December 2008 Connemara View by Connemara View Publishing

First Discount Chain Store For Clifden A New Shop Local Incentive In Connemara?

1st Irish-Born US Senator Returns For A Hometown Visit in Carna Page 10

Who says elves are human? Join the fun of the Elves Parade in Clifden this Saturday, December 6th! Details on Page 4

In The View Airport Planning Objection Page 2 Clifden Draft Plan Analysis Page 5 Wins for Renvyle & GMs Page 16 Support Local Charities Page 21 Christmas Treats Pages 22, 24 & 25

The much anticipated arrival of discount supermarket shopping to Clifden is now a reality, as LIDL (see photo) prepare to open their new store. According to LIDL’s PR department, the official opening will take place on Thursday December 18th at 8am, just in time for Christmas. Shoppers concerned by recession doom and gloom will welcome the increased availability of low priced food, drink and household items in the area, and the knock on custom and influx of shoppers from all over Connemara should benefit the Clifden economy in the long term. Work on the nearby ALDI site is also moving ahead.

Diggers are excavating the site and rubblle is being trucked away on a continuous basis over the past weeks. Supervalu, the cornerstone of grocery shopping in Clifden to date, has also expanded its low cost shopping ranges signiﬁcantly and will remain in its current location on the Square, despite unfounded rumours to the contrary. In addition to the range of unique and diverse businesses of all sizes currently operating in Clifden, the arrival of new retailers to the area oﬀers consumers more incentive than ever before to shop locally from now on. Catherine Pryce

REGIONAL

Christmas Fair and Fashion Show A Christmas Fair and Fashion Show will take place at the Alcock & Brown Hotel on Friday December 5th in aid of local playgroups. A huge variety of beauty and fashion items will be displayed at individual tables by local retailers, from fashion to cosmetics, shoes to handbags, and perfume. There will also be a catwalk fashion show where local models will showcase the best of Connemara style. Tickets are €10, available from local playgroups and parents, and all are welcome to attend on the night. The Fair will begin at 7p.m, so come along and pick up some Christmas shopping and support a local cause.

Scoil Mhuire Cake Sale The Scoil Mhuire Parents Association annual cake sale will take place on Sunday December 14th at the Station House Hotel after mass. There will be a delicious range of home baked goodies and treats for sale, as well as carol singing and special guests Santa and Mrs Claus. Please support this festive fundraising eﬀort and join us for fun and laughter on the day.

Cashel-Connemara Credit Union AGM The Cashel-Connemara Credit Union AGM will be held

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on Thursday December 11, 2008 in Alcock and Brown Hotel in Clifden, Connemara at 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and there will be door prizes. All members of the Credit Union are invited to attend.

An Taisce Object to Airport An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland has lodged an appeal against the planning permission granted to the Clifden Airstrip for the construction of a surface carpark, relocation of the apron, realignment of the access road and modiﬁcations to the boundary treatment. The airstrip is currently under construction in Cloon, Cleggan. It is alleged that the implications and nature of the extent of the work have not adequately addressed the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Directive, or the Habitats Directive. Two permissions for the extension of duration of planning permission were granted by Galway Co. Co. until October 31st 2008. This means that there is currently no legal status for any works carried out on the site. The airport site is located in Cloon and Laghtanaba Bog, which is now a National Heritage area, although it was not when the original application and environmental assessment was made back in 1999 and 2000 respectively. An Taisce maintains that it should now be assessed whether or not it is a Priority Habitat under the EU Habitats Directive, even though it is not currently designated as an SAC (Special Area of Conservation). If it is found to be a Priority Habitat, then SAC status would be granted. This would make the possibility of planning permission being granted highly unlikely. In 2000, the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) that accompanied the application for planning indicated that the area was not a National Heritage Area or SAC. Since then, Cloon and Laghtanaba Bog has been included in a designation of Natural Heritage Areas and is identiﬁed as supporting populations of Hares and Red Grouse. The legal status of turf cutting having possibly taken place at the site since 2000 has also been brought into question.

December 2008

The appeal maintains that the initial assessment of the site was inadequate and is now out of date, and most significantly does not address the status of the site as a Priority Habitat warranting SAC Designation. In conclusion, An Taisce requests a new Environmental Impact Statement and clarification from the legal affairs unit of the EC as to the status of the site as a blanket bog Priority Habitat.

Fahy Demands Late Night Videos Judge Mary Fahy has indicated to Connemara business owners that she will no longer grant late bar exemptions to venues that do not have properly functioning CCTV systems. Judge Fahy delivered the ultimatum after hearing a case involving an assault at JC’s Nightclub on Main St, Clifden last year, where CCTV footage was produced but was of unacceptably poor quality.

Reward for Youthreach Results The Letterfrack Youthreach Centre was recently the recipient of an award for receiving the highest result nationally in the 2008 Leaving Certificate Applied examinations. It was featured on both RTE ‘Morning Ireland’ and Connemara Community Radio. Theresa McLoughlin, the course coordinator accepted the Fergal Quinn award on behalf of LCA student, Erinn Geraghty, the Letterfrack programme and County Galway Vocational Education Committee. This National Leaving Certificate Award was presented by Conor Quinn. Conor is the son of Fergal Quinn, who was instrumental in the setting up of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme in the early 1990s. Youthreach Letterfrack is a second chance training and education programme for 15-20 year olds who have left school, without adequate qualifications. The programme offers a number of vocational courses in Art and Design, Craft, Woodwork, Engineering, Cookery and Electronics. It also offers FETAC accredited qualifications in: Childcare, Business Studies, Information Technology, ECDL and Leaving Certificate Applied. For further information on the Youthreach programme, contact us on 095 41893 or www. youthreachletterfrack.com.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Croí Cowboy Challenge Continues Declan Ridge and Peter Coneys are continuing their fundraising eﬀorts in aid of Croí, the local heart charity of the west of Ireland. Tickets for a fundraising raﬄe have been on sale for the last few months, and as they are nearly sold, the date of the draw has been brought forward to December 19th. The draw will take place on Brendan Ridge’s American Country radio show on Connemara Radio between 8:15 and 9pm on Friday December 19th. It is a limited draw with a great chance of winning, so if you haven’t got a ticket yet, don’t hesitate! Prizes are as follows:1st, €1000, 2nd, €500, 3rd, €400, 4th, €300, 5th, €200, and 6th -10th, €100. A 9X9 Card Drive will take place at Glynsk House, Carna on December 7th with entry fee of €20. The game will start at 7pm sharp. A disco will take place at the Alcock & Brown Hotel, Clifden on December 27th. There will be a bar extension and a cover charge of €10 on the door. So come along and support “the up and coming cowboys”!

One Weekend Doctor After a trial period of four months it has been decided that only one doctor will be on call for emergency weekend services in the South Connemara area. Westdoc has indicated that the number of doctor visits at weekends does not justify having a second doctor available in the Lettermullen West to Carna area, which is a distance of 80km. Fears that lives will be at risk with only one doctor on duty are now still growing.

Chess and Draughts Club The Connemara chess and draughts club will resume on January 11th. The club meets every Friday night in the Ellis Hall in Letterfrack. Light refreshments provided. No charge. All age groups welcome. For further information please contact Mary on (095) 41900 or (087) 9143392.

Budget Concerns for Farming Budgetary cuts aﬀecting farmers was among the topics discussed at the latest meeting of Connemara farmers in Maam Cross on Monday December 1st. To add to the destocking measures imposed on Connemara hill sheep farmers by the Dept. of Agriculture and the NPWS, cuts in the recent Budget have further worsened the situation of farmers in the area. On November 4th approximately 60 ground inspectors descended on Connemara to count numbers, an exercise which North West MEP Marian Harkin described as “wasteful” and described Connemara as “a small area where the price of sheep will not even repay the investment by farmers”. There are also fears that the agreed destocking compensation of €2000 per year for 5 years will be rolled back on due to the budget, in the way that the Suckler Cow Scheme of €80 a head of 2007 was halved to €40 in the recent budget, in spite of assurances by the then Minister Mary Coughlan. The IFA and its local representatives have committed to continuous lobbying of TDs on the budgetary cuts and will intensify their eﬀorts to secure a ewe maintenance payment. With less opportunity for part time work in construction and other employment, farming may now be more crucial to a family’s income than previously in recent years, and fears for the future of farming in Connemara appear to be well founded.

RNLI Fundraising The year is drawing to a close and we are all getting

ready for Christmas, to be with our families and friends. At the end of a really busy Lifeboat fundraising year all the helpers and fundraisers need a rest too. The Clifden-Connemara Fundraising Branch would like to thank all the people of Connemara from Leenane to An Spidéal, including Inishboﬁn who helped in fundraising for the RNLI Lifeboats either by special events, donations, permanent boxes, church gate collections, the annual cake sale and ﬂag days. A very big thank you to all! Of course our crew is on standby 24/7, Christmas Day and all. Hopefully they will all be able to eat their Christmas dinner in peace and if they do get a call out, let them return safely home. Anne-Marie Bennett

Chairman of the Clifden Branch, and fellow founding member, Jackie O’Grady extends his congratulations to Jackie Ward on his retirement and would like to thank him for all the help he gave to the Branch over the years. In this, the Chairman speaks on behalf of all the Crew, present and past, and the entire Management team who hold Jackie in such high regard. Donal O Scanaill

RNLI Retirement for Jackie Ward One of the founding members of the Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Station is this month retiring after 20 years of voluntary service. Jackie Ward has served as DLA (Deputy Launching Authority) since the station was set up in 1998. In that time Jackie estimates that he has initiated and taken part in as many as 200 services. As is the case with all lifeboat volunteers, Jackie has happy memories of most of the services he was involved in. Some services, unfortunately, did not end up so well. Such are the ways of the sea. Over the past 20 years, Jackie has seen some tremendous improvements in the structures and facilities available at the station in Clifden. In the early days they did not even have a premises of their own in which to house their ﬁrst lifeboat. Some of the major events in the development of the local Lifeboat Service, according to Jackie, have been the purchase and development of the station and crew quarters on Clifden Quay and the later development of the station at Clifden Beach to house the second Lifeboat, the Atlantic 75. Another event that sticks in Jackie’s mind is the visit, in 1992, of the Patron of the RNLI, the Duke of Kent. Jackie is keen to point out that in the RNLI, no matter what your position or length of service, you are part of a team of volunteers who give freely of their time and abilities, and sometimes their courage in the carrying out of their duties in that wonderful organisation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Clifden Chamber News Christmas Windows

Clifden

Christmas Celebrations Begin Dec 6th Saturday December 6th kicks off the Clifden Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas celebrations in Clifden, with the first Shop Local Draw, the opening of Santa’s Grotto and the Elves Parade being the highlights of the day’s events. Santa’s Grotto will open at 12 noon at JC’s Restaurant on the Square and will be open every Saturday and Sunday in December from 12 - 4pm up to the 21st December. The Chamber would like to acknowledge the hard work of John Amenhauser in preparing and running the Grotto, and Martin O’Connor for donating the premises. In the afternoon of Saturday the 6th, all children are invited to the Station House Theatre for a free movie at 4pm. Afterwards, they will get dressed up in red and green colours for the Elves parade. It is hoped to break the world record for the biggest amount of people dressed as elves in one place, so please come along and join the fun! More details are available from the Station House Theatre on (095) 30303. The Elves Parade will then head to the Square and join the fun of the first Shop Local draw. The Chamber has been running a competition to win eight prizes of €1000 shopping vouchers. Tickets for this draw are on sale in shops around the town and only cost €1 each. The best bit is that every penny goes to two local charities - Criost Linn and Friends of Fatima Hospital, so you can support these two worthy causes, while being in with a chance to win your Christmas Shopping! The first draw for four lucky winners will be at the party on the Square on Sat 6th Dec at 6.30pm, where there will be carol singing, the elves from the parade, mulled wine and mince pies and most importantly lots of fun prizes! So come and join the festivities on December 6th to kick off a very special Christmas in Clifden.

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Community Groups are hard at work preparing their windows in time for the 6th December. We would like to thank all the participants and the businesses who have donated their windows.

Christmas Lights Special thanks to the volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce and Clifden Fire Brigade who braved the elements this week in preparing the town with Christmas Lights. Their efforts are greatly appreciated in making our town festive and fabulous. From the Fire Brigade our thanks to Simon Boote, David MacNamara, Joe Acton and John Heffernan, and to our regulars, without whom we wouldn’t have Christmas lights: Cathal Walsh, Shane O’Grady, Michael King and PJ Heffernan.

Clifden Railway Line Clifden Chamber of Commerce is working closely with Minister Eamon O’Cuiv on the development of the Clifden Railway Line. Minister O’Cuiv told us “I have a proposal from Galway County Council regarding a feasibility study on sections of the Clifden Galway Railway Line to be developed as a Cycle/ Walkway, a proposal I intend to push forward. I see such a development as an iconic plan for Connemara, encouraging tourists and boosting tourism in Connemara.” We look forward to passing on more news of this very welcome development as it unfolds.

Rural Development Programme The Chamber has once again been in discussions with Minister O’Cuiv on the recent grants awarded to Forum and how our area can beneﬁt from this. We will keep you updated on any news in this area.

Clifden Town Architectural Walking Tour Clifden Chamber of Commerce, walking closely with Galway County Council and noted historian, Kathleen

December 2008

Villiers Tuthill, have set in motion the initial stages to prepare a self guided Architectural Walking Tour of the town. This follows a model used by East Galway Tourism called Wayﬁnding, designed to showcase the built heritage of the town, by discovering and exploring the rich fabric of our culture. We are very excited about this project and how it can be developed for further projects, and we are very grateful to Galway County Council for their support.

AGM Clifden Chamber of Commerce held its AGM on Wednesday, 3rd December at the Station House Hotel. The Treasurers report was given by Aidan O’ Halloran, the Marketing report by Declan Mannion and the Lotto report by Pat Casey. Tom Vaughan was reappointed as Auditor. Gerard King stepped down after his two years in office. He thanked all in the Chamber for their support and outlined a number of projects that had been successfully organised and held in the past year. The new board of the Chamber of Commerce was elected as follows: President Declan Mannion, Vice-President Brian Hughes, Treasurer Brendan Madden, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Foyle, Secretary Paul Mannion and P.R.O. Joe Lynch. These are challenging times our community is going through at the moment but we are a strong community and we have been through difficult times before. We must stay loyal to the community and keep as much business in the town as possible, thus securing local employment and ensuring business survival. We urge you all to spend locally to the best of your ability this Winter. Our members are acknowledging current conditions and special offers abound in all areas. Please take advantage of these special offers and help us to keep our community vibrant and strong.

Christmas Wishes On behalf of our members, Clifden Chamber of Commerce would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Nollaig faoi shéan’s faoi mhaise diobh!

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

“Wish List” for Clifden It occurred to me after numerous reads of the obstacle course that is “The Draft Clifden Local Plan 2009-2015” that the document is more like the unabridged “Santa’s Wish List” of a hopeful eight year old than an action plan. The 80 page document is filled with many worthwhile ideas for our future, but there is no outline of how these could be achieved and no indication of what objectives have the highest priority. Amazingly, the document does not address the estimated costs or available resources to achieve these aims. In today’s economic climate, government spending cutbacks are a given. It certainly would be more prudent to analyse which objectives can realistically be accomplished for Clifden, based on what funds are really earmarked towards our township. Going on a shopping trip without knowing how much money is in one’s pocket is an exercise in futility. Galway County Council has certainly excelled over the past few years at increasing the income generated from Clifden. However, how these funds are returned to the area has, to my knowledge, never been transparently defined. The introduction of “Pay & Display” parking generates over €100,000 per year which I am told goes into the general countywide Roads & Transportation department fund. The desire for more parking facilities is a recurring theme throughout the new plan though it is unclear whether this is free public parking or more “Pay & Display” spots. Ironically, another objective is to consider pedestrianising Main Street. If this were to occur, how would the buses that they plan to build a shelter for in the heart of Clifden get out of town? Interestingly, there is no mention of what will become of the infrequently used bus park near the Fire Station which cost over a million to construct. The cost of building new homes will bear heavily on developers. The new plan earmarks developers to pay in more for planning particularly in the areas of recreation and amenity, road infrastructure, and environmental evaluations. The Council started metering commercial premises for water and waste usage during this past year. The charge for waste metering was added to the rates bills in 2008. Some local businesspeople took a rather jaundiced view of this, given the lack of a functioning waste treatment plant for decades. The prospect of finally getting a new sewage treatment plant (see related article on page 14) makes the many recommendations in the plan for watersports on Clifden Bay less comical. I look forward to the day when a Blue Flag can be raised on Clifden Beach but I suggest that stating it in this plan is an exercise in appeasing the masses. When this plan is compared to the “2001-2006 Clifden Local Area Plan”, you will find that the majority of objectives in the 2009-2015 plan appeared in the previous plan. In an attempt to make this more comprehensible, I separated out the “new” offerings along with items that were stars of the last plan in a list below. Please note that I have condensed the items from the original text for easier reading. You can refer to the full document at the Clifden Library or online at www.galway.ie.

The word ‘Draft’ on the title of this plan is key. If you have opinions, don’t hold back, please! Write a letter which will be taken into consideration before the Plan is adopted by Galway County Council. These should be received by the Council by 4pm on Friday 12th December 2008 marked: Draft Clifden Local Area Plan, Forward Planning Section, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway or by fax to (091) 509199 or sent by email to localareaplan@galwaycoco.ie. Ellen McDonough

What’s NEW?

Residential Require developers to make appropriate provision for recreation and amenity infrastructure. Encourage a mix of house types in proposed developments. Enterprise, Industry & Tourism Encourage the development of sustainable industry using local resources and enterprise and to promote broad based technologically advanced industry and enterprise. Support the development of broadband technologies. Local enterprise centres to facilitate aﬀordable workspace for new business start-ups. Promote industry which relies less heavily on transport of bulky goods. Promote educational function in the full or part-time use of new and existing land/ buildings for training in appropriate skills and relevant studies. Transportation Improve culverts and all roadside drainage. Require developers to bear the cost of improvement to junctions, road widening and the provision of footpaths in association with public lighting requirements where appropriate. New pedestrian facilities have particular regard to principles of universal accessibility. Developing additional public parking facilities. Investigate providing new pedestrian link from Council Lands to town centre. Provide pedestrian areas and public lighting/footpath connectivity to existing town facilities. Provide for cycle lanes as part of all developments. Provide for bus shelters as appropriate. Consider pedestrianisation of Main Street. Natural Heritage Seek to develop walks in an environmentally sensitive manner in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Appropriate planting of trees, shrubs and hedgerow indigenous to the Clifden area. Manage to protect the biodiversity. Seek to retain individual trees and groups of trees, hedgerows and stone walls which add to the local character of the area and are important for wildlife. Seek to protect non-designated habitats and landscapes. Protect Owenglin River from pollution, sedimentation and aquatic invasive species. Recreation & Amenity Encourage and facilitate suitable facilities for teenagers at appropriate locations. Plan for an amenity area in the vicinity of the Ball Alley area. Improve the amenity value of the Quay and Harbour areas. Work towards attaining a Blue Flag status for Clifden Beach. Plan for the future conservation of St. Mary’s Cemetery with a public usage element subject to legal requirements. Prepare a comprehensive Landscaping Plan for the Galway Road approach West of Waterloo Bridge; the town area visible from the Ballyconneely approach road, and the Westport Road approach. Development of the Waterfall and Bridge area on the Ballyconneely Road area as a small Town Park. Provide for the optimum conservation, management and sustainable use of Clifden Bay, developing proposals for its sustainable usage by land and sea user populations. Continued on next page

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Clifden ‘Wish List’ continued

Totally New Sections Information and Communication Technology Avoid the location of masts in any highly scenic areas and discourage the location of masts close to schools and residential areas. Energy Provide information on cost-eﬀective energy conservation measures and renewable energy technologies. Encourage and actively promote innovative housing design and layout solutions that address concerns of environmental sustainability and energy eﬃciency. Actively encourage the integration of micro renewable energy sources into the design and construction of single and multiple housing development.

What’s Continued From The Previous Plan? Residential Identify and acquire appropriate lands for Social and Affordable housing as necessary. Provide Social and Affordable housing Require developers to carry out a professional assessment of the natural features that define the character of sites. Enterprise, Industry & Tourism Promote Heritage Tourism Plan for water-based recreational facilities on Clifden Bay Improved and more informative signage Clearly defined walkways around the town including the section of the old Railway line. Architectural Heritage and Conservation Expanded concepts Adopt a strategy of minimum intervention in relation to proposals concerning protected structures and those of local interest that contribute to local distinctiveness. Require that the design of any proposed building adjoining or in the same setting as a Protected Structure shall have regard to the architectural context of the building. Respect the character of existing buildings, important views and spaces and the historic settlement pattern in terms of scale, height, grouping, density, design and materials. Litter and Waste Management Expanded concepts Provide for innovative litter bin design to be included in street furniture provision. Consider recycling at street level, and design for vandal proofing and ease of maintenance. Water & Drainage Expanded concepts Provide a new/upgraded wastewater collection and treatment system Restrict development that does not connect to the public sewer. Require all relevant applications, which are located in close proximity to a watercourse, to submit measures to reduce and prevent pollution to a watercourse, both during construction and after completion of the scheme. Protect a buffer zone around the perimeter

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December 2008

of the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Works boundary from inappropriate development in the interest of public health. Have regard to any flood plain details. Ensure that all non domestic water connections are metered. Plan for a sludge handling facility in or around the environs of Clifden. Transportation Facilitate and reserve lands for the development of future public car-parking facilities to serve the town centre Provide special needs car parking facilities Reserve and construct a relief road linking the Galway Road (N59) to the Westport Road. Prohibit development which would encroach on such development and its associated facilities. Reserve access points for the future development of backlands. Facilitate a road network through potential development lands to allow for vehicle and public transport to access new development if and where required. Facilitate the development of bus shelter in the town centre. From 2001-2006 Plan, but future plans not mentioned Bus/Coach parking on a site located directly to the south of St. Joseph’s Convent. Editors note: It was built but is an under-utilised facility. Town Centre Promote in-fill development, while maintaining the building line, throughout the Plan area thereby consolidating the town structure and creating a sense of enclosure along Clifden’s main thoroughfare in order to strengthen the streetscape in the town. Consider the preparation of Action Plans for development of backlands and in the area to the north of Main Street, as the need arises and resources permit. Facilitate the redevelopment of buildings in a poor state of repair or derelict. Investigate the appropriate use of night lighting whilst respecting the issues of light pollution, safety, amenity, historic fabric etc. to enhance the off season attractiveness of Clifden. Promote an appropriate landscaping policy for the town centre. Work with the Per Cent for Art Scheme to deliver an Arts element to Town Renewal projects through the use of the scheme in all available public capital investment. Education & Community Facilities Reserve lands for the expansion and provision of additional community and education facilities. Continuing road widening/improvements on the Ballyconneely Road in the vicinity of the Community school. NOTE: Not continued from 2001-2006 Plan - Upgrade facilities in the Court House to accommodate a youth centre or alternatively make it available for a tourist office or educational facility in association with either NUIG or the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology. Recreation & Amenity Walkways and cycle routes with links to the town centre. Reserve land along the Owenglin River for an amenity pathway or an ecological corridor.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Clifden continued

Library News Children’s Book Week Children’s Book Week took place during the ﬁrst week of November. There were many events and activities during the week. 3rd Class from Scoil Mhuire came to visit with their teacher Mrs. McEvaddy and learned all about the Library. (See photo below). Community Warden Thomas O’Sullivan (see photo right) gave a talk on the environment and every day after school many children attended a nature workshop where they learned about native birds, trees and animals. There were lots of prizes to be won each day and also two competitions: design and make a Halloween mask for the under 8yrs and a short story competition for the over 8yrs. The winner of the Short Story Competition was Hazel Scullion (photo right) with her story ‘The Woman in Black’ and Aisling Sealy Phelan won the Mask competition. Clifden Library wishes to thank the following for their sponsorship of Children’s Book Week. O’Mahony’s Bookshop Limerick; Cashel Credit Union; Clifden Credit Union; Allied Irish Bank Clifden; Bank of Ireland Clifden.

Christmas Competition This year’s Christmas competition is to make a Christmas card; the competition is open all play school and national school children. More details from the library.

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

Reader of the Month November’s Reader of the Month is Kelsie Young. (See photo far right)

Kingstown NS Help the Poor for Christmas The pupils of Kingstown National School took part in the Christmas Shoe Box appeal to help poor children have a box ﬁlled with gifts this Christmas. We collected almost 40 boxes. Pictured with the Christmas boxes are Chenoa Farragher, Elisha Mannion and Katie Slevin. Colin Pryce

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Clifden continued

Funding for Town Hall Clifden Town Hall has received €42,000 in funding from the Community Services Programme, which announced funding of €2.4 million nationwide on November 20th. Announcing the funding, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Aﬀairs Eamon O’Cuiv said “This announcement of €2.4m in funding will enable communities to provide more and better services across the country. In the current challenging economic climate, these new employment opportunities will help revitalise communities and ensure that facilities which have received much community and State investment are more available to the communities themselves.” The Community Halls and Facilities Strand of the Programme under which the projects were selected will release the potential of community facilities by increasing the number of hours they are available to the public, improving their upkeep and ensuring that other services are delivered more eﬀectively using existing community premises.

Counselling in Clifden Pro-Consult is a community based-professional counselling and psychotherapy service. This service is available to adults and is based at the Health Centre in Clifden, every Friday from 10.00 am onwards. Helen Lawless MIACP Reg. Psychol. PsSI. is the Counselling/Psychologist that visits Clifden every Friday. For an appointment please ring 091 589581 from Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The fee is on a sliding scale according to your circumstances so a reduced fee can be negotiated with the counsellor. Pro-Consult will accept self-referrals, referrals from vol-

untary and statutory agencies and from other professionals. Referrals for counselling are also accepted through Employee Assistance Programmes (E.A.P.s). It is important to realise that this service is totally conﬁdential and non-judgemental. The counselling service is supported by FORUM, through the Department of Social and Family Aﬀairs.

Clifden CIC Clifden Citizens Information Centre will be closed for Christmas/New Year for two weeks, from Monday 22nd December 2008. We will open again at 7pm on Thursday 8th January 2009. Information is available on 1890 777 121. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Clifden CIC.

Clifden Tidy Towns Clifden Tidy Town Group had a meeting on Tuesday, Nov 4th, where a lot of issues were discussed, but the one of biggest interest to us was the recent publication of the Town Development Plan. There were a huge number of issues relevant to us, so the group agreed to forward a list to T.J. Redmond containing our “wishes”. We look forward to meeting with him very soon to discuss and co-operate with the County Council and FAS to get a lot of work done for 2009. The latest whisper we have is that FAS are prepared to do a lot of the work in conjunction with the Clifden Tidy Towns shortly and already FAS are in action on the Galway Road where you will see them cleaning and tidying the verges and hedges. A big thank you to Jimmy, Pat and Brendan who are doing great work, so if you see them give them a “hoot” on the horn as a thank you. We will not know the date of our next meeting until we have concluded our meetings with TJ Redmond and Donal Nee of FAS, but as soon as we get word of the meeting and its conclusions we will get word out. Although it is only November, members of the Tidy Towns are getting a few smaller eye-sores sorted out. A big

A Quirky View on Connemara PAGE 8

December 2008

thank you to Mary O`Donnell and Sheila Griﬃn who replaced the tree protective grille outside the Bus Stop as well as their planting of a holly bush and a general tidy up of environs. Alan Shattock is doing fantastic work on our entry prospectus with a very professional job that will get us a lot of points on next year’s Tidy Towns now that we are beginning to understand some of the politics. Some of this is in part due to the great help from Mark Molloy of the environmental section of Galway Co. Co., so a big thank you all around to all for doing their part for Clifden Tidy Towns. Also we have a window to be decorated for the ‘Clifden Christmas Committee’, so we should have that ready with Gráinne’s help and ideas for December 6th. Another idea proposed by one of our members is to create a “Friends of Clifden Tidy Towns Group”. This is a great idea they saw lately where the gist is that members of the community, although unable to help us actively or full time, might be prepared to donate some money towards the group or volunteer their skills as regards grants, etc, etc. We will obviously publish more details later as we get more organised. As always if you would like to become part of the full group or the “friends” section, you can contact the secretary, Mary O’Donnell at cregg1@eircom.net or keep an eye on our notice board in Supervalu.

Christmas at St Anne’s The residents in St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit will be having a Christmas party on December 16th starting at 1:30pm. There will be singing by the pupils of the Scoil Mhuire Primary School, dancing, music, and even a visit from Santa. All friends, family and others are very welcome to participate. I hope to see you all there! Marian Hanrahan, Director of Nursing, St Anne’s CNU.

Editorial Cartoon by Peter Biddulph CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Ballyconneely

Ballyconneely Playschool American Tea Party Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service held an American Tea Party in the Hall on Friday night November 7th and it was a great success. We would like to thank Mr. John McDermot for being the D.J. on the night, his contribution made for a very enjoyable night. We would also like to thank Keogh’s Ballyconneely for the loan of the cutlery and for all those that attended on the night.

Christmas Cards The children from the Playschool and Afterschool Service have designed Christmas Cards which are on sale in the local shops and from the staﬀ. They cost €5 per pack of 10 cards. Please support. Photo: Pictured are Francesca McDonagh and Aine Mitchell, two of the children who participated in the production of the Christmas cards. Photo courtesy of Caroline Joyce

Ballyconneely Defibrillator Joe Lynch Manager of Supervalu Clifden recently presented Ann Early of Ballyconneely Deﬁbrillator Fundraising Committee with a cheque for €500. (See photo). Also included in the picture is customer Ann Duane from Ballyconneely. Figures from the Irish Heart Foundation show that over 5000 people suﬀer from sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) every year. The majority of these events occur outside of hospital and away from trained

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medical personnel. The survival rate is extremely low, particularly in rural areas, where medical assistance is not within easy reach. It is estimated that for every minute lost before treatment begins, the chances of survival decrease by 10 per cent. Well done to the committee and the generosity of the people of Ballyconneely in getting this project up and running. Photo courtesy of Super Valu, Clifden.

talented young musicians and dancers provided the entertainment on the evening and Senator Craven was presented with a beautiful piece of Galway Crystal by her cousin Paraic Joyce. (See photo below). The Senator greeted old school friends and neighbours throughout the evening and clearly enjoyed the eﬀorts made by the local community to congratulate her on her fantastic political achievement. She also accepted and cut a beautiful cake made especially for the occasion, which was decorated with the message “Comhgháirdeas Muiréad Ní Conghaile” as she was known when she attended Glynsk National School as a child, and was later treated to a rendition of “Cailín Álainn” by Johnny Mháirtín Learaí. Margaret and

Smokehouse in DC Graham Roberts of the Connemara Smokehouse is back from a whirlwind trip to Washington D.C. for “The Best of Ireland’s Wonderful West Culinary Renaissance” , the culinary feast focusing on the West of Ireland’s relatively new status as a culinary destination. Graham was representing Tourism Ireland and Good Food Ireland at the Ireland Embassy in Washington. The event was hosted by Tourism Ireland and Ambassador Michael Collins for the Smithsonian Associates. Graham gave a presentation and catered for the 300 guests with his award winning products. The Ambassador has requested more products for future events in the Irish Embassy.

Carna

A Hometown Welcome for Senator Craven Newly elected Maine State Senator Margaret Craven (nee Connolly) was treated to the warmest of welcomes and congratulations at Glynsk house on the evening of November 12th, when friends, family and neighbours from Letterard, Glynsk, Gowla and the Carna area gathered in her honour. A host of

December 2008

her husband Jim were widely welcomed throughout the course of their holiday, and stopped into Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara in Carna, and City Hall in Galway, where she received a presentation from City Mayor Padraig Conneely. A special dinner was also hosted by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív on Friday November 21st in honour of Senator Craven’s visit. Continued on next page

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Kylemore

Kylemore Past Pupils Reunion

Carna continued On the night of the party at Glynsk House, Senator Craven thanked all who had organised and attended the event, and recalled how diﬃcult and uncertain the future was when she emigrated to the States aged just 17. She is now the ﬁrst elected Senator in the U.S. to have been born and grown up in Ireland and is wished every success in her life and career by those from her hometown. Photo above: Cousins and relatives of Senator Margaret Craven (nee Connolly). Back (l-r): Tommy Joe Joyce, Eddie Joyce, Micheál Joyce, Senator Craven, Páraic Joyce. Front (l-r) Sally Casey and Bartley Joyce.

Last District Court The last ever Carna District Court was held on Tuesday December 2nd.The court had been in operation for over 150 years and in recent times was held on a quarter year basis. The Oﬃce of Court Services has decided that Carna will no longer be a Court venue and cases from the Carna and Cill Chiarain areas will now be directed to Clifden and Derrynea courts.

Cleggan/Claddaghduﬀ

Claddaghduff Hall Christmas Fair Claddaghduff Hall Committee is having a Christmas Fair in the Hall on Sunday, December 7th. It promises to be a very special day. Doors will open at 2:00pm and our special guest of honour Santa will be arriving by horse drawn carriage at 2:15pm! We will have a tombola, cake stall, raffles, books, toys, gifts of all kinds, Christmas fayre and handmade Christmas wreaths, Yule logs etc. You can have your photo taken with Santa in Santa’s Grotto and there will be some fun and games for the children! Christmas carols will be performed by the local school children. You can relax with a nice cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Please come along and show your support. All proceeds will go towards the rebuilding costs of Claddaghduff Hall.

Handmade Christmas Wreaths Come along to the Christmas Fair at Claddaghduff Hall on December 7th and order your custom-made Christmas Wreath or table centrepiece from a sample selection. Yours will then be delivered to your home Christmas week. All profits will go towards the Claddaghduff Hall rebuilding costs. Dorothy Conneely

Funding for Elderly Home Improvement Cleggan/Claddaghduff Community Alert has received funding of €4424.96 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People, as announced on November 21st by John Curran, T.D., Minister of State (with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs) at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Scheme provides grants to community and voluntary groups to encourage and assist them in improving the security of vulnerable older people in their own homes. With the funds allocated under the Scheme, the community groups can provide socially monitored alarm systems and security

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

equipment such as sensor lighting, window locks, door locks, door chains and smoke alarms for qualifying older people.

A Reunion will take place for all Past Pupils of Kylemore Abbey on Saturday June 27th 2009. The day will consist of Mass, concert, lunch and a get-together. The restaurant and catering staff at Kylemore Abbey will provide food and drink over the day – a midday meal (buffet with finger food etc. or for those who would prefer it, a normal lunch in the restaurant) and tea or coffee in between times. There will be a cost of €30 p/p at the door to cover lunch and tea and coffee in between times. There will also be mass at 12 o’clock on the Saturday in the gym. Sr. Karol’s choir will be contributing, and Sr. Karol is sure there will be many past pupils who would be prepared to sing or play. Maybe she will even get an impromptu past pupils’ choir! There will be a chance to wander around the school and grounds and visit old haunts and catch up with classmates and reminisce over old times. Sharon Molloy is currently organising the reunion and any feedback, suggestions and or advice is welcome, or if you would like to attend the reunion you can contact Sharon on email at molloy_sharon@hotmail.com.

Claddaghduff Show 2009 The public meeting held on October 20th last was well attended with a lot of new and returning members and it looks like the show will be back on. Another public meeting will be held in January and the AGM will be held in late February.

Inishboﬁn

New Pier Opened The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon Ó Cuív T.D. visited the island of Inishboﬁn, Co. Galway on November 14th to mark the completion of major coastal protection works and to perform the oﬃcial opening of the refurbished pier. The total cost of the overall development amounted to almost €8m and included coastal protection, dredging works, the construction of a new slipway, and major pier improvements. The works were carried out by L&M Keating Ltd. under the supervision of RPS Consulting Engineers and Galway County Council. Minister Ó Cuív congratulated everybody who was involved in the development, and thanked the island community in particular for their patience and cooperation while

these major works were in progress. Opening the pier, Minister Ó Cuív said that it had been a privilege for him as Minister with responsibility for the Islands to approve this major investment for the island. “The poor condition of the pier has been a concern for many years and there was a pressing need to protect the island from the detrimental effects of coastal erosion, and indeed, the very real danger of the island’s main road and houses actually falling into the sea. I am confident that the works that have been carried out so professionally will be of great benefit, socially and economically, for this vibrant island community for many years to come,” the Minister said. “I am also delighted that the construction of the island’s airstrip has also been completed. I am certain that this airstrip will be a major driver for economic development in the region.” Photo: Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O’Cuiv unveils the plaque marking the refurbishment of Inishbofin Pier with the help of Mark Cunnane. Photo courtesy of Andrew Downes Photography.

December 2008

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Letterfrack

Opening of Community Crèche The 17th of November 2008 was definitely a day for the local history books as the new childcare crêche in Letterfrack opened its doors to the first intake of children. The Connemara West Board and crêche management have much to celebrate as this project has taken over eight years to bring to fruition, from a sketchy drawing to the fine building we see today. The time, energy and commitment necessary to bring a project like this to life cannot be underestimated, but all who had worked on the project agreed it was worth it to see the happy smiling faces of both children and parents as they came through the door. The project received funding of €1,01400 in June 2005 to build a full day care facility in the grounds of the Connemara West centre and the building began in early February this year. The task of staffing and equipping the facility has been the main focus of management since then, with the engagement of manager Miriam Culhane in September and other staff members in October. An open evening and day were held in early November to invite prospective parents and children to view the facility and meet with staff and management. Miriam Culhane, manager of the facility had this to say “The facility aims to focus on the total development of the child in partnership with the family by providing a model of quality childcare and early education which will support families and the wider community. We intend to offer a range of activities in a flexible, accessible environment where awareness of children’s culture will be re-

spected, and choice and opportunity to learn through play will be promoted in a supportive, professional environment, striving at all times to create a happy, loving and caring atmosphere. The service is staffed by a motivated, energetic team who are highly qualified and have completed the necessary Childcare, First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire and Child Protection training. A qualified Food Handler is employed to prepare hot meals and snacks throughout the day. The building inside and out is fully CCTV operated and fire alarmed with security locks on the main door. The facility is open Monday – Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm. Fees are subject to the length of service required and family circumstances. Financial support to low income families is available through a scheme administered through the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.” If you wish to find out more about the service please contact Miriam Culhane on 095 41908. See photos on page 15.

No More Desperate House! Angie Williams of Letterfrack featured in the ﬁrst episode of the new series of “Desperate Houses” on RTE One on Tuesday November 11th. The clearing out of old clutter and refurbishing of two rooms in Angie’s house made for great TV and the end result was truly impressive. Interior designer Fiona Wilson and the Desperate House team helped Angie sort what was useful from useless and a veritable treasure trove of antiques and collectibles were unearthed throughout the renovation, from old antique chairs to toy cars, and even the handbag her mother took to her sister Dympna’s wedding. The show

Leenane

Work on the New Bridge Work has been ongoing on the new bridge in Leenane in recent weeks. There have been traﬃc lights and a temporary bridge in place since the collapse of the bridge in July of

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December 2008

has proven very popular and aims to clear out houses that have become cluttered beyond control. The fantastic work done by the Desperate houses crew took place in just three days and family, friends and neighbours could all be seen helping out throughout the show.

Letterfrack Information Service The Letterfrack Information Service will be available at Connemara West from 1:30-4:30pm on Tuesday December 9th. If you have any questions about Social Welfare, Pensions, Housing, Consumer Aﬀairs, Employment, Education or any of your rights and entitlements, call us on 087-1301100 or drop in.

New Wastewater Treatment Construction has begun on a new waste water treatment plant in Letterfrack. The old treatment works is being demolished and the new plant is expected to be completed in May 2009. The site is located adjacent to Letterfrack furniture college and is designed to serve a population equivalent of 800, but can accommodate future expansion if required. There will also be a signiﬁcant improvement to the quality of treated wastewater being discharged currently from the existing plant. A similar project is also currently under construction in Clonbur.

Maam

Card Games Card Games continue every Tuesday night at 8.30pm. in Ionad Pobail an Mhama. Everyone is welcome so come along and enjoy a good night out.

Evening Classes Art Classes are taking place on Wednesday evenings with tutor David Keane. Laurie Walsh, H.S.E, is doing a course with the women’s group on “Developing a Healthy Lifestyle”.

Health and Well Being Day Five Members of the Women’s Group attended Forum’s Health and Well Being Day in the Alcock and Brown Hotel, Clifden. Everyone enjoyed the talks and workshops and a lovely lunch was provided. Thank you to Margaret Sheehan of Forum for organising a great day out. Continued on next page

2007. The bridge was over 100 years old and carried up to 4000 vehicles a day between Galway and Mayo up until its collapse due to torrential rain and ﬂooding last year. With work progressing well, the new bridge is now taking shape and work is expected to be completed in the coming months. Photo courtesy of John Holmes

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Maam Continued

Joyce Country Echo The Joyce Country Echo is printed twice a year and is sold in shops in Maam, Leenane, Cornamona, Clonbur, Finny, Recess and Maam Cross. Copies are also posted to people from Joyce Country who live overseas in England, America, Australia and New Zealand. The next issue will be in local shops before Christmas.

Christmas Social The Women’s Group weekend away and social takes place on December 5th/6th in the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris. A mulled wine reception will be followed by a ﬁve course dinner, music and entertainment. Happy Christmas! Rosemary Hanley

Moycullen Fat Tony’s Barbers have just opened their fifth barber shop, this time in Moycullen. The premises is in the newly developed Nua Shopping centre on the main street in Moycullen, under the management of John and Caitriona Maguire. Fat Tony’s opened up their first Barber Shop in Liosban in 2003 and since then have opened shops in Oranmore, Middle St, Galway and Barna. Fat Tony’s of Moycullen promises to offer great value in haircuts, hot towel shaves and all aspects of male grooming to the residents of Moycullen, Bushy Park and Roscahill.

Oughterard

Connemara Domestic Violence Response Booklet Launch Domestic Violence Response is a community led rural based organisation responding to the issue of domestic violence in Connemara. As part of the “International 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women” and celebrating 10 years since the foundation of DVR, a recently produced booklet entitled “Life’s Real Fairytale” will be launched in Connemara this December. This booklet was written, designed and produced by Transition Year students from St Paul’s Secondary School in Oughterard. “Life’s Real Fairytale” is a comprehensive approach to violence and unhealthy relationship practices. Sections include articles titled “How’s your relationship?”, “It Could Be You”, Healthy Sexual Relationships”, “Recognising Tactics”, and “Getting Help”. The most basic aim of the booklet is to alert people of all ages to the signs of an unhealthy relationship and direct them to information and support. It lays out the clear signs of an unhealthy relationship as follows: • You are afraid to disagree with your partner. Everything you say (your feelings, your likes/ dislikes and your opinions) are rubbished. • You are unable to be yourself and have to act diﬀerent. • You have no freedom to make decisions in the relationship. • Where you go and who you see is being controlled by your partner. • One person has no respect for the others belongings. • You have no personal space. • You are threatened and afraid of your partners temper. • You are isolated from friends and family. The booklet includes a wide range of topics relevant to young people in dating relationships. The booklet is intended to be used as a preventative resource manual and DVR has been in contact with the Minister for Education Mr Batt O’ Keefe to discuss the possibility of this being used as part of the SPHE curriculum. The booklet “Life’s Real Fairytale” will be launched at the Oughterard Golf Club on December 10th. Guest speakers will include Mr Don Hennessy, an expert in the ﬁeld of domestic violence and former director of the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency. Evelyn Glynn, who has considerable

experience working in the violence against women sector, will also speak. Anyone who feels they may be in an unhealthy or abusive relationship is invited to make contact with Domestic Violence Response. For free, friendly, conﬁdential advice and support call D.V.R. on (091) 866 740 or e-mail dvr@ indigo.ie

Renvyle

A message from Renvyle Animal Rescue A big “Thank You” to all of you who have supported us throughout the year. Our October sale was very successful and well attended. Your help has enabled us to continue our animal welfare work. Contributions of items for our sale have risen and we are very grateful for all saleable donations. However, we are ﬁnding an increase in useless items, e.g. broken, worn out or soiled books, toys, clothes, and household items. Please be aware that disposal of these incurs much expense and seriously depletes our funds. We ask you therefore to be selective please and only donate items which are likely to sell. Thank you and a Happy Christmas to you all. Judy Lawrence, Renvyle Animal Rescue

Roscahill This December Santa is taking some time out from his busy schedule to bring a magical family entertainment ‘Stories with Santa’ to Brigit’s Garden in Roscahill. Santa and his musical Elf will conjure up the real spirit of Christmas and delight children and their parents with interactive music and stories from around the world. The show culminates in Santa’s theatrical lighting of the Christmas tree with the children’s assistance. The holiday magic continues with a reception after the entertainment, and mince-pies and refreshments are included in the ticket price. ‘Stories with Santa’ is the perfect child-friendly and non-commercial way to celebrate Christmas! Brigit’s Garden is a not-for-proﬁt organisation and a recognised charity and all proceeds go to support the project. The show is suitable for ages 4-8. ‘Stories with Santa’ runs on December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st, with two shows each day at 2.30 and 5.00 pm. Tickets are limited and can be booked online at www.brigitsgarden.ie or by phoning to 091 550905.

Roundstone Well we are coming into the Christmas festive season. Golly, it only feels like yesterday that we celebrated Christmas! However Roundstone is beginning to prepare for the Christmas period, kicking oﬀ Sunday 30th November with a great wine tasting evening. Michael Reynolds and family kept Ferron’s shop open a little longer for a wine tasting session and mince pies, great craic all together. I took a few photos of the occasion and they will be on the website soon.

Christmas Windows and Lights Talking about Michael, this week will be the start of the Christmas windows competition. As with last year the winner will receive €100 worth of groceries, and there is a draw for one voter, so all you have to do is to go to Ferron’s and get a window number and start to decorate. These decorated windows makes a great diﬀerence to the visual look of the village. Also this week, will see the start of the erection of the street Christmas lights. I gather there are a good few new ideas, re these lights, which promise to be quite spectacular.

Christmas Party for the Kids A note for the diary- Eamon O’Cuiv will visit to oﬃcially open Inishnee Slipway at 12.45. About one hour later, Eamon will open the new Lower Community Hall. Afterwards there will be a Children’s Christmas party. We are hoping that children from Ballyconneely, Cashel and Recess will come and join us here in Roundstone. It costs €5 per child and adults go free. Each child will meet Santy and be given a little Christmas gift. Continued on next page

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Roundstone continued Eldon’s Hotel

It has now become oﬃcial that Eldon’s Hotel will be taken over for the year 2009 and will open on the 1st January 2009 under the management of Bronagh Towler. Bronagh is a very qualiﬁed person in the Hotel Industry, she was with the Ballinahinch Castle for a time and has been abroad quite extensively and London. She was also with the Zetland hotel. Now here’s a lady who knows about the West of Ireland and its tourism quirks, therefore it just remains to be said that we do wish her all the luck in the world, and I am sure Bronagh will bring in again more new blood into the area as Lorraine and Michelle did when they ran the Hotel. So the New Year looks very positive for Roundstone, with the added bonus of the McDonagh family taking over the Shamrock.

Scoil Eanna Another note for your Diary, as from the 5th to the 12th of December Scoil Eainia will be holding a book sale from 3pm to 4pm every day. These books are for all ages, and the proceeds will go back into the school.

Congratulations Congratulations to Brid and Francie Sullivan of Inishnee on the birth of a baby boy recently. Also the

Clifden Sewerage Plan There may be light at the end of the sewage pipe! The desperately needed Water and Sewage Treatment Plant for Clifden is in the planning stage. It has been a long time in coming. The period of public inspection of the planning application for the new wastewater treatment plant on Clifden Bay comes to a close on December 12th. For those of you who have not yet reviewed them, here are the particulars: • The new treatment plant will be on the existing site. • It will extend beyond its current boundaries, therefore,

same goes to Francis and Eithne McDonald. They both were presented with a baby girl. They have named her Niamh. So congratulations to the two families.

Competition for 2009, a few of us will be meeting PK. Joyce with his Clifden Tidy Towns committee soon to join forces and exchange ideas.

Birthday

Roundstone Gun Club

While we are congratulating the new borns, we would like to send good wishes on behalf of Ellen and Martin O’Donnell, to their daughter Rachel, who is 13 years old this week- a “teenager at last”! Rachel is also part of the youth club as her brother and sister were before her.

As we come into the shooting season, the Gun Club has for the last few years allocated certain grounds around the parish of Roundstone which have been preserved for the breeding of pheasants and vermin shooting. Our project seems to be working, but we are slightly concerned that the birds will be shot, if outside guns come into the area-perhaps not realizing anything about our project. Therefore we would request that if anybody wants to shoot just to make contact with a Roundstone member. We now have a very ﬁne site for clay pigeon shooting, which will be starting again soon. Just a thought-perhaps it could be an idea for the clubs to come together and work together in one way or another.

