November 2010 Connemara View Newspaper by Connemara View Publishing

Island Life Recalled after Half Century

Monthly Newspaper to Stop The October Connemara View Newspaper marked our 6th anniversary. However, we will cease our monthly publication after the December 2010 issue. As a free newspaper, we are dependent on advertising revenue which has been in decline for the last two years. As a business, it is no longer viable to continue on a year round monthly basis, particularly since the prospect of the economic tide turning soon appears unlikely. This has been an extremely painful decision to make. It has been our great pleasure to provide the news in and about Connemara to you. Ellen McDonough & Catherine Pryce

An emotional day incorporating a mass in Claddaghduff, the screening of two documentaries and an evening dinner marked the 50th anniversary of the evacuation of Inishark Island on Saturday October 23rd. Ten of the surviving former residents, who were the last to leave the island in October 1960, were present for the day’s events, throughout which many poignant and sad memories were shared. They are Mary Jo Heanue, George, Martin, Leo, Anne and Philomena Murray and Therese, Eileen, Martin Joseph and Peter Anthony Lacey. The weather conditions were too rough for the islanders and those present to return to the island on the day, but a touching remembrance mass by Fr. John Flannery brought everybody’s hearts and minds back to their former home. Many of them continue to visit the island when possible, to which they will always be connected. While mixed emotions and feelings towards the evacuation remain, there is still, for some, a sense of regret. There is also some resentment towards the government of the time, who instead of improving the harbour and living conditions on the island at the time deemed that all on the island must move to the mainland. The importance of the marking the day was clearly apparent, as the passing of a way of Irish life in the West was deeply reflected upon by all involved. Kieran Concannon’s powerful TG4 documentary Inis Airc-Bás Oileáin was screened, as well as another short film recalling the island and its people. Martin Murray, whose wife Carmel was the main organiser of the event concluded “It’s been a long time since Inishark was evacuated, but the anniversary was like stepping back in time to the old community and it was something I will never forget.” A photographic slideshow of the 50th anniversary of the evacuation of Inishark by Cyril Byrne of The Irish Times can be viewed online at irishtimes.com/indepth/ slideshows/inishshark/. Photo: Former residents of Inishark - Martin, Leo and George Murray;Theresa Lacey; Mary Jo Heanue; Peter Joe Corrigan and Martin Lacey are seen here in Claddaghduff looking out towards the island on October 23rd, 50 years after leaving their homes there for the last time. Photo courtesy of Cyril Byrne, The Irish Times

excellent and large variety of baked goods for sale and it’s for a very important local cause so please support it if you can, either by baking something for sale or calling in for a cup of tea and a sweet treat. Anne Marie Bennett

REGIONAL Quiz for Choir A table quiz in aid of Connemara’s local choir, Cantairí Chonamara will take place at Mannion’s Bar on Thursday November 4th starting at 8.30pm. Tables are €20 with a maximum of four per table.

RNLI Presentations Mary Davis was recently presented with her prize from the RNLI Raﬄe by crew member Sinead O’ Sullivan, which was sponsored by Patrick O’ Flaherty of Ballinahinch Castle Hotel. Photo below.

behalf of those involved in the event. Photo courtesy of Donal O Scanaill

Winter Fashion Show Fancy a Flirt with Fashion in Connemara? Connemara Chamber of Commerce is organising a night of fun, fashion and frolics with a Fashion Show in the Clifden Station House on Thurs 18th Nov at 8pm. Local ladies and gents will be showcasing the amazing variety of fashion and gift ideas available on our doorstep. Entertainment on the night will include a surprise interval act from a very well known ‘ﬁery’ community group! Coupled with prizes, music and a chance to win tickets to The Late Late Show, it promises to be a night to remember-so don’t miss it! Entry is only €10 with all proceeds going to Cancer Care West. Check out www. clifden.ie for more details.

Annual RNLI Cake Sale At the 50th anniversary of the evacuation of Inishark at the Station House Hotel on Saturday October 23rd, the organiser Carmel Murray presented Donal O Scanaill of the Clifden RNLI with a cheque for €530 on

The annual RNLI Lifeboat Cake Sale will be held in Foyle’s Hotel, Clifden on Friday November 26th, starting at 11am. As always, a selection of lovely RNLI Lifeboat Christmas cards will be on sale as well as the usual raﬄe with great prizes. There is always an

Charity Christmas Cards Cancer Care West Christmas cards are now available to buy online at www.cancercarewest.ie. They are also available to buy in Kavanagh’s Super Valu in Clifden and Malone Meats on Market St, with proceeds going to the West’s primary cancer care charity. RNLI Lifeboat Christmas cards are on sale at the Celtic Crafts Gift shop on Main St in Clifden and will also be on sale at the annual Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Cake Sale taking place at Foyle’s Hotel on Friday November 26th from 11am.

Roads Update Resurfacing works on the N59 Clifden to Leenane road are due to be carried out in the next two months. A stretch of road between Clifden and Letterfrack will start in November and an area of road at Streamstown will also be resurfaced. Cllr. Eileen Mannion said this is welcome news and the works will bring these bad stretches of road up to an acceptable standard. She added “the works carried out on the roads in Connemara in the last year have been of a very high standard with the use of black top instead of the traditional tar and chips, and they should last the test of time”. Cllr. Mannion has also welcomed the news that €400,000 has been allocated to the R341.Works will commence shortly on 4km of road between Ballinafad Church and the entrance to Ballynahinch Castle. Cllr. Mannion said “major damage was caused to this stretch of road during the big freeze last winter and I am delighted that this work will be carried out before the end of the year”.

CSI: Clifden News The next CSI Clifden public meeting will take place on Monday, November 15th at 8pm in Clifden Community School. Top of the agenda will be an update on the recent planning permission decision of September 1st. The Design Team is compiling information following on from the request for further information. It is expected to have all information ready for submission to the council within the next week. Please attend and show your support in the campaign for a new “ﬁt for purpose” school for the community. See www.csiclifden.com for all the latest news. If you want to be included in any text alerts please text your name to 087-162-5842. Please include your email address to be included in our mailing list.

Airport Stalemate In a time of governmental and ﬁnancial uncertainty, the future of the airstrip in Cloon, Cleggan appears to be up in the air. On blanket bog overlooking Cleggan ﬁshing village, a 600m long concrete runway, access road and extended fences for security have been built, but for several months there has been no further construction at the site. The airstrip, which is in state ownership, is awaiting the construction of terminal build-

Page 2

November 2010

ings, hangers and amenities. However, with the changing state of funding there are bad omens. As of yet, the airstrip in Cleggan lacks any official name and any construction is also subject to the progress of the Inishbofin airstrip, adding to the worries. There are now questions as to whether the construction of the buildings will ever take off. The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, which has responsibility for the airstrip, has put to tender the appointment of a consulting engineer/ architect to progress the construction of the terminal buildings at Cloon and Inishbofin, though the original planned 2011 completion date is now experiencing turbulence. According to the Department, any advancement in the development of terminal buildings will have to be “reviewed in the context of the Department’s budgetary allocation in 2011 and following years”. ‘Clifden and West Connemara Airport plc’ who own 32 acres of land beside the airstrip, seem to be waiting at the boarding gate. The development company has not applied for any planning permission and there is no visible development on the adjacent site. All of which leaves many asking-is the Cleggan Airstrip stuck on the runway? Eamonn McLoughlin Jr, Connemara View Reporter

Fáilte West A new tourism development forum has been announced by Fáilte Ireland, which is expected to have a signiﬁcant role in inﬂuencing national tourism policy. Fáilte West replaces the former West Regional Tourism Development Board and its members are drawn from the tourism industry, business interests, the local authority and Fáilte Ireland. The members are: John Crumlish, Managing Director of Galway Arts Festival, Marian Coy, President of GMIT, Cllr. Oliver Crowe, Owen Hughes, Portwest, Mayo Co. Manager Peter Hynes, Darren Madden of Clew Bay Hotel, Brenda McTigue, Clareview House, Galway County Manager Martina Moloney, marketing consultant Bernadette Mullarkey, John Coyle, Renvyle House Hotel, Fergus O’ Halloran of The Twelve, and Fiona Monaghan, Head of Operations at Failte Ireland west. The Chairman is Pádraig Ó Céidigh and a key aim of the forum will be to identify and implement a range of measures to boost overseas visitors to the region.

Seminar on Mental Health A Seminar in November on ‘Mental Health-Having Your Say’ will be hosted by FORUM Connemara and the National Service Users Executive (An independent, representative body through which all people whose lives are effected by mental health can participate). The Western representatives, chair, and members on the national executive of NSUE will talk about their work to date and new initiatives in the area of mental health and education. This will be followed by workshops on: How should mental health services develop in the area? What are the important factors in recovery? What supports would you like to see introduced into the community? What single item/initiative would make a significant difference to your life? The seminar will take place at the Station House Hotel in Clifden on Wednesday November 24th from 9.30am-3.30pm. Your voice is important if real change is to happen. Refreshments and lunch will be provided during the day. If you are interested in attending please contact Cathy Keane on 095-41117 or email c.keane@forumconnemara.ie.

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2010

Page 3

REGIONAL Go Connemara AGM An interesting talk was given by Mr. Aidan Gray from An Taisce who travelled from Cork to meet the Connemara Loop members at our AGM in October. It was felt that communities along the coastal regions along the Connemara Loop could benefit from participating in this programme as it can be used as a stepping stone to the Green Coast Beaches. Green Coast Beaches are recognised throughout the EU without the strict conditions of Blue Flag Beaches. During a difficult trading year for all, and a reduced pot of money to work with, the Go Connemara Committee was able to meet all its promises and produce brochures, walks, the website and more. This has been mainly down to the fact that the voluntary committee worked very hard to meet the commitments to all the members. The Chairman, Zoë Fitzgerald, asked that other members give of some of their time, from time to time, to continue to make this work. The marketing report was given by Dominic O’Morain. 30,000 brochures were printed, 20,000 of each walk was printed and all these are being distributed through members, trade shows, travel agents overseas, and at Shannon Airport and Knock Airport. The website traffic is increasing and due to new information being uploaded regularly the website features strongly on the web. Social media such as Facebook and Twitter are being updated regularly which helps with search engine optimisation as well as spreading the work about the Connemara Loop. E-zines are sent out to members every couple of months or as when any news or items of interest arise. The first edition of the Recipes from the Connemara Loop sold out and a second edition was printed and in circulation. It was expressed the need for new committee members from areas that have been less represented to join. If you would like to join the committee please email info@goconnemara.com and let us know. New ideas, new energies and new strengths need to be added to what we have. Once the new committee has been decided upon, a new Chairman will be elected. The idea of sub groups to assist projects underway and to develop new projects was discussed last year. There are some headings that members input would be invaluable and would ask members to assist us with: (1) Festivals, (2) Brochure, (3) Website, (4) Clean Coast Beaches and (5) Signposts. Three committee members were asked to join the Connemara Wild at Heart campaign which will benefit Con-

nemara in its entirety by breaking down the hidden lines of north/south, gaeltacht/non-gaeltacht etc and market Connemara as an entire destination with clear messages on what there is to do, what is on oﬀer, culture, food, heritage, vibrant communities, amazing landscape etc. Go Connemara - The Connemara Loop will continue to produce the map brochure and walks, keep the website current, replace Loop signposts and other community projects that might come up during the year.

Connemara Chamber News The Connemara Chamber recently made a detailed submission to the design team appointed by Galway Co Co and the NRA regarding the upgrade plans for the Clifden to Oughterard stretch of the N59. According to the Chamber President Declan Mannion, “The Chamber views the enhancement of this road as a key strategic development for commerce in west Connemara and so we welcomed the invitation to submit the group’s thoughts on the development of the roadway”. Key points of the Chamber’s submission are as follows: • While traffic volume is low, the N59 was listed in the Sunday Times survey as one of best 100 driving routes in the world. Improved access to tourist destinations, for example motorway from Dublin to Galway, underpins tourist industry and therefore jobs. • Consideration of certain road users: rental cars, camper vans and left hand drive cars. Users often travel at a much lower average speed than regular road users. We recommend that the road design incorporate multiple un-serviced lay-bys to allow visitor traffic to pull in and let other traffic pass. • A constant refrain from authorities in relation to lay-bys is the potential problem posed by unauthorised overnight or long stay camping. We suggest the measures should be seen as a traffic safety measure and appropriate controls be enacted to protect these areas from inappropriate use. • The N59 is particularly slow between Maam Cross and Oughterard as the road becomes increasingly curved and the road is bound by walls and fences. This area in particular needs attention. • The signage along the route, in particular at Maam Cross, Recess and the canal stage ( Junction 341 & N 59). The entire road signage needs to be reviewed with the visitor in mind. • On the cycle lanes we suggest the use of the disused railway where possible as a way of preserving the historic route for future generations is the way forward. • The improvements to the travel time on this road will be a welcome advance to the area. However, specific consideration needs to be given to the visitor traffic and their needs to improve the driving experience for all users.

Emergency Services Radio Series FORUM, in conjunction with Connemara Community Radio are producing a series of programmes on Tuesday nights at 8.30pm, which aim to provide information on voluntary emergency services operating within Connemara. It is envisaged that these programmes will assist the public to develop an understanding of these services, reinforce the role of 999/112 and highlight the work of the volunteers. The ﬁrst programme in the series was aired on Tuesday, November 2nd. The series will feature representatives from Clifden Fire Brigade on Tuesday 9th. The series will also include The RNLI, Cleggan Coast Guard, The Red Cross, Galway Mountain Rescue, The Order of Malta and more. The series is hosted by Mary Ruddy and John Durning and series producer is Colleen Curran. Members of the public are invited to contribute to the programme and can contact the radio on 095-41616.

UCHG Trolley Figures In a Dáil statement on Thursday 28th Michael D. Higgins, Labour Party President and Dáil deputy for Galway West strongly criticized the latest October ‘Trolley Watch’ figures published by the INMO. The figures showed that University College Hospital, Galway and Mid-Western Regional Hospital Limerick, were numbers one and two on the list, with 39 and 35 patients respectively. He said “This is the most telling indication yet of the devastating effects of the cutbacks in the HSE West Budget, and the failure to get to grips with the worsening crisis in our A&E services. The savage cuts proposed for the HSE West (stretching from Donegal to Limerick) cannot be tolerated and must be resisted. Already 750 posts are gone in nursing and mid-wifery alone in HSE West: up to 1,000 other posts are threatened, most of them frontline. The combined effect of last year’s Budget cuts and of the moratorium on staff replacement is the cause of the slashing of services in the Region. Labour will resist any proposals to impose cuts that will make it impossible to deliver the kind of service that people have every right to expect.”

Voting Registration Reminder The new draft Electoral Register is due to be published on Monday, November 1st. Now is the time for people to make sure that they are registered to vote. People should check with their local franchise office, or contact their local political representative who will be able to advise them. The draft register can be checked during working hours at the local authority offices or county registrar and at public libraries, post offices and Garda stations. The register can also be checked at the Register of Electors online enquiries website. If you find that you are not on the Register, or if your details are out of date, you have until November 25th to correct the record.

Friends for Wildlife ‘Friends for Wildlife’ was formed in June. Previously involved with the Renvyle Animal Rescue group, we have identified a need to diversify into two separate groups in order to more effectively help the increasing number of wildlife casualties as well as the large number of cats and dogs. Based in Derrylough, Renvyle we are registered as a voluntary non-profit-making organization. Our work is supported by the Dept. of Agriculture and we are visited annually by their veterinary inspector. We are also involved with the NPWS and the Dept. of the Environment. A Fundraising Sale was held at the Station House Hotel on Saturday October 23rd. Thank you to all who supported us and please look out for notices of further sales. For more information, phone 087-056-6302. Thanks for helping us to help wildlife. Judy Lawrence

Double Drowning Tragedy Sunday October 10th was a sad day for two visitors to the area and the island of Inishbofin, when the bodies of Donal McEllin and Ger Feeney, both from Mayo, were recovered on the shore after a tragic drowning. The Clifden RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch at approximately 11:15 am by the Irish Coastguard, and a doctor and member of the Garda Siochana were also transported to the island where the events of the sad accident were unfolding. RNLI crew members John Mullen, James Mullen and Barry Ward assisted with the recovery of the bodies from the water. Inquests into the deaths of the two well known and liked visitors to Inishbofin are underway and the indications are that it was a tragic accident which claimed their lives. Our sympathies are with their families and friends at this difficult time. Donal O Scanaill, Lifeboat Press Officer

Next Issue:

Thursday, December 2nd Ad Space Reservation Deadline November 18th News & Classified Ad Deadlines: November 24th

095-22888 www.connemaraview.com Page 4

November 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden

St Mary’s Chapel and Graveyard Mass On Sunday the 14th of November, the people of Clifden will have an opportunity to come together and celebrate the memory of the earliest inhabitants of the town. This will be the ﬁrst mass celebrated on the site of St Mary’s Chapel for many years. The chapel was the Catholic Church which served the needs of those early settlers. First built in the early 1820’s it grew with the town and the surrounding churchyard and it contains the graves of the people of the parish. A group from the Parish Council and other organisations in the area are working to enhance the graveyard and stabilise the church gable and surrounding walls. This group is also looking at clearing some of the trees and overgrown vegetation in order to preserve the graves which are still visible. The mass will be the focal point of the community gathering, but we will also explain a little of the history of the site and look at plans for the future. Our gathering will also be part of a wider gathering leading up to the Eucharistic Congress which will take place in Dublin in 2012. Each parish in the country is asked to do something which will built this community spirit and develop a deeper faith within the communities. There are a wide group of people involved in this project, with students from Scoil Mhuire working on a written history project, while students in the Community

Day Care Art Exhibition Clients of the Clifden Day Care Centre unveiled their fantastic artworks at an

School are preparing a video presentation of the event. Choirs and readers will also be present on the day. We hope that various strands of our town and wider community will be represented and that we will in a special way remember the original people of the town. The gathering will start at 3pm. As the ground is fairly rough, it is advisable to wear sensible shoes or boots and to bring warm clothing as the mass will be outdoors. We look forward to seeing you there helping us to remember the past, without forgetting the future. Breandan O Scanaill, Saint Mary’s Chapel and Graveyard Restoration Committee

Charitable Donation

The Friends of Fatima Hospital Clifden recently received a very generous and much

appreciated donation of €5,000 from the Galway Association Golf Society. London. Photo above: Back: Tommy Kearney (Renvyle Captain of the Galway Association Golf Society, London) and John Conneely. Front: Barbara Faherty and Bridie Flaherty. Photo courtesy of Bridie Flaherty

Tidy Towns News The October meeting of Clifden Tidy Towns Group was held in Supervalu at 8pm on October 18th. A well attended meeting discussed a number of issues that members brought to the meeting to decide what could be put on the agenda for the 2011 campaign. Some very useful ideas were put forward including: new gardens on the Westport road as well as moving the ‘Welcome to Clifden’ stone monolith on the same road a bit closer to town; the purchase of bikes for litter awareness and for same to be kept on the bike park in square; the need to address the criticism of the steel sculpture in the Square within the Tidy Towns 2010 results, the Brodóig river project that will start shortly and ideas on ﬂower baskets for the waterfall area. As always, great thought and energy has come to the fore within the group but with an ever lengthening list of projects to complete and to prepare for our 2011 campaign we once again invite any individual or group to partake and become part of our very successful community group. Keep an eye on the notice board and visual screen in Supervalu for up-to-date info on the group or as always you can contact Secretary Mary O’Donnell at cregghouse1@ eircom.net or phone Chairperson Sheila Griﬃn at 095-21441 or PRO P.K. Joyce at 087-052-4718.

Tidy Towns 2011 AGM Notice is hereby given to hold the AGM of Clifden Tidy Towns Group in the Sta-

tion House Hotel at 8pm sharp on Wednesday 17th November 2010. The group invites any person or group that would wish to help continue the success of group to date to attend on the night. Each year we gain a few more valuable points but we do require a few more hands to keep things up to speed, so no matter what time or eﬀort you can spare we would love to have you join us! Refreshments will be served on the night. P.K. Joyce, Tidy Towns PRO.

Library News Arts Space

The Arts Space at the Library is now available for exhibitions. There is no charge for this facility. Exhibitions may run for a maximum of one month; any openings/ receptions can be arranged by the artist but must take place during the Library’s normal open hours. The content of any exhibitions must be suitable for viewing by children as well as adults. For further details call Paul at 095-21092.

Clifden 2012 As part of the celebrations for Clifden 2012 the library would like to make a photographic record of businesses and community groups in the town. The idea is simple. In the coming months I will be calling into shops and premises and asking to photograph owners/proprietors outside their place of business. Bigger groups like the schools, ﬁre brigade, postmen and such could take their own photo and send them to the library. All photographs would be used for an exhibition in the library and also become an important addition to our local history collection. Any queries or for more information, please call Bernie 095-21092 or email bjeﬀ ries@galwaylibrary.ie.

exhibition in the new Cashel-Connemara Credit Union building in Clifden on Friday October 15th. Photo below (l-r): Loretta Canavan, Thomas Joyce, Joe Lee, John Joyce (Martin), Jodie Faherty, Teresa Conneely. Front (l-r): Mary Wallace, Mary Joyce, Bridget Joyce, Kate Conneely, Mary Fallon. Absent from photo: Bridie Mulkerrins and Mary Corless. Photo left (l-r): Mary Conneely, Elaine Connelly and Kathleen Diamond of Cashel-Connemara Credit Union at the recent Day Care art exhibition.

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2010

Page 5

Cashel

Cashel NS News

Clifden

GAA Table Quiz The Clifden GAA Juvenile Club will hold a fundraising table quiz at the Clifden Station House Bar on Thursday November 18th. Tables are €20 per team of four and it will begin at 9.30pm sharp.

Scoil Mhuire Cake Sale

The Scoil Mhuire Parents Association will hold their annual monster fundraising cake sale on Sunday December 12th at the Station House Hotel in Clifden after mass. There will be lots of delicious baked goods on sale so please come and join us for a cup of coﬀee and a sweet treat.

Halloween Kids Disco

A Halloween kids disco at the Clifden Town Hall was a huge hit with lots of youngsters, who were very spooky with their scary costumes. A large crowd of kids and their parents enjoyed the fun night out. Photos below

Page 6

Hello everyone! 2010-11 was a busy and really stimulating year for all in our school. Did you hear the sound of distant drums near Cashel NS on Thursday the 21st of October? Well that was our pupils enjoying a fantastic bodhrán workshop, courtesy of Michael Vignoles. Our principal organised a Bodhrán Workshop which was thoroughly enjoyable. We learned basic reel and jig rhythms. Additionally, Michael actually made a bodhrán right in front of us, with the assistance of Deirdre and Andrew and it was fascinating. He also assembled the uilleann pipes, gave us a brief history and played for us. We are now on our fourth Green Flag Programme. Graham from the Green Schools Initiative also visited our school on Friday 22nd October. Hopefully with a lot of eﬀort from everyone we will retain our Green Flag. This year’s special theme is travel and Graham had lots of helpful tips

to save energy, for example car pooling. Please try to car pool with your friends and neighbours where possible. We will also be starting to WOW…Walk on Wednesday! The school buses will stop at the church car park and our pupils will help the environment by walking the rest of the journey to school. So please motorists, watch out for our pupils when driving in the vicinity of the school. Thanks to Graham, they will all be wearing their high visibility jackets, as safety ﬁrst is our top priority. The day we got the holidays for Halloween the pupils in 3rd-6th class were given high visibility vests to wear especially for Halloween night when we went trick or treating. This follows discussing road safety and Green Flag Programme. Bank Holiday Monday we participated in Sea Week soccer in Letterfrack. We played our hearts out despite bad weather and got through to the semi-ﬁnals. One of our players Theo Joyce won a trophy for ‘Player of the TournamentSea Week 2010’. Well done Theo, we are so proud of you! Halloween hols began with a fancy dress and boy, were the costumes scary. We really enjoyed it! We also had Maths for Fun Day. We can always count on that being most enjoyable, so thanks to all the parents who helped with that. Bon voyage and good luck to Ms. Stephens who is travelling to Slovenia as part

November 2010

of the Comenius project during the half term holiday. Stella, Zoe, Cashel pupils and teachers Photos - Below: Cashel NS pupils enjoyed a fantastic bodhrán workshop in October. Left: Theo Joyce was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ at the Sea Week Soccer Blitz in Letterfrack on Bank Holiday Monday. Bottom: Halloween at Cashel NS.

Cleggan/Claddaghduff Claddaghduff Christmas Fair The third Annual Christmas Fair will take place at Claddaghduff Community Hall on Sunday, December 12th. Word has been received from the North Pole that Santa will be arriving at Claddaghduff Hall at about 2:30pm on the day and will have presents for all the boys and girls-you can even have your photo taken with Santa! Doors open at 2:00pm so come along and join in the festive fun! there will also be a cake sale, tombola, books, bric-a-brac, Christmas Fayre and lots, lots more. If you would like to rent a table/stall at the Christmas Fair please contact Laurence at 086-853-0339 by December 1st.

Claddaghduff Bingo

There is Bingo in Claddaghduﬀ Hall every Sunday night at 8:30pm. Come along and join in the fun-you might even leave with some cash Dorothy Conneely

Connemara View Newspaper

Kylemore

Mitchell Henry Centenary Kylemore Abbey will be celebrating centenary of the death of Mitchell Henry this November with a number of events running 26th-28th November. Mitchell Henry built Kylemore Abbey in 1867 as a romantic gift for this wife Margaret after he inherited a fortune. He also represented Galway in the House of Commons for a number of years and played an inﬂuential role in the development of Connemara in the late 1800s. Husband and wife duo, Sean Coyle and Tegolin Knowland will be performing their play, Kylemorefrom Castle to Abbey in the Gothic Church at 4pm on Saturday 27th November. “The play has been updated this year to include the closure of the school and new direction Kylemore has taken” explained Sean Coyle who will be performing the play. To celebrate the Mitchell Henry centenary, Kylemore Abbey will be oﬀering free entry to the estate on 27th-28th November. For more details of the Mitchell Henry Centenary celebrations contact Brid Connell at Kylemore Abbey on 095 52029 or email brid@kylemoretourism.ie

“The Red Pride of Kylemore”

An unusual story from Germany was connected to Kylemore Abbey this month, when a red setter named ‘The Red Pride of Kylemore’ gave birth to an enormous litter of 18 pups. Gerd and Marita Holey have never been to Ireland, but decided to name their pedigree setter after Kylemore after seeing a photo of the iconic Irish landmark. The story of the huge litter was picked up by various media in Germany and Ireland and the Holey’s have now been invited to Ireland and Kylemore Abbey by Deputy Frank Fahey T.D. and the management of the Abbey. The Holey’s plan to visit their beloved dog’s namesake early next year, once the 18 puppies have found new homes! More photos of ‘Anny’ and her litter can be seen online at www.irish-setter-neverin.de Photo courtesy of Gerd & Marita Holey.

Sea Week Successes (Photos clockwise from top left): John Joe Donohue and Declan Ridge who won the Darts Doubles in Molly’s Bar on Wednesday October 20th. Declan also had the best ﬁnish to a game with a 170 ﬁnish. Thomas Conneely and James Joyce who were runners up in the Sea Week Darts Doubles competition in Molly’s Bar. Nathan Leamy, runner up and Daniel Pryce Williams, winner of the Conamara Sea Week 2010 primary schools chess competition. Letterfrack were convincing and worthy winners of the Sea Week Soccer Blitz 2010, seen here with Brendan Ridge who refereed all the games. Kingstown were gallant runners up in the Sea Week Soccer Blitz 2010. Photos courtesy of Brendan Ridge and Leo Hallissey

Letterfrack

Sea Week Success Conamara Sea Week 2010 was an outstanding success. 400 children took part in the schools programme under the tutelage of Gordon Darcy, Mags Flaherty John O’Halloran and Clare Murphy, and 60 young players made magic happen in Letterfrack Church for the Mol an Óige Concert. An important part of the Conamara Sea Week Programme is the annual Chess Competition for primary schools. After an exciting competition in Letterfrack NS on Tuesday October 19th, Daniel Pryce Williams and Nathan Leamy reached the ﬁnal after an intense match which lasted almost an hour. Daniel Pryce Williams emerged as the winner with Nathan Leamy the gallant runner up. The night was a great success and the event was run seamlessly by the ever enthusiastic Paddy Joe Joyce. The Beach Furniture Project featured 12 students from GMIT Letterfrack and 24 students from the four local primary schools. Great fun was had by all and some really interesting furniture was created on the White Strand beach in Renvyle. The Sea Week Gathering which, includes an eclectic

Connemara View Newspaper

mix of science and the arts, closed on an optimistic note in which, some experts stated, that with decent management strategies and with concerted eﬀort, we can be optimistic for the future of our oceans. Thanks to everybody who turned out to support all the events. Ní neart le chur le céile.

Citizens Information Service

The Letterfrack Citizen’s Information service will be available at Connemara West

November 2010

(Portacabin 4) on Tuesday 9th and Tuesday 23rd of November from 1.30-4.30pm. If you have any questions about social welfare, pensions, housing, consumer aﬀairs, employment, education or any of your rights or entitlements call us on 087-130-1100 or just 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.

Page 7

Maam

Maam Women’s Group The group continues to meet on the ﬁrst Thursday of every month at 8.30pm in Ionad Pobail an Mháma. The Knitting and Crochet Group meet on Monday evenings at 8pm and The Art Group meet on Wednesdays at 8pm. All are welcome to join the above groups. Contact 091-571108 for information.

Joyce Country Echo

Articles and photographs for the Christmas issue of Joyce Country Echo to be given to the editorial team as soon as possible. Email:-anita.hanley@hotmail.com or post to Joyce Country Echo, Maam. (All photographs will be returned).

Card Games

Card Games will begin in Ionad Pobail an Mháma on Tuesday, 4th November and will continue every Tuesday at 8.30pm sharp. Great prizes are to be won each week. R. Hanley

Maam Community Centre Christmas Fayre Coiste Forbatha an Mháma is holding their ﬁrst Christmas Fayre in the Community Centre at Maam on the 5th of December. Anyone who would like to participate in the Fayre, especially people selling any kind of Christmas product should make contact with us as soon as possible. Both inside tables and outside spaces are available and will be allocated on a ‘ﬁrst come’ basis.For further information please contact Mags Weiss at 091-571-192, 087-313-9150, or Martina O’Malley 087-743-1265.

Oughterard

Sewerage Scheme Action The Oughterard Sewerage Action Group (OSAG) comprising of Patrick Faherty, John Gibbons, Justin Keogh, Cllr. Seamus Walsh and Cllr. Thomas Welby have welcomed the announcement from Galway County Council that the completed Design Review Report, which was compiled by the consultants Nicholas O’Dwyer, was forwarded to the Department of Environment on the 22nd October 2010. The submission of this report is a significant milestone in the design process of the project and the ultimate construction of a new plant. This information was relayed to members of the OSAG, and a number of local and national politicians, at a briefing in the office of the Environmental Section of Galway County Council on 26th October 2010. The briefing by Jim Cullen and Martina Connaughton from Galway County Council outlined the issues that were encountered by the consultants when preparing the report. Issues regarding the site suitability and financial costs, during both the construction and also the ongoing running costs on the previous proposed site, meant that the consultants decided that the use of the existing sewerage treatment plant should be revisited. This site was assessed and was subsequently selected as the preferred location for the

Page 8

new plant. As part of this proposal there is a requirement to expand the existing site by .18Ha. The Council officials stated that they were confident that this change of site location would not hold up the construction of the new plant. Members of the OSAG held a meeting on the 27th October and reviewed the current situation and following on from that meeting the members agreed on a clear line of action. This action involves the lobbying of all national politicians and departmental officials, to ensure that this design review report is approved by the Department as soon as possible. A follow up meeting with Galway County Council to clarify certain points, including the communication between both groups, is also proposed. The committee have been extremely unhappy with this particular issue over the last few months. Even though the fact that the Design Review report has been issued to the Department of the Environment, which has to be welcomed as a positive movement, the OSAG has serious concern as to the progress of the scheme to date, and to this end the committee will redouble its efforts in applying pressure to have this vital project progressed to completion.

Community Alert Pack Launch

The launch of the “Community Alert Pack” relevant to the Oughterard area will take place on Thursday the 4th of November in Clann Family Resource Centre at 6pm. The purpose of the Alert Pack is to highlight the role of Community Alert in the Oughterard area and to give members of the community, particularly those who are older and may be living alone, important information about safekeeping. The pack will contain an information leaﬂet with phone numbers and details of the Garda Siochana cover in the Oughterard area and other important phone numbers with regard to personal wellbeing and safety. It is hoped that these packs will be circulated to all homes in the area in the next couple of months. The launch will be attended by members of the local Community Alert Group, members of the Garda Siochana and members of the Muintir na Tire Branch who support Community Alert groups in the Western Region. Clann Resource Centre is delighted to host this event and will also be available on the evening to give any information in regards to services and supports for older people living in the area. There will be light refreshments and all are welcome. Anyone wishing to get involved with Community Alert please contact Paul Stewart 091-552-361.

November 2010

Oughterard Business Association AGM The Oughterard Business Association will be holding its AGM on Monday 8th November at 8pm in the Boat Inn, where they will be voting in a new committee and unveiling a proposed marketing plan for Oughterard. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Village Market, Oughterard will be having a special Christmas Market on Tuesday 21st December from 10 til 6pm. There will be festive Music, Breads, Cakes, holly, Christmas Trees, local produce, hot food, plus much more. Some stalls are still available, please call 087-069-6009 or email obavillagemarket@gmail.com if you are interested to attend.

GAA Night at the Dogs

Oughterard GAA is organising a community night at the dogs on Saturday the 20th of November in the Galway Greyhound tracks. Tickets are priced at €20 and this includes admission on the night and entry into our buster draw. First prize in our buster draw is €1200; second prize is 500 litres of home heating oil (sponsored by Corrib Oil) with eight lucky dips of €100. We hope that everyone in Oughterard and the surrounding areas supports this event and has a great night out. It is also a great family night and kids are more than welcome on the night. There is free entry for under 16’s when they are accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available from Liam Tierney 087-294-0319, John Byrne 086-190-8030, Conor McNamara’s Shop and from various club members. Tickets are limited and are going fast.

Roscahill

Christmas School Raffle The recent refurbishment and developments at Roscahill National School have made a dramatic diﬀerence to everyone using the school, and a Christmas raﬄe has been launched to help contribute towards the costs incurred. Tickets are available from the school and there are lots of great prizes including a top prize of €5,000. The funds raised will go towards the new car park at the rear of the school.

Rosmuc Baileadh Coiste Cuimneachain Mhichael Beag Ó Conaire €2,015 ar son Curam ailse an Iarthair ar Lá Spóirt Rosmuc. Pictiúr le Roisin Nee

Connemara View Newspaper

Roundstone Well that’s the last Bank holiday over for this year. I hope everybody made the most of it in one form or another. There were certainly a lot of visitors around to keep the village active and the good weather helped

of course. The Shamrock hosted a Halloween Fancy Dress party that weekend. I must say it was a fantastic evening with a huge collection of some very imaginative and daring costumes with a great local turn out. There was a prize for the best costume, which went to Amanda McNalley, a well deserved winner with her very clever home-made Bosco outﬁt, box and all.

Celebrations

We would like to congratulate Marie O’Donnell on her engagement to Niall Conneely from Clifden. Niall proposed to Marie on Gurteen Beach last Saturday, and I have it on good authority that he went down on bended knees. Chivalry is certainly not dead! We wish you both well for the future and long life together. Congratulations also to Ann Davis (Inishnee) and Shay Conneely (Errisbeg) for their forth-coming marriage in December. Have a great day with long and happy life together guys. We also had a christening last week, of little Ella Jane, daughter to Brian and Maureen Vaughan so congratulations to all the family.

Gurteen Grave Yard Clean Up

On Sunday November 14th at 2.30pm we will be having a mass for the all souls up at Gurteen Graveyard with Father Jarleth. Talking about the Graveyard, the Roundstone FÁS lads have done

a wonderful job in the old graveyard strimming all that heavy grass away. I had no idea what a wonderful plot it is-there are some very interesting head stones which I had never seen before. It’s all very digniﬁed up there now, and apparently I was told by the lads that it was between 25 and 30 years ago that the grave yard was last cleaned up at that level so it’s good timing for the 14th November. While we are on the subject of the FÁS team, their next project is to tackle the Presbyterian site beside O’Dowd’s lane to landscape it. Permission has been granted from the Presbyterian Church to unravel the history of the Kirk and it’s various graves. This project is also part of Ann’s Roundstone Heritage Walk booklet, plus the fact this landscaping will go down well for next year’s Tidy Towns competition. Thank goodness we still have the FÁS scheme, and long may it last.

Bye to Monty and BBC

On Saturday October 9th Monty Halls gave a farewell bbq/party down on the old quay in Roundstone with the BBC ﬁlm crew which was open to everybody. Lots of food was cooked in a wheelbarrow, cunningly provided by Ronan Creane, who was the chef for the evening. It was quite sad to think that it is all over, but I have a feeling that this third series of Monty’s great escape will have a huge impact for our area and Connemara on the whole. Apparently the BBC were so thrilled with the results of the ﬁlming that it will be shown to a worldwide audience. So congratulations and thanks to all those that gave their time voluntarily to the making of this 6 hour program-6 one hour episodes for the BBC programme ‘Monty Halls Great Escape’.

Condolences

Photo Contest Reaches Climax

The winning photos can be seen in Super Valu Clifden by the tills and online at www.connemaraview.com.

Our condolences to B. Conneely on the death of her father Alo Gallagher from Clonakilty and Inishnee, our sympathies go to all the family. We also oﬀer our condolences to Sid Worley and their family. on the passing of his wife Mary Worley. We were also saddened to hear of the sudden death of Lorraine Cunningham’s father Michael from Clare. Lorraine, along with her friend Michelle McCarthy leased and ran the Eldon’s Hotel very successfully for three years. May they rest in peace. Richard De Stacpoole

Congratulations to Paul Phelan of Moyard on capturing this scenic and dynamic photo moment, winner of the Kavanagh’s Super Valu Clifden and Connemara View October monthly photo contest. Paul’s ‘Connemara In Action’ completes the monthly contest which has seen nine excellent photographs on varying themes being selected for a €50 prize and display in Super Valu and online at www.connemaraview.com. The photograph deemed best overall will be selected by the judging panel for December and the winner will receive a €100 voucher in addition to their previous €50 win during the year. The photographers in contention are: Heather Greer, Gina Pryce, Patrick Howard, Mark Furniss, Michelle Coyne, John Claro, Brigid Sealy and Paul Phelan.

Connemara View Newspaper

Have you ever thought about wearing

contact lenses? For 1 month only we are offering a FREE contact lens trial to everyone.

The FREE contact lens trial includes a consultation with the optician to discuss which lenses would suit you best, fitting of the contact lenses, teaching you how to care for your lenses and FREE trial lenses. Call us on 095-30995 to make your appointment now! Its FREE!

Where do I start? A Contact Lens Assessment/Trial appointment is needed to establish suitability for lenses, but before this can be undertaken we will need a copy of your most recent spectacle prescription. An eye examination will be required if your prescription is more than a year old.

Am I suitable for contact lenses? Most people who wear glasses are suitable for contact lenses, yet approximately only 5% actually do. Some people think contact lenses are too much hassle, too expensive, or both. Think again - contact lenses have never been simpler and more convenient. Even if you have worn lenses before and gave up because of discomfort or hassle, it’s worth noting that contact lens technology has advanced quickly in recent years. Improved lens design and materials have contributed enormously to greater wearing comfort. The ‘hassle factor’ - lens cleaning and storage - has been completely eliminated for daily disposable wearers, and much reduced for others by the introduction of simple but efficient one-step cleaning regimes.

I was told before that I wasn’t suitable for contact lenses! Contact lenses are constantly being improved so even though you may not have been suitable for contact lenses in the past you may be now.

I wear separate glasses for reading. Can I still wear contact lenses? The good news is yes you can wear contact lenses. Recent advancements in multifocal contact lenses mean that we can now correct both distance and reading with contact lenses. Varifocal contact lenses are available in daily and monthly disposable contact lenses.

How much do they cost? Contact lenses have become much cheaper with the advent of mass production. They now cost from as little as €1 per day, cheaper than a cup of coffee!

Are contact lenses uncomfortable? With recent advancements in contact lenses they are now quite comfortable, initially it might feel like there is an eye lash in your eye but once you get used to them you feel nothing at all.

Bridge St, Clifden 095-30995 November 2010

Page 9

Halloween Madness Consumes the Countryside The weird and wonderful came out to play all over Connemara in October for Halloween. Happy Birthday to Seamus Mannion who celebrated his 50th in Mannion’s with a particularly ghoulish gang! Our photo selection also features the freaks and ghouls of Oliver’s and The Pier Bar in Cleggan, and EJ. King’s, Mullarkey’s, Griﬃn’s and Vickers Bar in Clifden. Be scared...be very scared!

Page 10

November 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Oughterard Debs 2010

Left to Right: Sophie Murray and Laurence Larkin, Ian Gibbons and Ismay McVeigh, Patrick Walsh and Rhiannon McGinn, Paul Molloy and Sarah Conroy, Brian Bohan and Rebecca Kenny, Lisa Hynes and Luke Ryan. Photos by Tom Broderick Photos

Clifden Live Register 2010 Jan

Feb

Mar

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

1351

1318

1281

1193

1152

1187

1210

1192

1176

Clifden Live Register in September: 1999-2010 1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

864

757

692

674

729

732

621

603

584

776

1079

1176

Source: statcentral.ie Note: Clifden numbers include South and North Connemara. Oughterard is covered by the Galway City office.

