what you want as long as you have based your plans on your intuition. The Chariot lets you know that not only are you running the race of life but that you are winning in the game of life (keep it up). The Seven of Cups tells you to have a dream. Do not let the dream cloud your judgement about what is happening now, but do not give up on the dream.

M AY R U N E S R E A D I N G

There is a freeze on all current activities in your life. Shed the old and cold, it will bring on the spring thaw. Unseen Action Challenge Overview powers are at work Standstill Growth around you causing Flow (Isa) (Berkana) the temporary halt (Laguz) to your endeavours.

It is a time of cleansing (spring cleaning is in order). The end will lead to a blooming and ripening. Consider all that is before you and clear your mind of all the old.

“All things bloom”

M AY H O R O S C O P E S

Aries (Mar 21 Apr 20)

The power of the universe is yours, tap into it and create what you want from the fountain of life.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! For your birthday let others take control. Do not plan anything, sit back and enjoy whatever it is that get.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) This is a month about family for you. Enjoy them and let them enjoy you as a part of the whole family unit.

Cancer ( Jun 22 – Jul 22) Go to the theatre and enjoy some culture. The jazz fest will be here this month, go see some bands.

Leo ( Jul 23 – Aug 23) You are not sure what to do so just try a bit of everything and see what works.

V irgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) Sit back and enjoy the laurels of your success. The battle is over.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) Take a close look at what it is that you want next out of life.

Do not act until you are sure.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) Your heart is going to be hurt this month. Someone will wound you deeply.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) You can do anything you want now that spring is on the way.

Get out there and enjoy the fresh start.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20) You are letting yourself be swallowed up by self-doubt and lack of confidence. Have faith in yourself.

Aquarius ( Jan 21 – Feb 19) You are guarding your heart too much. You need to warm up a bit more to the ones who love you.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) Take the steps you need to. You see the path but are unsure of starting it. Take the first step.

PAGE 35

Kylemore

PROPERTIES in CONNEMARA

This is a unique opportunity to purchase a renovated traditional cottage sitting on the edge of a flowing stream on

views. Excellent opportunity to purchase a walkin property in this much sought after area. €490,000.

O’Brien Auctioneers, Market Street, Clifden.

095 22386 info@obrien-auctioneers.com www.obrien-auctioneers.com.

room, kitchen, five bedrooms (3 en-suite) and bathroom.

Situated on a ¾ acre site with a tarmacadam driveway.

OFCH. Convenient to Cleggan Village. Omey beach is just a short drive away. For sale freehold. Guide Price €600,000.

Michael O’Toole Auctioneers. Main St., Oughterard 091557711 info@.michaelotoole.ie www.michaelotoole.ie.

Dawrosmore, Letterfrack

some c.5 acres. This cottage has all the charm and features of the original property and continues to enhance the old world atmosphere of the property. There is a large shed at the side which is suitable for many purposes. Consisting of two large bedrooms, both ensuite, main bathroom, large living room/kitchen /dining room, utility room and a large conservatory sitting over the river. This is indeed a rare find as the property enjoys beautiful natural water features and has breathtaking mountain views and privacy. Price: Offers on €375,000. Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, The Square, Clifden. 095-21066 email: property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

Ocean View Cottage, Ballyconneely

Three bedroomed cottage on secluded site on outskirts of Ballyconneely Village. The cottage is sited just off the main Ballyconneely / Roundstone Road and enjoys sea and lake

An excellent and well presented bungalow dwelling in a very scenic setting on own site of 2 ½ acres. It is situated 1km from

Glann Rd., Oughterard

Letterfrack village, has panoramic views of the Kylemore district and surrounds including Kylemore Hill,Tully district and Letter Hill to the north. Accommodation includes: Entrance Hallway, Livingroom, Kitchen/Dining, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Toilet & Utility. Asking Price €480,000. Connemara Properties, Bridge St. Clifden. 095-21473. email: connprop@iol.ie www.connemaraproperties.com.

In the most majestic position imaginable, with the highest Corrib views available, this hilltop architectural gem offers peace and tranquillity. This privately gated circa 2500 sq. ft. architecturally designed residence has unsurpassed views from almost every room. Constructed in approximately 1985 and maintained to an impeccable standard throughout, the interior design of this luxury property provides spacious, well balanced accommodation and set in cleverly designed low maintenance gardens with a wide range of colours all year round.

Bealadangan

An extremely spacious four bedroom house situated on an elevated half acre site enjoying superb views of the Bay to the front and the Twelve Pins & Maam Turks to the rear.

Perfectly located in a pleasant and peaceful setting and only

Offers invited on €580,000. Spencer Auctioneers, Main St., Oughterard, 091 552999 email: info@ spencerauctioneers.com www.spencerauctioneers.com

Moyard

a 5 minutes drive to the village of Carraroe with all its amenities. The accommodation comprises of entrance hallway, sitting room, dinning room, kitchen, utility, bathroom, 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite). The attic has been partially converted and with a little more work it has tremendous potential for further uses.

Nearby is the Connemara Isles 9 hole Golf Course. There are a lot of piers and beaches locally. Price: €320,000. DNG Martin O’Connor Auctioneers & Valuers on 091 866708 or e-mail oughterard@dng.ie.

Cloon, Cleggan

PAGE 36

An impressive stone faced five bedroom cottage with stunning views over Cleggan Bay. Detached and comfortable home with entrance hall, sitting room/ dining

May 1, 2008

This is a delightful residence set on an elevated site with spectacular views over Ballinakill Bay and towards the Renvyle peninsula. The residence is accessed through a bright sun room which leads through to the living room with large

picture windows overlooking the bay. The adjacent kitchen/dining room is fully fitted with a window seat forming the main feature of the room. The two large bedrooms both have private and fully tiled bathrooms; and sea and mountain views through large picture windows. The first floor accommodates a bright loft/study with a private bathroom. Outside the low maintenance gardens have been well tended and a high wall of local stone adds further privacy.

For Sale by Private Treaty. Asking Price €500,000. Sherry FitzGerald Kavanagh, Main Street, Clifden 095-21888 email:clifden@sfkavanagh.com www.sherryfitz.ie.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Letters to the Editor In Memorium Motorists who have driven the scenic route from Maam Cross to Maam Valley in the recent past may have noticed a single sapling growing on a bare rocky hill top above the valley, just a few metres from the roadside. They might well have asked how a tree could possibly grow in such an unsheltered and barren spot, who planted it, and what signified it’s being there?

On a May morning in 2007, two Clifden Anglers en-route to fish the May fly on Lough Corrib saw the lone sapling and asked themselves the same questions, but both anglers being of an inquisitive disposition, stopped to investigate.

On inspection, they discovered that the small weather beaten tree was encased in a wire mesh cage, to protect it from animals and prevailing winds. On its single branch hung a ribbon with a medal attached stating that the owner had competed in the Connemara Marathon.

It transpired that the competitor’s name was Frank Baines, from the U.K. He had suddenly and tragically died at this spot while competing in the marathon and his comrades had planted the tree in his memory.

The story goes back to June 2005, when a young English couple who were on holiday in the Clifden area, drowned while swimming on the beach at Aerphoirt. The two Clifden lifeboats, D-525 skippered by Andrew Bell, and B751 skippered by John Mullen were launched to search for the miss-

On the Lookout Bunowen Pier continued from page 2 “At the budget meeting of Galway County Council in December of last year, a sum of €200,000 was approved for the completion of these works, which would include major structural repairs to the front end of the pier.”

“This work will be funded through a contribution from both the Department of the Marine and Galway County Council.”

“This pier is a critical piece of infrastructure for local fishermen, and it was vital that improvement works were undertaken and I am delighted with today’s news,” Cllr. Welby said. “I am hopeful that the work will commence within the next six weeks” he concluded.

Leenane Bridge It has been announced to Connemara Councillors in a meeting with the NRA that work on the new Leenane bridge should be completed by October 2008. The new bridge will be built on the site of the original structure which was swept away after severe rains in 2007.

Some debate has arisen over the need for a Part 8 proposal.

A Part 8 is an internal procedure within the council that involves the making of a recommendation to planning and which is then presented to the elected officials to be passed.

It appears that there is an understanding that the rebuilding of the bridge at the original site would not necessitate the need for a new Part 8 proposal thus avoiding an increased cost factor and planning issues.

I understand from a source that the County Council may be of a different opinion. At this point we are unable to confirm with either side the position and what exactly the procedures are. However, we will be in contact with both the County Council and the NRA for clarification and the implications for the proposed completion date. We will bring you up to date in our June issue.

ing persons. On the instructions of John Roberts who was then Manager of the station, the search was extended until the bodies were recovered.

Frank Baines was a close friend of the deceased couple. In appreciation of the work carried out by the Lifeboats and Crews in the search, he and some of his friends decided to return to Connemara to compete in the 2006 Marathon, and raise funds for the Clifden Lifeboat Station. It was during this race that he collapsed and died.

The two “anglers” who are both Committee members of the Clifden Branch of the RNLI were saddened by the tragic sequence of events that led up to and included Frank’s death, and decided to mark the tragic event in a profound way by erecting a small engraved memorial stone beside the tree.

On a visit to John Mongan’s Monumental Works in Derryinver, in order to select a suitably engraved stone, John very kindly offered to donate the memorial stone to the lifeboat station free of charge. The memorial has now been erected, and is plainly visible to motorists who might pass that way.

On behalf of the Clifden RNLI, Branch, and on behalf of my co-angler- Percy Hyland, I want to thank John Mongan for donating the beautifully engraved memoriam and also for his on-going support of the Clifden Lifeboat Station.

Jackie O ‘Grady, Chairman Clifden RNLI.

Letter of Thanks Hi folks, This is Crissie calling to say hello from the black hole of Calcutta. Just want to say thank you for all the love and support you all have shown to me. I did not know I was so loved, all your mass cards, prayers, medals and support. I did not know for one minute all the friends I have gathered over the years. One thing I know for sure, I never fell out with any of them. I have received messages not only from the four corners of Ireland, but the four corners of the world. From Austria, Germany, U.S.A., London and Donegal back to Cleggan, Drumdowlish, Clifden, Roundstone- I could go on. I know you are all with me. I can feel your strength at my back. I know that if each and every one of you could carry an ounce of my tiredness you would be happy to do so. I know I felt your strength at my back 25 years ago and again 4 years later.

If I sat to thank you all with thank you cards I would be sitting here for a year. I was never a sitting down person, and find it hard to sit so I plod along. I finished my Radium last Friday and in April I begin Chemo. I feel weak and tired but I will fight on, and be back in Clifden to eat my early potatoes. I hope they are peeping over the ground by now.

This note is to say thanks for your support, I love you all and I am coming along slowly but surely. Just because you have read this in the Connemara View, don’t forget me, I will need your strength and support for quite some time yet.

Sean Kelly, I am thinking of you. Until next time, love to everyone!

Crissie Vaughan.

Road Rage Nothing is more guaranteed to raise the righteous indignation of the ordinary citizen than falling foul of a particularly daft piece of public administration, perpetrated by unquestioning public servants. In the following story, the aggrieved citizen is me, the public servants are a) the county council road painters and b) an over-zealous traffic cop out for a few

easy scores, while the embodiment of public administration stupidity is the painting of a continuous white line on a stretch of road, almost half a mile long, with 360˚ visibility.

Which, of course, is precisely why the smart-ass copper hid his motorbike at the western end of the long gentle curve between the right turn to Glenhoghan and the corner before the descent to the Ben Lettery Youth Hostel, and observed, from afar, three vehicles overtaking a slow vehicle which had held them up for several miles. I was the driver of the second of the three and am now €80 the poorer and the proud possessor of 2 points on my heretofore pristine licence.

Of course I remonstrated with Ireland’s answer to ‘Ponch’ and Jon from ChiPs, pointing out that it was a perfectly safe place to overtake, that there was no oncoming traffic, in fact nothing at all to be seen on the road ahead except for a diminutive figure half a mile off, which turned out to be none other than the ambushing cop himself. But it was all in vain; he had his spiel off pat, rattled it out like an automaton, and that was that. Like Dirty Harry, this punk (me), and the punk in the vehicle in front of me, and the punk in the one behind me, had gone ahead and made his day. As that long stretch is one of the few safe overtaking places between Recess and Clifden, he must have had his day made many times that evening. The lads in blue probably have a name for that observation point, something like ‘Shooting-Fish-In-A-Barrel Corner.’

On being permitted to resume my journey, my annoyance turned to outright indignation before I’d even got into third gear because the unbroken white line that stretches for 800 yards to the east of ‘Shooting-Fish-In-A-Barrel Corner’ stretches for a mere 20 yards to the west. In other words, had I been going towards Recess, I could have passed anyone I liked, almost right up to the blind corner itself. I thought of going back and asking the staunch upholder of the law about that little conundrum, but didn’t. Somehow I reckoned I knew what he’d say.

In the days following, I became hyper-aware of the appalling standards of road marking. There are broken white lines all over the place; they scoot airily around blind corners and soar breezily up and over blind hills, with potentially lethal abandon. Next time you drive Connemara’s roads, check it out and ask yourself: would you be happy to be driving on the right in many of the places that your county council indicates that it is perfectly safe for you to do so? With the council’s feckless lack of concern for safety, it’s just as well that drivers use their own discretion and judgement and ignore the enticing blandishments of the potentially lethal markings provided by the council.

And, as a matter of interest, I wonder who decides what type of line gets painted where – the lads in the yellow jackets or the geniuses with the degrees and the theodolites?

There’s a very thin line between indifferent bureaucratic inefficiency and public endangerment. The question is: is it a continuous very thin line or a broken very thin line?

Maurice O’Scanaill, Traffic Violator (Two-Pointer), Clifden Photo below: Penalty points hot spot.

The stretch of road pictured is between Canal stage and the Youth Hostel by Ballynahinch Lake, where a continuous white line is in place for 0.4 of a mile with complete visibility of the road ahead. The arrow indicates where motorists have been stopped for crossing the line to overtake.

Cleggan Airport Cllr. Josie Conneely has informed the Connemara view that ‘Cleggan Airport’ has gone to contract and we can expect to “see planes flying into it” by Easter 2009, when works will be completed.

Clifden Sewerage Treatment Plant Tenders were opened recently for the installation and maintenance of the temporary Sewerage Treatment Package at Clifden.

Cllr. Josie Conneely, who attended the opening of tenders, expressed concern at the idea of a temporary treatment plant being put in place. “I don’t think it’s a great idea” said Cllr.

Conneely, “we could be left with it”. He would be putting pressure on Galway County Council to have the full treatment plant put in place.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

May 1, 2008

PAGE 37

TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY APPLIANCES

PLANT HIRE

PLUMBING & HEATING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

AUTOMOTIVE

CATERING PET SERVICES

TAXI

FURNITURE

WEDDINGS

COMPUTERS Advertise in the Trades & Services Directory by phoning 095-22888 All ads now come with a FREE on-line listing at www.connemaraview.com

PAGE 38

May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY SAND & GRAVEL

WINDOWS

NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, June 5th Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Friday, May 23rd Trades & Services Reservation Deadline: Friday, May 23rd News Deadline: Wednesday, May 28th Classified Ad Deadline: Friday, May 30th

Place your ad in the Trades & Services Directory in this new size which is half our business card size (85mm x 25mm) for as little as €24 per issue ex vat. Phone 095-22888 for more information.

CLASSIFIED ADS Information Services

Employment

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.

Clifden Citizens Information Centre provides a free and confidential service to the public. We are in the VEC offices above the Statoil Garage, Galway Road Clifden, and can be contacted on 095 22000 & 087 1301100. New Opening Hours! Thursday 7pm-8pm & Friday 1030am- 330pm.

Letterfrack Information service: 130-430 pm Monday 10th & 31st March. Information is also available online at www. citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, LoCall 1890 777 121.

Wanted: Person urgently required to act as Secretary for Oughterard Show, working from home or office. Contact: 091 552462 / 0863981572.

Walshs Bakery requires a baker/confectioner. We have a position available for a person with knowledge of confectionery and bread products, with a good manner and ability to produce good quality work. We are offering a full time position. 7am start. Initial training dependent on experience. Good rates of pay will be given relative to experience. Contact Martina on 095 21283.

Full Time receptionist required for Alcock and Brown Hotel.

Experience necessary, English essential. Call (095) 21206 for an application form.

Position Vacant: We are seeking applications for a position as a salesperson in a west Connemara craft shop. Position will be for 6 months and would suit a confident, personable and efficient sales person. Salary and conditions will be commensurate with experience. If interested in finding out more please send your experience and personal details in strict confidence to our accountants Mannion Lochrin & Co, Market St, Clifden, Co Galway. Phone 095-30030, e-mail: info@mannion-lochrin.com Shop Assistant required to work in Acton’s Shop & Store, Moyard. (095) 41067.

Beauty/Massage Therapist required for Renew in the Station House Courtyard, Clifden.Call (087)-245-0577.

Properties 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.

Commercial Premises to let, Clifden Town Well-appointed retail unit to let (840-sq. ft.). Prominent location. Includes office, storeroom and toilet. Ideal for shop or office use.

Available immediately. Phone 086-8053760.

Apartment to let, Clifden: 2 bedroom, modern bright fully furnished. Mid-June for long term rental, references required.

Contact Connie on (086) 1659065.

Items for Sale or Rent Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected.

095 21219 For sale: 15’ fibre glass boat with 2 %hp engines and trailer.

Suitable for lake or bay. Bargain at €2500. 095-41193.

For sale: Rectangular folding table. 6’ x 3’6”, as new. Wipe clean laminate top in light oak. Ideal for occasions, meetings.

New €285. Will take €185. 087-655-9545.

Animals/Pets Attention all pet owners!! Wide selection of dog/cat accessories, premium pet foods, professional advice on nutrition, pet maintenance, radio fence pet containment 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.

For Sale: Pedigree Registered. Angus Bull. 14 months old. Call (086)-842-2349 or (095)-41088.

Missing: Black and white 5 month old cat in Church Hill/ Clifden town area. Had red bandage on back leg from vet treatment. Valued pet-if seen or found please contact Ruairi at DogGone Café, Church Hill, Clifden.

Travel th

Pilgrimage to Medugorje from Kilkieran, Connemara. 16 August €599 return from Knock or Medugorje 4 days, Makarska Riviera 3 days, €729. For further info call Mary O Toole on (095) 33512 or (087) 1343905.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Services Wedding Videography: From This Moment DVD Production Connemara’s Wedding Videography Specialists.

Friendly, discreet, professional service, call us for demo Call Pat Coyne 095 43756 or 086 4062394 or email fiddisco@mac.com or go to www.fiddisco.com Newman Property Maintenance & Building Services Residential & Commercial. Our Services Include: Decking, Attic Insulation, Flooring, Painting, Tiling, Carpentry, Fitted Kitchens, Built-in Wardrobes, Doors & Stairs Fitted, PVC Soffit and Fascia, Coving and Cornice, Tenancy Re-Lets, All General Household Repairs, Extensions and Renovations. Call now for a prompt and reliable service.Contact Paddy Newman.

Over 25 Years Experience 095-44931. 086-316-5978.

Health Reiki/Seichem. Experience the calm and healing energies of this treatment, which is drug free and non-invasive.

These powerful energies can heal on a mental, emotional, spiritual & physical level. Qualified Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on (086) 3653266.

Education Galway Community College is now enrolling for its Post Leaving Certificate Courses in the following areas of study: Music / Theatre, Childcare / Special Needs, Sports & Recreation, TV & Film / Journalism, Art & Design, Business / Web Design, Legal & Administration, Horticulture. If you would like to enrol in any of these courses or need further information please ring Galway Community College on (091) 755464 or visit www.galwaycc.ie.

May 1, 2008

Connemara View Newspaper 7,000 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888/087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor & Features Writer: Catherine Pryce Rural & Political Affairs Columnist: John Durning Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Contributors: John Amenhauser, Tom Broderick, John Claró, Dorothy Conneely, Laurence Conneely, Terri Conroy, Rory Daly, Richard de Stacpoole, Dr. Sophie Faherty, Brendan Flynn, Paul Gannon, Kevin Gavin, Claire Greene, Leo Hallissey, Rosemary Hanley, Eithne Hannigan, Marian Hanrahan, Lol Hardiman, Ciaran Hickey, Michele Hehir, Laurence Hofman, Bernie Jeff ries, Peter Keane, Nick Kats, Peadar King Padraic Lyden, Leslie Lyons, Declan Mannion, Iain McDonald, Ann Mitchell, John O’Neill, Jackie O Farrell, Breandan O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Thomas O’Sullivan, Cepta Stephens, Anne Steyaert, Pat Walshe, Declan Weir plus many local schools, groups & organisations.

Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.

Send the Connemara View to friends & family: Annual Subscriptions - Ireland €36; Overseas €45.

Classifieds Ad Rates: Up to 20 words-€5.00

21-40 words -€10.0041-60 words - €15.00 additional words at 25 cents/ word. If you are giving it away - no charge. Post in with cheque or drop in the Paper Shop, Main Street, Clifden.

Display Ad Rates: Business Card-€50.00; Eighth Page-€120; Quarter-€200, Half-€350, Full-€550 Colour: Add 30%. Prices exclude VAT. FREE On-line Directory Listing with All Ads

PAGE 39

...and introducing our new range of healthy products

Healthy Eating Options the Whole Family SuperValu Goodness is a range of unprocessed foods that are naturally nutritious. All the products are full of natural goodness, which is why nutritionists recommend we include them in our diet. All of the foods in this range are free from hydrogenated fat, artificial colours, flavours or added salt.

Nuts and Seeds are a source of protein, fibre and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which is known as ‘good fats’ as they can help lower cholesterol levels.

Walnuts & Linseed are vegetarian sources of Omega 3 oils while a daily handful of Brazil nuts help the immune system to function.

Dried fruit is a good source of fibre and, as drying concentrates the nutrients is also great for energy, making it an ideal healthy snack.

Grains are a good source of carbohydrate and they’re at their most nutritious as Wholegrain such as Buck Wheat and Millet. Nutritionists recommend we eat at least three servings of wholegrain foods a day. Pulses are high in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

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May 1, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER