November 2009 Connemara View

Fahey Goes To Batt For Clifden The people of North West Connemara came together in force over the future of the Clifden Community School on October 1st. Over 300 people packed into the Clifden Station House with a renewed hope created by C.S.I. Clifden.

This organisation has been working tirelessly to convince the government that the importance of progressing the building of a new school is crucial to the future of our youth. In my five years as editor of this newspaper, there has never been that size of attendance at any public meeting for any subject. (See related articles on page 4).

Parents, teachers, current students and graduates spoke fervently and eloquently to a full contingent of local, regional and national politicians at the top table all of whom spoke positively about the subject but none had the solution to hand on the night. Ultimately, the obstacle to movement forward is funding, which is in short supply these days. The gatekeeper to monies being allocated to Clifden Community School is the Department of Education Minister Batt O’Keefe who was not in attendance that evening. In the end, the only realistic objective is to work towards making it onto the list of school projects to be chosen in the 2010 budget. The main question is whether our rural school will get the nod over the many countrywide vying to be in the same spot. While no resolve was attained, a goal had been set...convince Batt.

So I stuck my oar in after the meeting with Galway West TD Frank Fahey and

asked him if he had Batt’s mobile. A bit cheeky? Sure. Did I get his number?

No. However, Frank did phone him up on the spot and I had a chat with the Minister. The conversation was casual, friendly and positive. He apologised for not being able to be there that evening and said that he was arranging with Frank’s office for a date to visit Clifden to inspect the school himself.

I followed up with Frank to pinpoint the date and on this past Tuesday (Nov 3rd), Frank phoned to say that Batt will be visiting us in early January. The rationale behind that timing is that the budget will not be out until December so the monies to be allocated for school expenditure will not be in the frame until then. Frank assured me that the Minister said he would not make any decisions on any schools before the Clifden inspection, meetings with the Board of Management and C.S.I. Clifden.

Frank Fahey has been working on this project for many years with former Cllr.

Josie Conneely, who is still on the case.

“He calls me every week on the subject looking for updates.” When asked how he viewed the prospects, Frank said “Clifden Community School is my first priority in allocating funds to secondary schools in Galway. I am reasonably confident that we will go forward.”

If you want to join in to keep the pressure on government, contact the CSI: Clifden Initiative. Call Brendan Madden on 087-233-7729 or go to www.csiclifden.com.

Ellen McDonough

Emma O’Sullivan All Ireland Champ There were bonfires lighting in Renvyle this week to welcome home triumphant local dancer Emma O’ Sullivan who took the top honours at the Corn TG4 Oireachtas All Ireland Senior Sean Nós Dance Competition last weekend.

The competition took place in Letterkenny at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge Festival and was televised live on TG4, with great scenes of celebration when Emma was named as the winner of the €1,000 prize and the impressive trophy. A celebratory session of music and, of course, dance will be held at the Kilmilkin Bar in Maam on Saturday night November 7th, beginning at 8pm and all are welcome to attend and join Emma in marking her fantastic achievement.

Airport Plans to Proceed Plans to upgrade the existing developments and complete further proposed developments at the Clifden Airstrip in Cloon, Cleggan have been given the green light to go ahead despite an objection lodged by An Taisce in October of 2008. An Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision by the Galway County Council to grant permission to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to expand the airstrip at Cloon. These works include the relocation of the airstrip apron and taxi-way 180 metres towards the Clifden-Cleggan Road, the realignment of the access road and modifications to the airstrip boundary.

A 53 space car parking facility will also be provided as well as a bus set down area.

The development is subject to 8 conditions which must be complied with in order to proceed including: • Detailed surface water drainage arrangements • All service cables to be underground, in the interest of orderly development and visual amenity • A detailed layout of the junction of the site entrance with the public road, in the interest of traffic safety and visual amenity • Perimeter and siltation fencing to be in accordance with already submitted plans

and to be of a green colour finish, in the interest of amenity and environmental protection • Details of lighting to car park to be designed to minimise light spill to avoid glare or visual distraction for users of the adjacent road • A landscaping scheme using species indigenous to the area, with a time frame for implementation An Bord Pleanala also requires that the developers shall facilitate them with regard to preserving, recording or otherwise protecting archaeological materials or features that may exist within the site. They must be notified in writing at least four weeks prior to the commencement of any site operation and a suitably qualified archaeologist must monitor all site investigations and other excavation works.

The development site boundaries remain as per those previously submitted. In the reasons and considerations for allowing the development to proceed, An Bord Pleanala states in the response to An Taisce’s appeal lodged that subject to the conditions laid out, ‘the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, including its natural heritage and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area’.

REGIONAL Local Fundraising Campaign A fundraising campaign is currently underway with the assistance of Cleggan and Claddaghduff Community Council to help raise funds for 2 ½ year old Enda Walker.

Enda lives in England with his parents and

holders being given both a catalogue and free glass of wine. This will be followed by a four-course dinner and what we hope will be an entertaining evening. Tickets are not yet available, but we would ask you to please make a note of the date, the last Saturday in November the 28th and keep it free. For more information, contact Neville Figgis 095-41092, Claire Green 085-720-8415 or Jeremy Willder on 095-23531.

Becoming Smart With Money A ‘Money Smart’ course for single parents will start on Monday November 9th, running from 10am-12am for four weeks in the west wing at the Clifden Town Hall.

Information and advice on the following will be given: tax credits, credit cards, entitlements, household budgets, savings, loans and financial institutions. Refreshments will be provided. To book a place or for more information, contact Margaret Sheehan at FORUM Clifden on 095-21741. This project has been funded by the Exchequer under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 through the assistance of FORUM Connemara Ltd.

RNLI Annual Cake Sale brother and is a grandson of Ellen Stuffle of Cushatrough. He is suffering from Langerhan’s Cell Histio Cytosis, a cancer-like illness that can be treated by chemotherapy.

At present he is receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. The treatment is constant and of 3-6 months duration with a high success rate.

A Benefit Night will take place in Oliver’s Bar, Cleggan on Saturday December 5th with local musicians and entertainment. The event will start at 9pm with tickets priced at €10.

For those who play golf, there will be a 3 Ball Scramble competition at the Connemara Golf Club on Sunday November 8th with an entry fee of €15pp. Membership of the Golf club is not necessary. To book a place, contact Leo De Courcey at 087-917-5888.

A Bag Packing day will also take place at Super Valu in Clifden on Friday December 18th. Just after Christmas on Sunday December 27th, a fundraising auction will take place at Sweeney’s Bar in Claddaghduff. Anyone who could donate items for the auction is asked to contact Laurence Conneely on 095-44916. Any contributions to the above events will be most appreciated and will hopefully go some way to helping little Enda fight and beat this condition.

Auction for Omey Parish

The Fund-Raising Committee of Omey Parish has decided to hold an auction, which it is hoped will benefit three charities - Christ Church Maintenance Fund, Cancer Care West and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. To this end, we are begging gifts and pledges of items for auction, with donors being invited to nominate which charity they wish the proceeds of their gift(s) to be sent. If you would be willing to contribute, we would be glad to hear from you as soon as possible – contact numbers are given below.

The evening will begin with a private view of the items for sale and ticket-

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November 2009

The annual Monster Cake and Christmas Card Sale in aid of the Clifden Lifeboats will take place in Mullarkey’s Bar at Foyle’s Hotel beginning at 11am on Friday November 27th. Donations of baked goods are always welcome on the morning of the sale and tea and coffee will be served at what is always a great morning and afternoon event.

There will also be a raffle with many great prizes to be won, so please come out and support your local lifeboats!

Mary Barry Benefit Night

A Benefit Night for Mary Barry and a night of music and song as a tribute to her late husband Gus Barry of Kingstown, Clifden will take place at the Abbeyglen Hotel on Thursday November 26th, starting at 9pm. A host of local musicians will perform on the night and will be joined by special guest Matt Keane. Tickets are priced €10 and will be on the door on the night.

Wings Golf for Ability West

Wings Golf Society recently presented a donation to Ability West’s Criost Linn.

The philanthropic group of over 100 golfers from around the country have been fundraising for local mentally handicapped organisations for decades. Among the local longstanding members of Wings are Connemara Golf Club President Eddie Foyle, John Roche, David Griffin Sr., Lorcan Geoghan, Gerry McAleer and Derek Joyce.

Pictured are (l-r): Pat Cronin, Sec. Wings Golf Society; Russ Covery, Glengariff; Gerry McGuire, Wings patron from Asheville, North Carolina; Mary Foyle, Ability West; Larry Walsh, Wings President; Patricia Stanley, Ability West. Photo courtesy of John Roche

Connemara View Newspaper

Community School Principal Retires A gathering of friends and colleagues took place at the Ardagh hotel in October to mark the occasion of the retirement of Dr. James Mungovan as principal of Clifden Community School. Dr James was thanked sincerely by all in attendance for his years of dedicated service at the school and was presented with a gift of a painting by Vice-Principal Pat Geraghty and former teacher and Principal Brendan Flynn.

Photo top: Dr. James Mungovan is presented with a painting by Pat Geraghty and Brendan Flynn at his retirement function.

brary & on the Internet. Coffee Break 20 mins.

Marie Boran NUIG: 12.15 – 1 pm-Genealogical sources in NUIG. Lunch Break: 1 – 2.15 pm Siobhan Mc Guinness, Assistant Coordinator/ Researcher, Galway Family History Soc West: 2.15-3.00 pm - Church Records & Internet Sources. Aodhagan O Rodhaigh, Western Family History Association: 3.15-4.00 pm - The work of the Western Family History Association. 4-5 pm Coffee break/open questions.

Cycle Lane for Derrylea Road

Photo above: Pictured at the retirement function of Dr. James Mungovan were (l-r): New principal of Clifden Community school Dr. Liam Bolger, Pat Geraghty, Billy Gilmore and Aoife Heanue. Photos by Padraic Lyden.

Clifden & Connemara Heritage Society The next meeting of the Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society will take place on Wednesday 11th November at 8pm in the Station House Hotel.

The main speaker on the night will be Rob Goodbody. His talk will be on Building Archaeology and will look at various aspects of historical buildings from many parts of the country.

Rob Goodbody is a Historic Building Consultant, with many years experience in various parts of Ireland. He also lectures on the Quakers in Ireland and Irish Milestones.

The meeting is open to all and new members are also very welcome to join at any meeting. Breandan O’ Scanaill

As a result of representations made by local people and Deputy Padraic McCormack T.D. to the National Roads Authority, Deputy McCormack is pleased to announce that cycle lanes will be provided on the N59 Maam Cross to Clifden Road from Derrylea to Gowlane. On receipt of a letter of confirmation from the NRA, Deputy McCormack said “This is a welcome development considering that this major improvement scheme on the N59 is being undertaken and it is essential that either footpaths or cycle lanes be provided on this new section of the road”.

Rural Transport Programme Continues Under the Renewed Programme for Government, a commitment has been given to the continuation of the Rural Transport Programme, which has been welcomed by Galway West T.D. and Chairman of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Frank Fahey.

The Rural Transport Programme, (RTP) provides a valuable service for the service people living in County Galway with access to a number of facilities and transport links for senior citizens and local secondary school children and was recommended to be cut in the McCarthy report.

Coeliac Information Evening The Western Branch of the Coeliac Society of Ireland are holding their Autumn Information Evening on Thursday 5th November at 7.30pm in the Arts Millennium Building, NUI, Galway. The main speaker of the evening is Anne Manning who is the Food List Manager with the Coeliac Society of Ireland.

Also attending will be Joe Flynn from Livwell, Ruth Friel from Mophia Bakery and Pearce Stokes from Eco Direct, who will be giving a brief outline on their range of gluten free products. Registration is at 7.00pm. There will be a small charge of €5 to cover administration costs. Gluten-free refreshments will be available afterwards and all family, friends and members are welcome. www.coeliac.ie

Genealogical and Family History Seminar The Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society in conjunction with Galway County Council are holding a family history seminar at the Station House Theatre on Saturday 7th November. The seminar is part of the Clifden 2012 celebrations and is designed to help people develop an interest in their family histories. It is open to all and will cost €5. Further details are available from Breandan O’ Scanaill on 095-21148. The seminar begins at 10am and people are asked to arrive before that time.

Speakers: Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer Galway Co Council: 10 – 10.45am. Getting Started- Maureen Moran, Galway County Library: 11 – 11.45am. Genealogical sources in Galway County Li-

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2009

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REGIONAL Older People Support to Continue The suspension placed on the Scheme of Community Support for Older People in April of this year has been lifted by John Curran T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The department suspended the Scheme to review how it was to proceed, but speaking at the announcement of the continuation of the scheme, he said “Pending consideration of the review and the putting in place of revised arrangements for 2010, I have agreed to lift the suspension. Community and voluntary organisations participating in the Scheme in recent years have been notified and have been advised of the conditions attached to the reopening of the Scheme”.

A number of Connemara organisations have benefitted from the Scheme in recent years, which provides funding to improve the security of older people in their homes. Deputy Frank Fahey also welcomed the announcement saying “I believe the Scheme has contributed to the lives of many older people in Galway.” A number of Connemara organisations have benefitted from the Scheme in recent years, which provides funding to improve the security of older people in their homes. Deputy Frank Fahey also welcomed the announcement saying “I believe the Scheme has contributed to the lives of many older people in Galway.” To ensure an orderly and manageable reopening of the scheme it was decided to invite over 800 groups who had made applications for grants over the previous five years to make grant application for priority cases before 21st October on the existing application forms pending the circulation of the new scheme and new application forms from early 2010. All applications received before this date will be processed and paid before Christmas.

Since the scheme reopened 220 group applications have been received and are currently being processed. Twenty of the

groups have been paid and it is expected that the remaining groups will have their applications processed next month. The Department continues to receive new applications. During the suspension of the scheme many groups recycled equipment ensuring older people continued to receive pendant alarms.

C.S.I.: Clifden - A Parent’s View

ary 2008 can be moved up into a higher priority band rating in May 2009. Did we slip down the priority ladder between January 2008 and May this year? Surely the Department of Education wouldn’t be telling us what we want to hear so that we will go away and stop bothering them?

CSI are working hard and doing a great job drawing attention to our urgent need for a new school. We are lucky to have them and everyone in the community should support them.

We must not be fobbed off by our elected representatives.

As the parent of children aged 6, 7 and 9 I have an obvious desire to see a new school constructed as soon as possible. But, as someone pointed out at the meeting, the School is at the heart of the community and affects us all. New families will not move to an area with a sub-standard school and families currently living here may relocate away from the Clifden area if they feel their children will get a better education elsewhere. The area is losing potential employers. A new school is crucial to a forward looking and vibrant community.

It behooves us all to get behind the Community School Initiative and shout as loud as we can!

Brendan Ruddy, Mannin

On Thursday, October 1st, there was a meeting held in the Station House Hotel. It was organised by CSI Clifden to draw attention to the urgent need for a new Community School and was extremely well organised and well attended.

An estimated four hundred people were there to show their support. TDs Eamon O’Cuiv, Frank Fahey and Padraic McCormack, along with local councillors shared their views and listened to what the people of the area had to say.

Construction of the current school was started in 1974, and it was opened in 1979. Former Principal, Brother James Mungovan, started by detailing the many obstacles that were encountered during the building of the school. The school, which was designed for 250 pupils, has had its problems from day one. It now has to accommodate more than 400 pupils, a number likely to grow further with the closure of Kylemore Abbey School. Two independent studies, in 2000 and 2003, found that the school was in very poor condition.

The second study concluded that the problems could only be resolved with the construction of a new school. This conclusion was accepted by the Department of Education.

The meeting heard about the leaking and draughty windows, the teacher who has spent his entire career (1986 to the present) in a prefab, the window that fell in and shattered when Brendan Flynn knocked on it to get the attention of some rowdy students and the noise level when the rain is clattering on the roof of the upper classrooms. It is fortunate that we don’t get much wind or rain in Connemara! Nobody disputed the need for a new school. All the politicians present committed themselves to the cause.

The Department of Education previously sanctioned a new building and commissioned a design team to develop plans.

The project was put on hold in January 2008. On May 28th this year a delegation from CSI Clifden met with Minister Batt O’Keeffe in Dáil Eireann. The outcome of this meeting was to advance the priority of the new school project. Personally speaking, I am a little confused as to how a project that was proceeding to the detailed design stage prior to Janu-

The sheer length, breadth and depth of Connemara’s potholes has drawn considerable comment since we began our quest to find the area’s worst offending pothole a few months ago. In

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November 2009

Death of Two Pilots in Connemara

There was much sadness and regret expressed in the Connemara area at the fatal crash in the Maamturk mountains which claimed the lives of two young Air Corps pilots, Cadet David Jevens (22), from Co Wexford, and Capt Derek Furniss (32), from south Dublin, on Monday October 10th.

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low over the area before hearing the sound of impact with the ground. The two men were on board the PC-9 two seater military aircraft which had been taking part in a training exercise with two other aircraft, both of which returned safely to Galway airport.

The Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is conducting a full inquiry into causes of the crash, and data was retrieved from the wreckage of the aircraft in the immediate removal operation.

C.S.I.: Clifden - A Message from the Committee

We the committee, wish to thank the people of Connemara for turning out in their hundreds on October 1st 2009 for the public meeting in the Station House Clifden. We were delighted to see so many people attend and it seemed that the TD’s, Senator, Minister and Councillors were to say at the very least, surprised at the great turnout. Dr. James Mungovan and Dr. Liam Bolger presented all the necessary facts and information on the school very well.

We hope now that the politicians and councillors will work that bit harder for us as the need for the new school is so evident. It is great to see that Connemara is alive and kicking and not willing to take no for an answer any more. Thank you for the support for our children and the school.

If you want to contact any of the politicians to see what the update is since the meeting you can get all the contact numbers on www.csiclifden.com. fact, we reckon the bar has been set so high that we didn’t receive any new entries this month-but we strongly suspect there are more craters lurking out there just waiting to be highlighted.

This month we decided to feature one of the worst we’ve come across on our travels-this ever expanding monster that is now unavoidable on the Ballinakill road in Moyard whatever side of the road you are on. The casually placed broom adds a sense of scale to this particular pothole, which hasn’t seen a shovel of gravel or tar in quite some time! So if you know of an even worse road crater or have been unlucky enough to hit one like this when out driving-let us know. You could win a €50 shopping voucher when we award the dubious title of ‘Pothole of the Year’ to one of our entries in our December issue.

Post to Connemara View Newspaper, drop to the View Box at King’s Paper Shop in Clifden or e-mail to news@connemaraview.com.

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden Area Local Office on (095) 21186 or Tommy O’Sullivan on 087-222 4251 with any complaints or information.

Clifden

Permission Granted for Ball Alley Works Clifden & District Community Council have been granted planning permission to develop part of the lands at the Ball Alley in Clifden into a MUGA (Multiple Utility Games Area), next to the current playground area. The Clifden Playground Committee had accessed funding to develop the tennis court area and can now proceed with the development since planning permission was granted. The planning allows for an all weather pitch surface and ancillary fittings, fencing and lighting in the area in question.

Sewerage Treatment The Saga Continues Clifden is inching closer to having a new sewerage treatment system. The myriad of governmental bodies that have needed to be consulted in order to advance the concept is legion.

The Department of Environment has had contracts from Galway County Council since April which, once approved, will allow the tender stage to commence. The delay rests with the Department of Agriculture which must grant a foreshore licence first. In order to do this, they have had to request submissions from over a dozen bodies including the Fisheries, Marine and Local Heritage.

Galway County Manager Martina Moloney met with the Chamber of Commerce and Clifden District and Community Council representatives last week indicating that their hands are tied. Galway CoCo are mindful that the EPA will issue fines to the Council if there continues to be no action regarding the pollution flowing into Clifden Bay. The good news is that Galway West TD Frank Fahey met with Minister John Gormley on this past Tuesday and was told that the government has just made the decision that the Department of the Environment will henceforth oversee the granting of foreshore licences. The Minister stated that he would deal with the Clifden licence immediately which will result in the contracts returning to Galway CoCo in the very near future. All going well, the call for tenders could proceed early in the New Year.

Water, Roads & Parks According to Declan Mannion, President of the Connemara Chamber of Commerce, a number of additional subjects were discussed with the County Manager at the meeting last week. These included town water, the upcoming laying of pipes around the town, road resurfacing and creating a Bicentennial Park.

Water Currently, two-thirds of Clifden are on the town water system while a third get untreated water from Buttermilk Lake.

Additionally,there are also concerns that the current reservoir needs to have the walls built up in order to retain more rainfall. A long dry spell has the potential of resulting in a water shortage. Given the massive budget constraints, it is unlikely that these situations will be addressed in the near future.

Pipes and Roads The network of pipes underneath the roads around Clifden are due to be replaced in order to facilitate the new sewerage treatment system. On the bright side, this will result in the dilapidated road system being resurfaced finally.

Bicentennial Park The Chamber, CDCC and Galway CoCo are in discussions on how to turn the large overgrown space adjacent to the Ball Alley and Clifden Bay into a park. The name ‘Bicentennial Park’ in honour of the upcoming Clifden 2012 celebrations is on the table. The vision of developing this area into a community amenity can be read in Chamber and Council minutes going back decades.

Vandalism of Public Toilets Serious acts of vandalism took place over the Halloween weekend in the public toilets at the Bus Park on the Galway road in Clifden. Tiles and toilet bowls were smashed and the floors and surfaces of the bathrooms were soiled during these episodes. Community warden Tommy O’Sullivan said “Unfortunately, these attacks are unfair on members of the public who need to use the facilities and they also put extra strain on the already scarce resources of the local authority”.

As there is no CCTV in place at the bathrooms, members of the public are asked to be vigilant about this kind of behaviour and may contact the local Gardai on (095) 21021, the

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden Comhaltas Branch Reopens

personally as well as our community’s wider needs are invited to attend and have their queries addressed. The Cumann would prefer your queries to be forwarded in advance so as to facilitate an orderly sequence of agenda as well as allow a balanced degree of time for Minister to give comprehensive replies to issues raised.

You can contact Cumann Secretary at 095-21688 or e-mail same to pkp@joyces-waterloo.com.

Under the support of the Chamber of Commerce, the Clifden Comhaltas Branch has reopened and is receiving a very positive reaction. Following our first meeting a new committee has been elected and is made of the following; Chair- Marie Walsh; Vice Chair- Mary Gibbons; SecretaryMary McCann; Asst Secretary- Tina Keane; PRO- Michele Hehir; Auditor- Declan Mannion; Treasurer- Br Kenneth; Youth Officer- Sarah DeLappe; Irish Officer- Eileen O’Malley.

Delegates elected on the night were John Gerard & Mary Walsh, Paddy Pryce and Tom DeLappe.