The History of Unemployment Unemployment in Ireland is documented monthly in the Live Register. Figures going back to 1999 are available online from the Central Statistics Oﬃce. The national numbers for October published yesterday indicated a decrease in unemployment for the second con-

October Planning Applications 101487 Seoighe, Sinead, Shannakeela, 12/10/10. Chun teach nua le dabhach searachas, bealach isteach nua agus garaiste. 101490 De Sachy, Blaithin, Couravoughill, 14/10/10. For a dwelling house at site 128 Clifden Glen. 101429 Gavin, Sean, Lettershanna, 01/10/10. For a change of dwelling house and garage ﬁnished ﬂoor level on the site from that permitted by planning permission ref no. 08/3366. 101444 King, Michael, Ardbear, 06/10/10. To construct a single storey extension to the side of existing dwelling along with new site entrance and new waste treatment plant and septic tank. 101501 Curley, T, Lissoughter, 14/10/10. Chun coras searachais do teach conaithe a thogail. 101502 Delappe, Fergus, 14/10/10. For alterations to pl ref. no. 09/1848 to include design changes to facade, plan layout and revised site layout. 101509 Conneely, Martin, Cloonabinnia, 15/10/10. For retention of dwelling house and private wastewater treatment system as constructed. 101516 Conroy, Patrick & Elaine, Bunowen, 19/10/10. To alter the location and layout of a single storey domestic garage as granted permission within application 08/2347. 101521 Hutton, Beatrice, Tullyvoheen, 19/10/10. To retain a serviced dwelling house and permission for the construction of a sun room. 101522 Walsh, Imelda, Munterown East, 19/10/10. To

Connemara View Newspaper

secutive month which is a positive signal. The figures here are comparisons of September figures in the Cifden region (which includes North and South Connemara but excludes Moycullen and Oughterard which are in the Galway City numbers) and also of the monthly changes in 2010. (Localised October figures were not available before printing). demolish an existing dwellinghouse and to construct a new dwellinghouse, septic tank and percolation area. 101541 Burke, Brenda, Middlequarter, 21/10/10. For (1) retention and completion of works consisting of renovation and extension to the dwelling house (2) replacement of existing septic tank with sewage treatment unit/percolation area and all associated works. 101543 Lanigan, Jim, Ervallagh, 21/10/10. For the demolition of existing single storey shed and construction of single storey boat house. 101551 McDonnell, Ann, Gannoughs, 22/10/10. Extension of period, to construct dwelling house, septic tank and effluent treatment system and ancillary site services (previous pl. ref. 05/905).

November 2010

Page 11

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Restaurant Special: Four course dinner €35pp (Early booking advisable) and Tuesday is Irish Night. Christmas Party Packages now available on request for the following Friday and Saturday nights – 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December. Call 095-21201 or see www.abbeyglen.ie. Alcock & Brown Hotel. The Square, Clifden. 095-21880. Vickers Coﬀee House: Great value new lunch Time menu. Quick and tasty for busy working people. Essence

Page 12

November 2010

coffee & delicious homemade desserts. Brown’s Restaurant open Friday and Saturday 6-10pm. Autumn special: 2 Course set menu for €21.95, 3 Course set menu for €25.95 with a bottle of our Wine of the week €12. Thats less than €56 for a meal for 2 with wine! Vickers Bar new menu served 3pm to 9pm. 6 TVs for viewing all sporting events. Connemara’s Premier Party venue. Now taking bookings for Christmas parties (see our ad on this page). Basmati Indian Cuisine, Market Square. 095-22619. Sister Restaurant of Award Winning Tulsi Restaurant in Galway, offering an extensive menu to suit every palate. Winter Special: Early Bird Menu-4.30 to 7pm: Starter & Main with Tea/Coffee €12.95.Sunday Lunch Menu- 1pm to 4pm: Starter & Main with Tea/Coffee €10.95. (Does not apply to takeaway orders). Now Taking Bookings for Christmas Parties. Connemara Golf Club Restaurant, Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, Celebrate St. Cailin’s Day on Saturday 13th November. Music all day. Carvery Lunch from €8, Special & Pint or Soft Drink €10. Stop on your way to the Well. Check out our new menu & take away Pizza or book your room with a view whatever the occasion. Call 095 23502 for more information. The Connemara Gateway Hotel, Glebe, Oughterard. Ladies Night with the Chain Gang on November 26th. December Party Nights: 3rd: ABBA/Garth Brooks Tribute, 4th: Country Dance with TR Dallas.10th: Showcase Connemara. 11th: Country Dance with Mick Flavin. 17th: Legends of Vegas: Elvis, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison Tributes. 18th: Country Dance with Nathan Carter. 23rd: Clancy Brother Tribute Concert with The Kilkennys. St. Stephen’s Night: New Star ‘Gerry Guthrie’. 27th: Foster & Allen and the 29th Jimmy Buckley. Book a party of 10+ and organiser goes free. Call 091-552-328 or see www.connemaragateway.com. Guys Bar. Main Street, Clifden, 095-21130, info@guysbarclifden.com. Food served daily 10.30am to 9pm. Snug available for private parties. DJ Mike O’Malley every Saturday night from 10pm till late. Keep an eye on the music boards for Live Music. Sunday Lunch at Kylemore Abbey. Great Value homemade food. 3 Course meal with Tea/Coffee €19.95, 2 Course meal with Tea/Coffee €15.95 (Half price for Children under 12yrs and free for children under 4) includes entry to Kylemore Estate. Why not visit the craft shop for some pre Christmas shopping: Special offers, Beautiful gifts and Handmade chocolates by the Benedictine nuns. Call 095 52000 or see www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie. Kylemore Pass Hotel Restaurant. Appetizing home-cooked meals using only the best local produce. The Sailors’ Bar which is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike, serves an excellent variety of bar meals and bottled beers from all around the world. 095-41141. www.kylemorepass-hotel-connemara.com. Mannion’s Bar. Market Street. 095-21780. This traditional family run Irish Pub is a very popular lunchtime meeting spot serving a large food menu daily. Pool table, Juke Box and traditional Irish music Nights. Craic and Ceoil!! Marconi Restaurant at Foyle’s Hotel. The Square. Marconi Restaurant. Open Every Night 6–9pm. Christmas Party Menus available midweek from €26.95 pp. Christmas Party Nights for the following Friday and Saturday Nights in December: 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th. Mulled Wine Reception, Five Course Meal, Live Band. Friday Nights €31.95 pp and Saturday €33.95 pp. Why not avail of our special overnight B&B rate of €35 per person sharing. Call 095-21801 or see www. foyleshotel.com. Mullarkey’s Bar. The Square. 095-21801. Live music at weekends. Check out our billboard on The Square for gig listings or visit Mullarkeys Bar Facebook page. O’ Dowds Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Open daily from 10.30am. Award winning traditional pub with Open Fires. Breakfast Menu 10.30 to 12. Bar Food Menu 12-9pm November Restaurant Special: 2 courses + tea/ coffee €19.50 (available all evening every evening). :Serving Fresh Seafood, Chicken, Meat & Vegetarian Dishes. Home-made Soups, Sandwiches & Freshly-made Rolls & Scones. Tea & Coffee. Call 095-35809 or see www.odowdsrestaurant.com. Portfinn Lodge & Fjord Restaurant. Family run since 1977. Overlooking the majestic Killary Harbour. Specialises in locally sourced fish, lobster, lamb, beef and mussels. Portfinn will reopen March 2011. 095-42265 or see www.portfinn.com. The Station House Hotel & Bar. Station House Courtyard. Celebrate in style this Christmas. The fun filled schedule starts with dinner at 8pm followed by show, then dance the night away with our resident DJ. See ad next page for details on acts and dates. 095-21699. www. clifdenstationhouse.com.

Connemara View Newspaper

There are two ‘Christmas Shoebox Appeal’ campaigns taking place in the Clifden and Connemara areas in the month of November. The Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal will carry out a collection of gifts and donations from the Connemara area in November to go to needy children in Eastern Europe or Africa. Team Hope is a new Irish interdenominational Christian relief and development working in over 20 countries mainly in Eastern Europe, former Soviet Union and Africa. Local volunteers co-ordinating shoebox collections for Team Hope are Annette Fahy of Clifden (095-21752/087-681-6081) and Teresa Walsh of Roundstone (095-35926) and they will arrange collection of shoeboxes in their areas. Kavanagh’s Super Valu in Clifden is also collecting shoeboxes of gifts in association with Operation Christmas Child, an initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and development organisation which works through local churches to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God to children in need across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Where appropriate, Operation Christmas Child’s local partners also distribute booklets of Bible stories to children receiving shoeboxes. Team Hope and Operation Christmas Child have similar requirements and guidelines for ﬁlling gift boxes. Both require a minimum donation of €3 to go towards transportation, processing and distribution

of your shoebox gift. This can be included in an envelope taped to the inside of the lid. • An average size shoebox should be wrapped with Christmas paper (wrap the lid and box separately). • Decide whether you want your shoebox to be for a boy or a girl and indicate what age category: 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years. • Fill your box with appropriate gifts-the leaflets provided will explain what is acceptable but use common sense, and all items should be new. • Do not include food (especially chocolate), medicines or vitamins of any kind or any war related items, e.g. toy guns soldiers or knives. • Close the box with an elastic band but do not seal it as it will be checked before it is sent. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes may be dropped to Kavanagh’s Super Valu Clifden up until Thursday November 18th. More details from www.samaritanspurse.ie. Local Team Hope volunteers Annette Fahy (095-21752/0876816081) and Teresa Walsh (095-35926) will provide information leaflets (including labels and envelopes) and arrange collections or drop offs and shoeboxes need to be ready by Wednesday November 10th. For more information on Team Hope see www.teamhope.ie. A simple and inexpensive gift box could fill an underprivileged child’s life with joy this Christmas, so take the time to make a little effort-it will mean a lot to an child in need.

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2010

Page 13

Clifden Debs 2010

Above left to right: Laurane Galand. Leanne Keaney, Chloe Ward and Heather Kearney. Below left to right: Shannon Roche and Patrick King, Conor Nee and Shannon Mongan, Jennifer Faherty Photos by Staﬀ

Above,clockwise from top left: Chris Nee and Christine O’ Donovan, Diarmuid Walsh and Maeve O’ Malley, Shane O’ Brien and Doireann Sheridan, Carrie Ann DeLappe and Patrick Griﬃn, Emma Hardy and Christopher O’ Toole, Bridget Conroy and Niamh McDermott. Photos by Staﬀ

Above left to right: Ryan Murtagh and Rachel Lydon, Deirdre Staunton and Eoghan Kilkenny, Shauna Slevin and Jack Nalty, Jason Heanue and Niamh Connolly, Joseph Moran and Hannah O’ Sullivan, Liam De Courcey and Chloe O’ Malley. Photos by Staﬀ

Page 14

November 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden Debs 2010 Photos left (l-r): Emma McCann and Alice O’Neill. Laura O’Malley and Bronagh Flynn. Group photo above: Seamus Clegg, Patrick Mannion, Cathal Staunton, Ciaran Molloy, Conor Nee, Matthew Kelly, Michael Gerard Coohill & Martin Walsh.

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2010

Below, clockwise from top left: John Mannion and Tara Louise Byrne. Ross Moran and Lucy Brittain. Rebecca Naughton and Josh McGloin. Niall Curley and Aoife Joyce. Niall Staunton and Brona Ward. Michael Gerard Coohill and Zara Mortimer. Lily Joyce and Adrian Joyce. Sarah DeLappe. Margaret Ann Mannion. Hannah O’ Toole.

Page 15

New Arrivals! Congrats to... Photos (l-r): Mary Ann Faherty and Thomas King of Roundstone on the birth of their baby daughter Caoimhe who was born in July. Photo courtesy of Marissa Faherty Nora-Marie O’Toole of Aughrismore and Gareth Houlihan of Celbridge on the birth of their new baby boy, Donnacha Patrick. Donnacha arrived on Tuesday, October 26th and weighed in at 7 lbs. Congrats also to the proud grandparents, Feichin and Jacqueline O’Toole. Photo courtesy of Dorothy Conneely Matthew James Carey was born weighing 9lbs 9oz on October 29th to proud parents Peter and Caroline, and baby brother to Grace. Photo courtesy of Peter Carey

Graduation Success Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Ann Marie Mitchell of Calla, Roundstone and Shaun Guihen, who were married on June 5th. Ann Marie is pictured here with her beautiful god-daughters and ﬂowergirls on the big day, Adina and Rochelle Connolly, daughters of Martin and Catherine Connolly. Photo courtesy of Martin Connolly

Page 16

Above: Leanne O’ Halloran with her sister Rebecca, mother Anne, granny Mary Whelan and auntie Josephine Wallace after she was conferred with a B.A. Hons. degree in NUI Galway. Photo courtesy of Josephine Wallace Below (l-r): Carmel Higgins of Recess and Laurence In-

November 2010

gelbach of Clifden who recently graduated with BA (hons) in Social Care at NUI Galway. Katie Budd of Ardbear, Clifden was conferred with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree at NUI Galway on October 21st with her parents Bernie and Stephen and brother Bernard. Katie is currently working towards her PHD with Teagasc (Agriculture & Food Development Authority) in Grange, Co. Meath. Photo courtesy of Bernie Jeﬀries Lorraine De Courcey of Cleggan graduated with a B.A. in Science and Psychology from the American College of Dublin on October 28th. Photo courtesy of Martin Courcey

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden: Fashion Mecca of the West You really have to see it to believe it. Yes, Clifden IS the “Fashion Mecca of the West.” The Connemara View presents a snapshot of just some of the fabulous fashion ranges available in Clifden right now. Seriously haute couture, delicious dresses, luxuriously comfortable outdoor and casual wear, spectacular jewellery and accessories. It’s here! Go nowhere else. Clifden offers something to suit every budget and style sense. Even better, you can park in one place and go on tour with a great selection of spots for coffee, lunch or a libation to add to the enjoyment of a great shopping day. The outfits and accessories showcased here come from Ohh! By Gum and Design Platform at the Station House, Brats of All Ages, Hehir’s Woollen Store, Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique, Lowry’s and Passenger of Market St, and O’ Dalaigh Jewellers and Millar’s of Main St. We hope you will agree that the range of items is impressive and enticing, and you can rest assured that each featured retailer offers many more fashion ranges and style combinations in store.

Cover Outfits:

The ideal Autumn/Winter wardrobe requires some key staples, including a stylish coat to keep you warm and happy and a hot party dress suitable for any social occasion. Catherine (left) wears a complete outdoor ensemble from Hehir’s Woollen Store: Bohemia Natural Woven Coat €164.99, Bixtra Black Leggings €19.99 and S. Oliver Boots €84.99. Rebecca (right) looks guaranteed to warm up any cold winter evening in a fabulous Fever Carolina Dress from Design Platform at the Station House €105, and black faux suede heels from Hehir’s (also available in blue and red) €29.99. Jewellery from O’ Dalaigh Jewellers (see Page 23 for details).

Connemara View Fashion

November 2010

Page 17

Christmas Party Charisma The Christmas season invariably calls for a party or two, and the variety of snappy dresses on offer locally, to suit all budgets and style sensibilities is truly comprehensive. Bright colours will always make you stand out from the crowd and a finish of fabulous jewellery will ensure that you sparkle and shine this festive season. (Left): Catherine wears: People Tree Fair Trade organic cotton dress from Ohh! By Gum at the Station House, €84.99, black faux suede heels (also available blue and red) €29.99 from Hehir’s, black sequinned clutch, €35 from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique. (Inset): Silver warrior bangle €169, silver v-neck torque €198, and oval silver earrings €49, all from O’ Dalaigh Jewellers. (Right): Rebecca wears: Oliva Rubin black and pink floral print satin dress, €370 from Passenger. Black suede heels from Hehir’s (also available blue and red) €29.99. (Inset): Rodrigo Otazu Jet Earrings €165 and crystal and silver bracelet €120, both from Passenger.

Page 18

November 2010

Connemara View Fashion

Fashion Forward Ladies love monochrome and it’s easy to see why with these high fashion outfits, which could serve as stylish and elegant options for any number of social occasions. Catherine (left) wears a cream and black polka dot silk two-piece, designed by Clifden’s own Alison Conneely of Faul. Alison’s label Emé Vandal has been going from strength to strength in recent years, gaining her much acclaim and recognition in the world of high fashion. Passenger is one of the few selected Irish boutiques currently carrying items from the Emé Vandal Autumn Winter 2010 collection. Blouse €260 and skirt €190. Also from Passenger are the Scholl black suede and patent leather platform pumps (also available in blue) €180. (Inset): Mother of pearl and marcasite earrings, €45 and silver and onyx ring €69, both from Ó Dálaigh Jewellers. (Right): Rebecca wears People Tree black and white Fair Trade ‘Monet’ dress, €84.99 from Ohh! By Gum at the Station House, black faux suede heels (also available blue and red) €29.99 from Hehir’s. (Inset): Silver flower ring €159 and silver multi strand earrings €35, both from O’ Dalaigh Jewellers.

Connemara View Fashion

November 2010

Page 19

Classic Looks Top Irish and international designer fashion lines ensure that when it comes to big names, Clifden retailers can offer customers a truly classic and sophisticated shopping experience. (Left): Rebecca wears: Paul Costelloe classically tailored herringbone suit jacket €299 and trousers €159 and Drift ‘Hepburn’ leather handbag €185, both from Millars. (Inset): Handmade hat with pearl detail by local designer and milliner Isobel MarinotWood of Marinot Millinery available at Ohh! By Gum at the Clifden Station House. €125. (Inset): Matt Gold Ring from O’Dalaigh Jewellers. €39. (Right): Catherine wears: Noa Noa Twilight Dress with velvet collar €99.95 and Noa Noa Black Very Velvet Jacket €169.95, both from Design Platform, and Scholl blue suede and patent black leather platform pump (also available in black) €180 from Passenger. (Inset): Ear Strings Earrings from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique, €48.

Page 20

November 2010

Connemara View Fashion

Casual and Comfortable There are endless options available in our featured Clifden stores for comfortable and classy everyday and smart-casual wear. Boots are a sensible winter footwear choice and can be matched to almost any outfit to ensure you look as well as feel great. The simplest everyday outfits can also be jazzed up and complemented by the addition of funky accessories. (Left): Catherine wears: Charcoal ruffle tunic (also available in grey, denim, raspberry and teal) €69.99, Bixtra black leggings €19.99, Grey Studded Biker Boot €44.99 and Stella bag €64.99, all from Hehir’s Woollen Store. (Inset and main picture): Oclaf Scarf and Chunky Clasp €40 and Grey and Black earrings, €10 from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique. (Right): Rebecca wears: Arana Handmade taupe tunic in a variety of colours, €60 from Lowry’s Sweater Shop, Bixtra black leggings €19.99 and Marco Tozzi Black Knee High Boot €69.99 from Hehir’s. (Inset): Gerry Moran Hatman Super Tweed Cap €22.99 from Lowry’s Sweater Shop and Lettuce ruffle scarf from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique, €18.

Connemara View Fashion

November 2010

Page 21

The Great Outdoors Autumn and Winter guarantee blustery breezes and chilly outings in Connemara. Stay snug and stylish with the amazing range of outdoor wear currently on offer in Clifden stores. (Left): Rebecca wears: Tivoli Black Knitted Jacket Dress €75.95 and (Inset): Hors Serié Amour hat €45 (also available in mauve, blue and tangerine) from Lowry’s Sweater Shop, Bixtra Black Leggings €19.99 and Marco Tozzi Black Knee High Boot €69.99 from Hehir’s. (Right): Catherine wears: Cashmere and wool coat €420 and Colette super soft jersey dress €72 and leggings €35, all from Millars, Marco Tozzi Brown Mocca Antic Knee High Boot from Hehir’s €59.99, (Inset): Dundee Leather Aussi Hat from Lowry’s Sweater Shop €60, and Chunky Bead & Earring set €30, from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique.

Page 22

November 2010

Connemara View Fashion

Accessories are Crucial to an Outfit

Most ladies need little convincing to add to their collection of shoes, handbags and accessories...and why would they, when so many desirable and ‘must have’ items are so easily available here in Connemara? From locally made silver to eco-friendly and ethically produced accessories, there are endless options to make you look and feel great. (Photos clockwise from top left): Matt & Nat Large Tote €150 (now 30% off in their November sale) from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique. All Matt & Nat bags are made from recycled products. Earth Squared ethical accessories fingerless gloves €14.99 from Ohh! By Gum at the Station House. Black faux suede heels (also available blue and red) €29.99 from Hehir’s. Scholl blue suede and patent leather platform pumps (also available in black) €180 from Passenger. Matt & Nat Royksopp Red Bag €195 (now 30% off in their November sale) and black sequinned clutch bag €35, both from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique. Silver and coral ring €329 and oval silver earrings €49, both from Ó’ Dálaigh Jewellers.

Fashion in Clifden Credits

Photography by Patrick Howard Studios. Models: Rebecca Walsh, Catherine Pryce, Nicole and Jake Bann, Harrison Anthony. Hair: Marie Dickinson. Styling & Co-ordination: Paula Bann & Ellen McDonough.

Connemara View Fashion

November 2010

Page 23

Cool Kids

Page 24

It’s not just grown-ups who can avail of the latest trends and fashionable fits, as a great range of kids clothing and accessories are available in Clifden stores. Our adorable junior models were thrilled to try on some cool clothes for our shoot. (Left): Nicole wears: Frugi organic cotton Dotty Smock top €23.99, Frugi baby cord Pinny €34.95 and Frugi organic cotton polka dot tights €14.99 all from Ohh! By Gum at the Station House. (Inset): Pandora style bracelet from Belle Blu Lifestyle Boutique €4 (adult & children sizes available bracelets €4, necklaces €5 beads €2 each also available pandora earrings €10). Jake wears: Frugi organic cotton fair trade reversible hoody €39.99.

November 2010

Frugi organic cotton fair trade jersey pull up pants with optional roll up to ¾ length €31.99 and Frugi organic cotton fair trade T-Shirt €9.95. (Below left): Baby Harrison wears: Frugi organic cotton fair trade baby cord trousers with optional leg turn-up and adjustable waistband €31.99, Frugi organic cotton fair trade reversible hoody €32.99 and Frugi organic cotton fair trade t-shirt €9.99, all from Ohh! By Gum at the Station House. (Below): Jake wears: Transformers Track suit €13.99 and hat from Elements €2, both from Brats of all Ages. Mercury trainers, €14.99 from Hehir’s. Nicole wears: Pink cap €6, Funky Diva cardigan €12, cream and pink studded t-shirt €12.95, brown and pink woollen kilt €12, all from Brats of all Ages of Market St., Frugi pink organic cotton tights €14.99 from Ohh! By Gum at the Station House. Jake and Nicole are on WWE and High School Musical themed three wheeled scooters. €25 each from Brats of all Ages.

Connemara View Fashion

Renvyle’s 1st Under 16 County Title County Under-16 Division 3 League Final Renvyle 2-10 Loughrea 1-10 10/10/10 was a red letter day in the history of Renvyle GAA when the club’s Under-16 team crowned themselves in glory in Pearse Stadium. For a club with limited resources, their historic victory over a gallant Loughrea side was a wonderful achievement. From the off, Renvyle were in their stride, racing into a four point lead. Loughrea eventually settled into the task and got on the scoreboard with a couple of points, and it took a couple of great saves from Renvyle goal-keeper Matthew McCarthy to keep Renvyle ahead. His teammates regained the upper hand however with two unanswered points of their own, and then just before half time Sean Salmon struck for a wonderful long range goal. Renvyle led by 1-6 to 0-2 at the break. The second half started with the score of the game when Nicholas Varley picked up a ball thirty metres from his own end line and travelled the length of the field to score a great individual point. Shortly afterwards, Roddy O’Donnell struck for Renvyle’s second goal to open up an eleven point gap between the teams. The West Connemara lads were now in cruise control and it appeared as if there was no way back for Loughrea. The East Galway lads had other ideas however, and threw caution to the wind thereafter in a desperate attempt to get back in to contention. As the game entered its final quarter, Loughrea scored a goal and followed this up with a succession of points. Their storming comeback was asking serious questions of their opponents for the first time in the match. Loughrea outscored Renvyle by 1-8 to 0-2 during this

Renvyle Reaps Final Reward Renvyle 3-11 Naomh Feichín 2-13 Renvyle edged out their great rivals from the Omey-Ballindoon parish in a high scoring and very entertaining West Board Minor final in Rosmuc on October 24th. Two points in arrears, and reduced to 14 players with less than ten minutes to go, the Renvyle lads refused to bow to the seemingly inevitable spectre of defeat. Naomh Feichín started in very impressive fashion and the physically more imposing Naomh Feichín side led by 2-4 to 2-2 at the end of the first quarter. However, Renvyle replied with three more points inside the final five minutes of the half to leave the match on a knife edge at half time. Seamus Clarke scored a wonderful goal inside the first minute of the second half. Ian Heanue added a point but Naomh Feichín regained the upper hand at midfield and proceeded to hit five points without reply. Ian Heanue defiantly hit back for Renvyle with two points in quick succession, only for Gerard Gibbons to even things up again with ten minutes remaining. It was at this point that Renvyle were reduced to fourteen players. The game seemed to be up for Renvyle but they refused to yield. A replay looked on the cards but Simon Heanue Joyce stepped

Connemara SportsView

period of the match, reducing the deficit to two points in the process. Renvyle regained their composure however, rallied well in the last five minutes, weathered the storm and closed out the game with a Rory Lavelle free to deservedly take the plaudits. This was a campaign that started last March, and despite long periods of time without a competitive fixture, this particular Renvyle panel of players deserves great praise for sticking at it. Every player in the squad of twenty gave of his best throughout the year and the team was well led by its captain Mickey Walsh. Great credit is also due to Dave Regan, an excellent manager who has got his just reward. The future for Renvyle looks good, but as we all know success at under age doesn’t always carry over to adult. The right attitude and appropriate application of talent is paramount if the club is to realise its vast potential going forward. It’s

not enough, in the ﬁnal analysis, to be just remembered as a great under age player. The following question was asked of me recently after watching the County Senior Championship Final between Killererin and Coroﬁn, “Gerry, could you ever see Renvyle in a County Senior Final?” My simple and swift reply was said with conviction, “Sure, why not?” Fr. Gerry Burns, PRO, Renvyle GAA Photo above: Renvyle Under-16 Squad, 2010 County Division 3 League Champions. Back (l-r): Lee Rima, James Salmon, Matthew McCarthy, Rory Lavelle, Stephen Walsh, Roddy O’Donnell, Nathan Staunton, Mickey Walsh (Captain), Ben Rima, Cathal Heanue and Sean Salmon. Front: Brendan Regan, Garry Mullen, Mickey Coyne, Robert Gannon, Nicholas Varley, Barry John Salmon, Conor Clarke, Niall Curley and Karl McConway. Photo courtesy of Enda Noone

up to the plate to have a shot at the 45 metre free from oﬀ the ground and it shot like an arrow over the cross bar. It was a score worthy of winning any match, and when Máirtín Ó Curraoin sounded his ﬁnal whistle, it was the boys from the parish of Letterfrack-Ballinakill who were wearing the broad smiles on their faces. West Board Chairperson Paddy Sweeney duly presented the Victory Shield to Renvyle captain Nathan Staunton and commended both clubs on the excellent underage structures that they have developed and maintained in recent years. Report & photo courtesy of Paul Gannon Photo below: Renvyle Under-18 Squad 2010 West Board Minor B League Champions. Back (l-r): Owen Heanue (Selector), Gary Heanue (Mascot), Sean Salmon, Ian Heanue, Cathal Heanue, Seamus Clarke, Brendan O’ Farrell, Aaron Birchmore, Cathal O’Neill, Simon Heanue Joyce and Mikey Faherty (Selector). Front: Rory Lavelle, Mikey Coyne, Derek Heanue, Nathan Staunton (Captain), Conor Clarke, Martin Walsh and Nicholas Varley. Not pictured: Des Wallace (Manager).

November 2010

Page 25

Gráinne Mhaols Connacht Intermediate Championship Final St. Patrick’s, Dromahair 2-10 Gráinne Mhaols 1-12

Naomh Fechin Junior C Victory Well done to Naomh Fechin An Clochan on winning the 2010 Junior C League 2-10 to 0-8 against Lettermore on October 16th. Photo right: Captain Mark Joyce with the Junior C League cup. Photo above: Sean Mullen, Evelyn Mullen and player Fergal O’ Rourke with his children. • Junior: Micheal Aspell. Photo left: Pictured are John Mannion, Niall Staunton and Ian Heanue of Naomh Fechin Clifden who were selected for the Galway County Under 17s panel this year.

Club Reunion Dinner

County Players The Naomh Feichin An Clochan club would also like to extend their congratulations and say well done to all the local lads from the West Connemara area who played with the county Galway Football Teams this year at all diﬀerent levels. • Under 14s: Fechin Mitchell, Barry Salmon, Gearoid King, Brendan Regan, Colm Coneys, Karl McConway. • Under 15s: Bryan Holmes, Conor Clarke, Oisin Heﬀernan, Robert Gannon, Gearoid Delaney, Conor Little. • Under 16s: Gerard Gibbons, Sean Salmon, Christopher Holmes. • Under 17s: John Mannion, Ian Heanue, Niall Staunton. • Minors: Jack Vaughan, Derek Heanue, Eoghan Killkenny, Cathal O’ Neill, Conal Joyce, David Black, Eamon McCann. • Under 21s: Tommy Walsh, John O’ Brien

A special reunion dinner dance to honour the 1960 Junior Football Championship Team will take place in the Station House Hotel Clifden at 8pm on Saturday 13th November. It is 50 years since Clifden won the Junior Football Championship and families, friends and team players will come together on the night to remember that day. Also present will be some of the Kilconly team members that played and were involved back then. A presentation will be made to the team members on the night and there will also be a special Guest of Honour. Old photos will be on display and we are looking for anyone who may have any more that they would be willing to share with us. Tickets or more information is available from Martin Conroy 086-832-0872, Tony Coyne, 087-204-7142 or Ann Mitchell 086-172-8954.

Gráinne Mhaols dream of becoming the first ever Galway Club to win Connacht Championships at both Junior and Intermediate level was destroyed by Leitrim Champions St. Patrick’s, Dromahair in the cruellest possible fashion in Breaffy on October 17th last. This 2010 Connacht Intermediate Championship Final was a captivating contest, with both sides serving up some wonderful passages of play in the process. A rollercoaster ride of a match saw scores level deep into injury time and both sets of supporters waited with bated breath for the final whistle and the prospect of another big day out. Mayo referee Michael Moran didn’t concur with the general consensus however and allowed play to continue. Gráinne Mhaols launched one last offensive only for Lisa Coohill to be harshly pulled for overcarrying, and from the resultant free, Dromohair worked the ball close in until one of their players was adjudged to be fouled, dead straight in front of the goal. Róisín Fowley made no mistake from close range; the referee blew the final whistle on the resultant kick out and a rare Connacht title was destined for Leitrim. As the hoards of red and white supporters rushed on to the field in a spontaneous outpouring of emotion, the ecstasy of the victors and the agony of the vanquished were there for all to see and feel. Mná an Iarthair maintained a dignified silence throughout the post match presentation before retiring to the quiet sanctuary of their dressing room with their management team. St. Patrick’s midfielder Sinéad Fowley received the Player of the Match award but I would have given it to Lisa Coohill. Gráinne Mhaols can be well proud of their immense contribution to this wonderful gaelic sporting spectacle. They fought the good fight and lost on this occasion but there is no dishonour in defeat. They will regroup, refocus and respond as they have always done in the past.

Under 16s 2010 County Division 3 Championship Runners Up

Gráinne Mhaols thrilling 5-6 to 5-3 semifinal victory in Letterfrack over St. Michael’s secured the club’s passage to its first Under-16 Championship Final since 2004. This final turned out to be a local derby, an all Connemara clash between Cailíní an Iarthair and Cailíní Dúiche Seoighe. The West Connemara girls were hoping to bring home the club’s second ever under age Championship title but had to give second best on the day to a well drilled Clonbur outfit. Clonbur have done enormous work in recent years and are now reaping the benefits of same. Both Gráinne Mhaols and Clonbur will participate in the 2011 County Senior Championship. Hopefully, all of the girls who competed in this year’s County Under-16 Division 3 Championship Final will enjoy many more championship battles at adult senior level for many years to come. Photo below: Back(l-r): Finian Sheridan (Manager), Anna Shanahan, Kaetlin Wallace, Zoe Birchmore, Aebhín Sheridan, Aoife Joyce, Shauna Higgins, Aisling Joyce, Jade Leamy, Sarah Mortimer and Maggie Birchmore (Manager).Front (l-r): Mairéad Nee, Alice Madden, Shona Acton, Rebecca Mannion, Jane Gibbons, Lauren Wallace and Doireann Sheridan. Not pictured: Lauren Heanue, Kate Faherty, Maeve Conneely and Lauren Conneely. Photo & report courtesy of Paul Gannon

U 16s New Sponsor The Naomh Fechin Clifden Under 16 team sporting new gear from sponsor PJ Heﬀernan of Oﬀ the Square Restaurant. Photos courtesy of Ann Mitchell

Oughterard GAA Most of the underage teams have finished their seasons. The U15 team is still in the City League with a few games to play. The U-12 team lost to St. Michael’s by 2 points in a playoff. The team put in a great performance as they had lost heavily in an earlier round to the same opposition. St. Michael’s go on to play our neighbours Killannin in the final.

Page 26

In conclusion, I would like to wish St. Patrick’s, Dromohair every good fortune in their All Ireland Semi-Final on November 7th when they will face the might of Clare Senior Champions, West Clare Gaels or London Senior Champions, Parnells. Gráinne Mhaols will also be in action on November 7th in the County Division 1 League Shield Final (3rd v 4th) where the opposition will be provided by this year’s County Senior Championship Runners Up, Dunmore. Hopefully, the Leitrim and Connemara sides can make a mockery of their underdog status on the day. Paul Gannon

November 2010

The U16 team had a good season ﬁnishing mid table in the highly competitive A division. This league consisted of teams from North Galway as well as West so the panel got great exposure to the top level of football in the county. They had good wins over big clubs like Tuam Stars, Claregalway, Moycullen, Mountbellew and a draw with Caltra. Well done to all concerned. Harry Walsh

Connemara SportsView

Clifden Boat Club Win Top Class Rib Three satisfied members of Clifden Boat Club drove away from Limerick on Sunday the 17th of October with a brand new rib in tow for their club. Damian Ward, Brian Ward and Roger Snow represented Clifden Boat Club at the ISA Yachtsman Euromarine Rib Challenge 2010 Final, where the prize for the winning team was a brand new rescue boat valued at over €20,000. The competition began in August with 5 regional heats taking place throughout the country. This saw the top 16 teams then qualify for the final which was hosted by last year’s winners, Foynes Yacht Club of Co. Limerick. The Clifden men worked hard at their regional qualifier to secure a place in the final and then battled skillfully against the other 15 teams to earn a place in the final four. Having whittled the 16 finalists down to the top four teams,

the deciding event took place, consisting of an ‘on the water’ manoeuvrability challenge. The Clifden team performed to the highest standard on the day, which ultimately led them to victory and the grand prize. Photo (L-r): Matt McGrory of Yachtsman Euromarine, Brian Ward, Roger Snow, Damian Ward and Harry Hermon, Chief Executive of the ISA. Photo courtesy of ISA

Local Judo Win

Peter Barry and Noel McGloin of PK1 Kickboxing and Connemara Judo Club of Ross, Moyard took part in a training and competition day which was held in the Galway School of Judo on October 10th. Both students won all competitions they participated in. Later, Peter was awarded a Yellow belt and Noel a half yellow by their instructor Luigi van Nieuwenburg. Photo: Peter Barry, Luigi van Nieuwenburg and Noel McGloin.

Connemara Community Radio Weekly Schedule Broadcasting 11 am to 9 pm each day on 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Weather Forecast & Community Notices at 3pm, 4pm and 8pm. Sponsored by Broderick Electric, Sweeney Oil, Gannon Sports and The Oil Company.

12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. * Indicates Sponsors

Monday: 11am-12 Noon: The Chat Show with

Clifden Volleyball Club The Clifden Volleyball Club currently has several children’s classes running in the Clifden Town Hall for ages 5-14. Adult play is Monday, Wednesday and Friday at various times. New children’s classes are starting now with professional coaches, and an under 5 all around gymnastics and child sports development class is getting underway too. Should you have any questions contact John on 087-750 -4697.

Darts Calendar Fri Nov 5th: Third Round of Pub League Sun Nov 7th: Vickers Bar Clifden Women’s Darts. Mary Canning Cup and Shield and Peter Veldon Cup and Shield. Doubles pairing picked on day. 3.30pm start. Fri Nov 12th: Fourth round of Pub League. Sun Nov 14th: Martin Berry/Johnny Canavan Cup and Shield doubles. Moran’s Bar, Carna. 3.30pm start. Fri Nov 19th: Fifth Round of Pub League. Fri Nov 26th: Sixth round of Pub League. Sun Nov 28th: West Coast Classic in Limerick. Three teams from Galway-Galway ﬁrst team, Connemara, and Galway C. Anyone who wants to travel please contact Harry O’ Toole on 087-285-4017 or Eamonn Mannion on 086-235-2691 before November 20th. Fri Dec 3rd: Seventh round of Pub League.

Connemara Rugby Tickets Tickets can now be bought individually for the four forth coming internationals. A special deal of €40 is available for the Samoa game which includes a free bus to and from the venue. This deal, which must ensure a full bus load, is to encourage parents and family members to give our young players an opportunity to see the new stadium and hopefully a few Connacht Players will be involved. A few tickets are still available for the South Africa game, as quite a number are already sold.

Connemara (10) V Banbridge (51) Connemara’s trip to Banbridge was always going to be a diﬃcult undertaking but losing winger Darren Little early in the game through injury, and three sin binnings made it an impossible task. Kevin Ward, captain Emmett Ferron and Cormac McDonnell all got unwanted rest breaks from the referee. Despite the heavy loss, Connemara still scored two tries and had good performances from the three just mentioned. The young Connemara pack are beginning to ﬁnd their feet

Connemara SportsView

and some of our backs could do with a helping hand from an established backs coach.

Connemara (13) v Portumna (13) This was a very enjoyable game at the Monastery Field as the outcome was touch and go to the end. It was good for Connemara that 22 players togged out as most of the important Gaelic Football Games have now concluded. Coach Gerry King was happy with the outcome as a very new front row and a very young back row played well, including Ian McDonagh, P.J Keane, Colin Reilly and Alan McCann. (Alan McCann scored a great try). Shane Sweeney got the conversion and scored two penalties. All Ireland Minor football winner of two years ago Tommy Walsh, made a great impression when he came on in the second half.

Greystones (33) Connemara (13) Greystones, last year’s Division Two side in the A.I.B League came to Clifden for the Connemara game as somewhat of an unknown entity. However, when they togged out under Coach Reggie Corrigan they looked a very big and solid all round team. Connemara were a great surprise especially in the forwards under new Captain Emmett Ferron, as they scrummed, rucked and ran good balls. Their tackling was very encouraging as was their line-out work. David Keogh had a great game at scrumhalf. Unfortunately a number of tackles were missed in defence and a few try scoring chances were missed due to wrong options. Two of Greystones tries were lucky enough. Connemara brought on a Connacht under age player in Galway Minor Jack Vaughan and he looked very eager, capable and promising. The backs need more alignment and expertise in defence and attack. With a few more experienced players, Connemara should improve.

Support Winning games is important as gate receipts will improve and it will be easier to get sponsors and new members. It will also be easier to attract players. It would be a great mistake to drift along this year knowing there is no relegation, as there are other teams like Sligo and Monivea in Connacht preparing for an onslaught in next year’s league honours. All of the forwards played well against Greystones including Kevin Barry, Richardson, Alan Pryce, Eoin Conroy, Emmett Ferron, Martin Coyne, Martin O’Malley and Darragh Sweeney. Matt O’ Sullivan

November 2010

Heather Heanue and Colleen Curran. 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 Sport with Vivian Cotter. *Galway CoCo. 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. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Louisa Jack. 5.05-6pm: Jack’s Spot with Jack Tomlinson. 6- 7pm: Live with John Dunne. 7-8pm: Community Matters with Pat Walshe. *Tullycross and Cashel Credit Unions. 8pm: Cashel Report with Bernard Lee. 8.15-8.25pm CIC. 8.15-8.25pm: CIC. 8.30-9pm Emergency Services with Mary Ruddy. Wednesday: 11am-12 Noon: FORUM Programme with Cathy Keane and Brendan O’Malley. 4-6pm: Gateway Hour with Mickey Mac. 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 Mary Roe. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Kathleen O’Brien. 5.05-6pm: Fáilte with Mary Corbett Joyce. 6- 7pm: The Food Show with Janet 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: Specialist Music with Breandan O’Scanaill. Friday: 11am-12 Noon: Friday Fix with Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond. 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 Brendan Ridge. *AIB Clifden. 8pm: Ballyconneely Report with John O’ Malley. 8.15-9pm: American Country with Brendan Ridge. Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with Heather Kearney. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tommy Roe. 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.11am-12noon: Mass from Clifden. 4-5pm. Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Words & Music with Kathleen Faherty. 67pm: Footappin’ Time with Tom Mongan. 7-8pm: Senior Side of the Street with Josephine De Courcey. *FORUM. 8pm: Ballinakill Report with Paddy Gannon. 8.15-9pm: Decades of Hits with Michael Coyne.

