Will O’Keeffe Give C.S.I. Their Christmas Wish? C.S.I.: Clifden have sent a special holiday message to Minister of Education Batt O’Keeffe TD. Their objective is to keep their vigorous campaign for a new secondary school building on the top of his mind during budget time. “All We Want For Christmas Is A New School Building” is the theme of the Christmas card that the Minister will receive this week. Principal Liam Bolger, Councillor Eileen Mannion, parents, teachers, as well as current and future students gathered on the sunny but cold morning of Saturday, November 28th to pose for
the festive photo filled with wishful smiles and waves. Four additional messages appear in the photo. Signs held up state: “It’s too late for us - Make sure it’s not too late for them”; “Too cold in the winter - Too warm in the summer”; “It’s so overcrowded that there might not even be room for me in the cold prefab”; and “The future is about Science... but we have no laboratories.” The community support behind this initiative is very strong and the C.S.I.: Clifden team are determined to succeed in their efforts.
REGIONAL Tragic Road Deaths Families and communities all over Connemara have suffered tragic losses due to road deaths during the month of November. Four young students of NUI Galway lost their lives on Tuesday November 17th when their car collided with a truck between the villages of Ballindine, Co Mayo and Milltown in Co Galway. The victims were Teresa Molloy from Leitir Móir who was 19, Marie Conneely from Baile na hAbhann (19), Sara Byrne from Headford who was 20 and Sorcha Rose McLaughlin who was 19 and from Wexford. The crash happened on a bend on the main N17 road at Carrownurlaur, about 2km from Ballindine and driving conditions in the area were exceptionally bad at the time, with heavy rain and poor visibility. The stretch of road is locally known as a bad accident blackspot and angry criticism at the state of the road was directed at the National Roads Authority in the aftermath of the tragedy. Less than a week after Leitir Móir mourned the loss of Teresa Molloy, the local community suffered another blow when 16 year old Micheal Seoighe of Leitir Mealláin was killed when the car he was travelling in left the road. He had attended the funeral Mass of Teresa Molloy earlier that week and the community was still in severe shock when this second tragic loss occurred. On Friday November 27th , 37 year old Sinead King died after being hit by a van outside her home in Leenane. The driver of the white van was a young man who stopped at the scene and helped Gardaí with their investigations. Superintendent Tony O’Donnell of Clifden Garda station indicated that a full forensic examination of the scene had taken place and the road had been temporarily closed as a result. Gardaí in Clifden are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the collision or may have information in relation to the collision to contact them on 095-22500 or any Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111. The Connemara View extends sincere sympathies to the families and communities in which these tragic deaths occurred.
Vigilance Advised After Robberies
A number of Connemara business premises were targeted by burglars in recent weeks. Joyce’s Shop and Post Office in Recess was robbed on the night of Thursday November 26th by a gang of raiders who stole a large amount of cash after entering through the rear of the premises. The Clifden Gardai believe the gang are part of a well organised criminal outfit who have
Page 2
December 2009
carried out similar raids elsewhere and they are in contact with other investigations in this regard. King’s Paper Shop in Clifden was also targeted recently by a gang “dressed like Eastern European women” who stole cigarettes after first distracting the staff. Superintendent Tony O’Donnell of Clifden Garda Station has issued an appeal to Connemara businesses to be extra vigilant against these kinds of attacks and to avoid keeping large sums of cash in the premises at any time. He has also urged businesses to call the Gardai at the first suspicion that something is amiss in any situation that causes them concern. Clifden Garda Station can be reached at 095-22500.
Strike Action
On Tuesday November 24th public sector workers all over the country stopped work in protest against cuts and changes to their working conditions proposed by the government. Schools were closed for the day and
among the picketers were staff members of St Anne’s Community Nursing Unit and Clifden Hospital, pictured here.
Parents Assn Cake Sale
The Scoil Mhuire Parents Association will hold their annual Christmas Cake Sale in the Station House Hotel on Sunday December 6th after Mass. Special guests on the day Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance and music and carols will also be provided by the children of Scoil Mhuire to add to the festive atmosphere. A fundraising bag packing day will also be held in SuperValu in Clifden on Saturday December 12th. All support is greatly appreciated.
Clifden Animal Rescue Fair Clifden Animal Rescue will hold their Annual Christmas Fair in the Atlantic Hotel on Saturday 12th December from 11am to 3pm. There will be Christmas goodies, baking, books bric-a-brac and much more on sale, all at great value prices. All donations and contributions including home baking will be very welcome on the day! Please call in to read about our success stories and thank you for your continued support.
Connemara View Newspaper
Sheep & Wool Museum Request The Sheep and Wool Museum in Leenane display and conserve different items which were used in the wool industry locally. We demonstrate to visitors and locals the various stages of wool handcrafts as it was practiced in the past. The museum was set up 15 years ago by the late Michael O’Toole and his wife Kathleen. Michael believed it was important that the traditions of sheep farming and wool crafts in Connemara were not forgotten. As part of the continuing research of the local history of sheep and wool we would be interested in hearing from anyone who has stories or information on local wool workers, spinners and weavers. We would also be interested in looking at any items relating to the sheep and wool industry for example old sheep farming equipment, old wool garments or blankets made locally. We would also like to hear from anyone who has farmed or has pictures of the Claddagh/ Cladóir sheep. Please contact Aoife O’Toole on 095-42323, by e-mail at leenane@eircom.net or by post at The Sheep & Wool Centre, Leenane Co. Galway. Aoife O’ Toole
Mol an Óige Concerts
Two Christmas concerts will be performed by scores of young people from all over Connemara in the run up to Christmas this year. The annual Mol an Óige concerts have a well deserved reputation for being some of the most enjoyable events involving local youths in the annual calendar and display to great effect the abundance of musical and vocal talent in Connemara. The first concert will take place at Creeragh Church on Friday December 18th starting at 8.30pm. A second concert will take place at the Church of Ireland in Clifden on Monday December 21st also starting at 8.30pm. Early arrival is advised to ensure a seat for these uplifting performances. The funds raised from both concerts will directly benefit the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul.
German Tour Operators Visit
Fáilte Ireland and Connemara Chamber of Commerce welcomed a group of 36 German tour operators with DerTour, to Dan O’Hara’s in the Connemara Heritage
Centre on Friday November 20th. The group, who were on a pre-academy tour, enjoyed a visit to the award winning heritage centre. The lively and entertaining tour included turf cutting demonstrations and sheep herding. The tour operators with DerTour, who are one of Germany’s largest tour operators with a €1.5 billion turnover last year and market leader for the past 40 years, were in Ireland attending their annual travel academy. Over 700 travel agents participated in pre and post academy tours, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland. The tours present a valuable opportunity for the tourism industry to sell itself to the German market and allow Fáilte Ireland to showcase the best that Ireland has to offer throughout the country. Photo: Pictured at Dan O’Hara’s cottage in Connemara on Friday 20th November, were the group of German Dertour Operators, with Declan Mannion, President, Connemara Chamber of Commerce, Letitia Wade, Fáilte Ireland in the West, Nora and Martin Walsh, of Connemara Heritage Centre.
will broadcast the singing on local radio. Family, friends and relations associated with our residents and/or staff are cordially invited to attend. In the afternoon, we will have the annual Christmas party so we hope a good crowd will come and celebrate the festive season with all of us. Marian Hanrahan
Advent Prayer Evenings
The Liturgy Group from the Clifden Parish Pastoral Council are organising two evenings of Advent Prayer and Song at St. Josephs Church Clifden on Monday the 14th and Monday the 21st of December from 7.30pm to 8.00pm. This is an ideal opportunity to take a little time out of the busy Christmas rush and reflect on the real meaning of the coming of the Child Jesus, the birth of our Saviour. All are welcome to attend.
Cartridge Recycling for Charity
A recycling box for printer cartridges is now in place at the Connemara West Main Office and Reception in Letterfrack (Open from Mon-Fri 9am to 5.30pm) and the money raised from the recycled goods will benefit Temple Street Children’s Hospital. If you wish to recycle any cartridges please leave them into Connemara West or forward them to Janet O’Toole at Connemara West and you can help the Temple Street Children’s Hospital in a simple way.
20 Years of Youthreach
On the 10th December 2009 the Youthreach centre in Letterfrack will be celebrating twenty years of education and training in the North West Connemara area. The centre opened in 1989, catering for 16 young unemployed 15-18 year olds. At that time, the courses on offer were literacy, numeracy, woodwork and basic carpentry skills. In 1990, Youthreach expanded to cater for 25 students and offered City and Guilds certification in Woodwork and Engineering. FETAC (NCVA) level 3 was introduced in 1995, offering an Irish Vocational certification in a variety of areas. In 1999, the Department of Education and Science allocated 20 additional places to the programme, enabling the introduction of the very successful Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA). The LCA is a two year continuous assessment course. To date the centre has offered certification in a variety of
vocational areas, catering to the demand and interest of the young people attending the programme and the employment opportunities in the local and wider areas. To celebrate this wonderful achievement, Youthreach Letterfrack is holding its annual ‘Open Day’ on Thursday 10th December in the Ellis Hall at 2pm. All the past students who have attended the centre will be invited back to celebrate this special occasion. This year’s ‘Open Day’ has been organised by Shannon Joyce from Leenane. She is studying a FETAC level 5 certificate in Business Studies and is taking an extra module in ‘Event Production’. Shannon has designed the Youthreach ‘Open Day’ invitation cards, the Award ceremony schedule and is in the process of organising an exhibition of students work and a past student’s photo exhibition. She is also the present editor of the annual ‘Youthreach Newsletter’. Shannon hopes to continue her studies in the Sligo Institute of Technology, studying Public Relations and Event Management. Theresa McLoughlin
Free Course for Home Carers
A ‘Care in the Home’ Training Course certified by City & Guild Institute will take place at the Oughterard VEC Further Education Centre for 14 weeks (1 session per week) starting on Tuesday December 8th. The course covers First Aid and Emergencies, Patient Moving and Handling, Practical Care Skills, Nutrition, Stress Management, Dementia, etc and is free to all Informal Carers (i.e. who are caring for a family member, relative, neighbour or friend). The course is being provided by HSE West, FORUM Connemara Ltd, and The Carers Association. Please call Geraldine in FORUM Connemara Ltd. on 095-41116 or on 087-963-3253 to confirm your attendance or with any queries.
Christmas at St. Anne’s
The preparations for Christmas have now started. The residents are making decorations and some are already up in the Day room. Drawings and paintings made by the residents are also displayed on the walls. We will have carol singing by the school children of Scoil Mhuire NS on Tuesday December 15th as part of our Christmas celebrations from 11am to 12 in St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit. Connemara Radio
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Page 3
REGIONAL Connemara Chamber AGM Notice is hereby given for the AGM of Clifden Chamber of Commerce Ltd now known as the Connemara Chamber of Commerce on December 17th at 6pm in Foyle’s Hotel Clifden. The agenda is as follows: Minutes and matters arising from the previous AGM, Presidents report, Treasurers report, Lotto Committee Report, Election of Officers. Anyone wishing to put their name forward for election to the officer board should send this in writing to the company secretary, Paul Mannion, Market Street, Clifden, together with the names of their proposer and seconder to arrive before Friday 11th of December 2009. In the event that there are insufficient
nominations the chairman will be entitled to receive nominations from the floor on the night.
Christmas on Connemara Radio
Connemara Community Radio will be coming to you live from a number of schools and other venues in the lead up to Christmas, including a Christmas Eve Special live from Clifden. Christmas is also a special time to send greetings to friends and neighbours and requests are always welcome. This year people will also be able to send greetings to relations and friends abroad, as programmes are now streamed via the internet all over the world. To access the radio via the internet you need to have Windows Media Player on your computer and then log onto www.connemarafm.com and press the ‘listen to us live’ button. It is as simple as that! To add to the Christmas cheer you can send in a request
to be played Christmas week and if you have a favourite programme, then you can nominate that programme for the request. All you have to do then is let your family member or friends know how and when to tune in! Requests can be emailed to info@connemarafm.com or dropped into or posted to the station in Letterfrack or phoned in on 095-41616. A selection of past programmes are always available to listen to in your own time on the Connemara Community Radio website and have proved very popular with a hard core of dedicated overseas listeners. The technical advances made by the radio over the past few years have now made it possible for people to listen to the whole schedule in real time and if the feedback is anything to go by it is proving a great success both at home and abroad. Best wishes from us all at Connemara Community Radio for Christmas and the New Year and happy listening! Photo: Connemara Radio Volunteers Bobbi O’Regan and Sinéad Mannion.
R.N.L.I. Fundraising News
At the beginning of the year we were worried about what would happen with our fundraising in 2009 in the midst of
who fundraised. All we can do is to say: Happy Christmas and thank you very, very much! Our fundraising area is very large and yet we are a very close community-we know each other and we know the crew that we fundraise for. The crew are on standby 24 hours every day throughout the year and they give a huge amount of their time to train and to be ready for the call. Merry Christmas to them too and hopefully they can celebrate without any call outs during the holidays. Photo & news courtesy of Ann Marie Bennett. Photo: Laurence Ingelbach and some of the team who organised the Clifden 10k Race 2009, from which €4,200 was raised for the Clifden Lifeboat.
CSI Clifden Update
CSI: Clifden would like to thank all those who attended the last public meeting on 16th November in the Community School. It was productive with plenty of suggestions on how we can progress the campaign in lobbying the Minister of Education for a new “Fit for Purpose” School for Connemara. Among those suggestions was the Christmas card “Photo Shoot” -thanks to the organisers and all who turned up on the day. A word of thanks also to Nigel Murray who completed the Dublin City Marathon where he donated all funds raised from his sponsorship to CSI Clifden. The recent news is that minister O’Keeffe is due to visit the school and we understand that this will take place in January. We would ask your support in communicating to the elected ministers about our campaign and the need for the Minister to visit the school. There are pre-written letters located on the CSI website www.csiclifden.com which are available for all to download and print out. Please include your name and address and signature and send these letters to the politicians listed. The more correspondence that is sent is best for our campaign. We appreciate the input we receive from everyone in the community, no matter how small. Please attend our meetings and spread the word. Our next public meeting takes place on Monday 14th December at 8pm in Ellis Hall in Letterfrack. It is our intention to hold meetings around the whole of Connemara in order to facilitate everyone. Remember to attend the public meetings and please send those letters to our politicians reminding them of our intense desire to have the new “fit for purpose” school building back on track.
News From Connemara Councillors Moycullen Playground Submissions Invited
The planning procedure for the proposed playground at Kylebroughlan, Maigh Cuilinn has been enacted and submissions have been invited from Friday 20th November to Thursday 6th January 2010. The playground is to be situated beside Cnocan Rua Estate on the Maigh Cuilinn to An Spideal road just up from the Centra supermarket. Residents are invited to comment on the plans which are on display at County Hall in Galway. Cllr Sean Kyne has explained that the proposed site is owned by Galway County Council and as such the Council planning officials cannot grant planning permission to itself. Therefore a procedure known as Part 8 (of the planning act) will be used, whereby the Councillors will agree (or disagree) to provide planning permission for the playground. Cllr Kyne stated that he does not expect any problem with the granting of the Part 8 planning permission. According to Cllr Kyne it is hoped that the Part 8 procedure will come before Councillors at the January meeting of the Council, or February at the latest. Cllr Kyne added “There have been numerous delays, problems and hiccups along the way to getting the plans this far but I am hopeful that it is full steam ahead from now on”.
Foscadh Planning Granted the recession. Now we know there was no need to worry. All the individual fundraising events went ahead either by individuals or by the branch and again it was astonishing how everybody came along to help. We are very grateful and thankful to all the people of Connemara and Clifden who gave so generously during church gate collections and Flag Day. Wherever our permanent boxes are displayed they are looked after by proprietors and staff with pride. Friends of the R.N.L.I. who came up with fundraising events didn’t let us down in any way; they all carried on and gave a lot of their free time and energy.We received donations from families who thought of us in their time of bereavement and sadness. Children gave up their holiday time to fundraise for the lifeboats with help from their parents. The list is endless and we cannot name all the events and the people
Page 4
December 2009
The grant of planning for Foscadh Community Development Ltd. in Letterfrack has been welcomed by Cllr. Thomas Welby. The development consists of the provision of a new sports hall and revised site entrance, service road, car parking and boundary walls. This development will complement the existing pitch that has been constructed in the last number of years. This grant of permission will now allow the Clúid Housing Agency to proceed with an application for a Sheltered Housing Scheme in an adjoining site. Cllr. Welby stated “I am delighted that this planning has been granted as this is one element of an overall plan that will be tremendous benefit for the locality and it also further enhances Foscadh’s reputation as a tremendous Community organisation which is working hard for the community”. Continued on page 6
Connemara View Newspaper
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Page 5
Clifden
Playground Update The Clifden Playground Committee has continued with its plan to develop the existing tennis court at the Ball Alley area into an All Weather Pitch. Readers may remember that we obtained grant approval from Galway Co. Council in 2008 for 75% of the development and construction costs. The total cost is approximately €93,000 and Galway Co. Council will pay roughly €70,000 of this. The balance was made up by the Committees fundraising activities and also a contribution promised by Clifden Chamber of Commerce through its Amenity Development funds. A number of conditions attached to the grant award led to delays in furthering the project until now. Firstly, we needed approval from the landowners. This meant the reforming of the Clifden Community Council, which was done earlier this year. The new Council has now formally approved this project. The other main matter to be dealt with was the submission and approval of a planning application. This was kindly dealt with by Shane Joyce and final planning approval was recently received. We wish to place on record our thanks to Galway Co. Council, Clifden Community Council, Shane Joyce and the Chamber of Commerce for all their help to date. Go Play Limited, the Company that built the existing playground for us a few years ago, will commence work
on the All Weather Pitch in the coming months. All work should be completed by the end of February 2010. The development will include an all weather surface, will be marked for soccer and basketball and will be surrounded by three meter fencing. It will also include low level floodlighting which will allow usage during our dark winter nights. Local clubs, schools or groups are welcome to use the pitch for training or competition. Enquiries can be made to Declan Maher in this regard. A number of competitions/blitzes will be held each year to raise funds for ongoing facility costs. Declan Maher, Clifden Playground Committee
Community Services at Town Hall In early 2008 ARC Clifden made a successful application to the Department of Community Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs for funding to run a Community Services Programme (C.S.P.) in the town hall in Clifden. The Community Services Programme (C.S.P.) aims to support voluntary groups and community groups in providing necessary businesses and services in their communities. These services have helped alleviate disadvantage within communities, promote employment and development in communities, sustainability and also strengthen local ownership through participation in decision-making. Funding was approved for a part-time administrator, one part-time and one full-time maintenance post. Employees began work in September 2009 and have carried out some essential repair works including repairs to windows; new stairs have been erected at the rear of the stage; skylights have been fixed; the inside and outside of the hall have been tidied up and the re-tiling of the toilets is underway. The hall has seen a significant increase in different groups using the space for many activities such as hip-hop and salsa dancing, prayer groups, Irish dancing for children and music lessons. Plans are almost finalised to set up a youth space in the lower level where a grant has been secured to fit out and equip the area and the youth themselves have been consulted on this and have been involved in the plans. The hall is also being used for meeting and training purposes. Fundraisers are also being planned by the administrator and committee. The current contract runs until March 2010 and the Board of ARC are hoping that this contract will be renewed and that the Community Services Programme will continue for
REGIONAL Councillor News
continued
Road Works Cllr. Eileen Mannion has welcomed the road resurfacing work being carried out over the last few months despite the cuts in the Roads Budget, including stretches of the Ballyconneely to Roundstone road, Gorumna Lake, Athry, Toombeoola and Lettergesh. The widening of the bridge at Derrygimla is also well under way and in relation to the realignment of the N59, Cllr. Mannion said that Wills Brothers had informed her that they hope there will only be one set of traffic lights in operation by Christmas. Further road resurfacing work is due to take place on a section of Church Hill in Clifden. Work had started on a stretch of the Ballyconneely Road towards Connemara Golf Club but due to the heavy rain fall this work has not been completed. Cllr. Mannion is in talks with the Council to have this road resurfaced using blacktop. She stated ‘tar and chips is a cheaper product and more roads can be done for less money but the quality of the road done with tar and chips does not last and it is better in the future to go for quality rather than quantity’.
Teagasc Galway Office The news that the Teagasc Office in Galway is to remain open for the present has been welcomed by Cllr Eileen Mannion. However she says pressure has to be kept on Teagasc to ensure that the Galway office is not closed down in the future in Phase 2 of their rationalisation plan. Up to one thousand Connemara farmers use the Teagasc facility in Galway City and if a future closure goes ahead they will have the extra inconvenience and expense of having to travel to Athenry. Cllr. Mannion has called on Teagasc to keep the office open stating ‘This would be a further erosion of a much needed service in an already disadvantaged area. Connemara farmers who are still reeling from the closure of REPS to new entrants would be further devastated if the Galway office was to close’.
Page 6
December 2009
2010. If you wish to use this space bookings can be made with Edel Mahon at 095-30780.
Ardbear Cemetery Work I would like to publicly thank Mr. T.J. Redmond the local County Council engineer, Mr. Donal Nee the local FÁS supervisor and the local FÁS group of Paul Conneely, Sean Conneely, Marty Early and Brendan O’Malley, for the great clearance that has been done in Ardbear Cemetery over the last couple of weeks. As you all will be aware I have the ambition that someday all we will have to do is to strim to have the cemetery looking really well and cared for, but first the overgrowth of bushes and briars has to be cleared away. It is great help to have FÁS do the heavier work of clearing and then as I said all we have to do is strim. We have to support this work as much as we can in our community. Maybe after the clearing of the overgrowth, we might then be able to get the FÁS group to resurface and drain the main road through the graveyard, lay and organise proper paths and clear around the Holy Well. This would really enhance the cemetery and of course make it easier to get around. I am in the process of data-basing the cemetery, if there is anyone out there that knows of unmarked graves and who is buried in them, I would be very grateful if they would let me know where they are. I will then mark them and enter them on the database. Eventually it would be great to have a map showing all the graves and who rests in them, as at the moment there is none. Once again thanks to all involved and I will continue to pursue Mr. Redmond and Mr. Nee to allow the local FÁS group to continue with this very worthwhile work for our community. Brigid O’ Neill, Clifden & District Community Council
Christmas at Clúid The staff and residents of Clúid and the St Joseph’s Housing Association will have their annual Christmas lunch at the Station House on December 8th. Later that evening at 5pm the group will gather for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony outdoors at St Joseph’s and all are welcome to attend in the evening to enjoy the lighting and festive atmosphere with the residents.
No Bus Shelter for Clifden Cllr. Eileen Mannion has expressed her disappointment at the reply she has received from Galway County Council in relation to the provision of a bus shelter in Clifden. Cllr. Mannion has been informed that there is currently no funding available to the Council to facilitate the provision of a bus shelter, despite there being up to 12 bus services daily.
Tully Water Supply Works in relation to the installation of a new rising main to supply the existing Tully reservoir are at an advanced stage and will be finished in the next number of weeks. The works include the installation of a new 150mm pipe and new pumps. These works will greatly improve the water capacity for the existing network and it will also allow Galway County Council to supply the new extension to the public mains in Dawros. Additional works in relation to the construction of a new storage tank with a capacity of 350m3 are proposed under Galway County Councils Remedial Action Programme. The planning for this development was passed by Galway County Council early this year. Cllr. Thomas Welby, who was instrumental in getting the Dawros scheme complete stated “I am delighted that these works are nearly complete as the people of Dawros will finally get a good water supply after a long wait”.
Speed Limit Submissions Cllr. Thomas Welby has questioned the workings and attitudes of officials of the NRA particularly in their input to the recent submissions to the Draft Speed Limits for the County. The Draft Speed Limits were recently put on display and submissions were invited from the public, but every submission in relation to National Roads was dismissed by the NRA without any written response. Cllr. Welby stated “the public and elected representatives go to the trouble of putting together credible submissions and all of these were rejected with no written response or clarification as to the issues. He also added, “I feel that this is totally unacceptable and I have requested Galway County Council to write to the NRA and get an explanation as to their lack thereof ”.
Connemara View Newspaper
Clifden’s Lucky Dog!