Tidy Towns Concerning Tidy Towns, there us a FAS scheme for Roundstone and Clifden. Donal Nee (Supervisor for FAS) is still looking for those that are eligible, i.e those that are in receipt of social welfare or farm assistance allowance to come on board. I would have thought that in this present climate people would jump at the chance to have one week oﬀ, one week on, to work around the village, as this sort of Scheme will play a huge part in the Tidy Towns competition 2009. Apart from the fact, FAS plays a huge part for the future in the upgrading and maintenance of the village. Anyway if you feel you are eligible ring Donal at (087) 888 5775; it is quite possible the scheme could be lost if there is no one available. A serious eﬀort is going to be made in the

additional land will be purchased by Galway County Council. • The new plant will provide “adequate treatment of the reduced sewage flow prior to discharge into inner Clifden Bay via a new outfall pipe.” • The proposed wastewater treatment plant will be procured under a design/build/operate (DBO) contract. The plant will be designed by the contractor in order to meet effluent quality standards and noise and odour limits at the site boundary that will be set out in the DBO contract documents. • Sludge will be transported off site for further treatment and disposal at a sludge satellite centre. • New surface water sewers are to be provided on the town streets “to divert surface water from the existing sewer network.” • Existing sewers will be upgraded or rehabilitated as required. • A control building, blower building and sludge dewatering building will be constructed on the site. The buildings will be designed to blend in with the surrounding rural environment. The planning document in the libray outlines the Visual, Noise and Odour, Ecological, and Archeological Effects. Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development may be made in writing to the County Secretary, Aras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway on or before 4pm on Friday 12th December 2008. EM

That’s all from me for now. Don’t economise during this so called recession and cold weather with the price of electricity to keep warm, as some people are doing, (I’m guilty) maybe give up the fags or whatever and put the money to warmth! Richard de Stacpoole

Letter to the Editor Congratulations! The Clifden based Cantairi Chonamara, first directed by Joy Buckley and then succeeded by Aidán McGlynn, have earned a justifiably high reputation for their brilliant performances of both sacred and secular music over the past 9 years and it is a privilege to have them among us. On more than one occasion they have been joined by both Galway singers and Mark Keane (organist), creating a remarkable link between these two unique Centres of the Arts. On a dark and foggy night in mid-November the ‘Cantairi Chonamara’ singers set up their stall in Kilcummin Parish Church, Oughterard to lift the spirits of that local community with their superb production of Mozart’s Requiem in D. Following long and dedicated preparation their first public performance of this great work was given at the Clifden Arts Festival to a packed, stunned and highly appreciative audience which was then replicated in Oughterard. Congratulations and very many thanks also go to Hugh Musgrave of Cleggan for his brave and enterprising fund-raising exercise in October, where he undertook a Sky Dive from an altitude of 10,000 feet. This experience of a lifetime was also shared with his daughter Camilla who was the instigator of the idea for him. Hugh raised considerable sponsorship through this event for the Clifden Mental Health Association which is based at the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden, and for which they are immensely grateful. In these times of cut-backs, job losses and general national negativity it is encouraging to know of such examples of positivity, dedication and enterprise which are the kind of things that help to raise all our spirits. There are many other such positive examples all around us for which we should be equally grateful. Anthony Previté

Send in your news, views & photos to news@ connemaraview.com PAGE 1 4

December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Calling on St Cáilín

On November 13th last, young and old alike made their way to St Cáilín’s Well in Keeraunmore to make the annual pilgrimage to the holy well of the local saint. The well is thought to have been originally located on Chapel Island, near Slyne Head, which dates back to the 7th century. There is also a hut on the island in which local fishermen would sometimes stay. Accordingly, Cáilín is the patron saint of fishermen in the seas off Connemara. Mass was celebrated at St Cáilín’s Chapel on the island but at some point, the holy well was moved to the mainland as it was often very difficult to undertake a pilgrimage to the island, due to bad winter weather conditions. The well is located on a hillside in Keeraunmore. There is a path leading up the hill towards it and the well is off to the left hand side at the top of the hill. The well is believed to have great healing powers and

is visited regularly by locals. There are two monuments at the site and the process of the pilgrimage is as follows. Shoes and socks are removed as the pilgrimage is traditionally performed barefoot. On approaching the first monument, you pick up seven pebbles. You then begin walking around the monument in a clockwise direction and on each lap, you recite one Our father, one Hail Mary and one Glory. At the end of each circuit, you throw one pebble back into the centre of the mound. The seven stones are similar to rosary beads in keeping count of the prayers. You then progress on to the holy well itself, where the same process is repeated. It is also suggested that on finishing your prayer, you should leave behind something that you brought with you. Some people leave behind coins and other small items for this reason. On finishing the pilgrimage process, there is then a small pool in which to wash your feet next to the stone wall. In times gone by, there would be music and dancing in a lot of the local houses as many people would have walked from miles away to make the pilgrimage. Nowadays, neighbours and visitors still congregate in houses to have refreshments and mark the day. St Cáilín is a much loved and popular saint, as the huge numbers of visitors that turn out for the pilgrimage every year illustrates. Local children are treated to a day off school in honour of their local saint. Visitors are also free to take small amounts of holy water from the well to remind them of St Cáilín regularly. Catherine Pryce

Children delighted with the new Crèche in Letterfrack Photos courtesy of Connemara West

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Gráinne Mhaols 2008 West Galway Senior League Champions Back (l-r): Brenda Mulkerrins, Mary Young (Manager), Katie Coohill, Triona Folan, Lucy Lydon, Paula Coohill, Kim Young, Lorraine Heﬀernan, Ann Flaherty (President), Mary Coyne (President), Lyn Heanue (Treasurer), Rita McDonagh (Mentor). Front (l-r): Melissa Wallace, Nicola Walsh, Ríona McTavish (Mascot), Becky Heanue, Noreen Coyne, Geraldine McTavish, Bríd McDonagh, (Captain), Máire Coyne, Mairéad Coyne, Paul Gannon (Manager). Not pictured: John Francis Flaherty (Manager). See story on page 20.

Renvyle West Board Jr A League Champions Back (l-r): John Heanue (Selector), Jason Walsh, Noel Varley, Liam Salmon, Gerry Salmon, Alan Walsh, Eoin O’Neill, Gary Mortimer, Tommy Walsh, Michael Aspell, Michael McDonnell, David Kearney, Rory Coyne (Selector), Tom Nee, Alan Heanue, Enda Walsh. Front (l-r): Shane Lydon, Stephen Heanue, Mark Gannon, Jamie Flaherty, Aidan Flaherty (Captain), Conor Conneely, Brian Coyne, Daniel Walsh, Lorcan Conneely and Thady Salmon (Manager). See story on page 20.

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December 2008

Connemara SportsView

Connemara Rugby Connemara Quieten Baanbridge

The Connemara Senior Rugby Team racked up another very significant win away to Banbridge on November 29th. The match was played in bitterly cold conditions in freezing fog and the floodlights had to be employed for visibility purposes. The first scoring opportunity came at the 15 minute mark when Connemara were awarded a penalty, which Connemara out-half Sean Joyce missed. It was a mistake he would not make again, and more than compensated for as the match progressed. Around the half hour mark, Banbridge got in for a converted try after charging down an attempted clearance kick. Sean Joyce replied a few minutes later with a penalty straight between the posts to bring the half time score to 7-3. Banbridge made a couple of threatening breaks in the second half but failed to find the gaps they needed. Connemara meanwhile sensed that points were there for the taking. Around 20 minutes into the second half Sean Joyce put another penalty over. His third attempt resulted from Banbridge having hands in the ruck and Joyce put the Blacks in front, 9-7. Connemara then went on to show just how determined they were to hold onto a winning margin. They continued to repel Banbridge’s repeated attacks and defended heroically. Banbridge were once again penalised for pulling down a maul and Sean Joyce coolly delivered the three points. With a scoreline of 12-7 to Connemara, Banbridge threw everything at them in the last few minutes and well into injury time. Local supporters listening in to Brendan Ridge and Pat Walsh’s commentary on Connemara Community were on the edge of their seats as Banbridge made repeated attacks on the Connemara line. A temporary break in transmission before the final whistle was truly nailbiting stuff, but listeners were back in time to hear that Connemara had held them off and sealed the deal. Connemara Community Radio and all who commentate on the matches must be praised for bringing the commentary and atmosphere of all the AIL matches to those who cannot attend. Saturday December 7th sees Connemara host Midleton, at home with kick off at 2:30p.m. Midleton are currently second in the table but if Connemara continue as they have been, they should be well capable of beating the Cork side. The following Saturday, December 13th will see the local derby match of Connemara and Corinthians at Corinthian Park in Galway, with kick off at 2:30p.m. It is sure to attract much support from followers of Connemara Rugby, who will be anticipating more great results and performances from this Connemara side. Catherine Pryce

Junior Rugby The Connemara Junior team are continuing to have an impressive season. After a ﬁrst match defeat to Ballyhaunis they racked up three impressive wins, home to Carrick on

Connemara SportsView

Shannon and Westport, and away to Gort. The winning streak came to a temporary end on November 9th with a 10-5 loss to Ballinrobe, after a hard fought and physical game at Monastery ﬁeld in wet and miserable playing conditions (see photo bottom of page). The match away to Dunmore on November 30th was postponed and has been re-ﬁxed for December 14th. Next up the Juniors are away to Ballinasloe on Sunday December 7th, and will be looking to add another win to their tally for the season so far. Catherine Pryce

Superb Senior Connacht Start John O’Brien of Clifden made his debut in a Senior Connacht Jersey in style, scoring the ﬁrst try of the match against Portugal, who visited the Galway Sportsground on Sunday November 9th. Connemara RFC’s Troy Nathan also got in for a try in a spirited and energetic match. O’ Brien plays with Buccaneers in Division One of the AIL and is a member of the Connacht Academy along with other Connemara locals and players Sean Joyce, Jason East, and Tiernan O’Halloran.

All Blacks drop into Abbeyglen We’re normally used to our own Connemara Blacks in action but a few of the legendary New Zealand All Blacks paid a ﬂying visit to Clifden recently while in the country for matches against Ireland and Munster. All Blacks Captain and ﬂanker Richie McCaw, half -back Jimmy Cowan and lock Ali Williams dropped into the Abbeyglen Hotel in Clifden for a quick lunch before returning to the capital by

Cumann Rugbaí na Gaeltachta was founded in January 2005 by Cian de Buitléar and Mícheal Ó Domhnaill. The club is registered with the IRFU, Connaught Branch. On arrival on Friday 7th the teams had a 2 hour training session at the Stade Français training pitch with Stade Français Academy coaches. On Saturday An Ghaeltacht traveled to East Paris to play against Stade Français and won their matches. Final scores for Under 11’s: Stade Français 2, An Ghaeltacht 5 and for Under 12’s: Stade Français 0, An Ghaeltacht 4. There was an official presentation at the Stade Français clubhouse afterwards and the French and Irish captains exchanged gifts of club rugby shirts. Captains Micheál Ó Tuathail U12 and Gearóid Ó Cualáin U11 spoke well as Gaeilge. This was the first time a visiting mini-rugby club from Ireland had come to play against Stade Français. An invitation to reciprocate the visit was extended by An Ghaeltacht in the hope that we might host Stade Français in Ireland some time in the future. Besides all the action on the pitch, An Ghaeltacht thoroughly enjoyed some sightseeing at the Eiffel tower, and a trip to Disneyland Paris Theme Park. But the highlight for many came on Sunday when An Ghaeltacht teams were treated to an exclusive grand tour of Stade de France – the purpose built stadium for the 1998 World Cup in Paris. After entering via the professional player’s entrance, they toured the world-class dressing rooms and pre-match area. The U11 and U12 teams then emerged from the players tunnel and their infamous Haka soon resounded and echoed around the Stade de France - “An Ghaeltacht Abú!”. All the players would like to thank the clubs committee and their parents who helped organize the trip. Particular thanks to all the group leaders who kept an eye on 70 travelling in the tour for what was a valuable and unforgettable experience of French Rugby. Liz Warren

helicopter. The All Blacks went on to defeat both the Ireland and Munster teams but were warmly welcomed as ever by rugby fans all over the country as representatives of the very top level of international rugby. Photo: Jimmy Cowan, Wendy De Brocke, Erica Baignet, Kent Baignet, Morwenna Tymen, Richie McCaw, Ali Williams, Brian Hughes. Photos courtesy of Brian Hughes

Allez An Ghaeltacht! First rugby match ‘as Gaeilge’ versus ‘au Francais’! Early in November 2008 the Under 11 and Under 12 teams from An Ghaeltacht Rugby Club ﬂew to Paris for a weekend of training and matches with their counterparts in Paris, Les Poussins of Stade Français. An Ghaeltacht RFC is comprised of kids from all over South Connemara and is an Irish speaking club at matches, training and meetings etc.

December 2008

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“Hallmark” Wins Superleague

Youth GAA

Clifden Boat Club’s “Hallmark” has been announced as the Overall Winner of the Dubarry West Coast Superleague 2008. The third year of the league was once again a great success with over 70 boats participating from clubs all along the western seaboard. The league is organised by the West of Ireland Oﬀshore Racing Association in association with the host clubs. The skipper and crew of “Hallmark are pictured below.

Left: Monica Lydon presents Renvyle Captain Rian Sheridan with the Peter Lydon Memorial Shield. Right: Monica Lydon and Feichin Mitchell present Naomh Feichin Captain Paul Lee with the GMT Cup.

Grant for Boat Club

Photos by Paul Gannon

Angling The annual Renvyle House ﬁshing competition took place on Sunday October 19th. The winner Ricky Cronnelly is pictured receiving the cup from Ronnie Counihan. Also pictured are Culﬁn anglers Jackie Coyne and Brian Walsh.

There was more good news for the Club when they received a grant to the value of €1,000 for the development of sailing at the WIORA AGM. The cheque was accepted on behalf of the Clifden Boat Club by Bobbi O’Regan and WIORA Commodore Simon McGibney said “It is very important for the West of Ireland Oﬀshore Racing Association to be actively promoting and developing sailing along the west coast. By way of this grant the association has the opportunity of putting the money back into sailing at grass roots level”. Andrew Bell, Commodore of Clifden Boat Club responded by thanking WIORA; “On behalf of Clifden Boat Club, I would like to sincerely thank the members of the West of Ireland Oﬀshore Racing Association for this very generous grant which will help in the development of sailing at Clifden Boat Club”. Photo: Team Hallmark: Back (l-r): Michael Davis, Ian Shanahan, Damian Ward, Jackie Ward, Mike Coquil, Barry Ward and Thomas Davis. Front: James Kane. Photo courtesy of Damian Ward

Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden

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

Mannion’s AFC Round-Up We’ve been sitting at the top of the Division 4A table since the second game of the season and I’m sure that every other team is going to try their best to knock us off before the end. Local rivals will always try that little bit harder so that they can win bragging rights, so we knew our latest game against Cois Farraige of Rossaveal was going to be a serious contest. We had just experienced our first league defeat to the lads from Oughterard the week before, 2-1, so were especially determined to get back to winning ways and we did just that. Our first goal came from a sweet simple linking of passes from Shane Lydon,

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December 2008

Dermot Clancy and a neat finish from Brian Flaherty. They got back on terms in the second half with an easy goal after we failed to clear the ball a couple of times and it ended up falling to the feet of their striker straight in front of goal. It wasn’t the fault of our goalie Thomas Madden who had a very good game making a series of brave crunching saves. Cathal Mulkerrins was unlucky not to score when his header came back off the post and a draw was looking likely. Luckily our winning goal came from Gerard O’Toole when a beautifully executed flick, which Fabregas would be proud of, found Sean Mitchell who was speeding up the right wing. He controlled the ball and put a fantastic low cross inch perfect across the box to the sprinting Niall Lydon who rocketed the ball into the net. It was a goal good enough for the Champions League and definitely good enough for all 3 points on a cold day in Carraroe. Kevin Gavin Photo: Mannions AFC team that defeated NUI Galway NUI Galway 4 – 2 on October 4th. Back (l-r): Sean Mitchell, Gerard O’Toole Brian Flaherty, Sean Mullen, Thomas Madden, Niall Lydon, Cathal Mulkerin, Eoin O’Neill. Front (l-r): Shane Lydon, Daniel King, Mark Gannon, Mark Shanahan (Capt.) Dylan Wallace, Jonathan O’Malley, Dermot Clancy. Photo courtesy of Paul Mannion

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Darts

The Grand Final of the Grainne Mhaols Open Singles Competition took place at the Atlantic Bar, Clifden on Sunday November 23rd. The final game was contested by Larry Keady and Richie McMahon, with an in-form Richie McMahon prevailing in the end. On behalf of the Grainne Mhaols Darts Administrative Committee, Paul Gannon thanked all the players for taking part and congratulated them on their performances in the competition and throughout the year. The Open Doubles Competition began on November 26th and will continue through the month of December with the remaining fixtures detailed below. The Grand Final of the Doubles competition will take place on December 21st at the Atlantic, starting at 3pm. Fixture: Sunday Dec. 7th- Griffins/Mollys. Wed Dec 10th- Morans/Renvyle Inn. Sun Dec 14th-Festys/Macs. Wed Dec 17th- Mannions/ Gaynors. Fri Dec 19th-The Pier Bar/Zetland. Photos (from top): Willie Gannon of the Connemara Representative Darts Team presents Larry Keady with his runner-up trophy. Melissa Wallace of the Grainne Mhaols Darts Administrative Committee presents Richie McMahon with his first prize trophy. Richie McMahon accepts the Cup from last year’s winner James Flaherty.Connemara Representative Darts Team 2008. Heat Winners Grainne Mhaols Open Singles Darts 2008. Back (l-r): John King, Jimmy Canavan, Larry Keady, Martin Griffin, Richie McMahon, Gerard Walsh, Eamonn King, Justin Murray. Front (l-r): James Flaherty, Alan Flaherty, Marcus Fitzpatrick, Jamie Flaherty, Michael Mullen and Harry O’ Toole. Pictured are the members of the Connemara Darts Team on November 16th last. Back (l-r): Mark Fitzpatrick, Kieran Sullivan, John Cashin, Martin Woods, Declan Ridge (Captain), Richie McMahon, Peter Coneys, Michael Connolly, Gerry Aspell. Front (l-r): Willie Gannon (Manager), Justin Murray, Vincent Leggett, Alan Flaherty, Eamon Mannion, Gerry Folan and Harry O’Toole.

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CPBS Annual Awards The Annual Social and Award presentation by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society was held on Saturday November 1st at the Westwood Hotel. Awards were presented on behalf of the society by Gearoid Curran and Tomas McLoughlin to such notables as the legendary Bobby Boulger, Peter Molloy, Lady Anne Hemphill, Eamonn Hannon, Bartley O’Malley, Philip McManus, Lib’ Petch, Eamonn Briscoe, Michael Mitchell and Beatrice Maxwell Murphy. Photos: Top Left - Petie Molloy of Claddaghduﬀ surrounded by his fam-

Oughterard Golf 01/11/08 Club Cup Final. Winner: Michael D’Arcy 02/11/2008 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Ladies Xmas Hamper. C.S.S. 73. 1st Mháire Ni Mhaile (16) 38pts, 2nd Mary Molloy (14) 36pts Gross: Ursula Hernon (16) 19 Gross 3rd Alice Murphy (26) 33pts. Category 0 – 20 1st Barbara Buckley (20) 32pts, 2nd Rita Jordan (14) 31pts. Category 1 – 28 1st Deirdre O’ Donovan (23) 33pts 2nd Kathleen Dolly (26) 32pts. Category 29 – 36. 1st Marie MacAlinney (31) 33pts 2nd Maureen Hegarty (32) 31pts. Front Nine: Anne Rooney (36) 18pts. Back Nine ; Jodie Coughlan (23) 16pts . 16/11/08 15 Hole Hamper Competition. 1st Michael Lee (B) (15) 36 pts (23B9). 2nd Gerry Burke (9) 36 pts (20B9). Gross Cathal Jordan (4) 29 Gross pts. 3rd John MacAlinney (13) 35 pts (22B9). Cat A (0-12) Don Walsh (12) 35 pts (20B9) Cat B (13-18) John G Walsh (16) 35 pts (21B9) Cat C (19+) Tom Durkin (19) 35 pts (21B9). 23/11/08 15 Hole Turkey/Ham Competition. 1st Billy O’Boyle (11) 33pts (21b9) 2nd Mairtin O’Conghaile (14) 33 pts (19b9) Gross: Gearoid O’Cualain (6) 26 Gross pts. 3rd Padraic Murphy (15)

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32 pts (20b9). Cat A (0-11) 1st Maurice Power (7) 31 pts (20b9) 2nd Jones Ferriss (6) 31 pts (19b9,6b3). Cat B (13-18) 1st Tom Hargrove (13) 32 pts (19b9) 2nd Dermot Begley (14) 32 pts (19b9). Cat C (19+) 1st Gerry O’Neill (19) 32 pts (18b9) 2nd Tom Durkin (19) 32-1=31 pts. 30/11/08 9 Hole Turkey/Ham Competition. 1st John MacAlinney (13) 25-2=23pts (16b6). 2nd Tim |Mullins (7) 23 pts (15b6) Gross: Mairtin O’Cearra (6) 18 Gross Points. 3rd Tom Molloy (18) 22pts (16b6). Cat A (0-10) 1st John Carr (10) 21 pts. 2nd Jones Ferriss (6) 19 pts. Cat B (11-15) 1st Niall Malone (12) 21 pts (13b6, 5b3, 4b2). 2nd Brian Langan (14) 21 pts (13b6, 5b3, 3b2). Cat C (16+) 1st Adrian Clancy (16) 22 pts (14b6) 2nd Sean McHugh (27) 19 pts.

Connemara Golf

09/11/08 18 Holes V Par, Hamper No 1,1st: Sean Birmingham (19)1 up, 2nd: Kenneth Coyne (17)1down, CSS- 1 down. 19/11/08 Open Singles Stableford, Ladies: 1st: Deirdre Murphy (15)36pts, Mens: 1st: Val Groarke (12)35pts, 2nd: Paddy Flaherty (7) 34pts, 3rd: Dave O Shaughnessy (23) 34pts, CSS 34pts (Red Only). 23/11/08 Hamper No 3, Ladies:-Stableford, 1st: Kathleen Burke (35) 27pts, CSS: 74 (red only). Mens: Strokeplay, 1st: Sean Birmingham (19) 74nett, 2nd: Paddy Flaherty (7) 77nett, 3rd: John R King (17) 81nett, CSS 76(Red Only). 26/11/08. Open Singles Stableford , Ladies: 1st: Deirdre Murphy(15)32pts,CSS: 33pts(Red Only), Mens: 1st: Jack Cosgrove(11) 40pts,2ndPetter Higgins (7)37pts, Gross: Gareth Anthony (5)28pts, 3rd: John Royliston (10) 36pts, CSS 34pts. 30/11/08 18 Holes V Par.Hamper No 4,Ladies:1st: Kathleen Burke(32)+4,2nd: Carmel Gaughan(24)Level,3rd: Deirdre Murphy(15)-2,CSS: Level. Mens: 1st: Padraic Malone(9)+6. 2nd: Oliver McDonnell(12)+5,3rd: Stephem Mullen(19)+1, CSS: 1 down. Photo: Winner of the President’s prize 2008 Jack Cosgrove is pictured receiving his prize of an antique silver serving dish form Club President Eddie Foyle. Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden

ily after receiving his Hall of Fame Award. Bottom Left - Bartley McDonagh, Nora and Bartley O’Malley of Carraroe with his Hall of Fame Award and Johnny Larkin. Centre - Gearoid Curran presenting the Hall of Fame award to Bobby Boulger. Below - Tomas McLoughlin presents Eamonn Hannon with his Hall of Fame award. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

Gráinne Mhaols West Galway Senior League Champions Gráinne Mhaols captured this title for the first time since 2004 courtesy of a 3-9 to 2-8 victory over Clonbur, in Clonbur. The North Connemara Girls were firm favourites going into this one after reaching the 2008 County Intermediate Championship final and subsequently annexing the All Ireland Intermediate Sevens Championship title (the first ever Galway club to do so). Clonbur have never won the West Galway Senior League, and will have to wait a while longer as Gráinne Mhaols deservedly took the honours. For mná an Iarthar, this latest success constitutes a measure of compensation for their 1-16 to 2-11 defeat to Clonbur in the County Intermediate Championship last May. Star rating on the day went to corner forward Nicola Walsh who scored 3-2. Grainne Mhaols Senior management and players would also like to wish Mairéad Coyne every good fortune on December 5th when she lines out for the underdogs against the reigning All Ireland Junior Champions, London. Photo: Gráinne Mhaols Joint Presidents Ann Flaherty and Mary Coyne present the West Galway Senior League Cup to Captain Bríd McDonagh.