Page 27

5 Days of Pony Sales The Annual 5 day catalogue sale of Connemara ponies held at Clifden mart over the Bank Holiday weekend attracted 1243 entries. From this number catalogued, 1109 ponies went through the ring over the five days with 79% of these finding new homes. 54 ponies were sold to France with 29 ponies going to the UK. The remainder of the ponies was sold throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Thursday October 21st comprised of ridden ponies, colts and stallions. Ridden ponies over 4 years, mainly geldings, fetched from €1600 to €3,250. Two Class 1 Stallions were sold, one at €1,900 and the other fetching €2,500. Friday October 22nd saw all females over 1 year on sale. The highest priced pony over the five days was Lot 310, a 3 year old mare which made €5,000. Yearling and two year old fillies were sold from €900 to €2,750, with brood mares selling depending on age and quality going for between €900 and €3,000. The next three days Saturday, Sunday and Monday saw over 700 foals on sale. Colt foals varied very much in price with the highest fetching €1,000 and the lowest colt foal being sold for €100, but the majority went from €275 to €450. Filly foals seemed less popular than other years, but again, most found new homes with prices

Dressage Winter League The first of the winter dressage shows was held at Ballyconneely Showgrounds on October 24th. We were very fortunate to have the use of the great facilities there, which provided loads of parking, a 20 x 60 dressage arena, seating and a very welcome warm-up area. To top it all off the weather was ideal with blue sky and sunshine. We would like to thank Pat O’Neill and the show committee for the use of the showgrounds on the day and also Pat White, Geraldine Galand and Joanne Conneely O’Toole who all contributed to our most successful show to date. Vida Tansey, a list 2 dressage judge expertly judged the tests on the day, and the following day, all competitors were offered lessons by Vida who did a super job helping riders and horses with their problems. All who took part in the show and the lessons found it very helpful and would love to have Vida back, hopefully before the final day of the league. Results Intro A: 1st Maeve O’Neill/ Pepperoni (10 points), 2nd Ciara Nee/ Pepperoni (9), Equal 3rd Lauren Walsh and Chloe Heanue/Taffy (8). Prelim U 16: 1st Alana Cazabon Sullivan/ Amber (HC), 2nd Alana Cazabon Sullivan/ Pepperoni (HC), (as Alana is a previous championship winner of this section she is not eligible for points in this section), 3rd Grace Barry/ Blaze of Glory(10), Equal 4th Katie /Pepperoni and Elise Galland (9 each). Prelim O 16: 1st Alwyn Moran/ Corrib View (10), 2nd Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan/Silver (HC), 3rd Lucy Brittan/ Beetlejuice (9), 4th Joanne Conneely O’Toole (8). Novice U 16: Alana Cazabon Sullivan (10) Novice U 16: 1st Siobhan/ Park Wren (HC), 2nd Peter Higgins/Patch (10), 3rd Alwyn Moran/ Blaze of Glory (9) Siobhan went on to ride two Connemara ponies in the Elementary section: first Park Wren

Page 28

Connemara Golf

here ranging from €150 to €1,500, with the majority of filly foals selling from €400 to €600. Lot 967, a filly foal belonging to Jimmy Leonard, was sold for €1,500 to Linda O’Donovan. This means that Jimmy Leonard from Corrandulla received the Clifden Mart Cup for the highest priced foal sold over the three days. The next Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden will take place in February 2011 on a date to be comfirmed. Entry forms for the February Pony Sales will be available from December 1st 2010. For all enquiries please contact 095-21861. Padraic Heanue Photo: Martin O’Sullivan from Dromleap, Co.Cork with his 3 year old mare which made the highest price of €5,000 at the October 5 Day Pony Sales in Clifden Mart. Photo courtesy of Ruth Rogers and second Blackwood Dancer, and then went on to do a medium and advanced medium on Aramis. We were very pleased with the scores which showed a big improvement since this time last year and a special ‘well done’ goes to Alwyn Moran who got over 62% on Corrib View. The second show will be held in Roundstone Show Grounds on Saturday 6th November. Entries need to be in on Thursday 4th by 8pm and times will be posted on Facebook ‘Cleggan Beach’ on Friday 5th. Photo: Peter Higgins and Patch taking part in the Cleggan Beach Dressage Winter League at the Ballyconneely Showgrounds on Sunday October 24th. Judy Cazabon

Family Equine Wins

Congratulations to sister and brother Ciara and David Connolly of Rosscahill on their recent achievements. Ciara came second in the All Ireland Championship in Ballinrobe with her pony Gleann Rua Hoodwink and David won the Ridden Under 18 category in the Spidéal show with his pony Rosswood Little Lady. Photos courtesy of Mary Connolly

November 2010

06/10/10 Singles, Mens: 1st: J Jackson (15)36pts, 2nd: G Cosgrove (16)34pts, 3rd:J Molloy(19)33pts. 10/10/10 4 Ball, Ladies: 1st: E King (19)/K Burke (21) 37pts, 2nd: D Murphy (16)/C Gaughan (23) 36pts. Mens: 1st: J Cashin (18)/S Heanue(23) 41pts, 2nd: A McMahon(9)/ I Griﬃth(10) 41pts. 13/10/10 Singles,Ladies: 1st: Sally Higgins (25)33pts,2nd: Bridie Conneely (24)32pts,CSS: 33pts.Mens: 1st: Bill Faller(14)38pts, 2nd: Martin Greaney (14)37pts, 3rd: Derry Gibson(15)36pts, CSS: 35pts. 17/10/10 V Par, Ladies: 1st: Phil Hamell (29)+4,2nd: Kathleen Wallace(32)+3,3rd: Geraldine McGettigan (19)+2,CSS: +1. Men:1st: Iorri Griﬃth(10)+5,2nd: Niall Curley(28)+5,3rd: Dickie Davis(17)+4,CSS: 0. 23/10/10 4 Ball Ladies: 1st: K Burke (21)/R Hurson (21)38pts, 2nd: D Murphy (16)/J Donnellan (16)37pts, 3rd: A Waldron (21)/B Barry (14)37pts. Mens:1st: D Brophy (17)/M Boyle(15) 48pts, 2nd: B O’Dwyer (13)/S Kelly (16) 44pts, 3rd: A Duke (12)/R Duke (16) 43pts. 24/10/10 Singles,Ladies: 1st K Burke (21) 44pts, 2nd M Geoghegan (26) 38pts,Gross: T DeCourcey (8) 20pts, 3rd L Daly (9) 38pts,CSS 36pts. Mens:1st E O’ Loughlin(13)41pts, 2nd W Kennedy(12)39pts, Gross: N King(9)39pts. 3rd M Fitzpatrick(16)38pts, Junior Prize: N Curley(26) 40pts, CSS 36pts.

Oughterard Golf

03/10/10 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Tim Hernon (15) 39 pts (21b9), 2nd Seamus Hynes (12) 39 pts (18b9), Gross: Hugh Walsh (3) 33 Gross pts, 3rd Jeﬀ rey Lee 9 38 pts (21b9), 4th Martin Callagy (11) 38 pts (19b9, 13b6), 5th John MacAlinney (14) 38 pts (19b9,11b6). CSS 36 pts. 05/10/10 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Chris Hurney (16) 37pts, 2nd Gary Bohan (11) 36 pts, 3rd B. McCarthy (24) 35 pts (17B9) CSS 35pts. 06/10/2010 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Sponsor: Arch Motors. 1st Maura Tonge 37pts, 2nd Grace Morris 35pts, Gross: Laura Gore 19 Gross pts, 3rd Ruth Cunningham 34pts, 4th Maree Lundon 34pts, 5th Bernie McTigue 33pts. 10/10/10 18 Hole Stableford Competition. 1st Robert McTigue (20) 39 pts (21b9), 2nd Shaun Caldwell (15) 39 pts (20b9), Gross: Hugh Walsh (3) 32 Gross pts, 3rd Alan Deacy (10) 38 pts (20b9, 15b6), 4th Larry Bohan (19) 38 pts (20b9, 14b6), 5th Padraic Murphy (16) 38 pts (16b9), CSS 36 pts. 12/10/10 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Matt Donoghue (13) 40pts, 2nd Rory Keating (Galway) (10) 38pts, 3rd Gerry Burke (9) 37pts(20B9), 4th Pat McEvilly (11) 37pts(19B9), CSS 36 pts. 13/10/10 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Deirdre O’ Donovan 35pts, 2nd Barbara Buckley 34pts, Gross: Bridget Walsh 14 Gross pts, 3rd

Bernie McTigue 33pts. Category 0-20 1st R. Cunningham 29pts Bk 9, 2nd Niamh Keogh 29pts, Category 21-28 1st Mai Faherty 31pts Bk 9, 2nd Bernie Begley 31pts Category 29-36 1st Marina Gallagher 32pts, 2nd Ann O’ Sullivan 30pts. 19/10/10 Open Day Competition, 18 Hole Stableford. 1st John MacAlinney (13) 40pts, 2nd Fergus Kerrigan (7) 38pts, 3rd Pat O’ Sullivan (24) 37pts(19B9), 4th Ger Cunningham (3) 37pts (17B9), CSS 36pts. 20/10/10 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Ruth Cunningham (18) 33pts, 2nd Catherine Hosty (20) 32pts (B9), Gross: Raymonde Standun (16) 15 Gross pts, 3rd Anne Lee (32) 32pts, 4th Kay Hayes (29) 31pts B9, 5th Marie Lundon (31) 31pts. 9 Hole: Brid Penny. CSS: 75 24/10/10 Ladies Christmas Hamper. 1st Maire Ni Mhaille (14) 38 pts, 2nd Mary Hall (34) 36 pts, Gross: Isolda Claﬀey (14) 22, 3rd Ita Green B9 (23) 34 pts, Cat 0-20 1st Patricia Lee (16) 33 pts, 2nd Catherine Hosty (20) 32 pts, Cat 21-28, 1st Mary O’Grady (27) 34 pts, 2nd Phil Kavanagh (21) 33 pts, Cat 29-36 1st Ann O’Sullivan (32) 31 pts, 2nd Ellen Greene (31) 30 pts, Front Nine: Laura Gore (15) 19 pts. Back Nine: Eileen Waldron (30) 18 pts, CSS 73. 25/10/10 18 Hole Bank Holiday Competition. 1st Larry Bohan (19) 39 pts, 2nd Richard McNamara (8) 38 pts, Gross: Sean O’Reilly (5) 28 Gross Pts, 3rd Tom Gallen (15) 36 pts (19b9), 4th Frank Walsh (13) 36 pts (15b9), CSS 36 pts. 26/10/10 Open Day Competition, 18 Hole Stableford.1st Richard McNamara (7) 33pts, CSS 33 pts (Reduction only). 27/10/10 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford, Voucher Competition.1st Mary O’ Grady (18) 33pts, 2nd Ruth Cunnungham (18) 33pts, Gross: Rita Jordan (15) 15 Gross pts, 3rd B. Hughes (29) 32pts, 4th Ita Greene (Walsh) (23) 32pts, 5th B. McTigue (27) 27pts, CSS: 75. 31/10/10 18 Hole Hamper.1st Eugene Thornton (10) 40 pts (21b9). 2nd Cathal Jordan (5) 40 pts (17b9). Gross: Michael Darcy (S) 34 Gross pts. 3rd John G. Walsh (15) 39 pts. 4th Luke Bohan (9) 38 pts (19b9). 5th Malachy Glynn (10) 38 pts (17b9). CSS 70 Nett.

Lady Captain of Oughterard Golf Club Peggie Blehein presents a cheque for €1000 to Mary Thornton of Galway Hospice, proceeds of the Golf Open Competition held at the Club. (Photo above). The competition was generously sponsored by Margaret Donnellan of Fuchsia Craft, Oughterard, Mary Connelly Roscahill and Maeve O’Gorman Galway. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Dolly

Connemara SportsView

November Bogman 66

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

Connemara Crossword 72

Across 1 Should police leader involve delays in robberies? (7) 8 It’s fishy, going by this way in automobile, but luxurious. (6) 9 When surrounded by vermin, chat about its whiskers, or our own. (9) 10 Played with a bird in bed. Or in an alley. (6) 12 Renowned thinker being different to realist. (9) 13 Might be about lines to look through casually? (6) 15 Does it feature a country of fine dishes? (5) 16 & 23D A couple of continentals furnishing shining examples in the business. (6,6) 17 Have a wager about the animal being stupid, the low-down hound. (6) 18 No change in the female part. (5) 20 Bend over when sick inside, and swell. (6) 24 Causes damage until pool is not safe to swim in because of it. (9) 26 In America, hers are attendants. (6) 27 Crashed car intact, but in need of much antifreeze there. (9) 28 Member of Aryan Brotherhood turns automobile first. (6) 29 An award won is just a waste of muscle. (7) Down 2 Do they create a stink when they do up yours and mine? (6) 3 Stop the religious type from going round the bend in the bathroom. (6) 4 A possible pal to 12 Across? Well, in the same line, anyway. (5) 5 Prefer the option of inserting a classic 5 in an ordinary 4. (6) 6 Treading clumsily on the slope? (8) 7 Sounds like a cool place for such hot stuff. (6) 11 Towels arranged from the bottom up. (6) 13 The getting of a basic degree by the very, very young? (4) 14 The rich just have to break the law. (6) 15 Dog food? 16 In a wild fury, bear begins spring. (8) 19 Oil nation disturbance? (6) 21 How monstrous of her to ensure gorse’s destruction! (6) 22 Cuts up over company being plastered. (6) 23 See 16 Across. (6) 25 Meadow Street is certainly not the main one. (5) Across 1. Popular type of fruit (10) 6. Spring (4) 10. Star sign (5) 11. Enduring (9) 12. The elite of football and hurling (3, 5) 13. Plain to see (5) 15. In a friendly manner (7) 17. Drawing (7) 19. Relation (7) 21. Pharmacist (7) 22. Dance (5) 24. Height above ground (8) 27. Widespread, ubiquitous (9) 28. On high (5) 29. Romantic appointment (4) 30. World’s largest inland body of water (7, 3)

Down 1. Lonely fish (4) 2. Uprising (9) 3. Has on (5) 4. Bliss (7) 5. Denied (7) 7. Oil bearing fruit (5) 8. Lawful (10) 9. Adorn (8) 14. Surroundings, scene (10) 16. Saddened by death (8) 18. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ keep falling on my head. Popular song (9) 20. A salt lake bordering Jordan (4, 3) 21. Moggie’s entrance and exit (3, 4) 23. Damp (5) 25. Diadem (5) 26. Neat volcano (4)

Winner of Bogman 65: Lynne Mather, Shillelagh, Wicklow Winner Connemara Crossword 71: Pat Akwei, Clifden

Send in your Crossword and Quiz answers! Drop to the Connemara View Drop Box at King’s Paper Shop, Main St, Clifden, post to Connemara View, Clifden, Co.Galway or e-mail to news@connemaraview.com.

Know Your Rights Q: I hear it’s going to be another cold winter. I am on a very low income. What help is available for the costs of heating my home? A: There are several ways in which low-income households are helped with the costs of fuel for home heating. There are also schemes to help you insulate your home to make it warmer and to cut your heating costs. The Household Beneﬁts Package includes a Electricity or Natural Gas Allowance, a free TV licence and a Telephone Allowance. The package is paid by the Department of Social Protection. If you are aged 70 or over, you qualify regardless of your income or who lives with you. The scheme is also available to people aged 66 and over who get certain social welfare payments or whose income is below certain limits. A Fuel Allowance is paid to people who are dependent on long-

Connemara View Newspaper

term social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. The scheme operates for 32 weeks from September to the end of April and is paid by the Department of Social Protection. If you apply for the Fuel Allowance after the start of September, the allowance is not backdated. The Allowance is €20 per week generally and €23.90 in smokeless fuel areas. The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people on low incomes. It is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Ireland’s national energy agency, and is available nationwide. Work funded under the scheme includes attic insulation, draught-proofing, lagging jackets, energy-efficient lighting (CFL bulbs) and cavity wall insulation. You can also get energy advice under the scheme. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. 095-22000 and 087-130-1100. Email: clifden@citinfo.ie. Open: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 10:30am to 3:30pm Please note our new address: 2nd Floor, Cashel/Connemara Credit Union, Seaview, Clifden. Information is also available online at www. citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890 777 121.

November 2010

What Do You Know? Quiz 25

No winner of Quiz 24, prize money is now €20. Send your answers to Connemara View, Clifden, Co.Galway, e-mail to news @ connemaraview.com or drop to the Drop Box at King’s Paper Shop Main St. Clifden Geography: What is the world’s youngest country? History: French was the official language in England for how many years? Sport: Between what years was tug-ofwar an Olympic event? Math: What famous mathematician starved himself to death because he thought he was being poisoned? Science: An Archimedes screw is a device for moving what? Food: In which country did the potato originate? General Knowledge: What sea-creature has the largest eyes in the world? Politics: Which former Progressive Democrat Senator left the party and moved to Fine Gael in 2000? Music: Who played guitar for Oasis in the song “Champagne Supernova”? Art: What was the first colour picture taken of? Literature: Who won the Booker Prize for fiction in 1993? Local Interest: What is the latitude and longitude of Clifden?

Quiz 24 Answers

Geography: What is the world’s oldest country? San Marino (301AD). http:// www.worldatlas.com/geoquiz/thelist. htm History: What was the average life span of a peasant during the medieval times? 25 years .http://www.nicefacts. com/index.php Sport: What are the chances of making two holes in one, in one round of golf?One in 67 million http:// www.nicefacts.com/quickfacts/index. php?goto=next&currid=1289 Math: Who cracked the Enigma code during World War 2? Alan Turning. http://www.po28.dial.pipex.com/ maths/mathms.htm Science: How many cells must be replaced per hour by the human body? One Billion. http://www. nicefacts.com/quickfacts/index. php?goto=next&currid=1289 Food: The potato is the world’s fourth most important crop, what are the first 3? Wheat, Rice, Corn. http://www.foodreference.com/html/fpotatoes.html General Knowledge: What is the life span of a dragonfly? 24 hours http://www.nicefacts.com/index.php Politics: Where and when is the oldest existing governing body? It operates in Althing, Iceland, 930A.D.. http:// didyouknow.org/fastfacts/politics.htm Music: Who wrote the “Happy Birthday” song and when? Patty and Mildred Hill, in 1893. http://musicouch.com/ musicouching/10-amazing-music-trivia-facts-you-never-knew/ Art: What is the world’s shortest stage play? Samuel Beckett’s “Breath” http://didyouknow.org/fastfacts/art.htm Entertainment: What famous Disney characters name meant “pine eye” in Italian? Pinocchio, http://www.dumbfacts.com/facts/directory-of-facts/ literature/ Local Interest: What was the name of the first Connemara Pony imported to Australia? “Island King” http://www. cpbsa.com.au/images/Connemara%20 Facts.pdf

Page 29

Clifden Arts Society New Season

It is hard to imagine that it is already a month since this year’s Arts Festival. This was one of the best ever, due to everyone who took part in any way. We are ready to launch this year’s Clifden Arts Society concert line-up, and to make up for the lack of a concert in October we are bringing three concerts in November. These are all diﬀerent but featuring the high standards which we have set for ourselves over the years. Clifden Arts Society is always open to and welcomes new members. The fees for this year will be €70 per person or €130 per couple. Please pay this either by post to Breandan O Scanaill, Beach Road, Clifden or at the first concert. If you have an e-mail address, let us know as it makes life easier when sending out regular notices. The first concert will take place on Sunday November 7th in the Station House Theatre and starts at 8 pm. This will feature the Cappa Ensemble, consisting of Bartosz Woroch on violin, Adam Newman on viola, Brian O’ Kane on cello, and Michael McHale on piano. This exciting young chamber ensemble has quickly established itself as a quartet of outstanding artistry. They were winners of Music Network’s Young Musicwide Award in 2009. The programme is: MozartPiano Quartet in G minor, Walton-Piano Quartet in D minor, Agnew-String Trio and Schumann-Piano Quartet in E flat major. On Saturday November 20th in the Church Of Ireland, we will have the Irish Baroque Orchestra Chamber Soloists. It will be an accessible and enjoyable programme of baroque music with a strong focus on the violin and will feature Monica Huggett, Claire Duﬀ, and Emilia Benjamin with accompanying instruments. The programme is: Pachelbel-Canon and Gigue, Bach-Triple Violin Concerto in D, Bertali-Sonata a 5, Castello-Second Sonata, Marini-Passacaglio, CastelloSixteenth and Fourteenth Sonatas, Purcell-3 parts upon a ground, Vivaldi-Concerto for 3 Violins in C. The starting time for that concert will also be at 8pm. Our third concert will give fans of the voice a real treat. The wonderful Irish soprano Cara O’Sullivan will perform a collection of art songs and leider accompanied by Ciara Moroney on piano. That concert takes place in the Church of Ireland on Sunday November 28th at 8.30pm. We are looking forward to

Page 30

seeing members at some or all of these concerts and please spread the word as we need more members and more people at our concerts.

Clifden Comhaltas News

The Clifden Comhaltas November Music Session will be held in Lowry’s Bar and the organisation will be celebrating a year in existence as a new branch. The youth session starts at 8.30pm and the Senior Session afterwards at 10pm. All are welcome and membership is now open again for the coming year.

Clifden to Host County Fleadh

The Clifden branch of Comhaltas has announced that Clifden has been selected to host the Galway County Fleadh on the weekend of the 14th of May 2011. This is one of the highlights of the music calendar in County Galway and Clifden is honoured to host this weekend of music, song and dance. The weekend will comprise of an oﬃcial opening and concert, a céili, music sessions throughout the pubs during the weekend and on-street entertainment. A major aspect of the County Fleadh is the competition element. The County Fleadh is the first round of competition for competitors, with winners going on to represent their County at Provincial and All Ireland Level. The competitions will be open to all the community to come and listen, with visiting adjudicators deciding on the competitor’s talents. The Galway County Fleadh was last held in Clifden in 1990 (21 years ago next year), and the branch also intends to mark this. We are asking anyone that has any photos, videos, articles, or any other interesting facts on the last Fleadh to contact Marie Walsh. More details on the Fleadh will feature in the next issue and any help that can be oﬀered would be much appreciated. For more information contact Marie Walsh on 086-401-5342.

Information for Arts Organisations

With 2011 in mind, Arts Audiences, the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland are hosting a day-long information session for arts organisations. This will cover information on the cultural tourism landscape, 2011 tourism activities, practical examples for arts organisations on how to attract visitors, and information on how to access supports required to make the most of any tourism opportunities. The day will also provide an opportunity to network with other arts organisations. The day will take place on November 18th at Farmleigh House in Dublin and invitations will issue to arts organisations in the coming weeks. If you are interested in attending, go to http:// newsletter.artscouncil. ie /83mqjbfxs07yj44ox13vk9 or contact Marilyn Gaughan, Arts Oﬃcer, GalwayCoCo, Prospect Hill, Galway 091-476504 or mgaughan@galwaycoco.ie.

November 2010

Sea Week Small Works

The Small Works Art Exhibition as part of Sea Week 2010 at the National Park, curated by local artist David Keane, was an outstanding success due to the generosity and good work of the arts community in County Galway. All works were presented anonymously and priced at €70. The majority of the work was sold during the exhibition so many art collectors went home with a bargain from an exhibition that hosted some of the finest painters in the west of Ireland.

Photo: Paul Fahey Fahey, director of Galway Arts Festival Festival, Leo Hallissey director of CEECC and local artist David Keane who curated the Small Works exhibition. Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden

Mary Poppins Ceol Theatre’s 2010 Christmas stage production ‘Mary Poppins’ will be performed in the Station House Theatre on the following dates in December: Thursday 9th and Friday 10th at 8pm, Saturday 11th at 6pm, Sunday 12th at 3pm and Thursday 16th, Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th at 8pm. Tickets are €5.00 for children under 12 and OAP’s and €10.00 for adults. It promises to be another great show acted, performed and produced and directed by Connemara locals and will be a great outing for all the family. We hope to see good audience turnouts and guarantee a great show. Should you wish to be involved in any of our productions in any way please contact John at 087-750-4697.

Single Handed Returns The popular RTÉ and ITV rural crime drama Single Handed, filmed entirely on location in Connemara, will return to our TV screens on Sunday November 7th at 9.30pm on RTÉ One. Garda Sergeant Jack Driscoll (played by Owen McDonnell) is back in action in this new six part series. In the fourth series of this hugely popular and acclaimed drama, serial childhood friendships, family ties, and romantic relationships are all tested to the limit. Some of the incidents which Jack must resolve include the violent death of a reclusive old man, an arson attack on a housing development, and a mysterious car crash, all of which draw him into dark and personally dangerous territory, as he has to probe the grey area between human failings and criminality. The series was filmed earlier this year in various locations in Renvyle, Clifden and Connemara and many local landmarks and sights will be easily recognised.

Connemara ArtsView

Geantraí from Carraroe

The popular TG4 show Geantraí will be broadcast on Sunday November 7th at10pm from An Chistín in Carraroe, Connemara. The programme will be presented by local box player Johnny Óg Connolly. Johnny Óg is joined by Gary O’Briain on guitar for a tune and Johnny Óg also sits in with his father, Johnny, for a set of reels with a sean nós dance from Seosamh Ó Neachtain. Also featured in the programme of November 7th will be Colm Gannon, Kelly Geraghty, Mick Conneely and Mick Conneely Snr., along with Brian McGrath, Cormac Cannon and Breda Keville. Áine Ní Dhroighneáin will also sing so tune in to enjoy a great show from Connemara. Photo: Carraroe box player Johnny Óg Connolly presents Geantraí.

Country Music Legends

Sandy Kelly has been one of Ireland’s foremost country music entertainers on a national and international scale for over 30 years and will appear in Clifden for one night only on December 10th. During her long career she has had countless hit records, sang with some of country music’s biggest names, hosted her own TV series, starred on the London stage and captured the hearts of a legion of fans across Ireland, the UK and the United States. Since her hit recording of Crazy in 1989, Sandy has been closely linked to country legends, Patsy Cline, the Cash, d P Cli h llate JJohnny h C h Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell and her long time collaboration with country legend George Hamilton IV, who will play in Clifden the following night. Tickets are €25, or €49 in a Dinner and Show package and should be booked in advance. Call 095-30303 for bookings. Country music artist George Hamilton IV, originally from Winston Salem, North Carolina has made Nashville, Tennessee his home for the past twenty five years and is a frequent visitor to the Emerald Isle, returning again this winter, when he will play in Clifden. George was named the ‘International Ambassador of Country Music’ by Country Music Magazine for his dedication to promoting country music internationally, taking the old style of country music to audiences at a variety of venues. During the 1970’s George had his own television shows on BBC and ITV, including Make Mine Country and was also a regular headliner at the famous Wembley Country Music Festivals during the late 70’s and early 80’s.His hits include A Rose And A Baby Ruth, Abilene, Break My Mind and Urge For Going, Canadian Pacific and he was also a regular

Connemara ArtsView

at The Grand Ole Opry. AmGeorge will continue his role as International Am bassador of Country Music, providing old and new fans the opportunity to share an audience with this country music legend at the Station House Theatre at 8.00pm on Saturday December 11th. Tickets are €15, to book call 095 30303 as early booking is essential.

‘Good Luck’ Bumper Raffle The short film ‘Good Luck Mr Gorski’, with Clifden’s Kate O’Toole as Executive Producer and written and produced by her friend and colleague Allegra Huston is launching a bumper raffle as a fundraiser for the filming and completion of the project, which is entirely independently financed. Many Connemara locals have already contributed financially to the project and are listed on the film’s webpage www.allegrahuston. com/gorski. On November 23rd, a staged reading of the script by Kate O’ Toole and Little John Nee will take place at The Crane Bar in Galway, immediately followed by the raffle which offers an incredible range of 50 prizes, ranging from accommodation breaks, restaurant vouchers, retail gift vouchers, and a wide range of luxury products. It is not necessary to be present at the raffle to win and many of the exceptional prizes on offer have been donated by Connemara businesses in a great show of local support. Tickets are €5 each of 3 for €10 on sale in Joyce’s Newsagents and other local outlets from November 7th. For more information contact Allegra Huston on 087-313-0732 or Kate O’ Toole at kate@indigo.ie.

Letterfrack Film Society The Letterfrack Film society’s Autumn Season continues every Tuesday until December 7th in the audio-visual theatre of the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. Once again we have a great selection of films from around the world that you won’t see in the mainstream cinemas, so this is your chance to get out of the house and enjoy some interesting movies on the big screen. Films start at 8.30pm sharp and everybody is welcome. Admission at the door is €6.50 (concession €5) or you can save money by buying a season ticket to see all the films. This Autumn we have a special oﬀer for GMIT students who can pay just €2 at the door on presentation of their student card. The Letterfrack Film Society is totally dependent on our very generous local sponsors, to whom we are very

November 2010

grateful for their generosity and ongoing support. 09/11/10 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: Dir: Niels Arden Oplev, Denmark/Sweden, 2009, 152 mins, Cert: 18. A discredited journalist and a mysterious tattooed computer hacker uncover a series of grotesque murders while investigating a 40-year-old disappearance. Inspired by the best-selling Swedish novel, this is a darkly compelling, often violent, thriller. 16/11/10 Tulpan; Dir: Sergei Dvortsevoy, Germany, Kazakhstan, 2008, 100 minutes. Set among nomadic sheep herders on the harsh Kazakh steppes, this beguiling film charts the courtship eﬀorts of a youth who needs a wife to achieve his dream of tending his own flock. Gentle humour and spectacular cinematography make this an unmissable film. 23/11/10 Cold Souls: Dir: Sophie Barthes, USA, 2009, 101 mins. An actor preparing for ‘Uncle Vanya’ on Broadway avails of a service to put his soul in storage, and rents out a Russian soul instead. Problems arise when he wants his own soul back and discovers that it is now in Russia. This dark comedy is a cut above the rest with fantastic acting and an intelligent script. 30/11/10 Welcome: Dir: Philippe Lioret, France, 2009, 110 mins. Bilal, a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee is determined to get to England from Calais to be reunited with his sweetheart. He resolves to swim the Channel, and this powerful film is about his attempt, and the French swimming coach who helps him. 07/12/10 Ondine: Dir: Neil Jordan, Ireland, 2009, 111 mins. In this gorgeous contemporary fairy tale, filmed on location in West Cork, Colin Farrell plays a lonely Irish fisherman who one day pulls up his net to find a mysterious woman named ‘Ondine’, who may or may not be a selkie, a mythological creature that is part human, part seal. Brigid Sealy

Page 31

Letter Box, Leenane

Almost every town and village in Ireland has a letterbox. Some are still in use, while others are beginning to fall into disrepair. In a great many of these letterboxes, the door is missing and some have ended up in the various Irish pubs which sprang up around the world in the last few years. These particular ones would generally have the logo of the Irish ‘Post and Telegraph’ stamped on them, or have some information in Irish, often the time of collection of letters. Many of the others hark back to an older time however and will have the royal cipher of Victoria or one of the Georges, such as the Leenane letterbox. It carries the letters V R, coming as it does from the reign of Queen Victoria. This box is described as, ‘Cast Iron, late Victorian letter box set into garden wall of adjoining hotel’. It was only in the 1840s that the idea of roadside letter boxes was introduced. Letter boxes of this kind were already being used in France, Belgium and Germany. However, it took until 1852 for the idea to catch on, when the first pillar boxes were erected at St Hellier in Jersey at the recommendation of Anthony Trollope, who was working as a Surveyor’s Clerk for the Post Office. There were three main types: Pillar Box, Wall Box and Lamp or Pole Box. The wall box in Leenane was first used in the early 1880s. It would have been red in its heyday, like the English boxes of today, although it might have started off green as that colour was used for the early Victorian boxes. It is of course now green, as are all the Irish boxes. One can imagine the amount of service this particular letter box has seen since those days long ago. Its location on the main post road between Clifden and Westport would have meant that it was in constant use by visitors and locals alike. Its location near one of Connemara’s busiest hotels from the late 19th and early 20th centuries would also have seen it being used to post letters and cards to every part of the world. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that King Edward and Queen

Alexandra might have posted a letter or two here on their visit in 1903. Slightly earlier, at the end of the 19th century, the Royal Navy paid a visit and I can imagine sailors on shore leave sending postcards and letters back to their loved ones. But what of the postal service in Ireland in those earlier days? To find its origins we have to look back to the 16th and 17th centuries when a system of communication was of vital importance to English policy in Ireland. This was a time of political and military turmoil, and communication between the capital cities of London and Dublin was slow and hazardous. There were many people willing and able to make sure that the post didn’t reach its destination. The sea passage was rough and the boat owners and captains would sail only when additional cargo and passengers made it worth their while. But no more than the Pony Express in 19th century America, the post had to get through. In the 1640s the Dublin postmaster Evan Vaughan developed a staging system along the three main roads out of Dublin: south to Cork and Limerick, west to Galway and Sligo and north to Belfast and Derry. Post boys on foot or on horseback set out on a regular basis carrying official and commercial letters. A State monopoly was established by Oliver Cromwell and this has persisted in some form until the present day. During the 18th century, local postmasters were appointed by the State. Surveyors were charged with carrying out checks on the post boys and the network was extended. Tariffs remained high and the service continued to cater only for the wealthy and influential. The famous ‘Penny Post’ operated in Dublin in 1773 but provincial towns had to wait until the 1830s before such a service was available to them. We had to wait until the Victorian age before we saw the development of the modern Post Office. At first the mail was carried by the mail coach system, which began in Ireland in 1789. These early

The Myths and the Mosses Paddy Fitzpatrick lives in Cashleen on the Renvyle Peninsula, and is a wellknown historian and collector of the oral/aural traditions of the area. His knowledge of plants, rock structure and local customs and legends is unique. He travels the length and breadth of Ireland in search of a good tune. Sometimes he allows me to accompany him on his adventures. The privilege is all mine. Paddy is a world-class raconteur. A seanchaí. The stories pour out. Paddy wanted to show me a cave. But the day is so much more. The climb is a lesson in botany and archaeology. The cave is a physical adventure (slightly claustrophobic, I’ve never “caved” before) and an historical mind blower. Visiting the REAL eagles’ nest - now squatted by ravens - which gives its name to the pass where I reside, is the icing on the cake. The cave appears to be the result of an underground river, biding its time and bubbling away before disgorging itself as a waterfall down the cliff into Ballynakill Bay. The entrance is small and can only be entered on one’s belly, but once inside, the cavity is large enough to accommodate a fully sized person. The tale told to me that day is of the daring Dan O’Halloran from Inishbofin. He’s a big man, but has always curbed his muscles to his status. He and his father work and are subservient to their landlord. The skinny runt of a son of the overseer has mocked and goaded the well-built son of his father’s tenant for years. The significant confrontation occurs on the shore of the island. Dan cracks (whether he commits murder or merely “shows him a lesson” is unclear). What isn’t in doubt is that Dan needs to disappear. He takes a boat to the Renvyle peninsula where he is fed and watered by a sympathetic member of the Heanue family and shown to his quarters - the cave - where he remains

Page 32

mail coaches still only served the main centres and even in 1811 there were only around a dozen services. This service was much improved by the enterprising Charles Bianconi, who catered for the needs of a rising middle class who were involved in trade. These early tradespeople would have carried out much of their work by mail as roads were difficult and travel slow. Later the railways won Post Office contracts for the carriage of mail. Post to rural areas was greatly extended, not least by the efforts of the novelist Anthony Trollope who spent several years from 1841, working for the Post Office in Ireland. While here, he wrote his first novel ‘The Macdermots of Ballycloran’. He also met his wife and according to his own writings began to live a happy life. Gradually, the Post Office assumed a role as the principal, and generally benign, agent of Government throughout the country. After gaining independence in 1922, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs gradually took on a new role and carried out work for the Departments of Social Welfare and Finance. Meanwhile, deliveries in rural areas were extended, at first by use of bicycles, and later with the introduction of motorised transport. The extended range of the Department’s responsibilities in the 1970s led to plans for the break-up of the Department into two new State companies; one for telecommunications and the other for postal services. An Post was established in 1984 and it continues the tradition of the older service but also keeps up to date on new and rapidly changing technological developments. The rural post offices have been badly hit, but it is fortunate that the service in Leenane, and particularly this historic post box are still serving the community. Breandan O Scanaill

for almost a week. For four or ﬁve nights the authorities comb the area. Eventually they agree they have “lost” their perpetrator. Dan actually lived in the cavern for a year, eating and working with his host during the day, but returning to the security of his trogloditic existence each night, to safeguard his benefactor. Leaving Dan and his ghosts, we descend the hill (me on my bottom through St. Patrick’s accursed ferns and rushes), down through the gorge created by the outfall from the submerged river, to the bay where the eagles made their nest. A quarry remains which must have serviced Grainne Mhaoil in the building of her defences, battlements and castles. The ravens are swooping in and out of the rocky cave where eagles nested until the early 19th century. The double entrance looks like sockets of a skull, about 20ft above the tide, remote beyond all but the most intrepid climber. Descending the slope, we see numerous types of mushrooms. Paddy picks up a couple of “puﬀballs” and spreads the spores as we climb down. Huge caterpillars are basking in the late October sunshine. Paddy points out the myriad varieties of moss that co-exist on the hillside. He explains the medicinal properties of the damp clods, based on his childhood memories of cures administered by his mother in his youth. It has been an afternoon of myths and recollection, of truth and legend. I’m itching to get hold of a botanical/medical dictionary. I want the eagles to return to the Eagles Nest Pass. I’m half curious to understand the geology, archaeology and history of the valley and just as delighted to have been introduced to this unique microclimate through stories. If you want to see the true Connemara, put on the wellies and keep your eyes on where you’re walking. And take a native guide. Thank you, Paddy! Eithne Hannigan Photo left: Paddy Fitzpatrick at home. Photo above: The cave entrance.

November 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Work in the garden will be winding down about now. Most of the growth has stopped and it is time to tidy up and take stock. If you have been organized, you will have taken photographs of the garden throughout the year and perhaps noted the high points and more importantly the low ones. These are the things we need to tackle in the months and year ahead. With some idea of what has to be done, the task is a little easier and we can begin the planning. I like to begin with the wish list, thinking of everything I want to achieve but then being happy when only half or less of that list actually happens. To paraphrase the old saying, the journey can be better than the destination. I love the planning and the possibilities-the sky is the limit and it is lovely when you see the results of your labours. You may remember last year that I mentioned working on a rockery and new garden beds. These have matured very well and when I look out my window, it seems as if this area has always been there. The plants have ﬁlled out very nicely and everything has matured well. I know that it needs weeding and I will get this task out of the way in the near future. Of course removing the weeds will expose bare ground and it might not look as full, but it will be worth the eﬀort and next spring everything will burst forth once more. A number of people have asked me about trees which are suitable for wet or boggy ground. This is also allied with a question about trees for windy places. With the wet areas, the choice is slightly limited but I would suggest willow and alder as being the best option for these sites. There are a large number of willows and it is a matter of deciding what is best for you. Salix alba var

Business Notes

SEAI Registered Contractor Cleggan based building contractor Martin Courcey is now fully registered with SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) to carry out grant aided construction insulation work. He is now an approved SEAI contractor licensed to carry out dry-lining insulation, heating controls (upgrade only), high eﬃciency oil boiler with heating controls upgrades and roof insulation. For more information contact Martin at 095-44606 or 086-816-1885 or go to www.seai.ie.

Changes at The Oil Company The Oil Company, based in Clifden, will be one year in business in December and has now expanded its area of service to Galway city, Moycullen, Oughterard, Clonbur and Cornamona as well as the Connemara region. John Sweeney, formerly of Sweeney Oil is now at the helm of The Oil Company, reuniting with his former staﬀ. He has welcomed the large volume of local support for The Oil Company in its ﬁrst year, which has allowed its expansion and development as a local business providing an essential service to the region.

vitellina or the golden willow makes a tall stately tree, while Salix babylonica or weeping willow looks best over a wide stream or pool. Try either of these for a little bit of the exotic, whereas the Salix caprea or goat willow will bring a touch of the ordinary to your garden. Great care is needed in planting this tree as it spreads fairly quickly. The other suitable tree would be Alnus incana or grey alder. This is happy in wet and cold spots. It tends to spread but in areas like this that is not usually a problem. Another member of that family is Alnus glutinosa, or black alder. If the area you want to plant is damp rather than wet, holly or hazel will grow well in these conditions. Windy places are difficult for trees as they prefer some shelter but a few stand out. Eucalyptus gunnii or cider gum is worth planting as are most of the eucalyptus, although it can be difficult finding very many varieties. Sorbus aria, or Whitebeam, and Sorbus ancuparia or common mountain ashes make lovely trees. Both are hardy and do not mind some wind-even salt wind seems to have little effect. The sorbus family is fairly large and contains many beautiful trees. If you have a little shelter it would be no harm to try some of the more interesting ones. If you are in a very exposed site and you want shelter, you could try a number of pines including Pinus nigra and Pinus radiata. Both of these should grow, but keep a close eye on them until they are well established. High winds can literally tear the trees from the ground, especially if there has been heavy rain and the ground is soaking. I have been asked about a steep bank, which has no redeeming feature. The grass is untidy and difficult to keep. The site is good as there is very good sunshine. I would suggest that as the person has no time to spend looking after it, they should remove the grass and terrace the place. A fairly substantial wall will have to be built, either from blocks or stone. In this case I would suggest blocks, which could be rendered with rough plaster and painted to match the house. Behind this wall a terrace can be built and on this terrace a second

Historical Clothing Recreated Restoration expert and creator of historical garments Michele Thierbach has been busy of late, and has carried out restoration on three statues in the church in Finny. She has also recreated historical garments for an exhibition in Germany next year at the National Garden Show. (See photo). A sister from the Poor Clares order in Galway assisted Michele with the design of the garments and German television and newspapers will be carrying the story of the exhibition and Michele’s Connemara studio which is in Tullokyne, Moycullen. Photo courtesy of Michele Thierbach

Handmade Kylemore Chocolate

System 10 is a scientific based Weight Loss programme designed to correct your metabolism faults, which is now available in Clifden for the first time. Researched and created by Limerick dietician David McDonagh, System 10 uses 3 key combinations to effectively lose weight. Six and ten week plans are recommended for both men and women and private weigh ins, constant tracking and motivation is included at the weekly clinics. For more information, contact trained System 10 consultant Grace Joyce on 087-172-7882.

Since the closure of the school at Kylemore Abbey, the nuns of the Benedictine Order have found a new way to use the school’s facility and have begun to make handmade chocolate. Two sisters undertook formal courses in chocolate making and the extremely well suited kitchen of the former school is now the venue for a new locally made Connemara product. The chocolate is now on sale at the shop and restaurant at Kylemore Abbey where it has already proven very popular with the many visitors and locals who visit the Abbey throughout the year. It is also available to buy online at www.kylemoreabbey.com.

Connemara View Newspaper

November 2010

Lose Weight with System 10

wall then built. This will bring you up to the top of the slope. All this work should be undertaken by a competent worker however as it is not a job for a beginner. After filling in the space between the wall and bank, put down a weed suppressor or even cement the surface. Gravel may then be spread to cover whichever surface you choose. Pots of plants can be placed on this surface to break it up and to add colour. The beauty of the pots is that you can change them whenever they got tatty and each season can have a new theme. Talking of changing pots or containers, now is a good time to bring a bit of cheer to the garden. Window boxes and baskets which have finished flowering need renewing and it is a good idea to empty them out fully and give them a good cleaning before re-potting. Good rich compost will help. Make sure to put some good heavy stones in the base of the boxes, especially if they are going on exposed window ledges as the wind can blow them down very easily. If you have evergreen plants already in the pots, you can put them back and plant around them. If not, it is a good idea to use a few taller plants to add drama. Something like euonymus or variegated ivy will make the planting look a little more solid. Pansies, polyanthus or cyclamen are all good subjects for winter display. To make the display last longer, a few miniature bulbs like daffodils, tulips, iris or hyacinths can all be planted and they will add that surprise element when spring comes along. As I always say enjoy the work. Gardening shouldn’t be a chore-it can be hard work but you still should take pleasure in it. Happy Gardening. Breandan O Scanaill

Death Notices Leslie Acheson, Dunloughan, Ballyconneely Chris Cooke, Parishtown, Oughterard Mary Davis , Mannin, Ballyconneely John Faherty, Innis Nee, Roundstone & Late of The Irish Army Renmore Barracks Galway Delia Fitzpatrick, Dublin, & Rusheenduﬀ, Renvyle Alo Gallagher, Clonakilty, Cork & formally of Roundstone Mary Greaney, Derryloughane, Spiddal Michael Griﬃn, Boherbui, Carraroe Bridget Kane, Lettergesh East, Renvyle John Kearney, Mullaghgloss, Renvyle Mary Kate Lydon, (née Higgins), Drumaveg, Moycullen Terence Mullen, Ard ná Greevagh, Renvyle Danny O’Connell, Castletown, Leixlip, Co. Kildare and Ross Demesne, Rosscahill Mary Worley, Toombeola, Roundstone The Connemara View would like to extend sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. This list is compiled from various sources and we apologise for any errors or omissions.

Acknowledgement Thank you to all the people who supported the coﬀee morning for Galway Hospice held recently in the Claddaghduﬀ Hall. A total of €405 was raised. Jaqueline, Angela, Nancy, Gerry & Alice.

Page 33

NOvember Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) You will need to find out what is really going on this month. Some sneaking behind enemy lines may be required. Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Keep watching over your shoulder as there are some things coming up behind you that you need to keep a look out for. Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Don’t repeat past mistakes and if you get this right, it could be the best thing ever for you. Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) This is a good month for you to get away from everything and take stock of your situation in life. Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) You will be forced to play a balancing act this month, make sure you have the scales even. Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) You find out something that you are not meant to know. Make sure you back off when necessary. Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) Obstacles will get in your way this month so put back up plans into action to counter this. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Happy Birthday! Bring some nice things into your world and surround yourself with the things that make you happy. Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Happy Birthday! You will have to play your part in the things that are coming-if you play it cool good things will come to you as a result. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) This is your month to make it big Capricorn, so sit back and rake it all in. Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) You will need to keep your cool, keep your eyes and ears open and be discreet. Follow all instructions to the letter. Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Your firm conviction and relentless desire will see you through this month.

Tarot Your dreams from the past are scattered but a fantasy you have may become a reality. Opportunities are knocking on your door and you will be very productive in what you are working towards.You must watch for signs in the autumn and nature itself will show you the way to what you seek.

runes Powerful forces of change are at work in the here and now-there will be surprises that you cannot anticipate. You are being told to wait for the universe to make the ﬁrst move. Do not get carried away with yourself. Do not allow an oversight to get the better of you. Pay attention to clues from your past in order to circumvent blockages.

“Consider The Constant Cycle Of Life”

November DVD Releases Iron Man 2: Robert Downey Jr. returns to play Tony Stark in Iron Man 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 2008 superhero smash, Iron Man. In this sensational follow-up, Stark must become Iron Man once more and do battle with Whiplash and corporate rival Justin Hammer. Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johannson and Mickey Rourke. Get Him To The Greek: A record company intern is hired to accompany outof-control British rock star Aldous Snow to a concert at L.A.’s Greek Theater. Stars: Russell Brand and Jonah Hill. Predators: A bold new chapter in the Predator universe, shot under the creative auspices of Robert Rodriguez, tells the story of Royce, a mercenary who reluctantly leads a group

Page 34

of elite warriors who come to realize they’ve been brought together on an alien planet…as prey. Stars: Adrien Brody, Topher Grace and Alice Braga. How To Train Your Dragon: The story centres on a Viking teenager who lives on the island of Berk, where ﬁghting dragons is a way of life. Initiation is coming, and this is his one chance to prove his worthiness to his tribe and father. But when he encounters, and ultimately befriends, an injured dragon, his world is turned upside down.Stars: Gerard Butler and America Ferrara. The Karate Kid: With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the ﬁght of his life. Stars: Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.

The Sun is in the constellation of Libra for most of November. On November 23rd it crosses into the northern part of Scorpius, where it spends just a few days before moving on into Ophiuchus on November 30th. The Moon is New on Saturday November 6th but the new crescent won’t be visible in the SW at sunset until at least Monday 8th. After this, the crescent stays up later every evening as it widens. The Moon is Full on Sunday 21st in Taurus; that evening it will be close below the Pleiades or “Seven Sisters” star-cluster, though the cluster will be hard to see in the glare of the Moon. When it’s Full, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun so it rises in the north-east at sunset, shines throughout the night, and sets in the north-west at sunrise the following morning. The Moon will be New again on Sunday December 5th. Mercury is to the east of the Sun this month, but it sets only minutes after sunset. We’re unlikely to see this elusive little planet this month. Venus was at inferior conjunction, almost directly in front of the Sun, at the end of October. This month it starts to appear as the “Morning Star”. Any time from midNovember onwards, try looking to the SE before sunrise. Venus will be low down, but so intensely bright that it can be seen even in a twilight sky. In the telescope, the disc of Venus appears over 40 arc-seconds wide. Little detail can be made out, but it does show phases like the Moon. In late November it’s a very narrow crescent, barely 20% illuminated. Mars sets less than an hour after the Sun, so the “Red Planet” can’t be seen this month. Jupiter is the one planet to be seen during the night this month. At dusk, the giant planet is well up in the SE, and it’s due S in the middle of the evening. It looks like a very bright star, shining with a strong, steady light. Relative to the genuine stars, which are all much fainter, Jupiter is almost stationary in the constellation of Aquarius, near to its border with Pisces. Some of Jupiter’s four major moons may be seen, even in binoculars, as tiny points of light close to the planet. They are easiest to see at twilight, when the light from the planet itself is not so

dazzling. Sometimes only two or three of the moons may be visible, perhaps because one is passing in front of Jupiter, or hidden behind it. Throughout the night of Tuesday 16th November, our own gibbous Moon will appear close above Jupiter. Saturn is rising in the E in the early hours of the morning, and it is well up in the SE sky at dawn. Don’t confuse it with the planet Venus, which is lower down to the left, and very much brighter. Saturn looks like a bright star, though it shines with a steadier light. Relative to the stars, Saturn is moving very slowly SE in the constellation of Virgo. If you can find the Plough, hanging vertically high in the E, follow the curve of its handle down and right, to the bright star Arcturus. Saturn will be some 30 degrees further right, lower down than Arcturus and not quite as bright. At dawn on Wednesday 3rd, our own narrow waning Moon will be to the right of Saturn, and a little higher. The following morning, if you can still find the Moon, Saturn will be above it and a little to the left. Meteors: On any clear night, we may see the occasional meteor or “shooting-star”, as tiny specks of inter-planetary débris burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Sometimes the Earth travels through a cloud of this dust, and we get a meteor-shower. The Leonid meteor shower is generally active between November 15th and 20th. This year it will probably peak very early on Thursday November 18th. Shower meteors all seem to spread out from a single radiant point; for the Leonids, this point is within the “Sickle” of Leo. It rises in the east before midnight, but we won’t see many Leonid meteors until after midnight. Leonid meteors tend to be fast-moving, and the brighter ones often leave persistent trains. Around the peak we might hope to see one Leonid every five minutes or so. Unfortunately, this year there will be a lot of moonlight, which will drown out the fainter meteors. Meanwhile, sporadic (non-shower) meteors can be seen on any night, in any direction. Don’t forget to check out www.twodogcomputers.com for the Monthly Stars and also Pointer Stars to help you find objects in the Connemara night sky. Ciao for now! John Claró

Adopt a Loving Pet MADRA (Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue+Adoption) is based in Camus, Connemara and is a volunteer dog rescue and adoption group run by qualiﬁed dog trainers. In 2009, MADRA rescued over 600 dogs of all shapes and sizes in need of good homes and always have dogs looking for good homes. We think Lena is an Akita/Collie mix as she has that typical haughty stance and the Akita head, but she is not haughty in temperament at all! She is very friendly and is a tall, good looking girl with lovely markings and a thick furry coat. She will be an ideal companion for an active person who likes to bring their dog with them and include them in their lifestyle. She gets on well with people and other dogs so she will not embarrass you when out walking! Akitas can be very strong willed and although we have not seen this side to Lena, it is possible that she will need a ﬁrm hand and an owner with some dog experience. As with all our dogs, Lena will be microchipped, neutered and vaccinated for her new home. All our dogs also come with a free training session to get you and your new dog as ready as possible. Please check out our website www.madra.ie or call 086-814-9026/087 910 3101 for more info on Lena and some of our other pets-in-waiting.

November 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Alternative Energy & Plumbing 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. SEAI 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. SEAI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com. Liam Shannon Plumbing & Heating Contractor. SEI Registered contractor for Home Energy Savings Scheme. Specialists in oil, gas & renewable energy heating systems. Solar panels. Boiler maintenance/service. Sheeauns, Cleggan 086-248-8853. liamshannon@eircom.net.

Arts & 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. Connemara ArtLink is an online gallery showing work by local artists and crafts people. To visit the website go to www.connemaraartlink.com. Details of exhibitions and events available on the Connemara ArtLink Facebook page. Email: connemaraartlink@gmail.com. Proprietor Noreen Allen welcomes you all to her fabulous Clifden Antique Shop & Irish Art Gallery in the Station House Courtyard. Specialising in 18th & 19th century furniture etc... Antiques are the oldest ‘green’ in the business. You can enjoy beautiful pieces of Georgian furniture whilst knowing you have made a good investment. Paintings from names such as Cecil Maguire, Kenneth Webb, Maurice Wilkes. 095-22230. Roundstone Ceramics. Michael Killeen Park. Open daily 10am-5pm. We make a wide range of functional stoneware and unique hand decorated porcelain. We also make porcelain jewellery, all sold exclusively from our workshop. We welcome individual orders for commemorative pieces, house signs & original commissions. 095-35874. roundstonepottery@eircom.net. ekwi ART: Jill Acheson BA, MA, H.Dip. Specialising in animal and human portraiture from photos. Acrylic, oil & pencil. Paintings start at €50, drawings at €30. An Ideal gift idea! Email ekwiart@gmail.com or phone Jill on 086-106-9604.

Building Contractors

Carpentry Newman Carpentry Services. All carpentry work undertaken by experienced tradesman. Fitted doors, kitchens, stairs, decking, built in wardrobes, PVC fascia and soffit, wooden floors, 2nd fixing and general maintenance. Competitive rates – Display units made to order. Contact Paddy Newman on 086-316-5978 or 095-44931.

Coal €7.99, 40kg Smokeless €14.99, 20kg Smokeless €7.99. Also available Turf, Logs and Fire Starter packs. DK Heating & Plumbing, Oil and Gas, Services, Moycullen, Co. Galway. SEAI registered for Boiler Replacement and Heating Control Upgrade grants. We are also Registered Gas Installers and install, service, repair and commission Gas Boilers, Cookers etc. Call us for a free consultation and quotation, to replace your boiler and avail of the SEAI grant on 091-555281 or 086-400-6100. Diamonds Renvyle. For all your Farm & Home Heating Needs. Hay, Equi Haylage, Straw, Shavings, 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 throughout Connemara. Call 095-43486/43638.

Computers & IT

Catering A la Carty Catering: For all your home catering needs contact Joe and Olive Carty. 095-22842. 087-260-5961. alacartycatering@gmail.com.

Children Brats of All Ages. Market Street, Clifden. Order your Berg go-Kart now for Christmas. Now in stock childrens autumn/winter wear. Agents for Games Workshop, Berg, and Revell, leader in replica plastic kits since 1945 including Star Wars Revell Easy Kits & Airﬁx producers of a wide range of model kits. New for November large selection of Remote control toys now available.Christmas Club saving card now available! 095-22952.

Chimney Cleaning John Hynes Chimney Cleaning. Professional service for open ﬁres, ranges, stoves etc. Call John or Scott on 091-555-317. 087-231-5401.

Coal, Fuel & Oil

Education & Courses Beekeeping Course on Saturday November 20th, 27th and December 4th, 2-4.30pm at the VEC in Oughterard. Course price: €50. A Letterfrack course will be oﬀered in January. For more information contact Sheila Griﬃn on 087-249-8482 or Gerard Coyne on 095-44792.

Automotive D&N Auto Store. Galway Road. Full selection of oils for marine, motor and agriculture. Motor and tractor parts. Specialising in numberplates: custom, legal and personalised for weddings, hens, birthday’s etc. www.irishnumberplates.ie. Open Mon-Sat. 095-30615. 087-274-4165. info@irishnumberplates.ie.

Bike Rental Mannion’s Bikes. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160. Adult & children bikes (new & used), rentals, service and accessories. Order your bike now for Christmas. 10% of all bikes purchased in November. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 10am-12pm.

Books & Periodicals The Clifden Bookshop, Main St. Stockists of a wide selection of maps, walking books, guides, memoirs, local histories and an extensive range of latest titles, art materials, cards & stationery. Now stocking Connemara 2011 Calendar, exclusive to the Clifden Bookshop. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. 095-22020 Open Mon/Sat 10am - 6pm. Sun 11.30 -4.30pm. King’s Paper Shop, Main Street. Newspapers, magazines, lotto, greeting cards, postcards, stamps, toys, sweets, ice cream, gifts … and more! Contact 095-21119.

theConnemaraDirectory

The Oil Company. The local call for your home heating oil. Call Clifden 095-22636 or Galway 091-555-999 or see www.theoilcompany.ie. The Coalman. 40kgs Champion Coal €15.50, 40kgs Black Diamond Coal €14.50, Bales of Peat Briquettes €3.70. Free delivery direct to your door throughout Connemara (minimum order 2 bags) For orders call 087-970-7609 after 6pm. Clifden Fruit & Veg. Main Street. 086-836-5864. Polish Briquettes €2.99, 40kg Polish Coal €14.99, 20kg Polish

November 2010

Page 35

Education & Courses Tiny Tots Ballet Classes available for ages 2-4; basic ballet steps, free movement, doll and teddy dances, scarf play and nursery rhymes, Saturday Mornings 11-11.30am. Cost €5 per child. Free Refreshments for parents during class. Ballet Barre for Adults New Fitness regime of Kelly Osborne. Classic training of Ballet. Starting Soon. All at Yellow Door Studio, Platform One The Station House Courtyard call Elaine 085-154-4664 “Dusty Banjos” Trad session for learners (adults). Learn tunes, play music with other people. Friendly relaxed atmosphere, slow pace. Suit all melody instruments. €5/ night. Tuesdays 7.30pm – The Bens Music Shop, Clifden. Info – Heather: 095-44845. New faces always welcome! Shooting Lessons: From the complete novice to the most experienced gun with Shane Bisgood. Coaching for over 30 years in Ireland & the Americas. Call 086-279-5118 or email: shanebisgood@eircom.net.

Employment & Opportunities Renew Spa & Beauty have a vacancy for a beauty/massage therapist. Please contact Rose on 087-245-0577. Housekeeper required outside Clifden. Car required. Daily during high season. Twice a week low season. 087-229-9867. Pub staﬀ required for busy Irish pub in Naples, Florida, U.S.A. For details contact Paddy Yank McDonagh. 001-239-370-8343. paddyyank@yahoo.com.

Farming

Diamonds of Renvyle, 095-43486 Farm supplies - Animal feeds - Builders supplies – Free delivery throughout Connemara. Diamonds Equestrian Centre & Connemara Pony Farm, www.theconnemarapony.com Home of many prizewinning Connemara ponies. Ride the Renvyle Peninsula on horseback: beach, mountain & bog trails. Top Class Connemara ponies for sale. Traditional breeds of laying hens for sale. Delivering in the Connemara area the 2nd Saturday of November. Order your pullets on 087 136-9714. Calves/Weanlings/Cattle dehorning and castration services available. All animals done under local anaesthetic with minimal pain, stress or blood loss to the animal. Tagging, dosing, vaccination, boluses etc also administered on request. Please call Donal Staunton on 087-992-2301. Get Henpecked! Coops & runs for your chickens. Visit our website at www.henpecked.ie or call Brian Casey in Cleggan on 087-249-8097 or 095-44924.

have just arrived with amazing party dresses, velvets, silks, everything you will need for the Festive Season.Call 095 21526 or see www.designplatform.ie Gifts by Grace. Courthouse Square, Clifden. 095-22101. Great offers running up to Christmas: Newgrange set of 6 Wine glasses were €39.99 now €29.99. Set of 3 Candleholders were €39.99 NOW €29.99. Waisted Vase was €34.99 Now: €24.99. Party Pack of 4 wine were €29.99 Now: €19.99.. AND lots more instore. Join our Christmas Club and spread the cost of Christmas PLUS enter draw for €100 Newbridge Voucher. Got your Loyalty Card yet - Great savings to be had throughout the store with it!! Hehirs Woollen Store & Design Studio. Market Street, Clifden. Winter boots, winter coats & all your winter fashion needs now in stock! A wide variety at great prices with personal service… call in and have a look or see us on Facebook “Hehirs, Clifden”! Open Monday-Saturday till 7pm and Sundays 12-4pm . 095-21282. La Femme Bleue will reopen in June 2011. Lowry’s Sweater Shop, Market Street. 095-21139. Everything you need for a Warm Cosy Winter! Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Jumpers, Jackets, Stylish Tunics and accessories for all occasions. Millars, Main Street. Lifestyle and fashion store where emphasis is on style and affordability. Warm winter dressing with cashmere and wool coats. Stocking Labels such as Charli, Paul Costello, Oska, Staff plus much more… For the discerning Man, exclusive in Ireland to Millars ‘Gentleman Farmer’. Contact 095-21038 or millarsconnemara@gmail.com. O’Dalaigh Jewellers, Main Street, 095-22119. Unique Jewelry handcrafted in the spirit of the Celts and an extensive range of contemporary Jewellery. Great Christmas gift ideas now in store. www.celticimpressions.com. Ohh! By Gum is gearing up for Christmas - Orders taken for the beautiful Organic Cotton Childrenswear. Knitting circle has started Mon mornings 10-12 - all welcome! New deliveries every week and deposits taken for Christmas. Ohh! By Gum - something for everyone! Clifden Station House Courtyard. 095-21334. Passenger Boutique. The Square, 095-22770. Cutting edge fashion and an extensive range of national and international designer labels such as Josh Goot, Emé Vandal, Kenzo, Oliva Rubin. Image Magazine Best Boutique 2009 award winner. Stylist available instore. Stanley’s. Market Street, Clifden. 095-21039. New autumn Fit Flop range now in stock! Ladies Ryker boots from €65 and why not buy your feet a gift for Christmas with some EMU sheepskin boots! So comfy you won’t want to take them off! Full range now in store.

Page 36

Gifts & Home Furnishings

Financial / Legal

Fashion & Accessories Belle Blu. Market Street. 095-21321. sales@belleblu. com. Sale Now On: Yummie Tummies 20% of all styles and sizes, Kid’s Beading Kits and Accessories 20% off, Sunglasses 50% off, Foxy Jewellery 20% off, Hip Chic Couture Watches 50% off, Evening Bags 50% off. Great Christmas Gift Ideas now in Store. Opening Hours 11-6 Mon-Sat or shop online at www.belleblu.com. The Connemara Pony Company. Market St, Clifden. Exclusive Connemara Pony Ireland clothing. Everything for the pony and rider. Baby and childrens clothing. Feed, wormers, tack, and riding wear. Embroidery service for clubs, restaurants etc. or personalise your gifts. No order too large or small. 095-30779 or 085-771-6322. info@theconnemaraponycompany.com. Design Platform,”Fashion without Limits” in the Clifden Station House Courtyard. The key phrase this season is ‘Affordable Luxury’ Now instore new labels such as DAISY MAY where the emphasis is not just on style but also on affordability. The Noa Noa pre Christmas collections

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. Connemara Hamper. Lower Market Street, 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. Winter Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 10-5pm. 095-21054. Des Moran Family Butchers. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21232. Home of the national award winning sausages, white pudding and black pudding. Catering to all of your meat and poultry needs. Duanes Fish Shop. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21804. Large variety of locally caught fresh fish and shell fish. Fresh crab. Live lobster. Fresh oysters. Connemara Smokehouse smoked products. Special offers weekly. Tues-Sat 10-6pm and Monday 12-6pm. Jagur Organic. Get you organic fruit and vegetables from your local organic grower. Available in the Countryshop Letterfrack and the Connemara Hamper, Clifden. From October 2010 to April 2011 we will have no market stall at Clifden Square. You can visit us on our farm and buy direct from the farm. Call Linda or Vincent at 095-44855. SuperValu. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm. Friday 8am-10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 9am-7pm.

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. Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. Clifden Office: 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.

Food & Wine An Bhean Feasa Health Store. Market Street, Clifden. Organic wholefoods, nutritional supplements, herbs, natural remedies, organic face and body care. 095-30671.

November 2010

Homeware Plus. The Square, Clifden. 095-21348. Everything at discount prices!! Homewares, gardening supplies, toys. Gach rud ar phraghas iontach, taobh le SuperValu. Teach & Baile Furniture. 087-280-3563. “Quality everyday furniture at great prices” Why not renew your mattresses ready for those long Winter nights, quality Mattresses from only €100! Christmas products are now available in store. Walsh’s Emporium, Market Street. 095-21041. In store draw for November for every €25 spent entry into draw for canteen of Newbridge cutlery steak knives & forks. Fine bone china mugs were €24.95 now €19.95 for set of 6. Now in Stock: Christmas Decorations, gifts, Newbridge Jewellery, children’s gifts, accessories and items for the home. Websavers, Moycullen (Opposite SuperValu). Real value every day. Stocking: Homeware, Hardware, Electrical, Toys, Stationery, Toiletries plus many Gift Items. Whistlestop “Gifts & Interiors”. Clifden Station House Courtyard. 095-21532. 086-230-4210. whistlestop@ eircom.net www.whistlestop.ie. Exciting gift & home accessory ideas for the Festive season. Fabulous Red and Linen colour Table runners, tablecloths, placemats, napkins etc. by Swedish co. Linum, already selling really well with new lower price point! 6 new designs to our Danish Oil Cloth range. Hand made Murano glass jewellery just arrived from Venice. We have lots of stocking ﬁller gifts for kids and adults from €1.50! We are very happy to take deposits and set up easy-pay for Christmas.

theConnemaraDirectory

Gutters Gannon Gutters. Ivan Gannon. Roscahill. 087-777-0903

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. Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30pm. Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30pm. Fridays, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays, Clifden Day Centre 12 noon. Clifden Citizens Information Centre. Free and confidential service to the public. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-22000. 087-130-1100. Thurs 7-8pm. Friday 10.30am- 3.30pm. Connemara Community Radio. Letterfrack. 095-41616. Connemara View Newspaper. Clifden. 095-22888. AWARE Depression Support Group meetings take place at the FORUM Office (upstairs), Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on the 1st Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact Margaret 095-21741 afternoons except Tuesday for more details.

Insulation West Coast Insulation. Your local cavity wall and attic insulation specialists. Eco bead Platinum. Special Oﬀer: Free BER Assessment . Grants available. Call us on 087142-1414. Patrick & John Folan, Letterfrack. westcoastinsulations@gmail.com. Martin Courcey Construction Ltd. Knockbrack, Cleggan. SEAI registered contractor for dry-Lining Insulation, attic and roof Insulation. Grants available. Call 095-44606 or 086-816-1885. mcourceyconstruction@yahoo.co.uk

Items to Buy, Sell or Rent Sell Your Gold locally without risking the post in a secure retail environment in Clifden. Gifts by Grace is the local agent for goldparty.ie and the staff have been professionally trained to assay, evaluate and weigh your precious gold items so that you can turn them into cash. Contact Grace Joyce to arrange a private and confidential appointment. Gifts by Grace, Courthouse Square, Clifden. 095-22101 or see www.goldparty.ie. For Sale: 00 Toyota Corolla NCT till December 2012. New tyres, battery and fully serviced €1,800. Call Keith on 086-199-2888. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095-21219. Waterford Stanley Superstar Oil Range Donard 60 Black, in excellent condition, heat up to 12 radiators. Can also be used for cooking. Genuine reason for selling. €4,000 ono. Only serious offers considered.Contact 087-943-0912 For Sale: Honda Big Red 300 Quad, new tyres €1,800. Call Keith on 087-988-6514. For Sale: 2005 Yamaha 450 Kodiak. Fully services. €3,750. Call Keith on 087-988-6514.

inside a blue and white box. The box with leads is inside a red plastic carrier bag, the leads have the letter O on them in tippex. There is a stand with them also. This was left into Foyles on Saturday 18th September for Clifden Writers’ Group. It is possible with all the gear around that week that it got packed up by mistake. Would all musicians around then kindly check as it has sentimental value for the owner. Any information to Olive on 095-41637.

Office Supplies & Photocopying

for a terrier cross puppy. For more details, please call Babs on 086-354-2451 from 6-7.30pm.

Photography & DVD Services Professional Connemara based photographer available for all occasions. Weddings, family portraits, functions and corporate events. Ideal packages for wedding couples on a budget. Text or call 086-046-5542 for rates or see www. martinmaguirestills.com. Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033. VHS to DVD transfer. Disc repair: 5 discs repaired for €10. Photos restored, rescued & reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to CD, ready for print. Open 7 day.

Video Vault, Main Street, 095-22033. More than just movies. A4 and A3 colour photocopying. Internet access, VHS / camcorder transfer to DVD, faxing, laminating and disc repair. Open 7 days until late. King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. A4 and A3 colour photocopying. Faxing. Laminating. Extensive selection of oﬃce supplies.

Painting 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.

Pets, Animals & Ponies Connolly’s Boarding Cattery near Rossaveal. Open all year for long or short stays. Designed for the safety and comfort of cats following FAB guidelines. All cats must be vaccinated and males neutered. Tel. Maureen on 086-398-8179 or 091-572-000 or visit www.purr.ie. Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue are looking for a good home

Local Books Historical Sketchbook: Listed Buildings of Connemara. Vol. 1: Connemara Heritage book by local historian Breandan O Scanaill and illustrated by local artist Lol Hardiman. Available from Clifden Bookshop or online at www.connemaraview.com. New Book: Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising ‘My Great Walk Across Ireland’ by Daniel Sammon. www. walkacrossireland.com. 095-43492 or 087-260-2717. Second edition of ‘Recipes from the Connemara Loop’ . The book contains stunning pictures & makes a very affordable gift or keepsake. €2.95. Available from outlets along the Connemara Loop. Order on-line from www. goconnemara.com. All proceeds from the sale of this book are invested back into the Connemara Loop.

Plant Hire

Locksmith Need your locks changed? Give Martin Casey a call on 087-276-6924.

Metalworks Joyce Steelworks, Moyard. Industrial and General Engineering. Wrought Iron Gates, Railings, Balconies, Doors, Conservatives steel, Light structure steel, Fire Escape, Carport etc… Call 086-890-3166.

Missing During Arts Week: A black microphone in a black pouch

theConnemaraDirectory

November 2010

Page 37

Plastering & Tiling

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.

ences available. Package includes 4 copies of the edited video. Packages to suit every budget. Renvyle. 095-43756. 086-406-2394. email: ﬁddisco@mac.com www.ﬁddisco.com.

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.

Septic Tanks

Welding

Septic tank emptied: All areas covered. 086-379-1015 (24 Hour Service). Permit number: WCP-M0-10-6050-01.

Properties

Signs

Mobile Welding Service: Marine and industrial repairs general fabrication, sheds, cladding, rooﬁng, gates, doors, ailings etc… Contact John Kelly on Mob: 087-150-2705, Days: 095-44750 Evening: 095-44800.

Commercial premises/professional rooms to let. Clifden Town. Two separate well-appointed premises to let (840 sq. ft. and 420 sq. ft). Prominent location in town. Each premises includes reception, office/consulting rooms, storeroom and toilet. Ideal for professional rooms. Larger unit would also suit retail or office use. Available immediately. Enquiries to 095-21066 (Sinead) or 095-21888 (Martina). 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. House to let. 3 Bedrooms, Quiet Location, Private Parking, Rear Garden. 5 minutes from Town. Long term preferred. Contact 086-166-5278. 1 Bedroom Chalet to rent. Suit couple or single person. Available from 1st November. Rent reasonable. Please call 087-653-9184 for more details. To let: spacious 4 bed bungalow in Moyard, excellent condition all mod con., furnished/unfurnished, family or shared, reasonable rent, call 095-41048 Book now for your Building Energy Rating certificate. Buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. 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 property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com. Selling your house, renting long-term or applying for SEAI Grants? Then you must have a Building Energy Rating. Contact Oliver Coyne today! 095-35813. 086-238-4195. olivercoyne@gmail.com. Listed on the SEAI Register of BER assessors.

Public Notices

Quads

Traditional Irish sign writing by ‘Studio Nicholas Connemara’. Moycullen-Tullokyne. www.studio-michele.com. www.nicholas-antiques.com. 091-556-735. 087-220-3898.

Windows

Taxi Service

Connemara View Newspaper Tyres Omey Tyres. Connemara’s 1st complete mobile tyre ﬁtting centre. Recession beater: Wholesale prices on new tyres. Best prices guaranteed. 24 Hour - 7 Days. Service throughout Connemara. Now stocking wipers, bulbs, batteries and oil. Contact Daniel Ryan on 095-44979 / 086-831-3462 or omeytyres@hotmail.com.

TV/Satellite/Broadband Free to to air satellite service from Harrington Electrical Connemara. Full standard installation with box and dish €160. Hundreds of free to air channels. Call Paul on 087-144-1118 or see harringtonselectrical.com. Wireless broadband. Aerial and satellite installation and repair. Peter Keane, Clifden. 095-21827. 087-668-7468.

Websites

7,500 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888 087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor: Catherine Pryce Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Advertising/Admin: Paula Bann Contributors:

Website Design: Creative, professional and aﬀordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack. To view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign.com. Phone Caroline Herriott on 086-079-1918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com. Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Bridge St. 09522194. 086-404-3125. Website design & development.

Wedding Services

John Amenhauser, Anne Marie Bennett, Tom Broderick, Fr. Gerry Burns, Cyril Byrne, Peter Carey, Judy Cazabon, John Cláro, Brid Connell, Charles Conneely, Dorothy Conneely, Mary Connolly, Martin Courcey, Colleen Curran, Priscilla Diamond, Richard De Stacpoole, Kathleen Dolly, Catherine Faherty, Marina Fiddler, Marissa Faherty, Bridie Flaherty, Paul Gannon, Leo Hallissey, Rosemary Hanley, Eithne Hannigan, Padraic Heanue, Michele Hehir, Noreen Higgins, Gerd & Marita Holey, Patrick Howard, Laurence Ingelbach, Bernie Jeﬀ ries, P.K. Joyce, Cathy Keane, Lisa King, Judy Lawrence, Padraic Lyden, Brendan Madden, Declan Mannion, Karen Mannion, Sinead McDonnell, Eamonn McLoughlin Jnr, Ann Mitchell, Roisin Nee, Luigi van Nieuwenburg, Enda Noone, Breandan O Scanaill, Maurice O Scanaill, Matt O’Sullivan, Harry O’ Toole, Brendan Ridge, Ruth Rogers, Brigid Sealy, Margaret Sheehan, Harry Walsh, Josephine Wallace, Marie Walsh, Declan Weir. Plus many local schools, groups & organisations. Photography by staﬀ unless credited otherwise.

Next Issue: Thursday, December 2nd

Restorations Church-Castle and Monument. Architectural and ecclesiastical restoration and conservation. 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. Sandblasting and metal engineering works etc. Purchasing-Statue showroom. Michele Thierbach G.R.A.D. www.ars-ecclesia. com. 091-556-735.

Sand, Gravel & Stone Corbett Stone. Natural Connemara building stone. 095-21744. 086-247-5619. www.corbettstone.com. Cut stone by the bag or hand picked at rock bottom prices. Any

Page 38

Vintage and modern cars available for weddings, social or corporate travel and airport transfers. Our rare and unique cars are fully PSV licensed and insured. Special midweek rates. Visit our website or call us on 091-506-896 or 087-990-2294. www.getawaylimos.com. Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. Professional, friendly service. Two camera operators digitally capture your big day while blending into the background. Portfolio and refer-

November 2010

Ad Space Reservation Deadline November 18th News Deadline: November 24th Directory Classified Deadline November 24th

095-22888 www.connemaraview.com theConnemaraDirectory

Fitness PK1 Kickboxing & Connemara Judo Club, Ross, Moyard. Monday: Women self defense classes 8-9pm. Tuesday: Boys kickboxing U18yrs 7-8pm, Mens kickboxing 18yrs+ 8-9pm. Wednesday: Girls kickboxing U18yrs 7-8pm, Womens kickboxing 18yrs+ 8-9pm. Thursday: Tumble Judo U6yrs 5-6pm, Judo for 6-12yrs 6-7pm, Adults Judo 7-8pm and mixed adults kickboxing 8-9pm. €25 a month. Call Luigi on 087-053-3267. Martial art classes at the Connemara Judo Academy in the Clifden Town Hall on Saturdays, we cater for children from 7yrs to 14yrs, youth and adults 15yrs to 60 yrs, contact Paraic on 086-356-5590, or enrol for classes on Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm in the Clifden Town Hall. Clifden Station House Leisure Centre. 095-30433. leisure@ clifdenstationhouse.com. Fitness classes (open to non members): swimming lessons, Aqua aerobics, circuit training, Pilates, personal training. Contact 095-30433 or email leisure@clifdenstationhouse.com.

Beauty

Health Store

Anna’s Nail Bar & Tanning Salon. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-30001. Autumn offer: File and polish for hands & feet ONLY €25. Vibroplate – One hour workout in 10 minutes just €5. Wow Brown full body spray tan €30. Shellac! UV colour coat that lasts at least 2 weeks ! Only €30. Open Wed to Sat 10-5pm. Late evenings by appt. The Diamond Hair Studio, Letterfrack,. 095-41999. New colour range Tigi Colour. Wide range of products: Matrix, Goldwell, Bed Head Tigi, Cloud Nine… all at affordable prices! Christmas Club now open. Catering for weddings, debs and parties. Open Tues to Sat 9.30-6pm. Hair Gallery, Bridge St, 095-21901. Exciting new warm tones for autumn: Chocolate, amber, browns and caramels. GHD Box sets as seen on X-factor – Limited offer. Now available Christmas Gift vouchers and Product Gift box sets. Open Mon to Sat 9.30-6pm (Mon by appt, late night Thurs and Fri by appt). Call in for a free consultation. Sior Og Skincare & Beauty Clinic, 1 Aras Ghuaire, Letterfrack. The Skin Specialist: November 17th specialising in Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Sorosis plus much more. Limited spaces. 26th November 5-8pm: Know Your Zones: Free Dermalogica Face Mapping® & Skin Analysis Promotions on products in Salon throughout the evening. Product lines include Dermalogica, CND, Shellac, MAC MakeUp, Fake Bake spray tan, Cosmetic Bright Teeth whitening system. Open Tues to Sat 10-6pm. Late opening Fri until 8pm. 095-41856. 086-386-3296. The Treatment Rooms at Abbeyglen Castle, Sky Rd, Clifden. Hot stone massage, indian head massage, reflexology, Zen spa pedicure/manicure, waxing and California tanning. 15% off all treatments every Wednesday, Shellac €30 and Yonka facial plus free starter pack €65. Open 9-6 Mon to Sat. Sun 12-5. Non residents welcome. 095-21306.

Cancer Care 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.

sive. These powerful energies can heal one on the mental, emotional, spiritual & physical levels. Qualiﬁed Reiki / Seichem master & practitioner. Call Yvonne for appointment. 086-365-3266.

Courses / Seminars 5 Rhythms Movement Meditation Practice with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphádraig. Workshop retreats at the Tranquillity Room, Kylemore Pass Hotel: The ﬁve rhythms are explored deeply and purposefully, allowing the dancer to identify how they relate to their individual body, mind, heart and spirit. For more information contact: Deora Dé, Finisglen, Recess, Connemara. 095-34664 or info@deorade.com or see www.deorade.com. Connemara Breakthrough Retreats can help individuals, couples or small groups to plan and create a positive and exciting future. Introductory workshop on Thursday November 18th at the Station House Hotel from 7:30-9:30pm. €10. Contact Carol Passermard on 087-141-3026. www.breakthroughretreat.com.

Health Insurance 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 091-586-500 or call Helena on 086-809-5607. Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator.

Opticians Ní Ráighne Opticians, Bridge Street, Clifden. 095-30995. niraighneopticians@eircom.net. For 1 month only we are oﬀering a free contact lens trial to everyone which includes a consultation with the optician to discuss which lenses would suit you best, ﬁtting of the contact lenses, teaching you how to care for your lenses and free trial lenses.

Weight Loss

Counselling Counselling and psychotherapy. Úna McKeeve M.Sc., M.I.A.H.I.P., M.I.A.C.P. is a fully accredited Psychotherapist/Counsellor who oﬀers private and conﬁdential counselling. For an appointment call 087-250-5015. Email: unamckeever21@gmail.com. Psychotherapy and counselling, diploma in psychotherapy. For further enquires or appointments contact Monica Lydon on 087-641-1625 or monicalydon@hotmail.com.

Dental Clifden Dental Practice Station House Complex. 095-22731.Dental treatment and maintenance of oral health for all the family. Scale and polish €40 for medical card and PRSI patients. Tooth whitening, crowns, replacement of teeth with implants, bridges or dentures.

Complementary Health Bio Energy Healing. Physical, mental & emotional dis-ease shows up as resistance in our energy ﬁeld. Bio Energy Healing helps re-establish your own natural healing process through releasing energy blockages in and around the body. Four day treatment €200 in Moycullen or Clifden. Contact Jason 085-770-7237 or jason@dreaminglove.net Damien Stoney. Neuromuscular Therapist ANMPT. Sports, deep tissue & relaxation massage, dry needling, physical therapy. Change sensations in your body. 087-125-2578. Reiki / Seichem. Experience the calm & healing energies of this beautiful treatment, which is drug free & non-inva-

theConnemaraDirectory

November 2010

Page 39

Page 40

November 2010

Connemara View Newspaper