Graduation
Following a nationwide competition last summer, ten much loved dogs from across the country were chosen by the National
David McHugh of Goulane, Clifden who graduated on November 9th with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
Lottery to be the faces of the ‘Lucky Dog’ Scratchcard. A dog from Clifden is one of the lucky ten now featuring on these scratch cards, a Springer Spaniel named Sasha who is owned by Michael O’ Donnell and Basia Rompalska of Dooneen. Over 1,000 entries were received for the competition which was judged by TV presenter and dog lover Lucy Kennedy, Kennel Club member Susan Kealy and a National Lottery representative. As well as securing their 15 minutes of fame, each dog also bagged their owner €1,000. The lucky Dog Scratchcard is priced at €2 offering prizes of up to €10,000 and is currently on sale in local National Lottery agents.
and Sarah Nazri. Dancing teacher Emma O’ Sullivan also dropped in recently with her Oireachtas Cup for the All Ireland Sean Nós Dancing Championship and had her photo taken with some of her students. (L-r): Niall Conneely, Emma O’ Reilly, Jack Gavin, Steven Canavan, Elisha Mannion, Jamie Mullen, Helena Conroy, Katie Slevin, Ian Staunton, Michaela Middleton, Ethan Mannion, Sean Pryce and Christopher Lawson. Helena Conroy, 6th class
Clifden’s ‘Movember’ Team Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache highlighting men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer. Mo Bro’s, supported by their Mo Sista’s, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache. During Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard for men’s
health and, via their Mo, raises essential funds and awareness for Movember’s men’s health partner-Action Prostate Cancer, Irish Cancer Society. In its first year, 30 Mo Bros took part in Movember and last year across the globe more than 173,000 Mo Bro’s and Sista’s got on board, raising more than €14 million for the Movember’s men’s health partners globally. To make a donation to the Clifden Movember Team go to http://ie.movember.com/ ie/donate. Photo: Clifden’s Movember Team, (l-r): Vinny Heffernan, David Canavan, Jonny Bolger, David Bann, Simon Boote, Johnny Heffernan, David McNamara, Joe Acton and Adam Conroy.
Kingstown NS News The pupils of Kingstown NS recently handed over their gift filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The children and their families filled shoeboxes for a boy or girl of their own age in the developing world with things they might need and like for Christmas. Photos: Back (l-r): Tara Roche, Shauna Conroy, Aoife Conroy. Front (l-r): Joey Burke
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Page 7
Clifden
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch The Clifden Guild of the ICA will hold a Christmas lunch and party for senior citizens at the Station House Hotel on Sunday December 13th after mass. There will be music and dancing after the lunch and all in the community are invited to come along and enjoy a fun afternoon.
New Tidy Towns Projects At the first Tidy Towns meeting for the 2010 campaign held in the Station House Hotel on November 18th, new chairperson Sheila Griffin set the agenda with two projects that will be the groups priority. Firstly, a tree planting project along the Ballyconneely Road just beyond the Old Mill, a secondary project will be a cleanup of the Brodóig River alongside the car park to the rear of the Tourist Office. The Old Jail walk is also on the agenda as well as a medium term project to seek urban enhancement funding to do up the Galway road approach into the town centre. The ‘Super Sunday’ 2010 clean up as well as other issues will be discussed at the next meeting in January. Keep an eye on the notice board in SuperValu for dates etc. As always, if anyone has an interest in our projects contact Secretary Mary O’Donnell at cregghouse1@eircom.net. P.K.Joyce, Tidy Towns PRO
Cumann Open Meeting At the open meeting of the Thomas Whelan Fianna Fáil
Cumann held in JC’s Bar and Restaurant Clifden on Monday 23rd November, a decent attendance put a lot of local issues that need addressing to Minister Éamon Ó’ Cuív T.D. The meeting was ably chaired by Michael Gibbons and a very frank free flowing ‘questions and answers’ debate took place over next hour and a half. Brendan Madden asked for more support on behalf of CSI for the schools rebuild and Brendan also brought up queries on water problems on behalf of the Connemara Chamber. Charlie Bourke enquired as regards any progress on the sewerage problem in Clifden and the disastrous consequences for the Bay and the town’s business future. Catherine Pryce from the Clifden & District Community Council raised issues about the roads in the locality and how ‘value for money’ on road spends doesn’t appear to have a high priority. Josephine De Courcey on behalf of Connemara Tourism highlighted the issues they were having and how lack of access to funding could have a serious impact on the group going forward. She also said that a lot of small tourism businesses were going to the wall. P.K. Joyce supported Josephine in her statement and pointed to lack of quality leadership within tourism bodies in general. Sandra Shattock handed in a letter on behalf of Clifden Tidy Towns asking for support on accessing funding for an urban renewal scheme the group wants to advance. Michael Laffey of Cleggan brought up the issue on bogs and whether the same would be untouchable in the future. The Minister gave brief, straight to the point answers and advice as how to address issues and he stated he will be in further contact with most of those who forwarded queries. Afterwards the Minister was able to have a few private words with the audience whom in turn thanked the Cumann for hosting a very well organised and well chaired meeting. P.K. Joyce, Cumann Secretary
Carraroe
Students at Science Exhibition Students from Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin An Cheathrú Rua took part in the Galway Science and Technology festival and exhibition recently, which has actively promoted an interest in science for both primary and secondary school students for over a decade. Pictured at the final exhibition at the Galway Bay Hotel on November 22nd were Martha
and Niamh Ní Fhlatharta, Eithne Nic Aodha Bhuí, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Declan McDonnell, Caroline Healy of Medtronic and Richie Byrne of the Galway Education Centre. Photo courtesy of Iain McDonald
Camus
Junior Scientists Pictured at the Galway science and Technology Exhibition at the Galway Bay hotel on November 22nd were Shauna
Library News Children’s Book Week The Library was a hive of activity in late November with lots of children and their parents visiting every day for children’s book week. The aim of the week is to highlight the benefits of the library for children of all ages; from reading story books with Mum right through to researching material for projects. It is vital for young people to be familiar with a library, not just reading for pleasure, which of course on its own develops a child’s reading and writing skills, improves their spelling and vocabulary and also widens their general knowledge. Regular users of the library find their homework tasks are generally easier to complete. Knowing how to use any library facility is a valuable tool for students as they move up through their education; in the past we have helped many Leaving Cert students with both history and home economics projects. Clifden Library has a large amount of local history which is available to students for research. Well done to all who took part in children’s book week; we made some fabulous book marks and learned the nearly lost art of writing ‘Thank You ‘ letters. Congratulations to Lydia Mullen, Sky Road who won the prize for New Member during Book Week. Children’s Book Week was funded entirely from proceeds of the library’s ongoing used book sale. Thank you to everyone who both donated and bought books.
Cashel
Christmas Comes Early!
Mon & Wed 2.30-6pm & 6.30-8.30pm, Tues, Thurs & Sat 10.30-1pm & 2.30-6pm, Fri 10.30-1pm; 2.30-6pm & 6.30-8.30pm. Registration Fees Adults €5 per yr. Students & Jobseekers €2 per yr, Children & Senior Citizens Free. The library Internet facility is available free to all library members over the age of 17yrs. Printouts and photocopies 10c per page. The use of any portable storage medium such as disks or USB sticks is not available on library computers. Bernie Jeffries
We are delighted to announce that Comhairle Muintir an Chaiseal Teoranta has raised €1,846.66 towards the Cashel Community Defibrillator Fund. We have been working towards this since June of this year and we would like to thank everyone who has supported this endeavor. Because of you, we now have enough funds to both purchase a defibrillator and provide training for 12 people in Cashel. This is thanks to Mr. Bernard Lee for facilitating the Table Quiz in June, Ms. Joan Addley for facilitating the Spooktacular Halloween Bash in October, Mr. Colm Redmond for providing us with Johny O’Loughlin’s Bar as a venue, Mr. James Keaney for his DJ talents, the local residents and businesses who provided raffle prizes for the aforementioned events (Mrs. Babby Faherty, Ms. Joan Addley, Ms. Su Eldred, Glynsk House, Joyce’s Grocery - Recess, Joyce’s Craft Shop, Recess and SuperValu Clifden) and the countless others who have donated money towards the defibrillator fund. We expect to take delivery of our new defibrillator by mid December and have a CPR and defibrillator class scheduled for the 12th of December. Ms. Joan Addley, an Irish Heart Foundation Basic Life Support Instructor, will be conducting the CPR course at the Cashel Health and Resource Centre from 10am to 2pm and welcomes anyone who is interested in learning how to use the defibrillator and perform CPR. We have only 12 spaces available and they are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your place in the class. We are continuing to collect mobile phones as part of the “Fibbs for Fones” mobile phone recycling scheme for a second defibrillator for St. Theresa’s National School in Cashel. Continued on next page
December 2009
Connemara View Newspaper
November Reader of the Month Grace King, Dooneen. Well done Grace. See photo right.
Christmas Card Competition We will have our usual Christmas card competition this year, details are available from Bernie and Paul at the library.
Winter Reading List Our winter reading list is proving very popular, we now have twenty-four titles on offer, with something to suit everyone.
Library Open Hours
Page 8
Ní Mhealóid, Denise Ní Fhlatharta, Seán Ó Conaire and Niamh Ní Dhonnacha, from Scoil na Maighdine Muire gan Smál Camus, with their teacher Áine Breathnach. Photo courtesy of Iain McDonald
Cashel continued We need to collect 500 old, damaged or unused mobile phones. We have found a market to sell the phones for cash, which in turn buys a defibrillator for our school. Please check around your home and office for your old, broken or outdated phones and bring them to Cashel Health and Resource Centre, Cashel, Connemara, Co. Galway for collection. Please contact the Cashel Health and Resource Centre at 095-31052 for more information, or text Ms. Joan Addley at 086-845-2704 to reserve your place in the class.
Cleggan/Claddaghduff Claddaghduff Christmas Bingos There will be a Big Bonus Bingo on Sunday, December 13th at 8.30pm with €1,700 in prizes as well as a raffle. The annual Christmas Bingo in Claddaghduff Hall will take place on Sunday, December 20th. There will be lots of turkey and ham prizes and more Christmas goodies! Bingo will continue as normal on Sunday, December 27th starting as usual at 8.30pm. All are welcome!
Claddaghduff Christmas Fair The annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday December 13th in Claddaghduff Community Hall with doors opening at 2pm. Santa will be arriving at approx.
Letterfrack Creche First Birthday The Tígh na nÓg Community Creche in Letterfrack celebrated its first birthday on the 19th November with a blessing by local curate Fr. Gerry Burns. Cathy Keane of the board of Connemara West congratulated Manager Miriam Culhane and the staff on the occasion and the event was broadcast by Connemara Community Radio. There was a huge turnout of children and parents on the
2.15pm. There will be a short Sean Nós Dance performance by the local children for Santa as well as a cake sale, tombola, bric-a-brac, books, toys and Christmas fayre. Children will also get to have their photo taken with Santa! The fair will be lots of fun for all the family and not to be missed!
Graduation Congratulations Congratulations to Krystle De Courcey, daughter of Angela and Leo De Courcey of Cleggan. Krystle graduated with B.Sc. Hons in Psychiatric Nursing from Athlone Institute of Technology in October.
and venue aspects. Our aim is to have a full schedule of events available early in the New Year so as to maximise participation. We will keep you informed.
Seasons Greetings Claddaghduff Hall Company and Cleggan Claddaghduff Community Council would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and all the best for 2010. We would like to extend a special word of thanks to the volunteers who gave generously of their time in 2009 along with the business people in the Claddaghduff, Cleggan and Clifden areas and beyond who were kind and generous in providing sponsorship and support.
Bonus Ball The winner of the second Quarterly Draw for the Claddaghduff Hall Bonus Ball “Bonus Prize” of €150 was Mary Conroy, Ballyconneely. Congratulations Mary! Dorothy Conneely
Baby Enda Benefit
2010 Festival of the Sea A meeting was held in Claddaghduff Hall on November 9th to forward plan for the 2010 Cleggan Claddaghduff Festival of the Sea. The attendance and interest was great and very encouraging. Lots of new ideas were proposed and will be developed during the coming months. A list of events has been compiled and we now need to sort insurance day and the organisers of the gathering Connemara West would like to acknowledge the support of all who contributed to the success of the day. Photos: Finn Habermann, whose 4th birthday coincided with the first anniversary of the crèche, was given the honour of blowing out the candle. Some of the children enjoy the birthday cake. Photos courtesy of Padraic Lyden
There has been great support in raising funds for Baby Enda Walker. The future events are the Benefit Night on December 5th in Oliver’s Bar, Cleggan and an Auction Night in Sweeney’s Bar in Claddaghduff on December 27th. All support is greatly appreciated. of application forms and booklets are also available. For more information call 095-22000 or 087-130-1100. Email: clifden@citinfo.ie or go to www.citizensinformation.ie.
Citizens Information The Citizen’s Information service will be available in Letterfrack on Tuesday 8th December, Tuesday 12th of January and Tuesday 26th January from 1.30 to 4.30 pm at Connemara West (Portacabin 4). If you have any questions about Social Welfare, Pensions, Housing, Consumer Affairs, Employment, Education or any of your rights and entitlements, call us on 087-130-1100 or drop in. A wide range
Young Archaeologist Makes Find I was looking for pottery for my collection down our garden in Pouladulla when I saw a half intact pipe sticking out of the ground. I picked it out of the clay. When I brought it up to my house I washed it and saw that it had letters on it. They spelt ‘Parnell’. I asked my Mom and dad who Parnell was; they said he was a great man and that he was the uncrowned King of Ireland. Parnell lived over 120 years ago and these pipes were made at the time of his meetings throughout Ireland. Tadhg Gibbons, Aged 7
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Page 9
Oughterard
Sewerage Tenders Considered Galway County Council has informed the Oughterard Sewerage Action that seven companies have tendered to be appointed consultants for the Oughterard Waste Water Treatment Plant. The closing date for the applications for consultants was the 30th of October. The Council is now assessing this short list of applications. An interview panel will interview the seven consultants on the 16th of November. When a consultant is appointed, the consultant will immediately carry out a design review report on the scheme, to ensure that the most suitable and effective scheme is put forward. A spokesperson for the Action Group stated “we are extremely happy that the scheme is moving forward and we will continue to work with Galway Co. Council to deliver this scheme for the benefit of the area and Lough Corrib.”
Tidy Towns AGM & Awards Night The annual general meeting of the Oughterard Tidy Towns Committee and an awards night took place at The Boat Inn on Thursday November 26th at 8pm. Oughterard were winners of the ‘Best Presented Bring Bank in the West Award’ sponsored by Repak this year with a prize of €1,000. Photos: First place for the best residential garden was presented to Helen McQuinn of Camp Street by Nuala O’Connor Chairperson of the Oughterard Tidy Towns committee. Margaret Donnellan of Fuchsia Crafts was presented with an award for the best shop display. Gary Long accepted a
Tidy Towns award on behalf of Cregg Na Coille for best housing estate. Photos by Tom Broderick
Clann News Volunteer Visitation Programme As part of their community focus, Clann has developed networks and supports for vulnerable demographic groups. One target group is older people. It is through these contacts (particularly Meals on Wheels) that a need was highlighted in regard to older people who may be living alone or may be experiencing loneliness. A small group came together and decided to visit people that they knew in the area to address an urgent need.
Clann have decided to run a pilot programme to build on this idea and develop it further. The Visitation / Contact Pilot will extend further than just a few people who know one another and reach out to other people that may be identified through other partners on the ground, e.g. Public Health Nurses, Social Workers, Garda, Meals on Wheels, Church, Neighbours, Family and Individuals themselves etc.This pilot is at its early stages and needs the support of volunteers and the community. The key building blocks for this project are commitment, communication and patience to develop a trust within the community. Clann hope to develop a strong relationship between all partners in the Oughterard area so that we can develop friendship, care and understanding of older people now and in the future. If you are interested in being part of this important community initiative, please contact Clann Resource Centre at 091-557633.
Christmas Card Project Christmas time is the opportunity to make contact with people you haven’t heard from for a long time. It’s the time you get a card from the other side of the world. This Christmas the two worlds connecting will be that of old and young through a carefully made card and letter or poem made by National School students in the Oughterard area. Two facilitators (Cliona Sheehan and Pete Mullineaux) will be working with students from four National Schools in the Clann area to spread the wonderful feeling of Christmas to older people in their community. This project hopes to assist younger people to develop an understanding of older people and their world, to reflect on what they want to say to an older person at Christmas time, to write their thoughts out on paper and decorate it and to design and write a Christmas card. The purpose of this project is to encourage children to think of older people in their community/or family in a positive way, to have the experience of writing a letter, poem or story to an older person particularly at Christmas time when contact can be so meaningful. This is also part of the Home Visitation/Contact Programme with older people in the area. Connecting with an older person this Christmas could be one of the greatest gifts you could give. Take time and visit or send a card to someone you know… it will make a difference. If you are interested in getting involved in this important community action please contact Cliona in Clann Resource Centre on 091-557633.
Recess
50/50 Draw Our local community council, Pobail Maméan Teo, launched a 50/50 cash back draw on Sunday November 29th. The overall aim of the draw is to help the communities of Ballinafad, Bun na gCnoc and Recess. The aim of this fundraising activity is to raise money to help the maintenance and refurbishment of the Old School in Recess. At the moment, the school is in need of vital repair. The draw will take place on Sunday mornings after Mass. Half of the money will go to the winner and the other will go to helping the community. Tickets are on sale locally and they are €2 for a single ticket and
Page 10
December 2009
€10 for a book of 6. Good luck to all!
Little Gems Playschool I recently interviewed Karen Davitt, the treasurer of the Little Gems Playschool in Recess to ask her some questions about the group. The playschool in Recess, Little Gems Playschool, was started in 1991 by Rosie Prittie and a few parents. There are 12 pupils currently in the play group. It is run by Elizabeth Burke and Karen Folan. The
Playschool is funded by The Department of Health and Children and with the help of local funding. There will soon be a sponsored walk in aid of funds for the playschool. Parents and other participants will start at the boat house in Inagh Valley and will finish at the church in Recess. There is no set date for the walk as it had to be cancelled in November because of bad weather. It should be on in December. The playschool runs 5 days a week from 9:30 to 1:30 from the ages of 2 ½ yrs to 5 yrs. There is a set curriculum for every day. This year, like every other year, Santa Claus will come to the playgroup and bring presents to the children. It is also the day they finish school for the Christmas Holidays so they will have a small little party among themselves. It is a very good group and our community hopes that Elizabeth, Karen and the rest of the staff keep up the good work and help the little children along their way to primary school. Photo: Some of the members of the Little Gems playgroup in Recess; (l-r): Shane Lapierre, Grace Kelly and Thomas Joyce. Photo courtesy of Karen Mannion
Paddy Festy’s As you may have noticed, Paddy Festy’s Pub is still closed. If anyone of our readers would like to give Recess a big Christmas present by opening the pub, we would be very grateful! Roma Joyce
Renvyle
Marathon Mary Foyle and Lisa Walsh (see photo) recently completed the Dublin City Marathon in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. They are extremely grateful to all who very generously sponsored them for their efforts. Monies are still being collected but to date over €2,000 has been raised.
Connemara View Newspaper
Renvyle
Playschool Enrolling The Renvyle Playschool is now accepting enrolments for January 2010. Weekly and daily rates are available, for any queries or information, please contact Ann on 087-131-9210 or Carol on 087-231-5843.
Roundstone Graduation
Congratulations to Joseph Diamond of Dolan, Roundstone, who was recently conferred with a Masters degree in E-Commerce from NUI Galway. Joseph is a past pupil of Clifden Community School and Ballyconneely National School.
Roundstone Development Roundstone Development Council meets on the first Monday of each month in the Lower Community Hall, Roundstone. If anybody wants Roundstone Development council to discuss an issue that is of concern to them they must write to the secretary one week in advance of the meeting to have it added to the agenda. RDC has a number of projects ongoing at the moment, descriptions of which follow below. The Lower Community Hall: In December 2008 Minister O’ Cuiv officially opened the Lower Community Hall. It was a project that took four years to complete with the help of €75,000 in funding from two different government departments and 10% funding from RDC with help from the Roundstone Lotto. It is now an excellent facility with a modern community office which is open to the public two days a week, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 5pm. There are new wheelchair toilet facilities and a new kitchen with seating facilities for 26 persons. There is a conference room with seating facilities for 60 persons and all of the facilities are available to rent. During 2009 we had a variety of groups renting the facility including: The local Youth Club, The Summerfest committee, The Arts Week, The Huston School of Music and The John Dinan Painting School. If there is any individual or group out there who would like to view the premises with regard to holding an event or running a class, please contact Maurice Ryan 095-35701 or Diarmuid Vaughan 095-35864. The refurbishment of the Upper Community Hall and the Landscaping of Car Park and Surrounds: The Community Hall committee, which is a sub-committee of RDC, are working on a new project with the help of Forum in Letterfrack to upgrade the Upper Community Hall and to landscape the surrounding area. At the moment the project is in the planning stage but we hope that we will be in a position to put the project out to tender in the next six months. We hope to receive LEADER funding of up to 90% of the total cost with the Development Council having to raise 10% locally. The implementation of a Traffic Management Plan for Roundstone: We are currently in contact with the Roads Department of Galway Co. Council, to produce a realistic Traffic Management Plan for the village once and for all. There is a lot of uncertainty from year to year with regard to traffic lights, double yellow lines etc. A traffic management plan would allow all interested parties to make submissions; the council would then consider all the options and views of the public and then would come up with a viable
traffic management plan that would include provisions for parking, pedestrian safety and road and village signage. We believe this would make the village more attractive to visit and less stressful for all concerned. The removal of the ESB and Telephone Poles and Cabling: We are actively involved in campaigning for the removal of all poles from the main street as we believe it is unattractive and dangerous. The ducting to carry the cables was put in place under the pavements when they were replaced a number of years ago. It is now just a question of persuading the council and the ESB to come together and agree to finish the job. The provision of a Sewerage Treatment facility for Roundstone: We have been many years campaigning for a new treatment facility. Now that our pressure to provide a new drinking water system has been successful, it is time that we re-double our efforts for the provision of a treatment facility. It is a disgrace that raw sewerage enters one of the most beautiful bays in Ireland. We have indicated to the council in written and verbal correspondence that there are three sites that we think could be suitable. Unfortunately the Council are slow to make an engineer available to examine the three options and they have stated that Roundstone is not regarded as a priority but we will continue to liaise with them on a regular basis on this issue. Nicholas Griffin
work that the lads are carrying out to ensure the safety of the school kids, plus the fact a few more brownie points will be gained for next year’s Tidy Towns. Talking about the Tidy Towns, Micheál McDonagh, the principal at the National School has been teaching the school children about litter and recycling. As we are the only school in the area without a green flag, this is one of their ongoing projects for next year and if this comes about it would be a great feather in their cap and good for Roundstone, so good luck to all the kids. I was walking around the village recently and spotted young Alan and Cian Conneely, Micheál McDonagh and Dillon King with their pincers picking up rubbish around the village; this has to be applauded. ‘Praise youth and youth will prosper’ and it also says a lot about the teachers and of course the parents. Well done lads!
The late Martin Folan A session in memory of Carna’s Martin Folan took place in the Hotel in Carna recently. Martin who died a few years back was a very fine accordion player and spent many memorable nights at the Roundstone Irish nights with Marcus Hernon and friends. It is lovely that he is still being remembered in this way by his musical neighbouring friends.
Exam Success Congratulations to Marie and Anna O’Donnell, daughters to Martin and Ellen. Marie has been working for KPMG Accountants firm in Dublin and Anna, who has been with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Galway, have passed their final exams and have now become qualified Chartered Accountants.