Our first open meeting will be held on Friday 20th November at 7.30pm in Mannion’s Bar, Clifden. This will be followed by a free session of traditional music, song and dance to officially launch the branch. This promises to be a wonderful night of music and all are welcome. We encourage all interested to join and membership fees are as follows: Family; €20; Senior: €12 & Junior: €6. The new committee has lots of plans for the branch including running monthly music sessions, hosting the County and Connaught Fleadh’s and having an annual Trad Music festival in Clifden. We would also welcome all ideas and suggestions. For any enquiries, please contact Michele Hehir on 087-052-0295 or Marie Walsh 086- 401-5342 or e-mail michele@clifdenchamber.ie.

Clifden 2012 The Clifden 2012 Committee is hard at work planning the year-long celebration for Clifden’s 200th birthday in 2012. We encourage all local community organisations to become involved in adding to the year’s events.

We are looking for archive cine footage or any old photos relating to Clifden.

Please be assured they will be archived safely and returned to you.

Save the date for the Clifden 2012 Commemorative Festival- 25th May- 4th June, 2012! Join us on Facebook “Clifden 2012” and spread the word all around the world- Let’s bring everyone home for 2012!

Please contact Michele on 087-052-0295 or michele@ clifdenchamber.ie for any further details.

Thomas Whelan Fianna Fáil Cumann Open Meeting The Cumann will host its second open meeting for 2009, downstairs in JC’s Bar on Monday 23rd November 2009 at 8pm sharp. Guest speaker on night will be Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and also in attendance will be a number of F.F. councillors. As with the last meeting in March, the meeting is open to all the general public. Those who wish to raise issues that affect them

November 2009

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Clifden

Overhead Cables Go Underground The ESB recently carried out works on Lower Market St in Clifden, where the overhead cables were put underground.

The photos below show the view from the bottom of Market St., before and after the re-routing of the cables.

Tidy Towns Round Up Hearty congratulations to Emly Co.Tipperary on a very uplifting win in the National Tidy Towns 2009 with a score of 305/400 and to Westport with a 2nd position with 304 points. Clifden itself got a very respectable 237/400, an increase of 10 points on last year. A small payback for the hard work a small group of dedicated people put into the Tidy Towns Competition all year round on behalf of our tourism driven town and its inhabitants. So we were only 65 points adrift of the very best on this island-a remarkable achievement given the criticism directed at Clifden and its environs by the Tidy Towns adjudicators on the continuing failure of our Local Authority to invest tax revenue into our third world road structures, amongst other criticisms. To see further the biting comments that describe our roads as ‘unquestionably more a matter of health and safety concerns’, one can go to www.tidytowns.ie and then proceed into ‘history’ for full adjudicators report, or alternatively, read as posted on

Tidy Towns bulletin board in Supervalu.

There is no doubt that the failure of the Local Authority to invest in our town has had major implications for everyone, even down to the Tidy Towns, as can be read in adjudicators report. The Clifden Tidy Towns Group are faced with the prospect of entering the 2010 competition with the millstone of the 2009 report pulling us well down the rankings even before we send off entry forms!

The raw reality is that by this time next year, little if anything will have changed on our third world structural status and this leaves the Tidy Towns Group with a grossly unfair disadvantage of trying to compete with the Emlys and Westports of Ireland. And yet, well done to our tiny group of volunteers that garnered high praise from same adjudicators by acknowledging that, beyond the failure of our local Authority, that we are more than capable of lifting Clifden into the winner’s enclosure, given time. Also acknowledged in the report are a number of business premises that deservedly get acclaim for their efforts and the hard work of Ciaran Canavan and Martin Farragher and the FÁS lads in going that bit extra all the time. Also a big thanks to Supervalu and its staff for voluntary help and financial support, Connemara Chamber of Commerce, Clifden Lotto for finances and indeed a thanks to anyone and everyone who made the ‘bit of effort’. A near enough 5% increase in marks over 2008 result is a very credible achievement and those within the Group and those that helped achieve it with their own individual efforts deserve the highest praise and thanks from the town.

Well done to all. As always, if you feel like to join us you can contact the Secretary at cregghouse1@eircom.net or keep an eye on bulletin board in Supervalu.

P.K. Joyce, Chairperson Clifden Tidy Towns

Library News Children’s Book Week Clifden Library is holding Children’s Book Week from Tuesday November 10th to Friday November 13th. Each day from 4-6pm parents and children are invited to visit the library. Parents can avail of a tour of the library and discuss the many benefits of reading and get individual advice on age appropriate books for their child. For children, we will be making personalised bookmarks and also learning how to write a ‘Thank You’ letter. All materials will be provided and there will be prizes for the best effort. The name of every child who joins the library during Children’s Book Week will go into a draw for a super prize.

Winter Reading List Here is the Library’s winter reading list for 2009.

Paul’s Choice: The Kick - a memoir by Richard Murphy; The Age of Titanic by John Wilson Foster; Public Places by Sian Phillips; Iris and the Friends by John Bailey; 1421-The year China discovered the World by Gavin Menzies; An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina with Tom Zoellner.

Bernie’s Choice: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton; An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro; Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris; Hog Wild by Cathy Pickens; The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.

Readers’ Choice: The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee; The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway; The Persimmon Tree by Bryce Courtney; The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson; Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. All of these books are available at the Library.

Reader of the Month October reader of the month is Micheal Heanue from Sky Rd, Clifden.

Bernie Jeffries

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November 2009

Carna

Carna Bus Trial Bus Eireann has agreed to run a Carna to Galway City commuter bus on a trial basis to service workers commuting to the city. Welcoming the development in the saga which has run for a number of weeks now, Deputy Frank Fahey T.D. said “Following discussions with Bus Eireann it has now agreed to operate a bus on the route on a trial basis to assess interest from commuters. The bus will depart Carna at 7.15am to arrive in Galway City at 9am.”

“I would like to strongly encourage people living in Connemara to support the service. Congestion is increasing all the time on the Moycullen and Barna roads and an efficient and supported commuter service from Connemara would alleviate some of the pressure on the routes,” concluded Deputy Fahey.

Cashel

Cashel School News Hi Guys! Welcome back to another year at Cashel National School! This year, 4 new pupils have came to our school; Oísín O’Brien, Niamh McDonagh, Gavin Berry and Saoirse Bodkin. They are very good pupils and we love having them in the school! This year, we have 4 pupils in 6th class; Eamonn Nee, Caoimhe Dunne, Sarah King and Roma Joyce.

New Extension As you have noticed, last year we wrote about our new extension on our school. It has gone very successfully, but it is still not finished. On Wednesday 20th of October, 3rd to 6th class pupils experienced a sports class in our new hall/ GP room. It was a lot of fun! Now our sports instructor will be able to have sports with us even if it’s raining!

We moved into our new classrooms after the Easter Holidays on April 20th. We are using the classrooms well and they are very comfortable. The classrooms are approximately the size of the old school, which means both classrooms together would be around twice the size of our old school!

We moved into our Learning Support room in September.

Our co-ordinator Tina, our learning support teachers Sarah and Louise teach and work in that room. The room is very comfortable and has a lot of space in it. Our prefab, which was situated at the back of our school, was knocked down during the summer holidays. Now we have more space in our playground to play. Further down towards the front of the school, we have a principal’s office, a secretary’s office, a kitchen and a library. The kitchen and library are already in use. Students get books out of the library. We’re all happy!

Comenius In October, our teacher and principal Cepta Stephens went to Hungary with one of our pupils, Jack Joyce, and his mother, as part of the Comenius project that our school is involved in. Hungary, Belgium, Denmark and the Czech Republic are our partners in the project. Roma and Niamh went to Denmark in October 2008, Caoimhe went to Belgium in February 2009 and all the countries came to Ireland in May 2009. In May 2010, two of our pupils will go to the Czech Republic. This will be the last visit to a country in this Comenius project. Muinteoir Cepta and Jack spent a week in Hungary, enjoying the culture, visiting towns, going to spas and meeting the locals of the town, Torokszentmiklós (pron. Toe-roke-san-meek-los). They say that it was a very enjoyable trip and the people there were very kind.

Thanks for reading this month’s news from Cashel School!

Roma Joyce

Corr na Móna

Playground Funding Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has sanctioned a grant of €61,927 to Coiste Forbartha Chorr na Móna, Co. Galway, to enable them to develop a playground in Corr na Móna. A grant of €51,606 is being sanctioned under the Gaeltacht Improvements Scheme and a grant of €10,321 is being sanctioned under the CLÁR programme. Such an amenity does not exist in the area and it is recognised that such a facility is needed. Announcing the grant, the Minister said that he is happy that his Department can help Coiste Forbartha Chorr na Móna to develop this playground. “I am pleased that my Department can sanction such a grant so that play facilities will be available to local communities like Corr na Móna,” he said.

Connemara View Newspaper

Kylemore

Day Retreats The day retreats at Kylemore Abbey have finished for the year and will resume next spring. The talks next year will be about Benedictine spirituality and how St. Benedict ‘s Rule provides tools for everyday living.

The day retreats were very satisfying for the Nuns at Kylemore and appreciated by those who participated. We hope our regular retreat visitors will join us again and others with them in the New Year. The Nuns at Kylemore wish everyone blessings for the coming Season. Sr. Genevieve

Leenane

Recent Events The annual Sheep and Wool Show was another great success this year. A great day was had by all who attended and took part, the numbers were up and even the weather was fantastic.

Leenane also held a very successful Food Festival for the first time on the 26th and 27th of September. Many thanks to everyone who gave their support on both days, including those who organised, participated and came along to support them. The annual 20th October Ram Fair in Leenane also enjoyed a great turnout and great prices were got on the day.

Community Centre Bazaar Leenane Community Centre is holding a bazaar on Sunday November the 15th at 12:15pm. All are welcome. Items for Bazaar must be in by 11th November. Contact Chris for more details on 087-753-7305.

Weekly Events Kick Boxing continues every Tuesday night at 9pm in the community centre. It is great fun and exercise and new members are always welcome.

Day Care is held every Thursday in the Community Hall and there is also a Parent and Toddler Group held every week.

nolly, The Kane Sisters, Josephine Marsh, Mick Kinsella, Jackie McCarthy, Martin O’Malley, Marie Walsh and Tommy Kane.

Of course a Connemara night would not be complete without a blast of dancing which was supplied by Emma O’Sullivan and her group which included Chelsea Kane, Amy Coyne and Niamh McDermott. The Hernon Boys, Evelyn Laffey and Olive Kerrigan also showed off their talents. A great scatter of set dancers from far and near certainly rattled the floorboards!

The ‘Small Works Exhibition’ was attended by a capacity crowd. 52 works were presented by established and emerging artists.

The works were presented anonymously and all were sold for €70. Other highlights of the weekend included some excellent gigs in the local pubs and a Mini Regatta, boats under 20cm, in the Connemara National Park, which was followed by the largest Book Fair in Connemara. All events were well attended and full of the usual fun and madness.

Over the bank holiday weekend the Sea Week continued with gigs in the pubs featuring some of the best musicians in the country such as Conor Keane, Sea Tyrell, Mary Staunton, Alan Kelly, Tola Custy, Laoise Kelly, Edel Fox, Kane Sisters etc. The highlight of the weekend was the Sea Week Conference featuring a selection of speakers who have visited Letterfrack over the last 25 years including Everest climber Dawson Stelfox, Planet Earth Cameraman Doug Allen, Dutch Ecologist Mathias Schouten, Poet Eva Bourke and Broadcaster Marguerite McCurtain. All in all, it was a mighty way to mark 25 years of festivals-here’s to many more!

Photo above: Pictured at the Parish Dinner were Olive Kerrigan, Margaret Salmon and Evelyn Laffey.

Photo below: The Sea Week Soccer tournament was once again a great success with around 100 kids participating. Eventual victors on the day were Clifden A who overcame Kingstown in the final on a scoreline of 4-0. The third place playoff went to Tully who beat Clifden B. Pictured here is organiser Brendan Ridge presenting the trophies to Clifden A captain Henry O’ Toole and Player of the tournament Emmet Moran of Clifden.

Continued on next page

Letterfrack

25th Sea Week Conamara Sea Week ‘09 was an outstanding success. The Parish Dinner which took place in Renvyle House Hotel was packed to capacity. It was a stylish occasion with the very best of local food and local music and the launch of a wonderful double CD. Tim O’Sullivan, the award winning chef and his team took the best of local produce such as Connemara Hill Lamb, Killary Mussels, Connemara Oysters, Crab Claws etc, cooked them elegantly and presented them with a style which allowed the guest to savour the delicate flavour of some of the finest produce available. The launch of ‘An Cosán Draiochta’ was performed by Matie Joe Shéamuis of Raidio na Gaeltachta who is a well known broadcaster and musician.

Matie Joe was lavish in his praise for this double CD and was particularly pleased that CD one contained all original music specially composed for the 25th birthday of Conamara Bog Week and Sea Week. Players from the CD were present on the night and made mighty music, such as Don Stiff, Marcus Hernon and Family, Johnny Con-

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2009

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cess and large crowds attended the various events.

21st Birthday Congratulations to Aisling Joyce, from Curr, Maam, who recently celebrated her 21st Birthday with a big party for her family and friends.

Rosemary Hanley

Moycullen

Water Supply Improvements

Letterfrack

25th Sea Week continued Photo left: The U-14 Sea Week Chess Champions- runner up Patrick Gannon and winner Aisling Sealy Phelan.

Photo above: U-10 Sea Week Chess champions- winner Nathan Leamy and runner up Evan Kane.

Photos courtesy of Padraic Lyden & Leo Hallissey For more on Sea Week, see Page 34.

Citizens Information Service The Citizen’s Information service will be available in Letterfrack on Tuesday 10th and Tuesday 24th of November, and Tuesday 8th of December from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Connemara West. 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 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.

Galway County Council have informed Cllr. Thomas Welby that they are currently installing booster pumps at Drimcong Moycullen. These works will allow Galway Co.Co. to supply water from their reservoir at Buffy to large parts of Moycullen and its environs.

Currently the Moycullen area is supplied with its water from Galway City’s Council reservoir at Tonabrucky and in the event of water shortage in the city, supply has been cut off or reduced to the County area on numerous occasions.

Cllr. Welby stated “ I have been calling on Galway County Council to carry out these works for some time now as it will give more certainty for water supply going forward for the people of the Moycullen area and I am glad that the Council are now finalising these works”.

Oughterard

ConTempo Quartet at Kilcummin Church A concert by the Galway Ensemble in residence, the ConTempo quartet will take place at Kilcummin parish church, Oughterard on Tuesday November 10th at 8pm. This con-

Maam

Maam Women’s Group The Group celebrated their 15th Birthday with a concert in Ionad Pobail an Mháma. Members also went to a celebration dinner in The Blackberry Cafe in Leenane, on 23rd September and everyone had a very enjoyable evening.

Compliments to Sean Hamilton and Jonathan Keane!

Tupperware Party Deirdre McGrath from Wexford held a Tupperware Party at the October meeting of the Women’s Group.

People came from Maam, Maam Cross, Recess and Cornamona and bought a lot of very useful Tupperware items for the home.

Deirdre did a cookery demonstration and a raffle was held also.

Joyce Country Echo The Christmas Issue of the Joyce Country Echo is now being compiled. Items of interest and photos to be posted to –Joyce Country Echo, Maam, Co.Galway, or email-anita.hanley@ hotmail.com. The deadline is November 18th.

Card Games Progressive-25 Card Games will be held in Ionad Pobail an Mháma, (Maam Community Centre), on Tuesday nights, starting on Tuesday 3rd November at 8.30 p.m. Hampers, raffle prizes, refreshments etc.

Everyone is welcome.

Food Festival Congratulations to Leenane Development Association on organising a very enjoyable Food Festival on 26th and 27th September.

The festival was a great suc-

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November 2009

cert will help raise funds for the church’s re-roofing project, which is now nearing completion at a cost of over €100,000.

The Church was built in 1810 and will therefore be 200 years old in 2010. The programme is as follows: Haydn, “Sun Quartet” Op. 20, Sabin Pautza, Games I, Interval followed

by Mendelssohn, Op. 44 no. 1.Tickets will be €10 at the door and under 16’s are admitted free. All are invited and welcome to come along and support what promises to be a wonderful evening’s entertainment. Photo: The almost completed roof restoration project at Kilcummin Church in Oughterard. Photo by Tom Broderick

Radio Programme on Racism Some may remember when in spring 2008 a group of white Oughterard youth involved with Clann Resource Centre got together with a group of black youth from Youth Work Ireland’s SPARK (Support Project for Adolescent Refugee Kids) to do anti-racism training and then make a radio programme about racism, in conjunction with the Galway One World Centre and Connemara Community Radio.

The programme has since been uploaded to www.theredcard. ie, so you can hear it there in its entirety (over an hour).

Click on ‘anti-racism on the airwaves’ to listen to the show.

New Footpaths at Carrowmanagh Works are due to commence shortly on the provision of additional paths at Carrowmanagh in Oughterard. These paths will link up to the existing paths network and will greatly improve the access for students and residents walking to and from both national and secondary schools and the estates in the area.

Galway Co. Co. have confirmed the work to Cllr. Tom Welby, who stated “I am delighted that these works are been undertaken as it will greatly contribute to the safety of the students and residents using this particular section of road and I wish to publicly thank the landowner who contributed the land to allow this very desirable project to proceed”.

Connemara View Newspaper

Oughterard

Best Dressed Lady Competition The best dressed lady competition, sponsored by The Oughterard Show Society as part of the fundraising drive in aid of the Oughterard show 2010, took place in The Boat Inn, Oughterard on Sunday October 25th. The winner of the contest was Emer Carter, who won the prize of a weekend for two plus dinner in The Connemara Lake Hotel. The best dressed mature lady was Oksana Grigiene who won a weekend for two with dinner at The Clayton Hotel.

swing, not to mention a roundabout!

The reality is that unforeseen legal issues and financial approval difficulties had thrown some barriers in the path of the playground committee, who have been striving since February 2009 to make the playground a reality for the Oughterard Community.

However, the good news is that the paperwork is currently being finalised and in the coming weeks the committee hope to have secured a lease for the site from the Corribdale Grounds Committee as well as having final funding approval from the Galway County Council and the Oughterard Credit Union.

The committee point out that fundraising is still ongoing and would like to appeal to the general public to support their “Copper Appeal” by putting any loose change in the yellow Oughterard Playground boxes located in the shops in the village. So, if you have any spare change after you do your local shop, please think of supporting the playground appeal. It all adds up and the increased bank balance means the committee will be able to build and maintain a better playground for the local children.

The committee are determined to forge ahead with the project and are planning to involve the local children in the final design of the playground. In the near future they plan to hold an event to present the preferred equipment options to the children from the community in order to gather their ideas and feedback.

So here’s hoping with continued support from the community the playground will become a reality for Oughterard in the very near future.

Sinead Grimes, PRO Oughterard Playground Committee

Shop Local Day

Photo top: The ladies who took part in the Best Dressed Competition in aid of The Oughterard Show Society, which took place on Sunday October 25th in The Boat Inn, Oughterard. (L-r): Emer Carter (winner), Louise Gorham, Katie Welby, Ciara McGinn, Kaylia Cormican, Sinead Gibbons, Laura O’Connor and Ane Furundarena Ros. Photo above: Yvonne Byrne of Okinara, Moycullen who judged the Best Dressed Lady with winner Emer Carter and P.J. Burke, Chairman of the Oughterard Show Society.

Photo below: Yvonne Byrne of Okinara with Oksana Grigiene, winner of the Best Dressed Mature Lady Competition and P.J.Burke.

Oughterard held its second shop local day on Friday October 30th. Spurred on by the success of the first shop local day, the Oughterard business community is intending it to be a monthly event. The weather cleared in the afternoon and that brought the people out. A special Halloween party was held for the children at the Connemara Lake Hotel, which was a great success. All of the shops gave attractive discounts and the Connemara Gateway Hotel discounted meals and gym fees to coincide with the introduction of their Vibro Plate exercise, toning and weight reduction machine.

Photo: The shop local rabbit has the children’s full attention in The Connemara Lake Hotel, Oughterard, on Friday October 30th.

Photos by Tom Broderick

Oughterard Playground It may seem as if no progress has been made to date on the development of the Oughterard Playground, the site is still a grassy green field with no sign of a slide or a

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2009

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Recess Junior Connemara View correspondent Roma Joyce is now submitting news from the Recess area as well as sending us all the news from Cashel NS, where she is a student. As one of her first items, she has submitted a brief interview with Brendan O’ Malley about Recess’s new sensory garden.

Sensory Garden Interview As you may have noticed, there is a Sensory Garden beside the Old School in Recess. Brendan O’Malley is the maker of this garden and I asked him a few questions about the garden recently.

Who is the Sensory Garden for? The garden is for everyone in the public to enjoy. We built this garden for people to enjoy.

What plants does the garden have? The garden has a variety of plants and trees. The plants we have planted are nice flowers and the trees will keep growing.

When might the garden be ready and opened? The garden is now open to all who wish to see and enjoy it. It is growing at present, but when the winter months start, the flowers will die, but they will all grow again in the spring.

Does the Sensory Garden need a lot of attention? It certainly does need a lot of attention, like every other garden!

Christenings Congratulations to Mary Ann and Dermot McDonagh on the christening of their son Master Alex which was followed by a celebration in the Shamrock. We all wish young Alex well for a long and healthy life.

Congratulations to little Annie Martina Mahon, daughter to Michael and Yvonne Mahon and sister to Liam and Eoghan who was christened recently. We wish little Annie a great and healthy life also.

Pastoral Council Mass

Cake Decorating Classes Fiona Joyce has started sugar craft and cake decoration classes in the Old National School in Recess on Thursday nights at 8pm.

Announcements Congratulations to Kevin and Maureen Kelly on their new arrival, baby Aaron.

Congratulations to Patrice Staunton and John Lydon who got married on October 24th.We wish them all the best in the future.

Roma Joyce

Renvyle

50 Years of ICA The Tullycross Guild of the ICA recently celebrated 50 years since their very first meeting with an evening’s celebrations. The two surviving members that were present at the first meeting in 1959, Nonie McDonnell and Jennie Conboy did the honours and cut the cake made especially for the occasion.

Photo top: The present members of the Tullycross ICA. Back (l-r): Susan Kay, Kathleen O’ Brien, Sarah Ann Lydon, Sadie Coyne, Nonie Lydon, Josephine Aspell, Barbara O’ Neill, Nancy Taylor, Monica Wallace. Front (l-r): Marian McDonagh, Beryl Davoren, Eileen Kane, Nonie McDonnell, Jennie Conboy, Eileen Heanue, Anne Jack, Mary Gannon and Marion Herriot.

Photo above: Nonie McDonnell and Jennie Conboy cut the cake.

Photos courtesy of Padraic Lyden

Roundstone

Wedding Congratulations Congratulations to Catherine and Michael Ferron’s daughter Clare who tied the knot in October with Stephen Head who hails from Australia. Saturday evening Michael & Catherine hosted a party for all the local people.

Wow what a great night, with traditional music and of course the dancing, where the fun loving Australians were taught some traditional steps from our local ladies! I have to say it was rather like a war dance, but they were great fun and we danced with great spirit! Congratulations Clare and Stephen on your marriage and I hope it will be a great one for the both of you for the future.

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November 2009

The Sunday Mass on the 25th was conducted by the Pastoral Council Members. The only role that Father McCarthy played was the Homily and the blessing of the Eucharist. The rest of the service was conducted by us lay ministers. As you know for the last two years we have held a prayer service every Wednesday, with very few attending from the community for one reason or another. It is in preparation for the not so distant possibility in the future of not having a priest within our community, as vocations are becoming very scarce and also should our priest be ill or for any other reason. This exercise in its humblest form has never been done before and it was to show people that there are ways through the lay people within the community to protect our church in the event of not having a priest.

We have had no feed back as to how the congregation reacted to yesterday’s service. I hope favourably. We are all responsible in one way or another to protect our faith and Church. This service was a one off for the moment, but we hope for the year 2010, perhaps under Father John’s guidance, we could perhaps do this once a month, which could encourage more readers, or the present ministers of the Eucharist to join the pastoral group. Father McCarthy retires in June next year. We are fortunate to have a priest to replace him, for how long I do not know, therefore it’s imperative for us lay people to do as much work as possible to safeguard our faith and the church.

Good Luck I just want to wish good luck to two Polish people who have been here in Roundstone for the last three years. Chris worked for Sean Burke and his wife Isabella has been working in O’Dowd’s. They are leaving for Poland at the end of the week with their two children Olige and Eva. Isabella is returning to complete her teaching Masters. They certainly interacted very well within this community, so bon voyage and good luck for the future.

Protestant Church The work on the tower of the Protestant church is just about completed with blue Bangor slates and really well leaded, with a heritage-designed skylight window which gives great light. The heritage powers that be have allowed nesting boxes to be placed at the top of the tower for the chough’s, because for many years now, these birds have been nesting there. I have just found out that the church was built in 1820, so it is great that there is some restoration going on to this important landmark for Roundstone and to protect the local wildlife.

Halloween at the Shamrock The Shamrock Bar held a Halloween fancy dress party recently and I have to say some of the costumes were wonderful and very imaginative. The one that was really well thought of was Geraldine Coyne’s; she dressed up as a Mummy, so clever and scary! In fact Geraldine won the prize for the best costume, so great night all round and well done to the McDonaghs for arranging such a great gathering. There are photos on the Roundstone website, should you want to see them. News and photos courtesy of Richard De Stacpoole.

See photos in this issue on pages 38 and 39.

Connemara View Newspaper

Roundstone Senior Citizens Trip Five members from the Roundstone Community went on the Annual North West Connemara Forum Holiday break from October 13th to 16th, with other village members from Connemara, 62 all told. We headed off to Westport for lunch then on to Enniscrone, just outside Sligo, where we stayed at the Diamond Coast Hotel. For the next three days,

we were very comfortable, good food and great entertainment, music and dancing, in fact the entertainment was also supplied from our own guys, Mathias Conneely and Thomas Heanue with the accordion, whistle and the spoons. Thomas by the way has a great singing voice. Mathias’s daughter Monica also sang, as did Ellen McDonagh and Martina Gavin and Geraldine Kelly. I can assure you that the group had no shortage of fun for the next three nights.

The Wednesday morning we then set off to Enniskillen, with our tour guide Michael Ryan through extraordinary

country for a shopping spree and we shopped until we dropped. Then on the Thursday not with the full contingent, because a good many wanted to do the sea weed baths, or walk along the beaches close to our hotel, some of us went to see where William Butler Yeats was buried with his wife Georgina at the site of the St Columba’s Church which had been a place of Christian Pilgrimage for over 1500 years.

Then back down to Ballina and on to Attymass to visit a site dedicated to the Rosary Priest, Father Patrick Peyton who died in 1992. He was very respected for his prayer crusade all over the world, preaching the importance of prayer, especially family prayer hence the famous slogan “The family that prays together, stays together”. Then Friday it was back to Castlebar for more shopping and then home.

Unfortunately I don’t have the time to talk about everything we did, but suffice to say Martina Gavin and Geraldine Kelly from Forum who arranged this trip and the carers i.e. group leaders from each locality, did a great job in taking care of the Senior Citizens. It is a big responsibility but everybody had a great time, particularly yours truly! I’m ashamed to say I’d never really seen this part of Ireland, or learnt anything about the history of the various areas. It was an eye opener and there were some very interesting people amongst the group. I have put a few more photographs on the Roundstone website, under photo events, if anyone would like to see them.

Photo above: Members of the group who went on the Annual North West Connemara Forum Holiday break at the Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone.

Photo above left: Some Connemara visitors to the grave of WB Yeats.

Photo bottom left: Mathias Conneely entertaining with his talent on the spoons.

world came to Roundstone to be with her. It was a rather unique time. Agnes and her husband Martin have 26 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and two great-great grand children!

On Friday October 30th there was a double celebrationone of the great grand children Master Jonathan Simms (De Courcey) brother to his three sisters Lilly, Polly and Robyn was christened in the Catholic church, with a party at Errisbeg House after, to wet the baby’s head so to speak! At the same time, another great grandchild was born a few days ago in Toulouse, France, a little girl named Chloe whose parents are Gráinne and Sandy Van-den Berg.

And on Halloween night in the Roundstone House Hotel there was a fantastic birthday party to celebrate Agnes’ 90th.

Next year Martin and Agnes will celebrate 70 years of marriage so what can one say-congratulations to you both and a very happy birthday Agnes! It just remains to be said what an incredible gathering of the clan to show their respect to Martin and Agnes. More of the photos can be seen on the Roundstone Website.

Photo below: Josephine Lewis, Claire Simms, Agnes De Courcey, children: Robyn, Polly, Jonathan and Lilly at the christening of Jonathan.

News & photos courtesy of Richard De Stacpoole

Birthday Greetings There are many birthdays around this time so greetings to Neil McKay, Deirdre and Brid King, Kelan McDonagh who is 3 and Agnes De Courcey who has reached the great age of 90!

90th Birthday To celebrate Agnes De Courcey’s 90th birthday, people from all over the

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2009

Page 11

Naomh Fechin Minors win West Board Shield

The Naomh Fechin Minor football team overcame the Aran Islands on a damp day on Sunday November 1st in Ros a Mhíl to claim the title of West Board Shield Winners 2009. Despite the very heavy ground, a good game was played and the Clifden side held out for a fantastic victory of 0-14 to 0-10 to take home the Shield.

Photo above: The Naomh Fechin Minor Side who were awarded the West Board Shield 2009.

Photo right: Captain Niall Black with Paddy Sweeney from the West Board. Photos courtesy of Ann Mitchell

Clifden Trout Anglers Children’s Competition This year’s Clifden Trout Anglers Children’s Fishing Competition was held on Lough Auna, Clifden on Saturday 19th September. Pictured with some of their catch were (l-r): Fionn McAleer of Clifden, Rowan O’ Halloran of Moyard, Callum King of Clifden, John O’ Halloran of Moyard, David Mannion of Murvey and Daithi Ryan of Cong. The Winner of the Perpetual Trophy was David Mannion from Murvey. Well done to all the children who took part in the competition and a great day was had by all.

Martin Conroy

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November 2009

Connemara SportsView

R U GBY Senior Round Up Our Senior team’s AIL League got off to a mixed start.

We were well beaten in Nenagh 44-13, before turning it around at home against Ards the following week winning 15-3. Drop goals from David Keogh and Sean Joyce and three penalties from new recruit from New Zealand Jason Richan ensured a deserved win. This was the first AIL game on the newly resurfaced pitch and a good way to christen it. This game was sponsored by Reg and Barbra Davis from Cashel and they were really pleased with the result. While the visitors were disappointed to be beaten they were full of praise for the pitch and also enjoyed their two nights in Griffin’s. Our third game was away to Queens and with players injured and others unavailable to travel we were well under strength and paid the price against the lively students with a difficult 71-0 defeat-a result to forget. Queens are one of the favourites to go up to Div 2 this season. Last week’s game against Instonians was postponed at the request of the Ulster side and will be played at the Monastery Field on the 21st November with kick off at 2.30pm.

Junior Round Up The Junior side are having a very good start to their campaign. They started off with a good win over Westport 42-5 and then had a hard fought win over Portumna 15-13.

The next game was against Creggs and we went down 14-6.

This is a game we could have won if David McDonagh had a little more luck with the boot. While he converted two penalties he unluckily shaved the posts on the wrong side with four more. A good break by Darren Little and a delightful cross kick which Conor O’Malley fielded and offloaded to John Davis should have yielded a try but John was held up inches from the line. Our next game was away to NUIG and this game was in the balance until the last ten minutes when a quick penalty saw Kevin Ward been stopped five meters from the line. But when John Davis got in behind him there was only way to go and the two of them got over the line for the winning try. David McDonagh converted to leave the final score 5-22. Last Sunday at home we played Ballyhaunis and with cold and wet conditions making handling difficult, it was going to be a forwards game. The visitors had a bigger pack but our big boys rose to the challenge. Kevin McHugh, Frankie Madden, Stephen Nee and the front row of Johnny Bolger, Alan Pryce and John Davis all stood up to everything Ballyhaunis threw at them. Three penalties from David McDonagh decided the issue and this puts us second in the table behind Creggs. We have an away game against Gort next Sunday and then at home to Dunmore on the 22nd and all support is of course welcome at all matches.

The minis have a blitz at home with Oughterard on the 14th November.

The lotto jackpot is still at €5,000 and the next draw is on Sunday November 8th in E.J. Kings.

Peter Keane

Connemara SportsView

Photo right: Pictured at the second Connemara RFC match and first home game of the season in Griffin’s Bar were Aidan O’Halloran, President Connemara RFC, Match Sponsors Barbara and Reg Davies and Stephen Eachus President of Ards RFC.

U-15’s Off To Great Start The Connemara U15’s enjoyed a fantastic 37-0 victory over West Offaly Lions on October 3rd. (See photo below).

The Connemara U-15’s began training on the 15th of September.

Eight turned up for the first night and we have since built up a squad of 24 players. We had our first game of the Connacht League against the West Offaly Lions. It was also the first game on the new pitch. The visitors were never allowed to settle and we were soon ahead with a brace of tries from Oisín Heffernan. Not to be out done, No.8 John Joyce soon crossed the line for a tremendous try. It was all one-way traffic as Heffernan and Joyce went over again and again, and they finished with four and two tries respectively. Just before the final whistle, team captain Jack Shannon crossed for another fantastic try beneath the posts, which was duly converted by Darren Burke. It was a great performance and an excellent first game on the new pitch.

Our next game was away to Buccaneers. Having lost their first two games the home team were fired up. From the start they hammered the Connemara line and their tremendous start soon led to a Bucc’s try. Despite a great Connemara defence it was to no avail and the Bucc’s backs hammered home. Connemara full back Thomas Joyce was superb in defence and No.8 James O’ Toole showed great determination and courage for the whole game. Despite the game ebbing away, captain Jack Shannon led the way and put in the tackle of the match late into injury time. A loss, but a good effort from the lads in black.

The third match of the season was against Corinthians. On a wet and windy day in awful conditions the game kicked off.

Playing with the wind and towards the lake, Corinthians attacked the Connemara line and after 5 minutes they crossed in the corner for a try. The blustery wind ensured they missed the conversion.

In spite of constant pressure from the visitors the Connemara defence was strong, but they only managed to get out of their own half twice. The second half was a great team effort. After driving the opponents off their own ball and a great pick and go from Patrick King got the momentum going, a good pass out to prop Matthew Gavin got the Kingstown man away. He crashed through three players before offloading a pass to hooker Stephen McDonagh who ran the 50 metres to cross for a try. The second half saw the home side with the advantage of the elements and with growing

November 2009

confidence. The visitors were soon down to 14 men after a yellow to their No.6 for a reckless kick on Mark Staunton.

Peter Brittain at out-half began to mix his game and a clever combination of passing and kicking got us to the visitors line. From the bottom of a ruck 5 metres out, Peter Brittain picked the ball and dived over for the try to put us ahead.

The last 20 minutes were tense for both sides, but the final whistle brought celebrations for the home side. It was a great result in what was a competitive, clean, hard-fought game.

There were many genuine smiles and handshakes afterwards as the visitors were clapped from the field. Well done to all the squad and keep up the fantastic work.

John O’ Halloran Photos courtesy of Irene King

Connemara RFC AIL League Fixtures 14th Nov ‘09 Rainey OB v Connemara 21st Nov ‘09 Instonians v Connemara 5th Dec ‘09 Connemara v Wanderers 12th Dec ‘09 Sundays Well v Connemara

Page 13

DARTS Mikey Mullen & All Souls Memorial Cup The finals of the Mikey Mullen and All Souls of the Sea Memorial Cup took place in Glynsk House in mid October, at the end of a number of heats in venues all over Connemara. The overall winner was John Boisclair who won the trophy for this year and €200. In second place was John Joe Donohue who received a trophy and €100. The highest checkout was Mairtin Griffin who received a dartboard, €50 and a trophy and the winner of the ladies highest checkout was Theresa Geary. The Mullen family extended their thanks to all who participated in this year’s competition as well as the organizers, host venues and prize sponsors. A total of €2,167 was raised which will go to the Clifden Lifeboat Fund and the Lifeboat Fundraising Committee extend their sincere gratitude to Michael Mullen and family for this wonderful contribution once again this year.

Photos: Top - A group of some of the players who took part on the final night of the Mikey Mullen and All Souls of the Sea Memorial Cup at Glynsk House. Left: (L-r): Pat Mullen, Nathan Mullen, Runner-Up John Joe Donohoe, Winner John Boisclair and Michael Mullen. Photo right: Gerry Aspell presents Mairtín Griffin with the highest checkout trophy. Photo below: Nathan Mullen presents Theresa Geary with the ladies highest checkout trophy.

Photos courtesy of Claire Mullen

The Mairtín Berry - Johnny Canavan Memorial Cup Photo right: Teach Daingean stalwarts John Boisclair and Tommy Flaherty took the prestigious cup back to Bealadangan for the first time ever, having defeated Eamonn Mannion and Thomas Conneely in the final which took place in Moran’s in Carna on Sunday November 1st.

Photo below: The Mairtín Berry-Johnny Canavan Memorial Shield Winners 2009 were Alan Flaherty and James Flaherty.

Photo bottom left: Mairtín Berry-Johnny Canavan Memorial Cup Runners up Eamonn Mannion and Thomas Conneely.

Photo bottom right: Mairtín Berry-Johnny Canavan Memorial Shield Runners Up Sean Coohill and Michael Mullen.

Page 14

November 2009

Connemara SportsView

EQU E S TR I AN Dressage League The Cleggan Beach Dressage League started on the 11th of October and will be run for 10 weeks. The first two shows were held at Cleggan Beach Riding Centre and the third show was held in Clifden Show Grounds. The numbers are growing by the week and all newcomers are welcome and encouraged to take part, as it is a great way to gain experience for both horse and rider and gives horse owners the opportunity to compete without having to travel long distances. On Bank Holiday Monday October 26th in Clifden, the show started with the turn out class which was expertly

P O NI E S CPBS Annual Social and Awards The Connemara Pony Breeders Society held their annual social and award presentations for Performance, Breeding and Hall of Fame awards at The Westwood Hotel in Galway on Saturday October 31st.

It has been a fantastic year for the Connemara pony with Irish bred and owned ponies landing top awards in the European Championships. The McCormack’s Ballyowen Maybell Molly who was paraded at this year’s Clifden Show, attained European individual Gold as well as European Team Silver. Eamon Bresco’s Sillogue Darkie also achieved European Team Silver, while Ann Byrne’s Prospect Peter won the 148cm Championship at the RDS. Photo: At the Connemara Pony Breeders Society annual social and award presentation evening in the Westwood Hotel were (l-r): Sylvaile Galligan (President of the European Pony Club ), Eamon Bresco (Performance Award Recipient for Sillogue Darkie), Beatrice Maxwell-Murphy (Breeders Hall Of Fame Award recipient), Dermot Power ( President of the CPBS), Paddy Foley (Lifetime Breeders

Connemara SportsView

judged by Pat White of Moyard. This was followed by a clinic on showing the ridden pony/horse and this section was again expertly delivered by Nicola Musgrave of Cleggan Farm. Lastly 18 tests were judged by Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan. This week’s test was test 7. The standard is improving by the week and is very encouraging for the organisers. The venue for the next show is in Sean Connell’s centre in Ower East, Roscahill, Co. Galway. The show will start with the turn out class, followed by the dressage and then a starter stakes jumping class.

Results Turn out: 1st Alana Cazabon Sullivan on Amber, 2nd Ruth Brennan on Scarlett, 3rd Deirdre Holmes on Taffy and Award recipient), Lucille Smyth-Tarpy (Breeders Award for Prospect Peter) , Michael Higgins (Hall of Fame Award recipient), Nora Higgins, Anthony McCormack (Performance Award for Ballyowen Maybell Molly) and Jenny Richardson (Breeder of Ballyowen Maybell Molly).

Photo courtesy of Tom Broderick.

Big Crowds & Good Buys at 5 Day Sale The 5 day sale of Connemara ponies in Clifden over the October Bank Holiday weekend brought the usual crowds of people to the area. It was encouraging to see that while prices are considerably down on the pre-recession heights that they had reached, there were still buyers aplenty for the ponies and approximately 65% of the ponies catalogued changed hands. This is in stark contrast to other areas of the horse industry where auctioneers struggle to get bids on at all- let alone sell the lots.

For the third year running the October sales were held in a marquee erected on the grounds of the mart, alongside new and improved stabling which is hired for every sale.

The sales commenced on Thursday the 22nd with riding ponies, colts and geldings. The highest price achieved on this day was €3250 for lot number 202, a 4 year old dun gelding,

November 2009

4th Nicola Coyne on Taffy.

Ridden Class: 1st Emma O’Toole on Taibshe na Mara, 2nd Andrew Cahill on Vinney and 3rd Ruth Brennan on Scarlett.

Dressage: 1st Alana Cazabon Sullivan on Amber, 2nd Andrew Cahill on Vinney and equal 3rd Alwyn Moran on Harry and Ruth Brennan on Scarlett.

Photos: Andrew Cahill of Cleggan and Ruth Brennan of Moycullen at the Cleggan Beach Dressage League Show in Clifden on Monday October 26th. Joe Lynch of Clifden waits to do his test. Alwyn Moran of Clifden riding Harry, who placed equal 3rd in Dressage.

Photos courtesy of Judy Cazabon. broken and ridden by Anbally Frank. This pony, along with 48 others, is bound for the UK. A further 28 were sold to France. It was particularly encouraging to see two dealers from France, one of whom had attended the August sales, take home 14 of these ponies. There is no doubt that the European market has once again opened up for the Irish Connemara Pony, a positive result of the decrease in prices.

Two 3 year old unbroken geldings which were purchased as foals at the sales in 2006 returned to fetch €2900 and €3200 for their vendor, which were particularly good prices for unbroken geldings. Eleven 4 year old broken and ridden geldings fetched between €2000 and €2700. Yearling and 2 year old colts achieved particularly poor prices with the worst of them fetching €400. Two registered class 1 stallions were on offer but neither was sold.

Day 2 of the sales consisted of fillies and mares. Seamus Keady from Spiddal fetched €4500 for his 2 year old class 1 filly by El Larry. She is bound for the UK. Lot 221, Western Doll, a 6 year old class 1 mare by Glencarrig Prince and scanned in foal, fetched €4000, as did lot 307, a 4 year old class 1 mare scanned in foal to Castlestrange Fionn. Lot 311, a 3 year old class 1 mare by Glencarrig Sparrow, found a new home at €3900. PJ Watson’s well produced 3 year old class 1 mare by Boden Park Finnard was sold for €3800. Lot 345, another 3 year old class 1 mare, scanned in foal fetched €3600. Yearling fillies were sold for prices between €1200 and €2700, while 2 year old fillies (provided they were class 1 registered) were sold from €1250 to €3250.

The next 3 days of the sales, Saturday to Monday, consisted mainly of foals (up on 800) with a few mares also on offer. The highest price for a foal over the 3 days was €3500 for lot 808, an attractive dun filly by Starsky out of Dootry Lucky Lady. She was sold by James Byrne from Carrracanada, Swinford, County Mayo and he received the Clifden Mart Cup for the highest priced foal. A number of filly foals fetched between €2000 and €3000 but in general the fillies were less in demand than colts and the majority of fillies were sold for prices between €1000 and €1500. There were plenty of buyers for colt foals but at much reduced prices.

Prices fetched were from €100 to €1400, with €600 being the average price paid for the colts.

The next sale of Connemara Ponies in Clifden will take place in February 2010 on a date yet to be confirmed.

Padraic Heanue

Page 15

Oughterard Golf Club 30/09/09 Open Day Competition. 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Eanna Noone (17) 40pts, (22B9) 2nd Tony Barrett (19) 40 pts, (20B9) 3rd Donal Barrett (24) 38pts 4th John Curran (21) 37pts, C.S.S 35 pts.

Ladies 18 Hole Stableford. Sponsor: Conor McNamara. C.S.S. 73. 1st, Carmel Moore, 29, 37 2nd, Bernie McTigue, 34, 36 (b6) Gross, Laura Gore, 14, 17 gr pts. 3rd, Mai Faherty, 25, 36 4th, Alice Murphy, 26, 34 (b9) 5th,Cait Kelly, 26, 34.

04/10/09 18 Hole Medal Competition.

Sponsor: Brian Higgins. 1st Michael Walsh (26) 38 pts (19b9). 2nd Gearoid O’Cualain (7) 38 pts (18b9). Gross: Hugh Walsh (3) 34 Gross Pts. 3rd Pat McGann (19) 38 pts (16b9). 4th Gerard Cunningham (5) 37 pts (19b9). 5th Declan Davin (12) 37 pts (16b9). CSS 35 pts.

06/10/09 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Tom Hargrove (15) 41pts, 2nd Senan Wall (Cregmore) (17) 38 pts, (20B9) 3rd Hugh Walsh (3) 38pts (18B9) C.S.S 36 PTS 07/10/09 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford.

GAA SCOREBOARD 3/10/09 Motorpark.ie West Intermediate League Clonbur 0 – 1 0-16 Lettermore Carna Cashel - - St James Conceded by St James

4/10/09 Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Group 1 Aran Islands 1-16 1-13 An Cheathru Rua Oughterard 0-14 2-10 Lettermore Motorpark.ie West Junior C Championship Renvyle 0-8 0-14 Salthill-Knocknacarra

Sponsor: Faherty’s Pharmacy, Oughterard, C.S.S. 73. 1st, Ann Kavanagh, 21, 40 pts 2nd , Doreen Garvey, 36, 37 pts Gross, Maire Ni Mhaille, 14, 21 gr pts 3rd, Kathleen Dolly, 26, 34, 4th, Phil Kavanagh, 21, 33 (B9) 5th , Bernie McTighe, 33, 33 (B6).

11/10/09 18 Hole Stroke Competition.

Sponsor: Fyffes. 1st John Waters 17, 65 nett, 2nd John Carr, 11, 67 nett, Gross, Richard H Joyce, 5, 77 Gross, 3rd Johnny Lynagh, 16, 68 nett, 4th Pat McEvilly, 11, 69 nett, 5th, Kevin Heery, 22, 69 nett, CSS 71 nett 13/10/09 18 Hole Stableford 1st Brian Connelly, 15, 39pts (22B9), 2nd Jim Larkin, 21, 39pts (20B9), 3rd, Dominick O Morain, 12, 30pts (18B9,12B6), 4th John Macalinney, 13, 39pts (18B9, 10B6), CSS 35pts.

14/10/09 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford. Sponsor: Michael Welby Plant Hire, Oughterard. C.S.S. 74, 1st , Catherine Hosty, 21, 34, 2nd , Jodie Coughlan, 22, 33 (b9), Gross, Niamh Keogh, 15, 19 grs pts, 3rd , Kathleen Dolly, 26, 33 (b9), 4th, Teresa Butler, 24, 33 pts,5th , Kathleen Payne, 29, 32 pts.

18/10/09 18 Hole Stableford Competition.

1st Joe Bohan (19) 40 pts. 2nd Martin Lee (13) 39 pts (19b9). Gross: Michael Darcy (S) (5) 32 Gross. 3rd John G. Walsh (15) 38 pts (21b9). 4th Jimmy Sheehan (17) 38 pts (19b9). 5th Robert

Monroe (10) 36 pts (19b9). CSS 35 pts.

20/10/09 18 Hole Open Day Competition 1st Gerard Cunningham (5) 44pts. 2nd Colm Kavanagh (18) 41 pts. 3rd Brian Connelly (14) 40 pts. 4th Richie Lee (16) 39 pts (20B9). CSS 36 pts.

20/10/09 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Seamus Hynes (12) 38pts, 2nd Kevin Blehein (26) 37pts.CSS 35pts.

25/10/09 18 Hole Hamper Competition.

1st Cyril Foye (12), 67nett (21B6), 2nd Hugh Walsh (2), 67 nett (23.66B6), Gross Gerard Cunningham (4) 73 Gross, 3rd Tom Butler (17) 68 nett (34.5B9), 4th Michael Darcy(s), (5), 68 nett (35.5B9), 5th Pete Feeney (9) 69nett (35.5B9), 6th Frank Walsh (13) 69 nett (35.5B9), CSS 70 nett.

28/10/09 Ladies 12 Hole Stableford, Voucher Competition. Category 0 – 20 1st , Marguerite Fallon, 16, 29, 2nd , Laura Gore, 15, 22. Category 21 – 28 1st , Kathleen Dolly, 26, 25, 2nd , D. A. Leonard, 26, 24. Category 29 – 36 1st , Maree Lundon, 32, 27 2nd , Brid Hughes, 29, 24.

10/10/09

17/10/09

Motorpark.ie West Intermediate League Lettermore 1-17 1-10 Oughterard

Supervalu City & County West Minor B Championship Lettermore 0 –11 1 - 9 Athenry- Final.

Supervalu City & County West Minor A Championship Michael Breathnachs 0 - 9 0 - 16 St James -Final Replay Clayton Hotel Senior B League Kilkerrin/Clonberne 2-8 1-12 An Cheathru Rua

11/10/09 Motorpark.ie West Junior C League Finals Oughterard 2-8 0-13 Aran Islands Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Group 1 Na Piarsaigh 0-9 0-8 An Cheathru Rua Motorpark.ie West Intermediate League Clifden 2-9 0-11 Kilconly Oranmore-Maree 1-10 0-15 Clonbur Motorpark.ie West Junior C Championship Lettermore 0-12 1-14 Salthill-KnocknacarraFinal.

Connemara

30/09/09 Open Singles Stableford. Men’s, 1st Sean O’Donnell (20),41pts.2nd Michael O’Chartuir (16),37pts,back 9. Gross Billy Reilly (10), 27pts gross. 3rd Marty Courcey (16), 37pts. Ladies, 1st Deirdre Murphy (16), 35pts back 9.

04/10/09 18 Holes Stroke. Men’s 1st David

18/10/09 Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Finals Spiddal 5-15 1-10 Renvyle-Semi Final

24/10/09

Glynn (17), 66 nett, 2nd David Griffin (19), 67nett, Gross Jamie Flaherty (8), 76gross, 3rd John Kelly (12), 69 nett.

Winner Life Members Competition: David Glynn. Ladies: 1st Betty McAleese (22), 70 nett, 2nd Helen Royliston (20), 72 nett back 9, Gross Julie Donnellan (17), 88 gross, 3rd Trish Godwin (22), 72 nett. Winner Life Members Competition: Tricia Willder (25) 75 nett.

07/10/09 Open Singles Stableford. Mens: 1st George Peters (25), 40 pts, 2nd Hubert DeLappe (27), 30pts, Gross: Joe Lyons (0) 31 gross, 3rd Lorcan Geoghegan (18) 37pts. Ladies: 1st Breta Fitzmaurice (20) 41 pts.

11/10/09 4 Ball Betterball Stableford, Ladies: 1st: Olive Breen (20)/Maeve O’Connor (23) 41pts,2nd: Deirdre Murphy (16)/Kathleen Burke (23) 37pts.

Mens: 1st: Vivian Cotter (18)/Tim Hickey(16) 41pts(b9),2nd: Michael Heaslip (20)/Tom Sweeney (14) 41pts(b9),3rd: Paddy Flaherty (6)/John McDermott (1) 41pts (b9).

14/10/09 Open Singles Stableford, Ladies:1st: Betty McAleese(21) 36pts,2nd: Bridie Conneeley(23) 32pts,CSS: 34pts. Mens: 1st: Liam O’Reilly(4) 37pts,2nd: Rory Sweeney(2) 36pts(b9),Gross: Ger O’Donnell(6) 28pts.

3rd: Billy Reilly(9) 36pts(b6),Visitor CSS: 35pts,Home CSS: 36pts.

St Michaels 4 -11 1-4 Michael BreathnachsSemi-Final

25/10/09 Carna Cashel -- St James Not Played

01/11/09 West Minor B League Finals Aran Islands 0 -9 0 -14 Clifden -Shield Final Motorpark.ie West Junior C League Finals Salthill-Knocknacarra 2-9 1-10 Renvyle -Semi-Final Motorpark.ie West Junior B League Carna Cashel 0 -14 1-7 Moycullen- Semi-Final

Motorpark.ie West Junior B League

National Trails Day at Derroura The National Trails Day event at Derroura Mountain Bike Trail located between Oughterard and Maam Cross on Sunday October 4th was a great success once again this year. Pictured before taking off on their cycling trip were Minister Eamon O’Cuiv T.D., Ronan and Brian Fahy, Barry Rintoul of Coillte, Phillip and Dermot Comerford and Darren McGlenn. Photo by Tom Broderick photos.

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November 2009

Connemara SportsView

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL Mannions Savour 5-0 Win We’ve now settled in the 3rd Division of the Galway District League and I’ve noticed that the opposition are a little fitter, faster, stronger and more organised than what we’ve faced before. It’s easy to go into freefall in any division when you can’t find a win and for our last two league matches getting wins to start climbing the table was crucial.

Our match with Claregalway had been called off due to bad weather in August, abandoned due to flooding in September and it wasn’t a fair day as we tried to play the fixture for a third time. We started a lot brighter than our opponents; our passing and tackling kept the pressure on them throughout the first half so much so that our goalie Thomas Madden didn’t have to make too many saves, but when he did he was always fast off his line. The highlights of the first half were the two goals that we scored. The first came after Shane Lydon put a tight pass through to Alan McCann,and as he burst forward he lifted it beautifully over the on-rushing keeper, and into the roof of the net-like a Connemara Frank Lampard! Our second goal was also a

pleasure to watch; from inside his own half, one of our rock solid defenders Patrick Faherty decided to test the goalie and managed to lob it over him. You have to have a shot sometimes and he deserved his goal for all the hard work he did during the full 90 minutes.

There was a shock at the start of the second half as Claregalway scored from their first real attack of the day; they definitely raised their game and spent a lot more time on the ball and trying to get forward. We got back our two goal advantage when Mark Shanahan drilled in a perfect corner and Shane Lydon raced into the danger zone above the defenders to send a bullet header past their keeper who had no chance. Dylan Wallace was very unlucky when he broke through their defence on three occasions, only for their keeper to find his form and pull off some amazing saves.

Claregalway scored another goal before the end and Alan McCann had to put on the gloves and pull off a few expert stops to get the 3-2 win when Thomas Madden was injured making another brave save.

Our last match was against Medtronic at one of Mervue’s pitches in Galway and it was the best performances I’ve seen from a Mannions AFC team. The result was 5-0 and apart

from an own goal late on, the other 4 goals were spectacular.

Sean Mullen scored two which were worthy of Sky Sports coverage-one beautiful strike over the goalie from 20 yards out and the other after great support play from Dylan Wallace was expertly placed into the bottom right corner past the diving keeper. Alan McCann managed to score for two matches running as he placed himself in the perfect position to blast one past the keeper and Niall Lydon is top of the charts for goal of the season after dispatching a masterful over-head volley.

It’s easy to get carried away when your side wins 5-0 but it was the rest of the performance which was so special.

Gerry Walsh, James Kilkenny, Liam Duffy and Daniel King were faultless in our back line-excellent positioning, tireless running and perfectly timed tackling, which was as fantastic to watch as the goals at the other end. Brian Flaherty, Shane Lydon, Thomas Madden and the other players already mentioned, played like a great team from start to finish. They never gave Medtronic a moment to dwell on the ball and held onto possession whenever they got the chance. As long as they continue to play like this they will be very hard to beat and will keep climbing the table. Kevin Gavin

RUNNING

Leenane/Maam Irish Red Cross 5 Mile Run The Leenane /Maam branch of the Irish Red Cross are planning to host a 5 Mile Run, Jog, Walk, through Leenane on Sunday 22nd November.

Funds gathered on the day will go towards the upkeep of the local Ambulance. The run will start and finish in Leenane village, and this 5 mile run will take in some on the breathtaking scenery along Killary Harbour and will include the award winning Golden Mile in Glanagimla. This activity is for all serious runners and joggers, but it will be open to anyone who might enjoy this fun activity.

The Race starts at 2p.m. at the Leenane Community Hall and registration will take place in the Hall from 12 noon onwards.

Entry Fee:Runners - €15. - Family €20. Prizes for first, second and third place. Fancy-dress optional! Refreshment provided at the end of the race. Start training now!

For more information contact: Hazel Wade on 087-7719751 or email Stephen Coyne at jonsteve2@msn.com.

BOXING All Stars Boxers Come to Connemara An enthusiastic crowd of all age groups converged on Carraroe on Friday October 9th when the All Stars Boxing Club from North London visited to play a number of exhibition and competitive matches against the Connemara Boxing Club, based in Camus. The London club were delighted to come on the trip and fundraised to do so and

Connemara SportsView

it is hoped that the Connemara Boxing Club will make a trip over there in the future. A DVD was also made of the night’s bouts and the enthusiasm with which the whole event was greeted, points to a very strong appetite for more of this kind of event in the future.

Photo above: Members of the All Stars Boxing Club from London with some of their hosts in Carraroe in October.

Photo below: The All Stars Boxing Club.

Photos courtesy of Margaret Sheehan

November 2009

Page 17

GAA

GAA at Community School GAA football is now being played at Clifden Community School and the school teams will be eligible to play in the Connacht Schools Competitions. At present training and playing is open to senior boys and girls only but the interest expressed by the students and parents alike has been very good, with 32 boys signed up to date. Teacher John Coyle has been instrumental in the set up of this new development, and it is hoped that a challenge match will be played in November before the start of the Connacht Schools League.

Eoin Healy Perpetual Cup The Eoin Healy Perpetual 7-a side Cup was held in Carna recently. It is in remembrance of Eoin, a former CarnaCashel club member who sadly passed away at a young age a few years ago. There was four teams participating on the day and the proceeds of the tournament, approximately €300, will go towards the Galway Hospice Foundation.Thanks must go to the organisers Sean Folan and John Folan as well as to referees Johnny Lydon, Warren Healy, Paraic Cloherty and the members of the Healy family.

Photo right courtesy of Bernard Lee

New Oughterard Pitch Opens The new All Weather pitch at St Paul’s in Oughterard was officially opened on Sunday October 4th, where a minute’s silence was observed for the tragic passing of David Kelly earlier in the week. The pitch is now open and available to the school and the wider community by arrangement.

Photo right A group of youths and students at the opening of the St. Paul’s pitch in Oughterard.

Photo below: At the St. Paul’s pitch opening on October 4th were (l-r): Kevin Kelly of Galway Co. Co, Cllr.

Eileen Mannion, School Principal Orla Malone, Sr. De Lourdes Fahy, Margaret McLoughlin, Cllr. Thomas Welby and Cllr. Sean Kyne.

Photos by Tom Broderick,

Galway Masters Defeat Australia The Irish Masters International rules panel defeated Australia on Friday 23rd October in Breffni Park in Co. Cavan, on a scoreline of 72- 34. Masters: Pictured with the Official Irish Jersey are Galway and Connemara players Tom Greaney (Corofin), Harry Walsh (Oughterard), Ger Lee (Headford), Brian Silke (Corofin), Vinnie Larkin (LeitirMóir) and Eamon Walsh (Oughterard). Photo courtesy of Harry Walsh.

Page 18

November 2009

Connemara SportsView

Employment Part time temporary SNA needed for Scoil Mhuire NS, Clifden, Nov-June 2010. Applications in writing to Chairperson BOM, Scoil Mhuire, Racecourse Road, Clifden on or before Nov 13 2009.

Rural Social Scheme Supervisor for FORUM Connemara Limited which administers the Rural Social Scheme on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in North West Connemara, Oughterard and District. See details on page 7.

Permanent Part-time Care Assistant. David’s Choice Project. Ballyconneely. Salary Scale: €27,990 - €38,844 REF: 41/2009. We will also be forming a Locum/Relief panel of Care Assistants from these interviews. See details in ad on page 4.

Nanny looking for position. Available to start after Christmas. Exp. nursery nurse looking for live in Nanny position in Connemara. sjash84@yahoo.co.uk.

Person required to care for young disabled adult, must have clean driving license. Pay-Gross €12 per hour for 12.5 hours per week, phone 087-142-9397 for more details.

Arts & Entertainment 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

Connemara View Directory

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.

Catering

Omey Tyres. Connemara’s 1st complete mobile tyre fitting centre. The best prices - Every day – Guaranteed. 24 Hour - 7 Days. Call Out Service throughout Connemara. Call Daniel Ryan on 095-44979 or 087-244-5129.

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.

West PC Repair. Market Street, Clifden. 095 22668, 087 7816037. info@westpcrepair.com. We have several new and refurbished laptops on offer. All come with 3 months free service. See details in ad on page 5.

Office Chat. Office supplies, digital cameras and printers, mobile phones. Vodafone, Meteor, 3 networks. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-21911. sales@officechat.ie.

Automotive

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. 095-4124. pban@indigo.ie www. pangurban.com.

Computers, IT & Mobile Phones

Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants

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.

Marconi Restaurant at Foyles Hotel. Clifden. 095-21801.

Christmas Party nights. Friday 4th December, Saturday 5th December, Friday 11th December, Saturday 12th December, Friday 18th December, Saturday 19th December.

Mulled wine reception, five course meal, live band, Friday €35.00 pp, Saturday €37.50 pp. Why not avail of our special overnight B&B rate of €35 per person sharing.

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. November Special: 2 Course early bird menu + tea/coffee €17.50. Restaurant open 12-3pm, 6-9.30pm. Breakfasts served 10am to 12noon. Bar food served 12 to 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 night including our Rock night every Friday.

Griffins Bar. Main St, Clifden. Serving hot food Mon-Fri from noon to 5pm. Live music every night. 4 TV screens for the best sports viewing. Air conditioned. Beer garden and smoking area. 095-21370.

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.

November 2009

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.

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.

Top Quality Hay and Straw for sale. Square and round bales. Call 087-968-1950.

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.

‘Gardners’ farmyard manure (well rotted) available for collection - Recess. €2 a bag. 087-903-5366 Cattle de-horning service available. Professionally done under local anaesthetic with no pain or blood loss to the animal. Call Donal Staunton on 087-992-2301.

Page 19

Financial/Legal 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 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.

duce is also available in the Countryshop Letterfrack and the Connemara Hamper Clifden. 095-44855.

Pets, Animals & Ponies

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.

Information Services & Media 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), 8-9 pm. AA: Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30 pm. Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30 pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30 pm. 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 10:30am3:30pm.

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

Hair, Nails & Tanning King’s Hair Salon. “Talking Heads”. The Square, Clifden.

095-21085. November Specials: Full head of meche hilites, cut and blowdry only €80 when you book with Geraldine or Shelley. Receive a “Semi dí Lino” trial pack with every wash & blowdry (while stocks last) plus a free conditioning treatment with every colour. Great new shades of “Red” in this autumn. Christmas gift ideas: Hairdryers, straighteners, gift sets, vouchers.

Anna’s Nail Bar & Tanning Salon. Bridge St., Clifden.

095-30001. New Vibroplate. 1st in Connemara. 1 hour of exercise in 10 minutes! Introductory Offer: 50 cents per minute. New! Wow Brown spray tanning now available.

Full body tan for €30. Normally €35. Hand file & polish €13. Toe file & polish. €16. Open Tues-Sat 10-5. Late appointments strictly by appointment.

Rosie’s Ladies & Gents Hair Salon, Roundstone. 09535819. Open Tues - Sat 10-6. Late and early appointments to suit. November Specials: Deep conditioning treatments and free blowdry for €25-1hour 10mins. GHD curls €20. Wash & blowdry: €15. Short hair; €25 Long hair. Bring in your own colour for €10 + blowdry €10.

Home Furnishings

Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348.

Creative Wood Flooring & Fireplace Warehouse. Kilroe, Inverin, Co. Galway. Wood flooring, fireplaces, stoves, granite worktops, firewood. Factory prices, nationwide delivery. 091-553-995. 087-285-3114. www.creativewarehouse.ie Lydons Carpet & Furniture. Moycullen. Now in: Clare Faux Leather Suite. €799. Hamilton Table with 4 chairs €229; with 6 chairs €329. Many carpet specials. Furniture: 091868-992. Carpet & Flooring: 091-555-962.

Page 20

06 Kawasaki klf250 bayou quad 4x2 like new €3,500. Can be seen at Galway Quads, Boley, East Barna. Contact Keith Trill on 087-988-6514 or email keith@galwayquads.com. www.galwayquads.com.

Peugeot Partner. Perfect condition. New timing belt. €2200.

087-299-4674.

Turf for Sale. €300 per trailer including delivery within Connemara. 087-611-9409.

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.

05 Volvo V50. 72,000 km Mileage. Blue, Diesel, Electricwindows, Central locking, Front fog lights, Winter pack & alloys. €12,500. Contact 087-299-3536.

2007 Hyundi Tuson. 75,000 km Mileage. Diesel, New tyres, Tax Oct’10, High spec. 1 Lady owner. €18,300.

087-052-4539

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.

Landscaping

Tree pruning, crown reductions, crown thinning, deadwood removal, tree removal, hedge cutting & chipping, est 1998.

Alan Linnane. West Coast Tree Surgery. 095-43018. 086284-8340. westcoasttreesurgery@hotmail.com.

Language Classes

‘Parliamo italiano!’ Italian language classes for beginners.

Informal, friendly atmosphere. Evenings. Clifden. Tel 087-758-1923.

Marine

Cleggan Marine. www.clegganmarine.com. sales@clegganmarine.com. 095-44037. 087-775-9405. Electronics.

Electrical. Safety equipment. Fibreglass, resin & accessories. Prop protector rope cutter. International paints/ antifouling. Guy cotton oilers, boots, wellies

Office Supplies

Office supplies, digital cameras and printers, mobile phones.

Vodafone, Meteor, 3 networks. Galway Rd, Clifden.

095-21911. sales@officechat.ie.

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 pro-

November 2009

Next issue: December 3rd Box Ad Deadline: November 19th Classified Ad Deadline: November 26th Connemara View Directory

Properties 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.

Commercial Unit, The Square, Clifden. Ideal office studio - formerly Two Dogs Computers. Reasonable rent. Contact Gerard on 086-818-2715

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.

Book now for your Building Energy Rating certificate which is compulsory for all homes for sale or rent from January 1st 2009. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. BERs will be carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Call Sinead at Matt O’Sullivan Estate Agents on 095-21066 or e-mail property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

Listing properties for long term rental.

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

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 engeneering 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.

Taxi Service

Sky Taxis. Clifden. 095-22299. 087-6664048.

TV/Satellite/Broadband

Wireless broadband. Aerial and satellite installation and repair. Peter Keane, Clifden. 095-21827. 087-668-7468.

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.

Kickboxing Classes. Kickboxing is great for the abs, buns and thighs. Punching is great for the back, arms & shoulders. Tuesdays: Clifden 5:30-6:30 and Leenane 9-10pm.

Mondays & Wednesdays Westport 8-9 & 9-10. €10 per session. Call John on: 086-817-1482. www.JohnBrawn. com. JohnBrawn.com@gmail.com.

Damien Stoney : Neuromuscular Therapist ANMPT, Sports, deep tissue & relaxation massage, dry needling, physical therapy, change sensations in your body. Contact 087-125-2578 Renew Beauty and Spa. Clifden Station House. 095-21881.

10th birthday celebration and the re-launching of our newly refurbished, luxurious spa premises. Join us on November 13th from 2 to 7pm for amazing offers, voucher discounts, face mapping and much more!

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.

Nurturing Touch is now offering baby massage classes and pregnancy massage in Clifden! “Gentlebirth” is a birth preparation program using self hypnosis, helping you feel

confident, calm and in control. Phone Nurturing Touch on 086-383-6295 or 091-595352.– www.gentlebirth.ie.

Nurturing Touch, Titiane Guillou, 16 Cullane Road, Carraroe.

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.

5 Rhythms® Movement Classes. We dance for joy, for fun, for keeping fit and we can also dance to feel rooted and steady in life, to feel supported in your way of living. An exhilarating, creative, movement meditation practice.

Nov 4th & 18th , Dec 2nd & 16th. 10.30 am to 12 noon.

Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig, 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. Wide selection of designer frames and sunglasses. November

Connemara View Directory

November 2009

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 091-506896 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.

Specials: Free Sight Risk Assessment for over 55’s. Free eye examinations to PRSI and Medical card holders. Kids get 2nd pair 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.

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.

Connemara Chiropractic Family Clinic. Bridge St., Clifden.

095-21376.

Page 21

Clifden Shopping Trail

095-30671. Map #17 Ní Ráighne Opticians. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-30995.

Wide selection of designer frames and sunglasses. November Specials: Free Sight Risk Assessment for over 55’s.

Free eye examinations to PRSI and Medical Card Holders.

Kids get 2nd pair Free. Map #15

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 #6 Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Visit our new retail office on Bridge St. 095-22194. 086-404-3125. Custom orders of printers, external hardrives, software. Computer repairs. Website design and development. Map #13 West PC Repair Market Street, Clifden. 095 22668, 087 7816037. info@westpcrepair.com. We have several new and refurbished Laptops on offer. All come with 3 months free service. See details in ad on page 5. Map #22

Pets, Animals & Ponies Antiques 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 #24 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 #8

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. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160 . Adult & children bike sales (new & used), rentals, service and accessories. 10% Discount on all bicycles purchased in November. Map #12

Fashion & Accessories

Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique. Market Street, 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. 09521526. Designplatform.clifden@gmail.com. “Fashion without Limits”. Designer labels including Sarah Pacini, Lollith, Louise Della, Sonja Maruhn and lots more. Great reductions, Check in store for all amazing discounts. Map #10 Hehirs. Market Street. 095-21282. mhehir@eircom.net.

Christmas Shopping Night - 20th November 2009 6-9pm.

25% off many items, Wine & cheese reception. Special offers from “Ciuin”. Christmas Club now open! See us on Facebook “Hehirs Christmas Shopping Night”. We’ll pay your parking if you shop with us! Map #23 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 #26 La Femme Bleue. The Square. 086-129-5548. jtmchantal@ hotmail.co. We stock an exclusive collection of unique felt and silk art. For those special occasions a wide selection of shawls, scarves and bags. Jewellery, accessories and precious stones from around the world. Original gift ideas for everyone. Map #29 Love Vintage. Market Street. 085-151-5879. carolannejoyce@gmail.com. Love Vintage is here to stay! Thanks everyone for a hugely successful first few months, Vintage now includes new designer fashion at fantastic prices!

New stock daily and our own exclusive Jewellery. Come experience timeless chique at a unique price. Map #19 Millars Connemara. Main Street. 095-21038. millarsconnemara@gmail.com. Offering you a great selection of unusual gifts for all occasions. Men’s fashion also in store.

Designer labels Paul Costello, Oska, Brian Tucker of Sub Couture for ladies. Watch out for great Christmas gifts

Page 22

and decorations arriving soon! Map #32 Ohh! By Gum. Station House Courtyard. 095-21334, 086025-9568 ohhbygum@gmail.com In the Water Tower of the Station House Courtyard, discover an eclectic mix of fashion, vintage & organic, accessories and arts & crafts.

Something for young & old. A free quarter of your old favourites with every November purchase. Map #9 Passenger Boutique. Station House Courtyard. 095-22770 086-262-3667 Russell@id.ie. Mid season sale at Passenger Boutique. 20% of all Stock. Lots of Christmas gift ideas. Check out new labels Josh Goot and Black/Noir.

In-house stylist available. Awarded “Best Boutique – Connaught” - Image Magazine October 2009. Map #11

Western Veterinarian Clinic. Clifden Business Park, Galway Road, Clifden. Pet foods, toys and supplies. Full veterinary services. Map #1

Variety Shops

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.

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 which won’t be beaten anywhere. Map #14 Carr’s Carpets & Furniture. Galway Road, Clifden. 09522070. 086-230-9621. Massive sale now on with seriously discounted prices. Come into our new separate clearance shop for our annual November clearout sale. Filled with flooring and furnishings that Must Go! A great selection of special offers including: Furniture- chest of 4 drawers €99; chest of 3 drawers €60, ’6” wardrobe €199. Carpet: 10’6” x 13’ €70, wool remnants from €7 sq yd; 9’ x 13’ €50.

Flooring: laminate flooring from €9.95 including underlay.

20% off roller, vertical & timber blinds. 10% off readymade curtains. Map #5 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 books currently selling at parity. Best sellers/thrillers/biographies.

Also stockists of artist’s materials, cards & stationery.

Provides ordering and mail-order service. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. 095-22020. Map #35 Homewares Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. 095-21348. Everything at discount prices! Christmas decorations now in stock. School supplies. Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. Map #27 Keane’s. Main St., Clifden. 095-30640. 3rd birthday celebrations continue. Be our lucky 100th shopper each week in November and receive a €40 voucher. Christmas Club now open. Christmas lighting, trees, gifts now in stock.

Toys, toys and more toys arriving weekly. Map #30 King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Lotto.

Newspapers & Magazines. Card & Gift Gallery. Sweets.

Cigarettes. Phone top-ups. Christmas cards & decorations.

Map #31 P.& B. Pryce. Ironmongers & General Merchants. Galway Road. 095-22927. pryceshardware@eircom.net. Here to serve all of your home requirements. Our extensive DIY selection includes paints, hardware, gardening & household goods. Now in stock Christmas decorations and ornaments at competitive prices. Map #4 Schley Electrics. Bridge Street, Clifden. 095-21360 All Household electrical & gas Appliances. TV-video-satellite Hi-Fi-DVD-CD. Map #16 Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. Movies for hire, CDs for sale and Internet Service. Selection of video games, consoles and accessories. Order service available. Open daily until 11pm. videovault1@googlemail.com. 095-22033. Map #34 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 worldwide. Baby gifts including award winning Organics for Kids babygros and an eclectic range of jewellery & silverware.

Wedding list & ersonal Shopping source available. Map #7

November 2009

Connemara View Directory

Flowers

Connemara Florist. Main St, Clifden. Fresh flowers for all occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, births, funerals and weddings. Great gift ideas - whatever your budget!.. connemaraflorist@gmail.com www.connemaraflorist.net Deliver throughout Connemara. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm.

095-21565 Map #33

Food & Wine

Clifden Fruit & Veg. Main Street, Clifden. 086-836-5864.

Full selection of fruit and vegetable at great prices. Now selling an extensive range of animal feeds. Map #38 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 Illy coffee to go. Open all year. Phone for opening hours. 095-21054. Map #20 Des Moran Family Butchers. Main Street. Home of the national award winning sausages, white pudding and black pudding. Catering to all of your meat and poultry needs.

Christmas orders now been taking for free range turkeys, ducks, home-cured ham and spiced beef. Map #36.

Duane’s Fish Shop. Main Street Clifden. For a large selection of fresh fish, locally produced organic salmon, live lobster and fresh crab. Also, top quality frozen prawns, garlic mussels, Manx kippers and lots more. Open Tuesday - Saturday. 095-21804. Map #37 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 #21 SuperValu Clifden. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm. Fri 8am10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 8:30am-9pm. Map #29 Walsh’s Bakery & Coffee Shop. Market St., Clifden. 09521283. November specials: Coffee Shop -Afternoon Treat: slice of gateau; tea or coffee €4.50. Daily lunch specials.

Cake Shop - Tuesday treat: ovenbottom €1, vienna €1, baguette €1. Every Day Treats - dinner rolls 4 for 80c. Salad rolls 2 for 80c. Buy 2 cream pastries & get 1 half price.

Jam donuts- buy 3 for €2. Chocolate muffins- buy 2 for €2. Blueberry or cranberry muffins - buy 2 for €2.40. Take Away Special - sandwich; Coke, Diet Coke or still water; and packet of crisps. All for €3.95. Map #25

Health

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. Call direct for any of these makes to avoid delays in booking your service call. All makes and models catered for. Fast delivery of parts in stock guaranteed. Servicing Carna, Kilkieran and Rosmuc weekly. Oil burner service/repair. Have your oil burner full serviced/ repaired to maximise its efficiency. All appropriate tests carried out by fully trained personnel. 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

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

November 2009

Page 23

Is It Too Late to Resurrect REPS? While there may not have been the same scenes of physical protest and unrest that have been seen aimed at politicians announcing further cuts to farming in the last few months, the increasingly beleaguered farming community of Connemara expressed their deep dissatisfaction and concern to their local elected representatives at a special meeting convened by the IFA on Monday October 19th at the Station House Hotel in Clifden. On the top of the agenda was the decision by the government to close the REPS 4 Scheme to new entrants from last July, a move that will put financial pressure on many farmers, but particularly so here in Connemara where farmers claim it is now more difficult than ever to see a future in farming in the area.

Connemara IFA Chairman Cáilín Conneely was joined at the top table by Martin Gavin of the IFA, Secretary Mary Lacey and elected representatives Padraig McCormack T.D., Cllr. Seán Kyne, Cllr Thomas Welby, Cllr Seán O Tuairisg, and Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O Cuiv, T.D., whose late appearance had been strongly criticised earlier in the evening.

Martin Gavin began by outlining the situation with regard to REPS in Connemara. REPS participation is at its highest in Galway and Mayo and Mr Gavin asserted that the fringe areas, like Connemara, would doubtless be the hardest hit by the ending of the support scheme. He expressed the IFA’s commitment to continue lobbying politicians to try to reach some resolution on the matter and asked the farmers to do the same, by saying “These lobby sessions are not attacks on politicians, they are to support them to put the pressure on to their own, Minister Smith in this case, to justify the budget that’s going to put a proper payment in place for these areas-because there’s no doubt about it-we are looking at the end of the road”. With the Disadvantaged Area Payment also facing a cut of 11.5%, Mr Gavin continued “These areas are not going to survive without the REPS and the disadvantaged area payments-the attacks are being made on the weaker sector of the farming community as we see it. The most crucial thing at the moment is the budget-if the budget is not there for it that’s when the problem starts”.

Padraic McCormack T.D. stated that Fine Gael, if in power would retain REPS in its present status. “There’s about 62,00 farmers in REPS now in the country so Fine Gael’s status is that we would retain that level; REPS 4 would be retained under the present system”. Deputy McCormack has put questions on the matter to the Minister on a number of occasions and with regard to the government response that the situation has arisen due to the state of the nation’s finances, he pointed out that the farmers were not responsible for the State of the country’s current financial problems. He also described it as a false economy, referring to the fewer opportunities for off farm employment and the likelihood that farmers will now need to seek Farm Assist, which is 100% funded by the State, unlike REPS, which is 45 % funded by the EU. Cllr. Kyne followed with an emphatic declaration of sup-

Page 24

port for the REPS Scheme, not surprisingly as he admitted, since he himself is employed as a REPS planner. He also referred to the relaxing of the rules of REPS 4, allowing larger more intensive farmers in as having contributed to the current difficulties the Scheme is facing. “The issue here is that most of your land is designated as SAC’s and NHA’s and SPC’s, and if you look up the rules of the NPWS regarding designation, they will tell you that REPS was, in a way, the compensation for the designations, so if the REPS is gone, what compensation will there be for the fact that your lands are designated?”. Cllr O’ Tuairisg indicated that he has lobbied and made efforts to resolve this decision, but was reluctant along with his fellow councillors to make any promises or assurances as the outcome would simply not be in their control. “There is no point in me promising here that I can change it-all I can do is keep lobbying, as I have been asked to do, as well as I can”. Cllr Thomas Welby also re-asserted this and while acknowledging that the decision-making politicians need support in their work, he also pointed to the need to exert yet more pressure on them. In reference to an earlier meeting in Roscahill, he also brought up the “horrendous situations” that many farmers now find themselves in, having borrowed money to build sheds on their farms, with the intention that the future REPS payments would go towards paying for them. He also pointed to the knock-on impact of this loss of income on the local economies and urged the farmers present to support the IFA’s document they have prepared as an alternative for the government to consider. Cllr Eileen Mannion also expressed her deep dissatisfaction with the decision to suspend REPS and pledged to support Connemara farmers to the best of her ability.

Throughout the course of the meeting, the consensus appeared to be that while REPS may have been a hard sell to farmers when first introduced, there had now been simply too many participants allowed in, so the costs incurred had become untenable in the current economic climate. Questions and comments raised from the floor prolonged the debate, and Padraic McCormack questioned Martin Gavin on whether the IFA at a national level are doing enough for Connemara when negotiating with the government as social partners. Referring to the end of the Suckler Cow Scheme and other examples, Mr Gavin replied that “Everything that was gained in social partnership, the government has now reneged on”. From the floor, Marie Louise Heffernan of Aster Environmental Consultants expressed her concern that some of her clients who had signed up to 5 year NPWS farm plans had received no payments to date whatsoever, and as an environmentalist she indicated that much of the land in question needs to be farmed in a very particular way in order for much of the flora and fauna to survive.

The tales of frustration and despair coming from farmers in attendance was truly grim. One young local farmer in his 5th year of REPS explained his situation, where he now faces a bill of €7,000 as a result of the Dept of Agriculture measuring his commonage and finding it 7 hectares shorter than what he had been claiming. In his case, the information on his land had come to his planner directly from the Dept. and commonages had been measured in large groups previously, so he claims the error was theirs, but he must now foot the bill. He was also severely curtailed in the numbers of

November 2009

sheep he could keep due to the commonage framework plan, but was then also informed in his third year of REPS that he was not keeping enough sheep to merit the payments.

In order to qualify for his Disadvantaged Area Payment for next year, worth €3,000, he will have to buy 90 ewes, which likely won’t settle in land unfamiliar to them, leaving him in significant debt and in an extremely difficult position going forward .

Hugh Musgrave of Cleggan indicated that he had been told by Teagasc that very day that there were 1000 farmers in Connemara in the REPS Scheme, with the average payment in excess of €4000 and stated that “Connemara has been dealt an absolutely mortal blow by the suspension of REPS”.

He also pointed to the difficulties of farming here-the distances that must be travelled to the factory, the limit to the kind of farming possible-but appealed to all to focus on Connemara’s unique environmental attributes that represent its best chance of surviving in farming into the future. Many emotive and angry expressions of worry, frustration and severe dissatisfaction followed from farmers from all over the Connemara region, with the meeting running to almost 4 hours.

On his late arrival, Minister O Cuív admitted that in hindsight it had been a mistake to amend the REPS scheme to allow larger dairy and intensive farmers in, resulting in the current unsustainable situation. He said that in his view, the money that is to be allocated should be distributed to those who need it most and that this needs to be examined carefully. He also referred to the farmers here who are working poor land, having to compete for Disadvantaged Area Payments with farmers elsewhere in the country. ‘I absolutely believe that we have to see what we can do for farmers who have come to depend on REPS as a significant part of their income-but these hard choices are being made, and have to be made, there is no doubt of that. It’s not that the money was cut-it’s that the demand went up through the ceiling. I can’t tell you where this will all end but I can tell you I will be a voice for what is happening in truly disadvantaged areas like this’.

After speaking and answering questions for over an hour, the only assurance obtained from Minister O Cuív was that he would continue to lobby the Dept. of Agriculture and Minister Brendan Smith T.D., described by one farmer as ‘the worst Minister this Department has ever seen-and that’s saying something’. Meanwhile, there was an unmistakable sense of trepidation and lack of expectation among the farmers that an agreeable solution will be reached. As one farmer remarked ‘We have heard it all before’. Like the rest of the country, they will be watching the upcoming budget to see where they, once again, will be hardest hit. Sadly, it will come as no surprise if Connemara and its farmers are once again marginalised and left facing an uphill battle to continue farming into the future.

Catherine Pryce Photo: At the recent meeting of farmers and elected representatives in Clifden were (l-r): Minister for Community Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Cllr.

Thomas Welby, Cllr. Seán Ó Tuairisg, Martin Gavin of the IFA, Cáilín Conneely and Mary Lacey of the Connemara IFA Branch, Padraic McCormack T.D. and Cllr. Sean Kyne.

Connemara View Newspaper

Cill Einne, Spiddal Right in the centre of Spiddal village is one of the most interesting looking churches in Connemara. You would almost believe that it was an ancient church restored but it is relatively modern, designed by William A. Scott, around 1903 in the Celtic Revival style. Scott was associated with many of the important church and domestic buildings of that period. In his designs, he looked back to the Celtic past and favoured the Romanesque, or Hiberno-Romanesque as it was called.

It is a cruciform plan church with apsidal chancel, asymmetrically-sited saddle-roofed belfry tower and gabled porch. The four corners have tall buttress piers with undecorated caps. It is built of random rubble with cut stone dressings. The belfry tower and gabled porch are the most distinctive features of this church.

The church is named after Saint Enda of Aran, one of Ireland’s most important early churchmen. He died around the year 500 and is credited with building the first monasteries in the country. The monastery on Aran, which at that time would have been one of the remotest places he could find, became one of the most important in Ireland and was the training ground for many other saints and scholars. This idea of monasticism building in the remote wilderness, the Irish desert so to speak, was to be the hallmark of the early Irish Christian Church.

The interior is splendid. It has a low open truss roof and has transepts with double arcades and galleries. A wonderful candelabra hangs over the altar, which is fairly restrained. The stone arcades and arch above the sanctuary lamp were carved by Michael Shortall, one of the most popular stone carvers at the beginning of the 20th century.

He also worked at Loughrea Cathedral, which is one of the finest buildings in the Celtic Revival or Irish Arts and Crafts style. At Cill Éinne, his carvings are more restrained; they are more surface designs than the high carvings at Loughrea.

Ballyconneely Son Causes Landmark Cyber Law A British lawyer whose family hails from Connemara has secured a landmark legal ruling in the High Court in London this month, in a decision that has widespread implications for anonymous cyber bullies who are blamed for ruining the lives of increasing numbers of children–and in some cases leading to their suicide.

Donal Blaney, a prominent conservative blogger, obtained a world first injunction against an anonymous individual who set up a fake account in his name on the social networking site, Twitter. Twitter is an online phenomenon and boasts a number of celebrity users including Britney Spears, Michelle Obama and Demi Moore. The fake account was named after Mr Blaney’s controversial political blog, Blaney’s Blarney, and included his picture, thus making readers of tweets believe that the account was indeed that of Mr Blaney.

Relying on an Australian case where an anonymous individual was served with court proceedings through Facebook and a recent decision in the US when Google was ordered to reveal the identity of a hateful poster of insults, Mr Blaney was given permission to serve his imposter with an order compelling that he reveal his identity and that he stop posing online as Mr Blaney.

The individual complied and Mr Blaney was paid damages and settled out of court with him last week.

Rather than pocket the damages, Mr Blaney forced his

Connemara View Newspaper

Another striking feature of the interior is the very fine stained glass by Catherine O’Brien. She was born in Spancill Hill in Clare and studied in Dublin. She became a member of An Túr Gloine, the stained glass workshop which produced some of the finest glass in Ireland. That workshop was also associated with the Celtic Revival and so, work undertaken by one branch of the movement would lead to others being given commissions. The windows dedicated to the Morris family and also the Lord’s Killannan which are quite wonderful.

A further point of interest in the interior are the Stations of the Cross carried out in opus sectile by Ethel Rhind. This technique, which first became popular in ancient Rome, involves various materials, mostly marble, mother of pearl or glass cut thin and then polished before setting it into the wall. The technique is different from mosaic, in that mosaic depends on small and matched size pieces, whereas in opus sectile, the pieces are larger and can be cut to add depth to the piece. Ethel Rhind was born in India, but grew up near Derry. She attended the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, as did so many of the well known artists from that period. She was also a member of An Túr Gloine, as she was also a stained glass artist. These Stations of the Cross were installed in the early 1920s. Three of them formed part of the annual display of work at An Túr Gloine and were highly praised.

The church is very popular for weddings and once you visit you will understand why. It is a very harmonious and sacred space, which has been created and maintained by the people of Spiddal.

Breandan O Scanaill

impersonator to, in his words, “impersonate me one last time” and donate the money to the Help for Heroes charity which looks after injured British servicemen and women. Mr Blaney’s American wife, Marci, served in the US Army in Iraq.

Mr Blaney is the sole principal of Kent-based law firm, Griffin Law-a firm named after his late grandfather and Ballyconneely resident, Patrick Griffin (whose biography adorns the firm’s website). Mr Blaney’s mother, Mary, was born in Ballyconneely and lives in Bunowen, while Mr Blaney’s aunts, Eileen King and Nora Lennon and his uncle, Tom Griffin, all live in the Ballyconneely area.

Talking about the Blaney’s Blarney Order, Mr Blaney said: “I am proud to have obtained this world first injunction. Those who bully others on the internet now have no place to hide. Kids or workers may be bullied online by cowards who are exploiting anonymity on the internet. These bullies can now be unmasked”.

Talking of his links to Connemara, Mr Blaney said: “My Irish heritage is very important to me and I am proud to hail from such a beautiful part of Ireland.

Rather than naming my law firm after myself, I decided on a visit back to Ballyconneely while I was walking past Doon Hill, to name it after my late grandfather who, because he died when I was just 4 months old, I never had the joy of meeting.”

Mr Blaney’s firm specialises in representing clients involved in all kinds of disputes, ranging from personal injury and clinical negligence claims to employment, family and business disputes.

November 2009

Connemara Community Radio Weekly Schedule 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

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.

Page 25

Bogman 55

BOGMAN ACROSS 1 This is not his organised religion - he’s from the east. (6) 4 Blast away though it’s not within range. (4,4) 9 Act One rewritten to feature ‘Gas Character from America’? (6) 10 It’s not natural when Charlie starts following wise men. (5) 11 Payback time! In a husky voice? (3) 13 It’s a holy book though there’s no Ark involved in it. (5) 14 Renegotiated Neath’s position for somewhere warmer? (6) 15 Guards body in Ireland, then sit back because you won’t be charged! (6) 17 Have the space to return foreigner who reads 13A. (4) 18 It’s just a fashion for girls to start a love affair by the Seine? (7) 21 Like a clue, only more intimate. (4) 24 Peers at books? (6) 26 Use oar incorrectly. That ought to stir things up. (6) 28 Could I get into a cleaner seat? (5) 29 Just pretend that, in fact, the loud opening note has been cut. (3) 30 Once a year, a drop into the void? (5) 31 Worn material found in a rag? No editing required. (6) 32 Provides a handy treatment when things sound icy in the fertiliser business. (8) 33 Straight, like ET in the role of champion? (6) BOGMAN DOWN 1 Could be game for it, or so Mr Doherty, the 1997 world champion, is involved in proving. (7) 2 Bury one or it will never be out. (8) 3 The beneficial effect on muscles of mixing three fifths of tonic with gin cocktail. (6) 5 Blow up image of junior boxer embracing man’s head? (4) 6 When near tea, it’s dark. (5) 7 Are they found only a short distance from Winchester? (6) 8 Stir up a mess by being diplomatic when in a foreign country. (7) 12 One has a breath-taking experience when it turns out that it’s a match! (9) 14 In other words, shrew would shortly fix the broken statue. (6) 16 Tell the story about the beheading of a cardinal. (6) 19 Being broken, pianoforte loses to operetta after getting letters from a ship. (8) 20 Drop the last of 32 A and arrange to get ahead. (7) 22 Wind up at a Rent-a-Party affair? (7) 23 Commit matricide to inherit the estate? (6) 25 The first couple of scientists once put a light in it? (6) 27 Change ‘hard’ cash for sound reasons. (5) 29 Is alarm cut short when it describes a member of such a foul crowd. (4)

Connemara Crossword 61

Crossword Across

28. Large grazing mammal (5) 29. Birds pad (4) 30. Eat this with cabbage in U.S. (6, 4)

Crossword Down

1. Horned ruminant related to sheep (4) 2. Just a second (3,6) 3. Talent (5) 4. Lack of reverence (7) 5. This converts electromagnetic waves into AC current (7) 7. Mexican buddy (5) 8. Occurring after one’s death (10) 16. Operating at a loss (2, 3, 3) 18. Eggplant (9) 20. Italian baby (7)

October Winners Bogman 54

Hubert DeLappe, Cleggan

Crossword 60 Ann McDonnell, Cleggan 21. Domestic fowl (7) 23. Ceremonial acts (4) 25. Weary or bored (5) 26. Cry _ _ _ _, give false alarm (4)

SUDOKU

1. Anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus (4, 6) 6. Complain about the fish (4) 10. Area for sports and spectacles (5) 11. Stuns with fear (9) 12. Number (8) 13. Era (5) 15. The condition of being overweight (7) 17. Enthusiastic approval (7) 19. Large vessel used for washing (7) 21. North American reindeer (7) 22. Perform duties in verse (5) 24. Dampness (8) 27. Where to be healthy (2, 3, 4)

Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden by November 25th.

Page 26

What Do You Know? Quiz 14

Congratulations to Kochumann Jacob who was the winner of Quiz 13 and the roll-over prize of €60!

Prize money is now back to €10 for Quiz 14.

November Quiz 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?

Food: Which is the world’s most popular green vegetable?

General Knowledge: In which country is a ‘gamelan orchestra’ most commonly found?

History: Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was first performed at the consecration of which English Cathedral in 1962?

Literature: Which sister has an uncontrollable cough in the beginning of the novel “Pride and Prejudice”?

Local Interest: When was Clifden Courthouse built?

Music: In which Gilbert and Sullivan opera does Casilda appear?

Nature: Which type of winged insect has been in existence the longest?

Politics: Northern Ireland Assembly members are referred to as MLAs (Member of the Legislative Assembly). This term was originally used in which country?

Science: Which temperature has the same value in both centigrade and fahrenheit?

Sports: In what year did an Australian tennis player win all four Grand Slam tournaments and what is his name?

Geography: What is the only ‘living’ organism that can be viewed from space?

October Quiz Answers Entertainment: In the movie The Quiet Man which actor plays the part of Reverend Playfair? Answer: Arthur Shields. http://www.funtrivia.com/en/Movies/QuietMan-The-14608.html Food & Drink: What is a wine cask or beer barrel of large capacity called? Answer: A Tun. http://www.quizu. co.uk/quiztpl1.html General Knowledge: In which country did the ‘sauna’ originate? Answer: Finland. http://www.world-english. org/generalquiz2.htm History: Which Nobel prize winner was offered the presidency of a country of which he was not even a citizen?

Answer: Albert Einstein. http://www.quizbag.com/ sample Literature: Which Shakespearean play ends with this line: “So thanks to all at once and to each one, Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.” Answer: Macbeth. http://www.123facts.com/quiz_results. php?quizid=3425 Local Interest: In what year did the Connemara poet Micheal Mac Suibhne die? Answer: 1820. http://www.iol. ie/~ronolan/suibhne.html Music: Which famous composer was the father-in-law of Wagner? Answer: Liszt. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1.htm?Music=qinc0155.js&quizinc=qinc0155.js Nature: For how long can Emperor penguins dive underwater? Answer: 18 minutes. http://www.quizu.co.uk/ quiztpl1.html/Natural=qinc0031.js& Politics: In which year was Reverend Ian Paisley first elected as a Westminster MP? Answer: 1970. http://www. funtrivia.com/submitquiz.cfm?quiz=88845 Science: Which satellite in the solar system is named after the cupbearer of Gods in Greek mythology? Answer: Ganymede. http://www.triviabug.com/quiz-questions/ science.php Sports: Which Irish golf course has the distinction of being the furthest west in Europe? Answer: The next parish to the west is in Newfoundland. Ceann Sebeal on the Dingle Peninsula. http://www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz. cfm?passthrough=qid:164460 Geography: Journeying eastward, what is the next major expanse of water you would reach after the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea? Answer: Aral Sea. http://www. funtrivia.com/submitquiz.cfm?quiz=6979

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com November 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Further Education Graduations

The Further Education Centres, Letterfrack and Clifden held their annual award ceremony on Friday the 23rd of October in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden. Community groups from Comhairle Muintir an Chaiseal and FORUM, Letterfrack also joined in the celebrations. Students were awarded FETAC and ECDL certificates in Business Studies, Childcare, Art & Design, Community and Health Services, Computers, ECDL, Equal Skills, Historical Studies and Health Related Fitness. Over 100 people received component and major wards from FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council. Present on the day were Sean Duffy, Education Officer of the County Galway Vocational Education Committee, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Adult Education Officer of the County Galway VEC, Helen Keogh, National VTOS Co-ordinator of the Department of Education and Science and Anne Higgins, FETAC. Sorcha O’Toole, VTOS Co-ordinator at the Further Education Centre, Letterfrack was also present to direct the presentations. If you are interested in returning to education, it is never too late. Contact Sorcha O’Toole on 095-41302.

Photos clockwise from top left: Presenting and receiving VTOS Business Studies Awards were (l-r): Sorcha O’Toole (VTOS Coordinator), Sean Duffy (EO Co. Galway VEC) Danielle Sammon, Marie Mongan, Stephanie Coyne, Rachel Foley and Eithne NicDhonnchadha (AEO Co. Galway VEC).

Connemara SportsView

Nora Folan, Bernard Lee and Karen Folan of Cashel at the presentation of their Certificates for Fetac Level 3 in Health Related Fitness.

Receiving certificates for Equal Skills were (l-r): Geraldine Bodkin, Martina Hughes and Doreen Burke.

Receiving Childcare certificates were (l-r): Carmel Higgins, Karen Folan, Danielle Sammon, Anita Daly, Martina Curley Coyne and Caroline Heanue and (standing) Annie Graham (tutor).

Receiving certificates for Art & Design were (l-r): Antonia Heather, Margaret King, Kathleen McHugh, Anna Aspell, Barbara Aspell, Anne Scullion, Eileen Noonan Connolly.

Seated (l-r): Mary O’Toole, Margaret Heaney, Christina Coyne, Bernie Dignam(tutor) and Rosaleen Davis (tutor).

The ECDL Graduates were (l-r): Anne Higgins (FETAC), Donal O’Scanaill, Mary Kirby, Joan King, Bernie Hughes, Martina Coyne, Caitriona Mannion, Denis Laffey, Marian Ridge, Samantha Nee. Receiving certificates for FETAC Level 4 in Historical Studies were Cashel students Back (l-r): Bridget McTavish (Cashel Training Centre),Sean Brennan, Ciaran Moylan, Robert Healy, Michael Gibbons (tutor),Michael Moylan, Sue Eldred (Cashel Training Centre). Front (l-r): Elizabeth Moylan, Eileen Noonan Connolly, Marion Ridge, Tina Moylan.

Photos courtesy of Sorcha O’ Toole and Bernard Lee.

November 2009

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com or phone 095-22888

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NOVEMBER Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Happiness will be the most important thing for you this month Aries, so make sure that you focus on what makes you happy.

Taurus (Apr 21–May 20) Don’t let any negative things affect how you feel about yourself this month. If you feel left out, either go anyway, or find somewhere else to go!

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Don’t be too hard on those you love. You need to rely on them for help love and support.

Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) At this time, there is nothing you will be able to do about the things that are going on in your life. Just sit back and wait to see what will happen.

Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) You are not accepting the full truth about a certain situation in your life at this time. You need to take off the rose-tinted glasses.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) Good things will happen for you in the career area this month, so ask for that raise or promotion, or get out there and find the perfect job.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) Trust your instincts this month. No matter what comes up this month, as long as you go with your gut feelings you won’t go wrong.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) Happy Birthday! A little birdie will tell you so. You just need to wait for the messenger to give you the next clue as to what you are to do next.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Love could be in the air for you this month-or at least the dreams of love. Keep the flame alive.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) Go forth and accomplish.You can and will do some good work on sorting out your life this month. It’s time to spring clean you!

Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) If you feel you need to get away from it all this month then do so.

You need to sort some things out in your own head first.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) This will be a great month for you. Feel young and be free, enjoy all that life has to offer and embrace what comes your way.

Tarot

The past with the Knight of Wands indicates that you acted without thinking in a fit of frustration. This can be good and/or bad. Now you are holding on too tight to whatever it was that you felt you gained as a result of your bold actions. If you don’t let go of it you may lose it. With The Page in the future position you must wait for someone to come along with the right answer. You will know it as soon as you hear it.

runes

Inguz lets you know that you must take on new things or a new path, adjust all of the aspects in your life, be at harmony with life. The challenge will come from not taking the journey seriously enough and not letting yourself be open to what is happening. You must allow everything to flow in the correct way and be transformed by the result of what you are encountering.

“Do Not Exceed Your Own Strength”

November DVD Releases Public Enemies tells the story of Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger: the charismatic bank robber who was relentlessly pursued by renowned FBI agent Melvin Purvis in a legendary game of cat-and-mouse.

Stars: Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

Bruno Sacha Baron Cohen and ‘Borat’ director Larry Charles reunite to bring the brilliantly tasteless exploits of Bruno to the big screen! When Europe turns its back on Bruno, he crosses the ocean to find fame in the US, but how will the American public take to the outrageous Austrian male model? Very badly! Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen.

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Monsters vs Aliens sees sweet Susan Murphy hit by a meteorite which turns her into a 50-foot tall giant. She is soon captured by the government and locked up with some other top secret monsters.

When Aliens attack, it’s this rabble of giants, freaks and insane geniuses who must save the world from the dastardly Gallaxha. Stars: Reese Witherspoon & Seth Rogen.

Drag Me To Hell “Christine Brown has a good job, a great boyfriend, and a bright future. But in three days, she’s going to hell.” A loan officer ordered to evict an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse, which turns her life into

The Moon is Full on Monday November 2nd, when it appears in Aries. When it’s Full, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the NE at sunset, shines throughout the night and sets in the NW at sunrise the following morning. As it wanes during the following week, it rises later every evening but continues to set in the late morning.

The Moon is New on Monday 16th.

But the new crescent won’t be visible in the SW at sunset until Thursday 19th.

After this, it stays up later every evening.

The Moon is Full again on Wednesday December 2nd.

Mercury is at “superior conjunction” (it passes directly behind the Sun) on November 5th. We’re unlikely to see this small planet at all in November.

Venus is rising before sunrise and is visible low in the SE sky at dawn; but the separation between the Sun and Venus is steadily shrinking. Each morning Venus appears a little later and a little lower down, so the “Morning Star” is gradually getting harder to see, even though it is intensely bright.

If you can find the crescent Moon at dawn on Sunday November 15th, Venus will be to the left of it and just a little higher up.

Mars is rising in the NE around 9:30 pm, and is high in the S sky before dawn. Relative to the stars, Mars is moving steadily E across Cancer, heading towards Leo; it is about the same height as the bright star Procyon, in Canis Minor, but Mars is a hand’s-width further left. Mars itself looks like a star, a little brighter than Procyon, and much more orange in colour. As the weeks go by, Mars is getting steadily brighter. In the telescope, the disc of Mars grows from 8 to 10 arc-seconds across this month; it may soon be possible to make out some detail, such as the white cap at the North Pole. The best time to look is when Mars is high in the S, just before dawn. On the evening of Sunday November 8th, the waning gibbous Moon will be just to the right of Mars; the two objects will be 4 degrees apart.

Jupiter is due S around 6 pm, less than 20 degrees above the horizon; it sets in the south-west well before midnight. Relative to the stars, Jupiter is moving slowly NE in the constellation of Capricornus; but the giant planet appears significantly brighter than any of the stars. In the telescope, the disc of Jupiter shrinks this month from 41 a living hell. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point. Stars: Alison Lohman and Justin Long.

Star Trek This all action reboot of the Star Trek franchise chronicles the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members. When a blood thirsty Romulan out for revenge arrives from the future.

It’s up to the new and unprepared crew to stop him before he destroys Earth. Stars: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Simon Pegg.

DVD reviews courtesy of Video Vault, Main St. Clifden. 095-22033.

November 2009

to 38 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 will be near the centre of Jupiter’s disc when the planet is in the south, on the evenings of November 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, 27th and 29th. 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 November 23rd, the crescent Moon will appear close above Jupiter; the two objects will be less than 3 degrees apart.

Saturn is rising in the E in the early hours of the morning, and is well up in the SE sky by dawn. The bright star Regulus, in Leo, is to the upper right of Saturn and the bright star Spica, in Virgo, is to its lower left. Saturn appears similar in brightness to these two stars but is more creamy-yellow in colour and shines with a steadier light. Many of Saturn’s moons can also be seen in a telescope. The largest and brightest is Titan, which will be 170 arcseconds E of the planet around November 3rd and 19th, close to the S of it around the 7th and 23rd, 170 arc-seconds W of it around the 11th and 27th, and close to the N of it around the 15th. Before dawn on Thursday November 12th, our own waning Moon will be to the right of Saturn.

Meteors: The Leonid meteor shower is generally active between November 15th and 20th; this year it will probably peak around midday on Monday November 17th, so the best time to look would be shortly before dawn that day. However, some experts are predicting an extra peak of Leonid activity around 22:00 UT on the 17th, lasting perhaps an hour.

Shower meteors all seem to spread out from a single radiant point; for the Leonids, this point is within the “Sickle” of Leo, a hand’s-breadth to the left of Mars. At 22:00, the radiant will be just on the north-eastern horizon; before dawn, it will be well up in the south. There will be no interference from moonlight this year! Meanwhile, sporadic (non-shower) meteors can be seen on any night, in any direction.

John Claró

Paul K Band at Mullarkey’s The popular Paul K Band from Westport will play a free gig in Mullarkey’s Bar in Clifden on November 21st, hot on the heels of their their release of their debut EP, ‘Blues for my Baby’.

This gig promises virtuoso playing, from fast jazz and funk influenced solo’s to smooth and silky vocals. Frontman and piano player Paul Kirwan has cut his teeth in many venues in Dublin and Kildare and has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Duke Special and Arlo Guthrie. The three piece band is completed by Polish musicians Raphael Dziubinski on drums and Marcin Gruszka on guitar contributing to a truly unique and enjoyable sound.

For a sneak peek of what to expect at this Mullarkey’s gig check out www.myspace. com/paulkirwanmusic.

Connemara View Newspaper

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Claire Ferron of Roundstone and Stephen Head from Sydney, Australia who were married in Roundstone Church on October 16th, with a reception afterwards at the Station House Hotel in Clifden.

Photo by Padraic Lyden

Congratulations to Linda Nee and Simon Walsh of Rosmuc who were married on October 3rd in Rosmuc church with reception afterwards at the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway.

Congratulations to Therese Thornton of Bryan Mahon Terrace, Clifden and Dr. Dave Hurley of Bantry, West Cork, who were married at St. Joseph’s Church, Clifden on August 21st 2009.

Photo by Padraic Lyden

Birthday Greetings Right: Congratulations to Margaret Pryce of Letternoosh, Clifden who celebrated her 65th birthday recently. She is pictured here with her family (l-r): John Paul, Susan, Orla, Patrick, and Caroline and her mother Betsy Mullen who will turn 93 in January.

Photos courtesy of Liz Kane

Football Hero Below: At the Ireland vs Italy World Cup Qualifier match on Saturday October 10th, Dylan McDonagh from Oughterard was lucky enough to meet and have his photo taken with former Ireland international and Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn.

Photo courtesy of Yvonne Kelly

Voting Debuts Babu and Anita Soe Paing, originally from Burma, casting their votes in the local and European elections earlier this year. Having never had the opportunity to cast a vote before, the Soe Paings were delighted to be afforded the right to vote as Irish residents and regarded it as a very special occasion which they happily shared with their son Steven. Photo courtesy of Therese Boulger

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

November 2009

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Well I hope that you have been busy planting bulbs.

Most of mine are now planted and I am looking forward to spring and the display they will give. I have planted up a new area which I created at the back of the house. A good deep digging broke up the soil and I added loads of leaf mould from last year and possibly from the year before. This added lightness to the soil and made a better medium for plants. As I was adding the leaf compost, I thought of the cycle of nature-here I was adding leaves from last year, at a time when I was just about to gather this year’s fallen leaves.

In this new bed I used a mixture of bulbs and herbaceous plants. This should be lovely next year but of course it will mean extra work. Weeding will be the biggest headache, but I tried to remove as many weeds as possible before I planted.

This brings me to the subject of weeds. Most people consider wild flowers as weeds, which is not technically correcta weed is anything which is growing in the wrong place. In the case of my new flower bed, there was a shrub growing, very well, I might add, which was not where it should be, so I removed it. This particular shrub, will I know, come back to haunt me, as it tends to grow where it is not wanted but I am hoping that I will be able to keep it under control.

I have given my grass a good cutting and hope that this will be the last time for this year, but one can never trust the Connemara weather and a very mild lead into winter might mean a final cut.

A new shrub bed is also in the pipeline. I have been gathering various shrubs over the summer and they are still in pots. Watering has been the biggest problem, even with all the rain, but I can relax now as most of them are fairly dormant and after one good soaking they seem happy enough.

This new bed will need a lot of digging as it is in a fairly rough state. It seemed to have been the dumping ground for

Another Good Year for Corncrakes in the West It has been another good year in the West of Ireland for the Corncrake, the endangered bird species once common throughout Ireland, but now struggling for survival in just a few remaining strongholds in the north and west.

In figures just released by Birdwatch Ireland, the final tally of Corncrakes in Connemara in 2009 was a minimum of 11 calling males, the same number as last year, but a disappointing drop on recent higher counts (of 17 to 19 between 2005 and 2007). Five Corncrakes were counted on Inishturbot, north Clifden Bay, three on Inishbofin, one on Omey Island and two on the mainland in Cleggan and on the Renvyle Peninsula. Two heard late in the season on Inishturk South, opposite Inishturbot, are assumed to have come from Turbot and were not added to the final tally.

The Corncrake on Renvyle, the first to establish a territory here in the last 15 years and perhaps much longer, started the season near Tully in April, where it remained until late June. Although it took up residence in hay meadows usually cut early in June, both affected farmers agreed to delay mowing until September, ensuring a safe nesting season at this site. It was probably the same bird that moved to Cashleen (Renvyle Point) and was also subsequently heard in the grounds of Renvyle Hotel. Again, mowing at both sites was delayed until mid September.

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old bits of cement and rocks. A few shrubs and a giant ivy called it home. The roots of these will be a headache I am sure, but somehow I will get around to it.

I have a lovely hydrangea (see photo below left), Hydrangea serrata “Maiko” which has lovely dark flowers and dark leaves, two itea’s, Itea ilicifolia which is evergreen and has holly like leaves and catkin like flowers and Itea virginica “Little Henry”. This is deciduous and it has lovely flowers and great autumn colour. I will add a couple of other plants to this, mostly ones that I have propagated from other plants in the garden.

This month is a great time to plant trees, and as you know I am passionate about trees. We need them to keep our planet healthy. They are our lungs and in the era of global warming and ozone depletion, we need them even more than ever. In our cities and towns they help reduce temperature as they offer shade to the concrete and hard surfaces and they also reflect sunlight. While we do not particularly need them for this purpose, they still play an important role. Most of all we need them for their beauty, for their majesty and for their calming effect. If you look at almost every religion and ancient stories, trees are important and worshipped in most.

Our own ancestors the Celts had a calendar based on trees with the different types divided into higher and lower orders.

Even today some of that tradition remains and people will not cut down certain trees. One of my favourite sight is to see a large ploughed field, obviously done by a modern tractor and machinery and somewhere in the middle a lone hawthorn, oak or ash. It shows that for a lot of people tradition is still with them, even if subconsciously.

There is such a variety of trees, that it is impossible to select any for you. Again it depends on taste and location.

Read up about them but don’t be influenced exclusively by what you read-most books will tell you that they won’t grow in Connemara or words to that effect. That may be true, but I have never had a failure with the different trees I plant. I have planted three or four trees already this year but now I am planning a new ‘forest’.

A fairly small area at the back of the house which was a water garden needs rejuvenating and I would like to turn it into a glade of trees. There are only two trees there now; a holly and a juniper, so I pretty much have a blank canvas. I want a variety of leaf shape and colour but I also want something to bind them, so I don’t want very large trees.

My plan is to use birch as the unifying feature, perhaps three silver or paper bark together, maybe one or two others, maybe a weeping birch or white Chinese birch in different places and then a couple of others. I have already located a few but they are still waiting to be bought. Hopefully a few acers- griseum (see photo above), or maybe japonicum will also feature.

This will be a fairly difficult task as there will be a lot of sculpting of the landscape to change its use but I think you

Other reports from Craughwell and Ballynacourty, near Clarinbridge, heard for one or two days only in mid June, probably refer to the same Corncrake passing through. The last reported calling Corncrake of the season in the West came from Inishturk South, where one was still calling from a garden near the beach on August 8th.

Elsewhere in the West, 22 Corncrakes were recorded in Erris (20 of them on the Mullet Peninsula), nine were counted in South-west Mayo (near Roonagh), and six in Sligo, in both instances the highest count in the last 15 years. A total of 48 Corncrakes were counted in West Connacht, a 14% increase on last year and matching the 14% increase in 2008. Corncrake numbers here have now not seen a year-on-year decline since 2000, when the population dropped to 14, the lowest count to date in the West.

Nationally, 67 Corncrakes were counted in Donegal (down from 92 last year), six in the Shannon Callows (up from four last year), three at Valentia, Co Kerry, two in Co Louth and one in Co Waterford, yielding a national total of 127 calling Corncrakes in 2009 (down from 142 last year).

Throughout the West Connacht region, 134 farmers, landowners and mowing contractors signed-up for the Corncrake Grant Scheme. 162 reports in all were made to the telephone hotline or via email. BirdWatch Ireland thanks everyone who reported hearing a Corncrake this year and so helped track down these birds and enable conservation measures be taken.

November 2009

have to keep re-inventing your garden to keep it fresh. I will report on my progress next month.

So to finish up-gather your leaves and compost them.

Finish planting up spring bulbs; even if there are still a few to plant, it is no problem, they don’t mind being a little late.

Empty your old containers-nothing looks worse than window boxes or baskets with dead plants hanging out of them.

Clean the pots and tubs well, and replant them with winter and early spring flowers. Do plant a tree. Happy gardening!

Breandan O Scanaill

Feeding our Feathered Friends Now that the colder weather is here, it is time to help out our feathered friends, of which there are many different species here in Connemara, by giving them some extra food.

A wide range of bird feeders, tables and types of food are available in supermarkets and hardware stores and can make an entertaining and feel good addition to almost every home.

Remember: • use only fresh peanuts and seed-mouldy feed can kill birds.

• don’t forget to refill-birds can become dependent on a source in harsh weather.

• provide fresh drinking water if possible.

• keep feeders positioned at height to prevent cat attacks.

• wash and clean out feeders from time to time.

• don’t waste leftover fat and solid grease-add it to seed mix and leave to harden in a suitable mould. (eg an empty yogurt carton) Hanging a bird feeder where it can be seen from the house can be very entertaining to watch and a great way to show kids the variety of wildlife in their immediate surroundings.

Why not spot the different types visiting your feeder and then enjoy identifying them together?

Catherine Pryce Graph: Corncrake numbers in West Connacht declined from 930 in 1978 to 256 in 1988, and continued to drop to just 30 by 1993.

BirdWatch Ireland’s Corncrake conservation project was introduced in the west in 1994.

Map: Corncrake distribution in the West of Ireland in 2009.

Connemara View Newspaper

Business Notes Rosleague named ‘Best Irish Hotel’

Rosleague Manor Hotel, owned and run by Eddie and Mark Foyle just outside Letterfrack has been awarded the highly prestigious accolade of Irish Hotel of the Year in The Good Hotel Guide 2010. The César awards champion hotels of character and individuality all over the U.K and

gious ‘Bog Oak Trophy’ for the best landscaping project in Ireland.

The national landscaping awards ceremony, which took place on October 16th in Mullingar celebrate the best in Irish Landscaping. Radharc, who also won this much coveted award in 2004, were once again deemed to be ‘The Best in the Country’ for their project in the ‘Large Private Gardens’ category. The award was presented to Directors Charles Hosty and Brian Whyte by Minister for Food & Horticulture Trevor Sargent.

Animal Feed at Clifden Fruit & Veg A wide range of animal feeds of all descriptions is now available at Clifden Fruit & Veg Market. The quality Irish Red Mills range of foal, yearling and horse mixes are available as well as Cool ‘n Cooked Mix, Stud cubes and bran.

For poultry and more, a wide amount of feeds are now in stock and available to order in advance, including rolled oats and barley, whole oats, chicken, duck and turkey feed. The Fruit and Veg Market is open from Monday-Saturday from 9-6 and Enda and staff will be more than happy to help with any enquiries as to the suitability of the animal feeds now in stock.

Top Sausages from Oughterard!

Bill Morgan and the team at Roger Finnerty’s Butchers in Oughterard have once again won the top award for the Traditional Sausage category in the National Sausage & Puddings awards. This is Roger Finnerty’s fourth National Award having won the Traditional Sausage category in 2004, 2006 and the White Pudding Award in 2006 as well.

This year’s prize was awarded jointly. Bill’s record in the Traditional Pork Sausage has never been surpassed by other Craft Butchers and he has become the most awarded Traditional Pork Sausage Butcher in Ireland. These multi award winning sausages and pudding are available from Roger Finnerty’s shop in Oughterard and the second shop in the Eyre Square Centre, in Galway.

Ireland and Rosleague is the only hotel in Ireland to receive a César award in this year’s independent guide. The César awards, named after the hotelier César Ritz, are given annually to the 10 hotels chosen that stand out for their excellence in service provided and Mark attended the awards ceremony in London in early October to collect the coveted award. The book’s entry states “guests are made to feel special at Mark and Edmund Foyle’s manor house. Mark is a personable manager who involves himself with everything that happens at the hotel. The freshest fish is featured in Pascal Marinot’s uncomplicated menus and at breakfast”.

After receiving the award, Mark said ‘The award is a great achievement for all the staff here who work very hard at providing a great experience for our guests and in our 10th year here, it is made sweeter by the fact that this is a truly independent guide. We will continue to work hard to justify our inclusion in the Good Hotel Guide”.

National Landscaping Award Moycullen company Radharc Landscaping has triumphed again at the ALCI (Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland) national awards ceremony, receiving the presti-

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 Contributors: John Amenhauser, AnneMarie Bennett, Donal Blaney, Therese Boulger, Simon Boote, Tom Broderick, Judy Cazabon, John Claró, Martin Conroy, Richard de Stacpoole, Su Eldred, Philomena Ezergailis, Vincent Fahy, Mark Foyle, Lee Flaherty, Paul Gannon, Kevin Gavin, Martina Gavin, Sinéad Grimes, Tim Gordon, Leo Hallissey, Rosemary Hanley, Padraic Heanue, Michele Hehir, Alison Herbert, David Hurley, Bernie Jeff ries, PK Joyce, Roma Joyce, Liz Kane, Peter Keane, Yvonne Kelly, Irene King, Bernard Lee, Padraic Lyden, Leslie Lyons, Brendan Madden, Declan Mannion, Ann Mitchell, Caroline Moran, Claire Mullen, Vincent Murphy, Kevin O’Connor, John O’ Halloran, Bridie O’ Neill, John O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Fionnuala O’ Shaughnessy, Thomas O’ Sullivan, Emma O’Sullivan, Sorcha O’ Toole, Ailbhe Patten, John Roche, Brendan Ruddy, Helen Russell, Margaret Sheehan, Rebecca Walsh, Catherine Walsh, Harry Walsh, Declan Weir, Jeremy Willder.

Plus many local schools, groups & organisations.

Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.

Connemara View Newspaper

Photo: Brian Whyte and Charles Hosty of Radharc Landscaping (l-r) with Bog Oak Trophy at ALCI Awards.

Top Award for Clifden Boutique Passenger in the Clifden Station House Complex, owned and run by Helen Russell has won the prestigious title of Best Boutique-Connacht in the IMAGE magazine Boutique Awards 2009. In fact, Clifden had fantastic representation in the Connacht category with Design Platform and Belle Blu also nominated, but Passenger took the top award, beating off stiff competition from other stores such as Les Jumelles, Demora, Cobwebs, Myriam O’Reilly, Pagan and Colette Latchford in Galway and many other boutiques all over the west.

Passenger stocks a wide variety of fashions from both well established and up and coming designers and has something to suit every occasion and budget. New season arrivals this year include Danish label Bllack which offers ethically produced clothing from organic materials and Sydney based designer Josh Goot. This latest award has now cemented Passenger’s place in the network of unique and accomplished Irish boutiques offering superb style and service to fashion lovers everywhere.

Belle Blu in Top 30 Small Stores Clifden’s popular lifestyle boutique Belle Blu has once again been shortlisted for the finals in the Best Small Store of the Year Award with Retail Excellence Ireland. Belle Blu featured in the Top 50 last year also, but has made it into the top 30 this year. Belle Blu will compete against five other small stores from around the country at the awards ceremony on November 7th.

Photo: John McQuinn and William Morganat of Finnerty’s butchers, Oughterard proudly display the trophy for their fourth National Sausage Making Championship win.

Old & New at Off The Square Rory O’ Toole of Clifden has joined forces with PJ and Maureen Heffernan at Off The Square Restaurant on Main St. which will be re-opened and re-launched on Friday November 13th, opening on that morning. PJ will be making a return to the kitchen and Off The Square will be offering a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options to cater to all tastes and price ranges. A brand new menu will be unveiled, featuring the very best locally sourced seafood from the Connemara Smokehouse and Duane’s Fish Shop, and produce and meat from Connemara suppliers wherever possible. Off The Square also has a full wine and spirits license and Rory, PJ and Maureen are looking forward to offering discerning diners a new eating out opportunity in Clifden this year.

For reservations or enquiries call 087-220 -3178.

NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, December 3rd

Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, November 18th News Deadline: Wednesday, November 25th Classified Ad Deadline: Wednesday, November 26th November 2009

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Graduation Successes Anna Marie Mortimer from Renvyle in Connemara who graduated with a B.A. in Training and Education at NUI Galway.

George Finnegan of Athry, Recess and Corcullen, Galway, who attained a First in his Master of Arts degree in adult learning at NUIG on Saturday October 10th.

Fionnuala Ní Ghiobúin from Camus who graduated with a B.A.in Irish and Archaeology.

Seamus Conneely Camus was awarded his B.A, Hons degree at NUIG. Seamus is also an Irish U-21 soccer international.

Tara Byrne of Clifden was awarded a First Class Honours degree in Law and Economics at her graduation ceremony in NUIG. Pauline Ní Chualáin from Moyrus, Carna, was awarded a B.A. Hons at the graduation ceremonies in NUIG. Renowned musician Frankie Gavin, who lives in Oughterard was awarded an Honorary Masters degree in Music at the NUIG graduations on Monday October 19th.

Philomena Larkin of Seanapheistin, Oughterard was awarded a B.A. in History and Classics in NUIG. She is pictured here with her father Larry and mother Bridie.

Mariel Esther Whelan graduated from NUIG with a B.A. Hons. on Monday October 19th. Mariel is pictured here with her parents Irene and Patrick Whelan of Norway, Dubai and Sky Road, Clifden.

Photo courtesy of Philomena Ezergailis Patricia Prunty from Oughterard who attained an Honours Grade Diploma in Arts (Training & Education), NUI Galway She is pictured here with daughters Shona and Tara and husband Kevin.

Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

Page 32

November 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Letter to the Editor What is the Fair Deal Scheme for nursing home care and how does it work?

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme-often referred to as the ‘Fair Deal’ is a new scheme of financial support for people needing long-term nursing home care. It covers all types of nursing homes including approved private nursing homes, voluntary nursing homes and public nursing homes, (such as HSE Community Hospitals and Community Nursing Units) and comes into operation on 27 October 2009.

If you are currently in a private nursing home you can opt to continue your current arrangement or you can apply for the Fair Deal Scheme. The arrangements for people currently in public nursing homes do not change but new applicants are assessed under the Fair Deal.

There are three steps to applying for the scheme. First of all, you apply for a Care Needs Assessment. This is carried out by healthcare professionals, for example, a nurse and will consider whether you can be supported to continue living at home or whether long-term nursing home care is more appropriate. You must be assessed as needing long-term nursing home care to be eligible for State support. People who are already in nursing homes when the scheme starts do not need to have a care needs assessment carried out.

The next step is a Financial Assessment. This looks at your income and assets to work out what your contribution to your care will be. You contribute 80% of your income and 5% of the value of any assets you own each year. (If the assets include land and property the contribution based on these assets can be deferred and not paid during your lifetime. If the assets include your home or, in certain cases, a farm, the deferred contribution based on these assets is capped at 15% or three years of contributions at 5 %). The HSE will then pay the balance of your cost of care. For example, if the cost of your care is €1,000 and your weekly contribution is €300, the HSE will pay the weekly balance of €700. This payment is called State support.

The next step is choosing your nursing home. The HSE will give you a list of nursing homes. This list includes public, voluntary and approved private nursing homes. You can choose care in any nursing home on the list provided that the home can cater for your particular needs and has a place for you.

Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public.Tel: 095-22000 or 087-130-1100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie. Address: c/o VEC Offices, Statoil Apartments (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.

Dear Editor, I must congratulate and thank the members of our local FÁS team for the excellent work they’ve done recently to the footpaths in our Tullyvoheen Estate on the Galway road.

Since they ‘took over’ the maintenance of this estate it is now a pleasure to reside here. Over the years they have worked on numerous projects in Clifden and surrounding areas, including a beautiful hand built stone wall that fronts the estate. After all the negative talk about the FÁS organisation recently I think it is only right to show that they really are doing a wonderful job in our community and indeed all over the country. I’m sure I speak for all the residents here by saying we are very happy with the work they have done over the years and thank them dearly for helping to keep our place in such good order. Thanks a million guys.

Gerry Hannon, Tullyvoheen

October Planning Applications 091843 Misteil, Tony Og, Carna, 01/10/09. Chun cead athru usail a fhail ar Siopa Caife le Spas Storala go Cogaslann le spas storala chomh maith the coras nua searachais agus oibreacha eile coimhdeath a thogail.

091848 Delappe, Fergus, Aughris Beg, 01/10/09. To construct a dwelling house with septic tank and puraflo treatment plant.

091851, McGrath, Keith, Cor na Mona, 02/10/09. For the retention of (a) sunroom to the side of dwellinghouse (b) minor relocation of dwellinghouse, (c) minor alterations to the elevations of dwellinghouse.

091898 Kearns, David, Derrigimlagh, 14/10/09. To construct a single storey extension to side of house and detached garage and associated site works.

091903 Connemara West Plc, Letterfrack, 15/10/09. For construction of a synthetic all weather sports pitch, 60m x 35m, including subsurface drainage, streel mesh perimeter fence 3m high and 6 steel lighting columns 12m high each light to be 275 lux (2kw).

091937 O Maille, Mairtin, Maum East, 21/10/09. Chun teach nua agus coras searachais nua a thogail.

091943 Concannon, Enda, Middle Quarter, 21/10/09. For the demolition and rebuilding of an existing cottage, with the inclusion of attic accommodation and extensions to the front and rear, renovations to the existing shed, construction of a domestic effluent treatment plant and percolation area and associated site works.

091948 Murphy, Thelma, Doonloughan, 22/10/09. For the retention of dwelling previously granted under planning reference 99/543 and the construction of domestic garage/ pump room and all ancillary site works and services on revised site boundaries.

091980 Flaherty, Christy, Mannin, 27/10/09. To demolish and rebuild an existing agricultural store shed, of plan area of 66sqm.

091983 O Cualain, Jackie, Carna, 27/10/09. Chun foirgneamh ata a usaid mar fhoirgneamh trachtala faoi lathair a athru go foirgneamh miondiola agus coras searachais nua a thogail.

091985 McDonnell, Brian, Roundstone, 28/10/09. For a dwelling house and private wastewater treatment system.

091994 Flatherty, Tommy, Clifden, 28/10/09. To retain the subdivision of an existing retail unit (previous pl ref no 04/5560) into two separate units consisting of a health spa and hair salon along with shop fronts and associates services.

Source:www.galway.ie

Death Notices Robert (Bobby) Bolger, Oughterard & Ballyconneely Ciss Conneely (Walsh), Rosmuc

Seán Bartley Seán Bartley of Ballinaboy, Clifden passed away peacefully on September 28th 2009.Sean’s family would like to thank everyone who attended the removal, the Funeral Mass, burial and who sent Mass and Sympathy cards.

We also extend our thanks to all the staff at St Ann’s, Dr McLoughlin, Mannions Funeral Directors and those who helped prepare Sean’s final resting place.

Anna Burke Josephine Burke and family would like to thank all who sympathised with them on the sad loss of their Mam, Anna Burke, Co. Kilkenny. Thanks to all of those who sent flower and Mass cards, to those who attended the removal and the Mass and especially those who travelled long distances. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass will be offered for your intentions.

John Joseph ( Jackie) Coyne, Folkestown, England & Rosscrea, Moyard Mairtin Coyne (Marks), Mullaghgloss, Renvyle Mattie Coyne, U.K. & Goulane Michael Heffernan, Streamstown Kathleen Lewis (nee Joyce), Ohio, U.S.A. & formerly of Maam Patrick (Paddy) Mannion, Barnanoraun, Clifden Martin Molloy (Pa), Oughterard Aaron Peter Newman, Cleggan Valie Francis O’Neill, Aillebrack, Ballyconneely Pauline O’Shaughnessy, Oughterard Maura Walsh (nee McDonagh), Oughterard The Connemara View would like to extend sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.

Acknowledgements & Remembrances Price per word: €0.25. Photo: €5.

This list is compiled from various sources and we apologise for any errors or omissions.

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2009

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com Page 33

25 years of Craic and Ceol

To mark the 25th year of Conamara Environmental, Education and Cultural Centre, I recently caught up with the founder and primary organiser Leo Hallissey, just as Sea Week 2009 was drawing to a close, both to reflect on years gone by and look to the future.

Firstly Leo, congratulations to yourself and all involved in the last 25 years of Sea Week and Bog Week. Take us back in time to where it all began.

Well it began when I started teaching in Letterfrack, and I didn’t know a lot about living here in the countryside, having grown up in the village of Clarecastle in Co. Clare. So for me it started with wanting to learn about our place here in Connemara and in order to do that, we started asking experts from outside the area

of various kinds to come and join in the process. There were only a few people playing music locally back then, so we invited in others to join into that as well, and that was where the festivals really began. In the early days we used to do ten days straight of musicwhen I think of it now, it was mad! We would have 4 or 5 parties that week, with everyone staying in my house and I’d be in work early every morning as well!

So really it started in Letterfrack NS, with myself and my other half Clare O’Toole, and Aingeal Ni Conaola from Ros Muc and of course it grew and developed and evolved in many ways over the years.

A huge amount of talented and renowned musicians have featured down through the years. I won’t ask you to pick favourites, but what kind of gigs and characters really stand out in your mind?

Well people that have been here from the start would be the like of Sean Tyrell and he has a big cult following here. Even in the noisiest pub, the minute he starts to sing, everyone will quieten. He commands that superb respect and enjoyment of what he does,

Page 34

and so he loves coming here, for the warmth and friendliness of the people. Sharon Shannon would have been here from the start too of course and comes back still. It’s not complicated stuff really, it’s about hospitality and within the level of a budget. We look after people as best we can. We would also rent houses and give visitors the experience of really being comfortable in our community and a sense of togetherness with others-I think that’s an important part of it. Conor Keane and Eoin O’Neill would be others that were always here and indeed were just here this weekend gone by. I would say one of the best long term memories would be seeing the Kane girls, Liz and Yvonne, playing with Sharon Shannon for the first time and their subsequent progression into two of the finest fiddle players in the country. That’s the kind of thing that has made the festivals really wonderful over the years. This year’s Parish Dinner at Renvyle House was also a great evening for locals and visitors alike, with music, dance and fantastic local food created

by Tim O’Sullivan and I hope the development of our local food products, particularly lamb and mussels, will continue, as they really are world class products.

A key feature of the Sea Week and Bog Week has been the involvement and inclusion of kids and young people. Is that the key to the festivals’ ongoing success and longevity?

Well there’s no doubt that the kids’ events are a huge part of it all. For example, the Sea Week Soccer this year had over 100 kids playing and it’s always the final event. Brendan and Paddy Joe have also built it into more than just a sporting event, in that there’s tea and sandwiches for the parents so it’s not just a case of dropping the kids off-the parents stay and watch and are involved. Of course we also have the schools’ programme which the kids really enjoy too. Also, the Mol an Oige concerts are really spectacular; our most recent one raised over €900 for the Hospice and 44 kids played to a full house.

I’m determined that Bog week and Sea Week should provide a space for all of the community, young and old, joined together in celebrating the landscape and the marine.

Both festivals have seen varying economic climates in this country, the boom times and now again the tougher times.

What does this mean for the arts and the ccontinuation of cultural life in communities?

Well, once more I think we have to cut our cloth according to our measure. Artists in all fields, by and large are very generous people. For example, last Friday night we opened an exhibition at the National Park of 52 works by great artists, all on sale for €70, as we had this dream of making original art accessible to everyone. So someone who might not usually buy or have ever bought a piece of art could take one home for €70. The paintings were presented anonymously so it also gave a platform to emerging artists as well as established artists. Some of the pieces were worth 10 or 20 times the price and that was possible due to the generosity of the artists themselves-no artist that was asked to participate refused. The Arts Council often talks about ‘access to the arts’ and we found this to be a very practical way of giving access to all. We had a huge crowd at the

November 2009

opening with Jackie Lydon, an American broadcaster and we sold, I think, 44 pieces of original art. Great credit must go to our own David Keane for the time and effort he put into that too-he’s an exceptionally talented and generous local artist and past pupil of the school. We’ll have a similar concept at the next Bog Week with drawings, so we look forward to that too.

So with Bog week and Sea Week now permanent popular fixtures on the calendar, I’m sure we can look forward to many more exciting events in the years ahead.

Yes absolutely. This year we launched a new double album ‘An Cosan Draiochta’ which is on sale locally and we hope will go down really well. The first album is all original music to mark the 25 years so far and the second album is regular favourites played here. It’s the 4th and 5th albums we’ve produced and I think a lot of people will enjoy it. Also, the Mol an Oige concerts really are very special and I hope they will continue to grow and flourish-the Christmas one on December 21st at the Church of Ireland in Clifden will always be a highlight of the year. There’ll also be a concert at Creeragh Church and the kids raise €3000-€4000 every year for charities by doing these concerts- and the smiles and enjoyment that people leave with on their faces after those concerts is extraordinary. Also in November our own Alannah Robins, who is a parent at the school, will unveil a new sculpture at the school, which will be great. We also have another few exciting ideas that I look forward to getting up and running and the word will spread in due course.

Catherine Pryce Photos: Scenes from Seaweeks Past. Seaweek 2009 - Top: Sr Karol’s Choir in full voice at the Mol an Óige concert as part of Sea Week. Middle: Left - Joe Kane with daughters Yvonne and Liz, composers and performers at the launch of ‘An Cosan Draoichta’, celebrating 25 years of Sea Week and Bog Week.

Leo Hallissey with ‘The Reel Mix’ who performed at the Parish Dinner and CD launch (l-r): Emma O Sullivan, Niamh McDermott, Chelsea Kane and Amy Coyne. Bottom - Marie Walsh’s Grúpa Ceoil at the Mol an Óige concert.

Connemara ArtsView

Clifden Arts Society

The Clifden Arts Society has just launched its new season and there is an exciting list of musicians lined up for the season ahead. Programmes for the year are available in various shops

The next stage show will be “ScroogeA Christmas Carol” at the Station House Theatre on December 17th, 27th, 28th & 30th at 8:00pm, 18th at 4:00pm and 19th & 20th at 1:00pm.

If you would like to be a part of this show or any of Ceol Theatre’s productions please contact ti John @ 087-750-4697.

Jo

C ConTempo in Renvyle

area. around the area The next concert will take place in the Church of Ireland, on Saturday November 7th and will feature the wonderful RTE Vanbrugh Quartet. This quartet have been regular visitors to Clifden and have always thrilled the audience; someone once said about them ‘if you only hear one group perform, make sure it is the RTE Vanbrugh Quartet.’

The programme for the concert is as follows: Haydn - String Quartet, Opus 64, no 5, “The Lark”, Artsybushev – Serenade, Liadov – Fugue, Liadov – Mazurka, Kopylov – Polka, Sokolov – Scherzo, Borodin - String Quartet no 1.

The starting time for the concert will be 8pm and tickets will be available at the door.