Renvyle West Board Junior A League Champions Renvyle have retained their West Board Junior A League title after defeating Salthill/ Knocknacarra by 0-11 to 1-4 in Rossaveal. Their opponents in the County Final will be either Athenry or the 2008 Championship winners St Kerrill’s who are already promoted to Intermediate for 2009. If St Kerrill’s do the double, Championship runners up, An Spidéal will also be promoted to Intermediate for 2009. Renvyle will be determined to atone for last year’s heartbreaking defeat to Annaghdown. Hopes are high within the parish of Letterfrack/Ballinakill that Intermediate football will return once again to Tullycross for the ﬁrst time since 1983. It’s exactly 30 years since Renvyle achieved Intermediate status, courtesy of a 0-6 to 1-2 victory over St Brendans Ballygar, in the 1978 County Division 3 Championship ﬁnal in Pearse Stadium. The present generation of footballers is well capable of emulating the men of ’78. Photo: West Board Chairperson Paddy Sweeney presents the Junior A League Cup to Renvyle Captain Aidan Flaherty.

December 2008

Connemara SportsView

Charity at Christmas-Begin at Home Many readers will be familiar with the idea of the “ethical gift”. For those who may not, the basic idea is to make a charitable donation on someone’s behalf, in lieu of a conventional gift. I ﬁrst became aware of the concept through Bóthar, the Irish relief agency that sends animals to Africa to families and communities, giving them the ability to produce milk, meat, fertilizer and other by- products. I received a gift from a friend who had paid the sum of €50 to send a pig to Africa on my behalf, and have since given gifts in this way too. Almost all Irish national charities have now adopted the concept of “donation as gift” in some form, as it is clearly a formula that appeals to people. Accordingly, this is an idea that can be applied to donating to local causes here in Connemara. A conventional Christmas card can be turned into an ethical gift by indicating that you have made a donation to a local cause on behalf of the recipient. A sample message might be “I have donated the sum of (insert amount here) to (insert charity name here) on your behalf this Christmas”, followed by the standard personal greeting and message. Many gifts given at Christmas are unnecessary and surplus to requirement, so why not avoid waste and try an ethical gift? In the era of the Celtic Tiger more and more people began to realise that they were in a ﬁnancial position to be able to help others and while economic times are tougher now, we must not forget that charities

• Give the gift of time. Volunteering is rewarding and can be very helpful. Whether it is a local sports organisation, or volunteering to spend time with children or the elderly, time does not cost money and can make a real difference to those in need. • Take part in local fundraising events throughout the year. If you plan on walking, running, climbing a mountain or even sky diving, why not seek sponsorship and donate the proceeds to a local organisation or cause. It adds a feel-good aspect to any activity you decide to pursue. • Help out with what affects you locally. If your child’s school or playgroup is fundraising, take part and join in the effort. Community sports teams and organisations are also always grateful for time or money donated. • Remember that every small amount helps. Every €5 adds up and has a value. A good example of how this works was indicated by the Barack Obama Presidential Fundraising Campaign, which was hugely boosted by large amounts of small donations. Don’t hesitate to donate small amounts, the more people who do the better. There are any amount of groups and organisations in Connemara which rely on and benefit greatly from donations from the public. Below are six local Connemara organisations which would benefit greatly from a local ethical gift.

Animal Rescue Clifden and Renvyle Animal Rescue care for our furry friends that have been mistreated or neglected and dumped. The cost of homing, feeding, veterinary bills and neutering these rescued animals are high and these groups deserve local support for the work that they do. Donation details for these animal welfare groups are as follows: Make cheque/money order payable to “Renvyle Animal Rescue” and post to Renvyle Animal Rescue, Derryinver, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. Make cheque/money order payable to “Clifden Animal Rescue” and post to Clifden Animal Rescue, Riverside, Clifden, Co. Galway. Continued on page 28

and organisations who rely on public donations will also suffer. While some may be tightening their belts and budget this Christmas we are still a reasonably well-off country by international standards, and many households should find it possible to make some sort of donation d nation to a charity. Undoubtedly do there are individuals who may no longer be in a position posittio i n to give money but there are many ways in which you can help an organisation that you personally admire or feel strongly about.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Christmas Cookery - A Guide to Starters and Finishers

Cocktails and Canapés

Entertaining over the Christmas period should ideally be a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for both guests and host. Here are some simple and fool proof recipes that will result in an impressive Christmas cocktail party. All of these recipes can be prepared in advance allowing the host to relax and get party fabulous! Just serve one drink at the start; this eliminates any hassle and guests can then help themselves.

Mulled Wine Cocktail Put 100g Muscovado sugar in a pan with 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves and 150ml water. Bring to the

boil until sugar has dissolved. Simmer for 2 minutes, and then pour into a large jug and leave to cool. Add 1 lemon and two clementines, both thinly sliced to the jug along with 150ml Cointreau and a 750ml bottle of light red wine. Stir well then cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve chilled or over ice with a twist of orange. Alternatively serve hot for a more traditional mulled wine. For an alcohol free drink simply replace the red wine with equal quantities of cranberry juice and reduce the sugar to 50g.

Baby Roast Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chive Dip Put 30 baby potatoes, 5 garlic cloves and a few sprigs of rosemary on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season well. Cook for 30 minutes at 200˚C. Meanwhile, mix 1 carton of sour cream, some crushed garlic, salt and a large pinch of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle some chopped chives on top. Place in a bowl and surround with the potatoes skewered on cocktail sticks.

Parma Ham and Melon Wraps Simply cut melon into ﬁnger size portions, wrap with Parma Ham and secure with cocktail sticks.

Smoked Salmon and Lemony Crème Fraiche on Soda Bread Cut brown bread into bite sized portions. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and juice into a small tub of crême fraiche. Spread onto bread, top with smoked salmon and some capers.

Mini Pitta Pizzas Top mini pitta breads with tomato sauce, goats cheese, olives and roasted peppers. Bake in oven for 15 minutes at 180˚C.

Crostini with a Creamy Blue Cheese and Walnut Dip Slice up a ciabatta and place on a baking tray. Bake for 5 minutes at 180˚C. Mix 1 tub blue cheese, 3 tablespoons of chopped walnuts and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. Place on crostini and top with some extra walnuts. Finish with a large cheese plate, plenty of cocktail top-ups and some delicious mince pies. Merry Christmas and enjoy!! Claire Griﬃn, Steam Café

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December 2008

Love your Leftovers!

Approximately one third of the food we buy ends up in the bin. That includes old teabags and vegetable peelings, but much of it is perfectly edible; for example bits of cheese, fruit, meat and vegetables. With the current recession and environmental situation, we really need to stop wasting food and become more inventive and aware of our leftovers. Here are some of my favourite ideas for using up leftovers. The key is to add new ﬂavours to create an entirely diﬀerent meal from the original one.

Roast Chicken Shred the brown and white meat and add to cooked noodles with some lime juice, 4 tbsp of Soy Sauce, ½ a chopped chilli and some roasted peanuts for a delicious chicken noodle salad.

Roast Beef Mix shredded meat with some Hoisin sauce, chopped scallions, cashew nuts and lettuce, and roll up in a soft tortilla for tasty Hoisin beef wraps.

Leftover Potatoes Mix a dressing from 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 2tbsp French dressing. Mix in some diced leftover potatoes and chopped red onion for a yummy potato salad. Serve with cold meats or use as a sandwich filler for kids lunches. Alternatively make some potato cakes. Simply mash leftover potatoes, add a little flour, salt and pepper and one egg. Shape into small patties and fry in a little butter until golden. Top with some crispy bacon, pancetta, or a topping of your choice for a tasty and filling brunch.

Leftover Cheeses Simply grate, place in an airtight container and freeze. Use as needed for recipes directly from freezer.

Leftover Pasta Toss cooked pasta in one tbsp of olive oil. Add 2 tbsp of pesto, a handful of roasted peppers and tomatoes, some grated Parmesan and 1 tbsp of pine nuts for a gourmet pasta salad.

Leftover Vegetables Use in soups or pasta sauces or whip up a mouth-watering frittata. Whisk 6 eggs, ¼ pint of cream and some salt and pepper. Place in a hot pan, add leftover vegetables and any ﬁlling of your choice, top with cheese and cook in a preheated oven at 180 ˚C for 30 minutes.

Leftover Bread Try a classic bread and butter pudding. Butter ten slices of bread and cut into triangles. Add a pint of custard (homemade if possible) and some raisins. Top with apricot jam and bake in a pre-heated oven at 150˚C for 30 minutes. Finally, be inventive. Often the dishes we create from throwing a few ingredients together are the nicest, and of course the satisfaction of using up leftovers makes it all the tastier! Claire Griﬃn, Steam Café

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Curl up with a Connemara Book this Christmas

As the Festive Season kicks into swing, there is no better time to browse the bookshelves and savour the literary delights that abound at this time of the year. In Connemara, there is a profusion of new titles in the Local Interest area and we are indeed privileged to have such authors living and working in our midst. Such books will provide invaluable research and historical facts to the generations to come. Six new titles were launched this year ranging from Memoirs to Archaeology, and local and national History. Jackie O’Grady has proved he wears many caps by publishing his Memoir Green Road to the Lighthouse encompassing his early life as an islander on Clare Island and his subsequent career as a Lighthouse Keeper around the coast of Ireland. He writes fluidly and naturally, interspersed with many humorous anecdotes. A joy to read by one of Connemara’s true gentlemen. Anthony Previte realised a long term ambition by producing a “divine” tome entitled A Guide to Connemara’s Early Christian Sites which will prove invaluable to anyone interested in Archaeology and Ancient Ireland. Anthony personally walked, climbed and trawled the pathways, islands and coastline of Connemara to result in this remarkable guide. A must-have for every walker in Connemara. Tim Robinson has released Connemara the Last Pool of Darkness, the second part of his acclaimed trilogy. His use of language is such that it paints a picture in the mind and results in us walking the landscape dipping into geology, philosophy and mythology. It resonates with a magic and luminosity that prevails through to the last page. Soupers and Jumpers – The Protestant Missions in Connemara 1848-1937 by Miriam Moffitt details the experiences of the stricken population of Connemara during the Famine and the subsequent fall-out for those converts who for reasons of economic necessity and survival converted to the Protestant religion. Ms. Moffitt succeeds in outlining these dramatic events and their aftermath by thoroughly researching baptismal and marriage registers resulting in a factual historical account. The Parish of Ballinakill is profiled in A Patchwork of Dreams 1957 – 2007 compiled and edited by Michael O’Neill, Chairman of Foscadh. This beautifully produced book is a compilation of photographs and articles celebrating 50 years of Community Development. It outlines the changes, projects and achievements that have occurred in the parish resulting in this vibrant community. St. Colman’s Cemetery Inishbofin Island written by Marie Coyne is a testimony to the incredible research she undertook in recording the history of the ancient Church graveyard and burial grounds. This is truly an immense work of painstaking sourcing of data coupled with a history of Christianity on the island. A beautifully presented book which should be replicated in many other parishes throughout the country. Amongst the other books by local authors or on local themes currently available are: • Sean South of Garryowen by Des Fogarty • Connemara Visions of Lar Chonnacht by Michael Gibbons & Reini Gahan • Sea Horses by Stephanie Brooks & Karen Mannion • Cleggan Bay Disaster by Marie Feeney • Land & People by Eilis Ni Scannlain • Beyond the Twelve Bens; History of Clifden, Patient Endurance; Alexander Nimmo & The Western District. All by Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill • Moments in Time by John Dunne

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

• Love in a Time of Broken Heart, Reclaiming Father and Songs from the Womb by Benig Mauger • Ranji Maharajah of Connemara by Anne Chambers • Connemara Wild Flowers by Dieter and Jane Stark • Portrait of a Parish by Jenny Conboy • Connemara Stallion; Connemara Whirlwind; Connemara Champion. All by Anne Henning-Jocelyn • Playing Dead; Outbreak; and Malpractice by Rory McCormac. (Pen name of Maurice O Scanaill). • Sean South of Garryowen by Des Fogarty. • Connemara Land of Contrasts by Clifden Book Shop • Paul Gannon’s very successful book The Way it Was is being republished and will be available again in early December. The ﬁrst edition sold out very quickly and public demand has resulted in its reissue. • Tim Robinson has also announced that his ﬁrst book Stones of Aran: Pilgrimage has just been republished by Faber & Faber and is currently available which is good news for all those readers who have yet to discover his Aran Island works. Enjoy whatever book comes your way this Christmas. Maura O’Halloran

December 2008

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Santa Will LOVE these Super Simple Sugar Cookies Santa Claus just loves getting homebaked cookies when he delivers your presents! This recipe is so easy that even adults can do it! Make loads and give them as presents! Cookie Dough Ingredients

Instructions Making the dough

• 125 g Icing Sugar • 1 tablespoon of water or lemon juice • Tubes of red & green designer icing.

1. Allow the butter to soften (A few hours) 2. When the butter is ready, mix in the granulated and brown sugar and beat together until smooth. We used a fork and mashed it continuously (the softer the butter, the easier this will be). 3. Add 1 beaten egg and the ﬂour. Mix all the ingredients together. We found that the easiest way was with our hands (just washed, of course). Keep mushing and folding the dough. 4. Add one teaspoon of vanilla essence and mush and fold until all the ingredients are smooth. 5. Pack into a ball and wrap in cling ﬁlm. 6. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Tools You Will Need

Cutting the cookies (See photo)

• Measuring Cup • A Big Bowl (to mix the ingredients) • A Small Bowl (to beat the egg and make the icing) • Fork • Whisk • Teaspoon • A rolling pin or a clean recycled bottle • A wide-mouth round glass • Spatula • Cookie sheet • Sieve or strainer

1. Put ﬂour on your rolling utensil (we used a recycled pasta sauce jar) and the clean surface where you will roll out the dough. Note: depending on the size of your work area, you can roll one cookie at a time or do a group of them. 2. Take a chunk oﬀ the dough ball and roll it out until it is a quarter inch thick (if too thin they will end up too crispy). 3. Use your clean wide-mouth glass and use it too cut out your circle. 4. Use a spatula to scoop up your cookie and place on an uncoated cookie sheet. 5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until your cookie sheet is full. Note: This recipe spreads so you should leave plenty of space between cookies. Makes 1 ½ dozen cookies

• 113 g of Butter (one quarter of a 454gram block) • 113 g of granulated sugar • 113 g of dark brown sugar • 1 egg beaten • 340 g of self-raising ﬂour • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

Decorating Ingredients

Baking 1. Preheat the oven to 180˚ C 2. Bake cookies for 8 minutes. 3. Scoop the cookies onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Decorate them while warm.

Decorating Make the Icing 1. Pour the icing sugar into a bowl through a sieve or strainer. 2. Gradually pour in the water or lemon juice while beating with a wisk or fork. 3. Beat until smooth and thin enough to pour but thick enough to stay on the cookie. (Add water/sugar as needed to get the right consistency). Decorating the Cookie (See photo) 1. Spoon the icing sugar over the cookies and smooth over with a spoon. (Do this with the cookies on the wire rack. We used a grill pan underneath for minimum mess). 2. Draw the holly leaves in green and the berries in red. It may take a few attempts to get it right. Come up with your own decorating style and, of course, taste test along the way. Enjoy! Steven Coohill & Ellen McDonough

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December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

E C A

Connemara dible Kids you like playdough, you’ll Corner enjoyIfworking with marzipan or

ready to roll icing and can make fabulous (and yummy) edible art out of it!

You need: •A clean working surface protected with clean paper or clean plastic. Remember, you are using edible procucts (they can be eaten!) so you cant’ use newspaper. •Very clean hands •A rolling pin •Knives and shape cutters for cutting shapes •A piece of thick card covered with clingfilm to the size you want to cover. •New paint brushes •Very small pots (like egg cups or polystyrene egg boxes) to mix your colours, or an plate •Marzipan or ready to roll icing block. •Food colouring •Icing sugar •Icing tubes

Instructions: We are creating a Christmas ‘card’, complete with decorations and a few parcels around it. Draw your scene on paper, and colour it, to use this as a model for your art piece. We are using marzipan here, but you can also use icing. Open the packet at the last minute but it must be at room temperature. Dust the working surface with sieved icing sugar. Roll the marzipan on it to ½ cm thickness, using more icing sugar on the rolling pin if needed. Carefully transfer the base on the cardboard and cut the marzipan to size. Paint the base now: Put very few drops of colouring in an egg cup with some sieved icing sugar and mix to form a thin paste. (You can add a bit of water, but only one drop at a time so it doesn’t get too runny). Using a very clean paintbrush, paint on the marzipan. (We found the colour too dark so we blotted it lightly and quickly with some kitchen paper). Only make a little colour at a time so as not to waste the food colouring. (If you look at this picture, you’ll see that I was very, very generous with the dark blue and we ended up throwing most of it away. Shame!) Next, roll out more marzipan, same thickness, and cut in the

hristmas

shape of a Christmas tree. Stick the tree on the base. As the colour is not quite dry on the base, it will act as glue for my pieces. en paint the tree. To make the tinsel, use some white coloured icing in a tube. Also cut star and stuck it on the top right. (If you use yellow marzipan, you won’t need to paint your star!) Baubles are made with some edible silver or gold balls and blobs of red icing. To made the presents, cut out squares out of the marzipan and stick them on the bottom of the picture. Paint them very carefully. (You can add things like sugar animals found in the baking department of your supermarket). If the base has gone dry and nothing will stick to it, make a bit of ‘glue’ with more icing sugar. We added some sugar snow flakes, some very small sugar balls to look like snow, and cut out two holy leaves which we painted green and made the holy berries from rolled balls of marzipan and painted them red. When we were happy with the result we left our master piece to dry in a clean place, not the fridge, after the obligatory photos. Wrap your ‘plaque’ loosely in tin foil or cling film inside a box and make sure to write that it is fragile. Steven got to clean the paintbrushes under cold water, wash all the utensils and tidy all the mess. He was a very good assistant, I have to say! e best part of it is that he doesn’t like marzipan, so I was able to finish off all the bits of leftover trimmings by myself! He has decided to make his piece out of icing. e whole thing took under one hour to make. Use your imagination and create a deep sea scene, complete with fish, sea weed, octopus and why not a diver. Or a deep space picture, with stars and rocket ships. Or a farm scene with sheep and cows... Your only limit is the amount of marzipan you have and the size of the scene you can create. You can make standing up characters too, a nativity scene out of marzipan, coloured, would make a lovely centre piece on the Christmas table. Or you could make animals, cars, flowers, mushrooms are particularly fun to make and you could have one at each place setting on the day. Once coloured, it is not possible to mix the marzipan or icing again, unless you want the whole thing to be a dirty brown colour, so take time and think before you use your colour. You could also decide to paint at the very end, if you feel nervous. As with playdought, it’s only a matter of taking the marzipan or icing and rolling it out again, if you haven’t coloured it. One very difficult thing to do with this kind of art is to make sure you don’t lick your fingers while working! When I was a little girl, my dad used to bring us back some marzipan piggies or

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

fruit. is is another idea for you! You can make anything out of marzipan. Just remember to keep everything very clean, since someone will eat it. Oh, and don’t forget to sign your master piece with those icing tubes and to leave a note to explain what it is made of!! MNB assisted by Stephen Coohill

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Christmas Jokes

Why is Prancer always wet? A. Because he’s a rain-deer. Did Rudolph go to a normal school? A. No, he was elf taught. How does Rudolph know when Christmas is coming? A. He looks at his calen-deer. Why do reindeer wear fur coats? A.Because they look silly in snow suits. Who sings Blue-Christmas and makes toy guitars? A. Elf-is How do sheep greet each other on Christmas? A. Merry Christmas to “ewe”. Why couldn’t the skeleton go to the Christmas party? A. He had no body to go with.

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December 2008

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? A. It’s Christmas Eve! Who delivers Christmas presents to cats? A. Santa paws. Who is never hungry at Christmas? A. The turkey, he’s always stuﬀed. Christmas Jokes & Wordsearch compiled by Steven Coohill

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Book reviews for Kids by Kids A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It’s expertly told and the plot is imaginative and unique. From the first sentence you are drawn in and from the first page you find that the book is spellbinding and moving. It has been a classic for many years now, and I can see why, as I’ve only read it once and it has become one of my favourite books. It tells the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, a rich miser, who hates Christmas. Scrooge is then visited by the ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley. Marley has come with a warning… and that is where our plot takes off. I’d tell you more but that would spoil it! It’s a great festive book and by the time you close it you feel cheery and joyful. It has funny pieces; scary pieces, happy pieces and you almost experience every kind of emotion in this book. However, I wish I hadn’t watched the Muppets movie version first! Every character I read about, I thought of the Muppet character! For example, every time Bob Crachet came across the page, an image of Kermit the frog came up; it drove me crazy! Why couldn’t I get the fact out of my head that in the real world a cold ruthless man would not let a frog work for him? What am I saying, no one would hire a frog; they’d have to be crazy! But that is not the author’s fault and in spite of Kermit the frog I still enjoyed the book immensely. So, pick up your copy at Clifden Library today! I repeat-pick up your copy at Clifden Library today! I would highly recommend it! But please watch the Muppet version afterwards (because it’s a great movie)! Muireann McGlynn

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin When Naomie Porter wakes up in a hospital bed, she has no idea how she got there. She doesn’t remember the last 4 years of her life. Slowly she begins to piece back together all the information she has lost, including her boy friend, her parent’s

divorce, her sister and her best friend Will. But she realizes she doesn’t want to be the person she was before and begins to change. Things turn bad with boyfriend Ace when she meets James, a guy with a lot of history. The closer she gets to James, the further she gets from Will and when she meets the yearbook committee, things turn sour between her and Will. But when things start to go wrong with James, she has nobody to turn to and ends up ﬁnding our her true feelings for Will. I really liked this book because it had a really great story line with a lot of twists that kept me interested through all 271 pages. I deﬁnitely recommend this book as I was glued to it from beginning to end, with all its funny quotes and great characters. Adele Biddulph

Connemara Children’s Author Extends Series A 31 book series on popular children’s names has just been launched by Eithne Diamond, a native of Renvyle. The books were launched in Waterstones Bookshop in October by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, who features in ‘The Story of Brian,’ which tells the story of Brian Boru and the battle of Clontarf through a child’s eyes. An Taoiseach was happy to pose for some photos with his book namesake, and the Irish name Brian is derived from the old Welsh, Bre and the Celtic, Brigonos, signifying high or noble. Each of the 31 books contains a colourillustrated story for young readers and a separate factual section for parents and older readers and

follows a successful pilot series in 2004. “This book series provides both detailed facts and a related story on the most popular ﬁrst names for children,” Eithne Diamond says. The series is designed to be of interest to children generally. ‘The Story of Sophie,’ for instance, inspired by the tale from Greek mythology of Sophie, the mother of Faith, Hope and Charity, tells of a young girl coping with cancer treatment and her relationship with both her doctor and her mother and will be enjoyable for any child to read,” Eithne says. The books (price €6.99) are on sale in Clifden Bookshop; the Celtic Shop, Clifden; and the Village Bookshop, Moycullen. Excerpts from all 31 books may be viewed on www.childnames.net.