Condolences Our heartfelt condolences to Jimmy and Pamela Smyth, who have always supported Ann and myself as patrons of the Arts Week. Jimmy and Pamela have a house on Inishnee, so our condolences to you both and of course your immediate kin on the loss of your baby grandson who passed away recently. Our sympathies go to Conor and Helen Hanrihan on the death of Conor’s mother, Maureen who passed away. Maureen was known during her visits to Roundstone when Conor was our local doctor. The people of Roundstone wish to extend their sympathies to Bridie Bolger and her family on the sudden death of Bobby who was so well known and who died so suddenly. Our thoughts are with you all. May they rest in peace. Richard de Stacpoole
Cashel Pastoral Committee In this day and age of uncertainty and the potential danger of not having a priest in the future to serve our communities, my congratulations to the six members of the Cashel Community on becoming ministers of the Eucharist, it is a great step to protect the church, our religion and to serve the community the best way we can. Being a Minister of the Eucharist means they can now hold a prayer service and receive Communion, which we in Roundstone do each Wednesday. As you know Father McCarthy will retire in early July next year; Roundstone will be the lucky one to have a priest to replace him for the parish, but let’s be aware that Father Breen will also retire one day and there are serious doubts that there will be another priest to replace him. What I am getting at is that the parish is a big one for one man, so I feel the more ministers, readers etc that come on board will be invaluable and we must not be afraid to be part of it.
Improvements Well done to the FÁS lads here in Roundstone. Some wonderful work is on going down at the National School including the widening of the road and a footpath with some very nice lighting already erected and work will soon be starting to create a car park behind the school. The whole area is a vast improvement and we have to be grateful for the funding and the
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Page 11
VTOS Ros Muc FETAC Awards Photos clockwise from top left: Receiving FETAC Level 5 Business Studies Major Awards of Ionad Breisoideachais Ros Muc (Ros Muc Further Education Center) in Coláiste Cuimhneacháin an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc were: Dara O’Toole, Diarmud Ó Céidigh, FETAC, Mairéad Seóige, Coordinator, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Coiste Gairmoideachais Chondae na Gaillimhe, Seosamh Mac Donncha, CEO Coiste Gairmoideachais Chondae na Gaillimhe, Mary Mhic Dhonnacha, Kate Kelly, Bríd Uí Chualáin and Ann O’Toole. Receiving Child Care FETAC Level 5 were: Caitlín Nic Dhonnacha, Bairbre Bn. Mhic Dhonnacha, Máire Uí Fhlatharta, Maighréad Breathnach (Tutor), Diarmuid Ó Céidigh, FETAC, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha Máire Áine Nic Dhonncha, Seosamh Mac Donncha, Mairéad Uí Laoi, Mairéad Ní Cheannabháin and Mairéad Seóige, Co ordinator. Receiving ECDL awards (run by Ionad Breisoideachais Ros Muc/ Ros Muc Further Education Center) were: Sarah Burke, Mary Ann Uí Ghriallais, (Tutor), Mairéad Ní Chonaire, (Tutor), Diarmud Ó Céidigh, FETAC, Eithne Nic DhonnchadhaAnn Marie Lennon, Dara O’Toole, Ann O’Toole, Michael Flaherty, Seosamh Mac Donncha Kate Kelly and Mairéad Seóige, Receiving FETAC and ECDL awards were: Mairéad Uí Chonaire, (Tutor), Áine Bn Uí Mháille, Mary Mhic Dhonnacha, Mairéad Seóige and Margaret Hopkins. At the recent presentation of Commercial Examining Board awards in Beginners Computers were: Front (l-r) Della Breathnach, Bairbre Breathnach, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Bríd McGrath, Kathleen Kelly, Kathleen Naughton and Mai-
Page 12
réád Seóige (Coordinator). Back row: Diarmud Ó Céidigh, FETAC, Paul Flaherty, Seosamh Mac Donncha, and Mairéad Ní Chonaire, (Tutor). Receiving FETAC and ECDL awards of VTOS Ros Muc in gColáiste Cuimhneacháin an Phiarsaigh were : Back (l-r): Patsy Uí Dhroighneán, Diarmud Ó Céidigh, FETAC, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Seosamh Mac Donncha, Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Coiste Gairmoideachais Chondae na Gaillimhe, Áine Bn Uí Mháille. Front: Mary Ann Uí Ghriallais, Tutor, Áine Uí Mhaoláin, Nancy Mhic Dhonnacha, Mairéad Seóige, Máirín Breathnach and Margaret Hopkins. Photos courtesy of Seán Ó Mainnín
December 2009
Connemara View Newspaper
Employment Report by WDC Tackling Childhood Obesity National Economic Strategies Must Address Employment Challenges of Areas Beyond Large Cities.
Lydia Fitzpatrick, a second year Leaving Certificate Applied student, attending Youthreach Letterfrack recently completed a research project on ‘Childhood Obesity in Ireland’. The research project was part of a Social Education module.
Concerted action will be required if the Western Region, particularly the more rural northern part, is to participate in the move towards a ‘smart’ economy. If this does not happen, the regional development gains of the past decade could be lost and the gap between the east and west of the country could widen even further with the Western Region less able to contribute to national growth. That’s according to a new report from the Western Development Commission (WDC). The report Work in the West: The Western Region’s Employment & Unemployment Challenge examines the current employment and unemployment situation in the Western Region, analyses the resulting key challenges and makes recommendations on what needs to be done to position the region for future growth. Lisa McAllister, Chief Executive of the WDC said ‘Current economic and regional policy is tending to increasingly focus on the role and potential of the larger cities and this focus stems from the perception that balanced regional development is a redistribution of national resources, rather than regional development itself being recognised as an integral element of national growth’. The report found that between 2000 and 2009, the strongest employment growth in the region was experienced in the construction, retail and wholesale, and public services sectors. The unemployment rate has more than doubled in the Western Region from 5.0% (Q1 2008) to 10.8% (Q12009) in the course of a year. The structure of employment in the region has also changed over the past ten years with employment in urban areas performing more strongly than in rural areas. Ms McAllister added that the report found that in general, the region (in particular north of Galway city) is not as well placed in the move towards an increasingly knowledgebased or ‘smart economy’; as it has a higher share of its employment in sectors which tend to be lower skilled, lower value-added and more vulnerable to the recession and lower shares working in the higher skilled and high value-added sectors (e.g. financial services, information and communications services) than the rest of the state. Ms McAllister added ‘National growth and regional development are not an either/or choice. If regions are not facilitated to grow they may suffer higher and longer term unemployment and create very significant difficulties for the people and communities directly affected’. The report recommends building on the region’s strengths and assets and identifies eight sectors which have future growth potential in the Western Region. They are: Medical devices; Software, financial and international services; Creative sector; Green economy; Caring sector; Food; Tourism and the Marine sector. The WDC says that the eight sectors represent a mix of knowledge sectors, sectors which are a direct response to changing needs and priorities within the region, and sectors based on natural resources. The report identifies three key employment challenges currently facing the Western Region: adjusting to the decline in construction employment; the possible return of the brain drain; and the delivery of education and training in the region. It says that at the peak of the building boom in 2007, 1 in 4 men in the Western Region worked in construction, a higher share than in the rest of the state. Since then a third of the region’s construction workforce (16,400 people) have lost their jobs. This has led to very substantial increases in unemployment among men in the region, especially in more rural counties. A particular issue for the region is the number of young men with relatively low education levels who are becoming unemployed, mainly from construction. She said that this presents an immediate challenge for the region both economically and socially and a coherent strategy for the retraining of construction workers is urgently required. Ms White said that the Western Region has a long legacy of out-migration with movements to the east of the country and overseas. ‘The challenge facing the region now is preventing the human resource gains of the past decade from being lost during the recession. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the level of emigration is rising and
The children of the fifth and sixth classes in Letterfrack National School took part in the research by sharing their ideas and thoughts on the concept of a ‘Healthy Lifestyle’. They all responded by agreeing that a Healthy Lifestyle was ‘eating lots of fruit, vegetables and exercising’. They also discussed the Healthy Eating Policy which is part of their school’s Mission Statement. The Healthy Lifestyle ethos of the school appears to have influenced all of the children’s eating practises. The children were encouraged to brainstorm what they thought a healthy lifestyle was and this was discussed further, which led to small groups using art to depict their images of a healthy lifestyle. This activity highlighted an awareness of the need for children and adults alike to be conscious of the short and long term effects of poor nutrition and the lack of exercise. In recent times there has been huge media coverage with regards to the importance of a healthy diet and exercise in children. This can be accredited to our changing lifestyles with more and more people eating fast, quick processed foods. Research is indicating that if we exercise for one hour per day, every day, that we can burn up calories and become aerobically fit and healthy.
Connemara View Newspaper
this seems to be particularly the case for new graduates, recent immigrants and construction workers, including professionals. The report recommends that the current education and training system be revised in order to meet the needs of both job seekers and those currently employed. It also recommends that training and education need to be flexible to recognise and respond to differing regional and local circumstances. Ms McAllister said ‘We believe that it is critical that strategies to position Ireland’s regions for the future recognise the importance of widespread economic growth, including in the rural economy. Otherwise we will experience a situation where a high proportion of people live and work in smaller towns and rural areas, but where job creation strategies concentrate on gateways and hubs. Ms McAllister concluded ‘The Western Region has the potential to contribute to national economic recovery and we call on policy makers to ensure that national economic strategies address the needs of the region and capitalise on its strengths to deliver balanced economic recovery for all regions’.
The findings also indicate that Childhood Obesity is largely due to the lack of exercise, which in turn, with poor diet can lead to health problems later in life, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Depression, Anxiety and Cardiovascular problems. Parents have the responsibility to provide a healthy, nutritious and well balanced diet for their children. This would include five servings of fruit and vegetable each day, which are high in natural sugars and low in fats. There also needs to be more emphasis on encouraging children to become more active. In the past, many childhood activities/games involved being physical, but with the changing times, electronics, computers, television and the digital pandemic, children’s lifestyles have become more sedentary. There needs to be further research into children’s personal safety around walking and cycling to school, the local shops/ post office and neighbour’s houses etc, as these activities could enhance their physical well being. Lydia Fitzpatrick
Connemara View Newspaper 7,500 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 Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Advertising: Paula Bann Contributors: John Amenhauser, Petrina Aspell, AnneMarie Bennett, Shane Bisgood, John Brawn, Tom Broderick, Anna Carey, Judy Cazabon, John Claró, Susan Cockburn, Breda Coneys, Dorothy Conneely, Helena Conroy, Ann Cooke, Richard de Stacpoole, Breege Diamond, Kathleen Diamond, Kay Diviney, Frank Dolan, Su Eldred, Lydia Fitzpatrick, Lee Flaherty, Paul Gannon, Siobhan Geoghegan-Krone, Tadhg Gibbons, Philip Gooding, Nicholas Griffin, Leo Hallissey, Marian Hanrahan, Michele Hehir, Bernie Jeff ries, PK Joyce, Roma Joyce, Patricia Keane, Peter Keane, Bernard Lee, Gerry Lenehan, Padraic Lyden, Brendan Madden, Declan Maher, Maureen Maloney, Karen Mannion, Iain McDonald, Connor McDonough-Flynn, Theresa McLoughlin Kevin O’Connor, John O’ Halloran, Maire O’ Halloran, Seán Ó Mainnín, Bridie O’ Neill, John O’Neill, Noleen O’ Neill, Breandan O Scanaill, Maurice O Scanaill, Fionnuala O’ Shaughnessy, Sinéad O’ Sullivan, Aoife O’ Toole, Janet O’ Toole, Marek Pacer, Ruth Rogers, Basia Rompalska, Maurice Ryan, Cliona Sheehan, Lisa Walsh, Damian Ward, Declan Weir.
Plus many local schools, groups & organisations. Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.
NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, February 4th
Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, January 22nd News Deadline: Wednesday, January 27th Classified Ad Deadline: Wednesday, January 29th December 2009
Page 13
Wedding Bells Top left: Congratulations to Sinead Geoghegan of Faul, Clifden and Bernard McGuirk of Galway who were married in Tullycross Church on November 14th with reception afterwards in Renvyle House Hotel. Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden Top right: Congratulations to Priscilla Diamond from Renvyle and Commandant Barry Carey of Naas who were married on Friday November 13th in Crookstown with reception afterwards in Kilkea Castle, Co Kildare. Photo courtesy of Breege Diamond. Left: Congratulations to Gillian Murray of Kingstown, Clifden and Darren O’ Sullivan who were married in St Joseph’s Church, Clifden earlier this year.
Premier Stars Join Wedding Celebrations: Congratulations to Michelle Geoghegan and Gavin Walsh who were married on 7th November 2009 at St Mary’s Church, Madeley, Shropshire, England. Their wedding reception was held at the Telford Hotel and Golf Resort where they were joined by family and friends from Ireland, the UK and Australia. The happy couple were also pictured with members of the Arsenal football team including Manager Arsene Wenger and Captain Cesc Fabregas (photo below) who were staying at the hotel before their premier league match that day against Wolves. And as if it wasn’t already a day to remember their pictures appeared in three local papers in Shropshire and the Sun newspaper as well as appearing on a local television news programme. Photos by Ed Bagnall & courtesy of Siobhan
Happy 50th to Julia McCann Congratulations to Julia McCann of the Sky Road, Clifden, daughter of the late Michael and Annie, who celebrated her 50th birthday in style surrounded by family and friends at The Central Bar on Tuesday November 24th. She is pictured here with her brother Martin, sister Eileen, cousin Eileen, and sisters Mary and Margaret.
Page 14
December 2009
Connemara View Newspaper
Connemara Rugby Not a lot of rugby was played over the last few weeks with the Autumn Internationals and the recent bad weather. The rearranged game with Instonians was called off again and will now be played on December 19th. The next AIL game is on this Saturday December 5th with kick off at 2.30pm against Wanderers at the Monastery Field. The Dublin side came down from Division 2 last season. We played them a few times and the results are always close. The following week we are off to Cork to play Sundays Well.
Junior Round Up
Renvyle Juvenile GAA The Renvyle Juvenile Football Team were presented with new gear recently to mark their achievement in winning the West Board League 2008 and finishing runners up in The City League 2009. Photos: Back (l-r): Cathal Acton, Brendan Regan, Jack Kane, Karl MacConway, Nathan Staunton, Matt McCarthy, Barry John Salmon, James O’Farrell, Nigel Walsh, Aidan Mortimer, Josh Lydon. Front (l-r): Keith Kane, George Mullen, Dylan Barry, Martin Joyce, Micheal Faherty, Daire Faherty, James Salmon, Tommy Mullen, Jordan Kearney. Team Trainers Brendan Kane and Joachim Lydon with team captains Jack Kane (U.12 for ‘08) and Barry John Salmon (U.13 for ‘09) with the sports jackets that were presented to the winners of the West Board U.12 League, with Secretary
Proposed Volleyball Club Efforts are underway to form the first Connemara Volleyball Club by a passionate former coach and player living in the Clifden area. Volley ball is one of the most popular team sports in the world but does not have a large following in Ireland at present. However, new clubs are coming into existence all over the country and there has been intense development in the sport in recent years by the Volleyball Association of Ireland, particularly with the Spike Ball variant on the game which has been promoted within schools. Volleyball and Spike ball are cost effective all-weather sports disciplines with minimum equipment required, simply balls
Connemara SportsView
Mikey Faherty. Patrick Sammon, sponsoring the Renvyle Juvenile football team, presents Chairman Willy Gannon and Secretary Mikey Faherty with a set of jerseys. Photos courtesy of Padraic Lyden
The junior side suffered a bad loss away to Gort two weeks ago; this is a game we expected to win but that is probably the very reason we lost the game. We never got going and the home side took advantage and won the game, despite a late wake up by our lads. A much better result followed last Sunday at home to Dunmore, winning 21 points to 20. A good display by the pack, driven on the row of John Davis, Alan Pryce and Jonathan Bolger got the better of that department. Eugene Conroy and Kevin McHugh, a mixture of youth and experience, scrummed in the second row and combined well. It was great to see Brian Flaherty come on after a few years out of the game. The two big Cleggan props took control of the scrums. Tries from Jason Richen and Stephen Smyth, two penalties from David McDonagh and a penalty and conversion from Jason completed the scoring. Not too many underage games were played in the last few weeks. The mini’s had a blitz against Oughterard and they all played three games and had a great day out. Hopefully we will have two more blitzes in the next few weeks. The pitch is holding up very well despite all the rain it’s getting. The lotto jackpot still stands at €15,000 and next draw is in Mannion’s on Sunday December 6th. Peter Keane
bigger pack soon started to maul forward for Monivea and clever play sent their No.10 in for the first score. The restart was all Connemara pressure with our big ball carriers John Joyce, James O’ Toole and Paddy King making great gains. A good half from scrum half John Prendergast sent TJ Berry into the corner only to be stopped a metre short of the line. Quick play from the Monivea full back saw their lines cleared with a big box kick which was caught well by Stephen who got us within the 10 metre line. Out half Peter Brittain kicked the ball from hand only to slip on the thick mud for a near miss. Those hectic few moments cost Connemara dearly as centres Holmes and Staunton took two heavy knocks. Brian was forced to leave the field with a suspected fractured collar bone and Mark was able to continue. James O’Toole from Aughris was next to leave the field and all the injuries saw prop Matthew Gavin also leave the field to allow for tactical substitutions. Connemara never recovered and despite good individual play from Daniel Hannon in the line out and Chris Joyce at prop we leaked two more tries, both converted. The home side’s spirits were up but outstanding tackles over and over again from Thomas Joyce at full back kept wave after wave out. The final score was Monivea 21, Connemara 0, Our next two games are at home to An Ghaeltacht RFC and Corinthians (Team 2). The team hope to have the launch of our new jerseys this month, sponsored by Off The Square restaurant. John O’ Halloran
U 15’s round up
and nets, it is played in a space roughly the same size as a badminton court. Spike Ball teams require only four players and so are ideal for smaller schools and situations where numbers are limited. The cost is minimal and the existing community halls infrastructure means that the sport is already entirely accessible in most villages in Connemara. GMIT Galway and GMIT Castlebar also compete in the sport so it can be continued by school leavers. It is hoped that if there is interest in the Connemara area a committee could be formed to develop and organise events and progress the sport to a level where it would be taught and played at all age levels in the region. Continued on page 17
The Connemara U15’s season continued this month with an away game to Monivea. This was a rescheduled fixture from last month but it was postponed due to weather. The game kicked off in bitter and cold conditions and on a very heavy pitch. There was nothing to separate the two sides for the opening 20 minutes, with the home side doing most of the attacking. When in possession Connemara tried to vary their play and soon our two centres were getting ball in hand. Brian Holmes was making his speed felt and on two occasions he broke through, before a scrambling Monivea defence recovered. A much
December 2009
Page 15
SAILING A Top Year for Hallmark The Onesails McWilliam West Coast Super League was an extracted series of 6 events on the West Coast of Ireland and is organised by the West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association with the help from various clubs involved, which were Galway Bay Sailing Club, Tralee Bay Sailing Club, Clifden Boat Club, Foynes Yacht Club and the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland.
the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland’s October series. In excess of one hundred boats took part in the various events during the Onesails McWilliam West Coast Super League and the final placings were not decided until the October series was completed at the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland. The overall winner of the Onesails McWilliam West Coast Super League was Jackie Ward and Crew sailing their Class 3 Parker 27 from Clifden Boat Club. They
Basketball The Corrib Basketball U12 Team from Oughterard and the surrounding area who defeated Titans in the UCH Sports Complex on Saturday 7th November (L-r): David Kelly, David Carter, Alan Kelly, Marcus McDonagh, Eoin Talbot and Oran Diviney. Photo courtesy of Kay Diviney
EQUESTRIAN Cleggan Beach Dressage
This year’s events were the Northwest Offshore Racing Association Regatta / GB09; O’ Sullivan Marine 100 Mile Race; the West Coast Championships; Clifden Regatta; Foynes Yacht Club Regatta and
Page 16
fought off stiff competition from Thomas and Kieran Whelan’s Class 1 X332 Chaos who finished second overall and Raymond McGibney’s Class 2 Dehler 34 Disaray who finished third. At the recent prize giving hosted by Foynes Yacht Club on Friday November 14th, to a well worthy applause, Jackie and Crew picked up a host of prizes and the overall IRC cup which were presented by Sue and Des McWilliam of Onesails McWilliam. Simon McGibney, Commodore of W.I.O.R.A. also paid tribute to Jackie and his crew for their outstanding achievement of becoming the first West Coast boat to win their division at the Irish Cruiser Racer Association National Cruiser Championships, which were held in Tralee Bay Sailing Club earlier this year, for the first time ever on the West Coast. Photo: At the recent prize giving at Foynes Yacht Club were Onesails McWilliam West Coast Super League overall winners, the Hallmark crew: (l-r) Ian Shanahan, Damian Ward, Jackie Ward, Des and Sue McWilliam and Barry Ward. Article and photo courtesy of Simon McGibney
The final of the Cleggan Beach Dressage League will be held after Christmas on Monday December 28th. We are very grateful to the Connemara Pony Breeders Society and Sean Connell for the use of their super venues, without which these competitions would not have been possible. We are also delighted with the offer of sponsorship for the final from Red Mills Feeds, CH Showing, The Connemara Pony Company and Corrib Saddlery and Pat White has kindly offered to sponsor a trophy for the Best Turned Out Champion. As the numbers have continued to grow over the weeks with an average of 25 tests judged per day, it was decided to introduce the following categories: 1. Prelim. Champion (Adult); 2. Prelim. Champion (under 16); 3. Champion Connemara Pony (awarded to the Connemara pony with the highest points); 4. Intro. Champion (walk/trot test); 5. Turn out Champion. Trophies and rosettes will be awarded in each category. It was also decided that the winners (horse/rider combination) of categories 1 and 2 at this final will not be eligible to compete for points at preliminary or intro level at our next league, due to start in February and that the winning horse/rider combination of category 4 will not gain points in Intro level in the future leagues. We would like to thank Siobhain Cazabon and Nicola Musgrave, Pat White, Niamh O’Dochartaigh and Lucy Mc Evilly, all well established and respected judges, for giving up their valuable time. Thanks to their expert advice some great improvements have been achieved. The jumping proved very popular in Tullykyne and it is hoped that a mini, midi, maxi league can be started in the New Year. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Emma O’Toole and Cashel Bay Joe the very best of luck at the Olympia on
December 2009
December 21st. Due to her preparation for this prestigious event she has only made it to two of our shows so far, but with great results as can be seen below. The current leader board after week 7: Class 1: 1st Andrew Cahill/Sunflower Vinny, 2nd Ruth Brennan/ Scarlett, 3rd Alwyn Moran/Harry and 4th, Nicola Coyne/Taffy.
Class 2: 1st Alana Sullivan/Amber, 2nd, Emma O’Toole, 3rd Catherine Gorton/ Mindy, 4th Elise Galand/Genista, 5th
Grace Barry /Skipjack. Class 3: 1st Emma O’Toole/Cashel Bay Joe, 2nd Joanne Conneely/Illaunurra Shadow. Equal 3rd Ruth Brennan/Corrib View and Ruth Brennan/ Draiocht na Mara. Class 4: 1st Joanne Conneely with Pat O’Neill’s Illaunurra Shadow, 2nd Margaret Walshe/Scarlett, 3rd Alison King/Popeye, 4th Jenny Cazabon/ Pepperoni. Class 5: 1st Alana Sullivan, 2nd Ruth Brennan, 3rd Noreen Higgins, 4th Alwyn Moran. Follow the league on our Facebook page Cleggan Beach Riding Centre. Judy Cazabon Photos: Class 4 leader Joanne Conneely on Pat O’ Neill’s Illaunara Shadow. Class 2 competitor Grace Barry with Skipjack.
Connemara SportsView
Mary Canning Memorial Cup The Mary Canning Memorial Cup took place at The Atlantic Bar in Clifden on Sunday November 15th. Photo left: Winner Noreen Needham retained the Cup and is pictured here with runner up Theresa Geary. Photo right: The winner and runner up in the Mary Canning Memorial Shield 2009 were Cathy Coohill (left) and Melissa Wallace (right).
Connemara Golf Don Cheadle: Hollywood actor Don Cheadle, star of movies such as Hotel Rwanda and Ocean’s Eleven dropped into the Connemara Championship Golf Links and clubhouse on Sunday November 15th for a round of golf which he afterwards said he enjoyed immensely. He is pictured here with Gareth Anthony and Sylvia MacNamara. 04/11/09 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford, 1st: Peadar O’Flatharta (9)31pts,2nd: Bill Faller(14) 29pts,CSS: Reductions Only. 06/11/09 9 Holes Stableford, 1st: Kenneth Coyne (19)18pts, 2nd: David Glynn (15) 17pts. 08/11/09 3 Ball Scramble, 1st: Liam Reilly(4),Walter Butler(16) Rory Sweeney(2) 59.8 Nett;2nd: Martin Callagy(9),C. O’Flatharta(9),Tim Heron(15) 61.7 Nett(b9);3rd: John Hynes(10),James Clasby (13),Kevin Feeney(10) 61.7 Nett. 11/11/09 18 Holes Stableford, 1st: Pat King (20)35pts,CSS:36pts. 13/11/09 9 Holes Stableford, 1st: Johnny Fitzpatrick (17) 20pts. 14/11/09 3 Ball Scramble, 1st: Johnny Fitzpatrick (17)/Paddy Flaherty (6)/ Jamie Flaherty(7) 78pts. 15/11/09 Single Stableford, Hamper 1.Ladies: 1st: Bridie Conneely (23)34pts, 2nd: Deirdre Murphy (16)33pts(b9),3rd: Julie Donnellan(15)33pts. Mens: 1st: Sean Birmingham (18)40pts (b3), 2nd: John Kelly (11)40pts,3rd: Michael Fitzpatrick (18)39pts. 29/11/09 Hamper No 3,18 Holes Stableford,Ladies:1st: Mary Geoghegan(25)37pts,2nd: Mary Howley(24) 36pts,3rd: Tricia Willder(25) 36pts,CSS: 71. Mens:1st: Michael O’Cartuir(14) 40pts(b9),2nd: Tim Hickey(17) 40pts,3rd: Fearghal O’Rourke(14) 38pts
DAR T S Peter Veldon Memorial Cup Photo left - Top: The winners of the 2009 Peter Veldon Memorial Cup were James Flaherty and Alan Flaherty who were drawn to play together, an unusual coincidence as they play as partners more often than not. Photo left - Bottom: Peter Veldon Memorial Shield 2009 winners Gerry Aspell and James Flaherty. Photos courtesy of Paul Gannon
Connemara Inter Pub League Tables
Oughterard Golf 15/11/09 15 Hole Stableford Competition. 1st Mark Harvey (16) 37 pts, 2nd Rory Murphy (13) 36 pts. Gross: Hugh Walsh (2) 29 Gross pts. 3rd Billy O’Boyle (12) 35 pts. 4th Shaun Caldwell (15) 34 pts (22b9). 5th Martin Callagy (9) 34 pts (20b9,5b2).
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com or phone 095-22888 Connemara SportsView
Atlantic Cup Mixed Doubles The Atlantic Bar Cup and Shield Mixed Doubles competitions took place at the Atlantic Bar in Clifden on Sunday November 29th. The winners were Larry Keady and Hazel Sammon who defeated Ros Sammon and Mike Connolly in the final.
Volleyball Continued from page 15 Marek Pacer has been living and working in Clifden for the past four years and has spent 15 seasons playing competitive volleyball in Poland including 5 seasons in professional level and a season in the Polish Cadet National Team. He also has almost 20 years experience as a coach at both juvenile and adult levels and is an accredited Volleyball Coach. His ambition is to bring his knowledge of and
December 2009
Photos: Atlantic Cup Winners and runners up (l-r): Mike Connolly, Ros Sammon, Larry Keady and Hazel Sammon. The Atlantic Shield runners up were (l-r): Sean Coohill and Theresa Geary and Shield Winners Sandra O’ Farrell and John Boisclair. Photos courtesy of Paul Gannon enthusiasm for the sport to the community at a local level, and would be very interested in hearing from any individuals or community groups who would be interested in learning more about what is involved. For more information or with any enquiries please contact Marek at 086-201-4403 or pacermark@yahoo.com or Sean Heanue on 087-768-2212.
Page 17
Arts & Entertainment Roundstone Ceramics in Michael Killeen Park, Roundstone is open daily 10am-5pm. We make a wide range of functional stoneware and unique hand decorated porcelain. We also make porcelain jewellery,all sold exclusively from our workshop. We welcome individual orders for commemorative pieces,house signs & original commissions. 095-35874. roundstonepottery@eircom.net Established Artist/Printmaker accepts Commissions for exclusive limited editions of etchings to order and at client’s image choice. Price varies according to size of image, whether in Colour or Black & White and number in edition required. The larger the number, the less each individual etching costs. Supplied unframed. These make a very suitable, original and durable gift to clients for small corporations and businesses.For more information and artist’s background, please phone: 095-44739. Art Classes. Would you like to learn watercolour painting? One to one and small group classes available. Take a one off class or several. I can also come to your small group. Patricia Morrison. Derrigimlagh, Ballyconneely. 087-656-9255. Station House Theatre, Clifden. Check out our fantastic line-up of cinema and live acts. www.stationhousetheatre. com. info@stationhousetheatre.com 095-30303. Video rental and purchase. Music. Video games. Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033 The Ultimate Girls Night In!! An Ann Summers party is the great girls night in for you and your friends. Parties are full of games, fun and laughter and it will be one night you will not forget. To book your party or order a catalogue please contact Paula on 087-758-9710.
Automotive
D&N Auto Store. Suppliers of: Oils, parts, batteries, accessories, body kits, alloys, number plates. Now stocking tractor parts. Open 6 days 9am-6pm. Unit 4, Clifden Business Park. 095-30615. 087-274-4165.
Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants Off the Square, Main St., Clifden. 095-22281 Open 7 days. Have your Christmas Party with us. Try our Winter Special Value €25 set menu with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts. ...or...We can design a menu to suit your budget! Special New Year’s Eve a la Carte Menu Served from 5pm/ Booking advisable. Guy’s Bar & Snug. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21130. Bar Food served daily until 9pm. Live Traditional Music nightly 7-9pm plus Late Gigs over the Xmas period. Updates on our notice board. Steam Café. Station House Courtyard. 095-30600. Open Mon-Sat 10-5 & Sundays over Christmas. Take the stress out of Christmas Day by ordering our Home baked honey glazed hams, full selection of desserts to take home from sherry trifles and mince pies to roulades and fruit crumbles, made to order Christmas Hampers, prepared vegetables, homemade stuffings, dressings and cranberry sauce. Peacockes Hotel will be open throughout the Winter Monday (to facilitate Mart evenings), Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sundays from 12 noon to close (open from
Page 18
9am on Saturdays). Watch all your sport live on SKY SPORTS beside the roaring fire in the Bar. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our locals & customers a very Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year! Clifden Station House Hotel. Celebrate in style this December at the Clifden Station House where you can enjoy a fun filled night including dinner in our Omey Suite followed by a show in the Station House Theatre. Later, dance the night away with our Party DJ. Saturday 5th: U2 Rattle & Hum Tribute; Friday 11th: Neil Diamond Tribute; Saturday 12th: Boogie Nights; Friday 18th: Abba Tribute; Saturday 19th: Miranda Rosenburg Jazz. Dinner & Show: €59pp. Dinner, show & accommodation: €99pps. 095-21699. info@clifdenstationhouse.com. Portfinn Lodge & Fjord Restaurant. Casual dining overlooking Killary Fjord in Leenane. Early Bird menu 6 to 7pm €21. Available for special occasions and events such as holiday parties, weddings, christenings and birthdays. 095-42265. info@portfinn.com www.portfinn.com. Oliver’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant, Cleggan. Fresh seafood. Bar food served daily until 9pm. Trad Session on Saturday nights with local musicians Heather Greer (harmonica, concertina) & Mary Lovett (banjo, mandolin). All musicians and singers are welcome to join in. 095-44640. Kylemore Pass Hotel and Restaurant, Kylemore. Ideal for small weddings. Tranquillity Room suitable for civil weddings & therapy-use. Restaurant for a special meal. Sailors Bar for affordable meals. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. Take friends for a drink in our unique bar. 095-41141. email: passinn@indigo.ie www.kylemorepass-hotel-connemara.com. O’Dowd’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Roundstone Harbour. Fresh seafood daily. 095-35809. 3 Course Christmas party menu from only €20 (reservation necessary). Restaurant Open Noon-3pm, 6-9.30pm. Breakfasts Served 10amNoon Bar Food Noon-9pm. Open every day throughout the winter. EJ King’s Bar and Restaurant. The Square, Clifden. 095-21330. Open 7 days a week. We cater for all kinds of parties. Special 2 course and 3 course meal offers available. Live music every weekend. Griffins Bar. Main St, Clifden. 095-21370. NEW Lunch Menu Served Daily Mon-Thu 12-4pm / Fri 12-5pm. Lunchtime Draw for 2 Christmas Hampers. You will be entered into the draw every time you have lunch. We would be delighted to cater for your Christmas Lunch. Watch Sports in High Definition on our Big Screen l 4 TV Screens. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road, Clifden. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Early booking is advisable. Tuesday night is Irish Night. Entertainment nightly. 095-21201. info@abbeyglen.ie. www.abbeyglen.ie.
Catering
A la Carty Catering: For all your home catering needs contact Joe and Olive Carty. 095-22842. 087-260-5961. alacartycatering@gmail.com. Award Winning Chef John Walsh is now offering catering services and cookery courses. Look for the Pangur Ban stall at the Clifden & Moycullen weekly markets for gourmet breads & more. 095-41243. pban@indigo.ie www.pangurban.com.
Child Care
Shop and Drop Christmas Open Day. Need to get organized for Christmas and Santa or would you like a quiet day to catch up at home before the holiday break and schools are out? We are opening on the 12th of December from 10-4pm for a day full of holiday activities like Christmas card making, Christmas crackers and picture frame making. We are an already established childcare service in Clifden town and for one day only we are open-
December 2009
ing for all the children. Our service is fully insured and registered for camp activity. So if you have children aged 2-12 pick up the phone and book them in for our Christmas shop and drop day.Call Jessica on 095-22086.
Computers, IT & Mobile Phones
Office Chat. Office supplies, digital cameras and printers, mobile phones. Vodafone, Meteor, 3 networks. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-21911. sales@officechat.ie.
Driver Training John Lyden – Clifden School of Motoring. Road Safety Authority and UK approved driving instructor. Lessons given in Toyota Yaris Diesel or an automatic car. For details and appointments ring 095-21170.
Dry Cleaners
Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. 095-21348.
Employment Full/part time job: Available at Upstairs Downstairs Cafe, Clifden. For more information phone 095-22809. Seeking Cleaners/Cleaning company to undertake the cleaning and turnover of large 11 bedroomed holiday property in Clifden. Please contact 087-226-3652. info@ connemararentals.com for further information. Chef required from May to October 2010. Please contact The Ardagh Hotel, Clifden, Connemara 095-21384 or ardaghhotel@eircom.net.
Education
Applying for an Art & Design course on your CAO? Individual Portfolio Preparation Tutorials offered by retired lecturer from the National College of Art & Design, experienced in this field. Claddaduff area. For further information or to discuss, phone 095 44739. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Renvyle. Master Classes in Irish Traditional Music. The Teach Ceoil, Renvyle. Beginning January, 2010. Three All-Ireland Winning Tutors. Marie Walsh - Accordion, Concertina. Liz Kane – Fiddle. Eileen Ní Mháille – Banjo and Tin Whistle. Maximum 10 Students per Class. Applicants should be over 10 years of age and have mastered the basic skills of playing their instrument. Fee €50 per term of 10 classes. Enquiries and brochure from: Helen King 087-764-8952. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 23rd December 2009.
Connemara View Newspaper
Education ‘Parliamo italiano!’ Italian language classes for beginners. Informal, friendly atmosphere. Evenings. Clifden. Tel 087-758-1923. ‘Care in the Home’ Training Course (Certified by City & Guilds Institute, London). Venue: The VEC Further Education Centre, Oughterard. Over 14 Weeks (1 session per week). Starting: Tuesday, the 8th of December 2009. Please call Geraldine in FORUM Connemara Ltd. on 095-41116 or on 087- 9633253.. Sponsored by The Health Service Executive West & FORUM Connemara Ltd. & The Carers Association Grinds: Leaving & Junior Cert Students. Do you need help with Maths or French? - including oral French? Connemaragrinds.com is your answer over the Christmas Break. Brian Hogan, a recent A1 leaving cert student experienced in successfully giving grinds, is available for small groups or individual tuition. See our website - www. connemaragrinds.com or call Brian on 085-71-0652 and get excellent help. Book now to avoid disappointment. Other subjects available.
Information Services & Media
Farming
An extensive range of animal feeds including the Red Mills and Gain brands now on sale at Clifden Fruit & Veg. Main Street, Clifden. 086-836-5864. is available for all your bookkeeping requirements. VAT/ PAYE/PRSI returns, payroll, monthly accounts etc. Contact: Marian Herriott 087-647-8303. email: mherriott4@ gmail.com. Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. Clifden Office at Unit 3, Tom Barry House 095-21101. Cashel Office 095-31128. Therese Thornton, Solicitor, Clifden, Co. Galway. Professional, comprehensive legal service at reasonable rates. Call 087-262-5385 or email ThereseThornton@gmail.com for advice or a quote with no obligation.
Home Furnishings Diamonds. Renvyle. 095-43486. For all your farm needs: Hay, Equi Haylage, straw, shavings, all animal feeds, fencing, drainage, steel, gates, stakes, concrete products, cement, coal, briquettes, pellets, Eco Logs, sand, gravel. For coal & briquettes - Nobody beats our prices. Call today for a quote. Free delivery.
Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348. Broderick’s Electrical of Westport & Castlebar stock all leading brands and are committed to providing best advice, best price and best service to our customer base in the West of Ireland. Broderick Electrical can be found at two locations: Lodge Road, Westport 098-28130 and Moneen, Castlebar 094-9044735.
Does your partner? Call you names, constantly criticise you? Control your access to money/phone/car etc? Monitor your time, threaten you and the children? If so you may be in an abusive relationship. For free, friendly, confidential advice and support call D.V.R. 091-866-740. Connemara AA and Al-Anon meetings: Al-Anon: Mondays, Elm Tree Centre (Day room), 8-9pm. AA: Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30 pm. Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30pm. Fridays, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays, Clifden Day Centre 12 noon. Clifden Citizens Information Centre. Free and confidential service to the public. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-22000 and 087-130-1100. Thurs 7pm-8pm. Friday 10:30am- 3:30pm. Connemara Community Radio. Letterfrack. 095-41616. Connemara View Newspaper. Clifden. 095-22888. AWARE Depression Support Group meetings take place at the FORUM Office (upstairs), Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on the 1st Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact Margaret 095-21741 afternoons except Tuesday for more details.
Items for Sale or Rent
Christmas Trees & Holly. Order Early! Free Delivery. Call Kevin on 087-968-1950 or Sean on 087-973-7991. Stanley Aisling oil fired stove, perfect working order. No reasonable offer refused. 086-836-4848. See photo. Turf for Sale. €300 per trailer including delivery within Connemara. 087-611-9409. Turf for Sale. €5 per bag. Buy 10 bags, get one bag free. 087-961-5779. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095-21219. Diamonds. Renvyle. 095-43486. Coal, briquettes, pellets, Eco Logs, sand, gravel. For coal & briquettes - Nobody beats our prices. Call today for a quote. Free delivery.
Marine
Financial/Legal/Insurance Recession Busting Review: Why not avail of our Free financial review to see if we can save you money on all your insurances. Then you will know for sure, you are getting the best deal. Call Hennelly Finance on 091-586-500 or call Helena on 086-809-5607. Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Bookkeeping & Accounts service for self employed and small businesses. Very experienced financial administrator
Organic Fruit & Veg Jagur Organic. Get your organic fruit and vegetables from your local organic grower at the Market in Clifden Square every 1st Friday of the month until next Spring. Our produce is also available in the Countryshop Letterfrack and the Connemara Hamper Clifden. 095-44855.
Connemara View Directory
December 2009
Page 19
Pets, Animals & Ponies
Properties
TV/Satellite/Broadband
Connolly’s Boarding Cattery near Rossaveal. Open all year for long or short stays. Designed for safety and comfort of cats following FAB guidelines. All cats must be vaccinated and males neutered. Tel. Maureen on 086-398-8179 or 091-572-000 or visit www.purr.ie. Renvyle Animal Rescue need caring homes, for Bingo and Chelsea. Black&White, 12 week old, female kittens.. Cute and very playful. Please phone Deirdre, 087-938-3530 or Babs,086-354-2451. Missing Cat. “Saubu” is a chocolate brown Burmese cat who went missing last week. If found or spotted please call 095-21054 or 095-23588.
Conveniently located 3 bedroom house available for rent. Modern and comfortable, this property is located just a stroll from Clifden town centre. Careful tenants only. No pets. Available furnished or unfurnished. Car space provided. 087-232-2451. Rooms to rent in town centre. New house, all mod cons. Ph 086-837-7120. For Rent: 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and rooms to let, 5 minutes walk from Clifden town centre, fully furnished. 095-44924 or 087-249-8097.
Wireless broadband. Aerial and satellite installation and repair. Peter Keane, Clifden. 095-21827. 087-668-7468.
Properties - BER Building energy rating (BER)call today for a quotation,also a solar panel and heat recovery ventilation installer.SEI registered.contact Aodan on 087-066-0755 or email at aodanmacdonncha@gmail.com. Selling your house or renting long-term? Then you must have a Building Energy Rating. Contact Oliver Coyne today! 095-35813. 086-238-4195. olivercoyne@gmail. com. Listed on the SEI Register of BER assessors.
Upholstery
Upholstery Service. Loose cover. Curtains. Blinds. Materials and swatchbooks available. Custom projects. Call Maurice or Agnes. 095-44902. 085-723-1774. 087-762-4983.
Vehicles for Sale
01 Mercedes 815. Very clean. 120km. Tested. Nice box body. Single back door. €6,250 ono. 087-988-6514. (See photo) 2001 Mercedes CLK, Advantgaurde, Mid Metallic Green 2 litre petrol, NCT Feb 2011, Full Service History,Mint Condition, 4 New Tyres and Taxed. Contact 095-43754 or 087-6237844. Kylemore Service Station. Contact David on 095-41147 or 087 2333115. kylemore.garage@gmail.com. See our listing of cars and commercial vehicles for sale on page 10 of this issue. Finance Arranged. If you have a particular make/model in mind we can arrange to have it in stock within days!!! 04 Yamaha Farm Quad. 2wd/4wd. Diff locks. Hi/lo. 087-988-6514. €3,800. Private collection of Classic & Vintage vehicles for sale. All must be sold. Owner retiring due to age. 1957 Austin A35 4 door black. 1961 Hillman Super Minx. 1964 Rover P4 110 two tone blue. 1986 Mercedes Cosworth 190. 1987 Land Rover Defender- military spec c/w military tow trailer. 1998 Fiat Punto GT – immaculate condition.
Quads
Galway Quads. Quads, buggies, repairs, servicing, accessories. Boley, East Barna. Contact Keith Trill on 087-988-6514 or email keith@galwayquads.com. www. galwayquads.com.
Restorations
Photography Services Photos restored, rescued & reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to cd, ready for print at Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. Call 095-22033.
Church-Castle and Monument. Architectural and ecclesiastical restoration and conservation. Our Service: statues repair and repainting. Marble altar works. Stained glass windows. Outdoor statues. Towerbells and clocks. Fountains. Crypts. Church furniture. Stations of the Cross. Vestments. Chalices and monstrances. Grotto statues. Also sandblasting and metal engineering works.etc. Nationwide Service. Purchasing-Statue showroom. Michele Thierbach G.R.A.D. www.studio-michele.com. www. nicholas-antiques.com. 091-556735.
Signs
Traditional Irish sign writing by ‘Studio Nicholas Connemara’. Moycullen-Tullokyne. 091-556735. 087-220-3898.
Supermarkets
Geraghty‘s Supermarket. Carna. 095-32239. See our great selection of special offers on page 7. SuperValu Clifden. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm. Fri 8am-10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 8:30am-7pm.
Taxi Service
Page 20
December 2009
1957 Jaguar Aristocrat XK140 Roadster. (See photo) – 4.2 ltr. – perfect condition – 2 seater sports car. Call Paddy to view or with offers on 086-818-5759 or 095-22719 after 6pm.
Websites
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 086-079-1918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com. Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Visit our new retail office on Bridge Street. 095-22194. 086-404-3125. Website design and development.
Wedding Services
Vintage and modern cars available for weddings, social or corperate travel and airport transfers. Our rare and unique cars are fully PSV licensed and insured. Special midweek rates. Visit our website or call us on 091-506-896 or 087-990-2294. www.getawaylimos.com. Wedding Videography with a difference. Capturing with precision all the style and elegance of your special day. Professional, quality DVD that will give wonder and joy for generations. Flexible friendly service, HD equipment. For details: Contact John at www.dvp.ie. 087-247-0112. 093-35847. Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. 095-43756. 086-406-2394. email: fiddisco@mac.com. www.fiddisco. com. Phone for a Free Demo DVD. Connemara Weddings. Music for your perfect day. Call Eithne on 095-43928 or 087-768-4921. ehannigan@eircom.net.
Connemara View Directory
Trade Supplies & Services
Landscaping
Tiler specialising in all types of floors & walls; Ceramic, mosaic, marble, terracotta, porcelain, slate, paving. Call for FREE quote & advice. Commercial & residential. Competitive rates, professional throughout. Paul Davis. Tel: 095-23803 Mob: 085-110-3035.
Alternative Energy Airflow Renewable Energy Solutions, Ballybrit, Galway. 091-764-761.www.airflowireland.ie. Daikin air to water heat pumps. Ground source geothermal heat pumps. IVT heat recovery ventilation. Solar panels. System design & project support. Domestic & commercial. SEI approved. Cut your oil bill by two-thirds with solar powered water heating. Call Michael Carey for a free no obligation quote. Testimonials from satisfied customers available. SEI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com.
Appliance Repair & Maintenance
Robert King Service Repair: Appliance Repair Approved agent for Whirlpool, Bosch, Siemens, Neff, Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda. Oil burner service/repair. Have your oil burner full serviced/repaired to maximise its efficiency. Electric showers. Storage heating. Immersion elements. Covering all of Connemara. Fully insured. 095-22979. 087-697-7505. robmking@eircom.net. Now servicing gas appliances.
Building Supplies
Clifden Supply Centre. Galway Road, Clifden. 095-21476. Wishing All Our Customers & Friends A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from All at Clifden Supply Centre. Closing Tuesday 22nd December. Reopening Monday January 4th. Diamonds of Renvyle. General Merchants & Builders Providers. Animal feedstuffs, fencing, gates, wire, fertilizer, hay & bedding. Blocks, lintels, cement, pipes & much more. 095-43486.
Plastering & Tiling
Sand, Gravel & Stone
Memorials/Headstones Headstones. Surrounds, cleaning, inscriptions. Mongan’s Stonecraft. Memorials-fireplaces-flagstone-signage. Derryinver, Letterfrack. 095-43473. 086-199-1988. 087-130 -7752.
Painting
Auro Natural Paints...let your house breathe again! Auro products contain no environmentally harmful additives like petroleum based solvents. For more information about our extensive interior and exterior high grade paints and care products, call Matrix Custom Interiors on 091-39-57-07 or 086-366-5768. Painting and Decorating: Interior and exterior, timber floors sanded and varnished. Neat and tidy job guaranteed. Also offering garden and lawn maintenance service. Competitive rates. References available. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle, 086-857-0302.
Cut Stone by the bag or hand picked at rock bottom prices. Any quantity. Flag stones for paving. Unusual shaped stones for your garden. Good quality topsoil by the truck load or 1 ton bags. Delivered promptly. Our prices won’t be beaten. Corbett stone. Natural Connemara building Stone. 095-21744. 086-247-5619. www.corbettstone.com. Washed and graded sand and gravel. Decorative stone chippings in a variety of colours for pathways, driveways and patios. Choice gardener’s bark mulch. Free delivery to your door. Just need a bag or 2 of sand, gravel, decorative chippings or bark mulch? We are now supplying 25kg, 50kg and 250kg bags. We also sell in bulk. Free delivery throughout Connemara. Mongan’s Stonecraft. Derryinver, Letterfrack. 095-43473. 087-130-7752. 086-199-1988. The Original Bagged Sand Supplier. Soft & sharp sand, washed gravel & decorative chippings. Stonetech, Clifden. Call Seamus on 087-668-7437.
Building Contractors
Deck offer: 100 sq. ft. deck including treated timber, railings and labour for €1200 inc vat. Also specialising in roofing, attic conversions & timber framing. Contact Pat O’Malley. Full service builder. C2. Ltd Co. North Star Builders. 087228-3862/085-780-6351. northstarbuilders@live.ie.
Security Systems
Plant Hire
Chimney Cleaning
Noel Connolly Plant Hire. Site work & land drainage. Top quality graded topsoil. Large volume of material available at €70 per load. Prices on extensions and renovations. Keenest prices around. C2 Reg. 095-23781. 086-247-6610.
John F. Hynes Chimney Cleaning. In business for over 30 years. Fast, clean, reasonable rates. Phone 091-555-317 or 087-231-5401.
Sheds
Gates
Connacht Gates Moycullen. Manufacturer of wrought iron gates domestic and commercial. Side gate, railings, balconies, stainless steel handrails, glass balustrades, customised stairs, fire escapes. Registered contractor. 091-868-803. 087-261-6947. Email: conncoatfab@eircom.net.
Gutters
Connemara Seamless Gutters. Suppliers of roof line cladding and guttering systems. Over 17 years experience. Aluminum, UPvc. Wide range of colours. Free quotations. 095-41180. Gerry: 086-103-1053. Peter: 085-760-4130.
Insulation
Connemara View Directory
Windows
December 2009
Page 21
Art & Antiques Alan Gaillard Stoneware Pottery. Westport Rd, Clifden. 095-22786. Unique locally made Christmas gifts. Platters from €18, Clock €40, Tea sets (6 mugs, jug & sugar bowl) €72, Lamps and one-off pieces at modest prices. Map #41 Prendergast Antiques. Lower Market St., Clifden. For that unique gift or special piece for your home why not peruse our extensive collection of antique furniture, silver, ceramics, collectibles, antique and reproduction glassware, prints, mirrors. Best prices, 32 county delivery, worldwide shipping, trade welcome. www.clifden.biz. Phone 087-629-6195 anytime. Map #22 Clifden Antiques & Irish Art. Station House Courtyard. 095-22230. 087-664-9845. clifdenantiques@eircom. net. Make your home beautiful by investing in wonderful Antiques & Art. It’s a great time to buy as prices have decreased considerably. Come in – you may be pleasantly surprised, it’s a chance to invest your money wisely. Map #6 The Whitethorn Gallery. Map #4
Automotive
D&N Auto Store. Unit 4, Clifden Business Park. 095-30615, 087-274-4165. Suppliers of: Oils, parts, batteries, accessories, body kits, alloys, number plates. Now stocking tractor parts. Open 6 days 9am-6pm. Map # 2
Bikes
Mannion’s Bikes. Map #10
Fashion, Shoes & Accessories Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique. Market St., Clifden. 095-21321. Check out our unique range of fashion solutions plus a great range of purses, hats, beauty products, jewellery and sunglasses. Map #18 Design Platform. Station House Hotel Courtyard. 095-21526. Designplatform.clifden@gmail.com. “Fashion without Limits”. Designer labels including Sarah Pacini, Lillith, Louise Della, Sonja Marohn and lots more. Great
Page 22
reductions, Check in store for all amazing discounts. Christmas Shopping Evening Friday, December 4th. Enjoy Fantastic Christmas Shopping. Amazing Discounts and Offers! Map #9 Hehirs. Market St., 095-21282. mhehir@eircom.net. Last chance for unbeatable Christmas Value! Join us on December 18th from 6-9pm for an amazing 25% off everything in Hehir’s!! Ciuin and O’Dalaigh Jewellers are sharing in the festive fun with us on Market Street. Wishing all our customers a Peaceful and Happy Christmas and New Year. Facebook: Hehirs Christmas Shopping Night. Map #21 King’s Hair Salon. “Talking Heads”. The Square, Clifden. 095-21085. Stop into the salon for all your hair styling needs and gift ideas: Hairdryers, straighteners, gift sets, vouchers. Map #25 La Femme Bleue. The Square. 086-129-5548. jtmchantal@ hotmail.com. We stock an exclusive collection of unique felt and silk shawls, scarves and bags. New arrivals of original jewellery, accessories and precious stones from around the world. French ‘goodies’ hampers and original gift ideas for everyone. From 3rd December Buy One Get One Free on bags, clothes, scarves and lots more. Christmas present wrapping available in the shop from €1. Map #28 Millars Connemara. Main St., 095-21038. millarsconnemara@gmail.com. Designer Clothing, Homeware & Luxury Gifts. Fabulous selection of new Christmas decorations and gifts now in stock. Amazing offers and discounts in store for month of December, including up to 30% off ladies fashion and a weekly draw for €50 voucher. Christmas Shopping Evening-Friday 11th December, 5-8pm – Come and enjoy mulled wine and minced pies with fantastic offers on the night, all welcome. Map #32 Ohh! By Gum. Station House Courtyard. 095-21334, 086-025-9568 - ohhbygum@gmail.com. In the Water Tower of the Station House Courtyard, discover an eclectic mix of fashion, vintage & organic, accessories and arts & crafts. Christmas Shopping Evening Friday, December 4th. Enjoy Fantastic Christmas Shopping. Amazing Discounts and Offers! Map #8 Passenger Boutique. We’ve Moved! NEW Location on The Square in Clifden. 095-22770, 086-262-3667 Russell@id.ie. Up to 50% Off for December. Great gift ideas! Stylist available instore! Image Magazine Best Boutique 2009 Award Winner. Map #26 Stanleys. Market St., Clifden. 095-21039. gpstan@eircom. net. Stanley’s Pre-Christmas Sale. 4th -12th December. Open Sunday 6th Dec: 1-4pm. Storewide Sale offers of up to 50%. Pre-Christmas in store draw for €100 shopping voucher when you spend €50 before Christmas. See our ad on page 9. Map #16
December 2009
Flowers
Connemara Florist. Main St., Clifden. Monday -Saturday 10am-5:30pm - 095-21565 connemaraflorist@gmail.com www.connemaraflorist.net. Fresh flowers for all occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, births, funerals and weddings. Great gift ideas - whatever your budget! Delivery throughout Connemara. Connemara Florist are offering this Christmas a wide range of fresh fir wreaths, Poinsetta & other Christmas plants, Festive Hand-tied Bouquets, Fresh Candle and Basket arrangements. Floral Christmas Gifts from €20. We cater for all budgets! Map #33
Food & Wine
Clifden Fruit & Veg. Main St., Clifden. 086-836-5864. Full selection of fruit and vegetable at great prices. Now selling an extensive range of animal feeds. Map #39 Connemara Hamper. Lower Market St., Clifden. Large selection of Irish and European farmhouse cheeses. Organic wines, fruit and vegetables. Freshly baked breads and baguettes. Gourmet lunches and Llly coffee to go. Open all year. Phone for opening hours. 095-21054. Map #20 Des Moran Family Butchers. Map #36
Duane’s Fish Shop. Main St., Clifden. For a large selection of fresh fish, locally produced organic salmon, live lobster and fresh crab. Also, top quality frozen prawns, peeled & cooked prawns, garlic mussels, Manx kippers and lots more. See in store for Christmas Offers. Open Tuesday Saturday. 095-21804. Map #38 Malone Meats. Lower Market St., Clifden. Stop in for quality and service from your local butcher. Clip out this ad to receive 10% off your purchase. 095-21868. Map #19 SuperValu Clifden. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm. Fri 8am-10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 8:30am-7pm. Map #29 Walsh’s Bakery & Coffee Shop. Market St., Clifden. 095-21283. Stock up with our “Scrumptiously Yummy” range of Christmas products from Fruity Meringues to Tantalising Treats. Enter our Christmas in-store draw when you make a purchase in the Cake or Coffee Shop. Daily Specials in the Coffee & Cake Shops! Map #23
Connemara View Directory
Food & Wine Steam Café. Map #7
books currently selling at parity. Best sellers/thrillers/ biographies. Also stockists of artist’s materials, cards and stationery. Come in & pick up our 2009 Christmas Catalogue. Provides ordering and mail order service. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. 095-22020. Open Monday – Saturday 10-5:30 and Sunday 12-4 during December Map #35 The Celtic Shop & Tara Jewellers. Map #37
Internet Service. Selection of video games, consoles and accessories. Order service available. Open daily until 11pm.. Map #34 Walsh’s Emporium. Map #24
Health
An Bhean Feasa Health Store. Market St., organic wholefoods, nutritional supplements, herbs, natural remedies, organic face and body care. Clinics in kinesiology, acupuncture, Bowen Therapy and massage. Professional, confidential and expert service in both shop and therapy centre. 095-30671. Map #17 Ní Ráighne Opticians. Bridge St., Clifden.. Wide selection of designer frames and sunglasses. Eye exams - €35. Medical cards and PRSI welcome. For December only we are offering a FREE contact lens trial to everyone which includes a consultation with the optician to discuss which lenses would suit you best, fitting of the contact lenses, teaching you how to care for your lenses and FREE trial lenses. Call us on 095-30995 to make your appointment now! Its FREE! Map #14
Homeware Plus Map #27
Clifden Service Station – Spar Express. Map #40
IT, Mobile and Business
Office Chat. Galway Rd., Clifden. 095-21911. sales@officechat.ie. Office supplies, digital cameras and printers, mobile phones. Vodafone, Meteor, 3 networks. Map #3 Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Visit our new retail office on Bridge St. 095-22194. 086-404-3125. Custom orders of printers, external hard drive, software, computer repairs, website design and development. Map #11 Western Cellular. Vodafone Dealers. Visit our NEW store on Bridge Street in Clifden. Mobile phones, fixed line, broadband and phone accessories. Map #13
Keane’s. Main St., Clifden. 095-30640. Loads of December Special Offers. 10% off all toys until 20th December. Receive a €5 voucher for every €50 spent. Christmas Club now open. Christmas lighting, trees, gifts now in stock. Toys, toys and more toys arriving weekly. See ad on page 4. Map #30 King’s Paper Shop. Map #31
Pets, Animals & Ponies
Western Veterinarian Clinic. Clifden Business Park, Galway Road, Clifden. Pet foods, toys and supplies. Full veterinary services. Map #1
Variety Shops
The Bens Bridge St., 095-22680, 086-103-1154 johnchristopheroreilly@eircom.net. Music, picture framing, musical instruments. Large selection CDs and DVDs, also CDs from many widely acclaimed local artists. Personalised gifts on Bodhráns, boats, slates or frames – With prices that won’t be beaten anywhere. Map #12 Clifden Bookshop. Main St., Clifden. Offering a comprehensive range of titles with particular emphasis on local Connemara history, Irish literature, guide books, maps, memoirs and book tokens. Extensive range of
Schley Electrics. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-21360. All Household electrical & gas appliances. TV – Video – Satellite – Hi-Fi – DVD – CD. Map #15 Video Vault. Main St., Clifden, 095-22033. videovault1@ googlemail.com. Movies for hire, CDs for sale and
Connemara View Directory
December 2009
Whistlestop “Gifts & Interiors”. Station House Courtyard. 095-21532, 086-230-4210, whistlestop@eircom.net www.whistlestop.ie. Design-led home accessories at affordable prices. Lamps, mirrors, throws, glassware sourced world-wide. Baby gifts including award winning Organics for Kids babygros and an eclectic range of jewellery & silverware. Wedding list & personal Shopping source available. Christmas Shopping Evening Friday, December 4th. Enjoy Fantastic Christmas Shopping. Amazing Discounts and Offers! Map #5
Page 23
Mikey Heffernan
Bobby was so proud of his twenty Royal Dublin Society silver medals but will be best remembered for his regular appearances in the Clifden Show ring, proudly leading his famous mares Queen Gillian and Coral Misty. In unison they returned year after year giving a faultless display. Queen Gillian won the Supreme Championship in 1994 and 1999. Coral Misty won in 1995 and 1997 and Bobby also won the Championship with Coral Prince in 1993. Bobby had immense knowledge of the Connemara pony. He never learned how to judge or show a pony; his ability at producing ponies was a gift he inherited from his father, and he did it so well. He served for several years on the council of
Pictured is the late Mikey Heffernan of Streamstown, and John O’Flaherty, Errislannan presenting Bartley Ni Mháille with a cup for 21 years attendance at the Claddaghduff Pony Show. Mikey was one of the founders of the Claddaghduff Pony Show and was always available to assist even when no longer a committee member-he will be sadly missed. Photo courtesy of Susan Cockburn, Claddaghduff Show.
Bobby Bolger 1940-2009 On November 2nd as the word spread all over Connemara that Bobby Bolger had died suddenly, it was fitting that so many people across the world became aware of news via email messages and phone calls from shocked pony friends in Ireland. The Bolger name is a household name in Connemara and his passing will leave a void in the community. Bobby married Bridie Mullen in New York in 1969 and they came back to Derrygimla where they brought up their family of six girls and five boys. Bobby was the son of Jack and Teresa who were among the ‘first families’ of Connemara ponies. He grew up in Oughterard, in an environment filled with ponies, with visits to the Dublin and Clifden shows and endless pony talk in the home. Jack was one of the CPBS’s premier stallion handlers and handled a great number of the best noted ponies in the early stud books. Jack often had more than one society stallion in his yard at a time, and many a good prize winning mare.
Page 24
Broadcasting 11 am to 9 pm each day on 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Weather Forecast and Community Notices at 3 pm, 4 pm and 8 pm. Sponsored by Broderick Electric, Sweeney Oil and Gannon Sports. * Indicates Sponors
Monday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with
Anna Rosaline Hastings Joyce 1915 – 2009 It is with great sadness Leenane says goodbye to Anna Rosaline Hastings Joyce, who was 94 years of age. Always a great community leader, Rosaline was one of the founder members of Leenane I.C.A., Muintir Na Tire, and the Apostolic Works Society. In her later years she was a committed member of the Leenane Church Choir. Even in her nineties her community spirit remained and it was in those recent years she organised improvements to the steps in Leenane Graveyard. Rosaline was gifted with her hands and used her gift not only for her family but for her community. This included making soutanes for altar boys, wedding-dresses for neighbours, cakes for community events, dolls houses and cots for children, and formes for the local community hall. She was an excellent carpenter and could turn her hand to making kitchen tables and chairs. Rosaline was an artist, a carpenter, a lace-maker and could do all the crafts of her age – knitting, crochet, embroidery. She was also an excellent business woman who could run a farmhouse, a guesthouse or a craftshop. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was a family historian and having lived through the Trouble times could regale you with stories of threats to burn the towns of Westport, her old home town, and Clifden. She had stories of smuggling and looting and could tell you not only her own family history but the history of many families in Leenane, Westport and Clifden. In fact, many people visited her to enquire about their family histories. Rosaline moved with the times, keeping an interest in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s interests. Although a true and loyal Mayo woman who always flew the green and red flag for her county it was in her final hours she organised sending a baseball cap with the Liverpool Soccer Insignia to her grandson Kenneth in Australia in time for his birthday. A true lady-Anna Rosaline Hasting Joyce-we will miss you. Rest in Peace. Month’s Mind mass will take place at Leenane Church at 11:30am on Tuesday December 8th. Patricia Hastings-Joyce-Keane
Connemara Community Radio Weekly Schedule
the Connemara Pony Breeders Society, holding many offices including vice-president, and made known his passion for retaining type as a priority. Bobby was never far from the action; wherever there was banter, Bobby was there. Everybody knew where he lived and all were welcome. Bobby and Bridie always kept an open house, and this was most evident by the huge number of people who called there to pay their final respects. Members of the council and friends lined the road from his house to the Funeral Mass in the church at Ballyconneely. After mass, his remains were removed for burial in Oughterard. It was a poignant moment as Coral Misty paid her own respects, as she was led by a man at a trot in front of the hearse from the church to Bobby’s home. When we got there she was led into the field with the other ponies, the show bridle removed, and the hearse remained until the ponies galloped over the hill. Then Bobby continued on his final journey to his original home territory at Kilcummin Cemetery near Oughterard where the hearse was met by a guard of honour who walked with the hearse the last mile to the graveyard. Bobby was a master at his craft and Misty was the matron of the show ring. Together they championed the cause of so many dreams that were shared by so many people in Clifden. Bobby and Bridie never missed the Annual Social; as usual they were there together with the family enjoying the night on October 31st last. Little did anybody think he would be taken to his eternal rest so soon. His contribution to the Society, and the breed, will never be forgotten. May the sod rest lightly on his soul R.R.
Death Notices Sarah Byrne, Headford Maureen Campbell (née Lennon), Cong Marie Conneely, Baile na hAbhann James ( Jim Joe) Clancy, Oughterard Anne Conroy, Cashel Aebhgreine De Ceabhasa (Chavasse), Roscahill Patrick Flaherty, Glann, Oughterard Anna Rosaline Joyce (née Hastings), Leenane & Westport Micheál Joyce, Lettermullen Patrick Joyce, Ballinahinch & London Sinéad King, Leenane Sr Brigid John O’ Malley O.S.B., Kylemore Abbey Bridie McQuinn (née Hynes), Oughterard Teresa Molloy, Lettermore Michael Mulkerrins, Clifden John Mullen, New York & Ballyconneely Margaret (Peggy) Newman (née Woods), Cleggan Joe Watts, Oughterard Micheál Welsh, Cong 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.
December 2009
Heather Heanue and Colleen Curran. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Hooked on Music with John Duane. *Clifden Chamber of Commerce. 6-7pm: Alternate Weeks - As Gaeilge with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig OR Heyday with Bobbi O Regan. 7-8pm: Talk Sportwith Vivian Cotter. 8pm: Roundstone Report with Richard de Stacpoole and Anne Conneely. 8.15-9pm: Ann’s Mixed Bag with Ann Conneely. Tuesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cliona Sheehan. *Connemara View Newspaper. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Louisa Jack. 5.05-6pm: Jack’s Spot with Jack Tomlinson. 67pm: Live with John Dunne. 7-8pm: Community Matters with Pat O’Toole. *Tullycross and Cashel Credit Unions. 8pm: Cashel Report with Bernard Lee. 8.30-9pm: Classical Half Hour with Pat O’Toole. Wednesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Mary Roe. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Mickey Mac. 5.05-6pm: Double Trouble with Mickey Mac. *SuperValu Clifden 6- 7pm: My Kind of Music with Martin Conroy. *ClifdenSupply Centre.7-8pm: Lift the Latch with Michael O’ Neill and Helen King. 8pm: Clifden Report with Breandan O’Scanaill. 8.15-9pm: Music with Pat Keaney. Thursday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cathy Keane and Brendan O’Malley. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Kathleen O’Brien. 5.05-6pm: Fáilte with Mary Corbett Joyce. 6- 7pm: Take it Easy with Michael O’Toole. 7-8pm: The Great Outdoors with Breandan O’Scanaill. *Acton Construction.8 pm: Cleggan Claddaghduff Report with Mary Gordon O’Toole. 8.15-9pm: The Musicals with Breandan O’Scanaill. Friday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirínn. 5.05-6pm: The Friday Feeling with Margaret Sheehan. 6-7pm: Lyrical Allsorts with Linda O’Malley. 7-8pm: Injury Time with various presenters. *AIB Clifden. 8pm: Ballyconneely Report with John O’ Malley. 8.15-9pm: American Country with Brendan Ridge. *Alcock & Brown Hotel.
Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with
Heather Kearney. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tommy Roe and Caoife Mullan. 5.05-6pm: Pretty Good Day so Far! with Sean Halpenny. 6- 7pm: Blue Highways with Lol Hardiman. 7-9 pm: Music Spectacular Alternate Weeks - Shelter from the Storm with Dave O’ Halloran or Coast to Coast with Paul Phelan. Sunday: 10-11am: Sounds a Bit Irish with Eamonn McLoughlin. *Mulchrone Bros, Westport. .11am-12noon: Mass from Clifden. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Words & Music with Kathleen Faherty . 6- 7pm: Footappin’ Time with Tom Mongan. 7-8pm: Senior Side of the Street with Josephine De Courcey. *FORUM. 8pm: Ballinakill Report with Paddy Gannon. Insihbofin Report with Tommy Burke. 8.15-9pm: Decades of Hits with Michael Coyne.
Connemara View Newspaper
The D’Arcy Monument Clochaunard, Clifden The typical view of Clifden is from the Sky Road, looking down onto the town, with the ‘twin spires’ and the mountains behind; this is the so called ‘Alpine setting’,
beloved of the post card makers. But a second view which was popular in older post cards and photographs was taken from the other direction, looking at the harbour and above it, Monument Hill. Monument Hill dominates the western view from almost any point around the town. What distinguishes it from the other hills which encircle the town is the monument on top which gives the hill its name. So what is this monument? It was built as a monument to John D’Arcy, the founder of Clifden, but it appears as if it was never completed to the intended design, if there ever was an overall plan for it. There have been at least three attempts at finishing the task and
Business Notes Belle Blu Award
As reported in the last issue Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique on Market St. Clifden were shortlisted in the Retail Excellence Ireland Best Small Store Category and attended the awards ceremony in November.
Photo: (L-r): Paul Candon (Chairman, Retail Excellence Ireland), Miriam O’Callaghan, Lee Flaherty (Owner, Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique), Iwona Maraskiewicz (Manager, Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique), Michael Berkery (Chairman, FBD Holdings PLC).
the most recent at least stabilised the structure and gave it its present form. The structure consists of a granite plinth, topped by finely cut limestone blocks. How high this limestone section was to go is anyone’s guess, but the fact that there wasn’t a supply of limestone blocks on site suggests that it was more or less at its proper height. There is no record of what the top was supposed to look like, although I remember hearing that there was supposed to have been a statue of John D’Arcy placed on top. That would have been interesting but probably a little over the top. John D’Arcy was born in 1785 and inherited the Connemara estate of his cousin Patrick in 1805. Very little is known about this early period as there are few records. It is unlikely that he lived permanently in the area at that stage. Stories from the D’Arcy family suggest that his first wife Frances, didn’t like the climate in Clifden, being exposed to the Atlantic winds, and so spent very little time there. More likely it was the lack of a proper house which dictated Mrs. D’Arcy’s decision. He founded the town of Clifden in 1812. Clifden Castle was built sometime around the same period and it is possible that the family moved here on a more permanent basis at that time. Another factor which might have led to a longer stay was the death of Frances in 1815. If it is true that she wasn’t happy in Clifden, then her death would have removed this obstacle from John. John worked hard petitioning the authorities to provide the services needed to make the town flourish. There were roads to be built throughout the area, and most importantly, the quay was to be constructed. Schools and churches were needed for the growing population. John continued to build up the town and estate until his death in 1839. There is no doubt that he left a thriving town; there were all sorts of tradesmen and merchants, hotels and services and Clifden had gone from a wilderness to a frontier town, to an important centre for the whole area. The limestone blocks are carved with the names of some of the citizens of Clifden who are known to have lived and worked here around the middle of the 19th century. It is assumed from this that people were able to buy a block, or
celebrating its second birthday and stocks creations by designers including Joanne Hynes, Malene Birger, Josh Goot and labels Kenzo, Humanoid, Black Noir and much more. Photo: Anne O’ Brien and Helen Russell were photographed at the opening of the new Passenger on Friday November 27th.
Award for Connemara Hill Lamb Connemara Hill Lamb Ltd received a special award at the 2009 Euro-toques Food Awards, presented by an organisation representing Ireland’s top chefs. Connemara Hill Lamb Ltd is a cooperative of over 70 hill lamb farmers in the Connemara region who came together in 1999 to examine how the could develop a market for what they believed was a unique, quality product. Ini-
New home for Passenger
resulting meat. The result is that the name ‘Connemara Hill Lamb’ is now legally protected and can be used only to describe lamb born and reared in the Connemara Hills from blackfaced horned ewes, feeding on a unique mixture of grasses and herbs, as well as their mother’s milk, throughout their lives. The meat is available from June to January. Carcass weight for these lambs is typically less than half that of lowland breeds, weighing about 10kg. In appearance it is a lean carcass, rose red in colour, solid deep texture with a light cover of fat. The lamb has a natural succulent flavour and taste with a very pronounced aroma. For their forwardthinking approach, their efforts to maintain traditional ways of farming and protect the unique ‘terroir’ of their product, Euro-toques recognised Connemara Hill Lamb Ltd with a Special Award and gave special recognition to M&K Meats, who distribute the product to Dublin restaurants.
Connemara Judo Club
Helen Russell’s Passenger Boutique, fresh from being named as Connacht’s Best
Boutique by IMAGE magazine has now moved to a larger premises at Market Square in Clifden from its previous location in the Station House complex. Passenger is now
share one, as some of the blocks have more than one name. In this way the D’Arcy monument acts as a type of who’s who of the town, almost an autograph album. At first when the Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society began work on the restoration we thought that it was graffiti but then realised that it was done professionally. It appears that the various attempts at finishing the monument were abandoned due to either lack of funds, or enthusiasm, or maybe both. In the early 1990’s the Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society was set up and from that Society, a group got together to restore the monument. At that stage the monument was in a very bad state of repair. Many of the top stones had been knocked, or fallen down. Others were just barely hanging on; it was a dangerous place, and a place that people used to climb up on. Field trips were organised to the site and detailed measurements were made of the structure. Each and every stone was tracked down; some of these had fallen a long way, and some had even been built into walls. With the help of a few strong men, the stones were recovered and returned to the top of the hill. A strong hand cart was used in the operation. A small information leaflet was produced and funds received from various groups including Forum Letterfrack, and from many individuals, both in the area and farther afield. Work began in 1991 and everything had to be transported by hand. Sand, cement, water, boards, scaffolding and a large block and tackle which was used to get the stones back into position. It was a mammoth task, but due to the dedication of all involved it was completed. A capping of concrete, in the shape of a low pyramid, keeps the structure together and stops water from getting into the centre. A plaque was attached to the western face and this was unveiled a few years after the work was completed. The view from Monument Hill is wonderful; the town is laid out in front, with the mountains in the background. The harbour and bay takes up a large section of the view, while the surrounding hills and countryside take up the rest. As Clifden approaches its bi-centenary a fresh look should be taken at this monument. Maybe flood lighting could be an option to highlight the structure even further. Breandan O Scanaill
tially the created a logo for ‘Connemara Hill Lamb’ and sought out local markets, but they quickly began to investigate the possibility of registering the name as a ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ under the European food quality system. From 2002, when their application began, until February 2007 when the name was finally protected, they painstakingly researched and compiled information to prove the origins and authenticity of the product, to describe in detail the breed, production methods, environment and diet of the animal and the characteristics of the
Connemara View Newspaper
Luigi van Nieuwenburg recently opened the Connemara Judo Club in Moyard. Luigi offers a wide range of classes, which includes
December 2009
Kids Tumble Judo, Kick Boxing, Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts and Reality Self Defence. All classes can be tailored to suit all ages and experience. For further information please contact Luigi on 087-053-3267. Photo: Josh McGloin, Luigi van Nieuwenburg, Nigel Prendergast of Letterfrack Karate Club and Oisin Prendergast at the opening of the Connemara Judo Club.
Group Meditation Wednesday mornings will see group meditations taking place at An Bhean Fheasa on Market St Clifden which will be followed by Pranic Healing Clinics by Martha Conneely. Twin Heart Meditation for World Peace and Illumination sessions will start at 10am and the event will continue until 12pm. All are welcome to attend or for more information drop in to An Bhean Fheasa or call (095) 30671.
Award for Cashel House Cashel House Hotel has received yet another prestigious award for international excellence, when it was declared Best Value for Money Hotel at the Conde Nast Johansens International Luxury Hotel Guide awards for excellence dinner at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London recently. The Conde Nast Johansens Guide for 2010 pointed to the remarkable attention to detail which propelled Cashel House to the winner’s circle. The judges said: ‘Surrounded by exotic flowering gardens and woodland walks at the head of Cashel Bay, this pretty hotel exudes tranquility. Built by the owners’ greatgreat grandfather for Captain Thomas Hazel an English landowner, you will be welcomed today by proprietors the McEvilly family, for whom nothing is too much trouble’.
Page 25
Extra Big Christmas Bogman 56
Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden by January 15th.
Connemara Crossword 62
BOGMAN ACROSS
6 & 10 Down. It’s upsetting to five senses, a time like this! (7,6) 12 Strmaeam? Actually, this is not an uncommon word. (10) 13 Having the top flat in the wild west is the same but different. (4) 14 Sounds like a lethal form of transport in 21 Across? (6) 15 Air from damaged lung analysed around this time? (4,4,4) 17 One could 52 Across it as it’s found in Hastings, Castille and in even nastier places! (4) 18 Being tender and special, will this be found in the big stores from Jan 1 on? (5) 19 They’re found in the woods section in soul music? (5) 20 It’s right what the French say about love. It’s hard. (6) 21 Skinhead’s present is very cool. (4) 23 At this time, the decorative paper type might come from China. (5) 25 As Carol claims, confusingly, likely tend to have been the bearer of the bearer of what Christmas is all about. (6,6) 26 In Rome, it was ten degrees during the shortened holiday season. (4) 27 Classical poet, he may be, but he has no right to keep the watch! (5) 28 Move slowly, but not for long! (4) 32 There’s you and me … Back to pub opening for drink! (3) 34 What to do with a Christmas tree in town? (4) 35 Sounds like it’s apparent for her to enquire about such fine stuff. (6) 36 Being in such healthy condition, get some fresh air. (6) 37 Be wary about how things can go wrong! (4) 38 It’s a solid, cold fact that only this can ensure you get your rights. (3) 40 One just has to play with snow! (4) 42 Read article about an expert in clothing while preparing the Christmas dinner? (5) 46 The spring of last year, but not of this one? (4) 47 Timely expression by expert in school gym on green and yellow wire? (5,2,5) 49 There’s something really cool in the Afro style. (5) 50 Old writer topped and tailed at holy place. (4) 52 International organisation heads for Irish city to start a booze-up. (6) 53 To get the total meaning, a type of wrestling must be overturned. (2,3,) 54 Sugar starts to change ice-cream container into a bun of sorts. (5) 56 Actually the term of choice in the Anglican religion is a matter for the heart. (4) 57 At Christmas, dessert could be burnt, yet drab mixture might go well with it! (6,6) 58 Once, under British rule, a chap from Westminster was found in Ireland long ago. (6) 59 The low-down joint in front of which Mr Boone, a singer, joined up Ms Fitzgerald, another singer? (4) 60 Incorrectly turned a flu into such a claim for serious illness? (10) 61 What it comes down to is the same as having a torch inside. (7)
BOGMAN DOWN
Across
1. Praiseworthy (9) 9. Crunchy vegetable (6) 10. Ocean (8) 11. Building material (6) 12. Connemara alcove (6) 14. ---- Dory. Food fish (4) 15. South American dance (5) 16. Achieve (6) 18. Simpleton, nitwit (3,4) 21. Emulate, mimic (7) 24. Card game, viaduct (6) 26. Its capital is New Delhi (5) 30. Consumes (4) 31. Get away, skedaddle (6) 32. Brings upon one’s self (6) 33. Forced to leave native location (8) 34. Short goalkeeper (6) 35. Steward (9)
Down
2. Hesitate, falter (6)
3. Photos (6) 4. Pervasive development disorder in children (6) 5. Tetanus (7) 6. Proper (6) 7. Brown Sugar (8) 8. Onlooker (9) 11. Appeal, charisma (5) 13. Profoundly wise person (4) 17. English city with famous university rowers (9) 19. This Croatian will keep you dry (8) 20. Regions (5) 22. Coloured portion of eye (4) 23. Hard baked sweet or cookie (7) 25. Pet rodent a.k.a. sand rat (6) 27. Edict, statute (6) 28. Agreement (6) 29. Ill humour, spite, organ (6)
1 See me turn up with the Spanish chap at Cambridge – not at Christ’s, at least not in that term. (8) 2 A nice way to talk about an attack of nerves with qualification. (10) 3 When agitated, Sue’s yells go unanswered, so she does so in vain. (9) 4 Those darn Kurds! It’s disturbing they way they indulge in substance abuse! (9) 5 Pray feverishly that the singer, Paul, will make an entrance, as he’s showing evidence of being tight. (9) 7 See a change without any difficulty. (4) 8 It’ll be in the theatre. 0601 in the evening. (7, 5) 9 After the onset of vertigo, develop a feverish shivering with non-specific symptoms? (5) 10 See 6 Across (7,6) 11 Finding royal presenters making annual appearance on ‘Star-Trek’ is little short of wizardry. (4) 16 Not just any old French red wine, yet it turns out to be merely French water in the end! (7) 22 Deliver a long speech about getting no allowance? (7) 24 Evidence that the cold spell is hanging on? (6) 29 1,047+ 734+ 201+28 (3,4) 30 One of 11D travelling by 55D to 50A to see 1D, arriving on 8D, with a gift or something poisonous in the motor? (6) 31 Having airs about them, dishevelled girls can go in for this about now. But boys can, too! (5-7) 32 Risking the removal of the outer circle to make progress on 21 Across. (3) 33 According to the rhyme, this is the sort of man that the chap in 5 down met. (3) 39 Chatterley’s beginning is not as bulky - and not quite as filthy either! (7) 41 After the conflict, managed relations with guarantees of success. (10) 43 Crafts glasses. (9) 44 Capuchin crazy man coming out of the shell? (6, 3) 45 After First of December, two singers join you and me to make a sort of tree. (9) 48 Be hairy ’til change set in? Now that’s funny! (8) 51 Make serial about the crib? (6) 55 Arrived and left. How beastly! (5) 56 Though possibly quite rich, especially at this time, it’s still under 54
Across! (4) 57 The drummer’s contribution to the record is what makes it a hit. (4)
Due to errors with both of our crosswords last month, there are no winners of Bogman 55 and Connemara Crossword 62 as they were voided. Our sincere apologies for any confusion caused!
Page 26
December 2009
What Do You Know? Quiz 15
No winner of Quiz 14, prize money is now €20. Entertainment: What 71-year-old actor celebrated his Oscar win by doing a set of One-handed push-ups on stage? Food & Drink: What was the first frozen food available in Britain? General Knowledge: The author of the first known full-length novel, written in the 11th century, was from where? History: Who was the first person to print the New Testament in English? Literature:In what year did the famous French novel Madame Bovary first appear in book form? Local Interest:In what year did a two metre high tsunami caused by an earthquake in Lisbon hit the coast of Galway city? Music:Which group was once known as Frantic Elevators? Nature:What metal is extracted from sea water? Politics: Which Irish Supreme Court Judge resigned in 1999 as a result of the ‘Sheedy Affair’? Science: The venom of which sea-dwelling creature is the most deadly in the animal kingdom? Sports: In darts, what is the lowest possible score to constitute a ‘High Ton’? Geography : How much of the earth’s fresh water is locked up in the great ice cap, glaciers and ice shelves of Antarctica? November Quiz answers
Entertainment: Which horror movie was made into a musical that was deemed so bad its name appears in the title of a book about bad musicals? Answer: Carrie, the book was titled Not Since Carrie : Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops by Ken Mendelbaum http://www. funtrivia.com/askft/Question52041.html Food: Which is the world’s most popular green vegetable? Answer: Lettuce. http://www.quizu. co.uk/quiztpl1.htm?selSport=qinc0159.js&s elInTheNews=qinc0187.&selTransport=qin c0174.js&selFood=qinc0104.js& General Knowledge: In which country is a ‘gamelan orchestra’ most commonly found? Answer: Indonesia http://www.cycnet. com/englishcorner/exam/knowledge. htm#advanced History: Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was first performed at the consecration of which English Cathedral in 1962? Answer: Coventry; http://www.paulsquiz.com/free_quiz_questions/history_quizzes/1960s_Quiz_4/ Literature: Which sister has an uncontrollable cough in the beginning of the novel “Pride and Prejudice”? Answer: Katherine. http://www.123facts.com/quiz_results. php?quizid=2501 Local Interest: When was Clifden Courthouse built? Answer: 1830. http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/paperstoday/index. php?action=view&id=5582 Music: In which Gilbert and Sullivan opera does Casilda appear? Answer: The Gondoliers. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1.htm? Music=qinc0155.js&quizinc=qinc0155.js Nature: Which type of winged insect has been in existence the longest? Answer: Dragonfly. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1.html Politics: Northern Ireland Assembly members are referred to as MLAs (Member of the Legislative Assembly). This term was originally used in which country? Answer: Canada. http://www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz. cfm?quiz=88845 Science: Which temperature has the same value in both centigrade and fahrenheit? Answer: -40. http://www.quiz-zone.co.uk/ quizrounds/011007science/answers.html Sports: In what year did an Australian tennis player win all four Grand Slam tournaments and what is his name? Answer: 1969, Rod Laver. http://www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz. cfm?passthrough=qid:303580 Geography: What is the only ‘living’ organism that can be viewed from space? Answer: The Great Barrier Reef. http://www.funtrivia.com/ submitquiz.cfm?passthrough=qid:210715
Connemara View Newspaper
November GMIT Graduations
Little and Large: Eve Conneely of Moyard (left) took the opportunity to share a hug with Fluff the All Ireland Champion Bullock when they crossed paths at the Crossmolina Show earlier this year! Photo courtesy of Gerry Lenehan Mature Student Wins Award: Geraldine Galand of Clifden (right), a winner of the Undergraduate Awards of Ireland, was recently presented with a gold medal from President Mary McAleese at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. Geraldine was one of 33 outstanding undergraduates chosen from over 1,500 applicants. She is studying for a degree in Nursing and Midwifery at NUI Galway. In her essay, Geraldine was asked to define nursing and discuss what she considered to be the key components of nursing care. Photo courtesy of Maureen Maloney
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Photos left to right: Fergus Richard Gillespie of Oughterard was awarded with a BA in Personnel Management. Pictured here with Ann Marie Gillespie and parents Mary and Paddy Gillespie. Tracey O’ Malley of Mannin, Ballyconneely was conferred with a BA Degree in Fine Art. She is pictured here with her sister Lorna. Martin O’ Malley of Mannin, Ballyconneely was conferred with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Construction Management and is pictured here with his parents Margaret and Martin. Roisin Ni Chatháin from Gowla, Cashel was awarded a BSC in Architectural technology. Máire Ní Éinniú from Carna was awarded a Bachelor of Business Hons. Mary Kelly, from Oughterard was awarded a Bachelor of Business in Administration and Information Systems. Susan Horan of Oughterard was conferred with a BA in Arts and Design. Serena Butler and Breda Clancy from Oughterard were awarded Bachelors of Business, Hons in Accounting. Sinead Mullen of Clifden was awarded a BA Hons. in Hotel and Catering Management. She is pictured here with her mother Cllr. Eileen Mannion, grandparents Mary and Paddy Mannion and family friend Charlie Sinnott. Aisling O’Reilly from Oughterard was awarded a Bachelor of Business Hons. Twins Amanda and Lorraine Ní Loideáin from An Cheathru Rua were awarded with Baitsiléir Ealaíon í nGnó & Cumarsáid. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick and Margaret O’Malley
Page 27
DECEMBER Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Keep your dreams alive and continue to strive for the things that you want from life. Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) You are following the right path at this time for you so make sure you stay on this path. Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) This month you need to do something that will challenge you in all the right waysreach for the stars. Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) Celebrate the good thing that has happened for your friend and do not be jealous about it. Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) After everything that you have accomplished so far this year, take some time to consider what you want from the future. Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) When there is just no right or wrong in a situation you need to trust your instincts to tell you what to do. Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) In this month of giving do not worry about what you will be gettingfocus on what you will be giving. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Make sure to keep family the focus of this month, in whatever form that family means to you. Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) Happy Birthday! You are the light in the darkness this month, so shine and bring that light to all who are around you. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) Some necessary changes will occur this month so be ready for anything and handle it as it arises. Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) Consider your next move before jumping the gun and doing the wrong thing. Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) A split decision will present itself this month. Do not think, make the choice straight away and go with your gut. The 7 of Swords in the past reminds you that something sneaky was going on and you were involved somehow. Now you have the opportunity to experience Love as a result, so make the best of what has come of it. The 8 of Pentacles warns you that there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to achieve what you want.
Tarot
runes
The action is to find the true you- that is, the person that exists within yourself, not the person that you portray yourself as. The challenge comes from not accepting the realization in the way you think it should happen, but rather let it reveal itself in its own way. Harvest lets us know that this will be a one year cycle and to stay committed to the outcome throughout that year. “Growth Can Not Be Hastened”
December DVD Releases Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen: Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. Stars: Shia le Beouf and Megan Fox. Inglorious Basterds: In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. A return to form for maverick director Quentin Tarantino.Stars: Brad Pitt & Diane Kruger. The Hangover: A Las Vegasset comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken
Page 28
misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him. Stars: Bradley Cooper & Ed Helms. Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince: As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously “This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past. Stars: Daniel Radcliffe & Emma Watson. District 9: From producer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) comes a startlingly original science fiction thriller with stunning special effects and gritty realism. The film plunges us into a world where the aliens have landed... only to be exiled to a slum on the fringes of Johannesburg. Now, one lone human discovers the mysterious secret of the extraterrestrial weapon technology. Hunted and hounded through the bizarre back alleys of an alien shanty town, he will discover what it means to be the ultimate outsider on your own planet. Stars: Sharlto Copley, David James.
The shortest day of the year is Sunday December 21st. This is the Winter Solstice, when the Sun reaches its most southerly point in the sky. The Moon is Full on Wednesday December 2nd, when it appears in the constellation of Taurus. At this phase, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the north-east at sunset, rides high in the southern sky throughout the long winter night and sets in the northwest at sunrise the following morning. During the following week, it rises much later every evening, but it continues to set in the late morning. The Moon is New at 12:02 on Wednesday 16th. The new crescent could be visible, low in the south-west at sunset, any afternoon from Saturday 19th onwards. After this, as the Moon waxes, it stays up later every evening. Full Moon occurs again at 19:13 on Thursday December 31st in Gemini. Once again, the Moon rises at sunset and shines all through the night. On this occasion, the Moon is almost exactly opposite to the Sun, so it passes through the edge of the Earth’s shadow and we have a partial eclipse of the Moon. But even at maximum eclipse, at 19:22, only a tiny part at the lower edge of the Moon’s disc will be darkened. Mercury is at its greatest distance east of the Sun on December 18th. At best, it’s setting less than two hours after the Sun sets, but it may just be possible to glimpse this elusive little planet. For a few days around December 22nd, try looking to the south-west immediately after sunset. Mercury will be very low down, far to the lower right of Jupiter; it will look like a tiny spark of light in the glow of sunset. By the end of the month, Mercury will be lost in the Sun’s glare again. It passes almost directly in front of the Sun on January 4th. Venus: At the start of December, Venus rises in the south-east just an hour before the Sun; it may be visible very low in the dawn sky. Venus, the “Morning Star”, is extremely bright, but nevertheless it will be hard to pick out. As the month progresses, Venus rises later every day. By the end of December we will certainly have lost sight of it. Mars is rising in the north-east around 8pm, and it’s high in the southern sky in the early hours of the morning. Relative to the stars, Mars is at first moving slowly eastwards from Cancer into Leo, but then it slows down and starts to move northwestwards, as the faster-moving Earth overtakes it. Mars is above Regulus, the brightest star in Leo and it’s well to the left of the bright star Procyon, in Canis Minor. Mars itself looks star-like, but significantly brighter than either of those two stars, and much more orange in colour. On the evening of Sunday December 6th, the waning gibbous Moon will appear to the lower right of Mars, about five degrees away. As the night goes by, the Moon will pass directly below Mars. Jupiter is in the south at dusk, less than 20 degrees above the horizon; it sets in the south-west around 9pm, just as Mars is rising in the north-east. Relative to the stars, Jupiter is moving slowly north-eastwards in the constellation of Capricornus but the giant planet appears
December 2009
significantly brighter than Mars or any of the stars. In the telescope, the disc of Jupiter shrinks this month from 37 to 35 arc-seconds in diameter, but its dark and light cloud-bands should still be visible. The Great Red Spot usually appears as a hollow in the southern edge of the south equatorial belt; it is likeliest to be seen if it is near the centre of Jupiter’s disc when the planet is in the south, for example on the evenings of December 4th, 6th, 11th, 23rd and 30th. Some of Jupiter’s four major moons may be seen, even in binoculars, as tiny points of light, in a near-straight line to either side of the planet. Often only two or three may be visible – either because one is hiding behind the planet, or occasionally because one moon is hiding behind another moon, or in another moon’s shadow. On the evening of Monday December 21st, our own crescent Moon will appear just above Jupiter; the two objects will be about 4 degrees apart. Saturn is rising in the east around 1 am, and it’s well up in the southern sky by dawn. It’s moving very slowly south-eastwards in Virgo. Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, is to the lower left of Saturn; Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, is to its upper right, with the brighter planet Mars beyond it. Saturn appears similar in brightness to Spica and Regulus, but it’s more creamyyellow in colour, and shines with a steadier light. In a telescope, the disc of Saturn appears 17 arc-seconds across, and the famous rings form a narrow oval, 40 arcseconds wide and only 3 arc-second high. Many of Saturn’s moons can also be seen in the telescope. The largest and brightest is Titan, which will be close to the north of the planet around December 1st and 17th, 170 arc-seconds east of the planet around the 5th and 21st, close to the south of it around the 9th and 25th, and 170 arcseconds west of it around the 13th and 29th. At dawn on Thursday December 10th, our own waning Moon will appear to be directly above Saturn; the two objects will be 8 degrees apart. Meteors: One of the most reliable meteorshowers of the year is the Geminid shower, which occurs every December. Geminid meteors may be seen any time between December 7th and 16th. Their radiant point is close to the bright star Castor in Gemini, so it’s in the sky throughout the hours of darkness, though the best meteor numbers are usually seen after midnight. The peak this year is expected in the early morning of Monday 14th – we might expect to see one meteor every couple of minutes, if the sky is clear. There will be no interference from moonlight this year. The first week of January brings another good shower, the Quadrantids. The 2010 peak is expected on the evening of Sunday January 3rd, so it could be useful to look for them in the early hours of either Sunday or Monday morning. The radiant point for this shower is in the now-disused constellation of Quadrans Muralis, between the bright star Vega and the “handle” of the Plough. If conditions are good, we might hope to see one Quadrantid every couple of minutes, but this year the light of the just-past-full Moon will drown out all but the brightest meteors. John Claro
Connemara View Newspaper
Keeping Some Feathered Friends Something that many people already enjoy and growing numbers are starting to realise is the hobby of keeping a few chickens, both for enjoyment and the benefit of free-range home laid eggs. Many people in Connemara may have had chickens in the family home growing up, or known people who kept them, but in general people no longer need to keep fowl for food sources as we have become so dependent on supermarkets. However as is often the way, now that we no longer necessarily need them, we are returning to wanting them. In a recent group conversation I realised that 4 out of the 10 people present were keeping chickens, a higher number than I would have thought, and this signalled to me the recently increased interest in it as a hobby. What does it involve? The great thing about keeping chickens is that practically anyone can do it. They don’t necessarily need a huge amount of space-smaller breeds are happy in quite compact houses and runs and they are not complicated creatures. Of course, there are many facets of keeping poultry and most existing owners and breeders will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with beginners. A great way to start is to either ask someone you know who already has chickens, or check out some of the Irish poultry websites, which offer comprehensive advice on different breeds, sales around the country, advice on situations and breeding and much more. My family household has always kept poultry and waterfowl so I would have some experience, but it’s always interesting to learn more on a subject that entertains and amuses you, and I have certainly found this to be the case in the last year. By reading through these websites and joining some of the discussions and forums I have greatly expanded my interest and knowledge of how to get the most out of a small flock of birds. Why Now? The reason for writing this article in the depths of winter, when chicks are not generally available to buy, is to prepare the prospective poultry keeper for the Spring, so you can have time to prepare a roost or housing for them and consider and source the kinds of chickens you would like to keep. From experience, I know that out here in the
west it can be more difficult to find pedigree breeds and often requires a trip to other parts of the country. Agricultural fairs and market days will often attract breeders with some stock for sale, often mixed breeds-the standard large red hen is usually a hybrid, bred for laying and general all round suitability to any environment. These are fine to begin with, as long as they are healthy, and will likely provide a good supply of eggs and ease of care. In a later article I will outline some more popular breeds and their characteristics; the accompanying photos show the breeds I am currently keeping: Welsomers, Barred Plymouth Rocks and White Leghorns. Their New Home! Chickens are best kept in a roost or ‘arks’ which can be made or bought. The roost should be in a sheltered place to avoid drafts but also with good light. The larger the breed, the more space they will need; smaller arks are fine for bantams or small breeds and are particularly useful for keeping breeding pairs or trios together. Wood is the
Connemara View Newspaper
best material for a roost, with a concrete floor if possible. Remember that you will have to clean it regularly, so it should be easy to get in and out of for this purpose. The henhouse should be well insulated against draughts but still have good air circulation and air vents should be considered too. The best litter is wood shavings, clean dry sand or straw; hay is less suitable as it builds up when dirty and doesn’t last long. Hens need to roost, so a perch is very important. They will huddle together in groups after dark so make sure there is enough room for each bird to perch. If there is more than one perch in a house make sure they are not directly above or under each other to avoid droppings from above and for groups to stick together-there is a strong pecking order apparent in any group of chickens that you will notice quickly. While keeping out draughts is important, chickens are well able for the cold we experience here so heating a roost is not necessary-in fact it would be detrimental to the chickens. As long as they can roost out of the wind in dry conditions they will be fine; if they had to leave a warm house and go out into the cold in the morning they would almost certainly catch cold and get ill. Bear in mind too that chickens will occasionally need veterinary advice or care as with any other domestic animal but the cost is generally quite low. Roaming or restrained? Whether or not to keep your chickens in a pen or ranging free is a personal choice. I like to let mine roam about as much as possible, at least a couple of hours most days both for food and freedom, and they enjoy it too! A household where there is somebody about for most of the day to keep an eye on things should certainly let the birds out but it will take time to get used to keeping an eye on them. Laying or broody hens will often disappear to well hidden nests too if not watched closely and can be extremely difficult to find! On the other hand a decent size pen with refilling feeders and water drinkers is a great thing to have in place if you will be away for a couple of days or nights, but as with any live creatures they will need to be checked on daily. New arrivals should be kept in for the first few days in order to acclimatise to their new coop and supervised closely when let out the first few times. They will usually stay close to their house and expand their range as time goes by. If you are adding to an existing flock, always introduce the new birds under cover of darkness when the other birds are roosting-this is their best chance of fitting into the pecking order quickly. Security Considerations Of course attacks and raids from foxes, the dreaded mink, dogs and more are something you need to be vigilant for, and they are sadly unavoidable at some point when keeping poultry. Make sure their house is absolutely impenetrable at night; mink can get in through very small spaces and decimate a whole flock in minutes. However by preparing the coop well in advance you can do your best job with it and have a comfortable environment to begin keeping your chickens in.
December 2009
So if keeping chickens is something you would like to try out or return to, have a look around your house and land, choose the best spot and start planning a roost or ark. Existing sheds or outbuildings can of course be adapted, but be realistic about the scale of what you intend to undertake, and if in doubt, do a little bit of research online. A couple of websites I use quite regularly which contain a lot of reliable guidelines and advice as well as breeders and lists of birds for sale are www.irishfowl.com and www.poultry.ie. In the Spring I will outline some of the different breeds and their attributes, but in the meantime, considering getting on the chickenkeeping bandwagon, it is hugely enjoyable and once you start collecting and enjoying your own eggs, you will find it hard to enjoy the ones you buy from the supermarket in the same way! Catherine Pryce Pictured from top: White Leghorn Hen, Barred Plymouth Rock Pullet; a mix of Welsomers and Plymouth Rocks.
Page 29
This month and next month are about the only months when the garden is pretty much asleep with very little growth. But don’t be fooled, there is always something stirring somewhere in the garden and if the weather is kind, it is a good time to work outdoors. A good tidy up is called for; most of the leaves will have fallen by now, and you should have them bagged for compost. I read a piece on this subject in one of the national papers recently- the writer was full of praise for the practice and suggested that it was a very important task. It is also time to tidy up herbaceous borders, cutting back dead or dying vegetation, cleaning away any weeds, and if you can, give a top dressing of good compost to flowers and shrubs. I find this type of work very satisfying, as once you finish it stays tidy for a long time, at least until the spring begins once again. The last of the spring flowering bulbs should be planted, but if you come across a packet or two, don’t worry; plant them where you want them to grow, or else sow them in pots. They will give a great display fairly soon and will reward you for the effort that you put in. It is still fine to plant trees and shrubs, as long as the ground is not very cold or waterlogged. If you find that the ground becomes waterlogged on a regular basis, I wouldn’t recommend that you plant trees there, unless they are moisture loving, such as willow. At this time of the year it is also a good practice to check all fairly new trees and shrubs, especially ones planted in exposed sites for wind damage and root rock. Wind rock is a particular problem as it can allow too much water in around the base of the tree, leading to rot and disease. I either firm the soil back around the stem or fill the hole
with more soil, making sure that I firm it well. Keep a close eye on that plant, as they tend to be susceptible to the wind. It might be worth putting some meshing around the plant, allowing it time to re-establish itself. Winter Flowers and Plants There are a good many flowers which will do well at this time of the year; the most obvious are the winter pansies and primulas, which brighten up so many containers. But there are also a good many shrubs which are great at this time, most obviously, Jasminum uniform, or winter jasmine. (Photo below) The lovely slightly scented flowers are such a treat and the flowers are also good for flower arranging. This shrub should be pruned well in spring after it has finished flowering. Schizostylis coccinea, or Kaffir Lily, (photo below) should still be flowering; this long lasting flower gives great colour for many months in the winter. Two slightly more unusual winter flowering shrubs are Lonicera fragrantissima, (photo right) and Lonicera standishii. They are members of the honeysuckle family and once established will flower for months on end. They have creamy, highly scented flowers. They may be a little difficult to find but it is worth looking for them. Of course there are the ever popular Viburnums, especially tinus, which has wonderful scented flowers, but even better scent comes from Viburnum x bodnantense, which has flowers on bare stems. There is also a good selection of winter flowering heathers. Indoor plants for the most
part are in a dormant state, and need very little watering. I find the main thing to watch out for is that they don’t dry out completely, although a good drop of water usually revives them fairly quickly. Still, I doubt that it is good for them to be shocked like this. I tend to give my houseplants a small amount of water on a fairly regular basis and this seems to keep everyone happy. Low Maintenance Dramatic Plants I have been asked to suggest some easy to grow, low maintenance but dramatic plants which would be suitable for a deck area. Obviously this means pots or containers but don’t limit yourself to the obvious. It is no harm to use something like a basket, be that big or small. Line the inside with plastic and fill the bottom with stones to give drainage; a few holes poked in the plastic will stop the container becoming waterlogged. Fill the basket with a good compost/soil mix and then plan your planting. Be aware that the baskets will not last as long as terracotta or plastic; you can and should also include some of these to give variety. As you are only going to be a able to have a few containers, you need maximum drama. Evergreen plants work best. A couple of different phormiums or New Zealand flax can make a statement. They come in a variety of colours so pick ones to suit yourself. These will stay relatively small when grown in containers. Osmanthus heterophyllus is like a small variegated holly, but the leaves are soft and it has small white flowers which are scented. Some of the variegated hollies also make great pot plants. There is also a wide range of grasses which give great colour and form. With these shrubs, plant bulbs for spring colour, a few herbaceous plants, maybe something from the geranium family, or aquilegia which give height and great colour, lots of summer bedding and
Restaurant Review
Winter Feasts at Off The Square Off The Square Restaurant on Main St. Clifden has now launched their newly re-opened service with original owners PJ and Maureen Heffernan at the helm and Rory O’ Toole taking care of front of house. The extensive menu features the very best of locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables so we took ourselves along on the opening night on November 13th, eager to sample the extremely promising new menu. Ellen McDonough and myself were invited to the opening night. We began with a halved ripe avocado stuffed with succulent tasty Cleggan crab meat gratin and some freshly steamed mussels in a thrillingly flavourful but light cream and white wine sauce, both of which were very generous portion sizes. While the starters may seem like staples here in the West, we both agreed that that the flavour of the seafood was the real deal and not smothered or disguised in heavy sauces or dressings to overcompensate for the loss of flavour that usually results from frozen shellfish. The balance between the fresh core seafood produce and the accompanying complementary flavours was spot on. This was followed by a mouth-watering hefty lobster plucked from the tank and a perfectly cooked tender rack of Connemara lamb, all accompanied by fresh and tasty vegetables and potatoes. We just about had room for one of Maureen’s delicious homemade desserts, rounding off a truly satisfying and delicious meal. Rory recommended a perfect red
Page 30
December 2009
then winter bedding. These ensure that you have colour all year round. There are also lots of roses which are suitable for containers. Maintenance is fairly easy. There will be almost no weeding, and watering will be fairly simple as well. An odd feed during the summer months should keep the plants looking good. Christmas Gifts for Gardeners This is also the time of the year for giving and receiving and now is the time to start dropping hints about what you would like. There is a huge selection of gifts suitable for a gardener available in the area. Books are always welcome, there are a whole slew of how to, or expert books, which look at the nitty gritty of gardening, and then there are the glossy ones, the so called coffee table books. These are my favourites as they are often expensive and therefore not on my usual list. But they are exciting as they open a world of the exotic, the almost impossible. They show us how the other half live or at least lived. Even though they are beyond our skills or climate or whatever, there is often something within which we can try ourselves. Garden tools are also very useful. There are some very handy ones, which can make life much easier. For some of these you will definitely have to drop hints, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say! Trees, shrubs, and plants are also most welcome, again you will have to give some help in this one as you don’t want the same tree twice, or some shrub that you can’t stand. Of course it is always possible to get gift vouchers and most shops and garden centres will be happy to provide these for you. And of course there are lots of gifts for our feathered friends. Most gardeners are also bird watchers, or at least lovers, so a present of something for the birds would be good. One last thing, a lot of charities are now offering gifts which help others. Some of these are expensive, but others, like crops, seed, chickens etc, are not that expensive. These will help others get started in farming and gardening and will also help save lives. Have a Happy Christmas and a great New Year and Happy Gardening! Breandan O Scanaill
to wash down the meal with and the cosy open fire atmosphere was added to by a good mix of Clifden locals and a few visitors thrown in for good measure. A winter special 3 course menu for €25 is now on offer including duck spring rolls, deep fried brie, Connemara Lamb shank, fish of the day and more. Off The Square is also offering Christmas party lunch and dinner deals and will create a menu to suit budget per head on consultation. For more information or bookings call 095-22281, open 7 days. Catherine Pryce
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com or phone 095-22888. Connemara View Newspaper
Santa’s Connemara Visits Christmas at the Castle Santa Claus will be making many appearances all over Connemara in the run up to Christmas. Here are some of the venues where children can get to meet him:
SuperValu Clifden Santa will be in SuperValu Clifden on the following dates from 11am-4pm from Thursday to Saturday on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th and 19th of December. There will be gifts for all children and the cost is €5 per child, with the optional extra of having a photo with Santa. Two hours free parking and the public toilets are also available.
Brigit’s Garden, Roscahill ‘Santa’s Christmas Magic’ at Brigit’s Garden in Roscahill runs on the 12/13th and 19/20th of December with two shows each day at 3pm and 5.30 pm. In this interactive entertainment of music, stories and candlelight, Santa’s elves conjure the essence of Christmas with merriment, music and wonder to delight all ages and create a special welcome for Santa’s much-anticipated arrival. The highlight of the evening is Santa’s magical ceremony for lighting the Christmas tree with the help of the children and their parents. The show is suitable for ages 4-8. Tickets are €10 for adults/children & €38 for a family of four, including refreshments. Seats are limited and can be booked by phoning 091-550-905.
Claddaghduff Christmas Fair Santa will be making a visit to the Claddaghduff Community Hall as part of the Christmas Fair on Sunday December 13th when he will arrive at approximately 2:15pm. He will be entertained by some Sean Nós dancing from the children and all kids will get to have their photo taken with Santa.
King’s Paper Shop Santa will be appearing at King’s Paper Shop Clifden on Sunday December 20th and there will be a free gift for every child as well as many in store discounts and offers on the day.
Peacockes Maam Cross Santa will be visiting Peacockes Hotel, Maam Cross on the 12th & 13th of December from 1-5pm where he will take residence in the ‘Quiet Man Cottage’ located to the front of the Hotel. Children are encouraged to bring a small gift to donate to Santa to help the Galway St. Vincent De Paul this Christmas. Toys must be of good quality & Santa is particularly looking for toys for the older age group 10 – 12 years. Admittance is €5 per child which includes a gift. There will also be a Christmas Craft Fair in the Hotel on these days also between the hours of 12-6pm displaying all gift ideas for Christmas and offering mulled wine and mince pies for adults.
Roundstone Community Hall Santa is coming to Roundstone again this year arriving at the Community Hall on Sunday December 13th around 1.30pm. Adults enter free with the charge for children being €5 per child. This includes a Santa visit with present (if you are good!) and there will also be fun and games with bouncy castle, kids disco, free sweets and crisps and a surprise visit from a mystery guest! There will be also a raffle with tickets on sale in the hall.
Connemara View Newspaper
This story is from a series by Breandan O Scanaill, looking at life in Connemara during the early part of the 19th century. It is told as a series of letters, from a young woman, living near Leenane, to her brother, possibly a soldier, living in England. They are completely fictional, but the situations are based on fact, and using sources connected to Connemara, or from otherplaces from that time. Dearest Brother, We have just returned home from a wonderful Christmas party given by Mr D’Arcy of Clifden Castle. It was an absolutely splendid affair and went on for fully two days. Our arrival was most pleasant, the weather had been cold but dry and there was little or no wind as father sailed us into the bay and we tied up at the recently completed harbour. A carriage was waiting and we were transported to the castle. As we came around the bend of the avenue we could see that each window was lighted by a tall red candle, a custom of the local people which Mrs D’Arcy insisted on adapting for her home. This gave a sense of warmth to the building even before you arrived in front of the main door. The first impression on entering the hallway was of walking into a fairy hall. Green boughs were standing in various locations and these were trimmed with bows of red and gold. I had never seen anything like this before and the effect was wonderful. Tall candles were placed in sconces on all available tables and the light from these was reflected from the various looking glasses on the walls. The mantle deserves special mention as it was decorated with pine cones and greenery and set off with more candles. A roaring fire added to the cheer. After we had changed we assembled in the drawing room. Once again this room impressed me very much; it was decorated in a simpler manner than the hall, but the greenery, cones and candles all added their special appeal. We were served mulled wine and hot punch which was very welcome. The party was relatively small on this evening with only Dr and Mrs Irwin, The Blakes of Bunowen and ourselves. The dining room was again wonderful with baskets of frosted fruits forming the table centre and these reflected the light from the fire and the candles. The meal was delicious and was followed by games of cards and singing around the piano in the drawing room. Next morning we had a private service in the chapel. The rector came from the town and spoke most eloquently on the meaning of this happy feast and how we should respond to the words written in the gospel. His sister Elizabeth played the harmonium and we all joined in the traditional carols. During the remainder of the morning and afternoon we spent in outdoor pursuits, walking along the cliff path and playing ‘hunt the hare’. Mrs Livingston had set out a very difficult course for us younger people to follow but eventually we discovered all the hares and returned to the castle for tea. That evening we dressed carefully and gathered in the hall where Mr and Mrs D’Arcy presided from two huge armchairs placed each side of the fire. Under the largest of the branches were placed beautifully wrapped packages. After everyone was assembled and had been handed a warming drink these packages were handed out. Each person received a small gift, a token but so thoughtful. I was given a small sketchpad and some pencils. A loud knocking at the door startled us all but the D’Arcys were expecting this, and they moved to open it and showed us the children of the estate gathered in front of the door. These sang out a merry song and were rewarded by Mr D’Arcy who opened a large sack which had been placed beside the door. Small gifts, less gaily wrapped but still beautiful were handed to each child. After another song they departed. Mamma was most impressed by this Christian gesture and as soon as she could went to our host to tell him so.
December 2009
Dinner was another sparkling occasion, the room had been transformed; white muslin covered the walls and wreaths and swags of greenery took the place of the pictures. The candelabra was also wreathed in ivy with pine cones giving it a very natural look. Afterwards we played cards and party games and following these we danced to a small orchestra. It was the very early hours of the morning when we finally got to bed. The return home was again in calm weather and now we are returning to our normal lives. Breandan O’Scanaill
Christmas Long Ago Remembering Christmases long ago, brings memories to my mind, Of a time when people were humble and poor, But also so simple and kind. They laboured, prepared for weeks on end, For this special night to shine, As they decorated up their homes, For midnight so divine. The festival it started on the night of Christmas Eve; With the family all together, No one dared to leave. The cake was cut and shared around as supper got underway, As the flame from the blessed candle replaced the light of day. With holly and ivy everywhere adorning the walls around, It framed the pictures on the walls From ceiling to ground. The home made crib was perched on high on the kitchen window small, And the scene was set, as the prayers were said For the neighbours one and all. At night that scene was magical from Gortacornaun Hill, Looking down the valley, so peaceful and still. As the candles twinkled merrily In the cottage windows bright. I’ll never forget that vision, or that far off Christmas night. For the true message of Christmas, It was portrayed before my eyes. In the eerie stillness all around That I witnessed in surprise. It seemed as though the world stood still, on that very special night, As it waited for our Saviour’s birth, And all its heavenly light. Michael O’ Connor, Killannin
Festive Jokes Who delivers a cat’s Christmas presents? Santa paws! What do monkeys sing at Christmas time? Jungle Bells, Jungle Bells! What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A Pineapple! What did the big candle say to the small candle? I’m going out tonight! Who is never hungry at Christmas? The turkey-he’s always stuffed! Mum, can I have a dog for Christmas? No, you’ll have the turkey like everyone else! Why is Prancer always wet? Because he’s a rain-deer! Why couldn’t the skeleton go to the Christmas party? He had no body to go with! What did Dracula say at the Christmas party? Fancy a bite? What did one angel say to the other? Halo there! Steven Coohill
Page 31
2009- The Final Kylemore Debs Clockwise from top left: The final Debs year of Kylemore Abbey. Back (l-r): Lea Pecorari, Sarah Walsh, Maud Gibbons, Aoibheann Conneely, Kate Acton. Front (l-r): Jennifer Coyne, Elise Brown, Olivia Joyce, Tara Heffernan and Megan Burke. Sarah Walsh and Aaron Birchmore. Aoibheann Conneely and John Cahill. Megan Burke and Robert Nee. Olivia Joyce and David Black. Tara Heffernan and Tommy Coyne. Elise Brown and Oliver Griffin. Jennifer Coyne and Sean King. Kate Acton and Rory Sweeney. Maud Gibbons and Eoghan Brady. Lea Pecorari and Matthew Kelly. Photos by Frank Dolan Photography
Page 32
December 2009
Connemara View Newspaper
Firearm Licencing Changes
Keeping Warm This Winter
Space Heat from Halogen As the winter brings in the cold nights and the upcoming budget making us think twice about flicking on the central heating switch, it may be a good time to look at alternative heating sources for the home. A Space heater is an appliance that is used to warm an enclosed area such as a room or an office and is common in many homes throughout the country. We are all familiar with the gas and electric heaters found in most Irish homes, but there is now a new type of heater on the market-a halogen heater. A halogen heater is one of the most efficient space heaters available; it uses the same technology as the halogen light bulbs, which we will soon be replacing our old incandescent bulbs with. It is often both lightweight and portable and can be plugged into an electrical source to provide warmth to an enclosed area. The energy efficient halogen elements produce heat which is reflected off objects nearby. It does not heat the air around you like many other space heaters; it heats everything the light ray shines on, much like sunshine. With a halogen heater you can instantly feel the heat as soon as the heater is turned on and there is no warming up time as with previous heaters. A report by The Irish Times stated that the halogen heater they tested cost an average of 5cent per hour and provided three levels of heat (400W/800W/1200W). It is also handy to note that on the ESB website there is an energy efficiency section which contains an appliance calculator, which can estimate how much your home electrical appliances and lights cost to run and lets you compare the cost of using appliances in different ways, for example washing clothes at 40°C versus 60°C or powering a heater at 800W instead of 1200W. Halogen heaters come in various sizes and many models are equipped with a casing that remains cool to the touch, as well as an automatic shut down if the heater is accidentally tipped over. These two features when installed on a model make the heater an ideal source for additional heat when children or pets are in the home. With decreased chances of getting burned or the device tipping over and causing a fire, a halogen heater is not only a green option but also possibly a safer one! Halogen heaters are available locally from various outlets, with prices ranging from €14.99 to €30.00. Sources: halogenheater.net, ESB.ie. Paula Bann
Before I lost my job earlier this year, I got paid monthly. I’m now getting a social welfare payment weekly and find that this is making it more difficult for me to manage my household bills, which come every two months. Is there a way to make more regular payments for my ESB and phone bills? If you are getting your social welfare payment through the post office, you can take part in the Household Budget Scheme. Under the scheme, you choose a fixed amount to be deducted from your payment each week and this goes towards paying your bill from the ESB, Bord Gáis or Eircom. You can also use it for local authority rent or mortgage payments. It is intended to extend the scheme to include other telecom and utility bills. You can take part in the scheme if you are getting Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, Back to Education Allowance or Back to Work Allowance. The scheme is also available to those getting a social welfare pension, a carer’s payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Supplementary Welfare Allowance or Farm Assist. You can choose to have up to a quarter of your social welfare payment deducted. The minimum deduction depends on the type of bill; for Eircom and ESB, the minimum is €3.50. The scheme is operated by An Post. You can get an application form in your local post office or online at www.anpost. ie. You complete this form for each eligible bill you want to pay and send it to the following address: Household Budget Scheme, Freepost, An Post, GPO, Dublin 1. If you want to change the amount you pay each week, you can do so by completing a form with the new amount and returning it to An Post. You can also get further information from An Post online at www.anpost.ie, at the address above or by phone on 1800 70 71 72. If you need help with budgeting and managing your financial situation, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provides free advice. There is useful information on the website, www.mabs.ie, or you can contact the MABS Helpline at 1890 283 438. Many credit unions also provide a similar bill payment system. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 095 22000 & 087 1301100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie. Address: c/o VEC, (above Esso Garage), Galway Road, Clifden. Open: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890 777 121. Clifden CIC will be closed for holidays during week commencing Monday 21st December 2009 & week commencing Monday 28th December 2009.
November Planning Applications 092021 Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd, Aughrus More, 02/11/09. for the construction of a 12 metre high monopole with antenna and transmission dish attached, associated works, equipment, cabinets, fencing and access track for the Governments National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 092024 Davy, Brian, Errisbeg West, 02/11/09 for alterations to single-storey house comprising of two new dormer windows (gross floor space 4sqm) 092034 Dickinson, Marie, Cloon, 04/11/09. for the construction of a new single storey dwelling house, new road entrance and new waste water treatment and raised soil percolation area (gross floor space 185.14sqm) Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd,Maumeen, 18/11/09 for the construction of a 12 metre high slimline shrouded monopole with antenna and transmission dish, associated works, equipment, cabinets, access track and fencing for the Government’s National Broadband Scheme (NBS) Behan, Tom, Aughrus More,19/11/09 for a new roof, windows, sun room, storage room and retention of existing house, garden shed, septic tank and boundaries (gross floor space 33.3sqm) Madden, Stephanie, Knockbrack, 19/11/09 for construction of a dwelling house, garage, septic tank and percolation area (gross floor space 252sqm) McCrann, Ferdia, Clifden, 25/11/09 for alterations to an existing residential dwelling including single storey rear
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
There have been a number of recent calls put through to me for an explanation regarding the new licence or certificate application form, due to an old history of being a shooting instructor. So here is some help with those stickier sections of the current renewal form. Holders of old style certificates will note that this is a much more complex and thorough questionnaire. Having filled out this form myself, the areas where I encountered some difficulty I have explained below. If you are wondering what it is, the ‘PULSE ID’ is the Garda’s IT system for computerised identification of all known relevant individuals. Section 1: Restricted or unrestricted? You may wonder which applies to your firearm. In short, is your firearm any one of the following: A blank firing starter pistol? A shotgun capable of loading no more than three cartridges? An airgun? An air or small bore pistol for use in Olympic shooting? A rifle that isn’t semi or fully automatic, isn’t greater than .308 calibre and isn’t shorter than 90cms? A rimfire rifle that has no fully automatic capability and has a magazine of ten rounds or less? If your answer is yes to any of the above then it is not restricted and you must apply for a Firearm Certificate. Section 3.2: Accessories. Question: Does your firearm have a sight? I’ve never encountered a firearm without a sight or sights, be they bead, spade, leaf or otherwise. A curious question but probably written by an unthinking civil servant. I have to suggest it’s possible that the reference is to a telescopic sight but strictly speaking you should tick the box if you own a firearm. Section 3.5: Firearm Storage. Shotguns. For one shotgun, this must be disassembled and each part stored securely and separate from the other parts when not in use. The ‘parts’ here refer to three parts, namely barrels, fore end and stock. Furthermore, the trigger must have a trigger lock fitted. The Firearm (Secure Accommodation) Order, 2009 does not say that a single unrestricted firearm must be stored in an approved firearm cabinet. More than one shotgun or a restricted firearm must be stored in an approved gun safe which is affixed to a solid structure, BS7558 standard. Two restricted firearms or more than three non restricted firearms must be stored in a safe BS7558 Standard. In addition, an alarm must be fitted and the external doors to your building where the cabinet is located must have locks complying with BS3261 standard. If there are three or more Restricted Firearms or six or more firearms of any type in addition to the safe there must be an intruder alarm fitted by an approved licensed individual or company, complying with I.S. EN 50131 or an equivalent standard approved by the Garda Siochana. There is more….talk to the Gardai. Section 4.1 Ammunition: The maximum number of rounds permitted may vary but shotgun ammunition is most frequently purchased by the case of 250. It would seem illogical to restrict the number of rounds per firearm to a number lower than this. All clay pigeon enthusiasts will regularly use this number and more in one day’s sport. Section 5.1. Wildlife Act Requirements. Exempted wild mammals are those protected species where a hunting license is required, such as deer and pheasant. These licenses are obtainable from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The other sections of the form make easier reading and require little explanation. However, in Section 2.1, why the authorities should wish to obtain a list of all our places of residence throughout our lives is not explained, but when enquiring I was told to give the principal places of residence during my life. Perhaps this was aimed more towards the first time applicant. If you still have questions relating to this form then I know your local Gardai are very willing to explain the process and help you fill the form out. Shane Bisgood extension, new roof windows, new front boundary wall, on-site parking area and associated site works (gross floor space 22sqm) O’Donnell, John & Monica, Dawros Lower, 26/11/09 to construct serviced extensions and alterations to dwelling house (gross floor space 61.5sqm). Source: www.galway.ie
Page 33
Clifden Comhaltas Debut The first open meeting of the Clifden Comhaltas was held on Friday November 20th in Mannions Bar, Clifden. There was a wonderful turn out and the meeting was followed by a lively Youth Session in the bar. A Senior Session followed and there was much music, dancing and singing with some of the finest musicians in the area who all gave freely of their time and enthusiasm to make it a great night. A joint fundraising effort which took place at Hehir’s Shopping Evening and later at the Comhaltas session raised over €750 for the Enda Walker Benefit Fund and all contributions were hugely appreciated by the fundraising team who were delighted by the generosity of all who donated. The Comhaltas Christmas Session will be held in The Central Bar in Clifden on Wed December 23rd Dec at 8.30pm and all are welcome. The Clifden Comhaltas Branch offers Junior Membership from €6pa; Senior Membership at €12pa and Family Membership at €20pa. For any further details, please contact Marie Walsh on 086-401-5342, Michele Hehir on 087-232-2451 or oin us on Facebook ‘Clifden Comhaltas’. Pictured below: At the Clifden Comhaltas open session on Friday November 20th were (l-r): Yves Pitorre, Eamon McLoughlin, Fiachra O’ Regan, Sophie Lavoie, Eileen O’ Malley, Marie Walsh, Kevin Barry and John Gerard Walsh.
Page 34
December 2009
New Sculpture in Letterfrack
A new sculpture by Alannah Robbins now graces the wall by the front door of Letterfrack National School as a specially commissioned piece marking 25 years of the Conamara Environmental Education & Cultural Centre. Alannah took inspiration for the piece from Oscar Wilde’s children’s story ‘The Selfish Giant’ and the children also created an exhibition xhibition of art based on their responses and reactions to the beautiful new work. The official launch of Alannah Robbins Sculpture piece and the exhibition of children’s art at will take place on Monday December 14th at 7pm at Letterfrack School and all are welcome to come and see these great works of art and join in the celebrations.
Award for Olivia
Olivia Corbett-Joyce of Clifden was recently awarded a Bronze Medal in Singing by the Royal Irish Academy of Music and was selected by the Academy for a Higher Achiever Award for Outstanding Performance. Olivia comes from a very musical background as her mother Mary and sister Stephanie are also well known accomplished singers. Photo: Olivia is with her singing coach Sr. Karol O’ Connell OSB outside Kylemore Abbey.
Connemara ArtsView
Clifden Writer’s Christmas
Clifden Writer’s Group will hold an open event of readings interspersed with music at Foyle’s Hotel, Clifden on December 30th from 4.30pm to 6pm. Themes will include a retrospective look at different perspectives of the decade now almost gone by-‘the noughties’, midwinter and the turn in the year. All are welcome to attend for what promises to be a stimulating, thought provoking and enjoyable gathering and join us for a glass of mulled wine in the bar afterwards.
Scrooge In Clifden!
This year’s offering from the multi talented cast of Ceol Theatre is the truly festive Christmas classic ‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’ which will see many local children and adults take to the stage once more for this eagerly anticipated event. It will take place at The Station House Theatre at the following times and dates: Thurs. Dec. 17th at 8pm, Sat. 19th Matinee at 1pm, Sun. 20th at 8pm, Sun. 27th at 8pm, Mon. 28th at 8pm and Weds. 30th at 8pm. Entry is €10 for adults and €5 for children under 12 and OAP’s.
Musical Review Night The next Ceol Theatre musical review show will be on Friday December 4th in the Station House Theatre at 8pm with a Christmas theme. €5 at the door. If you would like to be a part of this show or any of Ceol Theatre’s productions contact John on 087-750-4697.
Clifden Arts Society
The next concert from the Clifden Arts Society will take place on Saturday 23rd January and will take place in the Station House Theatre. It will be part of a Music Network Traditional Music Tour. The concert features Susan McKeown on vocals, Paddy O’Brien on accordion, Cillian Vallely on uileann pipes and guitarist Aidan Brennan. These four musicians are based in the United States, where they perform with various groups as well as solo. It was while teaching at the Swannanoa Gathering at the Warren Wilson College, in North Carolina, that they came up with the idea for this tour. The concert will start at 8 pm and tickets will be available at the door.
Books for Christmas
As Christmas is fast approaching there is no better time to browse the bookshelves and discover the wealth of choice and titles that are currently available. The Festive Season usually coincides with the launch of new titles in most genres. This year more than previous years, the avid reader or indeed a reader starting out on a literary journey has so many delights in store and for some it will be the start of a love affair with the world of books and the riches that lie within the covers. Retreat from the dreariness of a wet dull winter afternoon or evening by immersing yourself temporarily in another space and surround yourself with a diverse range of characters, places and excitement. The choices are many and the following suggestions will hopefully result in many pleasant hours for the recipient of any one of these potential gifts.
Local Interest-New Titles Connemara: Legend and Landscape’ by Hugh McElveen “I am the sum total of my ancestor’s existence” is a quotation stemming from a Maori leader, which the author uses to good effect to give a sense of place and belonging in this part of the world which most of us readers call home. This beautiful book encom-
Connemara ArtsView
passes a series of articles and stunning photography which differs greatly from other Connemara books. His chapters range from Christianity and Invasion through to the Age of Science and Secularity. These titles may seem somewhat weighty, but rest assured that the chapters are quite short, easily digested and accompanied by pertinent photographs. Mr. McElveen has managed to give us a fresh look at our past legends and stories and equally ponders the advent of modernity and how it impacts on Connemara and its inhabitants.
The Parish of Kilbride 1909-2009 The Centenary Committee of Kilbride Parish have compiled a series of interviews, photographs and articles which result in a most handsome anthology and will be of enormous interest to anyone who has connections with the parish. It is 208 pages long and ranges from personal reminiscences, short biographies, places and events of historical interest and tributes to memorable people who contributed to the area. A book to be cherished and will prove of immense historical significance in years to come.
A Light to the World: Reflections from Kylemore Abbey Columba Press released this book in late Novemberperfect timing for the Christmas season. It is compiled by the Abbess and Community of Kylemore Abbey and is essentially a prayer book containing many of the prayers and psalms recited and meditated by them. According to the book, a psalm helps and teaches people to pray, reflect and listen to their inner voice. In this busy frenetic world a book such as this can only serve to enrich and nourish our spirituality. This is a beautistrated in full colour and is ful small publication illustrated one not to be missed.
Playing Dead by Rory McCormack Our dynamic local vet Maurice O’Scanaill, writing under his pseudonym, has reissued ‘Playing Dead’, the third volume of his Connemara crime thrillers. The other titles are ‘Outbreak’ and ‘Malpractice’, all of which are consistent best sellers and his avid readers clamor for more. Indeed Maurice is awaiting publication of a new book which aims to enlighten the uninitiated and debunk the mystery of cracking cryptic crosswords.
Christmas Book Recommendations Fiction Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
of these, a series of beautifully crafted crime novels from an amazing writer.
Winterland by Alan Glynn A gripping thriller set in the Dublin underworld.
‘Hard Girls’ by Martina Cole A novel set in the mean streets of London’s East End, strong and gritty characters.
Sport History of Gaelic Football by Eoghan Corry History of an Irish institution.
Autobiographies by Brian Cody, Donal Óg Cusack, Eddie O’Sullivan, Dermot Weld. These sporting luminaries need no introduction and their fans will be captivated by their stories.
Cookery ‘Forgotten Skills of Cooking’ by Darina Allen The doyenne of the Irish kitchen’s latest offering is a book dealing with the lost skills of a generation or two and reintroduces basic recipes and techniques that thankfully are again available to us. ‘ Zest’ is a cookery book compiled from recipes from Ireland’s top restaurants and brings you on a gourmet tour of the country with all proceeds going to the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Audio Seamus Heaney’s Collected CD’s and John O’ Donoghue’s ‘Anam Cara’ are currently available and proving immensely popular. What better way to while away the hours than listen to the offerings of both these august poets.
The Last Word There are so many riches on offer in the various categories that truthfully only a visit to your local bookshop or a trawl through book catalogues and reviews will satiate the appetite for new gems in the literary world. You will not be disappointed or spoilt for choice. Equally, do remember that the gift of a Book Token is of immense worth and value to a lover of books and gives the recipient time to reflect and have multiple choices. There is no better gift for a child, particularly for those who are new to the world of books and it is so gratifying to see the pleasure they get from choosing their own. There is a book out there for everyone; it’s a question of finding it. Wrap the invisible cloak of words about you and retreat into a hidden world....enjoy. Seasons’s Greetings and Blessings to you all. Maura O’ Halloran, Clifden Bookshop, Main St, Clifden.
Cantairí at Kilcummin
On November 9th Cantairí Chonamara performed Vivaldi’s Gloria and Mozart’s Regina Coeli at Kilcummin Church in Oughterard. The choir were conducted on the night by Hugh Kelly, director of the NUI Galway Orchestra and accompanied on organ by Mark Keane.
This is an exceptional novel which has been on the shelves throughout the late summer and autumn. It has just won the Fiction Award in the National Book Awards in the U.S. -a huge honour for an Irish born writer and deservedly so. Definitely one for the literati!
Thrillers Millennium Trilogy by Steig Larsson ‘Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, ‘Girl who Played with Fire’ and ‘The Girl who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest’. If you have never read a thriller, do pick one
December 2009
Page 35
Clifden Station House Leisure Centre. 095-30433. A great gift for Christmas - 20 visits for €60. Get into shape over the Christmas Season. A great gift for someone home for the holidays. €60 Single - €80 Couple - €100 Family. Terms and conditions apply. New Courses Starting the First Week of January Step Aerobics, - Aqua Aerobics - Weight Busters - and Bums, Tums & Thighs. Each class is €60 for 8 classes. Why pay more than you have to for your health insurance? No penalties if you switch. All served waiting periods are recognised by Hibernian Aviva Health. Call Hennelly Finance on 091 586500 or call Helena on 086 8095607. Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Counselling and psychotherapy. Úna McKeever M.I.H.I.P., M.I.A.C.P. is a fully accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist who offers private and confidential counselling. For an appointment call 087-250-5015. email: unamckeever21@gmail.com. Do you suffer from anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, digestive disorders, depression, headaches, lack of energy, ME, MS, muscle tension, stress? I f so, contact Lucy Lydon (BEHA Dip) on 087-757-9237. True Awakening Plexus Bio-Energy Therapy. 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. The 5 Rhythms® Movement Medi-
Page 36
tation Practice of Gabrielle Roth is a movement meditation practice- simple, profound, joyful and transforming. The practice helps to free our bodies, still our minds, reduce our stress levels and alleviate depression. Caitríona Nic Ghiollaphadraig, Finisglen, Recess. 095-34664. Email: info@deorade.com Web-site: www. deorade.com Clifden Outreach Service by Cancer Care West at the Clifden Health Centre opposite Clifden Hospital on the 4th Thursday of every month. Drop- in, information and support service. 091-545-000. www.cancercarewest.ie. Ní Ráighne Opticians. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-30995. Eye exams. €35. Medical cards and PRSI welcome. For December only we are offering a FREE contact lens trial to everyone which includes a consultation with the optician to discuss which lenses would suit you best, fitting of the contact lenses, teaching you how to care for your lenses and FREE trial lenses. Call
us on 095 30995 to make your appointment now! Its FREE! The Treatment Rooms at Abbeyglen Castle offering hot stone massage, luxury Yonka facials, indian head massage, reflexology, Zen spa pedicure/manicure, waxing, California tanning. Non residents welcome. Open 9-6 Monday to Saturday. Sunday 12 – 5. 095-21306.
December 2009
Clifden Holistic Centre. Kinesiology, food testing, acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, massage and hypnotherapy at An Bhean Fheasa Health Shop, Lr Market St, Clifden.095-30671. Open Mon-Sat 9:30-6 p.m. Damien Stoney : Neuromuscular Therapist ANMPT, - Sports, deep tissue & relaxation massage, dry needling, physical
Connemara View Newspaper
When Walking Isn’t Enough Walking is fantastic exercise-it’s free, simple and is a good start on the road to fitness, but walking will only take you so far. When you need to reach a bit further, that’s when High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) comes into its own. HIIT involves increasing your regular exercise with bursts of intensive training. Be it breaking into a jog on your walk, or upping your pace on the jogging machine, HIIT can help you reach your full fitness potential. It can be as simple as increasing your incline on a walking machine or taking a more challenging route on your regular walk. By breaking into intensive training in intervals you increase your calorie burn as your increased heartbeat brings you into fat burning mode faster that you would normally. On a treadmill, increase the incline to 12 at a speed of 4, then walk on the incline while gripping the handholds- this is a very tough workout but will have fast results. Or take a leaf out of the bodybuilder’s book and walk for an hour before breakfast; this burns off stored calories faster than a walk later in the day. If you are walking for an hour every day, try breaking it up to a half hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening. This will rev up your metabolism and help you burn more calories. Probably one of the hardest workouts is hill-sprints, once a week. Walk for a fast mile to warm up, then find a suitable hill of about 30 metres. Jog up it and then walk down it; do this five times and build it up to ten over ten weeks by doing an extra one each week. Then walk for a mile to cool down. Just once a week is enough with this kind of very intense HIIT. When you reach your goal of ten you can find a higher hill and start again at five, building up to ten. This is a great way of working off weight that just won’t shift during regular walking exercise. This is the secret of HIIT. HIIT is not for beginners but for walkers who find that their regular walk is not enough to break through to their final goal. You should be an accomplished and experienced walker before trying HIIT. HIIT users should change their routine every 6 weeks to stop their bodies becoming adjusted to the intensive exercise. Finally, one of the cheapest ways of working out indoors when the weather doesn’t let you out, is with a skipping rope, which can be bought cheaply. 12 minutes skipping is the same as 30 minutes of walking and is a good way of achieving HIIT goals. The hottest new work out system in HIIT is the new wave of Kettle-bell workouts which is spreading from Hollywood to every gym and home. One hour’s Kettle-bell working burns up to 1,000 calories. For more information visit www.dragondoor.com. You can order a Kettle-bell at your local sports shop. For more information you can visit www. johnbrawn.com. John Brawn
Detox tricks for the holidays “Tis’ the season to be jolly.” And with this jolliness comesfood, alcohol and late nights. One must beware of being too hard on the body. Do not fret though, there are ways in which one can detoxify the system after all the holiday festivities and you can do it naturally as well. Exercise is of course the biggie as the body burns calories and fat most efficiently through exercise. A little walk can go a long way especially after eating. Walking is not only good for the heart, but after a meal, walking is a great way to aid one’s digestive system and to cleanse one’s lymphatic system. A 10-20 minute walk after eating moves food down the digestive tract faster and helps the body’s ability to absorb food’s nutrients. After a good walk some nourishment is always appreciated. Instead of grabbing another beer, grab some herbal tea instead. I know it might not sound as appealing, but your body will thank you. Putting 1 teaspoon each of mint, rose-
Connemara View Newspaper
mary, oregano, cilantro, sage and basil into a cup of hot water can soothe the stomach and prevent bloating. Peppermint, chamomile and ginger tea are other good choices for settling the stomach. Apple cider vinegar is another helpful drink to remedy digestive distress, support liver detoxification, normalise digestive juices, and reduce intestinal bloating. Mix 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with 12 ounces of warm water and drink in the morning on empty stomach. Feel free to add a little honey or maple syrup. Lemon in water will also help. While eating during the holidays is always fun, overindulgence of alcohol is usually the major burden on the body. The liver works extremely hard to keep your body up and running properly and performs a multitude of duties to ensure your body’s health. Some of these duties include: the processing of nutrients, the production of bile to help in digestion of food and eliminating wastes and cleansing the blood of toxins such as drugs, alcohol and other dangerous substances. While the liver can re-generate itself, alcohol strongly inhibits its ability to do so properly. If the holiday spirit gets the best of you however, there are ways in which one can give the body a chance to win against the inevitable hangover. The Chinese have used ginger for centuries to aid relieving the after effects of excess alcohol consumption. Ginger soothes the digestive lining and balances gastric juices. These functions can also aid in overeating as well. This remedy is even more effective if you drink it in between alcoholic beverages. If ginger isn’t your thing, water is always a safe bet. Water hydrates the body and helps the liver break down alcohol which dehydrates the body. Lemon water and herbal tea are two other solutions to the dreaded ‘day after’ sickness. • Chrysanthemum flower is traditionally used to cleanse the liver and neutralise toxins. • Hawthorn berry is used to cleanse the blood of plaque and other toxins. • Turmeric supports the detoxification process in the whole body by increasing bile production and releasing and eliminating toxins. Simply put a tablespoon of the spice in a pot and stir over medium heat for five minutes. • Milk thistle protects and restores the liver due to its content of silymarin. • Dandelion root has been found by studies to enhance the flow of bile, relieving liver congestion, which in turn aids the body in detoxifying. All of these herbal teas can help the body fight against hangovers and sluggishness after a night of indulgence. Anything to prevent a hangover is a great idea in my book! If your hangover is too fierce to battle try boiling 2 tbsp each of chrysanthemum flowers and mint leaves in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes. Drink throughout the day until your headache subsides. With all of these options you are bound to find one that suits you as we all love the holiday fun, but the head and body sometimes get forgotten in the mix. So give yourself a fighting chance during the holidays, enjoy and take care of yourself. Happy Holidays. Connor McDonough-Flynn
Winter Health Tips That Work! Now that the long dark nights are upon us and the winter woollies are back in the wardrobe, it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of hitting the couch and staying as still and as full as possible. Many people admit to gaining weight in the winter time as well as suffering from more ailments and health complaints than the rest of the year, so how can we fight the winter blues and keep fit and healthy?
December 2009
The advice and recommendations for a healthy lifestyle can sometimes be overwhelming and repetitive and can even become tiring to read. So instead, here’s a handy list of tips that are intended as ‘helpful pointers’ rather than hard and fast rules which, let’s face it, are very easy to ignore while reaching for the remote and tin of biscuits! Remembering even one or two of them can and will benefit your health and general wellbeing. •Eat nuts! Whether attending or hosting a social gathering, pass on the crisps and pastries and munch on a handful of mixed nuts (unsalted are best).They are high in immune system boosting protein and B vitamins, and healthy cholesterol reducing mono and polyunsaturated fats. •Wash your hands! Crucial in preventing the spread of cold and flu germs, this is the simplest tip for staying healthy. Using hot water and soap, thoroughly wash all areas of your hands and nails for at least 15 seconds. •Don’t get SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs when people find it hard to adjust to the changes in light and temperature and can lead to depressive feelings. If you think the change in your mood is very serious, consult your doctor for professional advice. •Make some sort of exercise a priority. While rain and darkness are not ideal conditions, grab a light reflective jacket and go walking with a companion a couple of times a week. Also take any opportunity on the rare bright days to get some fresh air; don’t think about it beforehand-just do it! •Stay well hydrated. You might not feel thirsty as often in winter but with central heating in houses, try to choose room temperature water instead of soft drinks and alcohol. •Make a real effort to eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible, indeed more than you would usually. A sprinkling of peppers as a pizza topping does not really count so be truthful about what you are counting as one of your ‘5 a day’ that we all aspire to, but often fail to reach. •Eat as much garlic as your partner and social life will let you away with! If you don’t like it as a foodstuff, get it in capsule form; either way just get it into you. •Find a way to relieve stress that suits you and is not binge eating or drinking-whether it’s delegating at work, working less, exercise that is sociable and that you enjoy or catching up on reading. Finding something that relaxes you and is not unhealthy can be a life changing discoveryso think about it and make time for it. •When cold, wear a hat, hood or scarf, as the majority of body heat is lost through the head and wear your clothing in layers to retain body heat. •Do not stay in wet clothing; get dry as soon as possible. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. •If you catch a common cold, as most people will at some point during winter, take Vitamin C, Zinc and/or Echinacea to help reduce the duration of symptoms. Don’t expect or take antibiotics-you don’t need them, they will not work, and their over-use is what has contributed to the deadly antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that we hear so much about these days. If you really need antibiotics, your doctor will advise you. •Set yourself targets and look forward. If you find winter difficult to bear, plan events and future targets that you want to achieve; this will keep your mind busy. Catherine Pryce
Page 37
Clifden Debs 2009
Clockwise from top left: Shona O’ Toole and Rory Sweeney - Sean King and Siobhan Joyce - Heather Keaney and Tim Heanue - Mark O’ Malley, Rebecca Sweeney, Amanda Delaney and Sarah DeLappe - Colin Reilly, David Black and Cathal King - Niamh Clarke, Ross Moran, Chelsea Kane and Hannah O Sullivan - Iarlaith Clancy and Lorraine O’ Donnell - Paraic McDonagh and Eimear Keane Gerard Davis and Lauren McGloin - Teresa Gibbons and Ronan Canavan - Christina Canavan and Adrian Joyce - Chloe O’ Malley and Aisling Sweeney - Maud Gibbons and Eoghan Brady - Carrie Ann DeLappe and Daniel Mullen.
Page 38
December 2009
Connemara View Newspaper
Clockwise from top left: Jane Wallace and Sean Mortimer - Oliver Griffin and Ciannait Clegg - Tara Connolly and Emily Gibbons - Tara Mullen and Craig Walsh - Katie Coohill and Michael O’ Toole - Conor O’ Malley and Lisa MacNamara Jack Vaughan and Maureen West - Shauna Fitzpatrick and David McDonagh - Lily Joyce and Conor Nee - Cathal O’Neill, James Coyne, Barry Regan, Alison Coneys and Noel Varley.
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2009
Page 39
Page 40
December 2009
Connemara View Newspaper