Cantairí Choir

In recent years, local choir, Cantairí Chonamara, has seen a rise in membership and an increase in the number of concerts. One particularly memorable performance was The Mozart Requiem, performed in Christ Church, Clifden during the 2008 Arts Festival. The fact that the atmospheric venue was filled to overflowing for a concert that didn’t start until 11pm is a testament to both the calibre of the choir and the expectations of the audience. Cantairí later performed the same work in Oughterard to an equally full and appreciative house, and this year, again during Arts Week, Cantairí Chonamara, under the direction of Aodán McGlynn, performed Vivaldi’s Gloria in St Joseph’s Church.

Alannah Robins, Barbara Anne McCabe and Marie-Noelle Biddulph were all in excellent voice for the solos. On that occasion, Cantairí supported the renowned Anúna which also has a local member, Rory Musgrave from Cleggan.

On Sunday November 8th, Cantairí Chonamara will again travel to Oughterard where, in Kilcummin Church, they will perform Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Regina Coeli (1), and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine. The concert, called ‘Wintersong’ will begin at 8.00pm. Admission is €10 and €5 for concessions.

Cantairí Chonamara is actively seeking new members and interested people are welcome to come along to see for themselves or ask any choir member for more information.

Ceol Theatre

The next Ceol Theatre Review show will be December 4th in the Station House Theatre at 8:00pm with a Christmas theme, €5 at the door.

Connemara ArtsView

The Galway Ense semble in Residence, ConTempo Quartet C will perform an evew ning concert at Renn vyle House Hotel on Wednesday, 11th November 2009 at 8:30 p.m. Recognised as one of the world’s top string quartets, ConTempo has worked with many celebrated quartets, including the Emerson, Amadeus, Alban Berg, Hagen and

Tokyo quartets. They have toured the world extensively. The programme will be Haydn, “Sun Quartet” Op. 20; Sabin Pautza, Games I and Mendelssohn, Op. 44 no. 1. After a successful 4-day tour of County Galway last September, ConTempo are delighted to be returning to the County with this special evening of music.

Tickets for the concert will be available at the door. Adults: €10; Children up to age 16 will be admitted free. For more information phone 091-586-706 or log on to www.galwayensemble.ie.

Liam Lawton

Liam Lawton, priest, composer, and world renowned singer will be including Oughterard as part of his nationwide n Irish Ir tour.

Liam Lawton L came c to public prominence p some years s ago a when his song s “The Cloud’s Veil” C was w used as part p of all the memorial services for tthe world trade centre disaster. Since then, he has recorded three multi-platinum selling albums and has toured the world over.

His music has been translated into six different languages and has been performed in concert halls globally, including Carnegie Hall in New York and St Patrick’s Cathedral in Chicago to name but a few. His most recent album (his 16th to-date) “Healing Song” just released in June of this year is based on the theme of healing, which is so vital in our present wounded world and it is his first fully liturgical offering in almost 10 years. As part of an intensive tour, Liam Lawton has chosen Oughterard as one

of his concert venues.

It is a great honour, and we are extremely lucky that he has chosen Oughterard as it is his only Galway performance.

Monies raised will go towards the building of a much needed parish office for Oughterard. Denis Geoghegan and the Oughterard Youth & Young Adult Choir will join him on the night to sing some of his pieces as part of the concert. There is always a huge demand for tickets to his concerts such is his popularity, so early booking is strongly advised.

Tickets can be purchased at The Galway Cathedral Bookshop, Tullykyne Stores, Howard’s Pharmacy, An Fuarán Moycullen, Mc Namaras Newsagent Oughterard, The Tourist Office Oughterard and in the sacristy after any of the masses in Oughterard. There will also be a park and ride facility from the car park in Oughterard to the church to avoid any parking congestion. The concert will take place in the church of the Immaculate Conception on Friday the 27th November. The concert begins at 8pm and doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced €25 each. This is an experience not to be missed, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Filming in Connemara

The filming of scenes for a new Irish comedy thriller, ‘The Guard’, has commenced in the Spiddal and Barna area.

The feature is written and directed by John Michael McDonagh (Ned Kelly) and stars Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm) and Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda).

The film sees Emmy winner Brendan Gleeson playing an unorthodox Irish policeman who joins forces with Don Cheadle’s straitlaced FBI agent in a bid to take on an international drug-smuggling gang. Other Irish acting talents featured includes IFTA winners Liam Cunningham (Hunger), Fionnula Flanagan (Lost, Transamerica), Pat Shortt (Garage) and David Wilmot (Intermission, The Clinic).

Monday Movies

The Letterfrack Film society is back with another season of World cinema.

This year we have changed to Monday nights, with all films starting at 8.30pm sharp in the audio-visual centre of the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. Admission at the door is €6.50 (concession €5) or you can buy a season ticket to see 12 films for €48 (concession €38) which is very good value.

We are showing six films between now and Christmas, with another six in spring 2010. Keep an eye out for our

November 2009

programme which you can pick up in local shops or at any of the film screenings.

Monday Nov 9th- Lemon Tree. Dir: Eran Riklis, France, Germany, Israel 2008, 106 mins. A Palestinian widow scrapes a living from the lemon grove her father planted half a century ago.

Then the Israeli Defense Minister moves into a new house next door and her lemon trees are deemed a defense risk. There follows a Davidand-Goliath battle against the Israeli government.

Monday Nov. 16th -The Visitor. Dir: Thomas McCarthy, USA 2007, 106 mins. The dull life of a lonely academic widower is transformed when he unwittingly finds himself landlord to a couple of illegal immigrants.

However, the growth of their friendship cannot postpone the inevitable conclusion.

Monday Nov. 23rd -Gomorrah. Dir: Matteo Garronne, Italy 2008, 137 mins.A contemporary Neapolitan mob drama that exposes Italy’s criminal underbelly by telling the stories of five people who think they can reach their own understandings with Camorra, the area’s Mafia.

Monday Nov. 30th- The Class. Dir: Laurent Cantet, France, 2008, 128 mins. A magnificent film that follows a year in the lively racially-mixed classroom of one teacher, Francois Begaudeau.

A winning blend of documentary style and improvised drama, the film reflects the changing nature of French society in microcosm Monday Dec. 12th- Rachel Getting Married. Dir: Jonathan Demme, USA, 2008, 112 mins. An estranged daughter returns to the family home for her sister’s wedding. Her re-appearance throws a wrench into the family dynamics, forcing long-simmering tensions to surface in hilarious and heartbreaking ways.

Page 35

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…. The Healthy Winter Breakfast As the beloved ‘Christmas Song’ reminds us, the chestnut is a winter holiday treat. Yet in Europe, Asia and Africa, chestnuts are often used as an everyday potato substitute. Although they are wonderful straight from the oven or fireplace, you can make use of the winter chestnut crop in many ways, both sweet and savoury.

Probably one of the first foods eaten by man, the chestnut dates back to prehistoric times. The chestnut tree, Castanea sativa, was first introduced to Europe via Greece.

In Tuscany, these starchy nuts are given to the poor as a symbol of sustenance on the Feast of Saint Martin and are also traditionally eaten on Saint Simon’s Day. Legend has it that the Greek army survived on their stores of chestnuts during their retreat from Asia Minor in 401-399 BC. Chestnuts contain twice as much starch as potatoes.

It is no wonder they are still an important food crop in China, Japan and southern Europe where they are often ground into a flour for making bread (chestnut bread keeps fresh for as long as two weeks.), cakes, pancakes, pastas (it is the original ingredient for ‘polenta’) and used as thickener for stews, soups, sauces. It is a good solution for long storage of a nutritious food.

A fine granular sugar can be obtained from the fermentation of the juice, as well as a beer; and the roasted fruit provides a coffee substitute.

The nuts can also be eaten candied, boiled, steamed, grilled, roasted or fried, in sweet or savoury recipes. They can be used to stuff vegetables, poultry and fowl. They are available fresh, dried, ground and canned (whole or in puree).

If you are tempted to eat chestnuts raw, think againthey must be cooked completely in order to avoid digestive discomfort.

Chestnuts are also often added to animal fodder. It is given to horses and cattle in Extreme-Orient, to pigs in England, France and other places.

The outer thin shell as well as the inner bitter brown skin is removed before eating. Removing the skin in its raw state is virtually impossible. It is much easier and recommended to blanch or cook fresh chestnuts before removal of the shell and skin.

Fresh chestnut fruits have about 180 to 200 Kcal per 100 grams of product; which is much lower than that of walnuts, almonds, other nuts and dried fruit (about 600 Kcal per 100 grams).

As with any plant product, chestnuts contain no cholesterol. They also contain very little fat, mostly unsaturated and no gluten.

Their carbohydrate content compares with that of wheat and rice.

A unique chestnut advantage is that they are the only nuts that carry vitamin C. One ounce of boiled or steamed chestnuts has 7mg of vitamin C; dried chestnuts have more than double that amount with 16.6 mg. For one ounce, this is as much as a lemon. Fresh chestnuts also have a very high water content.

Roasting chestnuts requires scoring the fruit beforehand to prevent an “explosion”. Once cooked, its texture is similar to that of a baked potato, with a delicate, sweet, and nutty flavour.

Candied chestnuts (whole chestnuts candied in sugar

Page 36

syrup, then iced) are sold under the French name ‘marrons glacés’.

The fruit is very nutritious, energising, a tonic for muscles, nerves and venous system, anti-anemic, antiseptic and stomachic. It is recommended to convalescents. Interestingly, linen cloth can be whitened with chestnut flour.

Preparing Chestnuts Chestnuts take a bit of time to prepare, but they are well worth it as you can imagine from all the information above!

Cut an X into the top of each chestnut (the end with the little tuft of spikes on) and drop into a pan full of simmering water. A minute or two later, take two or three out with a slotted spoon. The shell peels down from the top. If the nut cools down too much and the inner skin gets stuck on again, pop it back into the boiling water for 30 seconds.

If you have been roasting them, put the cooked chestnuts in a few layers of newspaper and keep wrapped for a few minutes. The steam will help lifting the skins.

If you have a glut of sweet chestnuts and want to store some, they can be frozen, complete or unshelled. Just put them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze.

Back home in France, we would eat “Crème de marron” as a dessert, with sour cream. Not very light, but very comforting indeed! We used to love the stuff, buying it even in tubes, which we would squeeze into our mouths on the way back from school. To this day, I get very ex-

The old saying goes that it’s the most important meal of the day and you will often hear recommendations from nutritionists and scientists telling you that brain power and energy levels are more affected by this meal than any other throughout the day. That’s right-it’s breakfast! While it can be tempting to stay in bed for an extra half hour and stuff something in your mouth on the way out the door, the benefits of having a healthy breakfast are truly important from a health perspective and can make a powerful difference to your general health and wellbeing.

In the winter months this can be even more important as our immune system is under more pressure than usual and needs vitamins and minerals to keep colds and flu at bay. The first meal of the day represents an easy opportunity for this and below are a few suggestions to keep you fighting fit this winter.

Porridge There are any amount of porridge oat mixes available in supermarkets and the good news is that they’re probably all good for you-just avoid mixes with added sugars or ‘creamy’ labels as they are likely to have added extras that you can do without if you only want the health benefits. Oats are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre may reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol without reducing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. The phytochemicals in oats may also have cancer fighting properties and are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium as well as protein. If you prefer your breakfast lower in fat, use water instead of milk and add a little honey (manuka if possible) and a drop of skimmed milk or low fat yoghurt to taste. It’s also a nice hot breakfast to have on a cold winter morning and will keep you feeling full for much longer than many other breakfasts.

Cereals

cited at the sight of a tin of “Crème de Marron”. The best brand is Faugier.

Another product that was familiar in our household was chestnut puree; chestnuts boiled and sieved into a very fine mash. We would eat it as a vegetable instead of potatoes, with all kinds of meat. We would also use it to make our second Christmas cake, the first being a Christmas Log which I personally never really cared for.

The chestnut puree was mixed with half the weight of good chocolate, melted together over a pan full of water, a bit of butter, sugar and vanilla extract. It was then poured into a mould and left to cool. Rum, broken marrons glaces, cream or even biscuits could be added to the mix and once set (it could be made well in advance and kept in the fridge), it was turned out of the mould and decorated. I still make this cake for my family. It has the advantage of being gluten and fat free. It’s not the lightest of puddings, but it lasts a long time as you can’t have too big a helping!

Quite often, during the winter, my mother would serve us boiled chestnuts (we had to peel them ourselves, she was not that silly as to do all the work herself!) and we would eat them with redcurrant jelly. It was usually following a pumpkin soup. That was a very filling meal, usually served in the evening. Other times, it was roasted chestnuts, cooked in the oven. The smell was simply delicious and the pleasure was all in the peeling without burning our fingers. There were never enough to eat, I remember. The chore was to sort the bad ones (with weevil holes in them) before cooking them. With nine in the family, you can imagine the amount we had to cook.

As I write this piece, I am eating some chestnuts that I just roasted on the stove. They are delicious!

Marie Noelle Biddulph

November 2009

It has been becoming more widely acknowledged in recent times that the vast majority of commercial breakfast cereals are full of hidden sugars, additives, colourings and preservatives and unless you have had your head buried in the sand for a long time, you will know that this is not good! Healthier options that still taste great are muesli and granola. Muesli is generally composed of either raw or toasted rolled oats, a mix of dried fruit, nuts and seeds, all of which are hugely beneficial to your health. Some types of nuts (especially walnuts) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with many health benefits, including the development of the nervous system. It can be enjoyed with cold or warm milk for calcium intake, depending on taste and preferences. Beware the sugar contents however-take a minute to read the actual ingredient percentages rather than just believing claims made by manufacturers. Granola can be tricky-while it contains most of the same ingredients as above, the way in which its made is what matters.

The best kind is organic and baked, without added sugar. Always check the label beforehand, as some granola is very high in fat. A general rule of thumb is that the more plain it looks and sounds, the better it will be for you. It’s always better to have the option to add fruits, honeys or milk, rather than adding to what’s already contained in the ingredients.

Probiotic Drinks These have become extremely common in recent years with many families claiming great benefits from having one portion a day in yoghurt drink form, usually at breakfast time. Most probiotics fall into two categories of bacteria; Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and one or both of these are usually contained in the single portion yoghurt drinks we see on sale. Probiotics have a wide range of benefits, including boosting the immune system to help combat infections, allergies, and exposure to toxins and also regulating the digestive system, even relieving IBS. The human digestive system is heavily dependent on flourishing “friendly” bacteria in our intestines and probiotoc drinks help this process. If probiotics can’t be taken in food form they can be taken as supplements- ask at your local pharmacy or health food store.

These are just some examples of breakfasts that can be better for you than toasted white bread and conventional breakfast cereals.

Clearly the favourite ‘full Irish’ fry up is a national institution and is going nowhere, but it is certainly better as a treat rather than a regular start to the day if you value your heart and waistline! So resist the breakfast roll and feel the boost in energy by getting into the habit of a better breakfast routine!

Catherine Pryce

Connemara View Newspaper

Age-Related Macular Degeneration AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age, affecting approximately 35% of people over the age of 75. There is currently an epidemic of AMD, largely because we are all living longer. The number of people affected by this condition is expected to double in the next 20 years.

AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina in the eye responsible for clear vision. The main symptom of visually consequential AMD is dim or fuzzy central vision. AMD is a particularly frustrating

structure. Free radicals are unstable molecules created from the effects of blue light (indoor lighting and sunlight) and oxidation within the eye. Because we use oxygen to live and we are constantly exposed to blue light, damage caused by free radicals is unavoidable. However, there are other risk factors for AMD which we do have an opportunity to reduce.

Who is at risk at developing AMD? The three most important risk factors are: • Increasing Age • Cigarette Smoke • Family History of AMD Other risk factors include: • Obesity • Female gender-AMD is more common in women • Light eye colour • Exposure to light (both indoor and outdoor) • High cholesterol and high blood pressure • Poor diet • Low macular pigment levels.

What can I do to reduce my risk of developing AMD? disease as it results in a loss of central vision. In other words, someone who has AMD can see everything except what he/she is looking at and is therefore unable to read, watch TV, recognise faces or drive.

What causes AMD? AMD is a condition resulting from genetic (inherited) lifestyle and environmental factors (e.g. light and oxygen). Current research suggests that free radicals within the eye lead to damage to the delicate

New Exercise Trend: Shaking It Up One of the hottest trends in exercise and fitness is now available for the first time in Clifden. In recent times, Vibro Plates have received much media coverage with high profile users like Madonna singing their praises and Anna’s Nail Bar on Market St. in Clifden now has the first one in the area for customers to add to their exercise regimes. The device consists of a large plate which vibrates in a specific motion 30 to 50 times per second. This forces muscle contractions all over your body, which strives to stabilise by tensing muscles everywhere. The manufacturers claim that 10 minutes on the machine is similar to a 60 minute workout and as someone who finds it hard to make the time to exercise regularly, this is one of its most attractive features to me.

On my first time trying the Vibro Plate, I was curious as to how it would feel. Anna set the time to 10 minutes and went through the different speeds and positions with me in order to get the most out of it. Standing upright at first, I felt like I was being shaken from head to toe-literally. Assuming a slightly squatting position, with knees bent was a much more comfortable position and made the experience much more stable and effective. On my second visit I went through a series of stances which really made me feel I was getting more out of the workout-and it really does feel like a workout after just 10 minutes.

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Some of the risk factors are modifiable-in other words people have control over these risks. They can stop smoking, improve their diet and increase their macular pigment levels through taking supplements.

New techniques and medical devices allow us to examine the eyes and assess a person’s lifestyle risk factors. The Sightrisk AMD Calculator is a new risk assessment software used to calculate a person’s individual risk of AMD. For more information contact Ailbhe Patten, Ni Raighne Opticians, Bridge St, Clifden, (095) 30995.

I felt energised and could feel muscles having been exercised all over my body the following day, but not to an uncomfortable degree. Vibro Plates are low impact exercise, and as such can also be helpful with a number of medical conditions as well as being added to a health regime for toning and to help weight loss. The convenience with regard to time and noticeable effects after just a few sessions suggests to me that this is a fitness craze that may well live up to its claims and endorsements and I look forward to many more sessions on the Vibro Plate to stay fit and toned in the simplest way I’ve come across to date!

If you’re feeling fit and toned after all that, a healthy looking glow can really lift and finish your look. Wow Brown, Ireland’s first home manufactured spray tan is also available at Anna’s Nail Bar and is particularly tailored to uneven and paler Irish skin tones.

For more information on Vibro Plates and Wow Brown Tan check out www. vibroplates.ie and www.wowbrown.com, or for appointments call Anna’s Nail Bar on 095- 30001.

Catherine Pryce

November 2009

Connemara Chiropractic Welcomes New Doctor Connemara Chiropractic Clinic would like to welcome Dr. Lorraine Surdival to the team. A graduate of Glamorgan University, Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, Lorraine has particular interests in back and neck pain in industry (including the effect of prolonged poor posture on the function of the body) body biomechanics and rehabilitation.

Lorraine enjoys the challenge of cases that have proven difficult to resolve elsewhere, such as longstanding shoulder and knee problems.

Originally from Castlebar, Lorraine has lived in Wales for several years. She was inspired to become a chiropractor after she received chiropractic treatment for a Karate injury. She had experienced back pain for over a year following a heavy tackle and symptoms were completely resolved by a course of chiropractic treatment.

Lorraine enjoys the opportunity that her work provides to meet new people and help them achieve their full potential, in the same way that chiropractic transformed her health. Lorraine also has an interest in most sports, particularly karate.

Dr. Lorraine wonders, have you ever thought why we take a painkiller for a headache or anti-histamine’s when we have itchy eyes and a runny nose with out any thought?

Do you ever stop to think what the cause of these problems might be?

Because you’ll never get to the root of the cause by just taking pills and potions to stop symptoms and if the problems re-occur they are likely to carry on doing so until we get to the root cause and put it right.

When we are sick out body takes serious action because our body is an incredibly intelligent organism. Like making us vomit when it realises we have a toxin inside us that could cause damage. Like pushing our temperature up when it detects a virus or bacteria, making our body an inhospitable environment within which it is difficult for them to thrive. Our nervous system will do whatever it needs to do in order to protect us.

Sometimes, the symptoms get a little tough to take and we take a drug to give us temporary relief, but that is usually all a drug can give you – temporary relief, and like any drug you must keep taking it to keep the desired effect.

If we can keep our nervous system in great working order then our immune system becomes strong and our body fires on all cylinders, keeping us healthy. It’s when our nervous and immune system function is impaired that virus and bacteria seize the opportunity to attack us, such as when one member of the family gets a flu and the others can escape the flu because they have a better internal resistance.

Ironically it’s the part of our body that was designed to protect our nervous system that causes most of the problems – our spine. Our spinal bones, or vertebrae enclose and protect the spinal cord, our information highway. What an amazing design it is, so simple yet so complex.

But from time to time our spinal bones or vertebrae get stuck or fixated and interfere with normal nerve function. This can cause any number of problems depending upon which nerves are affected.

Interestingly, painful as it can be, the actual back pain can be the least of these problems. This is because when our nervous system function is impaired the door can be left open for all kinds of problems and disease.

It is also the reason why as spinal problems are corrected and nervous system function is restored we see all kinds of problems, problems that many people would never relate to the spine, clear up We would encourage you to keep your nervous and immune system in great working order by ensuring that your spine is in good shape. You can achieve this through a series of chiropractic adjustments, and when your spine is in good shape we would encourage you to keep it that way.

You can achieve this through a maintenance programme, visiting the practice perhaps monthly to get your spine checked and adjusted.

You are the apple of your nervous system’s eyes. It looks after you night and day, every night and every day. Isn’t it a good idea for you to look after it? The choice is always yours....

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Halloween in Connemara

Various bars around Connemara celebrated Halloween with fancy dress themed nights including The Shamrock Bar In Roundstone, The Pier Bar in Cleggan, EJ King’s and Mullarkeys in Clifden.

Here are just some of the crazy costumes that could be seen at the various parties. See who you can recognise!

Photos by sta, Rebecca Walsh and Richard De Stackpoole

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November 2009

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Halloween Parties

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Top left: Clifden Fire Brigade held their annual Halloween Party at the Clifden Fire Station on Friday October 30th where a number of children went to trick or treat with some firemen in disguise! Photo courtesy of Paula Bann.

Pupils at Kingstown NS wore their Halloween costumes to school for a day just before their mid-term break and donated the money they rasied to charity. As well as having a great day of fun they raised a total of €91 for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Bottom left:The Scoil Mhuire Parents Association held a Halloween disco at the Town Hall in Clifden on Friday October 23rd, where a huge number of kids dressed up and participated in lots of games as well as the disco. Photo courtesy of Fionnuala O’ Shaughnessy Bottom right: Some of the spookily dressed children who went on a parade from the Community Centre to the Square in Oughterard on Halloween night. Photo courtesy of Tom Broderick

November 2009

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November 2009

Connemara View Newspaper