Make the Holidays Happy for Your Pets We are not suggesting that you buy Christmas presents for your pets, but you might give thought to keeping your pet healthy during the festive season! Just like children, pets have to be cared for around the house during the holiday. Pups and kittens can create havoc, having discovered the thrills of a Christmas tree tug-of-war with the tree decorations. Eating them or pulling at them can have consequences varying from annoying to serious, from redecorating the tree to an emergency trip to the vet with a young animal having nibbled on or ingested glass decorations. Imagine the disappointment of your young children should they walk in the room littered with chewed presents and toys if you left the dog unsupervised for a while! On the gastronomic front, it might be a time for richer foods for us, but do not feed tidbits to your animals. Remember that chocolate is lethal for dogs, as are turkey bones, greasy gravy and alcoholic leftovers (even in cakes, ice cream or pudding). Again, the consequences could vary from a very farty pet or a ruined ﬂoor in the morning, to a rushed visit to the vet with a very sick animal. Be sure to top up their water regularly. With the central heating and/ or the ﬁre on, we don’t always realize how our pets can get dehydrated. Every time you go to put the kettle on for a well-deserved cup of tea, why not check the water level in your pet’s bowl. This time of the year, between foul weather, long nights, more entertaining at home or going home, it is easy to forget to walk the dog. But it could be the best of exercise for you and him, as well as a way out of helping in the kitchen! The Christmas table laden with food is a serious temptation for pets. Keep them out of the room. Don’t just trust they will understand how much time you’ve taken preparing all these goodies. Simply close the door! If you are having visitors with children, it might be better to put your pets away in a comfortable room on their own, so as not to worry the little ones. You won’t have to keep telling your visitors to please not feed the dog. Your pet can also get anxious with too many doorbells and loud voices in the house. So, as the poem goes: “T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the night, not a creature was stirring”…. Not even a sick pet! Marie-Noelle Biddulph

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December 2008

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New Year’s Resolutions “Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” Mark Twain One of the most widespread associations with the beginning of a New Year is the practice of making a New Year’s Resolution-that is resolving to adapt or change your behaviour or a habit for the better. At present, gym memberships are often paid for in advance with the best of intentions, while enthusiastic trips on the treadmill often grind to a halt around the end of January or early February. Nicorette patches, gum and inhalers end up languishing in a drawer to avoid making us feel guilty, and the weighing scales get shoved in a cupboard as the pounds fail to magically melt away. So what is the recipe for success? Is it possible to make a resolution and stick to it, or is it all just a waste of time? As we all know deep down, the main requirement for seeing a major lifestyle change through is willpower; some have it and some struggle, but it does seem to be the main factor in successfully achieving and maintaining a goal. Below is a list of the most common New Year’s Resolutions nowadays and a few tips to help you succeed in yours, whatever it may be! 1: Spend more time with family and friends. 2: Get ﬁt. 3: Lose weight. 4: Stop Smoking 5: Enjoy life more. 6: Stop Drinking. 7: Get rid of debt. 8: Learn something new. 9: Help others.10: Get organised. Just deciding that you want your life to be better does not make it happen; steps must be taken to ensure that you follow the path you wish. Here are a few pointers to help your resolutions stick. • Review the previous year: Look back as objectively as possible at last year and assess it. Think about what went well

Crochet Corner In last months’ issue of the Connemara View, local crochet teacher Peggy Mannion provided us with a simple beginner’s pattern for a cosy winter scarf. This month’s pattern is still keeping it fairly simple for beginners and improvers, with a pattern for a crochet cushion cover. Depending on how quickly you can make one, it might make a nice Christmas present for someone you know! The image is for general visual reference, as it is quite a poor quality reproduction. Crochet is an ideal pastime for long winter evenings, and don’t forget that the winners of the Connemara View sponsored Crochet Class at the 2008 Clifden Pony Show were taught by Peggy! Peggy will be starting a 10 week course of Crochet Classes on January 16th at the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden. The cost is €80 for 10 weeks. For further information or to book a place contact Peggy at (086) 882 6120.

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and what you found difficult. Write down the lessons you learned and remember to heed them in the coming year. • Set motivating goals: Set goals that are important and motivating to you. The more your goals are linked to your deepest passions and concerns, the more likely you will be to work hard at them. Avoid placing unrealistic and unmanagable expectations on yourself-it’s a sure path to disappointment. • Set realistic and small goals: If you have a busy morning schedule or are inclined to lie in, resolving to go for a 6am jog will probably not work for you. But a goal of walking to work might be more realistic, and possibly more achievable. Small, simple steps make all the difference. • Get support: You are more likely to achieve your resolutions if you have the help and involvement of other people. It is far easier to get going to do something if a friend is relying on you for a lift or for company. Exercising with another person can also be much more motivating as you push each other to persist. • Write your goals down: Write your goals down along with the reasons you want them and how they will make a difference to you in your life. It forces you to really think about your goals. Keep the list in a prominent place as a constant reminder of what you want to achieve. • Review regularly: Make time each week to look at your written list of resolutions and try to review how you are getting on realistically. Instead of abandoning attempts altogether, see if you can adapt or modify them in a less demanding way. One day’s failure to heed your resolution should not bring the whole idea down-try to persevere throughout the year! Good luck with any resolutions or changes you wish to make in 2009! Catherine Pryce

Crochet Cushion Beg. at centre work 4 ch. using col. A, join with a sl.st. in 1st ch. to form a ring. Continue with col. A. 1st round. 3 ch. to stand as 1 tr., 2 tr. into ring, * 2ch., 3 tr. into ring; rep. from * twice more, 2 ch., 1 si. st. in 3rd of 3 ch. at beg. 2nd round. 3 ch., 1 tr. into same place as sl.st., * 1 tr. in each of next 2 tr., then under the 2 ch. at corner work 2 tr., 2 ch., 2 tr.; rep. from* twice more, 1 tr. in each of next 2 tr., then into 2 ch. at 4th corner work 2 tr., 2 ch., 1 sl.st. in 3rd of 3 ch. at beg. 3rd round. 3 ch., 1 tr. into same place as sl.st., * 1 tr. in each of next 5 tr., then under 2 ch. at corner work 2 tr., 2 ch., 2 tr.; rep. from * twice more, 1 tr. in each of next 5 tr, then into 2 ch. at 4th corner work 2 tr., 2 ch., 1 sl.st. in 3rd of 3 ch. at beg. Continue in this way always adding 3 tr. on each side on every round and work 3 more rounds in A, then 6 rounds in B, 6 rounds in C and 8 rounds in D. Fasten oﬀ. This section forms front. For back work in same way but using col. D only, until you have completed 23rd round. Make an opening for zip. 24th round. 3 ch., 1 tr. in same place, 1 tr. in each of next 68 tr., then under 2 ch. at corner work 2 tr., 2 ch., then for opening work 2 d.c. into same place, 1 d.c. in each of next 68 tr., 1 d.c. in corner, turn, work 71 ch. and join with’a sl.st. to 1st d.c., turn and work 1 d.c. in each ch., then into 2 ch. at corner work 1 tr., 2 ch., 2 tr. and complete round as usual. Work 2 more rounds in patt. as before. Fasten oﬀ. Making Up: Place the two sections together with wrong sides inside and work 1 round of d.c. inserting hook through both thicknesses and working 2 d.c. into 1 st. at each corner. Sew the zip to opening in back.

December 2008

Charity - Begin At Home continued Criost Linn Under the auspices of Ability West, Criost Linn provides a high quality community based service to persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. The objectives are to develop the potential of each person and recognise that each person has the same rights and needs as other members of the community, and ensure that all individuals participate in their local community. Make cheque/money order payable to “Ability West” and post to Ability West, Blackrock House, Salthill, Galway.

Elm Tree Centre The Elm Tree centre in Clifden has provided invaluable psychiatric services in the Connemara area since its inception in 2004. The needs of the individual are respected and catered for in a safe, caring and non-judgmental environment. Regular assessment and treatment accompanies a variety of social personal and life skills available to anyone in need of the service. Make cheque/money order payable to “Clifden Mental Health Association” and post to the Elm Tree Centre, Clifden, Co. Galway.

RNLI Families and individuals all over Connemara have beneﬁtted from the life-saving actions and fast response rescues of the Clifden RNLI, making it a cause that deserves and gains great recognition and support. The Clifden Lifeboat and its dedicated volunteer crew have assisted in a huge number of coastal searches and rescues, so what better way to say thanks than to support this local cause at this time of year. Make cheque/money order payable to “RNLI” and post to Clifden RNLI, Ann Marie Bennett, Clifden, Co. Galway.

Friends of Fatima, Clifden Hospital Anyone who has had a relative or friend in the care of Clifden District hospital will know the fantastic level of care and dedication shown to patients by the staff and management. Friends of Fatima contribute to the wellbeing, upkeep and maintenance of the facility and its patients, and surely deserve further support in the work that they do. Make cheque/money order payable to “Friends of Fatima” and post to Friends of Fatima, Clifden District Hospital, Clifden, Co. Galway. This is only a sample selection of deserving local causes. As mentioned earlier, local schools, playgroups and sports organisations also need your help and support in their individual fundraising efforts, so find what you wish to support and make Christmas a better time for those in need.

Donate Online While researching this article, I found an excellent website www.mycharity.ie which allows you to sponsor a friend, create a fundraising page or make an online donation directly to a huge range of Irish charities. You can choose which area you would like to support, from elderly care and homeless causes to cancer charities overseas relief. It also has a number of very useful links.

Tax Incentives Don’t forget that there are tax incentives for donating to charity. If you are a PAYE paying employee, the charity you choose to donate to can claim back the tax paid on donations of minimum €250 or more in any one year.Tax refunds will be calculated at 41%, 20% or a combination of both depending on which rate is applicable. This means if you pay tax at the higher rate of 41%, a donation of €250 could be worth €422.50 to a charity. If you are self employed and therefore pay Self Assessment Tax, you can write off your donation and claim the relief yourself. For this reason, it is important to keep records of any donations you make. Not all of the organisations listed here are registered charities, so it advisable to check with the cause you wish to donate to and determine if they are eligible. For more information, go to http://www.revenue.ie/leaflets/chy2.pdf or www. kpmg.ie/services/pcs/overview/tax_donations.html. Give the gift of hope and local support this Christmas with an ethical gift; every donation matters however insignificant it may seem, and there are many worthy and deserving causes right here in Connemara. Catherine Pryce

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

D E C E M B E R TA RO T R E A D I N G This is a powerful month for everyone. With winter swiftly approaching and the end of another year’s cycle, the world and all of its powers are very strong. The Ace of Swords is letting you know that from the plans that you have and will make great things can be expected. The Queen of Cups in the present position lets you know that you have to be on guard for the unexpected things that will occur. Prepare for all eventualities. The Hierophant in the future is suggesting that you need to make sure that you are firm in the beliefs you have about yourself and what you Past Ace of Swords Present Queen of Cups Future The Hierophant want from life.

The Cr ystal Ball By John Amenhauser

JA N UA RY TA RO T R E A D I N G

DECEMBER RUNES READING

Action Signals (Ansuz)

Challenge Possessions (Fehu)

Overview Movement (Ehwaz)

Signals – Messenger Rune – the god Loki: this rune as the action is warning you that the things you think you know are not true. You have based them on what others have said or done and your conclusions are not accurate. Possessions – Nourishment – Cattle: this rune in the challenge position is letting you know that accomplishments will be achieved if you are capable of arising to the challenges that you face. Movement – Progress – the Horse: the Overview rune encourages you to take action and through your own right actions you will accomplish those things which you have set out to do.

DECEMBER HOROSCOPES “Sharing is Signif icant!”

Aries (Mar 21 Apr 20) You can do all that you want to this month, the world is on your side. Enjoy all that the holidays bring and have fun. Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20) A bit of soul searching never hurt anyone, and this month that is exactly what you need to do. Don’t worry about what other people think. Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) It’s a month of celebrations for you Gemini, you have won a victory and now you can sit back and enjoy the warm glow of it all. Cancer ( Jun 22 – Jul 22) Stop dithering back and forth. You already know what to do so just get out there and do it. There is no decision to make. Leo ( Jul 23 – Aug 23) Hang on Leo, I know you just want to get out there and do, do, do, but you need some advice on this issue, so just wait till you get it. Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) Don’t be afraid of what you can’t change or do anything about. You need to focus on the positive sides of your life and the good things that surround you. Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) It’s a lucky month for you Libra

money will unexpectedly fall into your lap. Play the lotto (get numbers from friends, there help will be a benefit). Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) You will get all that you want from Santa this year so make sure you tell everyone what is on your wish list. Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Someone is trying to take advantage of you. Make sure that you know who close to you and who is not. Test them if you need to. Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20) Trust every instinct inside yourself; you need to be able to rely on the things that are coming from within instead of from the outside world. Aquarius ( Jan 21 – Feb 19) Party, party, party, this is the month for it. Dress up and look good, you will need to be sharp to attract the attention that you want. Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) Let life flow through and around you this month. This month is all about you and what you are capable of accomplishing. Go for it!

This month I giving all you keen amateur astronomers an early Christmas present, in the guise of one of my all-time favourite astronomy websites. Heavens Above: (www.heavens-above.com) is a onestop website that will provide registered users with a mass of useful information on all things astronomical. Registration only takes a minute, and because part of this process identifies your exact location, all star maps and other information is specific to YOUR location.

nates are displayed at the bottom of your screen; eg, Clifden is 53.29 N 10.01 W; Cleggan is 53.33N 10.05W, etc. Once you are registered, the night sky and all of its objects are available to you. Try the Whole Sky Map option, you can Shuttle get theNext night skyMission for any day/time where you live! One of the The next Shuttle mission will be STS-126 to the International Space Station. Launch is scheduled for 14th November. coolest options at Heavens Above lets you find the very Configuration brightest satellites for a particular night. On a night where Current observing site: Unspecified, 0.0000°N, 0.0000°E clear skies are forecast, use the Satellites section and try the select from map or from database or edit manually Registered user login register? ‘daily predictions’ for| Why objects brighter that magnitude 3.5 Create new user account (the lower the magnitude, the brighter the object). Satellites 10 day predictions for: ISS | Genesis-1 / 2 | Envisat Daily predictions for all satellites brighter than magnitude: (brightest) 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 (dimmest) Iridium Flares next 24 hrs | next 7 days | previous 48 hrs Daytime flares for 7 days - see satellites in broad daylight! Spacecraft escaping the Solar System - where are they now? Radio amateur satellites - 24 hour predictions (all passes) Select a satellite from the database Enter/edit observations

Next Shuttle Mission The next Shuttle mission will be STS-126 to the International Space Station. Launch is scheduled for 14th November.

Configuration Current observing site: Unspecified, 0.0000°N, 0.0000°E select from map or from database or edit manually Registered user login | Why register? Create new user account

Above is part of the main page for Heavens Above, Satellites where you create User Account. 10 day predictions for:your ISS | Genesis-1 / 2 | EnvisatRegistering allows all satellites brighter than magnitude: youDaily to predictions set up aforusername and password that identifies your (brightest) 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 (dimmest) Iridium Flares viewing location(s) so that all information is specific to you. next 24 hrs | next 7 days | previous 48 hrs Personally, I for have set upsatellites 2 locations in my own account, one Daytime flares 7 days - see in broad daylight! escaping the Solar System - where are they now? for Spacecraft Cleggan and one for Clifden. Getting your exact latiRadio amateur satellites - 24 hour predictions (all passes) Select a satellite from the is database tude and longitude easy these days, just use Google Enter/edit observations Earth to home in on your viewing location and the coordi-

You will see a screen with all the satellites and space junk visible to you – from US Lacrosse spy satellites to Russian Cosmos booster-stage rocket bodies tumbling through space – awesome!! The exact time each will arc over your house will be listed, so no excuses – get out there and check out our Connemara skies. There are many other options available to you on Heavens Above, so Merry Christmas and have fun! John Claro

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

Past 2 of Swords

Present The World

Future The Lovers

The 2 of Swords in the past position lets you know that from the difficult choice you made last year it is now time to move forward. The World in the present position tells you that now is the time of new beginnings and that the world will be on your side during this time. The Lovers for the future indicates that great things can be expected from all that you have done, and with the world helping you, all will be well.

JANUARY RUNES READING

Action: Strength, Manhood, womanhood, The Wild Ox, this rune lets you know that it is time to stop trying or that a journey is near completion. So do nothing at this time. Challenge: Protection, Sedge or Rushes, The Elk, this rune warns to be careful and conscious regarding your Action Challenge Overview health. Let go of unnecesJoy Strength Protection sary burdens and be mind(Wunjo) ful of yourself. Overview: (Uruz) (Algiz) Joy, Light, with this rune you will receive some form of completion. An expected outcome arrives. “What Do I need to Learn from My Life?”

JANUARY HOROSCOPES

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) It’s time to look back and take stock of all the good things that have happened to you and the good things that are a part of your life now. Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20) Do not let the fears of the bad things that happened in your life last year effect the coming year. You have the power to affect your future. Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) You have a lot of good things in your life that you worked hard for last year. This year you will begin to see the results. Cancer ( Jun 22 – Jul 22) You will need to avoid a bad situation this month. Make sure that you know what everyone around you is up to and be prepared to handle anything that comes your way. Leo ( Jul 23 – Aug 23) To get what you want from the start of this year you will need to do something you don’t really want to do. It will all work out in the end. Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) Take things slow and easy and everything will just fall into place. Do not rush into anything. Love is in the air. Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) Go out there and get what you want from the New Year. Make sure that you have the belief in what you want to get it. Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) Surround yourself with your family and friends as you bring in the New Year. Stay focused on the home this month and nurture that love. Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) You have the strength to do all that you need to do this year. Believe in yourself and proceed. Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20) Happy Birthday! This is a wonderful month for you filled with joy and love. Have a great New Year and a very Happy Birthday! Aquarius ( Jan 21 – Feb 19) Trust in all that embodies you and you will be surrounded by all that is good and nice in your life. Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) Look to the future and except the help and assistance of others to guide you on the path for the New Year.

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Ceol Theatre Stages Annie

“ANNIE” is coming up in the Station House Theatre On Dec 13th @ 1:00pm, 20th @ 1:00pm, 21st @ 5:30pm, 27th @ 1:00pm, 28th @ 8:00pm, & January 3rd @ 8:00pm. Please contact the Theatre for tickets, which are €10 for adults and €5 euro for children (under 12) and OAP’s. If you would like to help out with or get involved this show or any of Ceol Theatre’s productions please contact John @ 087 750 4697.

Fal agus Foscadh

Fal agus Foscadh’s annual production “Out of the Frying Pan” has been temporarily postponed as the Clifden town hall is currently unsuitable. It is hoped that the production will be staged in Spring of 2009.

“The Restaurant” with a Connemara Flavour

As reported in last month’s edition of the Connemara View, Clifden’s Kate O Toole is to appear in the popular RTE One TV show “The Restaurant”. While the episode has been filmed, the results are top secret until the broadcast goes out. Kate used a selection of local Connemara produce to create her menu, and the diners and critics must try to guess who the chef is and give their eﬀorts a star rating. To date, Kerry politician Michael Healy Rae and Showjumper Jessica Kuerten

have tried their hands at creating a menu and catering for 40 diners for the show, so we will watch with great interest to see how Kate gets on. The episode featuring Kate as Guest Chef will air on January 11th on RTE One at 8:30pm.

Huge success for “The Cunningham Sound”

On Saturday November 22nd, I went to see “Fuaim na Chuinneagainai” at the Station House Theatre - the “Exciting New Sean Nos Spectacular”. And so it was! Getting almost the last seat in the house, I was in for a rather brilliant show. A magnificent ensemble of young musicians including Joe Gibson, Jimmy Higgins, Louise McKinney, Johnny O’Halloran, Eileen O’Malley and Fiachra O’Regan, were only the beginning. The first dancing act was beyond entertaining. As expected, the Cunningham family (justly famed for their dancing) introduced us to various styles of dance steps including the strange “barrel dance” which I haven’t seen before, but which quickly had the crowd up and out of their seats. The Sheridan Sisters then followed with their energetic set of dances. Other acts included Nan Tom Taimin, Mheaiti Jo Sheamuis O’Flatharta and Amy Coyne singing their renditions of Sean-nos songs. And let’s not forget the “steaming” Dessie O’Halloran of Bofin with his fiddle. Joe Gibson (fiddle and guitar) exuded confidence and knew just how to get the crowd going, together with the beautiful flautist Louise McKinney. Despite the MC’s egocentrism, the entire show was calm while simultaneously creating an exciting, vibrant atmosphere. By the end, every single member of the audience was up and dancing. This was a highly enjoyable evening. The next performances are on January 3rd, and 4th but these are the hottest tickets in town, so get yours now if you haven’t already. The next step in the plan is to tour Ireland. Good luck to all the performers as they bring Sean Nos to a national audience. For information or bookings call the station house theatre on (095) 30303 or go to www.stationhousetheatre.com. Áine Hannigan-Dunkley

Letterfrack Film Society

The Letterfrack Film Society still has two movies left to conclude the 2008/09 Autumn Season. In January we will kick oﬀ the 6 Spring movies so keep an eye open for the Spring leaflets! Our films for the month of December are: 04 December: The Violin. Francisco Vargas Quevedo/ Mexico/ 2006/ 99 mins. This hauntingly realistic film is set during the Mexican uprisings of the seventies. Three generations of a family of travelling musicians are involved in transporting arms and ammunition for the guerrilla movement. 11 December: The Kite Runner. Marc Foster/ USA/ 2007/ 127 mins. Based on the best-selling novel, The Kite Runner tells the story of an Afghan refugee who, long after arriving in America,

Page 30

December 2008

recalls his childhood and his friendship with an illiterate servant boy whom he eventually betrayed. All films are shown in the Audio Visual Centre of the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack,shows start at 8.30pm sharp. Admission at the door per film is 6.00 Euro (concession 5.00 euro), all are welcome!! We wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our kind sponsors: Connemara National Park, Clifden Bookshop, Conservation Letterfrack, Letterfrack Country Shop, Coynes shop in Cleggan, The Furniture College, Foyles Hotel, Lavelle Art Gallery, Letterfrack Hardware, Kylemore Abbey, KavanaghÕs SuperValu, The Old Monastery Hostel, Renvyle House Hotel, Video Vault. (www.letterfrackfilm.net/ info@ letterfrackfilm.net)

King Lear - A Student’s View

As a Leaving Cert student studying ‘King Lear’ as my play in higher level English, the idea of being able to attend one of the most important adaptations of Shakespeare’s rather magnificent tale of a king going mad was brilliant. Starring Pete Postlethwaite (“In the Name of the Father”, “Romeo and Juliet, “The Usual Suspects” etc.) as King Lear, it was deemed to be the highlight of this year in the Everyman theatre, Liverpool. Liverpool being the European City of Culture this year, tickets were almost impossible to obtain. How convenient it was then, that my actress mother was given two free tickets to go see this extravaganza. Flights were booked and we were oﬀ ! Rising to the occasion, mother and I did our homework to read the (generally critical) reviews in the newspapers, but we declined the temptation to miss out on the experience and went with open minds. Despite the fact of being 20 minutes late (missing the first scene when Lear divides up his kingdom) we got straight into it…all four hours. My mind was blown away by the performances. Forbes Masson (the Fool) with his extensive history of many Shakespearian parts with the Royal Shakespeare Company was particularly exceptional and brought the play on in leaps and bounds, which is more than can be said of poor Pete! I did not expect to last the duration of the play because my last viewing of King Lear (two years ago in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway) was spent sleeping. However, seeing this production jolted me. My understanding of the play was miles better after seeing it performed as it should be, but I give full credit and my sincere congratulations to the cast, production staﬀ and technicians for the marvellous job. I am a teenager truly enthralled by a Shakespearian study thanks to this performance! Áine Hannigan-Dunkley

A Scramble of Artists

Eggliving of Oughterard hosted the launch of its winter exhibition entitled “Scrambled” on Sunday November 23rd featuring a mix of work by various artists from Oughterard and beyond. The exhibition features the work of Leah Beggs, Jess Walsh, Bridget Ryan, Kathleen Furey, Bernie Dignam, Cheryll Kinsley Potter, Joan Sugrue, Mary Horan, Malcolm Bennett, Eithna Joyce, Kate Noonan, Kate Hodmon, Anne O’Callaghan, Trevor Moody, Declan Coady, Tim Stampton, Frank Keane, Zita McGarry Kelly and Ronan Kennedy to name but a few. Scrambled will run at the Eggliving gallery and gift shop until the end of December 2008. For more information visit www. eggliving.ie or call (091) 557914.

Connemara ArtsView

Costello C t ll Lodge L d

Costello Lodge, in Derrynea, is situated just off the R336 road, and on the shores of Casla Bay. It is officially described as an asymmetrical bayed two storey house. The house is a solid stone house and it appears that it was first build at the end of the 19th century as a fishing lodge. There were many such houses built around Connemara, but this one has connections with one of the most famous marine accidents of all time. One time owner J Bruce Ismay, chairman and managing director of the White Star Line, was also a survivor of the Titanic, which sank after a collision with an iceberg on her maiden voyage in April 1912. The fact that his company owned the Titanic led to much speculation. He was born in Liverpool on December 12th 1862, the son of one of the outstanding figures in British shipping, Thomas Henry Ismay. Thomas had acquired the White Star Line, and formed the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company with which he began transatlantic services. He also began the long association with Belfast ship builders Harland and Wolff, they went on to build all the White Star liners. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship in his father’s firm, and then went on to be their agent in New York. In 1888, he married Julia Florence Schieffelin from that city. They went on to have three children, Margaret, Tom and Evelyn. When his father died in 1899 he gained control of White Star Line. He began the task of improving the company, building larger and more palatial ships such as Celtic, and Adriatic. These led to bigger liners, which culminated with the Titanic. He was very involved in all aspects of the shipping world, being on boards of directors both nationally and internationally. He also started the cadet ship Mersey in 1908, this ship was used for training Mer-

Video Releases Hancock A hard-living superhero who has fallen out of favor with the public enters into a questionable relationship with the wife of the public relations professional who’s trying to repair his image. Stars: Will Smith, Charlize Theron & Jason Bateman. The Mummy 3: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor In the Far East, trouble-seeking father-and-son duo Rick and Alex O’Connell unearth the mummy of the first Emperor of Qin -- a shapeshifting entity who was cursed by a wizard centuries ago. Stars: Brendan Fraser & Jet Li. The Dark Knight With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and newly appointed District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that

Connemara ArtsView

cantile Marine Oﬃcers. I imagine him a latter day James Onedin, a tough taskmaster who was involved in all aspects of his company. Unlike Onedin, he very seldom went to sea with his ships. He spent most of his time running the company and his other business interests. He was on board the Titanic on that fateful night, and this is where the stories which were to shadow him for the rest of his life began. There were stories of him dressing as a woman in order to gain access to the lifeboats. These were untrue, but he received much criticism for abandoning the ship. Two major investigations followed and according to his own testimony which was corroborated by others, he said that he was in the position of an ordinary passenger and exercised no control of any sort over the captain. He also stated that after the ship struck the iceberg he helped for nearly two hours clearing the starboard boats, and when he and other men got into the collapsible boat there was not a woman on the boat deck, nor any other passenger. The American press was particularly hard on him, especially those controlled by William Randolph Hearst, one of the wealthiest and influential men in America. Ismay and Hearst had met when Ismay was agent for White Star years before. They disliked each other intensely, and this was furthered by Ismay’s refusal to cooperate with the press. After the sinking, the Hearst syndicated press ran a full page cartoon depicting Ismay in a lifeboat watching the sinking Titanic and captioned “This is J.Brute Ismay”. There were also editorials about how real men would have stayed on board and died. He resigned from the International Mercantile Marine Company after the tragedy and from his company in 1916. He sold his house in Liverpool and bought the lodge. People often assume that he moved away from society but this is not true. As well as Costello he owned a house in London in Berkley Square and for years would rent a property in Scotland near Gleneagles, where he could participate in his two favourite pastimes, fishing and shooting. The renowned architect Edward Lutyens, worked on the house in 1913. Later in the twenties the lodge was burnt by a mysterious fire. Ismay rebuilt and was very involved in the building and refurbishing of the premises. It appears that he and his family were part of the scene in that area of south Connemara.

He continued his interest in the maritime world and he and his wife donated vast sums of money to various charities, including 25,000 pounds to the National Mercantile marine fund and 11,000 pounds to benefit Seamen’s Widows. He returned to England full time near the end of his life and died at his home in London, and is buried there. Later Costello lodge was owned by Colm O’Loghlen of the Three Candles Press. Breandan O’Scanaill Photos: Costello House courtesy of Encyclopedia Titanica.

plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be eﬀective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker. Stars: Christian Bale & Heath Ledger. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt so Hellboy and his team must save the world from the rebellious creatures. Stars: Ron Perlman & Selma Blair. The Love Guru Pitka an American raised outside of his country by gurus, returns to the States in order to break into the self-help business. His first challenge: To settle the romantic troubles and subsequent professional skid of a star hockey player whose wife left him for a rival athlete. Stars: Mike Myers, Jessica Alba & Justin Timberlake. Monthly video courtesy of Video Vault, Main Street, Clifden. 095-22033.

December 2008

Page 31

Connemara Properties 17 Canon’s Lane, Clifden

27 Cregg View, Oughterard

At Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers we are pleased to introduce to the market a unique opportunity to purchase the only detached house in the popular and sought after development of Canon’s Lane, Clifden. Number 17 is located just a few minutes’ walk from Clifden town centre, shops, schools and all the town’s amenities. It is spacious, has a large ﬁtted kitchen, 4 bedrooms all with built in wardrobes and wooden ﬂoors, main bathroom, two ensuites and a guest’s w.c. Canon Lane also enjoy’s beautiful mature landscaped gardens. Price: €279,000 Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, The Square, Clifden (095) 21066 e-mail property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

Situated in a quiet cul de sac location 27 Cregg View is a beautifully presented and deceptively spacious 4 bedroom family home finished to an exceptional standard, located within minutes of all amenities. The property is approximately 4 years old and therefore still covered under the Homebond Guarantee. A wooden front door leads into the hallway which has tiled flooring throughout and doors to all principal rooms. The lounge has hardwood flooring, a bay window overlooking the church and a lovely open fireplace with granite hearth and pine surround. To the rear there is an open plan kitchen / dining room which is South facing, with views and access to the garden. The kitchen is fully fitted with a modern range of appliances and attractive wall mounted and base units. Additionally, downstairs, there is a cloakroom and utility room. To the first floor there are four double bedrooms (master with en suite) and a family bathroom. To the rear of the property the garden is primarily laid to lawn with a large decked area and substantial garden shed with power and lighting. Viewing of this residence is simply a must as prospective buyers are guaranteed to be impressed. We are inviting offers on €287,000. Spencer Auctioneers, Main St, Oughterard, (091) 552999 e-mail info@spencerauctioneers.com www.spencerauctioneers.com.

Sandpiper Cottage, Mannin, Ballyconneely Sandpiper is a truly unique property with breathtaking views over Mannin Bay and a minutes’ walk from the white sands of Mannin Beach. Oﬀering complete privacy this is the ultimate holiday retreat. Approached by a long winding driveway the stone clad residence stands majestically on elevated grounds which extend to 5 acres. The house has been designed to optimize the views with a large picture window in the kitchen-dining area. Sliding doors lead onto a large decked patio from the master bedroom. Accommodation includes four bedrooms, living room, kitchen-dining area and bathroom. Adjacent to the residence is a stone clad garage. Special features include: security code for gate, house alarm, local water scheme, septic tank drainage and sea and mountain views. Asking price €1,500,000. Sherry Fitzgerald Kavanagh, Main St, Clifden (095) 21888. clifden@sfkavanagh.com www.sherryﬁtz.ie. (See photo below)

Kingstown, Clifden Cottage located on the Kingstown peninsula that requires total refurbishment. Views of Kingstown Bay, Claddaghduﬀ area and Omey Island. Within walking distance of Eyrephort beach and convenient to both Kingstown Bay moorings and Fahy bay moorings. Current layout includes; entrance porch, living room/ kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom. Asking price €250k. Connemara Properties, Bridge St, Clifden (095) 21473, e-mail connprop@iol.ie www.connemaraproperties.com . (see photo right)

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

Planning Applications 083279, Ni Dhomhnaill, Anna, Carraroe South, 05/11/08. Chun (1) teach nua conaithe a thogail chomh maith (2) garaiste nua a thogail agus (3) coras searachais nua Kingspan Envirocare. 083283 Balzer Joyce, Karola, Coolacloy, 05/11/08. To retain house as constructed on site (former Pl. Ref. Nos. refers 59366 & 58042). 083284 Diamond, Aidan, Tullybeg, 05/11/08. To construct dwellinghouse, septic tank and percolation area. 083302 Roisin Ni Earradh, Mark O’Connell &, Carraroe South, 06/11/08. For construction of single dwelling, shed and associated site works. 083314 Heanue, Bartley & Mary, Cashleen, 07/11/08. For retention/completion of the reconstruction of an existing shed, 39sqm in area which had fallen into disrepair. 083324 Ni Dhuinnsleibhe, Maire, Carna, 10/11/08. Chun athraithe ata deanta ar gharaiste a coinneail agus a chriochnu. 083329 Folan White, Ann Catherine, Lettermullen, 11/11/08. Chun teach nua conaithe a thogail chomhmaith le coras searachais nua Kingspan. 083346 Casey, Noreen, Gortrumagh, 13/11/08. To demolish single storey side section and to construct a two storey side extension. 083355 McDonnell, Conor & Mary, Bunowen Beg, 13/11/08. For alterations and additions to existing 4 bedroom dwelling including a) extension to front and rear b) addition of a first floor dormer level c) facade alterations including revised window and door design,addition of random stone cladding to all walls, addition of natural slate to all roofs. 083362 Mitchell, Sean Martin, Dolan, 14/11/08. To construct a dwellinghouse and private wastewater treatment system (Gross floor area 140.5 sqm). 083366 Gavin Sean, Lettershanna, 14/11/08. To construct a dwellinghouse, garage and private wastewater treatmet system. 083368 St. Paul’s Secondary School, The Board of Management, Carrowmanagh, 14/11/08. For an allweather playing pitch with associated fencing, lighting, access, and all ancillary works and services. 083374 O Ceallaigh, C, Carrowroe North, 14/11/08. Chun garaiste a thogail. 083375 Ni Mhaille, M, Carrowroe North,14/11/08. Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail. 083407 O Sullivan, Francis, Inishnee, 17/11/08. Mheadu agus athruithe a dheanamh ar theach conaithe agus uasghradu a dheanamh ar choras searachais. 083436 Dwyer, John & Natasha, Errisbeg East, 20/11/08. For an extension and alterations to existing dwelling house with ancilllary works. 083442 Mweenish island, Mulkerrins, Kathleen, 20/11/08. For a revised house design on a previously approved site (ref. 04/5545). 083461 Ryan, David, Salrock, 21/11/08. for (a) change of existing use from school/chapel to that of residential dwelling, (b) the construction of a ground floor extension to the rear of the existing building, (c) first floor attic conversion to the existing building and (d) alterations to the north and west elevations of the existing building. 083506 Fitzpatrick, Marie, Cashleen, 27/11/08. For the construction of a dwellinghouse, domestic garage and sewage treatment plant.

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We are now in one of the quieter months in the garden; there is very little growth and in some ways, there is not much to be done. Of course this is only partially true, as like a housewife, the gardener’s work is never done! I find this time of the year great for getting major work done, paths, steps, pools or whatever. You can spend time on these tasks because the plant life has slowed down. Of course you have to think about the weather, undertaking major work in wet and windy weather is not to be advised, but if you are waiting for good weather, you have as much a chance of this at this time of the year as you do in the summer. I have been clearing paths; it is amazing how quickly the weeds take over. I am hoping that by getting on top of them now that they will be easy to manage next year. I am also working on new paths, or I should say old paths, which I am hoping to resurrect. All the stones are still there, so it’s a kind of archaeological dig as much as anything else. If you are planning to put in paths, think carefully where you put them. Avoid putting them too close to existing trees and shrubs. These have a habit of growing and sticking out over the path. This will lead to a lot of cutting in the years ahead and large roots from trees can cause problems. I have been asked about clearing furze. I suppose that there is some chemical which can be used but I am not, as you know by now, into chemicals. I suggest that cutting them back to ground level would be a good start. Then with mowing of grass or using a strimmer there is the possibility of keeping them under control. Don’t discount the furze; it can have a very important role to play in the garden. It is stock proof, so if you have trouble with cattle or sheep, a good thick hedge of it will be helpful. On top of that it can act as a good, if low windbreak, which is fairly sea salt proof. It also has beautiful and highly scented flowers, which brighten up the dullest time of the year. It is excellent for wildlife; many birds love the shelter it provides. If you keep it fairly low, before it gets too leggy it can act as a perfect foil for other plants. If you are planning a wildlife or natural garden it is a perfect plant for these situations. On top of that if you cut the plants you will get good firewood from the larger stems and branches and good kindling from the smaller ones. Take care as the thorns can be very sharp.

Water them sparingly in winter but they need plenty of water during spring and summer. If the weather is good, I like to put them outside and give them a good airing. I once had a very large cactus which I used to plant out for June, July and August, its exotic flowers and shape a wonderful contrast to the other plants around. I cannot give any advice on the different styles to buy as there is such a range and it is very much personal as to the type that you are interested in, but I can warn you not to buy the ones with flowers, most of these are dried flowers stuck on for effect. It is not a good idea to move cacti when they are in flower as that can lead to flower drop.

Bulbs and Composting It is still not too late to plant bulbs, so if you have some left lying around or if you come across some at bargain prices in garden shops, buy them, but beware of bargains, sometimes the bulbs are soft and beginning to rot. I have mentioned before about collecting leaves for compost, but just to remind you again, gather the leaves and put them in black plastic bags, make sure the leaves are wet, tie the bags and put away for at least a year, you will get wonderful compost from this. One downturn of the green/recycle world is that if you use biodegradable black bags, you will find your compost or almost compost in a heap with black flakes, use the old fashioned everlasting bags for this job.

Garden Gifts Of course this month is a time for presents so start dropping a few hints to friends and family about what you would like for Christmas. Some plant or tree which you have always wanted or perhaps a gift token from a garden centre or shop so that you can wait until the weather is better. Garden tools are always useful, although probably not that romantic to buy your nearest and dearest. Books are always welcome and there is a huge range available. Two that I find great are, “The Royal Horticultural Society Gardener’s Encyclopaedia of Plants and Flowers”, and “The Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Gardening”. Both are very big books and both are packed full of information. These are practical books but there are loads which are coffee table types including “The French Country Garden“or “The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World“. Both of these books and many others in the same vein are to be drooled over. Most contain unattainable gardens but something from any of them could be tried in Connemara. This is also a time to dream, think what you would like to do next year, the more ambitious and unrealistic the better. It matters little if they come to nothing. The important thing is to have fun; it will soon be time to get back to the serious work. Ho, Ho, Ho, Happy Gardening! Breandan O Scanaill

plants are among the hardiest and most popular houseplants. They appear to thrive on neglect but this is not entirely true, they can survive but with a little care and attention they will reward you. Cacti are divided into two types Desert and Forest. The desert ones are the most obvious generally, spiny, or with long hairs, hooks or needles. They need very little water between October and March. They need as much sun as possible, especially to encourage flowering. The forest cacti are generally trailing and have flattened leaf like stems; they can produce the best flowers, Christmas or Easter cactus being the most obvious, of this type. Give them fairly rich compost, with river or builders sand included, make sure that you do not use sea sand. This addition of sand or grit, keeps the soil open and prevents water logging, they need loads of light, especially in winter.

House Cacti I was also asked about cacti for the house. Now these

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

PAGE 33

Graduation Success Top from left Double Success Congratulations to twins Sorcha and Sinead O’Sullivan of Clifden who graduated from the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers in November. They are already familiar faces on the Connemara property scene, where they have been working with their father Matt O’Sullivan for some time now. Photo courtesy of Mike Shaughnessy

First Class Honours

Letterfrack Graduate Natalie Kane of Letterfrack was recently conferred with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Outdoor Education at GMIT Castlebar. Photo courtesy of Lily Kane

Oughterard Graduates Sarena Butler from Oughterard who was conferred as Bachelor of Business in Accounting. Aisling O’Reilly from Oughterard who was conferred with Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Services Marketing. John O’Hare, Philip and Ann O’Gorman and their daughter Suzanne O’Gorman who was conferred with BA in

Personnel Management. Suzanne was also named as student of the year. Shirley Bourke (nee DePaor) from Oughterard, with a Kathleen Furey painting in the background, who also was conferred with a BA in Art and Design. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

Carna Graduation Brendan O’Sullivan of Carna graduated from GMIT with a BA in Art and Design. He is pictured here with his wife Noreen. Photo courtesy of Tom Broderick

Kathriona McHugh of Ballyconneely, was recently conferred with an Master of Education (M.Ed) (First class honours) from NUIG. Photo courtesy of Matt McHugh

Wedding Bells Marie Mongan of Derryinver married Kevin Kane (above left) of Ardnagreevagh in Tullycross Church on September 18th last, followed by a reception in Renvyle House Hotel. Loretta Walsh and Stephen O’Toole of Cashel were married in Cashel church on October 17th, followed by a reception in the Park Lodge hotel, Spiddal. Photos courtesy of Padraic Lyden

A Party to Remember Joanna Galloway and Ruth Conneely of the Hair Gallery, Clifden travelled to London in October to attend the 80th birthday party of British hair care legend Vidal Sassoon. They are pictured here with the innovative hairdresser and businessman who has turned his craft into a multi million pound global business Photo courtesy of Joanna Galloway

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December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

The Connemara View Crossword No. 51 1

10 11

15 16

19 20

22 25

27 29

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Roof of mouth, taste (6) 4. Moon Shape (8) 9. Moscow is the capital of this country (6) 10. Splash (8) 12. Higher (5) 13. Wide, comprehensive (9) 15. Paddle (3) 16.Valuable,useful person or thing (5) 17. Portuguese capital (6) 22. European country (6) 24. Aroma (5) 27. Take a seat (3) 28. Buenos Aires is capital of this country (9) 31. Bury (5) 32. Large swamp loving snake (8) 33. Maple leaf country (6) 34.Type of well driven by pressure (8) 35. Connemara village or alcove (6)

1. European Country (8) 2.Bugle call at military funeral (4,4) 3. It steers and prevents spin on helicopter (4,5) 5. Locate plant in new home (5) 6. European country (5) 7. Involve as result (6) 8. Bird reared for its flesh (6) 11. German capital (6) 14. Recede (3) 18. Playground apparatus (3,3) 19. Stubborn (9) 20.Continuous spell of hot weather (4,4) 21.Popular George Lucas film (4,4) 23. Small social insect (3) 25. Country, canal, hat, cigar (6) 26. Overcome with horror or amazement (6) 29. _____ and crannies, cubbyholes (5) 30. New Delhi is capital of this country (5)

Bogman 45

ACROSS 1 Sauce-boat not down? (7) 8 It’s standard, when one is not off the bottle. (6) 9 Sweet Mr Gibson has hateful following? (9) 10 Fruit of a mother and child union? (6) 12 Record colour it takes to show one in bad light? (9) 13 Sustain a broken rib in the sea off this country? (6) 15 Graduate with pomade to make a sandwich? (5) 16 First Ms Bassinger stages a comeback, then there’s a fuss about the old musical show. (6) 17 Not in favour of a bit of a recitation? (6) 18 As tender as one can be in my surroundings? (5) 20 After the speciality initially, there’s nothing for the doctor but to bury the body. (6) 24 Might it put a chap off from helping with the wash up? (9) 26 Used to complicate matters but was removed from the position. (6) 27 In the main, it’s a mixture of oil, not fat, that has the ability to stay on top. (9) 28 Is there a slight hint of this in Vladimir Putin’s ultimatum? (6) 29 Brush hair and develop blister? (7)

DOWN

9 10

12 13 14

17 18

22 24

26 27

2 Make a note – myself and my little sibling get sick. (6) 29 3 Squat srettee? (6) 4 ‘Come Together’ is the tune I composed. (5) 5 Slippery types come up about extreme letters conEnter answers into draw of correct anwers for a voucher cerning corrupt practice. (6) for Homeware Plus in Clifden by November 26th. 6 Does it overwhelm one when I lead a sister on a Winner Bogman44 : Liz Devane, Roundstone ConnemaraView50 : Padhraic Faherty, Barna. romantic tryst? (8) Answers to Bogman 44 & Connemara View 50 7 Removing from closet to go on a trip? (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A A G G F S K 11 Rubs on mixture when trying to get one to lie. (6) A C H E S B R I B E R Y S U I T C A S E A M U S E O E A N P E 13 Being cunning and underhand around a butcher? (4) 8 V 9 G L R O M F E F O U R R A C I A L I S T S 14 Moves fast on land, like the girl in the ship? (6) A U P A I R R A I N F A L S O I P L 15 It may go off or go up and down about masthead! (4) 10 C 11 12 S N I G N E H T R E A T Y 16 A little something to help me remember the con- P A R E N T A L S T A T E S I C E C R E A D Y L P R 13 14 15 16 men I’m involved with? (8) I O P A L U C O R R U P T I O N T H A W 19 The point is that,without it,the sewer can’t work! (6) C U I S I N E A P O S T L P E E E I V M L I M E C 21 In US lime is mixed with nuts for the morning meal.(6) 17H E M P 18D I 19S P A T C H E S A B S O R B E D T H O M A 22 See the stones as placed on either side of the enA U A P L 20 21 22 23 R B A O E R R O R A L L Y T U T O R I A L trance. (6) T E E T O T A L R E P O R S E I I I G 23 Expecting Flicka? Surely that should be the 24 25 26 L U M I P I I E C H R I S T E N E D F L E X other way round! (2,4) A L A S K A S E A H O R S U V I E E L N 27 28 25 A tree that has been shaped to suit the consumer? (5) A E N E N N T G U E S S E D

D L M E S T E

S C E N T

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

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MONDAY

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WEDNESDAY 11am – 12 Noon

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MAGAZINE PROGRAMME

The Friday Fix

Monkeying Around

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Heather Kearney

Eamonn McLoughlin 11am Clifden Mass live

Heather Heanue

Pat Walshe

*Connemara View

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

*Mulcrone Bros

4 - 5 pm

Listen Here

Gateway Hour

Listen Here

Pete Ball 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

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Jack Tomlinson

Paul Kehoe

Mary Corbett Joyce

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Tonya Ni Chuirinn Tonya Ni Chuirinn 5:05 - 6 pm 5:05 - 6 pm The Friday Feeling Pretty Good Day So Far

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*AIB Clifden

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Richard de Stacpoole Anne Conneely

Bernard Lee

Breandan O'Scanaill

Mary Gordon O'Toole

John O'Malley

Dave O'Halloran

Paddy Gannon

8:15 - 9pm Ann's Mixed Bag

8: 30 – 9pm Classical Half Hour

8:15 - 9pm Music with Pat

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Coast to Coast Paul Phelan

8:10 - 9pm Decades of Hits

Ann Conneely

Pat O'Toole

Pat Keaney

Sam & Beatrice

PAGE 35

December 2008

Brendan Ridge

*Mayo Furniture

Michael Coyne

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Health Problems & Natural Medicine

Q: I get bloated a lot, with plenty of wind. What can I do? Great question, with the Christmas holidays coming up. Bloating can indicate serious conditions – liver distension with backup of blood and fluids into the gut; tumor of abdominal organs; heart or kidney weakness; blockage of an intestine artery, kinked or ruptured intestines, etc. But it sounds like your bloating is benign. It is long term and not acute. Wind suggests functional intestines. There is no complaint of pain, loss of appetite, or difficulty defecating. I’m going to assume that your bloating indicates nothing serious. What makes the bloating better or worse? Cyclic or steady? Is there any other stuff happening before or during the bloating? Overeating is the most obvious cause of bloating. Reduce amounts eaten. Eating too fast? Slow down. This gives the satiety reflex more time to kick in. Are you eating your main meal just before bed? Eat earlier. Bloating may be a reaction to certain foods. Do you know which foods make you bloated? Have you noticed any problems with particular foods? Identify & stop the suspected food or food group for a few days and see if that helps. Is the bloating worse with PMS? If so, what is your menstrual cycle like? Food, herbal medicine and acupuncture are useful to resolve the PMS (PMT) and to normalize the menstrual cycle. This will help the bloating. There may be a uterine fibroid. It can get quite large and, like pregnancy, occupy substantial abdominal space. Surgery is the way to go for this complaint. Lack of activity can also aggravate

bloating. Are you active? In Chinese medicine, bloating is a classic symptom of qi stagnation. This means that the energy of abdominal organs isn’t smooth – it is contradictory, self defeating. Associated emotions are anger, frustration and crankiness. Do you experience an excess of these emotions? Insights like this from the perspective of classic Chinese medicine will guide the selection of acupuncture points, herbal medicine and dietary advice. Is there a back ache at roughly the level of the bloating? The spinal cord nerves, where they emerge from between the vertebrae, control organs and tissues at the same level, roughly speaking. The backache may be primary and cause the bloating, or it could be secondary to the bloating. Acupuncture and chiropractic may help with this aspect. If there is a pattern of bloating from overeating with inactivity (Christmas holidays!), a partial fast when it is all over may help. Eat broths and light soups, whole vegetables and fruits, and nuts and eggs as needed. Avoid all processed foods. Doing this for a few days may help clear things out. Note that we are now moving into winter – wet, windy, and cold – not optimal conditions for a partial fast. Use cooked foods rather than raw. Don’t let yourself get cold from eating raw foods. Most of all use common sense. Nicolas Kats ND, Lic. Ac, uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet and supplements with his patients. His clinics are in Clifden (087-7714710) and Galway (091-583260).

Womens Health Issues

Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer results in 73 deaths a year in Ireland. Free tests will be provided every three years for women aged 25 to 44 and every five years for women aged 45 to 60. The purpose of screening is to detect cell changes before they become cancerous. For details of registered smear takers, call Cervical Check on free phone 1800-45 45 55 or visit cervicalcheck.ie. Ok, great news. But how does this work and how was it organised? I visited the website of our parliamentary debates of last May on this issue. (http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL 20080529.xml&Page=1&Ex=H6#H6). This is what I found: “Quest Diagnostics, the US firm that won the tender to analyze 300,000 Irish smear tests a year, has been contacted by the US Department of Justice in recent months about alleged overbilling. Reports last week said that Quest had paid out almost $40 million in settlements with US government authorities in 1998, 2001 and 2004.While the Health Service Executive said it was aware of the settlements when it awarded the company the Irish smear testing tender, the SEC filing shows that the company is facing ongoing allegations about over billing. Quest has won the tender to analyze 300,000 Irish smear tests a year, but consultant pathologists from the Coombe

PAGE 36

Healthy Weight Loss

We try not to, but the majority of us do.Then we wish we hadn’t. We make plans to be good and sensible, but generally we fail. We over-indulge and come the New Year we feel sluggish and heavy, and wish we hadn’t been quite so generous with all those luscious Christmas treats. But don’t despair – there are herbal remedies and nutrition that can help you before the yuletide celebrations, and if you do succumb, then there are remedies that can help get you back on track, ready for your New Year exercise regime! First of all, don’t panic and do stop criticizing yourself and your figure.There is room for all sizes and shapes in this world. Forget about weighing-scales because they do not indicate what your personal healthy weight should be – they just make you feel bad. I definitely do not think it a good idea to go around looking like a stick insect or a lollipop. It’s unhealthy, unnatural and definitely unattractive. What is healthy for you as an individual is the correct weight for you - which leaves you feeling light and energetic and healthy – not the 6 or 7 stone celebrity weight. So here we are just before Christmas and you want to look good for the festivities but you may have been eating extra winter warming food or had too many sweet things. The first thing I would recommend would be Chromium. This is a mineral which works in the body to balance blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for sugar. It is ideal for people who eat a lot of over-refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta, cakes, biscuits and processed foods and perhaps enjoy a tipple. Consequently it also aids in weight loss, (weight gain can come from sugar as well as fat). Helix Slim is an herbal remedy that also reduces sugar craving and hunger pangs and actually supports your digestive system by feeding your gut with good bacteria. It also increases the elimination of toxins from the body and can be safely taken by people using thyroxine drugs. Both Helix Slim and Chromium would be good to start taking now if you know that sweet things and carbs are your downfall; that way, you should be able to resist temptation during the holiday period. Apple Cider Vinegar is an old fashioned remedy that works to stabilise the body’s metabolism. This can be taken daily off the spoon or in a mug of warm water each morning; it’s lovely with a squeeze of fresh

Women’s Hospital, St. James’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital in Dublin, and University College Hospital in Galway stated that missed cases would arise because the diagnostic rate of pre-cancerous cells at Quest Diagnostics in the US is 30% less than that of Irish laboratories. The Irish Association for Clinical Cytology, IACC, lists its main concerns as follows: quality in detection rates — from recently adjusted figures, excluding urgent smear policy, at least 30% of cases with pre-cancerous cells will go undetected based on the data from the previous outsourcing exercise by the NCSS to Quest Diagnostics; Irish laboratories’ ability to tender for future work. the exclusion of the Irish cytology laboratories at this stage will result in the loss of cervical cytology as a discipline and laboratory service in this State — once lost, the re-establishment of this service will not be feasible due to the extensive training requirements and the loss of expertise and skill-mix that has taken years to develop here; and the creation of a monopoly. By contracting to one organization the NCSS has tied itself to Quest Diagnostics without an alternative provider of services. If there is an issue with the provision of service down the line, there will be no domestic laboratories available to deliver such a service. Not only are our health services being privatized, but jobs and services are being exported. Trained and trainee laboratory technicians in Ireland are being written off by this decision and many will have to emigrate to find work in the future.”

December 2008

lemon juice too. Alternatively it can be taken in supplement form. What is meant by having a stable metabolism is that all the body systems are running smoothly and you don’t feel suddenly weak mid morning or mid afternoon. You will eat when you are hungry and will not feel like eating when you are not hungry. Simple! If you are a ‘young’man or woman of a “certain age”as the French say so politely, it may be time to recognise that you are running out of digestive enzymes and may need to supplement. Digestive enzymes are chemicals found in saliva and in other parts of the digestive system, and their role is to break down your food into a consistency that your digestive system can cope with. If you don’t have enough digestive enzymes left, then your digestive system cannot cope and some food will not be digested and will sit there, steadily rotting away, giving rise to gas. Some people think they are over-weight when in fact they are only bloated. Bloating can be caused by eating too fast, not chewing food carefully and not sitting down to eat. Take time and make meal times a celebration of all the abundance we are offered by nature. Think thanks for your meal, don’t just shovel it in. Apart from digestive enzymes, pre-biotics such as Molkosan and FOS can help. Yarrow is a herb which can relieve feelings of bloating and discomfort and it is available in tincture and juice form. These remedies are worth taking to settle down an extended middle and reducing acute discomfort which can impact on your quality of life. Please remember that excess dieting will only make your body think you are going through famine and it will cling on to any body fat. This is why many people actually gain weight when dieting. Eat sensibly – be good for 80% of the time and indulge yourself the rest of the time. Learn to relax – stress just adds the pounds and that is stressful in itself –and look after yourself. Eat food that is tasty and full of goodness, that gives life supporting energy and you will find yourself raring to go and full of zest. Call in to An Bhean Feasa for further information and for some healthy organic Christmas treats. Terri Conroy Please note that this column is for information only and does not replace a medical practitioner’s advice.

And this goes on for hours of debate…. Recently, after a year of intensive campaigning for the vaccination of young girls against the human papillomatous virus (a sexually transmitted virus that may sometimes lead to cervical cancer in later years) we have just been informed that this campaign will now not go ahead, and the vaccine will not be provided free of charge due to budget constraints.

Breast Cancer On the positive side, Breastcheck Galway is calling women aged 50 to 64 for free assessment in their new facility in UCHG. The system is rolling now and the patients are satisfied with the services. You and your doctor will be informed by letter of the results. This assessment is not prevention. Don’t forget that you decrease your risks of getting breast cancer if you don’t smoke, drink in moderation, have a normal weight, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and treat yourself well. Breastfeeding your baby is also a good preventive measure. But this is for women with no symptoms. Any woman who has any concerns should visit her family doctor/GP immediately, even if she has had a recent mammogram. Women who have any concerns regarding their appointment can contact BreastCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55. BreastCheck encourages all women to check they are on the BreastCheck register and their details are correct. Dr Sophie Faherty

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Mind your Mental Health at Christmas The Christmas period is widely portrayed as a time of happiness and celebration, but for many people it can be a very difficult time of year. Feelings of stress, worry, sadness and depression can be exacerbated throughout the festive period, often due to the pressures that can come with the holiday season. Money worries, the expectation that you should always be in good form and willing to celebrate, family issues and arguments and the disruption of normal routines can prove very difficult for many. It can also be a very difficult time for those who have lost a loved one during the year or previously around the holiday period. Bearing in mind that not everybody feels free and inclined to celebrate at this time of year we have compiled a list of useful contacts that offer advice, help and support to those experiencing difficulties at Christmas and throughout the year. For general reference, the Citizens Information Board offer directions to practically all services available in the country and is the best place to start if you are looking for advice or guidance on a vast range of matters. Lo-Call 1890 777 121 or go to www.citizensinformation.ie. Mental Health There are many organisations that deal with and offer support to those who know or feel they may be experiencing depression. The most well known Irish organisation is probably AWARE and there are others who deal with specific aspects of mental health, details of which can be found at the end of this section. Those who have already been treated for depression may be aware that there are steps they can take to help prevent depressive episodes. The link between alcohol and depression is often problematic. The cultural expectation to have “a drink to celebrate” can get out of hand, and many people who experience depression find that heavy drinking can contribute to a slump in mood and energy when the partying is over and everything returns to normal. Diet also affects mood and energy levels and eating a lot of sugar laden and carbohydrate-based foods can also negatively affect your mental health. The key thing to bear in mind, however difficult it may seem is that help is out there. From a medical point of view, the first port of call should always be your GP. Getting in touch with dedicated organisations can also be a

lifeline, as they offer advice, support and understanding of all aspects of mental health. AWARE has a comprehensive and very helpful website and operates a helpline, which will remain open throughout the festive period. Go to www.aware.ie or call 1890 303 302 Samaritans offer confidential, non-judgemental support 24 hours a day. Call 1850 60 90 90 www.yourmentalhealth.ie offers much help and advice on issues causing problems, worry and stress. Other helpful links are www.grow.ie, and www.mentalhealth.ie. Bereavement Feelings of despair, shock, loneliness and sadness are experienced by those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. There are many organisations and groups in Ireland which offer support to those affected. Information for those affected by Bereavement (pdf ) is a 2007 publication produced by the Citizens Information Board available at www.citizensinformation.ie. It provides information on dealing with the practical and material matters that arise following a death. Other organisations that offer guidance and advice are: Barnardos Bereavement Counselling for Children Helpline: (01) 473 2110 (Mo-Fri, 10 am-12noon, Wed 12-2pm). http://www.barnardos.ie/section/subsection/ter-section/?content=20&ter=56 Bereavement Counselling Service: (01) 8391766 http://www.bereavementireland.org National Association of Widows in Ireland: 01 872 8814 http://www.nawi.ie National Association of Widowers and Deserted Husbands Association: 01 8552334 Irish Sudden Infant Death Association: Locall 1850 391 391 http://www.iol.ie/~isidansr/home.htm The Miscarriage Association of Ireland: 01 8735702 or (01)8725550, www.miscarriage.ie. Suicide Bereavement Console is a Registered Charity supporting and helping people bereaved through suicide. Go to www.console.ie or call 1800 201 890. www.livinglinks.ie is another outlet for people in this situ-

What Do You Know? Quiz 4

Although there was no winner of the November Quiz, one entrant only missed a few answers. (Good going – keep at it!) Yes, this is a purposefully difficult quiz that involves more than a little research. The reward for 12 correct answers is now up to €40. Good luck with the December Quiz below. D ecembe r Quiz Geography: What country in the Mediterranean has no mountains or rivers? History: What is the earliest surviving system of laws? Sports: What Irishman won an Olympic Silver Medal in his first ever marathon? Math: How many five card hands can you get from a 52 card deck? Science: Who discovered that a wave’s frequency changes when the source and observer are in motion relative to one another? Cooking: What are the two top selling spices in the world? General Knowledge: Where is the worlds biggest wood church located and what is it called? Politics: What English monarch wrote the following poem? “No crooked leg, no bleared eye, No part deformed out of kind, Nor yet so ugly half can be, As is the inward suspicious mind.” Music: How many songs from the

Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band were released as singles? Art: What is the largest statue in the world? Entertainment: What is the most filmed story of all time? Literature: What did James Joyce refer to as the “center of paralysis?”

N ov e m b e r Q u i z A n s we r s

Geography: This country has the fourth largest lake in Europe? Estonia. http://www.worldinfozone.com/fa cts.php?country=Estonia History: Which Roman emperor competed at Olympia in a ten-horse chariot race? Nero. http://www.triviapark.com/index.html Local Interest: This name means brave warrior in Gaelic? Caley. http://www.name.meanings.com/i rish_name_meanings.php?choice =meaning&gender=&s=60 Sports: What was the score of the first All-Ireland Hurling Final? Tipperary 1-1, Galway nil in 1887. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_ of_AllIreland_Senior_Hurling_Cha mpionship_finals Science: What is the only rock that floats in water? Pumice. http://www.triviaplaying.com/08_ science.htm Cooking: What is the most widely

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

eaten fish in the world? Herring. http://www.triviaplaying.com/24_f ood_Q_.htm General Knowledge: What 19th century poets daughter made her own mark on history through computer programming? Lord Byron. http://www.triviapark.com/quizze s/dayquiz/q7.html Politics: What famous philosopher said “Good government consists in the ruler being a ruler, the minister being a minister, the father being a father, and the son being a son.”? Confucius. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics Music: What is the oldest woman with a #1 hit on Billboards top 100? Cher, 53. http://www.musictrivia-world.com/music-triviafacts5.html Art:Who was the court sculptor of Alexander the Great? Lysippus. http://www.usefultrivia.com/art_trivia/ Entertainment: What is the first movie to have its sequel come out in the same year? “King Kong” (Son of King Kong) in 1933. http://www.funs.co.uk/facts/e8.html Literature: When and where was the first illustrated book for children published? 1658, Germany. http://www.didyouknow.cd/fastfacts/art.htm

December 2008

ation looking for help and assistance. Youth Problems Younger people often find it hard to speak up or express that they are feeling down. Websites like www.headstrong.ie which is run by the National Centre for Youth Mental Health can offer advice and suggestions. Youth website www.spunout.ie also gives young people a chance to express themselves and find information that can help them. ISPCC Tel: +353 (0)1 6794944 www.ispcc.ie. Any young person in Ireland can call Childline at any time of day or night on 1800 66 66 66 or go to www.childline.ie to find out more. Alcohol and Drugs If you feel you have a problem with either alcohol or drugs that has gotten out of hand, there are some organizations that can help and offer information and suggestions. Check out www.drugs.ie and www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie Money Worries Financial worries and problems pose problems for individuals and families all over Ireland during and after the Christmas period. The Money Advice and Budgeting service (MABS) offers a self help guide to paying off debt. Go to www.mabs.ie or call 1890 283 438. If you are confused or looking for information on financial worries, go to www.itsyourmoney.ie It is important to note that the Christmas period can be difficult for any person for any number of reasons-just because you are unhappy does not mean you are depressed. Your mental health, humour and general wellbeing can be affected by a huge range of influences. These issues are not necessarily linked with depression. A visit to your GP will ascertain if medical help is needed. For general reference, the Citizens Information Board offer directions to practically all services available in the country and is the best place to start if you are looking for advice or guidance on a vast range of matters. LoCall 1890 777 121 or go to www.citizensinformation.ie. The trials and tribulations of everyday life do not stop for Christmas. There is no shame or failure in seeking help from family and friends or in particular dedicated organisations; indeed the sense of relief and assurance from doing so could be described as a very important Christmas gift to yourself.

e Connemara View wishes you and yours a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season

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FINANCIAL

T i m e t o c i r c l e t h e wa g o n s . . ! There is almost a sense of overkill in the media discussions of the state of the economy. It seems the first 10 minutes of any TV news bulletin is given over to the poor state of the country’s finances and the collapse in Irish banking shares. You would think Armageddon has finally arrived! And whilst there have been a lot of financial woes lately, we do seem to have collectively been whipped into financial submission by the bad news rather than the actual state of our own personal finances. The fact is we have been through recessions before and will, if we live long enough, be through a few more before we are really finished (not just in the George Lee economic sense). So anyone over 35 will remember the last recession and realise that there are changes to the way we live and spend our hard earned money to ensure we see out what is likely to be a bumpy financial ride. And there is no better time to start than Christmas. In fact we probably all need an enjoyable and heart warming Christmas season to lift the gloom. And although Christmas can be an expensive season, there are steps you can still take at this stage to ensure you are not overspending this month and putting yourself under unnecessary financial pressure. Christmas has a more disproportionate effect on our spending habits that any other holiday time of the year. Now there are a few simple measures which you can take now to ensure that you have a great Christmas, get all the presents you had planned and (hopefully) still have more money left over than if you hadn’t planned your Christmas shopping. Step 1: Set a budget. It might seem obvious but many people decide what to buy on impulse and only add up the true cost of their purchases in January. A better approach is to decide now what you are going to spend this Christmas. This amount should cover everything from presents to cards to wrapping paper and the cost of travel and eating out on the days you go shopping. You might find that the ancillary costs (travel, parking, food, wrapping and cards etc) could amount to 20% of your overall spend, so it would be wise to factor these into your original calculations. Step 2: Make a list (check it twice!). Once you have an idea of how much you are willing to spend then see who you are going to buy presents for. You can then allocate a portion of your budget to each person. You might not always stick to your budget, but at least once you have an idea of approximate amounts to spend on each person then you have a better chance of not going way over your allocated spend. Step 3: Shop Early. By leaving it all to the last minute, you are more likely to be under pressure to get it all done in time. This kind of rushed shopping invariably means you will spend more than you had planned as you don’t have time to look around and compare offers etc. Also many shops will have special offers like 10% off or 3 for 2 offers in early December which can be a big help in

getting multiple presents at a lower cost, so you should try and avail of these. Step 4: Use Cash or Laser where possible. It is always amazing when you pay for something in cash how much more expensive it feels than if you just put it on the credit card. The credit card is painless but if you have to hand over hard cash it always seems a little more expensive, and this can help you decide if you really need something, particularly with impulse buys. As the laser purchases come directly from your account, this has somewhat the same effect. Credit card bills which are not cleared in full each month can attract interest of around 15% per annum which can erode the value of that bargain you might have thought you were getting. Step 5: Shop and Spend local where possible. There is a big push in the Clifden area in particular this season to get as many people to support the local businesses for this shopping season, and it is all to support local charities at the same time. Spending a good proportion of your Christmas budget in your local area means that the wealth generated by your area stays within the area. This will benefit the community in the long run and ensure that money and jobs can be safeguarded and the community spirit kept alive in your area. If we all go to Galway or Westport or beyond for everything then can we be surprised that no shops remain open in our own areas or no services exist for the local people during the winter months. There are additional benefits like lower travel and parking costs and it is much easier to return or exchange unwanted gifts for those willing to shop in their locality. The bigger towns have a large amount of high street British multiples, but in your local area you can get a terrific mix of different boutiques and corner shops (staffed by people living in your area) to choose from. And you can be guaranteed that the petrol, food, drink and parking savings (not to mention the hassle of the pushing and shoving), the difference you will make by shopping locally will be more significant that you think. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and it is truly magical for children especially. The pressure on parents is enormous to deliver even bigger and better gifts, trees, decorations and the whole Christmas experience. However, everybody can take a few simple steps to ensure that this Christmas is a happy and peaceful one and one which doesn’t leave the piggy bank in complete tatters come January 1st. Seasons greetings to all and may you have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Declan Mannion is a Chartered Accountant with Mannion Lochrin & Co., Market Street, Clifden. Telephone 095-30030 Fax 095-30031 e-mail declan@mannion-lochrin.com.

Send in your news, views and photos to news@connemaraview.com PAGE 38

What deductions is my employer allowed to make from my wages? How can I be sure they are correct? Under the Payment of Wages Act 1991 you are entitled to receive a payslip that will show your total wage and any deductions made. An employer can only make deductions from your wages if they are: •Required by law, for example tax and social insurance (PRSI) •Provided for in your employment contract, for example occupational pension contributions •Made with your written consent, for example, trade union subscriptions. •To recover an overpayment of wages or expenses. •Required by a court order, for example, an attachment of earnings order in a family law case or •Due to your being on strike. An employer may also make deductions if they suffer a loss through your fault (for example, breakages or till shortages) or if they supply you with a service as part of the job (such as a uniform) but only if: •They are allowed for in your contract. •They are fair and reasonable. •You have received a written notice of the deduction-a full week's notice if the deduction arises from your mistake •The deduction takes place within 6 months of the loss/cost occurring. Complaints about unauthorised deductions may be made to a Rights Commissioner within six months. You can contact the Rights Commissioner Service at the Labour Relations Commission, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Tel: (01) 613 6700, Lo-call: 1890 220 227. If you are not receiving a payslip or if the information on your payslip is falsified, you may complain to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), Government Buildings, O’Brien Road, Carlow, Lo-call 1890 80 80 90. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Centre, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.Tel: 095 22000 & 087 1301100 / Email: clifden.cic@comhairle.ie Address: c/o VEC Offices, Statoil Apartments, Galway Road, Clifden. Citizens Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-Call 1890 777 121

I would like to take a couple of months off work to care for my children but my employer does not want to give me unpaid leave. Do I have any legal rights in this regard? Parental leave law entitles you to take leave to care for your child. It applies if the child is up to eight years of age or up to 16 years for a child with a disability. If you have more than one child qualifying, you can take leave for a total of 14 weeks for each child, though you can only take one 14week entitlement in any 12-month period. You may take the leave as one continuous period or as two separate periods of at least six weeks each, but your employer may agree to more flexible arrangements or to longer leave. The leave is unpaid and does not entitle you to a social welfare payment. But your employment rights are not affected if you take the leave so, for example, you continue to accumulate your entitlement to annual leave and public holidays. To qualify for parental leave you must have been working for your employer for at least a year. However if your child is nearing the age limit and you have been working for less than a year but more than three months, you have a pro-rata entitlement of one week’s leave per month of employment. If you intend to take parental leave you must give your employer six weeks’ notice in writing, stating when you intend to start the leave and for how long. Then, at least four weeks before the leave starts, you will need to sign a document with your employer confirming the details. Before this confirmation stage, your employer may postpone the leave for up to six months if your absence will have a significant negative impact. You are entitled to four weeks’ notice of the postponement. If you feel you are being denied your entitlements to parental leave you can refer the dispute to a Rights Commissioner at the Labour Relations Commission, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Tel: (01) 6136700. For more information on parental leave you can contact the Equality Authority, 2 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2, Tel: (01) 417 3333, Lo-call: 1890 245 545.

December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Kylemore Debs 2008 Top from left: Aine Hannigan-Dunkley and Alan O’Malley - Carla Domoney and Jack Vaughan Hannah Mamalis and Brian Hogan - Angela Coyne and Lawrence Nee - Brigid Keane and Kane Fanning - Lena Coyne and Jonathan Day - Roisin Hennessey and Noel Varley - Emily Gibbons and Ian McDonagh - Sally Mason-Seyﬀer and Fiachra Coyne - Annabelle Joyce and Thomas Roche - Jessica Ridge and James O’Sullivan - Caitlin Mullan and Stephen Smyth - Mary Kane and James Coyne - Gemma Cunane and Christopher Day - Clodagh Heﬀernan and Danny Ryan - Sorcha O’Connor and James O’Callaghan - Shannon Joyce and Donal Lydon - Sinead Salmon and Shane Lydon - Amy Coyne and Shane Sweeney - Mary Faherty and Jason Heanue. Photos courtesy of Cathal Devlin Photography

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Oughterard Debs 2008

Top from left: Conor Carey and Becky Geoghegan - Conor Carey and Fiona Martyn - Aaron Coady , Lauren McDonnell , Niamh Coady and Martin Coady - Shane Molloy and Laurene McDonnell - Stephan Molloy and Catherine O’Flaherty - Jordan Waller and Una Greaney Ultan O’Neill and Elizabeth Nessans. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

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December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

What’s the deal with…

coal, a silver coin, a piece of bread and some salt (!). While it may sound like the result of a drunken trip to the local petrol station Superstitions have always fascinated and entertained me. this ideally tall, dark haired, Irish folklore has a wide and wonderful range of superstigood looking man should ensure tions and “pisheogs” that some take very seriously and others that the rest of year is lucky and dismiss as nonsense. I grew up believing that putting new prosperous for you by being the shoes on the table or having a possession of the colour green first person to cross your doorstep. was inviting bad luck, thanks to my dear grandmother who Try to avoid using the line “Is that a piece of coal in your pocket was fairly attached to her own and local superstitions. My favourite indicator of where Irish people stand when it comes or are you just happy to see me?” to fairies and superstitions is the answer W.B. Yeats received He must also knock and be let in, when he asked an old man in Sligo in the ‘20’s if he believed even if he lives there, rather than casually use a key. in fairies. “I do not,” said the man, “What do you take me Under no circumstances should for? What kind of ignorant fecker would believe in the Little the first visitor be a blonde or People? Believe in witches and goblins and leprechauns? Go a redhead. Take any measures on outta that. Don’t be ridiculous. I do not believe in them. necessary, but do not let folk of Not at all...” A long pause. “But they’re there,” he concluded. this description in your door The beginning of a New Year has long been associated before a man. Even worse than with strange and varied superstitions down through the ages light haired women are cross-eyed and in different cultures. Believing in superstition is a purely people, or those with flat feet or personal tendency, but often those who claim it is all a load eyebrows that meet in the middle. of nonsense can be caught out in something they say or do. Such visitors are to be strongly Many superstitions associated with the New Year share the discouraged from being the first common theme that activities performed on the first day of footer lest they bring a year of a New Year set the pattern for the year to come. Others have disaster on the household. (I’m the usual associations of attracting luck or warding off evil spirits. Below is a slightly irreverent look at some quirky New not making this up-it’s superstiYears superstitions, which were derived from various sources, tion!). The first footer should also leave by a different door than the and are intended more for entertainment than direction! one he entered through. Stock Up: The first day of the New Year should not So there it is-the ultimate sube seen in with empty cupboards, in case that is the way of perstitious guide to ensuring that things for the year. There should also be plenty of money in your wallet on New Year’s Day to guarantee cash is plentiful you have a prosperous and lucky 2009! So fill those cupboards for the year. and wallets, kiss someone you Pay off: The household should not be in debt as a new love, have pork for dinner and try year begins. Personal debts should also be settled. So far, so to get your hands on a tall dark broke! So if you have no money, get together as much as you handsome man-and if you mancan to put in your wallet to at least make a good impression age all that, let me know how it on the year. goes! Happy Christmas and New Don’t pay off: Do not pay back loans or lend or bor- Year’s to all! row precious items on New Years Day. It means you will be Catherine Pryce paying out or giving away all year.

Feeling Superstitious?

Kiss at Midnight: Kissing a loved one at midnight ensures that aﬀection and love will last through the year. To not kiss is to precede a year of coldness. To kiss a drunken idiot might mean a year of being unlucky in love…so take it easy in the pub! Breakage: Try not to break anything on January 1st as it could signal destruction and wreckage for the year. Work: Make sure to do and be successful at something work related on the ﬁrst day of the year. You don’t have to go near your workplace. A small amount will do; to engage in serious work is very unlucky.

Food: People must never eat chicken or turkey on the ﬁrst day of the New Year unless like the birds in question, they wish to fate themselves to scratch in the dirt all year for their dinner (that is, bring poverty upon themselves). Eating pork is said to be lucky. Poultry scratch backwards, cows stand still, but pigs root forwards. Therefore those who dine on pork will move forward in the New Year.

Get Rid of Nothing: Nothing-absolutely nothingshould leave the house on New Years Day. Don’t even put out rubbish or recycling. Some adapt the rule by saying anything taken out can be cancelled out by something being brought in.

New Clothes: Wear new clothes on January 1st to increase the likelihood of receiving more in the coming year. First Footing: The is the idea that the first person to enter your home after the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve will influence the year you’re about to have. The most crucial element of this superstition is that the first footer should be a man. Females should not be the first footer in case they bring “calamity” on the household. Ideally this man should be bearing certain small gifts, for example, a lump of CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Barbara Joyce - An Appreciation On Saturday November 15th Barbara Joyce from Roundstone passed away. She had been in St. Anne’s for 4 ½ years and during her time here she touched the life of all with her kindness and friendliness. Barbara was born 81 years ago in Recess and had fond memories of her childhood. She worked in ‘ the big house’, as she used to call it, in Woodford Co. Galway. She used to tell how she would answer the phone in the house, a novelty in those days! Later she moved to Roundstone and settled in the community there. She was great friends with Vera O’Dowd and they would have the craic together in O’Dowds’ pub. Another place that Barbara liked to visit was Mary Kings’ pub in Roundstone. There she had her 2 glasses of Guinness (her daily tonic) and joined in the banter and singsong. Then Mary would kindly bring her home in the car! Another good friend that came to visit Barbara, was her home help Cris de Courcy. She visited Barbara every week in St. Anne’s until she passed away. Barbara always had a friendly word for anybody and loved to tell stories. One of her favourite poems was the ‘Mountjoy Hotel’ which she recited regularly. In St.Anne’s Barbara always joined in anything that was going on, from exercises to walking in the sun, from picking ﬂowers in the garden to playing Bingo. Barbara would be there and trying to help others if she could! She might have been a small woman in stature but she was a massive inspiration to anyone who she met! Barbara will be missed by all the staﬀ in St. Anne’s, her relatives and all who knew her in her walk of life. Elizabeth Wilschut

Acknowledgement Mary Frances Mullen The family of Mary Francis Mullen of Sheeauns, Cleggan would like to acknowledge the help and support of all those

December 2008

who joined them in mourning her passing. Sincere thanks go to Fr. Gerry Burns and Fr Raymond Flaherty for their spiritual guidance and support, and also to Dr Irene Nee and her staﬀ for their care and help. Thanks also to the gravediggers, friends and neighbours, and all who helped out in any way. She will be greatly missed and is always in our thoughts. May she rest in peace.

Note: An acknowledgement service will be available in

the Connemara View from the issue of February 5th 2009. Notices will be charged at the same rate as Classiﬁed Ads, which is 25 cents per word. That equates to 20 words for €5, 40 words for €10 etc. For more information contact Ellen or Catherine on (095) 22888.

Death Notices Stephen Coohill, England, formerly Claddaghduﬀ. Mary Hogan (nee Coyne), London, formerly Clifden. Barbara Joyce, Clooncartron Recess and Roundstone. Veronica (Vera) Kane (née Coyne), Dublin, and formerly of Moyard. Mary Kate King, Clifden. Mary Mannion, Baunogues, Letterfrack. Charlie O’Malley, Ardnagreevagh, Renvyle. John Walsh, Lettergesh East, Renvyle. 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 omissions.

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Clifden Debs 2008 Top from left: Donna Williams and Brian McDonagh - Shauna McEvilly and Jen Heffernan Roisin O’Malley and Ronan Staunton - Don Coyne and Alison Coneys - Niamh Clarke and Neil Sales - Michael Davitt and Claire Conneely - Barry Regan and Lorraine Joyce - Ciaran Roche and Noreen Needham - Conor O’Malley, Kate Shanahan and Sean King - Stephen Smyth, Ian O’Malley and Dylan Davis Photos by Catherine Pryce

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December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Clifden Debs 2008 Top from Left: Martina Folan and Alvin Bell - Fiona Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley, Laurel Abery and Niamh Clarke - Dylan Davis, Maureen West, Robert Lydon, Rosemary Doyle, Susie Nee and Sean Mulligan Ellen King and Anthony Needham - David Ward and Caitriona Nee - Nicole Murray and David McDonagh - Aisling Flaherty and Colin Connolly - Ciaran Molloy and Sarah Coohill - Brian Hogan, Fiona McDermott, Helen Mannion and Stephen Smyth - Sean Glynn, Bernadette Fanning, Molly Sanderson, Kane Fanning. Photos by Catherine Pryce

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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Lawyer’s Corner Family Law and Marriage Breakdown in Ireland The recent economic downturn has led to an upsurge in marital breakdown in Ireland. While many of these marriages may have experienced difficulties before this, it seems that people are now no longer prepared to “leave well enough alone” and want to “regularise” their situation. However, the breakdown of a marriage is ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. It also takes a long time for the parties to the marriage and their children to recover from the whole process. In this article, I aim to set out: 1. The grounds on which a Decree of Judicial Separation and a Decree of Divorce may be granted by the Courts 2. The Duties of a Solicitor to advise on alternatives to Judicial Separation and Divorce. 3. The information that is then required (by the solicitor from his/her client) in order to start the process of separation or divorce. The grounds on which a Judicial Separation and a Divorce may be granted. In summary, a Judicial Separation (where the parties go to Court to effect the terms of their Separation) may be granted if there is: 1: Adultery 2: Unreasonable behaviour 3: Desertion for the last year 4: The spouses have lived apart from one another for the past year and they both consent to a Judicial Separation being granted. the past 3 years. 5: A normal marital relationship has not existed between the spouses for the last year. Sufficient provision must also be made for the welfare of the children. Now that Divorce is available in Ireland, parties very often conclude a very basic Separation Agreement at the time they separate and then proceed to the Divorce stage four years later, cutting out Judicial Separation process. The basis on which a Decree of Divorce can be granted: A Decree of Divorce can be obtained if

Kavanaghs SuperValu Clifden would like to sincerely thank all the children from Kingstown National School, Scoil Mhuire Clifden and Cashel National School along with their teachers and parents for taking part in our Halloween Colouring competition. Picture includes Maria Cribbins. Photo courtesy of Joe Lynch, SV Manager

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(a) The spouses have lived apart for a period of at least 4 out of the last 5 years (b) There is no reasonable prospect of a reconciliation and (c) Proper provision exists or will be made for the spouses and any dependent members of the family. The Decree of Judicial Separation does not entitle the parties to remarry. This is the main difference between it and a Decree of Divorce. Furthermore, Divorce in Ireland is not fault-based, unlike in Britain. Indeed it is very often the case in Ireland that the party who is “at fault” is the one bringing the divorce proceedings. Contrary to popular opinion, and no doubt influenced by the law in other jurisdictions, the spouse who “has done nothing wrong” is not entitled to “refuse” a Divorce. So long as the above criteria are satisfied, the Court will grant a Decree of Divorce. Interestingly, the Courts have held that the concept of living “separate and apart” can include a situation where persons are still living under the same roof but in effect lead separate lives. The Duties of a Solicitor to advise on alternatives to Judicial Separation and Divorce. A solicitor is obliged to discuss with the client the possibility of reconciliation and/ or mediation and will provide the names and addresses of persons qualified to help to bring about a reconciliation or mediation. The State-run Galway Family Mediation Service can be contacted on 091 509730. Note that both spouses must ring for an appointment. The solicitor will also discuss with the client the possibility (where appropriate) of effecting a separation by means of Deed or Agreement in writing by both parties as an alternative to an Order for Judicial Separation or Divorce. The information that is required (by the solicitor from his/her client). It goes without saying that the process will run more smoothly and more efficiently if the client makes available as much information/documentation to the solicitor at the earliest possible opportunity. Each case will have its own special requirements. However a client will be expected to have the following: 1. An official certified copy of the Couple’s State Marriage Certificate available from 25, Newcastle Road, Galway. You must call in or write in (with a stamped addressed envelope and cheque for €10). Their telephone number is 091 523122. 2. Dates of birth and full forenames of all the dependent children of the marriage or otherwise. 3. His/Her PPS number 4. Details of all his/her or the couple’s joint financial assets 5. Details of all income earned by the client to include: Recent Wage slips, Rental income receipts, Recent Farm/Business audited accounts if self-employed, Details of all Social Welfare payments, to include Unemployment Assistance/benefits. 6. Details of all Pensions and Life Policies held by the client, if any. 7. Details of all the client’s debts and liabilities, to include:-Balances owing on Car Loans, mortgages, credit card and personal loans 8. Details of weekly spending. Clients are usually surprised when first asked to produce the information/documentation. Forewarned is forearmed. The more details you can produce at the beginning, the faster your case can be processed. I have aimed to give a brief introduction to the area of Family Law and Marriage breakdown in Ireland. Each case will have its own special circumstances. Each party will have to ascertain how the law applies to his/her own situation. It is however also important to spend some time organising one’s paperwork. It is an essential part of the initial process and will remove some of the avoidable stress. Sara Horan, Solicitor, Oughterard, Co. Galway B.A. (Mod), Diploma in Legal Studies, Diploma in Property Tax, Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge. Tel 091 866992. Email; sara@sarahoransolicitors.ie

December 2008

PC Tips & Tricks

This month, I look at keeping your precious information safe with an effective backup strategy. More and more of us are using our PC’s to support not just our work requirements, but also our lifestyles, by storing music, photos, artwork, and other important personal items. Hard drives can certainly fail, sometimes catastrophically such that all data is lost. Fortunately, Microsoft has already thought of this, so Windows XP (and Vista) comes with its own Backup facility. For business users, backing up critical files is absolutely crucial, as losing data can mean a lot of rework at best, and the end of your business at worst. At Two Dog Computers we offer regular backup visits where we save all your important data and store it off-site. Offsite storage means no disasters such as fire or flooding will affect your precious backups. Microsoft’s backup utility comes XP Professional, but if you have Home Edition, you’ll need to install it from the CD (see below). But before you can even think about creating a backup, you should get your files in order. Check to make certain all your essential data files are stored in one easy-to-find location. Windows XP makes this task easy by giving every user account its own personal profile, which consists of a set of subfolders in the Documents and Settings folder. Your profile holds your personal files (in the My Documents folder), Outlook Express e-mails, Internet Explorer Favourites, and your settings and preferences. As I mentioned, Windows XP includes its own backup program, although you may need to do some digging to find it. You can also take your pick of 3rd party programs (listed at the end of this column) that add bells and whistles you won’t find in the basic Windows XP Backup utility. If you use Windows XP Home Edition, you’ll need to follow these steps to install the utility: 1. Insert your Windows XP CD into the drive and, if necessary, double-click the CD icon in My Computer. 2. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen, click Perform Additional Tasks. 3. Click Browse this CD. 4. In Windows Explorer, double-click the ValueAdd folder, then Msft, and then Ntbackup. 5. Double-click Ntbackup.msi to install the Backup utility. Once installed, you can find it in Start à Accessories à System Tools à Backup. By default, the Backup utility uses a wizard that makes the process straightforward. You can back up 5 GB of data in as little as 10 minutes. And you don’t need to worry about shutting down running programs, either—thanks to a feature called volume shadow copy, the Backup utility can safely create a copy of any file, even if it’s currently in use. So, what should you backup your valuable data to? Well, for my money the best solution is to send it to an external hard drive.These are now quite cheap to buy, and many come with backup software to make the process even easier. At the Two Dog Café I provide 500Gb external drives that can take the entire contents of most PCs without any problems, so backing up everything is a no-brainer. Call me for a price! The Windows Backup utility is handy and free, but it’s not your only backup choice. Depending on your preferences, you can choose all sorts of third-party backup solutions. For instance; Need to back up your email and nothing else? Try OutBack Plus 4 or the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup Utility if you use any version of Microsoft Outlook, or use OE Backup for Outlook Express. These programs specialize in helping you keep safe copies of your messages and addresses. Drive imaging tools like PowerQuest Drive Image or Norton Ghost can take a ‘snapshot’ of your entire hard disk, compress it to a single file, and save it for quick recovery later. Great for use with an external hard drive. Worried that fire, flood, or theft will wipe out your backup copies along with your computer? Consider Two Dog Coimputer’s Off-Site Backup Service, where we backup all your precious files and store the backup off-site for safety. Doing anything is preferable to doing nothing and hoping that your data will magically take care of itself! John Claró is a former I.T. Consultant with over 20 years experience now operating the Two Dog Café as well as Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. He can be contacted on 095 22194, or kennel@twodogcafe.ie.

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PLANT HIRE

CLASSIFIED ADS Education Youthreach: Are you between 15 and 20 years of age? Have you dropped out of school or education? Are you looking for further qualiﬁcations and opportunities in Education and Training? Are you looking for an alternative to ‘signing on’ Think Youthreach!!!!!!!! Call 095 41893 or check out our website www.youthreachletterfrack.com.

Properties Florida Holiday Rental. Super shopping, wonderful weather, great golf & Disneyworld. Visit Orlando in 2009. 5 bedroom Villa with pool. €650 per week. 087-945-0788. Self-Catering Properties Wanted. The closing date for new properties for Connemara Coastal Cottages - Connemara’s largest self catering agency and inclusion on www. cc-cottages.com is now approaching for the 2009 tourist season. Contact our Letterfrack Oﬃce on 095 41844 cccottages@eircom.net for an information booklet. Property for Sale: Attractive parcel of land for sale just oﬀ the main Moycullen to Oughterard road. 4.5 acres. €150,000 o.n.o. Contact 091-556059. Cottage to Rent. Mannin, Ballyconneely. Oil heating & solid fuel stove. 095-23645 or 086-819-8682. House to rent. Derrygimla, Ballyconneely. 3 bedroom detached house. Master bedroom ensuite. Beautifully furnished. Large rooms. Central heating. Long or short term considered. 087-254-2442.

SAND & STONE

MUSIC LESSONS

Clifden: Spacious 2-bedroomed apartment to let in town. Recently refurbished to a high standard. Responsible tenants required. Available immediately. Contact 086-8053760. For rent Clifden. 3 bedroom semi. 10 min walk from town. Close to school. Fully furnished. Central heating. Electric shower/bath. TV & all mod cons. Private parking. Patio/garden. Contact day or night: 095-22711 or 087-7626917. Clifden: Attractive 2-bedroomed modern cottage to let, five minutes from town centre. OFCH. Available immediately. Contact 086-8053760. For Rent Clifden: 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and rooms to let, 5 minutes walk from Clifden town centre, fully furnished. 095- 44924 or 087-249-8097. Clifden Apartment to rent. Available now. Special rates. 2 bedroom, all mod cons, furnished to a high standard. Long or short term considered, 087-254-2442. Clifden House to rent. Riverfalls, the Spires. Beautiful 3 bedroom house, immaculate condition, convenient location. Short or long term considered. 087-986-3032. Kilkieran. 8 bedroom house to let. Overlooking bay. Long or short term. 087-256-6670. Letterfrack. 4 bedroom bungalow. Furnished and equipped, good order throughout. OFCH and open fire with back boiler. Suit family or students sharing. Available immediately, medium or long term. Internet broadband. Tel Kathleen 095-41048 or 087-127-7269. Moyard. 4 bedroom house to let. All mod cons. Reasonable rent. For more information contact 086-335-5972. Moyard: Good sized 2 bedroom flat. Fully furnished and equipped. Excellent condition. DG and OFCH plus immersion, power shower. Suit couple or two sharing. Internet broadband. Tel Philip 086-607-4446. Renvyle: 2 bedroom apartment. 086-152-9601. Tullycross Village. 3 bedroom house and 2 bedroom apartment available for immediate rental. Responsible tenants required. 087-640-7765.

Items for Sale or Rent

TAXI SERVICES WEDDING SERVICES

WINDOWS

Photos Restored, Rescued & Reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to cd, ready for print at Video Vault. Call 095 22033. Gym Equipment for sale. Treadmills, bikes, steppers, weight machines. No reasonable oﬀer refused. 087-2566670.Fridges & Freezers for Sale: Bosch 4 star no frost upright. 195Cm high. 67Cm wide. €425 ono. Tricity chest freezer. 82Cm high x 159cm wide.€220 ono. Wine Cooler fridges for sale. Table top height. €150. Compact model. €100. Perfect condition. 086-845-1707. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095-21219. Kayaks for sale with paddles and helmets etc. included. 086-845-1707. 2 piece lounge suit for sale. Perfect condition. €300 ono. 086-845-1707. Printers & Electronics for sale: Epson 3-in-1 printer, scanner and stand alone copier, 1 yr old, extra ink cartridges, perfect working order, as new. €80. Canon scanner, 3 years old, PWO, €40. Brother fax machine with telephone, 1 yr old, PWO, €80. Twin set of wireless microphones for karaoke or professional singer, new, never used, €60. Philips DVD player, new, never used, €50. Sony Digital photo printer complete with 2 photo packs of photo paper & ink cartridges, €50. Panasonic answering machine with full size cassette tapes, €30. All items in original boxes and in PWO. 095-22114 or 086-841-8398.

Information Services 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 Rd, Clifden, and can be contacted on 095 22000 and 087-130-1100. Thursday 7pm-8pm and Friday 10:30am- 3:30pm.

Advertise in the Classifeds & Business Directory with a FREE on-line listing!

CALL 095-22888 or go to www.connemaraview.com PAGE 46

December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Vehicles For Sale Seat 02 Commercial Van, 1.9 ltr, diesel. 48,000 miles. White. €3500. 095-21801

Services Painting and Decorating: Interior and Exterior, Timber Floors sanded and varnished. Neat and tidy job guaranteed. Competitive rates. References available. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle, 086-857-0302. Bookkeeping Services available VAT Returns/ PAYE&PRSI Returns/Wages/Journal Entries. Reasonable Rates. 095-35765. Website Design: Creative, professional and aﬀordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. For pricing and to view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign. com. For a competitive quote phone Caroline Herriott on 086-0791918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com. Personalised Candles for weddings, christenings, memorials and anniversaries. Allow 3 weeks for personalisation and delivery. For details call (095) 22101.

Employment Part-time Nanny/Mother’s Help required from January 2009 for three children aged 7, 4 & 2. References essential. Own car preferable. Clifden area. Contact Sinead on 087-963-0968 or smhconroy@gmail.com. Pub staﬀ required for busy Irish pub in Naples, Florida, U.S.A. For details call in USA – 001-239-384-0800 or email paddyyank@yahoo.com.

Health Connemara Healing Massage Therapy Centre. Lettermore. Neuromuscular, Holistic, Sports, Aromatherapy, Hot Stones & Immunity Care Massage, Physical Therapy, Dry Needling, MNRRI Reﬂexology, Ear Candling & Reiki. VIVAS Quinn, VHI, Hibernian. 087-056-3411.

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 and physical level. Qualiﬁed Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on 086-365-3266.

Animals/Pets Boxer Pups for Sale: 6 male, 1 female. All brindle and white. Ready to go 10th December. Both parents can be seen. Will be vaccinated, chipped, vet checked and IKC registered. €500 085-837-0658. Golden Labrador Pups. IKC reg. Vaccinated, wormed and microchipped. Vet checked. Both parents can be seen. Excellent pedigree. Great with children. Ready to go. €350. 087-655-5804 or 095-23053. (See photo). Pure Bred Pedigree Jack Russell Puppies for sale, tan and white, 3 female, 1 male, beautiful markings, mother and father can be seen. For further info, contact Deirdre Holmes, Clifden on 086-316-7743. 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. 095-22209. Veterinary emergencies only, call 087-917-9248. Mare Scanning service now available at Western Veterinary Clinic. Ring the oﬃce on 095-22209 for an appointment.

Connemara View Newspaper

It’s Better To Neuter! Neutering is far better for your pet’s health, whether male or female. The good news is that you could be eligible to have your dog or bitch neutered for only €20.00! Phone Dog’s Trust Ltd on 1890 946 336. Are you feeding stray cats? Feeding is not enough! Cats are very successful breeders, and one or two cats can soon turn into a whole colony. So, don’t delay! Help fight the problem of stray cats: phone 01 4163030 to find out if you are eligible for a ‘Blue Cross’ Cat Neutering Voucher. Is your cat or dog overweight? Did you know that obesity in pets can cause serious health problems? Western Veterinary Clinic, Clifden, offers a FREE ‘weight-watcher’s’ programme for pets. Ring WestVet on 095-22209 for an appointment. Animal Rescue: Friendly black cat 2 kittens,for nice home. Contact 087-249-9849. Animal Rescue: Good home(s) required for 2 terrier pups, very friendly, vaccinated. Contact 087-249-9849.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

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: Catherine Pryce Ad Sales/Writer: Connor McDonough-Flynn Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout/Writer: Marie-Noelle Biddulph KidsView Junior Editor: Steven Coohill Contributors: John Amenhauser, Gareth Anthony, Anne-Marie Bennett, Adele Biddulph, Peter Biddulph, Tom Broderick, John Claró, Marie Connaughton, Dorothy Conneely, Terri Conroy, Colleen Curran, Colm Devlin, Richard de Stacpoole, Kathleen Diamond, Priscilla Diamond, Andrew Downes, Dr. Sophie Faherty, Kevin Gavin, Paul Gannon, Claire Griﬃn, Rosemary Hanley, Eithne Hannigan, Aine Hannigan-Dunkley, Marian Hanrahan, Samantha Heanue, Michele Hehir, John Holmes, Brian Hughes, Bernie Jeﬀ ries, Caroline Joyce, Nick Kats, Judy Lawrence, Padraic Lyden, Joe Lynch, Declan Mannion, Paul Mannion, Peggy Mannion, Muireann McGlynn, Theresa McLoughlin, Sharon Molloy, Caitlin Mullan, Jean Mullan, Kevin O’Connor, Mary O’Donnell, John O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Donal O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Catherina O’Toole, Anthony Previte, Colm Pryce, Saoirse Roberts, Margaret Sheehan, Angela Spellman, Damian Ward, Liz Warren, Declan Weir, Tricia Wilder, Elizabeth Wilschut. 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.

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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

December 2008

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D A O R Y A W L A G • N E D CLIF day,

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December 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER