September 2009 Connemara View by Connemara View Publishing

New Puissance Event at Clifden Show A Jumping Sensation The ﬁrst ever Puissance event as part of the Clifden Connemara Pony Performance Day was a fantastic hit with the crowds who gathered in great numbers to see a selection of ponies impress and awe with their jumping abilities. As the wall crept up, round

Foreign Investment Goes Foul

by round, to an eventual height of 1.46m, onlookers gasped at the exciting spectacle. In the end, two competitors and their magniﬁcent ponies completed the ﬁve rounds, clearing their targets in style to become joint winners. They were Bobby Sparrow Blue, a 14 year old stallion ridden by John

They are currently suing Shammand Kuldip Maharaj, CEO of Buena Vista Corporation, for non-performance. The reported $15m (approx €10.5m) investment by the Irish group is understood to have been the startA court case has been initiated in Florida, USA inup funding for the project with the rest to be raised in volving a number of Connemara locals including AIB ﬁnancial institutions. Conversely, Mr. Maharaj alleges Clifden Manager Declan Maher and Clifden accounin an August 30th Sunday Times article that Maher and tant and businessman Kevin Barry. Barry were responsible for the delay claiming that they The case revolves around a multi-million dollar venture to develop 100 holiday villas on a site next to did not have the necessary funding lined up for the Disneyworld, Florida. project to continue. It has been reported in national media that 11 Irish inThe Connemara View has endeavoured to get comvestors, including Maher and Barry, are now suing a U.S. ments from Maher and Barry without success. Internet based businessman who they say has failed to deliver on research on Maharaj provided very sparse information the investment made by their syndicate. Other Connewith the exception of public records on his incorporated mara investors include Josie Conneely and Brian Hughes. ventures. Continued on page 4

Walsh and 7 year old gelding Glenford Scot ridden by Charlotte O’Callaghan. The sequence of photos above (view from right to left) shows the ﬁnal round by Bobby Sparrow Blue. For more pony results see Page 13.

REGIONAL

Fate To Top

John Sweeney’s oil distribution business Fate Park Limited, which has been in examinership since April, has been bought by Top Oil, which is owned by the Tedcastles Group, in a deal for approximately €12m. The examiner’s survival plan was approved by the High Court on August 19th. Under the plans, Fate Park Ltd trading as Sweeney Oil, and a related company Castlebar Oil Company Ltd, will be completely taken over by fuel company Tedcastle Holdings, in return for a €12m investment. The survival plan stipulates that the directors of Fate Park, including its founder John Sweeney, will resign and be replaced by representatives of the new owners. The scheme was also approved by the Competition Authority, due to the fact that Tedcastles is taking over the company. Counsel for the examiner said the scheme contained proof that creditors would do better from the continuation of the business than they would if it were wound up. However counsel for Topaz which is owed €4.2m, one of a number of unsecured creditors also including Esso, objected to the scheme for a number of reasons, but particularly because it envisaged the writing oﬀ of the amount of €27m of debt owed to Fate Park by some of its subsidiary companies. However, presiding Mr Justice Hedigan said the grounds raised were not suﬃcient to reject the proposals. It is expected that the deal will save over

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100 jobs currently provided by Fate Park which distributes 200 million litres of oil and petrol through a network of 15 locations in the west and northwest. Fate Park, employs 105 people - 50 of which are drivers. It also has 16 depots, 65 trucks, two petrol stations and 15% of the market share in Connacht. John Sweeney also owns the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Galway, the Station House Hotel in Clifden as well as a signiﬁcant interest in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

Aldi Clifden Opens

Curious shoppers converged on the new Aldi store at Galway road, Clifden on the morning of Thursday August 27th. Aldi is now the second large discount supermarket retailer to open a store in Clifden. The ﬁrst customers on the day were presented with balloons and goodie bags by Store manager John O ‘Regan. Photo: The ﬁrst customers of Aldi Clifden (l-r): Emma Conneely, Caylem Young, Kelsi

Young and Gemma Walsh with Store Manager John O ‘Regan.

Youthreach Distinctions

Amazing results were recently achieved by Youthreach Letterfrack’s Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) students, Paul Duffy, David Spillane, Fiona Purcell and Nigel Kane. All four candidates were awarded a Distinction result, having achieved between 85-100% and 170-200 credits in their final examinations. The Leaving Certificate Applied programme is a two year practical course, comprising of three equally important elements; a 90% attendance of each module; an assessment of course work and projects, which are examined by Department of Education and Science Examiners and terminal subject examinations, through which students can gain credits towards their LCA result. The continuous assessment takes the pressure off the final examinations, as LCA students are able to monitor their progress throughout the two year period. Paul, David, Fiona and Nigel have joined an elite group of Early School Leavers, who have gradu-

September 2009

ated from the Letterfrack Youthreach programme with a Leaving Certiﬁcate. These four young people are hoping to ride out the recession by continuing their education and hope to go on to complete FETAC, level 5

courses in Information Technology, Engineering and Childcare. Youthreach is a person centered holistic Education and Training programme for young people between 15-20 years, offering FETAC level 3, 4 and 5, in a variety of vocational skills, also ECDL and the Leaving Certificate Applied. For further information on Youthreach, FETAC and the Leaving Certificate Applied programme, contact Theresa McLoughlin, Course Coordinator, at tmcloughlin@cogalvec.ie, 095 41893 or www.youthreachletterfrack.com. Photo: Youthreach Letterfrack’s LCA Distinction students Paul Duffy, David Spillane, Fiona Purcell and Nigel Kane. Photo courtesy of Youthreach Letterfrack

Connemara View Newspaper

Further Education at Community School Since the late 1980’s Clifden Community School has provided further education to adults and Post Leaving Cert Students in the West Connemara area. It has built up a strong tradition in equipping its students with vocational skills, particularly in its Information Technology and Business courses. Participants are equipped with invaluable practical and transferable skills that will remain with them for life. These skills significantly enhance the employment prospects of participants. Over the years, most of the graduates of these courses have progressed directly into employment. A significant number have also progressed to further education. Indeed, some participants have deferred their entry to third level in order to participate in the course and to build up a body of practical skills. The courses are all modular based which enable the student to choose a combination suitable to their needs. A range of certification is available including FETAC, PITMAN and ECDL. The school is holding an open evening next Wednesday September 9th from 4:30 to 7:30pm. This is a drop in session for anyone interested in finding out more about what is on offer. Information can also be obtained by phoning the school anytime on (095) 21184.

New School Cycle Track A new cycle track has been added to the footpath between Clifden town and the Community school. The school took part in a survey earlier this year called ‘Transforming Travel to School’ by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and the Green Schools Programme which found that 0% of students cycled to or from school. The survey concluded that 70% travelled by bus, 20% by car and 10% walked, so the option for students to cycle to school has now been improved with this cycle lane.

to attend to discuss the situation now and going forward. We especially wish to invite parents of children in the national schools and pre schools throughout Connemara to attend, as this campaign ultimately affects these families. CSI: Clifden now has its own dedicated website – www.csiclifden.com Please log on for news updates and to express any views or comments. There is also a link to the website through the Connemara View website. A Public Meeting will be held on 1st October in the Station House at 8pm. All local representatives, TDs and Senators are being invited to attend. This will give all of us the opportunity to express our concerns over the urgent need to progress the school to “build” stage. Full details will be outlined / discussed / suggested at our meeting on the 14th September.A word of thanks to Joe Lynch, all the staff in Supervalu and everyone who volunteered for the bag packing day last month. We wish to welcome Dr Liam Bolger as principal of the Community School and wish him well in his new position. Also thanks to Dr James Mungovan for his involvement with CSI Clifden and best wishes for a long and happy retirement. We hope that the continuing efforts of CSI Clifden, which relies on the involvement of everyone in the community will ensure that we reach our goal sooner rather than later. Photo: CSI Members and supporters of CSI Clifden with Padraig McCormack T.D. and Cllr Eileen Mannion at the meeting of August 12th. Photo courtesy of Brendan Madden

by Mick McGann, a counsellor/psychotherapist with extensive Human Resource management experience.Topics include: Communication Styles and how to develop a more assertive communication style, How to manage Anxiety, Panic attacks and Stress, How to reduce Procrastination and improve Motivation, How to recognise and change Negative Automatic Thinking, Mindfulness – how we get distracted daily and how to manage difficulties better, How to cope with Irritability and Anger over setbacks in life. This series of workshops will run for 8 weeks starting in September. Dates, time and venue to be confirmed. Limited spaces available for this programme. Please contact Margaret Sheehan at the FORUM office in Clifden on 095 21741.

GMIT Furniture Exhibition 2009 The exhibition of work by students of GMIT Letterfrack was a great success this year, with more visitors than in previous years, according to those manning the exhibition throughout its run. The exhibition concluded on Sunday August 30th with an Open Day of the workshop where visitors could

15th WaterSports Day Success Between 800 and 900 people, both young and old attended Connemara’s 15th annual Watersports Day at Glassilaun Beach on Sunday August 9th- and it was a dry day! The day would not have been possible without all of the workers, sponsors, and everyone who contributed in any way, especially the children – those who coloured our posters and those who came to have fun. We raised €4,100 for CARI, Children at Risk Ireland. CARI works with sexually abused children and it is great to be able to help such a Charity. We had a wonderful time and are delighted with the outcome-see you next year! Patricia Keane

CSI Clifden CSI: Clifden continued to meet during the Summer Months to maintain the momentum in the campaign for a new “ﬁt for purpose” Community School. Our last meeting was held on August 12th with Deputy Padraig McCormack TD and Councillor Eileen Mannion in attendance. Both representatives praised and expressed their support for the eﬀorts of the community as an inclusive group in lobbying the government to get the new school built as soon as possible. Essentially we need the whole community to be working together in order to achieve this objective. This involves the support of families from all over Connemara including the 14 feeder national schools that will eventually progress to the community school. Our next meeting takes place on Monday 14th September in the Community School at 8pm. We ask for your support

attend and see the workings of the college and its facilities for themselves. Photo: One of the examples of work at the GMIT Letterfrack annual exhibition by Thomas Birrane.

Renvyle Animal Rescue Appeal Renvyle Animal Rescue are appealing for contributions of items for their fundraising sales which are held regularly at the Ellis Hall, Letterfrack. We are looking for good quality household items, bric-a-brac, pictures, clothes, jewellery, DVDs, toys and small items of furniture. We can collect-please contact Judy on 087 056 6302. Our next sale is on Sunday October 25th 10am-3pm. Thank you for helping us to help animals. Judy Lawrence

FORUM Mental Health Workshops Forum Connemara Ltd will be running a series of workshops to promote mental health and wellbeing in the community. These workshops will be facilitated

Connemara View Newspaper

September 2009

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REGIONAL RTE features Leenane Guesthouse Portfinn Lodge and the Fjord Restaurant will feature in the new series of At Your Service, the popular RTE show in which Francis and John Brennan from the five star Park Hotel in Kenmare give business makeover advice to businesses that need assistance in improving their service. The episode featuring Portfinn, now run by Oran Daly, will air on Sunday September 20th on RTE at 8:30pm, so watch out for any familiar faces you might spot throughout the show and tune in to see how the makeover and advice process progresses.

First Leenane Food Fair The Leenane Food Fair 2009 will take place at various locations in the village on the weekend of September 26th and 27th. Highlights will include cookery demonstrations by celebrity chef Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain, his Michelin starred Dublin restaurant, and award winning local chef Tim O’Sullivan of Renvyle House Hotel will recreate his Connemara Lamb and Mussel pies. Leenane’s own Rory Daly of Portfinn will also cook locally caught fish while various local food producers will display and sell their products in the dedicated marquee. The locally made products will include lamb, mutton, seaweeds, salmon, mussels, oysters, smoked fish, cakes, breads, honeys, jams, vegetables and much more. There will also be hill walks led by local farmers, and composting and vegetable growing workshops. For more information contact Leenane Development Association on 095-42017 or e-mail leenanekillary@eircom.net.

Major Galway Poetry Competition To mark the second All Ireland Poetry Day, Galway City Council Arts Office and Galway County Arts Office are jointly organising a major poetry competition to be judged by acclaimed poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. The competition is open to anyone resident in Galway City or County. Entrants are invited to write a poem, in any style or any length, in English or Irish, on the theme of Eyre Square. The closing date is the 20 September 2009. The first prize is €1,000. Runners up prizes are a week’s residency in the artists’ retreats, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig and Aras Eanna on Inis Oirr. In the week leading up to All Ireland Poetry Day, a shortlist of poems will be drawn up and these will be displayed publicly in and around Eyre Square, in the centre of Galway City. On All Ireland Poetry Day, October 1st, there will be a public reading at Eyre Square itself with Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Galway City Writer in Residence, Michael O’Loughlin, who will announce the winner. During the day, there will be related events in Galway schools. All entries should be sent to Eyre Square Poetry Competition, Arts Office, City Hall, College Road Galway.

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Clifden Live Register in July: 1999-2009 1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

848

810

679

694

738

750

641

632

602

765

1095

1996

2002

2006

8722

9037

8892

Census: Total Population Clifden Electoral Region

Source: Central Statistics Office. W www.cso.ie

At the beginning of each month, the Central Statistics Ofﬁce posts the latest Live Register ﬁgures on its website with a breakdown by geographical area. These reports are accessible by month back to 1999. The numbers for 2009 have been increasing monthly throughout the country due to the current recession. In Clifden, the increase this year is actually at a slower rate than in other regions. Since IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Agency) did not choose Connemara for the development of foreign investment projects, cutbacks in these areas did not have the impact here that has devastated other regions.

However, a comparison of the Live Register figures in July going back to 1999 (see table above), shows that the Clifden region numbers are over 29 % higher than the previous high in 1999 and over 80 % higher than the lowest amount in 2007. The census figures above show that the population in the Clifden Electoral region has not increased significantly over this period. It is worthy of reminder, I believe, that when we spend money in our own region we are supporting our economy and the development of future job opportunities here. Given the soft tourism year, locals spending locally is particularly important. Ellen McDonough

Born in Trinidad-Tobago, Sham Maharaj (see photo) is a businessman in his 40s. He holds a law degree from the Law School of York University in Toronto. He reportedly got into real estate development over 20 years ago in Canada before getting involved in ventures in the US. In 2002, he became the founder and CEO of Buena Vista Corp., a land-acquisition and development company. His interests are varied in Florida including sports and telecom ventures. According to public records he has incorporated over 30 LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) in Florida since 1999. His list of companies include: Aruba Development Company, LLC, Buena Vista Company LLC, Buena Vista Corporation, BVC Asset Management LLC, BVC Club, LLC, BVC Gardens I’, LLC, BVC Oﬃce Solutions, LLC, BVC Sales and Marketing LLC, BVC Sports and Entertainment LLC, BVC

Vacation Club LLC, Ispep Hospitality LLC, Marbella Master Owners’ Association Inc., Orlando Sharks Youth Foundation Inc., Orlando Sharks, LLC, Taft Southern Holdings Incorporated, Telecom Technologies, LLC, The State of Florida Title Company LLC, Towers at Midtown LLC. Source: www.corporationwiki. com/Florida/Orlando/shammaharaj-P486952.aspx. Various media reports have offered information which we have not been able to establish as fact, so have not referred to them here. We will continue to present the facts as we learn them.

Highest July Live Register in 10 years

Connemara’s Full of Holes! We had some very interesting and amusing responses to our request in the August issue for photos of the most shocking potholes around Connemara, as can be seen from the photos received! Heather Greer and Mary Lovett of Cleggan were ﬁrst in with their ‘romantic’ heart-shaped pothole in Emlough, while Lisa Walsh from Renvyle enlisted the help of some volunteers to illustrate the scale of a pothole on the Lettergesh Road! Do you have a pothole on your road that beats these? If so then send it on and be in with a chance of winning a €50 Homewares Plus voucher in our December issue when we will pick the winner of the dubious title ‘Pothole of the Year’ photo contest! E-mail to news@connemaraview.com, post or drop your photo, name and address to the View Box at King’s Paper Shop, Main St, Clifden.

September 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden

Clifden Girl Realises Dream Thirteen year old Isabelle Mulkerrins from Clifden realised her dream with Share a Dream recently when she spent an evening with the Roses of Tralee during their visit to the Carlton Castletroy Hotel in Limerick on Thursday August 20th. Isabelle, who suffers with a serious illness, spent a fun filled day in Limerick. After checking into her hotel and having a bite of lunch she headed off to Limerick city to pick a dress for dinner with the Roses and their escorts later that evening. Debenhams gave Isabelle her own personal shopper who assisted her in picking out the most perfect dress, shoes, bag, and jewellery for her special evening. Then it was off to Bellisimo where all the staff worked their skills in transforming Isabelle, her mum and her sister by doing their hair and makeup for the evening. Later that evening, Isabelle and her sister and mum then attended the reception in

the Carlton Castletroy Hotel with the Roses and then attended the dinner with all the Roses and their escorts. A very special presentation of a signed Munster jersey was also made to Isabelle by some of the Munster players. After a hectic evening of photographs and dancing, some much needed spa therapy was on the agenda for the following morning. Thus, after a back massage and some more pampering, Isabelle and her family headed back to Galway with some beautiful memories of Limerick City. Help Share a Dream raise much needed funds by organising a fundraising event or take part in this year’s Walk in the Alps from 13th-17th October. Ring

Irish Night Season Ends The last night of the Irish Nights at the Clifden Town Hall took place on Thursday August 27th. A painting donated by Yvonne Hartnett was auctioned to raise funds for the Town Hall and was bought by Micheál Flaherty of Church Hill, Clifden. All of the funds raised from the Irish Nights throughout the summer go towards the regeneration and upkeep of the Town Hall and a great number of local musicians, dancers and children gave their

061-633777 today for a sponsor card and t-shirt or email dreams@iol.ie, www. shareadream.ie. Photo: Isabelle with some Roses and some of the Munster Rugby Team. Photo courtesy of Share A Dream

Fourth Dr Casey in Clifden Dr John Casey Junior has now joined the Clifden practice 91 years after his great grandfather Dr Joe Casey began practicing in Clifden. He joins his father Dr John in the family practice who took over from his father Dr Michael in 1982. Dr Joe Casey began working in Clifden in 1918 and was followed by Dr Willie Casey who practiced in the 1940’s. Dr Michael Casey was the doctor in Carna before taking over from Dr Willie Casey in 1949. Now the fourth generation has carried on the family tradition with John Junior, known to many as J.P. currently practicing at the Clifden clinic.

Clifden Arts Week The Library is host to many events this year with daily lunchtime and afternoon readings including many writers and poets Gerard Smyth and Enrique Juncosa on Friday 18th September. Old favourites Michael Coady and Tony Curtis will be here on Tuesday 22nd Sept. Leading poet Eamon Grennan will read on Thursday 24th Sept and our own Mary O ‘Malley, writer in residence at N.U.I.Galway will read for us on Friday 25th September. Check with the Artsweek website or brochure for the full program of events.

October. On Wed 30th Sept at 4pm Eileen OConnor Registered Physical Therapist and Nutritional Adviser will give a workshop entitled ‘Able and Active’. The workshop will comprise a talk on nutrition and some gentle seated movements to music. All are welcome and admission is free. Bernie Jeﬀries

Positive Ageing Week Positive Ageing Week takes place from 25th September- 3rd

Tidy Towns Update Clifden Tidy Towns Group has entered Clifden for the Galway Co.Co. ‘Golden Mile’ for the ﬁrst time. The Beach Road was chosen as our entry and shortly you will be able to see photos and a bit more info on the www.galwaygoldenmile. com site. The adjudication for Tidy Towns 2009 is well past but we look forward to a favourable result quite soon. Our last meeting for the 2009 season will take place in Station House Hotel on Monday 28th September at 8pm. We will also decide a date in October for our AGM. As always anyone who would like to take part in Tidy Towns is very welcome. Our Secretary, Mary O’Donnell is as always contactable at cregghouse1@eircom.net. P.K. Joyce

Library News Summer Reading Quest The presentation of certiﬁcates and prizes for those who participated in the Summer Reading Quest will take place in the Library on Saturday 12th September at 4pm. The prize for the Pet Photo Competition will also be given at that time. Well done to everyone who took part in the Reading Quest. The photo competition attracted a great number of entries; all the photos are now on display at the library. Reader of the Month The August reader of the Month is Anthony Curran. time to perform every week to entertain both visitors to the area and locals alike. Photo: A group of participants at the last Irish Night of the season at Clifden Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Carmel Lyden

Connemara View Newspaper

September 2009

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Clifden

Study of Voluntary Organisations I conducted a survey of voluntary organisations that are either Clifden-based or have a significant local presence between April and June 2009. This project was submitted to complete the requirements for a course on Civic Engagement offered at NUI, Galway. Using a variety of sources, I identified 68 organisations and spoke with 65 heads or PROs (public relations officers). Although there is little basis of comparison, 68 organisations appears to be a large number for the population of the parish of Clifden. Organisations vary in size from two to 400 members. Most organisations (71%) report less than 25 members. However, they appear to survive and thrive with small numbers allowing the community to support a large variety of organisations. Almost half of the organisations report that some of their members reside outside of the parish of Clifden. In a rural area with a dispersed population, the willingness of people to travel may also contribute to the variety of organisational choices. Over half of the organisations report that people, who are not members, help out, sometimes on a regular basis. For example, dozens of people turned out for the Super Sunday clean up organised by the Clifden Tidy Towns Committee in April 2009. Women comprise just over half of the population of the parish of Clifden and 58% of the total membership of Clifden-based organisations. Twenty organisations are gender balanced. Almost half of the Clifden-based organisations are female dominated, while the membership of 10 organisations is disproportionately male. For many organisations, gender imbalance does not have serious negative consequences, but in some cases it does. The problem of rural isolation, and the high risk of suicide for older men, was highlighted by President Mary McAleese. Two Clifden-based organisations for senior citizens report that in spite of their efforts to improve their gender balance less than 20% of their members are men. Efforts should continue to increase participation by men. Young people (under 20) are the smallest proportion of the total population (14%) but comprise 21% of all volunteers. They are members of 15 organisations and participate in five other organisations in the ‘Sports’ and ‘Recreation’ classifications. The voluntary options of this age group are the most limited. Middle aged people (20-65) comprise the largest propor-

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tion of the population (68%), the highest percentage of the volunteers (64%) and are members of the largest number of organisations (85%). Nine organisations report difficulty in attracting parents. Consistent with the findings of national research, older people (over 65) comprise 18% of the population but only 14% of the membership of voluntary organisations. They are members of 35 organisations. In a community with a large number of organisations, some that target the needs of particular age groups are welcome. However, most organisations could include all age groups, expanding the voluntary opportunities for the young and older residents. Efforts should be made to identify and remove barriers that exclude young and older people. The full report entitled ‘Scratching Below the Surface: an Examination of Clifden-based Voluntary Organisations’ is available in the Clifden Library. More details on the activities of the sixty-five organisations that were part of this survey can be found on www.connemaraview.com. The organisations listed below provided contact details and most will be delighted to attract new members. While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the details for each organisation, errors or omissions may have occurred. Please contact me with any corrections or additions. Maureen Maloney maureen.j.maloney@nuigalway.ie Arts & Culture Organisations Cantairí Chonamara, Jean Mullan, 095-34633 Ceol Theatre, John Amenhauser, 087-7504697 Clifden Arts Society, Brendan Flynn Clifden Community Arts Festival, www.clifdenartsweek.ie Clifden Writers Group, Ita O’Donovan, 095-21606 Connemara and Clifden Heritage Society, Brendan O’Scanaill, 095-21148 Fál agus Foscadh Amateur Dramatic Society, Sharon Prendergast, 087-2203175 Civic & Advocacy Organisations Clifden Cleggan Claddaughduff Fianna Gael Branch, Eileen Mannion, 087-9555645 CSI, Clifden (Community School Initiative, Clifden), Bridie O’Neill, 087-6447473 IFA, Connemara Branch, PH Conroy, 086-2050517 Margaret Joyce Cumann, North Connemara Sinn Fein, Laurence Ingelbach, 087-6271288 Thomas Whelan Fianna Fail Cumann, PK Joyce, 095-21688 Community Development Organisations ARC (Area Renewal Company), Pat Walsh, 087-2485534 Cashel/Connemara Credit Union, Kathleen Diamond, 095-31128 Clifden & District Community Council, John Durning, 086-6041088 Clifden Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Hehir, 087-0520295 Clifden Spires Residents Committee, Gavin Lavelle, 095-21882 Connemara Tourism, Josephine de Courcey, 095-44646 Forum Community Ltd Adolescent Support Project, Marie Feeney, 095-22175 Education Organisations Clifden Community School Parents Association, Brendan Madden, 095-22377 Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Connemara Group, Phyllis O’Donoghue, 095-31061 North West Connemara Adult Education Committee, Janet O’Toole, 095-41036 Scoil Mhuire Parents Association, Fionnuala O’Shaughnessy, 086-0612102 Environment Organisations Clifden Animal Rescue, 087-2499849 Clifden Tidy Towns Committee, PK Joyce, 095-21688 Connemara Garden Club, Mary O’ Shaughnessy, 095-21469 Ecowatch (Clifden Community School), Olivia Staunton, 095-21184 Health Organisations AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), Fatima Hospital Day Care Centre, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30pm; Saturday & Sunday 12noon Friends of Fatima Hospital, Johnny Conneely, 086-2151932 Mental Health Ireland (Clifden), Michael Dolan, 095-30930

September 2009

Other RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Peter Bailey, 095-21985 Religious Organisations Christ Church Clifden (Church of Ireland), Denis Sandes, 095-21147 Clifden Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Vincent Jagobin, 095-44855 Holy Spirit Prayer Group, Christy Canning, 095-21796 or Ina, 095-30852 Medjugorje Group (Clifden Community School), John Hartnett, 086-1069058 St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mary Kirby, 095-21251 (oﬃce hours 10-2, Monday, Wednesday-Friday) Recreation Organisations Beanna Beola Hill Walking Club, Sean Farrell, 087-2499849 Clifden Bridge Club, Joe McGrath, 095-21466 Clifden Community Playground Committee Ltd, Lisa Glynn McCarthy, 086-0792376 Réadóirí Óga, Vincent Fahy, fahysclifden@eircom.net Tuesday Club, Michael Coyne, 095-21622 Social Organisations Active Retirement Ireland, Maureen Kelly, 095-21159 Golden Years Club, Geraldine Kelly, 095-41116 ICA (Irish Countrywomens Association), Ann Coyne, 095-21268 Social Service Organisations CIC (Clifden Citizens Information Centre), Declan Weir, 087-1301100 Connemara Sheltered Housing Association, Michael Dolan, 095-30930 Criost Linn Adult Day Service, Linda Keane, Volunteer Programme Manager for Ability West, 091-514923 Northwest Connemara Carers Group, Geraldine Kelly, 095-41116 Sports Organisations Clifden Boat Club, Donal O’Scanaill, 095-21050 Clifden Gun Club, Ultan Joyce, 086-8813429 Clifden Trout Anglers Association, Declan Moran, Moran’s Pharmacy, Main St. Connemara RFC, Irene King, 087-9017406 Connemara West Community Games, Maura O’Halloran, maireoh@eircom.net Grainne Mhaols GAA Club, Paul Gannon, 086-3847499 Naomh Feichin GAA, Ann Mitchell, 095-23928 or Gerry Delaney (under 16), 095-21183 Special Olympics Ireland (Clifden), Heidi Treviss, 087-0526867

Carna

Carna Creche to go ahead It appears that all is ready now to go ahead with the building of a new crèche in Carna in the coming months. An arrangement has been worked out which means that a grant of €600,000 secured by community groups in the area some years ago will be transferred to Údarás na Gaeltachta. This money will be used do the building work. A group comprising members of Fóram Iorras Aithneach-the Carna Community Forum-, Comharchumann Chonamara Thiar and others got this money sanctioned some years ago after meetings with the then Minister Michael McDowell and relevant officials. These responsibilities are now under Pobal in the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The commitment to the €600,000 remained when Pobal took over. Údarás na Gaeltachta gave a commitment that further funds would be added. But the Údarás has hardly any money in its coffers now and it was decided to tap into the €600,000. It is hoped this will be enough to do the building work. The project will come under the umbrella of Forbairt Chonamara Láir and its manager Gearóid de Faoite. Údarás na Gaeltachta prepared the foundation some years ago on its site at Rusheennamanagh in Carna at a cost of over €300,000.

Concern over proposed Gaeltacht cutbacks The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Aﬀairs Éamon Ó Cuív has told Fóram Iorras Aithneach in Carna that the proposals about the Gaeltacht in the Bord Snip report have no status yet-except being proposals. Continued on next page

Connemara View Newspaper

Carna Gaeltacht cutbacks continued The Community Forum convened a special meeting to voice their opposition to any attempt to remove the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Aﬀairs or to downgrade Údarás na Gaeltachta. Minister Ó Cuív also said that at a more local level, the Cill Chiaráin/Carna areas needed further investment and services.

Yearly Magazine Work is already well underway on the preparation of the yearly Carna and Cill Chiaráin area community magazine “Iorras Aithneach”. The magazine keeps an eye on events and happenings in the area all through the year and a large selection of photographs also go into it. Pictures will be welcome from

Ballyconneely

Games & Grub at Pigfest ‘09 The Pigfest ‘09 Fundraiser took place in Ballyconneely on August 9th, 2009. Over €8,000 was raised for Aillebrack and Ballyconneely National Schools, Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service and Inclusion Ireland, the national association for people with an intellectual disability. There were a number of great fun and very well supported activities on the day as well as the delicious pig roast which gave the event its name. There was a great 7 a side football

anybody with graduation photographs. This year’s features wedding photographs in the area, and old photographs etc are very welcome. The magazine has been published nearly every Christmas for almost 20 years. Fóram Iorras Aithneach, the Carna Community Forum are compiling the magazine. The phone number is 095-32744 and the e-mail is foram@eircom.net.

Carraroe

Table Quiz If you are looking for an excuse to shake the cobwebs oﬀ the grey matter after the Summer break, you will be given the ideal opportunity to do so this week. The South Connemara and Aran branch of Sinn Féin are organising a Table Quiz this coming Friday, September 4th, at 8.30 pm in the Dóilín Hotel, in Carraroe. General knowledge questions will be the norm

match which was won by the team captained by David Mullen of Ballyconneely. Patrick O’Malley of Ballyconneely was the winner of the weight throwing competition while the unbeatable Kingstown team held out to claim the Tug-of War competition. The welly throwing competition was won by Margaret O’Malley of Ballyconneely for the women, and John Sweeney of Ballyconneely for the men. The golden boot award for the 7 aside football match was won by Dylan Wallace of Clifden with 6 goals. In addition to all these events there were lots of children’s activities including face painting, bouncy castles and slides, tugof-war competitions, and various races. The entire Pigfest event would not have been possible without the hard work and generos-

Connemara View Newspaper

for the night with plenty of fun, craic and a little bit of friendly competition! There will be plenty of spot prizes to be won and all monies raised will go towards funding the campaign against the Lisbon Referendum. The entry cost is €20 per table, with four people per table. All are welcome. To book a table or for more information call Mícheál on 087-6846261 or e-mail sfconamara@gmail.com.

ity of many people-see acknowledgements on Page 27. Photos: The Kingstown team coached by Michael Burke, who won the tugof-war event at Pigfest ’09. Winner of the Men’s welly throwing competition John Sweeney. Photos courtesy of Ann Mitchell

September 2009

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Letterfrack

Social Dance Evenings

Cashel

Defibrillator Funding from Mobile Phones We are delighted to announce that Comhairle Muintir an Chaiseal Teoranta are in the process of raising money to purchase a community defibrillator for Cashel. Comhairle Muintir an Chaiseal Teoranta has collaborated with Brendan Chambers of C&C Cellular for this endeavour, by means of the countywide scheme “Fibbs for Fones”. “Fibbs for Fones is a very straightforward scheme”, explains Brendan Chambers, C&C Cellular, “All the community group has to do is to collect 500 old, damaged or unused mobile phones. We’ve found a market to sell the phones for cash, which in turn buys a defibrillator for that specific group. That’s the beauty of it- the benefit is going straight to the people who have put in the effort”. Please help us to collect 500 phones by September 30th and help to save lives too! Check around your home and office for your old, broken or outdated phones and bring them to a collection bin at one of the following areas or send them directly to Fibbs for Fones, Cashel Health and Resource Centre, Cashel, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. Collection bins are located at Joyce’s Grocery (Recess), Siopa Dowd (Carna), Cashel Credit Union (Cashel, Clifden, Carna), and the Health Centre (Roundstone, Cashel, Recess). Please contact the Cashel Health and Resource Centre at 095-31052 for more information.

Inishboﬁn

Impressions of Bofin A group of writers who are regular visitors to Inishbofin have produced a booklet titled ‘Impressions of Bofin’ as the result of holding a series of writing workshops on the island since 2002. The anthology consists of poetry and prose written during these workshops exploring various themes and reflections on the island and was co-ordinated by writer Jean Tuomey. The project was funded by the Inishbofin Development Company in partnership with Comhar na nOileán Teo and all proceeds from the publication will go towards community projects on the island. Copies of the publication can be obtained from Simon Murray at the Inishbofin Development Company ltd, The Community Centre, Inishbofin, by e-mail at bofindev@ eircom.net or by calling (095) 45884.

Kylemore There will be a day retreat at Kylemore Abbey, Saturday 5th September. The retreat will take place on the ﬁrst ﬂoor of the Abbey and no longer in the Garden tea house. There will be signs indicating where to go at the main entrance of the Abbey. All are very welcome to attend. Sr Genevieve

Leenane

Leenane Sheep Show The 37th Annual Show of Blackface Mountain Sheep will be held at Leenane on Sunday 13th at 2.00pm. Every year the standard of stock shown improves, with 2008 bringing high quality sheep to the judging ring, including prime Rough Mountain ewes and rams. We welcome all the farmers who year after year support the Sheep Show and who travel from as far as Achill and South Connemara to compete. Newcomers are always welcome. Could last year’s Trophy winners please return their Cups?! They can be left into the Sheep & Wool Centre. The following categories will be judged in both Open and Conﬁned: Pair of Ewe Lambs (King Cup); Pair of Ewe Lambs most suitable for the Hill (Martin Gavin Memorial Cup); Pair of Ewe Hoggets (O’Toole Cup); Pair of Aged Ewes (TW Joyce Memorial Cup); Best Ram Lamb (Hastings Cup); Best Hogget Ram- Open (Bina McLoughlin Memorial Cup); Best Hoggett Ram – Conﬁned (Hamilton Cup); Hoggett Ram most suitable for the Hill (Tom Halloran Memorial Cup); Best Aged Ram (Barrett Cup). There will also be a children’s Dog Show, with the following categories: Best in Show; Dog to Take Home; Best Behaved Dog; Best Tail Wagger; Best Groomed Dog.

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‘Let’s Dance’ social dancing evenings will resume at Ellis Hall in Letterfrack on Monday September 21st from 8:30 to 10pm. Dances taught include the foxtrot, stack of barley, quick step, jive and more. Learners and all levels are welcome to attend.

Citizens Information The Citizen’s Information service will be available in Letterfrack on Tuesday 8th and Tuesday 22nd of September from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Connemara West. If you have any questions about Social Welfare, Pensions, Housing, Consumer Aﬀairs, Employment, Education or any of your rights and entitlements, call us on 087-130-1100 or drop in. A wide range of application forms and booklets are also available. For more information call 095-22000 or 087-130-1100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie or go to www.citizensinformation.ie

Maam

Book Launch The Parish of Kilbride celebrates its centenary this year. A special Centenary Book was launched in Leenane Hotel on the 7th of August by Gerry Glennon of Mid West Radio. The book contains information on the history of the three churches in the area. There are articles on holy wells, graveyards and children’s burial grounds. Included also are interviews with local people, memories from the past, and there is a great selection of photographs from long ago and from the present time. A presentation was made to Fr. Kieran Burke, P.P. on the 25th Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Seamus Nee, on behalf of the parishioners and the Pastoral Council made the presentation. After the book launch refreshments were served and music was provided by Kevin Coyne and Kieran Coyne. Copies of the centenary book are on sale for €10 in the local shops,-and in Clifden Book shop, Avoca Crafts, Letterfrack, McLoughlin’s, Westport, and in Kenny’s, Louisburgh,-a real bargain for people at home and abroad.

Anglers & Boatmen’s Assoc., Co-op, Western Regional Fisheries Board, Connacht Angling Council (T.A.F.I.). Present at the opening were members of the Oughterard Anglers Committee, Colman Shaughnessy (Connacht Angling Council), Gregory Forde (CEO Western Fisheries Board) and a large gathering of the general public. Photo: (L-r): Brendan Ferguson, Angling Club Treasurer, Gregory Forde, CEO Western Region Fisheries Board, Colman Shaughnessy, Connacht Angling Council, John Gibbons, Chairman Oughterard Angling Club. Middle: Mathew Tierney. Photo courtesy of Kevin Prunty

Raft Race Entertains! Despite a very wet start to the day on Sunday August 23rd, the weather mercifully cleared and a large crowd turned up to watch the eﬀorts and antics of the participants in the raft race. The race was held to raise funds for a memorial seat on the pier to the late Jack Cronnelly. The motley ﬂeet of rafts manned by an even motlier set of crews was a spectacle to

Pottery Workshop Members of Maam Women’s Group went to “Pick a Pot & Paint it” in Westport on 13th August. At the workshops participants choose a piece of pottery and paint it with their own design. It is a great fun leisure activity and highly recommended for all ages.

Birthday Concert A concert will take place in Ionad Pobail an Mhama, (Maam Community Centre) on Saturday, 5th September, to celebrate the 15th Birthday of the Women’s Group. Celebrations will begin at 12 o’clock and will include workshops, an art and photographic exhibition, drama, poetry, traditional music, Sean Nos dancing and singing. A buﬀet lunch will be served, and a raﬄe will take place with great prizes to be won. The concert will end with music and dancing by Joe Forde and Mary Teresa Mulroe. Admission is €8, and all are welcome. For further details contact 091 571108.

Oughterard

Harvest celebrated at Aughnanure Lúnasa-the Celtic harvest festival was held at Aughnanure Castle on Sunday August 23rd. Great craic was had by all who attended. The main events that took place were a fancy dress competition, chieftain’s treasure hunt, a breads display by Yew tree bakery and many local crafts people also displayed their work. Photo: Milena Japaud is presented with her prize for fancy dress at the Aughnanure Castle harvest festival. Photo by Tom Broderick

Anglers Wheelchair Access On Sunday, 9th August last the Oughterard Anglers Club held the oﬃcial opening of their Wheelchair Access Facility at the Boathouse. The project, which also included a new slipway, leveling and widening of the parking area, new lighting and painting of the Boathouse, was ﬁnanced by the Oughterard

September 2009

behold. The onlookers were treated to an extraordinary display of seamanship as some tried in vain to keep their vessels aﬂoat, never mind trying to win! This being said, there were some really ingenious crafts in the competition. It was all in all a most enjoyable day out and it is hoped it will reoccur next year. Photo: The winning raft crewed by Kevin Cunningham, George and Mary Osborne and Eilis Ni Dhuill under challenge from blackhearted rogues and pirates at the Oughterard raft race. Photo and report courtesy of Tom Broderick

Launch of ‘Míle Órga’ in Leam Adrian Lydon, RTE newscaster and past pupil of Scoil Muire, Derryglen, officially opened the Míle Órga at the Quiet Man Bridge, situated on the Oughterard /Clifden road on Sunday August 23rd. Torrential rain did not deter the 4050 brave souls who turned out for the launch. This walk has a good mixture of natural heritage-hedgerows with a wealth of native trees, shrubs, wild flowers, birds, lakes and blanket bogs. The built heritage of ancient stone walls, gates, pillars, Quiet Man bridge, old school house and teacher’s residence built in 1877, Galway/Clifden Railway line1895-1935 all enhance the walkers enjoyment of this scenic area. There are splendid views of the Maam Turk Mountains, the Twelve Bens, drumlins and potato famine ridges on the walk. There are also three large plaques - John Wayne leaning on the stone bridge in the film ‘The Quiet Man’, Michael O Halloran and his daughter Josephine cutting turf by hand, and a photograph of Oughterard Railway Station. The development of the walk was a great community effort supported by Galway County Council, FÁS, Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group, Derryglen N.S., the people of Leam, Glengowla, Letterfore and Derryglen. After the walk, all enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea and scones in the home of John and Máire McQuinn. Mary Kyne

Connemara View Newspaper

Oughterard

Ros a Mhíl

Clann Resource Centre is to relocate to Cregg Lodge in the town-the new location is the second house on the left on Station Road. One of the most relevant services recently is the MABS Money Advice & Budgeting Service. This is available on every ﬁrst and third Monday of the month and the Citizen’s Information Service is available on the second and fourth Mondays. The new centre also has its own dedicated room for the ongoing counselling services oﬀered by the Centre. The Nearly New shop is also up and running and people are encouraged to donate to the shop or just come and browse.

Galway County Council has informed Cllr. Thomas Welby that works in relation to the installation of a pumping station at Derroe in Baile na hAbhainn will be completed in the next few weeks. The works include civil works for a base and the installation of a pump to increase the water pressure and some of the works have already been completed. Currently the existing householders in Derroe are experiencing severe or total water loss, particularly in the summer months with the increase in tourist and student’s numbers in the locality, and these works will greatly increase the volume and pressure to the eﬀected houses. Cllr. Welby, who has lobbied for these works, stated ‘I am delighted to have been able to assist the people, as the situation was intolerable with some people experiencing complete water loss various times in summer months’.

New Home for Clann Centre

Renvyle

New Childcare Facility for Renvyle In February 2002 a meeting was called and facilitated by FORUM with parents, workers of the existing pre-school groups in Renvyle as well as potential new parents, to discuss

Water Pump Works Progress

Roundstone

War on the mink continues

the possibility of building a purpose-built child care facility to house the existing groups and develop new services for the area. Funding for such a facility was available through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (E.O.C.P) as part of the childcare measure outlined in the National Development Plan. Grant aid in the form of capital and staffing grants were made available to existing and new childcare services. Naively, at the time there was a perception by the committee that once the application was in and proof given that there was a need in the community that funds would be sanctioned, and a fine new building would be in place within two or possibly three years. However, our experience was to prove otherwise. A number of sites, changes in building design, funding applications, changes in the levels of funding available and criteria for those funds are only some examples of the obstacles and challenges we faced in the seven and a half years it has taken. What has emerged from all of this is a strong committed group of individuals who can now see the fruits of their efforts on behalf of the community in which they live. The support of the local community and those who provided monies, meeting space, prizes for fundraising, and expertise in various aspects of the project cannot be underestimated. Organisations who assisted the group include FORUM, who throughout the project has provided a co-ordinating and supportive role, Connemara West who agreed to the leasing of a site to the group in the village of Tully (beside the Teach Ceoil) on which to build, and Galway City and County Childcare Committee who provided training, support with funding applications and some financial assistance. The Pre-school Service will open on 7th September from 9.30 am -12.30 pm as well as enrolment for the After School Services 2 pm - 6pm. To register, please contact Sharon Duane at duanes2@eircom.net or 086 825 8783 or Ann on 087 131 9210. Photos: The new Renvyle crèche. Photos courtesy of FORUM

Connemara View Newspaper

A friend of mine who hails from Dublin and is a regular visitor to Connemara for the last 30 years is a natural lover of nature. For the last few years in the lake beside him he noticed a decline of baby ducks and other water birds. Also, for the last three years, he noticed a black animal swimming in the lake and thought that it was only an otter. However a few days ago he saw the said same creature, and having read lately in the local papers of the havoc that the mink are causing, he become much more vigilant. Days later the animal swam very close to the shore with his kids, and stared at him showing teeth and hissing almost with deﬁance. That’s when he was advised to get in touch with me. I was able to give him and show him how to set a trap, the next morning he rang me to say he thought he had caught a mink. I drove straight over and warned him not to do anything until I got there. Sure enough he had caught a young female. We duly dealt with it by drowning. To shoot it would be a mistake as the shot residue remains on the cage for some time, which would be a deterrent to any other mink entering for the bait. The point of my story is that Niall is someone who is always on the lookout for nature and was able to set a trap on habitat runs. He has caught three more since and I would like to use this example of observation to tell other people to do the same, and make contact with anybody within the area who has some knowledge of these vile creatures. I have just received some more traps and would be more than glad to help set them for anybody who spots the mink, and would require a trap. I spoke to Conall Hawkins from the NUIG on his survey of the mink. He wants the carcasses of mink for control programmes and would appreciate if anybody could save any carcasses by freezing them or bring them directly to me. Conall also sent down to me a small container of mink gland lures, they are about the size of a cigarette ﬁlter soaked in the gland juices of the mink, you place two of these into the trap, which will last for about a week. Each one smells something awful, but they really work. I have caught two within a day on my own grounds, I have the feeling these could be the ones that Martin O’Donnell spotted recently. I gather that young lambs are being killed by these mink. He needs one or two dead lambs to determine if in fact they were killed by mink, either get it down to me, or photograph it showing the puncture marks, or call me if you are not too far away, and if I can I will photograph it myself and arrange to have it sent to NUIG. There are some rather disturbing photos of the mink that have been caught lately on the Roundstone website plus a small video clip on YouTube on the news page.

House Hotel. 17 tables all told, not quite sure how much was raised, one thing for sure there should be enough in the Pot.

Clean Ups It took ﬁve days of phone calls to have our bottle banks emptied in August, with accumulated loose bottles all over the place. When the banks were eventually emptied the bottles on the ground were not, so a cleaning up of loose bottles took place, with the kids from Fair Green, Clara King, Dale Joyce, the Freeman family, Peter, Sue, Toni and Collette. I only hope this dreadful site of bottles and boxes will never happen again. Well done also to Francis Ashe, and visitors Rob and Denise who are annual helpers in trying to keep our beaches clean, we went down to Dogs Bay recently for a clearance of all the rubbish and it was a great job to have it cleared oﬀ.

Christening Congratulations to John Paul Ferron and his wife Christine, on the christening of Connor’s little sister Hannah, who was christened on Saturday August 22nd in Roundstone, and of course we wish her well through her life, as we do to all the family. Richard Duc de Stacpoole

Table Quiz A table quiz was held to raise some funds for the Community Games which take place here in Roundstone on the 20th September in the Roundstone

September 2009

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Hallmark Clifden Regatta Winners After hosting the West Coast Championships for two consecutive years, Clifden Boat Club were well prepared for their 2009 local regatta on the 8th and 9th of

August. The organising team worked hard in the months coming up to the event to ensure that this somewhat smaller event was still run with the same precision and high standard that they had set for themselves. Even in times of financial difficulty, there was great support for this event from the businesses of Clifden town, and for this, both the Clifden Boat Club and the events competitors are truly grateful. Galway Bay Sailing Club was well represented, with twelve of the fleet of twenty two yachts racing in Clifden Bay for the weekend. Crews also travelled from Mayo,

Page 10

Foynes and Kilrush to take part in this exciting event. The fleet was split into two classes and was scheduled to compete in four races over the two days. With Galway Bay Sailing Club’s Dave Vinnell heading the Race Committee, racing commenced as scheduled and we managed to get in our four races with winds varying from very light breeze and sunshine on Saturday to rather heavy winds on Sunday which made for an interesting coastal race, that saw the fleets racing around the picturesque Croagh Island and High Island. Winds were high but so were spirits, as the final prize giving kicked off in the Clifden Boat Club House. Galway Bay Sailing Club’s ‘Optique’ triumphed overall in Echo, taking home the Perpetual ‘Kingstown Cup’. Clifdens own ‘Hallmark’, skippered by Jackie Ward and his crew came out on top, winning the overall on IRC and leaving with the infamous ‘Clifden Cup’. Well done to all that took part in the event. Detailed results can be found at www.clifdenboatclub.com. Clifden Boat Club are already looking forward to the 2010 sailing season, and hope to see more people getting involved in this exciting sport. Photo and report by Bobbi O Regan Photo: Winner of the Clifden Cup at Clifden Regatta 2009 were Team Hallmark. (L-r): Thomas Davis, Ian Shanahan, Damian Ward, Jackie Ward, Barry Ward and Michael Gerard Coohill.

McDonagh Wins John Gill Cup The Oughterard Angler’s & Boatmen’s Assoc. held their annual John Gill Cup (dapping & casting comp.) on Sunday, 9th August, from the Oughterard Boathouse. There were 42 competitors and 19 trout in total were caught. The top 5 rods, who received prize money, were 1st - James McDonagh (4 trout/3.055kg), 2nd - John P. Deacy (2 trout/2.075kg), 3rd - Christopher Conneely (2 trout/1.285kg), 4th – Philip Horan (1 trout/0.925kg), 5th - Darren Higgins (1 trout/0.890kg). Photo: Winner James McDonagh presented with prize money from John Gibbons, Chairman Oughterard Anglers Club. Photo courtesy of Kevin Prunty.

Clifden Lifeboat 10k Race The second annual Clifden Lifeboat 10k race will take place on Sunday 13th September. The race starts in Clifden at 2pm. It is an “out and back” bringing you up the scenic Sky Road and ﬁnishing outside the Alcock and Brown Hotel. We have had a good response so far, with entries coming from all over Ireland. Runners, walkers, youths and teams of 3-4 people can still enter online at www.runire-

land.com , by e-mailing info@clifden10k. com or calling/texting: 085-1680402. People will also be able to enter on the day from 12.30pm in the D’Arcy Pub. Chip-timing can only be guaranteed with prior entry. More information is available at www.clifden10k.com. Prize giving will take place immediately afterwards in the D’Arcy. All money raised will go directly to the Clifden Lifeboat. Laurence Ingelbach

Renvyle GAA U-12s Keep Winning The Renvyle GAA Under 12 side travelled to Inis Oírr in August to play against the Aran Islands where they won the match by 3-9 to 1-9 and followed up on that victory by winning against Clifden by 3 points in a tight local derby later that week. The team is pictured here before the match on Inis Oírr. Photo courtesy of Joachim Lydon.

September 2009

Connemara SportsView

RUGBY

New Season Kicks Off Connemara RFC have now resumed training for the 2009/2010 season and will kick off their AIL Division 3 campaign away to Nenagh Ormond on October 3rd. Joint Sponsorship of the team this year has been provided by Griffin’s Bar, Kavanagh’s Super Valu and the Station House Hotel. September will see the Senior team play the three games of the Connacht senior league away to Buccaneers on the 5th, at home against Galwegians on the 12th and away to Corinthians on the 19th. The junior team will kick off their Junior 1B league on September 27th at home against Westport.

Big Winner & New Sponsors On Sunday August 30th, Deirdre Keogh (shown below with Club President Aidan O’Halloran) won the €2000 Connemara RFC Fundraising Raffle Draw which was held in Griffin’s Bar. The 2009/2010 Sponsors of the club are Griffin’s Bar, Clifden SuperValu and the Station House Hotel. Photo courtesy of Pat Walshe

FAI Summer Soccer Camp The FAI summer soccer camp which took place at Tullycross pitch from August 24th to 28th was a great success. The team of fully qualiﬁed coaches helped the participants improve their skills greatly throughout the week in a fun and friendly environment. Some of the participants of the soccer camps are pictured here as well as the panel of coaches who trained them. Photos: FAI Summer Soccer camp participants at Tullycross pitch. Coaches at the FAI summercamp in Tullycross (l-r): Shane Lydon (West Coast United), Mark Ludden (Mervue Utd), Aongus Tierney, (Mervue Utd) and Aoife Burke (Galway Ladies F.C.). Photos courtesy of Joachim Lydon.

Gaelic For Mothers Want to join up to the newest trend in towns around Ireland? Hundreds of mothers (not everyone has to be a mother!) are signing up to a great fun way of staying ﬁt and having a blast at the same time. No expensive equipment or dieting needed. ( Just bring €3 per night). Find a pair of boots and tog out. Starting from Wednesday 26th August at 7.30pm for 6 weeks initially. Meet at GAA pitch in Oughterard. All welcome. Contact: 087 915 5519 for more details.

visitors who came to take part as well as Connemara natives and challengers from all over the country, while spectators turned out in numbers at many points along the route to cheer them on. Now in its fourth year, the extreme sport festival event, founded by Jamie Young of Killary Adventure Centre continues to go from strength to strength,

Record numbers for Gaelforce West

O’ Halloran Connacht Debut Clifden’s Tiernan O’ Halloran made his debut for Connacht in a pre-season match against NEC Harlequins at The Stoop on August 14th. A Connacht academy member, Tiernan was capped with the Irish U 18 Schools side earlier in the year and has now accepted a professional development contract. Tiernan made his debut at the 43 minute mark, replacing Miah Nikora in the match in which Connacht lost by just one point on a scoreline of 15-14.

Connemara SportsView

Anyone passing through North Connemara or Mayo on Saturday August 22nd could not have missed the sight of hundreds of people taking part in Gaelforce West, the largest outdoor event of its kind in Ireland. Last year over 800 people took part, and while the numbers were expected to rise this year, the incredible number of participants eventually rose to over 2000. The gruelling event consists of approximately 20km of running or walking, 44km of cycling and about 1.6km of kayaking - all in one day. The challenge was met with relish by all who took part. There were many international

and attracts a phenomenal amount of interest from those in the extreme and adventure sports ﬁelds to the west. Photo: Pictured after completing the Gaelforce West 2009 event on August 22nd were brother and sister, James and Natalie Kane of Dawros, Letterfrack.

DA R T S The Mikey Mullen and All Souls of the Sea Memorial Cup Singles Darts Competition, in aid of Clifden Lifeboats will start on Thursday September 17th. The venues and dates of the competition are as follows: Thursday 17th Sept: Keoghs and Renvyle Inn Saturday 19th Sept: Tir na nOg and Olivers Sun. 20th Sept:Teach Daingean and Mollys Fri. 25th Sept: Pier Bar and Mannions Sun. 27th Sept: Anglers and Mac’s. Friday 2nd Oct: Veldons and Morans Sun. 4th Oct: Griffins and Diamonds Fri. 9th Oct: Atlantic Coast and O ‘Malleys. Registration on these dates is at 8:30pm sharp. The final will take place at Glynsk House Bar in Cashel Bay on Sunday October 11th, and all heat semi-finalists qualify for the Grand Final.Registration is at 3pm sharp on the day of the final. 1st Prize: Memorial Cup Trophy and €200; 2nd: Trophy and €100; Highest Check Out: Trophy and €50; All Heat Finalist: Winner trophy. All prizes will be presented on the Final night along with a raffle.

More Sports News on Page 19

Hurling Cúl Camp

A summer camp for hurling took place at the Clifden GAA grounds from July 27th-31st where members of the new Connemara Gaels hurling team developed and improved their skills in the sport. A total of 70 children took part in the camp which was a great success and enjoyed by all. Photo below courtesy of Ann Mitchell

September 2009

Page 11

85th Clifden Connemara Pony Show The Clifden Festival gave Connemara enthusiasts a choice of events throughout the week in conjunction with the 85th annual show officially opened by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív. Breeders from Europe and Australia in attendance saw the best of the breed coming before judges Sean Stagg from Hollymount, Co. Mayo, Tom MacLochlainn from Moycullen and Sean Dunne from Portarlington, Co.Offaly. Eamon Burke from Castlegar, Co Galway fulfilled a lifelong ambition when his stallion Currachmore Cashel (photo below), superbly handled by his son Joe, won the Supreme Championship sponsored by

Horse Sport Ireland, plus the Mullen Family Perpetual Cup for the best visiting pony collectively with the Progeny class. Burke said, “The one I wanted most was Clifden, it always was, and it always will be, the right place to win. I will never forget this day”. As a proud Joe Burke led the parade of champions through the town he said, “It’s just impossible to describe how this feels. I am so happy to be here. Currachmore has now won every major championship in Ireland and was previously reserve at Clifden in 2005 and 2008. He also sired the junior champion Letterdyfe Rira, and the reserve champion foal Murvey Rianna’. The reserve champion of the show was the elegant April Rose (Streamstown Larry-Erris-

beg Dolly) who earlier received the James Jones Memorial Trophy for winning her class, owned by Gearoid Curran from Moycullen and bred by Michael Conneely in Roundstone. She has an outstanding record in the show ring and as a broodmare she was also awarded the Clonkeehan Cup for the best pony resident in Connemara. As the ﬁnal placing was announced it was evident that the judges had reached a popular decision as supporters scrambled to congratulate the combined Burke and Curran connections. Caillin Conneely and his sister Martina from Roundstone are staunch supporters of the breed and are seen at most shows and events connected to the industry. Continued next page

Claddaghduff Pony Show Claddaghduﬀ Pony Show Supreme Champion Cloonisle Cashel placed ﬁrst in the Registered Stallion Class 4 years old and over. Cloonisle Cashel is pictured here (photo above) with Joe Burke, son of the owner Eamonn Burke from Castlegar, Judge John Joe Bolton from Clare, and Gerry O’Halloran presenting the O’Halloran Perpetual Cup. Martin Nee from Cashel with his Champion Foal, Doonreaghan Marty. Photos by Tom Broderick. See show results on page 14.

Page 12

September 2009

Connemara SportsView

This show was a dream come true as Cailin achieved his ambition to win red at Clifden. This time it was threefold. Afterwards he said “I am totally speechless”. Cailin won with the two year-old colt Letterdyfe Rira (Currachmore Cashel-Letterdyfe Ruby) and followed by winning the two year-old mare class and Samuel Morrison Memorial Trophy with Glencarrig Rose Marie (photo left bottom) a daughter of April Rose who was bred by Gearoid Curran. Letterdyfe Rira was later awarded the Junior Championship (photo left top) and Lee Memorial cup, and received momentous applause along with reserve champion Gentle Kate (I Love You Melody-Gentle Wren) owned by one of Connemara’s most popular breeders John McLoughlin from Letterfrack. As he proudly held the Killanin cup John said “Ponies mean everything to methere is nothing like Clifden. Her mother won here five times and Geoff rey Heanue did a great job showing her for me.” Judge Tom MacLochlainn was meticulous in his summing up of the foal classes. Midlands Chairman Eddie Fleming won the championship for the second year in succession with his well-balanced colt Gneevebrack Fionn (Monaghanstown FionnGneevebrack Belle) exhibited by Patrick Rabbitt, a son of Mary and Pat Rabbitt. A lovely mould of a filly foal, Murvey Rianna (Currachmore Cashel-Murvey Cara) owned by Martin Keaney from Roundstone took the reserve sash. “Its great to win here especially as it’s our own old mare line” said Keaney. Peter Molloy from Claddaghduff opened the day winning the yearling colts with Claddaghduff Junior Champion Dooneen Hazy Rebel. (Hazy Match-Jennifer Rose). He enjoyed further success taking two blue rosettes with Dooneen Starlight and Dooneen Stephanie Rose. Pat and Mary Rabbitt from Monaghanstown have been coming to Clifden for many years and they maintained their good record when winning the yearling filly class and Lady Carew cup with Grange Grainne Surf (Monaghanstown Boy-Grange Garnet Surf ) whom they bought as a foal from her breeder Lady Maria Levinge at Grange Stud in Co.Wexford. Anbally Cloud won the three year-old stallion class and Donal Kenny memorial cup for owner Billy Woods from Tuam Co.Galway. This son of Anbally Frankie has some very interesting bloodlines: his dam Fairyhill Lass was owned by Michael Mullen from Cleggan who won the Archbishop’s cup with her in 1995 and her dam Harvest Home by Skryne Bright Cloud out of Village Grey was bred by Paddy King at Lehid. The Ballyconneely Supreme Champion Currach Court Lady (Clonberne Boy-Clydagh Marie) owned and exhibited by Padraic Hynes from Canal Stage enhanced her good reputation when winning the Archbishop’s Cup for four and five year-old mares. Megan King from Ballyconneely is a young exhibitor with a big future. She collected the red rosette and the American Connemara Breeders Cup with Cashel Bay Heather (Tulira Robuck-Bealnamulla Kim) owned by her father Gerry, after winning the six or seven year old class, ahead of last year’s winner Vinnura Lola exhibited by Laura Brady from Claremorris. Martin Feeney from Moycullen was “just delighted” to win the Val Moran Cup for eight to nine year-old mares with Danesfield Heather (Moy Hazy Cove-Danesfield Rose).

Connemara SportsView

There was a close call in the ten to fifteen years mares class as Noel Brett from Belmullet with Foreglass Lass secured the Mannion Cup and O’Sullivan Memorial Shield and held off a strong challenge from All Ireland mare champion Lucky Hazel exhibited by Sinead Lusby McGrath from Cregmore, Co Galway. A group of Cork enthusiasts led by Joe Crowley from Bantry made the long trip to Clifden worthwhile when ten year-old Doolin Breeze (Ashfield Storm CloudDoolin Lady) was judged first in the mares under 138 cms class. Several supporters were present at the ringside to offer congratulations. Crowley said “I never expected to win anything at Clifden. Mrs Petch always liked Clifden-she is right- it’s mighty!”. The young handlers class is something to be commended as the handlers of today are the future of tomorrow. Michelle Martyn from Corrandulla was judged first with Gerard Martyns Aughnakeeragh Paddy. The gelding class was won by Grace Murphy from Taylors Hill in Galway and the Champion Ridden Pony was Dangan Patricika owned by Patrick Geoghegan from Rathdrum and ridden by Anya Geoghegan,while Carmel Joyce on Inverin Boy stood reserve. Westmir Queen owned by Antoinette Geoghegan was foot perfect under young Chloe Roche from Castletowngeoghegan, when winning the Working Hunter championship.

Loose Jumping The loose jumping sponsored by Diamonds of Renvyle ran smoothly thanks to a most informative commentary from Ann Reade. First prize was awarded to Michael and Dorothy Tallis from Tullaroan, Co.Kilkenny who competed with the stallion Grange Bobby Sparrow by Grange Bobbing Sparrow and Kilkerran Surf, bred by Lady Maria Levinge in Co.Wexford. This is a very athletic and compact pony and considering his famous pedigree he is one to watch for many years to come wherever he performs. Second place went to Myshall Roger owned by P.J.Roberts from Myshall, Co.Carlow, the son of Coosheen Thyme and Sally Ann the gelding was ﬂuent and brave. Michael Tully from Longford exhibited Flinstone (Ballinavilla Prince-Doon Fairy) to collect third placing.

Puissance The final event of the week was pulsating and refreshing, as the inaugural C.P.B.S. Puissance competition kept the huge crowd on their toes as the outcome went to the wire. Patricia Delton’s fourteen year-old stallion Bobby Sparrow Blue ridden with confidence by Darren Walsh was snug jumping the big fences and looked a winner throughout. However it was the seven year old gelding Glenford Scot owned by Anya O’Callaghan from Gloves, Athenry and ridden by her niece Charlotte who set Clifden alight by her determination and focus on getting to the far side of the big fences. In the fifth jump off she kicked on over the spread and retained the momentum across the wall to tie for first place and rapturous applause all around the arena. His owner said “I evented him during the summer and we have many plans. I knew Scot would not stop at anything, he is a super pony. We are just having a ball at Clifden- this year was just great”. The Council and the show committee headed by Henry O’Toole did Clifden proud; the organisation of over 500 ponies and general administration was a credit to all concerned. As the clock struck 6pm on Thurs-

day the Supreme Championship was judged, well done to ring steward Sean Heanue and all the team who made this show such a success. The new judging system worked really well and seemed to be a big winner. As the clans gathered from all over the world for the ﬁnal Showdown in the Station House Hotel, it was the ﬁnal curtain for another year. Long live Clifden and the Connemara Pony! Ruth Rogers Photos by Andrew Downes

Clifden Show Results Class 1 Yearling Colt: Dooneen Hazy Rebel (Frederiksminde Hazy Match -Jennifer Rose) Owner and Breeder, Mr Peter Molloy, Claddaghduff. Class 2 Yearling Filly: Grange Grainne Surf (Monaghanstown Boy-Grange Garnet Surf ). Owners: Pat & Mary Rabbitt, Westmeath. Breeder: Lady Maria Levinge, Wexford. Class 3 Two year old Colt: Letterdyfe Rira (Currachmore Cashel-Letterdyfe Ruby). Owner and breeder Cailin Conneely, Letterdyfe, Roundstone. Class 4 Two year old Mare: Glencarrig Rose Marie (Glencarrig Prince-April Rose) Owner Mr Cáillín Conneely, Letterdyfe Roundstone. Breeder Mr Gearóid Curran, Moycullen. Class 5 Three year old Mare with or without foal at foot: Gentle Kate (I Love You Melody-Gentle Wren) Owner and breeder Mr John McLoughlin, Letterfrack. Class 6 Three year old Stallion: Anbally Cloud (Anbally Frankie- Fairy Hill Lass) Owner and Breeder : Mr Billy Woods, Tuam. Class 8 Stallion four years old and over: Currachmore Cashel (Rosenaharley Rowley- Tolka Bridge) Owner and Breeder: Mr Eamonn Burke, Castlegar. Class 9 Mare four and five years old with or without foal at foot: Curragh Court Lady (Clonberne Boy- Clydagh Marie). Owner: Mr Padraic Hynes, Canal Stage. Breeder: Mr Willie Donelon, Tuam. Class 10 Mare six or seven years old with or without foal at foot: Cashelbay Heather (Tulira Robuck- Bealnamulla Kim). Owner; Mr Gerard King, Ballyconneely. Breeder: Robert & Barbara Fallon, Cashel. Class 11 Mare 8 to 9 years old with or without foal at foot: Danesfield Heather (Moy Hazy Cove-Danesfield Rose) Owner: Mr Martin Feeney, Moycullen. Breeder: Mr Paddy Feeney, Moycullen. Class 12 Mare 10 to 15 years old, with or without foal at foot: Foreglass Lass (Wings of Victory-Foreglass Matchmaker) Owner: Mr Noel Brett, Belmullet. Breeder: Mr Mark Conroy, Ballyconneely. Class 13 Mare 16 years old or over with or without foal at foot: April Rose (Streamstown Larry-Errisbeg Dolly) Owner: Mr. Gearoid Curran, Moycullen. Breeder: Mr. Michael Conneely, Roundstone. Class 14 Progeny Class: Currachmore Cashel (Rosenaharley Rowley-Tolka Bridge) Owner and Breeder: Mr Eamonn Burke, Castlegar. Class 15 Best Registered Connemara Pony bred, owned and exhibited by owner resident outside Connemara: Currachmore Cashel (Rosenaharley Rowley-Tolka Bridge) Owner and Breeder: Mr Eamonn Burke, Castlegar. Class 16 Best Connemara Pony, bred, owned and exhibited by an owner resident in Connemara: April Rose (Streamstown Larry-Errisbeg Dolly) Owner: Mr. Gearoid

September 2009

Curran, Moycullen. Breeder: Mr. Michael Conneely, Roundstone. Class 18 Colt Foal: Gneevebrack Fionn Monaghanstown Fionn -Gneevebrack Belle. Owner and Breeder: Mr Edward Fleming, Mullingar. Class 19 Filly Foal: Murvey Rianna (Currachmore Cashel-Murvey Cara) Owner and Breeder: Mr Bernard Keaney, Roundstone. Class 20 Champion Foal: Gneevebrack Fionn Monaghanstown Fionn -Gneevebrack Belle. Owner and Breeder: Mr Edward Fleming, Mullingar. Class 22 Connemara Pony Gelding: Smokey Biscuit (Glencarrig Prince-Smokey Star) Owner: Grace Murphy, Taylors Hill, Galway. Breeder: Mr Murty Mc Grath, Claregalway. Class 23 Young Handler’s Class for handlers aged 10 – 15: Aughnakeeragh Paddy (Moy Hazy Cove-Sheeba’s Lady) Handler: Michelle Martyn, Corrandulla. Class A Lead Rein Class for Pony ridden by Novice u-10 years: Milford Sirocco (Milford Siskin-Mervyn Wren) Owner: Mr Malachy Hardiman, Co Galway. Breeder: Tom & Elizabeth Ormsby, Tuam. Class B Pony to be ridden by a child u-14 years: Gleann Rua Hoodwink (Abbeyleix Owen-Gleann Rua Morning Mist) Owner: Mr Michael and Mrs Mary Connolly, Rosscahill. Breeder: Mrs Beatrice Maxwell-Murphy, Co. Galway. Class C Pony aged 4-5 years old ridden by rider over 12 years: Newtown Blossom (I Love You Melody -Break of Dawn) Owner: Ms Tessa J Collier, Co Wicklow. Breeder: Mr Peter Kyne, Moycullen. Class D Connemara Pony aged 6-8 years old ridden by rider over 10: Inverin Boy (I Love You Melody-Inverin Lady) Owner: Ms Carmel Joyce, Co.Kerry. Breeder: Mr Sean Faherty, Inverin. Class F Pony Ridden by Rider Over 16 and U-21: Dangan Patricka (Coral Star -Waterfall Mist) Owner: Mr Patrick Geoghegan, Co. Wicklow Breeder: Mr Conor O’Brien, Co Clare. Continued on next page

Page 13

Supreme Champion of Champions The Pony Showing Season of 2009 reaches its pinnacle at the 4th Annual Supreme Champion of Champions Show in Roundstone on September 13th where ﬁrst place winners of 2009 Connemara Pony classes countrywide will compete for the title of Supreme Champion. The quality of Connemara Ponies on display is the highest of any show of the season. This is an opportunity to see the very best of the breed from all over the country and round oﬀ the pony showing season on a high. The Grand Finale is the Champions Parade through Roundstone Village.

First Roundstone Pony Fair

day the 26th. Entries are now being taken and it is advisable to enter early as large numbers of entries are expected and there is a limit to the numbers which can be accommodated over the 5 days. Log on to www.connemaraponysales.com for regular updates. Padraig Heanue

Connemara RDS Win Knockillaree Tomás (photo below) was the Registered Connemara Stallion Class Winner and Reserve Champion of the Show at the RDS and he is pictured here with his owner Roger Joyce of Knockillaree Riding Centre & Stud, Oughterard. Photo courtesy of Siobhan Joyce.

On the following Saturday September 19th, the ﬁrst annual Registered Connemara Pony fair is to be held at Roundstone Show Field. The fair will commence at 8am. Foals must be on halters. We recommend that foals be blood-typed and chipped prior to fair. (Foals will be scanned). A vet will be available on request. Representatives of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society will be present to deal with paperwork. Entry fee: €20 per pony. The Roundstone Pony Show is also in the process of setting up a database of Ponies for sale.

August Pony Sales Report The August Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden which usually took place on the day after the Clifden Pony Show moved to the Saturday this year to accommodate the CPBS who were holding their performance day on the Friday. With an unprecedented number of entries the sales then had to be extended to a two day sale, which took place on Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of August. Of the 462 ponies catalogued, 394 went through the sales ring with 216 sold. While prices were back as they are in every sector of the horse industry the numbers sold were higher in comparison to Sport Horse and Thoroughbred sales in the Country where auctioneers are struggling to get bids on horses at all. It was also encouraging to see foreign buyers back in action with 10 ponies sold to France, 3 to Germany, 22 to the UK and 1 making the long journey to the USA. The remainder were purchased by Irish buyers.The top 10 prices over the 2 days were as follows: Lot no 55, 4 year old dun gelding, broken and ridden €4700 Lot no 92, 3 year old class 1 registered mare by Coosheen Stormboy - €3100 Lot no 99, 2 year old dun filly by Shadows Dun - €3700 Lot no 108, 10 year old dun gelding with loads done - €4400 Lot no 109, 6 year old class 1 registered mare, scanned in foal - €3500 Lot no 137, yearling filly by Cloon Eile Cashel €3200 Lot no 237, 4 year old gelding, broken and ridden - €3500 Lot no 293, 4 year old class 1 registered mare by Westside Mirah - €3550 Lot no 311, 2 year old filly by Coral Ross - €4000 Lot no 344, 3 year old class 1 registered mare by Westside Mirah - €4500 Lot no 440, 8 year old class 1 registered mare, scanned in foal - €4100 The next sales in Clifden will take place over 5 days from Thursday the 22nd of October to Mon-

Clifden Show Results continued Class G Pony ridden by rider aged 21 years and over: Celtic Myth (Earl of Castlefrench -Urrachree Lilly) Owner: Ms Mary Hayden, Co. Tipperary. Breeder; Mr Samuel Smyth, Co. Antrim. Class H Stallion ridden by person 14 years and over: Fernville Danny (Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Ross Castle Moya). Owner and breeder: Mr John Canavan, Moycullen. Class I: Pony-Ridden Side-Saddle: Draiocht na Mara (Loobeen Larry -Lisglassick Laura) Owner; Judy Cazabon, Cleggan. Class J Champion Ridden: Driocht na Mara (Coral

Page 14

Errismore Races A race for local ponies and jockeys was a great draw at the 2009 Errismore races on August 2nd in the lashing rain, where professionals would have done well to withstand the diﬃcult racing conditions. The participants were TJ Berry on Darragh, Michael O’Malley on Toby, Anais Guiraud on Sam, Josephine Baker on Smokey and Eve Bassac on Joey. The eventual winner after a very exciting race was TJ Berry on Darragh, second was Eve Bassac on Joey, and ﬁnishing third was Anais Guiraud on Sam. Photos: TJ Berry winner of the race for local participants at the Errismore Races with his pony Darragh. Photo courtesy of Anne Steyaert

Claddaghduff Show Results

Cattle Show

Class One Yearling Colt. Peter Molloy, Cushatrough, Claddaghduff–Dooneen Hazy Rebel Class Two Yearling Filly. Mark Ryan, Ballard, Cong–Cong Kate Class Three Two Year Old. Colt Sean Conneely, Glenbrickeen, Clifden–John’s Pride Class Four Two Year Old Filly. Caroline Lydon, Carraroe-Fuinseog Class Five Three Year Old Mare. Peter Molloy, Cushatrough, Claddaghduff–Dooneen Stephanie Rose Class Six Three Year Old Registered Colt. Bartley Conroy, Emloughmore, Ballyconneely–Callowfeenish Grey Class Seven Junior Champion–Peter Molloy, Cushatrough, Claddaghduff–Dooneen Hazy Rebel. Reserve-Caroline Lydon, Carraroe - Fuinseog Class Eight Young Handlers Class. Gerry King, Derrygimbla, Ballyconneely–Cashel Bay Heather Class Nine Bay Class. Patrick Conneely, Letterdyffe, Roundstone– Moyvoon Breeze Class Ten Four-Six Year Old Mare without foal Gerry King, Derrygimbla, Ballyconneely–Cashel Bay Heather Class Eleven Four–Six Year Old Mare with foal at foot Paul Creavan, Caherlistrane, Co. Galway–Quarry Star Class Twelve Seven to Eleven Year Old Mare without Foal 1. Ronan Burke, Castlegar, Galway–Pearl Of Rickamore Class Thirteen Seven to Eleven Year Old Mare with Foal at Foot Geoff rey Heanue, Rusheenduff, Renvyle–Starlight Butterfly Class Fourteen Twelve to Nineteen Year Old Mare Breda Horan, Castlegar, Galway–Kilmeen Jane Class Fifteen 20 year Old Mare and Over Grace Murphy, Taylor’s Hill, Galway–Lakeside Lady Class Sixteen Filly Foal Alice Garvey, Caherlistrane, Co. Galway Class Seventeen Colt Foal Martin Nee, Doonreaghan, Cashel– Doonreaghan Marty Class Eighteen Champion Foal Martin Nee, Cashel-Doonreaghan Marty. Reserve Champ. Foal–Alice Garvey, Caherlistrane Class Nineteen Stallion Class–4 Year Old and Over Eamon Burke, Castlegar, Galway–Clooneile Cashel Class Twenty Supreme Champion of the Show. Champion– Eamon Burke, Castlegar, Galway–Clooneile Cashel. Reserve– Grace Murphy, Taylor’s Hill, Galway–Lakeside Lady.

Cattle Show Class 50. Continental Bull Calf –1. Michael Burke Class 52. Continental Heifer Calf –1. Jimmy Faherty,Letterfrack. Class 54. 12 months old and over Continental. Male 1. Padraic Keane, Renvyle Class 55. 12 months old & over, Non continental male 1. Richard Needham, Ballynew, Moyard Baby Beef Champion: Jimmy Faherty, Letterfrack, Reserve: Michael Burke Overall Champion : Padraic Keane, Renvyle, Reserve : Sean Walsh, Ballyconneely

Sheep Show

Star-Waterfall Mist). Owner: Mr Patrick Geoghegan, Co. Wicklow. Breeder: Mr Conor O’ Brien, Co. Clare. Loose Jumping: Grange Bobby Sparrow (Grange Bobbing Sparrow- Kilkerrin Surf ) Owner: Michael & Dorothy Tallis, Co Kilkenny. Breeder: Lady Maria Levinge, Co Wexford. Ridden Working Hunter:Westmir Queen (Westside Mirah-Cantaharba Lady) Owner: Antoinette Geoghegan, Co Wicklow. Breeder Martin Golding, Ballinasloe. Puissance-1.46m Wall Jump: Joint Winners: Bobby Sparrow Blue (Ashﬁeld Bobby Sparrow-Misty Maiden) Ridden by John Walsh. Glenford Scot (Atlantic RavenGentian glory) Ridden by Charlotte O Callaghan.

September 2009

Class 30. Pair of Scotch Black Face Ewes 1.Conor and Ciaran Heanue, Renvyle Class 31. Pair of Crossbred Ewe Lambs 1. Desmond Heanue, Renvyle Class 32. Crossbred Ram Lamb 1. Thomas Walsh, Recess Class 33. Scotch Black Face Ram Lamb 1. Sean Halloran, Clonbur Class 34. Pair of Scotch Blackface Ewe Hoggets Stephen King, Roundstone Class 35. Pair of Scotch Blackface Ewes rearing lambs. Stephen King, Roundstone Class 36. Pair of Scotch Blackface Ewes not rearing lambs Stephen King, Roundstone. Class 37. Pair of Crossbred Ewes Rearing Lambs Fintan Joyce, Recess 2 Class 38. Pair of Crossbred ewes not rearing lambs 1 & 2. Thomas Walsh, Recess Class 39. Ram – other than blackface one yr. old & over Jonathan Molloy, Oughterard Class 40. Scotch Blackface Hogget Ram 1 & 2. Sean Halloran, Clonbur Class 41. Scotch Blackface Aged Ram 1. Sean Halloran, Clonbur, Champion Blackface of the Show: Sean Halloran, Reserve : Stephen King Champion Breed other than Blackface: Fintan Joyce, Reserve: Jonathan Molloy

Connemara SportsView

After School/ Arts/ Entertainment Connemara Drama Club. Autumn Term Starting Again! Drama, Mime, Rhyme, Improvisation, Singing, Dancing, Instruments from around the world and Lots Lots more. End of term show. 8 week term. 8 - 12 years group: Starting Wed Sept 16th; 4pm - 5pm and 5.15pm. - 6.15pm; Station House Theatre; €48. 4 - 7 years group: Starting Thurs Sept 17th; 4pm - 5pm and 5.15pm - 6.15pm; Station House Theatre; €48. Facilitator: Rosalind Coyne. BA Hons Drama. Post Graduate Drama Studio London. Contact: 095-43589. 086-352-3431. Yellow Door Expressive Arts School. Open Day and Registration on Saturday the 12th of September in the Station House Theatre Foyer. Performance School Wednesdays. Hip-Hop, Drama, Modern Dance, Voice. €100/110. Ballet and Creative Dance Thursdays €80. Both Classes €150. Subject to availability. Family Discount available. Elaine taught Early Stages teaching drama, dance and singing in Galway for the last two years at Stagecoach Galway. The cost of this course was €235 per child, so the same product in kind is available now in Clifden under her own ﬂedgling company. Elaine was a ballet dancer with Cork City Ballet and will gladly chat on the 12th with parents and children about her professional experience as a performer, producer and teacher. See you there! Art Classes. Would you like to learn watercolour painting? One to one and small group classes available. Take a one oﬀ class or several. I can also come to your small group. Patricia Morrison. Derrigimlagh, Ballyconneely. 087-656-9255. Station House Theatre, Clifden. Check out our fantastic line-up of cinema and live acts. www.stationhousetheatre. com. info@stationhousetheatre.com 095-30303. Video rental and purchase. Music. Video Games. Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033 The Ultimate Girls Night In!! An Ann Summers party is the great girls night in for you and your friends. Parties are full of games, fun and laughter and it will be one night you will not forget. To book your party or order a catalogue please contact Paula on 087-758-9710.

Antiques & Restorations

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. Church-Castle and Monument. Architectural and Ecclesiastical restoration and conservation. Our Service: Statues repair and repainting. Marble altar works. Stained glass windows. Outdoor statues. Towerbells and clocks. Fountains. Crypts. Church furniture. Stations of the Cross. Vestments. Chalices and Monstrances. Grotto statues. Also sandblasting and metal engeneering works.etc. Nationwide Service. Purchasing-Statue showroom. Michele Thierbach G.R.A.D. www.studio-michele.com. www. nicholas-antiques.com. 091-556735.

Automotive

Omey Tyres. Connemara’s 1st complete mobile tyre ﬁtting centre. The best prices - Every day – Guaranteed. 24 Hour - 7 Days. Call Out Service throughout Connemara. Call Daniel Ryan on 095-44979 or 087-244-5129. D&N Auto Store. Suppliers of: Oils, parts, batteries, accessories, body kits, alloys, number plates. Now stocking tractor parts. Open 6 days 9am-6pm. Unit 4, Clifden Business Park. 095-30615. 087-274-4165.

Bicycles & Quads

Mannion’s Bikes. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160. Adult and children’s bikes. Rentals. Galway Quads. Quads, buggies, repairs, servicing, acces-

Connemara View Directory

sories. Kids Quads on sale. Plus: Sale prices on helmets & kids clothing. Boley, East Barna. Contact Keith Trill on 087-988-6514 or email keith@galwayquads.com. www. galwayquads.com.

Books & Periodicals

Clifden Bookshop oﬀers a comprehensive range of titles with particular emphasis on local Connemara history, Irish literature, guide books, maps, memoirs and book tokens. Good news for all book lovers - Extensive range of books currently selling at parity. Best Sellers/Thrillers/Biographies. Also stockists of artist’s materials, cards & stationery. Provides ordering and mail-order service. Main St, Clifden. 095-22020. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Lotto. Newspapers & magazines.

Catering A la Carty Catering: For all your home catering needs contact Joe and Olive Carty. 095-22842. 087-260-5961. alacartycatering@gmail.com. Award Winning Chef John Walsh is now oﬀering catering services and cookery courses. Look for the Pangur Ban stall at the Clifden & Moycullen weekly markets for gourmet breads & more. 095-4124. pban@indigo.ie www. pangurban.com.

Computers & IT Supplies

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

Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants

Portfinn Lodge & Fjord Restaurant. Casual Dining Overlooking Killary Fjord in Leenane. Early Bird Menu 6 to 7pm €21. Available for special occasions and events such as Holiday Parties, Weddings, Christenings and Birthdays. 095-42265. info@portfinn.com www.portfinn.com. Garden Teas at the Anglers Return, Toombeola. Enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful garden overlooking the Ballynahinch River, or by the log fire if the weather inclement! Please book ahead if possible. B & B also available; all home produce. 095 31091. 087 1262667 www.anglersreturn.com. Guy’s Bar & Snug. Hang Out in Our New Snug. Bar Food served daily until 9pm. Live Traditional Music every night 7-9pm. Free Wifi. Wines by the Glass from our excellent wine list (no 1/4 bottles). Off Licence: Wine, Whiskey, Cigars. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21130. Oliver’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant, Cleggan. Fresh seafood. Bar food served daily until 9pm. Trad Session Wednesdays at 9.30pm with local musicians Heather Greer (harmonica, concertina) & Mary Lovett (banjo, mandolin). All musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Live music on Saturday nights. 095-44640. Kylemore Pass Hotel and Restaurant, Kylemore. Ideal for small weddings. Tranquillity Room suitable for Civil Weddings, & therapy-use. Restaurant for a special meal. Sailors Bar for affordable meals. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. Take friends for a drink in our unique bar. 095-41141. email: passinn@indigo.ie www.kylemorepass-hotel-connemara.com. O’Dowd’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Roundstone Harbour. Food served daily from 10am-9:30pm. Fresh seafood daily. 095-35809. EJ King’s Bar and Restaurant. The Square, Clifden. 095-21330. Open 7 days a week. We cater for all kinds of parties. Special 2 course and 3 course meal offers available. Live music every night including our Rock night every Friday. Great fun. Griffins Bar. Main St, Clifden. Serving hot food Mon-Fri from noon to 5pm. Live music every night. 4 TV Screens for the best sports viewing. Air conditioned. Beer Garden and smoking area. 095-21370. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road, Clifden. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Early booking is advisable. Tuesday night is Irish Night. Entertainment nightly. 095-21201. info@abbeyglen.ie. www.abbeyglen.ie.

Cards, Gifts & Flowers

King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Visit our new Card & Gift Gallery. Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Back to School Supplies. Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348.

September 2009

Page 15

Driver Training John Lyden – Clifden School of Motoring. Road Safety Authority and UK approved driving instructor. Lessons given in Toyota Yaris Diesel or an Automatic Car. For details and appointments ring 095-21170.

Education

Clifden Community School Further Education Programme now enrolling. Full and part time courses. See ad aon page 2 of this issue for more details. Open Evening: Wednesday 9th of September 4:30 to 7:30 pm. All Welcome. For more info phone 095-21184. The Further Education Centres, Letterfrack and Clifden are currently enrolling for their full and part-time courses. VTOS is designed to meet the training and educational needs of people who are unemployed. See ad on page 3 of this issue. For more details contact Sorcha O’Toole on 095-41302. Back to Education Initiative at Cashel Training & Education Centre: Computer Literacy; Irish Language/Communications. Glynsk Education Centre: Health-Related Fitness; Working with Young People; Computer Literacy. Leading to a FETAC Certiﬁcation. Start date: September 2009. Time: 10am-2pm/7.30pm-9.00pm. Individuals in receipt: Unemployment payments; means tested social welfare beneﬁts; medical cards (including dependents) are entitled to free tuition. Unwaged people with less than upper second level education will be entitled to a reduction in fees. For information contact: Bridget/ Su - Cashel Training & Education Centre, Cashel : Tel: 095-31052. Ionad Oideachas Pobail Iarrais Aithneach , Seanscoil Ghlinsce: 095 32714.

Employment

Full-time Special Needs Assistant required for Clifden National School. Applications in writing on or before September 18th to Board of Management, Clifden NS, Racecourse Road, Clifden, Co. Galway. Connemara West Community Creche are looking to form a panel of childcare workers to cover for holiday, maternity and other leave. Suitable candidates should have a childcare qualiﬁcation and/or have worked in a childcare setting. Please forward CV to: The Manager, Connemara West Community Creche, Letterfrack, Co. Galway on or before Friday September 18th. Pub staﬀ required for busy Irish pub in Naples, Florida, U.S.A. For details contact Paddy Yank McDonagh 086-346-9372. Email: paddyyank@yahoo.com.

Contact: Marian Herriott 087-647-8303. email: mherriott4@gmail.com. Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. Clifden Oﬃce at Unit 3, Tom Barry House 095-21101. Cashel Oﬃce 095-31128. Therese Thornton, Solicitor, Clifden, Co. Galway. Professional, comprehensive legal service at reasonable rates. Call (087) 2625385 or email ThereseThornton@gmail. com for advice or a quote with no obligation.

Food & Wine

Duane’s Fish Shop, Main Street Clifden For a large selection of fresh fish, locally produced organic salmon, live lobster and fresh crab. Also, top quality frozen prawns, garlic mussels, Manx kippers and lots more. Open six days a week for summer months. 095-21804. Des Moran Family Butchers. Main Street, Clifden. Home of the national award winning sausages, white pudding and black pudding. Catering to all of your meat and poultry needs. The Connemara Hamper. Lower Market St, Clifden. Large selection of Irish and European farmhouse cheeses. Organic wines, fruit and vegetables. Freshly baked breads and baguettes. Gourmet lunches and Illy coffee to go. Open all year. Phone for opening hours. 095-21054. Malone Meats. Lower Market St., Clifden. Stop in for quality and service from your local butcher. 095-21868. Clip out this ad to receive 10% off your purchase. Pangur Bán. Gourmet breads and more by Award winning Chef John Walsh. Visit our market stall in Clifden & Moycullen. Custom cookery courses available. 095-41243. pban@indigo.ie www.pangurban.com. Jagur Organic. Get your organic Fruit and Vegetables from your local Organic Grower at the Market in Clifden Square every 1st Friday of the month until next Spring. Our produce is also available in the Countryshop Letterfrack and the Connemera Hamper Clifden. 095-44855. Kavanagh’s SuperValu. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm. Fri 8am-10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 8:30am-9pm.

Health See Health Directory on Page 21 Home Furnishings

Fashion Autumn Sale at Dan O’ Hara Craft Shop. 20% oﬀ selected knitwear. Special oﬀers on Jewellery, Perfumes etc. Open Daily 10am to 6pm.

Financial/Legal

Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348. Creative Wood Flooring & Fireplace Warehouse. Kilroe, Inverin, Co. Galway. Wood flooring, fireplaces, stoves, granite worktops, firewood. Factory prices, nationwide delivery. 091-553-995. 087-285-3114. www.creativewarehouse.ie Lydons Carpet & Furniture. Moycullen. 091-555-962.

in an abusive relationship. For free, friendly, confidential advice and support call D.V.R. @ 091-866-740. Connemara AA and Al-Anon meetings: Al-Anon: Mondays, Elm Tree Centre (Day room), 8-9 pm. AA: Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30 pm. Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30 pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30 pm. Fridays, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays, Clifden Day Centre 12 noon. Clifden Citizens Information Centre. Free and confidential service to the public. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-22000 and 087-130-1100. Thurs 7pm-8pm. Friday 10:30am- 3:30pm. Connemara Community Radio. Letterfrack. 095-41616. Connemara View Newspaper. Clifden. 095-22888. AWARE Depression Support Group meetings take place at the FORUM Office (upstairs), Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on the 1st Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact Margaret 095-21741 afternoons except Tuesday for more details.

Items for Sale or Rent

1996 Mazda 626. NCT to Nov09. Ready to drive. Needs a little attention. €1000 ono. Call Richard on 095-21812. Top Quality Hay and Straw for sale. Square and round bales. Call 087-968-1950. Tropical Fish Tank. 2’x1’x1’. Used, but very good condition. Ready for fish. Complete with filter, pump, light, heater, gravel. Usable for cold water fish. 087-126-2667. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095 21219. Turf for Sale. €350 per trailer including delivery within Connemara. 087-611-9409. Celtic Flame Kiln Dried Olive Wood. €6 per net sack. Half Ton: €300. Ton: €550. Creative Warehouse. Kilroe, Inverin. 091-553-995 087-285-3114

Music

The Bens. Bridge St, Clifden, Connemara. 086-103-1154. Now Open. Irish Music – Traditional, Country and Local Artists. CDs & DVDs. Musical instruments. Large range of personalised gifts. Picture framing.

Office Supplies

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

Pets, Animals & Ponies

Homes for Kittens: Renvyle Animal Rescue needs kind homes for Lucille and Noel. Lucille is a ten weeks old white and tabby kitten. Noel is a handsome brown Tabby male approx 12 weeks old. Both kittens are house trained. 086-354-2451.

Bookkeeping & Accounts service for self employed and small businesses. Very experienced ﬁnancial administrator is available for all your bookkeeping requirements. VAT/PAYE/PRSI returns, Payroll, Monthly Accounts etc.

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

Page 16

September 2009

Connemara View Directory

Pets, Animals & Ponies

Travel Medjugorje: 20th September. €669 fully inclusive. Fully guided Programme. Meg Mannion 087-7423111 or Marian Pilgrimages. 01-878-8159.

TV/Satellite/Broadband

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

Websites

Website Design: Creative, professional and aﬀordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. For pricing and to view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign. com. For a competitive quote phone Caroline Herriott on 086-0791918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com.

Photography Services

Wedding Services

10 week photography course starting in October. All levels welcome. Contact: 095-22737 or Clifdenphotographyschool@gmail.com for more information. Photos Restored, Rescued & Reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to cd, ready for print at Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. Call 095 22033.

Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. 095-43756. 086-406-2394. email: ﬁddisco@mac.com. www.ﬁddisco. com. Phone for a Free Demo DVD.

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. Semi-house for rent: For couple/family/group. Upstairs: 3 bedrooms (2 double), bathroom/ bath, electric shower. Downstairs: Bright, airy kitchen come dining area. Living room (with open ﬁre place). Oil central heating. Washing machine. Patio (facing south). Small garden area for cloth es line. Parking space. 095-22711. 087-762-6917. House to Let: 4 bedroom bungalow in Gowlane. 2 miles from Clifden. Fully furnisher. Oli central heating. 2 bathrooms. 086-163-9720.

Properties - BER

Properties To let : Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment at Harbour Heights. Large patio, great views, private parking. Ph : 087-9450788. Modern & comfortable 3 bedroom house available for long term rent. Located in quiet and convenient location just a stroll from Clifden town centre. Available Sept 5th ‘09. Careful tenants only. No pets. Available furnished or unfurnished. Car space provided. Ph: 086 3989350 / 091 552929 Chalet to let: Suitable for a couple or a single person, Single room with double bed, En-suite show, Kitchen/living room & conservatory, Own access, Quite area, One minute walk from town square, Sky T.V and Eircom Broadband ready, Rent receipts accepted- € 90.00 per week . Phone: 0872977654 / 0870667080. (095) 30613 to view. Apartment for rent. 1 Bedroom apartment available for rent in Roundstone Village. Fully ﬁtted kitchen and separate Shower/ Toilet. Apartment situated in the heart of the village. Private oﬀ -street parking available. Please contact Paddy at 086 -3469372.

Connemara View Directory

Selling Your House or Renting Long-term? Then you must have a Building Energy Rating. Contact Oliver Coyne today! 095-35813. 086-238-4195. olivercoyne@gmail. com. Listed on the SEI Register of BER Assessors. Building energy rating (BER)call today for a quotation,also a solar panel and heat recovery ventilation installer.SEI registered.contact Aodan on 087 0660755 or email at aodanmacdonncha@gmail.com. Book now for your Building Energy Rating certiﬁcate which is compulsory for all homes for sale or rent from January 1st 2009. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. BERs will be carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Call Sinead at Matt O’Sullivan Estate Agents on 095-21066 or e-mail property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com. Listing properties for long term rental.

Signs

Traditional Irish Sign Writing by ‘Studio Nicholas - Connemara’. Moycullen-Tullokyne. 091-556735. 087-220-3898.

Taxi Service

Connemara View Newspaper 7,500 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888 087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor: Catherine Pryce Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Contributors: John Amenhauser, Gareth Anthony, Tom Broderick, Sean Carter, John Claró, Richard de Stacpoole, Andrew Downes, Kevin Griffin, Rosemary Hanley, Padraig Heanue, Marie Louise Heffernan, Siobhan Joyce, Bernie Jeff ries, Anne Jones, PK Joyce, Jessica Kane, Nick Kats, Patricia Keane, Mary Kyne, Judy Lawrence, Gavin Lavelle, Carmel Lyden, Brendan Madden, Maureen Maloney, Eamon McLoughlin,Theresa McLoughlin, Ann Mitchell, Simon Murray, Aine Maire Ni Flatharta, Kevin O’Connor, Trevor O Clochartaigh, John O’Neill, Bobbi O’Regan, Breandan O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Kevin Prunty, Ruth Rogers, Cathriona O’Toole, Margaret Sheehan, Anne Steyaert, Harry Walsh, Pat Walshe, Declan Weir.

Plus many local schools, groups & organisations. Photography by staﬀ unless credited otherwise.

NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, October 1st

Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Friday, September 18th News Deadline: Wednesday, September 23rd Classified Ad Deadline: Friday, September 25th

September 2009

Page 17

Trade Supplies & Services Alternative Energy Airflow Renewable Energy Solutions, Ballybrit, Galway. 091-76-47-61.www.airflowireland.ie. Daikin air to water heat pumps. Ground source geothermal heat pumps. IVT heat recovery ventilation. Solar panels. System design & project support. Domestic & commercial. SEI approved. Cut your oil bill by two-thirds with solar powered water heating. Call Michael Carey for a free no obligation quote. Testimonials from satisfied customers available. SEI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com.

Connemara Seamless Gutters. Suppliers of roof line cladding and guttering systems. Over 17 years experience. Aluminum, UPvc. Wide range of colours. Free quotations. 095-41180. Gerry: 086-103-1053. Peter: 085-760-4130.

Gates

Connacht Gates Moycullen. Manufacturer of Wrought Iron Gates Domestic and Commercial. Side Gate, Railings. Balconies, Stainless Steel Handrails, Glass Balustrades, Customised Stairs, Fire Escapes. Registered Contractor. 091-868803. 087-2616947. Email: conncoatfab@eircom.net.

Headstones

Headstones. Surrounds, Cleaning, Inscriptions. Mongan’s Stonecraft. Memorials-Fireplaces-Flagstone-Signage. Derryinver, Letterfrack. 095-43473. 086-199-1988. 087-130 -7752.

Painting

Appliance Repair & Maintenance Robert King Service Repair Appliance Repair Approved agent for Whirlpool, Bosch, Siemens, Neﬀ, Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda. Call direct for any of these makes to avoid delays in booking your service call. All makes and models catered for. Fast delivery of parts in stock guaranteed. Servicing Carna, Kilkieran and Rosmuc weekly. Oil Burner Service/Repair. Have your oil burner full serviced/ repaired to maximise its eﬃciency. All appropriate tests carried out by fully trained personnel. Electric Showers. Storage Heating. Immersion Elements. Covering all of Connemara. Fully Insured. Professional Service Guaranteed. 095-22979. 087-697-7505. robmking@eircom.net.

Auro Natural Paints...let your house breathe again! Auro products contain no environmentally harmful additives like petroleum based solvents. For more information about our extensive interior and exterior high grade paints and care products, call Matrix Custom Interiors on 091-39-57-07 or 086-366-5768. Painting and Decorating: Interior and Exterior, timber ﬂoors sanded and varnished. Neat and tidy job guaranteed. Also oﬀering garden and lawn maintenance service. Competitive rates. References available. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle, 086-857-0302.

Sand, Gravel & Stone Cut Stone by the bag or hand picked. Any quantity. Flag stones for paving. Unusual shaped stones for your garden. Good quality topsoil by the truck load or 1 ton bags. Delivered promptly. Our prices won’t be beaten. Corbett Stone. Natural Connemara Building Stone. 095-21744. 086-247-5619. www.corbettstone.com. Washed and Graded Sand and Gravel. Decorative Stone Chippings in a variety of colours for pathways, driveways and patios. Also, choice gardener’s Bark Mulch. Free delivery to your door. Just need a bag or 2 of sand, gravel, decorative chippings or bark mulch? We are now supplying 25kg, 50kg and 250kg bags. We also sell in bulk.. Free delivery throughout Connemara. Mongan’s Stonecraft. Derryinver, Letterfrack. 095-43473. 087-130-7752. 086-199-1988. The Original Bagged Sand Supplier. Soft & Sharp Sand, Washed Gravel & Decorative Chippings. Stonetech, Clifden. Call Seamus on 087-668-7437.

Plant Hire

Noel Connolly Plant Hire. Site work & land drainage. Top Quality Graded Topsoil. Large volume of material available at €70 per load. Prices on extensions and renovations. Keenest prices around. C2 Reg. 095-23781. 086-247-6610.

Sheds

Windows Building Supplies Diamonds of Renvyle. General Merchants & Builders Providers. Animal feedstuﬀs, fencing, gates, wire, fertilizer, hay & bedding. Blocks, lintels, cement, pipes & much more. 095-43486. Creative Warehouse. Wood Flooring. Fireplaces. Stoves. Granite Worktops. Firewood. Kilroe, Inverin, Co. Galway. Factory prices, nationwide delivery. 091-553-995. 087-285-3114. www.creativewarehouse.ie.

Building Contractors

Deck Oﬀer: 100 sq. ft. deck including treated timber, railings and labour for €1200 inc vat. Also specialising in rooﬁng, attic conversions & timber framing. Contact Pat O’Malley. Full service builder. C2. Ltd Co. North Star Builders. 087-228-3862/085-780-6351. northstarbuilders@live.ie.

Page 18

Plastering & Tiling 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.

September 2009

Connemara View Directory

Underage Football Tournament Capped By Taoiseach Prizegiving On Monday August 10th a feast of football took place in Clifden GAA grounds, when the local Naomh Feichin’s club played host to the children of Keeraunmore Mobile Park, Ballyconneely. In ideal conditions for football, teams lined out at under 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 levels. All games played in a true sporting spirit, were hugely entertaining and highly competitive. The large crowd of supporters were treated to some fine individual displays, great score taking, high fielding and resolute defending as the play ebbed from end to end. The scene was set with a great under 6 opening game. A close fought battle was only decided in the final few minutes when great combined play from Eoin Feeney, Paddy Mc Gowan, Katie Hosty, James Gorham and Colm Finnerty swung the result in the direction of Ballyconneely on a 3-6 to 2–5 score line. The boys and girls from Keeraunmore again came out on top in the under 8 decider with Harry Finnegan, Alex Wynne, Jack Cleary and captain Grainne King playing leading roles.

The best game of the day proved to be the under 10 decider when a great ﬁrst half from Keeraunmore inspired by Liam Costello at midﬁeld, a wonderful goal from Maedbh Cowan and staunch defending from Ruaidhri Breathnach set their team up with a comfortable lead at half time. But back came Clifden and only trojan work from the O’Connor brothers, Conor Boyce, Charlie Walsh, Jack Grealish and Donie Mc Grath saw Keeraunmore hang on for a well earned

Connemara 09/08/09 18 Holes V par. Ladies: 1st: Mary Geoghegan (27) 5up, 2nd: Terese O Buachalla(14) 4up,Gross: Margaret Lavelle(9) 9 down,3rd: Julie Donnellan(17) 3 up, CSS:1up. Mens: 1st: Michael Kearney (14) 4 up, 2nd: Joe Lavelle (18) 4 up, Gross: John McLaughlin (6) 5 down, 3rd: John Flannery(16) 3 up. CSS: Level. 12/08/09 Members Competition,18 Holes Stableford. Ladies: 1st: Thecla McDowell (22) 37pts,2nd: Anna Greta Gormley(20) 36pts(b9), 3rd: Claire Williams(25) 36pts(b9), CSS: 36pts. Mens: 1st: Peter Coyne(12) 42pts. 2nd: Rory Sweeney (2) 40pts, 3rd: Tony McNicholl(20) 36pts (b9), Junior: Tim Mays(19)35pts,CSS: 35pts. 19/08/09 Members Competition,18 Holes Stableford Ladies: 1st: Mary Killeen(34) 41pts,2nd: Celia Morrissey(31) 40pts, CSS: 33pts. Mens: 1st: J Ryan (15) 36pts, 2nd: D Reddy (16) 36pts, 3rd: M Badley (10) 35pts. CSS: 35pts 26/08/09 Members Competition,18 Holes Stableford. Ladies: 1st: Evelyn King (20) 34pts, CSS: 36pts.

Broadcasting 11 am to 9 pm each day on 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Weather Forecast and Community Notices at 3 pm, 4 pm and 8 pm. draw at the final whistle. Some fine point taking in the under 12 match saw Keeraunmore get back to winning ways. Ross Cleary, John Maher, Robert Finnerty, Michael Barry, Cillian Breathnach, Paul Butler and Adam Fitzgerald all played significant parts in a highly entertaining game. The final game of the evening, an exhibition game between Clifden under 14’s and a juvenile selection from Keeraunmore proved a fitting finale. Great point scoring from Paddy Kitt and Evan Boyce, some wonderful defending from A.J.Kitt, Soirshe Connolly, Enda Mc Grath and Enda Tierney, wonderful link play from Evan Wynne and player of the match Ailbhe Finnerty alongside Rory Sullivan, saw just a point between the teams with a minute to go. Clifden pressed for a winner, but a wonderful interception from Andrew Ishmeal followed by a sweeping move up the field was finished by a great goal from young Niall Lally to clinch victory for Keeraunmore on a score line of 2 – 10 to 2 – 9. A fitting climax to a wonderful evenings sport. Great credit must go to all the organisers, the referees, the local club for hosting a really enjoyable evening. The children are all looking forward to next year’s event. Sean Carter Photos: While on holidays in Ballyconneely, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen kindly helped out at the prize presentation and barbecue after the Clifden and Keeraunmore football tournament. The ball is cleared by Clifden, despite the attention of four Keeraunmore forwards in the under 6 ‘s game.

Mens: 1st: Fearghal O’Rourke (15) 36pts, 2nd: Kenneth Coyne (19) 35pts, CSS: 35pts, 30/08/09 Singles Stableford. 1st: Billy Reilly (10) 35pts, 2nd: Eddie Foyle (12) 34pts (b9), 3rd: Niall Malone(26) 34pts. CCS: 33 Pts.

Oughterard 02/08/09 Captain John Waters Day. 1st Martin Callagy (10) 172. 2nd Michael Heaney (15) 172.5. Gross: Liam O’Reilly 184. 3rd Sean McHugh (28) 175 (B9 34). 4th Gerry Kelly (18) 175 (B9 42). 5th Michael O’Keane (6) 176 (B9 35). 6th Dominic Downey (12) 176 (B9 38). 7th Gerry Carroll (13) 176.5. 8th Gerry Maher (16) 177. 9th Tim McDonagh (15) 177.5 (B9 34.5, B6 21). 10th Finbarr Thomas (15) 177.5 (B9 34.5, B6 25). Leading Qualiﬁer Liam O’Reilly (4) 67 Nett. Past Captains: Joe Joe Faherty (12) 179. Veterans: Tom Durkin (19) 179.5. Committee: John Carr (10) 179 (B9 37). Nines: 1st Tony McDonagh (15) 32.5. 2ND Patrick O’Halloran (11) 31.5. Guests: 1st Jones Ferris 39 pts. 2nd Bartley Lydon 38 pts. 3rd Colm Kavanagh 38 pts. 4th David Healy 37 pts. 12 Hole: 1st Michael Lee 24 pts 2nd Rita Jordan 21 pts. 03/08/09 18 Hole Open Day competition. 1st Hugh Walsh (4) 40 pts. 2nd Robert Monroe (10) 37 pts. 3rd Niall Henry (11) 36 pts. 4th Tom

Connemara SportsView

Connemara Community Radio Weekly Schedule

Hargrove (15) 35 pts. CSS 36 pts. 04/08/09 18 Hole Open Day Competition. 1st Ciaran Murphy (12) 40 pts. 2nd Felim O’Flatharta (13) 37 pts. (21B9). 3rd Philip O’Dwyer (28) 37 pts (19B9) 4th Aidan Murphy (16) 37 pts (17B9). 5th Ken Jenkins (18) 36 pts. (21B9). CSS 34 pts. 11/08/09 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Tom Hargrove (15) 39pts, 2nd Eanna Malone (27) 38 pts, 3rd Colm McMahon (24) 37 pts (20B9) 4th Colm Boyd (16) 37pts (19B9, 12B6, 6B3), 5th Eanna Noone (20) (19B9, 12B9, 5B3) C.S.S 35 PTS 16/08/09 18 Hole competition Sponsor Brian Grandon. 1st Hugh Walsh (3) 40 PTS. 2nd Malachy Glynn (10) 39 pts (20b9). Gross Michael Darcy, Snr. (5) 34 Gross pts. 3rd Martin Callagy (9) 39 pts (19b9,15b6). 4th John Gillespie (14) 39 pts (19b9, 11b6). 5th Rory Murphy (14) 38 pts. CSS 35 pts. 30/08/09 18 Hole Medal Competition held on Sunday, 30th August, 2009. Sponsor T. Monaghan. 1st David Walsh (12) 68 Nett. 2nd Eoin O’Connor (5) 70 Nett (35.5b9). Gross Tim Mullins (8) 78 Gross. 3rd Andy King (20) 71 Nett (36.5b9). 4th Tony O’Donnell (21) 71 Nett (37.5b9). 5th Pakie Kellegher (20) 72 Nett (36b9). CSS 73 Nett.

September 2009

Sponsored by Broderick Electric, Sweeney Oil and Gannon Sports. * Indicates Sponors

Monday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with

Heather Heanue and Colleen Curran. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Hooked on Music with John Duane. *Clifden Chamber of Commerce. 6-7pm: Alternate Weeks - As Gaeilge with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig OR Heyday with Sinead Mannion & Bobbi O Regan. 7-8pm: Talk Sportwith Vivian Cotter. 8pm: Roundstone Report with Richard de Stacpoole and Anne Conneely. 8.15-9pm: Ann’s Mixed Bag with Ann Conneely. Tuesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cliona Sheehan. *Connemara View Newspaper. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Louisa Jack. 5.05-6pm: Jack’s Spot with Jack Tomlinson. 67pm: Live with John Dunne. 7-8pm: Community Matters with Pat O’Toole. *Tullycross and Cashel Credit Unions. 8pm: Cashel Report with Bernard Lee. 8.30-9pm: Classical Half Hour with Pat O’Toole. Wednesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Mary Roe. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Mickey Mac. 5.05-6pm: Double Trouble with Mickey Mac. Inishbofin Report returning soon. 6- 7pm: My Kind of Music with Martin Conroy. *ClifdenSupply Centre.7-8pm: Lift the Latch with Michael O’ Neill and Helen King. 8pm: Clifden Report with Breandan O’Scanaill. 8.15-9pm: Music with Pat Keaney. Thursday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cathy Keane and Brendan O’Malley. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Kathleen O’Brien. 5.05-6pm: Fáilte with Mary Corbett Joyce. 6- 7pm: Take it Easy with Michael O’Toole. 7-8pm: The Great Outdoors with Breandan O’Scanaill. *Acton Construction.8 pm: Cleggan Claddaghduff Report with Mary Gordon O’Toole. 8.15-9pm: Breandan O’Scanaill. Friday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirínn. 5.05-6pm: The Friday Feeling with Margaret Sheehan. 6-7pm: Lyrical Allsorts with Linda O’Malley. 7-8pm: Injury Time with various presenters. *AIB Clifden. 8pm: Ballyconneely Report with John O’ Malley. 8.15-9pm: American Country with Brendan Ridge. *Alcock & Brown Hotel.

Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with

Heather Kearney. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirrín. 5.05-6pm: Pretty Good Day so Far! with Sean Halpenny. 6- 7pm: Blue Highways with Lol Hardiman. 7-9 pm: Music Spectacular Alternate Weeks - Shelter from the Storm with Dave O’ Halloran or Coast to Coast with Paul Phelan. Sunday: 10-11am: Sounds a Bit Irish with Eamonn McLoughlin. *Mulchrone Bros, Westport. .11am-12noon: Mass from Clifden. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Words & Music with Kathleen Faherty . 6- 7pm: Footappin’ Time with Tom Mongan. 7-8pm: Senior Side of the Street with Josephine De Courcey. *FORUM. 8pm: Ballinakill Report with Paddy Gannon. Insihbofin Report with Tommy Burke. 8.15-9pm: Decades of Hits with Michael Coyne.

Page 19

Bogman 53

Bogman Across 9 Go about in public transport? What a sham! (5) 10 After a time, bearing to wipe it out. (5) 11 Native American a father abandoned to become a revolutionary. (3) 12 It repels me to be embraced by a leading underworld figure, or a leading figure of the underworld. (5) 13 Are they found streaming forlornly abroad? (9) 14 Get a spouse from Belfast all worked up. (7) 15 Call girls when shower needs adjustment. (6) 17 Gave rise to some function in the unprincipled type. (6) 18 How dull to have to translate Proust! (6) 21 Changing the points so the locomotive can proceed by way of it. (6) 23 Tack it on about here, being stuck. (7) 27 Such as might be found in a centre processing fruit? (9) 29 Go off silly young bird and throw it. (5) 30 Are letters back in time? (3) 31 Surely a strange organ to find in a dead creature? (5) 32 Dive boasting an organ of note? (5) Bogman Down 1 First couple of letters on work of poet in residence. (5) 2 Wrongly came again, so they must think they’re very important. (10) 3 By cracking nuts, aims to unleash powerfully destructive natural forces. (8) 4 It’s hard, in the construction business, for me to come into a little money. (6) 5 It’s generally held to be true that a cricket side will get a thousand both before and after. (5) 6 You’ll find there’ll be a shortage, right in the very end. (6) 7 Hard cash, in other words, is translated into something holy. (4) 8 What a carry on! Rearranging stripes! (7) 16 Crooked Ian’s hordes once called this south of Victoria Falls. (10) 19 Instrumental in making us silent and confused in the kitchen. (8) 20 Give a long speech about an animal with long ears. (7) 22 Found a pound in continental airport, or so we’re

Connemara Crossword 59

33. Intracerebral haemorrhage (6) 34. Revolution, sequence (8) 35. Rubber (6) Crossword Down 1. Runway (8) 2. Primitive weapon (8) 3. Cake (5, 4) 5. Separate, isolated (5) 6. African country (5) 7. Small hare-like mammal (6) 8. Taking a beating (6) 11. Hold to ransom (6) 14. Pot plant (3) 18. Procession, cavalcade (6) 19. Personality, nature (9) 20. Bar game (8) 21. Orchestrate a mechanic (8) 23. Save our souls (1, 1, 1)

August Winners

Bogman 52 Joe Niland, Moycullen Crossword 58 Helen Cosgrove, Cleggan 25. Form of address for Roman emperors (6) 26. Junkie (6) 29. Occurrence (5) 30. Bombardment, volley (5)

SUDOKU

Crossword Across 1. Make allegations (6) 4. Tasty sea fish (8) 9. Keep possession of (6) 10. Soft drug (8) 12. Uses keyboard (5) 13. Army group (9) 15. Scarlet (3) 16. Ice house (5) 17. Remove from container (6) 22. Good result for this province (6) 24. Fruit of the oak (5) 27. Atmosphere (3) 28. Made a formal speech to (9) 31. Excuse, defence (5) 32. Highly infectious hog fever (5,3)

Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden by August 26th.

Page 20

September 2009

told. (6) 24 Locate the listener but not in wet, depressing conditions. (6) 25 It is up to The First Lady to make sure that only the finest get through. (5) 26 Be sorry for losing the head over a bird. (5) 28 A common feature of thunderous applause. (4)

What Do You Know? Quiz 11 No winner. Prize money now €50 for 12 correct answers for Quiz 11.

September Quiz

Entertainment: What is the real name of the lead singer of Black Sabbath? Food & Drink: Which biscuit is named after Queen Victoria’s holiday home in the Isle of Wight? General Knowledge: In Islamic law, how many wives is a man allowed to have ? History: The oldest shoes found by archaeologists date to approximately 10,000 years ago. Where were they found? Literature: What was the name of Hans Christian Andersen’s first story which was published in 1822? Local Interest: What pony was named as Junior Champion at the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden in 2008? Music: Cavatina is the theme to which film? Nature: At what distance can a golden eagle spot a hare? Politics: Who was the first woman to be elected to the British House of Commons? Science: Which planet in the Solar System is closest in size to Earth? Sports: Which two teams contested the first All Ireland Hurling Final and where? Geography: What is the name of sea lakes on the Polar Cap which can remain liquid for an entire winter?

August Quiz Answers

Entertainment: Which Presidents does Forrest Gump meet in the film of the same name? Answer: Kennedy, Nixon, Johnson. http://www.ukwebstart.com/ triviaquiz2.html Food & Drink: What is wine called that is still fermenting? Answer: Stum. http://www. quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1.htm?selSport=qinc0159. js&selInTheNews=qinc0187. js&selTransport=qinc0174.js&selFood=qinc0104.js& General Knowledge: What was the first country in the world to propose a carbon tax to combat global warming? Answer: New Zealand. http://www.quizmoz. com/quizzes/General-Knowledge-Quizzes/g/ General-Knowledge-Quiz.asp History: Which German Military leader of World War I became President of Germany? Answer: Paul Von Hindenburg. http://www.paulsquiz.com/free_quiz_ questions/history_quizzes/World_War_I_Quiz_1/ Literature: In a Greek play of the same name, which young woman was punished for burying her dead brother? Answer:Antigone.http://www.make4fun. com/free-funny-quizzes.php?stuff=well-known-greekplays&id=8742 Local Interest: In what year was the Coastguard Station on the lower Sky Road in Clifden burned? Answer: 1922. http://www.coastguard-station.com/history.htm Music: Which letter in Morse Code is represented by the opening bars of Beethoven’s 5th symphony? Answer: V. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1.htm? Music=qinc0155.js&quizinc=qinc0155.js Nature: On which tree does the silk moth lay its eggs? Answer: Mulberry. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1. html/Natural=qinc0031.js& Politics: One province of Canada waited 23 years after the rest of the country before granting women a vote. Which province was this? Answer: Quebec. http:// www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz.cfm?quiz=274865 Science: What emergency safety device was first used in 1945? Answer: Ejector Seat. http://www.quizwinner.com/Free_science_quiz_questions.html Sport: Since its inception in 1965, how many men have held the coveted bodybuilding title of Mr. Olympia? Answer: 10. http://www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz. cfm?quiz=9580 Geography: What name refers both to the coast of North Africa and the San Francisco Bay area? Answer: Barbary Coast. http://www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz. cfm?passthrough=qid:210715

Connemara View Newspaper

The Station House Leisure Centre. 3 months single membership for only €200. Includes use of all facilities: Gym, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room. Available from September 1st. Phone 095 30433. Coast Club Leisure Centre. No Joining Fee plus 1 extra month free and a free course of aqua aerobics when you join before September 30th. The Connemara Coast Hotel, Furbo. (091) 503904. coastclub@connemaracoast.ie www.sinnotthotels.com Yoga Classes – commencing Tuesday 15th September in the Func Room, JC’s, Clifden €100 for 10 weeks. 6.15pm Gentle Yoga (suitable for beginners) 8pm Continuation Class. Prenatal Yoga Classes Wednesday evenings 7- 8pm Moyard €100 for 8 weeks. For more information or to book your place phone Aoife Lydon 086-842-1400.

Úna McKeever 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 0872505015. email: unamckeever21@gmail.com. Do you suffer from anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, digestive disorders, depression, headaches, lack of energy, ME, MS, muscle tension, stress? I f so, contact Lucy Lydon (BEHA Dip) on 087-757-9237. True Awakening Plexus Bio-Energy Therapy. Reiki/Seichem. Experience the calm and healing energies of this treatment which is drug free and non-invasive. These powerful energies can heal on a mental, emotional, spiritual and physical level. Qualified Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on 086-365-3266. 5 Rhythms® Movement Classes. We dance for joy, for fun, for keeping fit and we can also dance to feel rooted and steady in life, to feel supported in your way of living. An exhilarating, creative, movement meditation practice. October 7th & 21st, Nov 4th & 18th , Dec 2nd & 16th. 10.30 am to 12 noon. €120 for 6 classes at he Tranquillity Room, Kylemore Pass Hotel. Special Offer: If fully paid before September 10th, 6 Classes for €100. Send payment to Caitríona at Finnisglen, Recess, Co. Galway. Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig, www.deorade.com.

Connemara View Directory

September 2009

Clifden Outreach Service by Cancer Care West at the Clifden Health Centre opposite Clifden Hospital on the 4th Thursday of every month. Drop- in, information and support service. 091-545-000. www.cancercarewest.ie. Ní Ráighne Opticians. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-30995. Eye exams. €35. Medical cards and PRSI welcome. Wide selection of designer frames and sunglasses. The Treatment Rooms at Abbeyglen Castle oﬀering Hot Stone Massage, Luxury Yonka facials, Indian Head Massage, Reﬂexology, Zen Spa Pedicure/ manicure, waxing, California tanning. Non Residents welcome. Open 9-6 Monday to Saturday. Sunday 12 – 5. 095-21306. Clifden Holistic Centre. Kinesiology, Food Testing, Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Massage and Hypnotherapy at An Bhean Fheasa Health Shop, Lr Market St, Clifden.095 30671. Open Mon-Sat 9:30-6 p.m.

Page 21

september Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) This is a month for you to prepare for whatever the world is going to throw at you - and believe me, the world is waiting to throw! Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) This is the month for you to take stock of all that you are and all that you want to be. Believe in yourself and you will ﬁnd the right balance. Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) You need to stop letting someone else take the upper hand with regard to your own life. Be assertive. Be yourself and take that control back. Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) Stop waiting for that certain someone or something to happen.Go out there and make it happen on your own. You can do it. Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) Though family circumstances might prove diﬃcult this month, always remember that they are your family. Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) Happy birthday! It’s a perfect month for you to achieve, Virgo. Do not hesitate to take action to improve your own lot in life. Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) You need to get away this month. Take those you care for with you, and make a break from all that’s going on in your life. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) You are coming into your own with the autumn. There is not much that can or will go wrong this month, so enjoy the closeness of it. Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) It is not your time to shine yet, but it soon will be. Ride out the month and you will see much better things in the winter to come. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) It is a time for pleasure of all types and kind. Do what you enjoy and let the good things in life be part of your world. Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) Nobody is going to be able to give you the right advice about your love life, but you. So stop waiting and/or do not listen. Do what is in your heart. Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) There are so many good things that could happen for you this month, Pisces. Just be open to them and don’t hold back.

Tarot The Knight of Wands is an immediate action card telling you that in the past you acted without thought to what the outcome would be. The 8 of Pentacles let’s you know that you have done a lot of good work but there is still more that is required of you. The Queen of Wands is all about fulﬁllment for the future, as long as you stay on the current path that you are following.

runes

All action at this time appears to be blocked. You need to know that it is for a reason, so do not try to do anything. Just wait. The challenge comes from others who are trying to block you from getting what you want or desire. You must wait them out! The outcome will enable you to make your wishes known and you must be patient if others are making the mistakes.

“We Are Deciders”

September DVD Releases The Damned United: Based on David Peace’s book, this movie follows the tempestuous 44 days that Clough managed Leeds United. After alienating the side’s star players and a string of awful results, Clough was sacked but that was only half the story. Stars: Michael Sheen. Hannah Montana’s popularity has gone through the roof and she’s starting to get used to it! This prompts her Dad to suggest that she needs to come back down to Earth, so he takes her back to her home town of Crowley Corners, Tennessee so she can see what actually matters in life all over again. Stars: Miley Cyrus & Taylor Swift. Fifty Dead Men Walking is the stunning new action thriller by Karl Skogland about a secret agent working undercover for British security services in Northern Ireland during the late eighties. Stars: Ben Kingsley & Jim Sturgess.

Page 22

The Boat That Rocked is an ensemble comedy, where the romance is between the young people of the 60’s, and pop music. It’s about a band of DJs that captivate Britain, playing the music that defines a generation and standing up to a government that, incomprehensibly, prefers jazz. Stars: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Kenneth Branagh & Bill Nighy. Angels & Demons: A new Pope is to be chosen. There are 4 candidates. The Illuminati want to make the decision themselves. As the prospective candidates are killed off one by one, the killer lets it be known that he is from the Illuminati, but what do they want? Renowned symbologist Robert Langdon is called upon to investigate clues leading him to the Vatican and on a quest for a massively destructive weapon. Stars: Tom Hanks & Ewan McGregor. Courtesy of Video Vault, Main Street, Clifden. 095-22033.

The Sun crosses the celestial equator at 21:19 UT on Tuesday September 22nd, which is the Autumnal Equinox. At that point, night and day are of equal length. After this the Sun moves into the southern half of the sky, and for the next six months the nights are longer than the days. Moon: Full Moon occurs on Friday September 4th, when the Moon is in Aquarius. At this phase the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the east at sunset, shines throughout the night, and sets in the west at sunrise the following morning. The September Full Moon is often called the “Harvest Moon”, because it continues to rise around sunset for several evenings in succession, and its light used to help farmers to continue harvesting their ﬁelds after the Sun had set. The Moon is at Last Quarter on Saturday September 12th, in Taurus. This is almost the most northerly point in the Moon’s path, so it gives us an unusually good opportunity to observe it at a phase we don’t normally see. Around this date, the Moon rises in the north-east before midnight, and doesn’t set in the northwest until the late afternoon. But each day, as it wanes, it rises and sets a little later. By Thursday 17th we will only just be able to glimpse the waning “crescent” low in the eastern sky at dawn. New Moon is at 18:44 UT on Friday September 18th. We won’t see the new crescent in the south-west at sunset until at least Wednesday 23rd. Full Moon occurs again on Sunday October 4th. Mercury is at inferior conjunction (almost directly in front of the Sun) on September 20th. But at the very end of September, it will start to become visible in the eastern sky before dawn, to the lower left of brilliant Venus. However, we will get better views of elusive little Mercury during the second week of October. Venus is rising in the north-east in the early hours of the morning, and it’s visible in the eastern sky at dawn. At the start of September, Venus comes up more than three hours before the Sun, but each morning it rises a little later, and appears a little lower down. However, Venus is so intensely bright that it can be seen even in a brightening sky, even at low altitude. Relative to the stars, Venus is moving rapidly south-eastwards from Cancer into Leo; but it’s very much brighter than any of the stars. On the morning of Wednesday September 16th, the waning Moon will be close to the upper right of Venus.

Mars is rising in the north-east just before midnight, and by dawn it’s well up in the eastern sky. Relative to the stars, Mars is moving steadily eastwards through Gemini, heading towards the bright “Twin” stars Castor and Pollux. Mars itself looks star-like, just a little brighter than either of the “Twins”, and slightly orange in colour. In the telescope, Mars shows a tiny disc, around 6 arc-seconds across; it’s unlikely to show any detail.On the morning of Sunday September 13th, the waning Moon will appear to be directly above Mars; the following morning, the Moon will be to the lower left of Mars. Jupiter is the only planet well placed for viewing in the evening sky this month. It’s due south in the late evening, though at best it’s less than 20 degrees above the horizon. Relative to the stars, Jupiter is moving slowly south-westwards in the constellation of Capricornus; but the giant planet appears signiﬁcantly brighter than any of the stars. In the telescope, the disc of Jupiter shrinks this month from 48 to 46 arc-seconds in diameter; its dark and light cloud-bands should still be clearly visible. The Great Red Spot usually appears as a hollow in the southern edge of the south equatorial belt; it will be near the centre of Jupiter’s disc when the planet is in the south, on September 5th, 10th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, and 27th. Some of Jupiter’s four major moons may be seen, even in binoculars, as tiny points of light, in a nearstraight line to either side of the planet. Often only two or three may be visible – either because one is hiding behind the planet, or occasionally because one moon is hiding behind another moon, or in another moon’s shadow. Throughout the night of Wednesday September 2nd, our own gibbous Moon will appear close above Jupiter. And on the night of Tuesday 29th, the Moon will have travelled right around the sky to be back beside Jupiter again – this time a little way to the upper right of the planet. Saturn is at superior conjunction (almost directly behind the Sun) on September 17th, so we won’t be able to see the ringed planet at all this month. Meteors: There are no major meteor-showers in September, though there are various minor showers producing a few meteors an hour from radiants in Cassiopeia, Auriga, Aquarius and Pisces. But this is generally a good time of the year for seeing sporadic meteors, which may appear at any time, in any part of the sky. John Claró

Galway Astronomy Club

opportunity to investigate the origins of the Solar System and how it formed. Other events include a free Jupiter watch in Letterfrack and a talk by Professor Markus Woerner of NUI Galway focusing on Galileo’s observations and research results which revolutionised our view of planetary motion and the Universe. The lectures start next Monday night (Sept 7th) at 8pm with a talk by SETI scientist Eamonn Ansbro on the search for Extraterrestrial Visitations or UFO’s. His theories are controversial, yet will be presented by way of scientiﬁc papers showing that these hypothetical ‘Interstellar Probes’ might only be of a highly advanced robotic nature. For more info go to http://galwayastronomyclub. blogspot.com/ or Phone 086-8434003.

Meteorites from Mars, the Moon and beyond will form part of a series of monthly lectures being organised by the Galway Astronomy Club this Autumn. The meetings, at the Westwood House Hotel, Newcastle are open to the public and coincide with International Year of Astronomy which is marking 400 years since Galileo ﬁrst viewed the Planet Jupiter through a telescope in October 1609. Amongst the speakers will be Dr Matthew Parkes who recently featured on the RTE News showcasing a collection of space rocks including one brought back to Earth by the Apollo astronauts in 1969. He is a geologist with the National Museum of Ireland and will talk about how meteorites give us the

September 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Get Ready For Clifden Arts Week! It’s that time of year again and Arts Week is fast approaching as Clifden warms up to yet another cracking line-up of events, with the dearly loved festival now in its 32nd year. National and international luminaries and talents will once again descend on Connemara, mingling with our very own pool of talented artists, musicians and performers of all ages. A full programme of events, times, locations and ticket prices is available online at www.clifdenartsweek.ie or in the Clifden Arts Week programme booklets which are now available.

Poetry

Heading up a stellar programme, Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney (photo below) will surely enthrall and delight with a reading at St Joseph’s Church Clifden, coinciding with the occasion of his 70th birthday. Clifden Library will once again play host to an impressive number of poets including Michael Longley, Mary O’Malley, Maureen Gallagher, Patricia Burke Brogan, Alan MacMonagle, Eamon Grennan, Gerard Smyth myth and Enrique Juncosa to name but a few. Paul Muldoon and Louis De Paor will both read at the Station House Theatre during the festival, and in a celebration of poetry Joan McBreen, Kerry Hardie and Nuala Ni Chonchuir will also recite there together. Acclaimed poet Moya Cannon will hold a workshop at Foyle’s hotel while Dr Robyn Rowland will read at White Dragon Café. Local poets will also recite with John Dunne at the Atlantic Bar and many more joining in the fun at the annual Foyle’s Hotel celebration as ever.

Music

The music line-up caters for all tastes and style from trad and jazz to classical and country with a good dollop of rock n roll thrown into the mix! Popular North American band True North return with their blend of vocal harmonies and foot tapping tunes, while anyone who missed the stunning Cherish the Ladies (photo left) on their last visit will have a chance to see the ladies in question in full voice once again. Ireland’s most renowned choral group Anúna,

Connemara ArtsView

September 2009

(photo above) including Rory Musgrave of Cleggan will be supported for their performance by local group Cantairi Chonamara. Fellow local talents mezzo soprano Alannah Robins, and Sr Karol OSB will also perform together in the Church of Ireland. Fans of classical music will enjoy concerts from Finghin Collins and Christian Benda as well as Brent Parker and classical guitarist John Feeley, all at the Church of Ireland. Harpists Kathleen Loughnane will perform the work of the Connellan brothers of the late 17th century while Lynn Saoirse (photo right) is joined by Fiachra O Regan and Sophie Lavoie (photo below) and soprano Donna Roche. Trad is, as always, very well represented in this year’s programme off events. Connemara Uilleann piper Fiachra O Regan will launch his solo album, while Ó Euskadi go hÉirinn – The Basque Irish Connection will see world class musicians from both backgrounds come together in a celebration of musical heritage. Accordion player extraordinaire Donal Murphy, will be joined by Steve Cooney and Gino Lupari on guitar and bodhran for what promises to be a great trad event; Scullion are renowned for their live performances, while the town will be full of the sounds of local musicians in session on a daily basis. Rob Strong will be on the Gig Rig (photo right) on the Square once again on the night of the Grand Final Parade while those looking to rock out and boogy might check out the Jeremy Wallace ce trio for jazz rock and blues, Alicia Corbett & Band, d No Banjo, and d roots style l band Tupelo. While the majority of gigs are listed in the Arts Week programme there will of course be the usual extra gigs and impromptu sessions making sure that all musical tastes will be satisfied.

Page 23

Lectures

The opportunity to ponder and absorb a variety of thought provoking topics is once again on oﬀer in Clifden this year. Eamon Delaney, editor of Magill magazine will give a talk on his work, while the legend that is Micheal O Muircheartaigh will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the GAA with a talk at the Station House Theatre. Jeananne Crowley will introduce the work of Sydney Owenson, Lady Morgan, a surprisingly neglected figure in Irish literary life at Clifden Library while Mr Justice Aidan Hardiman will give a lecture on ‘Crime in Joyce’. Clifden’s Des Fogarty will also give a reading of his work at the library. Fans of Irish literature can join John Boyne, author of ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ and Claire Kilroy for readings from both at the Theatre.

Unique Highlights Irish Film Premiere The premiere screening of Art O Briain’s new documentary film ‘A Subtle Movement of Air’ explores the

world of an inspiring Danish friend of his his, Evald Krog, Krog and travels with him to Iceland where he is pioneering changes in the provision of care services for the disabled. It is an intimate portrait of a remarkable character who, through great force of character, good humour and determination has overcome extraordinary circumstances and has lived just about as full a life as one can imagine. This premiere screening will be preceded by a very special performance by ‘The Subtle Air Band’, a new combo playing Irish, Danish, Icelandic and South American tunes as well as some of the original soundtrack music for the film ‘A Subtle Movement of Air’ composed by Art’s brother, Garry O Briain. The film has already screened in Denmark and Iceland to great acclaim and this Clifden showing is a homecoming for the production as it was produced and completed in the Moving Still Studio in North Connemara.

Mime Soloist Jomi (Josef Michael Kreutzer) will demonstrate his incredible talent in the art of mime at the Theatre for a visual arts treat. Having studied under nder the great Marcel Marceau, JOMI, who has been deaf from early childhood was the founder of the ‘Festival of International Pantomime’ among his many other creative achievements.

Sean Nós Extravaganza One of Arts Week’s undoubted highlights every year is the night of traditional Sean Nos dancing. A truly phenomenal line-up this year includes the Cunningham, Devaney, Colm Learai and Hannon family dancers. This performance will bring the best of Sean Nos dance from all corners of Connemara together for a truly impressive, enjoyable and uniquely Connemara evening.

Page 24

Comedy Capers Belfast comedian Colin Murphy is well known to TV viewers thanks to his appearances on RTE’s The Panel and as preseneter of The Blizzard of Odd. With his far out ramblings and rants, Colin Murphy’s stand up show is not for the faint of heart but promises i e laughs lau h at any a y rate! ate! Aussie Au ie comic Adam Hills returns to Clifden once more and anyone who attended his raucous spontaneous show previously will be getting their tickets early for this feelgood and uplifting show.

Local Contributions It is safe to say that Arts Week certainly would not be what it is today without the input of the local community. The oﬃcial opening is always a good warm up for the following festivities and the presence of Marie Walsh’s exceptionally talented Grúpa Ceoil, fresh from their first All Ireland Fleadh appearance will be of great interest. Marie will also be running a children’s music workshop during the week. Guys and Doll will perform at the Elm Tree Centre for a coﬀee morning in aid of the Clifden Mental Health Association and the annual celebration of older person’s contribution to Clifden Arts Week will take place at the Station House Hotel. Local musicians performing around the town throughout the festival include Peter Carey and Liam Aspell, The Dixie Micks, Fiachra O Regan, Aidan Ward, Some Like It Hot, Adam and Martin Conroy, John Gerard and Marie Walsh, Eileen O’Malley, Martin Sullivan, Mick Conneely, Michael Carey and Band, Sean Halpenny, John Durning, Phil Coyne and more. Of course a vibrant schools programme features throughout, and the youths of both national schools and secondary schools will once again display their talents and costumes created in their workshops at the Grand Finale Parade.

The Artists

If the performance aspect of Arts Week is the music and dance along with the spoken and written word, then the spectacular set is provided by the patchwork of art that decorates the ‘set’ of the scene. There will scarcely be a corner of the town unadorned by the fruits of labour of many artists who are predominantly Connemara based. The popular Arts Trail is now in its third year and the windows of the town will soon be transformed into a gallery trail for all to enjoy at their leisure. A list of exhibitions and their locations is detailed below. Group Exhibition Local, National and International Artists at West Connemara Leisure Centre from 17th September. During school hours: 9:30am – 4pm weekdays only. Joe Boske: An exhibition of work at the Anglers Return, Toombeola, Roundstone. Kieran Tobin: An exhibition of new work called ‘Western Landscapes’ at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Angie Williams and Dympna Heanue: Exhibitions of paintings at Upstairs Downstairs, Main St., Clifden. Bernard O’Scanaill: An exhibition of new work by this emerging artist at Millar’s, Main St., Clifden. Heather Greer: A photographic exhibition entitled ‘“Glimpses of Connemara”. Featuring stunning photos of landscapes, seascapes, rocks and stones and beaches, as well as a selection of the moths that can be seen in Connemara, these photos were all taken in the Cleggan area. E. J. King’s Restaurant, Clifden. Shelly McDonnell, Sheila Rennick and Kate Minnock: An exhibition of new work. No.1 Bridge Street,

September 2009

Clifden. Eithna Joyce: An exhibition of watercolours at Walsh’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Market Street. Iwona Adamczak Stanczyk and Marek Janusiewicz: an exhibition of work at The White Dragon Café, Church Hill, Clifden. The Whitethorn Gallery: Exhibition by local and international artists on display. Didier Riez: Photographic exhibition at Station House Theatre, Clifden. Alannah Robins; Exhibition of new work ‘Tearmann Beag Iata’. Paintings from Inis Oirr at The Atlantic Hotel, Clifden. Herman Buytenhuys: An exhibition of still life paintings at The Connemara Florist, Main St., Clifden. The Lavelle Gallery: A collection of works by local, national and international artists. St. Joseph’s Residents: An exhibition of works by residents of St. Joseph’s at the Clifden Station House Hotel, Clifden. Chris Munnia: Exhibition of paintings at Cullen’s Bistro, Market Street, Clifden. Bernie Dignam: Exhibition of new work ‘Walking the Land’ at Off The Square Restaurant, Main St, Clifden. The Clifden Gallery: Various local, national and international artists. Tanya Smith: Exhibition of new work at the Clifden Station House Hotel, Clifden. Patricia Morrision: Exhibition of paintings at Steam. Inishlacken Invited Artists from the Inishlacken Project: An exhibition of painting, installation, video, printmaking and photography. Artists include; Margaret Irwin, Mick O’Dea R.H.A, Caroline Wright, Mirja Schellbach, Rosie McGurran A.R.U.A, Deborah Watkins, Gavin Lavelle, Susan McKeever, Jonathan Porter, Jim Vaughan, Kate Moore and Sean O’Flaithearta. Official Opening, Saturday September 19th at 6pm by Michael Gibbons,all welcome. Exhibition continues throughout arts week, daily workshops and gallery talks beside J. Conneely’s Bar. Elizabeth Audigier and Emmelina Wallace: Group exhibition titled ‘Renvyle Relations’ at shopping space beside Stanley’s, Market Street, Clifden. Opens September 15th at 6pm by Ben Murnane (Irish Times). Group Exhibition of work by local artists at St. Anne’s Nursing Home. Dolores Lyne: Exhibition of new work titled ‘Connemara Rocks’ at Gallery space beside Hedz, Station House Courtyard. Official opening at 6pm Friday, 18th September. Nancy Whelan: Paintings on display at Saz’s Hairdressing, Bridge Street, Clifden. Alan Shattock: Exhibition of ceramics and domestic stoneware at the Gaillard Gallery, Letternoosh, Clifden. Exhibitions at Clifden Community School and West Connemara Sports and Leisure Centre: Rosaleen Coneys; Peter Hynes; Yvonne King; Pamela Lacey; Alannah Robins; Cliona Sheehan; Jimmy Lawlor; Lisa O’Donnell; Joe Boske; John Behan; Jay Murphy; Leonie King; Margaret Irwin; Rosemary Carr; Padraic Rainey; Sean O’Flaithearta; Cathal O’Malley; Sr. Declan; Dolores Lyne; Padraic O’Sullivan; Mark Thomas; Pat O’Connell; Seamus Devitt; John Brennan; Sean Halpenny; Rosemary Kearns; Rosie McGurran A.R.U.A.; Nancy Whelan; Pam Berry; Herman Buytenhuys; Kate Noonan; Br. Oswald; Tom Kenny; Miriam Kavanagh; Marie Feeney and Connemara Adolescent Support Group; Martin Staunton; Tracey O’Malley; Joi McCarthy; Eunan Gill; Sean O’Farrell; Brian Kelly; Anne O’Byrne; Sandy Glynn; Ursula Byrne; Margaret Nolan; Leonie King; Tom Mathews organised by James Harold, Galway City Arts Officer, work by Clifden Community School students.

For a detailed schedule go to www.clifdenartsweek.ie Connemara ArtsView

Return of Arts on Air

Arts on Air is now confirmed to be a part of the 32nd Clifden Community Arts Week. It ran last year for the first time and proved a hugely popular and wellreceived addition to the Arts Week. Arts on Air is an ambitious project to provide 21 hours of high quality, entertaining and vibrant live broadcasting from the Clifden Community Arts Festival. The daily broadcast will be on Connemara Community Radio (87.8 and 106.1fm) over the duration of the Festival from 18th – 27th September 2009. It is also hoped that Arts on Air programmes will be an early beneficiary of the new streaming facility to be introduced by Connemara Community Radio, which oﬀers unlimited opportunity to increase the audiences worldwide to tune in to its programming. Programmes will also be posted on the station’s website for subsequent downloading. In any event podcasts of the Arts on Air programmes will be posted on the station’s website for downloading so friends and family anywhere in the world can stay in touch and hear what they’re missing! This year’s highlights will include a public interview with former Supreme Court judge and former Senator Catherine McGuinness; two documentaries for broadcast during the festival, mini-documentaries, packages and mini-series, work with students from primary and secondary schools and much more. If anyone would like to become involved with Arts on Air they can contact the organisers, Mary Ruddy, Linda O’Malley or Grainne O’Malley at 087 2617232 or email on artsonair@gmail.com.

Connemara Arts News

Rednecks at the Alcock

Described by Hot Press journalist Dermott Hayes as “the hottest honky tonk band east of the Pecos”, Chris

John Riley Remembered on Stage

Actor Stephen Jones is bringing his one man play “100 More Like These” to the Station House Theatre on September 10th as a tribute to the memory of Captain John Riley, the Clifden born soldier and leader of the San Patricio battalion during the AmericanMexican war (1846-48). During the war 500 foreign born soldiers, mainly Irish, left the Americans to fight for Mexico and this play is based on their story. story Actor Jones describes Riley as “a hugely charismatic and strong character, a real leader who inspired loyalty and love amongst his men.” Fellow Galway men Martin Lyndon, James McDowell, and Peter Neil, were also members of the battalion. The play was written specifically for Jones by International award winning Irish author Larry O’Loughlin who says “these Irish men soon realised they’d enlisted in an army that was Protestant dominated and had a strongly and violently anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant attitude. As they waited to invade a Catholic country and steal the land, it must have had an awfully familiar ring to it”. In 1997, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo marked the San Patricio Battalion’s 150th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony - which included unveiling a special An Postproduced memorial stamp. In 2004, the Mexican Government also presented a statue to Ireland in perpetual thanks for the bravery of the San Patricios which stands in Clifden Square. In addition to playing the role of the main narrator, Jones plays 23 diﬀerent parts in a performance that Irish Times reviewer, Robert Dunbar, hailed as “a tour de force”. Station House Theatre, Thursday 10th September at 8pm. Tickets are €18,Conc. €14.

Jimmy McCarthy

Meehan and his Redneck Friends is a 16 piece band that embraces country music in all its many forms. They will be bringing their impressive repertoire which includes Western Swing, Cajun music and a generous dollop of Rock n’ Roll to the Alcock & Brown hotel in Clifden this Sunday Sepember 6th. Their set list will feature tributes to artists as diverse as Bob Wills, Big Joe Turner and Chuck Berry. Now on release is their new CD called “Dancing in the Kitchen” produced by legendary Nashville producer, Jim Rooney, who was responsible for Nancy Griﬃth’s Grammy award winning “Other Voices, Other Rooms”. It promises to be a night to bring your dancing shoes!

Scrooge Auditions

Auditions for the next major Ceol Theatre production, “Scrooge-A Christmas Carol” will take place at the Station House Theatre on Monday Sept. 7th, Wednesday Sept 9th and Friday 11th from 5-7pm, and on Sunday the 13th from 12-2pm. The 80’s Review night in August was magic thanks to all those who took part and Martin and the staﬀ of JC’s. If you would like to be a part of this show or any of Ceol Theatre’s productions please contact John at 087 750 4697.

Connemara ArtsView

One of Ireland’s most celebrated songwriters Jimmy McCarthy has now returned to live performance after an absence of five years. Jimmy’s songs have been covered by some of Ireland’s best known artists; Christy Moore, Mary Black, Tommy Fleming, The Corrs and Westlife to name but a few. Jimmy is now back and appearing at the Station House Theatre heat e where he e he will ill sing from his vast catalogue of old favourites and new songs. Saturday September 12th. 8pm. Tickets: €20.

Connemara Fleadh 2009 Winners

Carna gained the greatest numbers of awards for the Connemara area at the 2009 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann which took place from the 16th August to the 23rd of August in Tullamore, Co.Oﬀaly. In the Irish Singing Men’s category Breandán Ó Ceannabháin took the first place award in the senior category. Séamus Ó Flatharta took first place in the under 12 English Singing-Men category as well as two second place awards in the under 12 Whistle-Slow Airs category and the Under 12 Irish Singing-Men. Rónán Ó Flatharta placed second in the 12-15 age group also in the Irish Men’s singing. Rónán Ó Ceannabháin finished third in the 15-18 category of the One Row Melodeon while Conal Ó Flaharta was awarded second place in the 12-15 Flute category. Moycullen also welcomed a significant number of awards in various categories with Órla Ní Fhinneadha taking the first place prize in the 15-18 age group of the Irish Singing-Ladies category. Also in the same category, Anna Marie Ní Fhatharta and Máire Bríd Ní Chualáin took second and third places respectively

September 2009

in the 12-15 age group. Seán Óg Ó Flatharta, also of Moycullen, claimed second place in the 12-15 group of the One Row Melodeon. In the under 12 category of the Irish Singing-Ladies, Róisín Seoige of Ros a Mhíl came in second place. Having qualified for the finals of the Fleadh Cheoil at the first time of asking, the West Coast Grupa Ceoil under the guidance of Marie Walsh put in an excellent performance and thoroughly enjoyed their first trip to the premier traditional music event in the country. They will be performing at the official opening of Clifden Arts Week 2009 on Thursday September 17th at the West Connemara Leisure Centre from 8:30-10pm.

Sculpture at Brigit’s Garden

Brigit’s Garden is currently holding its second annual sculpture exhibition ‘Outside: Insight: Sculpture in the Gardens 2009’. The public are invited to follow the sculpture trail through the unique gardens, meadows and woodland at Brigit’s Garden and enjoy a wide range of work by leading artists. There is no extra charge, and the exhibition runs until 14th September. The engaging sculptures range from the sublime to the incongruous! Examples of some of the diverse installations include: In Memory, an understated piece by Alannah Robins depicting simple draped white sheets as a response to the Ryan Report, with implicit themes of hope and the healing power of nature and time. Robins was a ‘People’s Award’ winner in last year’s Outside: Insight 2008 with The Outsider, a 10-foot high structure of rhododendron branches that still stands behind the Summer Garden. Brigit’s Garden is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and is located between Moycullen and Oughterard.

Art at White Dragon Café

An exhibition of mixed media art by two Polish artists who have been living locally for some time now is currently on display at the White Dragon Café on Church Hill, Clifden. Marek Janusiewicz of Ballyconneely and Iwona Adamczak- Stanczyt of Clifden are displaying their pieces of varying sizes and styles both upstairs and downstairs at the café and all are welcome to come and have a look at their work. Any enquiries about the paintings may be directed to the staﬀ of the White Dragon Cafe.

Connemara Artists in the Kitchen

Laura Cull, Shonagh Love and Angelika Rauch are three friends and artists who are holding an exhibition of their work in Providence Market Kitchen & Gallery in Galway throughout September. Laura Cull is a painter living in Renvyle and is wellknown for her distinctive work which has been widely exhibited in Connemara and elsewhere in Ireland. Her paintings are created using an intricate process involving multiple layers of wax, plaster and paper. She is represented in many corporate and private collections internationally and has work at the Whitethorn Gallery in Clifden as well as being listed on the Connemara Art Link website. Shonagh Love is a textile artist and craftsperson and has a studio at the back of Connemara West Centre in Letterfrack. She lived in New Zealand for most of her life and has worked with textiles since she was old enough to stitch and knit; she has a Diploma in Visual Arts in textiles and mixed media, and has exhibited in New Zealand and Ireland. Angelika Rauch now lives near Westport, having moved from Germany to teach Furniture Conservation and Restoration at GMIT Letterfrack. She uses various materials and processes in her work: she is inspired by the manipulation of substances throughout history and experiments with wood, paper, beads, fabrics, wool and threads. The exhibition runs from Monday 7th September to Saturday 3rd October, with the opening being held at 8.00 pm on Saturday 12th September. Cllr Niall Ó Brolcháin will open the exhibition and all are welcome to attend.

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Aidan Ward: Mondays in the Maol Reidh Hotel, Tullycross. Wednesdays and Sundays in The Atlantic Bar, Clifden. Thursdays in Guys. Album ‘Stones’ is on sale at the Avoca Gift Shop, Atlantic Bar or The Bens. EJ King’s Bar: Live Music nightly. Sun, Mon & Tues: Trad with The Two Toms, Weds, Fri & Sat: Classic rock with Mike Carey. Thurs: Mike Carey & The Two Toms. The Square, Clifden. Griffin’s Bar: Trad Sessions with Fiachra O Regan and Sophie Lavoie Mon, Tues, Weds and Thursdays at 8pm. Main St., Clifden. 095-21370. Guy’s Bar: Music by John Durning and Aidan Curran nightly with a traditional mix from 7pm to 9pm over evening food. Saturdays DJ Mike O’Malley plays all the latest dance tunes. Main St., Clifden. 095-21130. Mannion’s Bar: Mickey Martin & Fergal Scahill on Fri Sept 4th, Sat 5th, Sun 6th and Sat 12th at 6:30pm. Adam & Martin Conroy Fri 4th at 9pm. Mick MacNamara Sat 5th at 10pm. On Friday Sept 11th, professional pool player ‘Jelly Baby’ will play exhibition matches and games, starting at 9pm. Market St., Clifden. 095-21780. Oliver’s Pub:Trad Session Wednesdays at 9.30pm with local musicians Heather Greer (harmonica, concertina) & Mary Lovett (banjo, mandolin). All musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Music Every Saturday Night. Cleggan. 095-44640. Ros’s Bar: Trad Sessions on Wednesday evenings from 8:30 and Sunday evenings from 7:30-9:30 with local musicians and dancers. Tully. 087-923-5956.

Get your gigs listed here for the normal directory ad rate of €0.25 per word.

IIsland l d Air Ai Delights Delight

Friday August 21st saw the considerable musical heritage of Inishbofin brought to life in a stunning show at the Station House Theatre. The multi talented cast of characters, all hailing from the island, enthralled and entertained for over two hours in a stage show that was memorable, funny and heartfelt by turns. The show was the brainchild of Inishbofin singer and songwriter Peadar King who orchestrated this coming together of all ages and styles of talent from Inishbofin to fantastic eﬀect, and also performed a song from his latest album ‘The Nature of Flaws’. Andrew Murray performed a number of songs in his own inimitable style while his son Luke put in a star turn, and looks to be a name to remember. The entire Inishbofin Ceili Band provided much variety in the programme of the night and their informal and chatty style in between numbers was what really made this show a night to remember. Dancers Emma O’Sullivan, Amy Coyne, Chelsea Kane and the McCormack sisters were joined in their performance by Bega Murray from Bofin, who put in a great Sean Nos dance performance with her unique style and grace. Of course an Inishbofin Show would not seem quite right without one particular contributor, and at the climax of the evening’s entertainment, the one and only Dessie O’Halloran was tempted from his stool in the Station House Bar to join the onstage cast for a few numbers, with ‘Say you love me’ prompting a sing along from the crowd for the encore. At the end of the night, the crowd filed out in great form after experiencing a real bit of island magic during this unique and memorable show. Photo: In a night of spectacular entertainment by Bofin’s musical community some of the performers joined together at the end to perform ‘Go Lassie Go’. (L-r) Geraldine King, Dessie O’Halloran, Andrew Murray, Peadar King, Luke Murray and Michael Joe O’Halloran.

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September 2009

Connemara ArtsView

Icelandic Sailing Adventure In late July Nick Kats of Errislannan set sail to Iceland on his boat Teddy, a 39’ steel ketch. The following is an account of his extraordinary sailing voyage. The sail to Iceland was splendid. We went from Clifden to St Kilda (oﬀ Scotland), to the Faeroes, to Iceland, and back the same way. This broke the trip into 6 blocks of 250-300 miles each, with a few days at each stop to explore. This was a nice rhythm. Sean O’Farrell, of Riverside, Clifden, came on the northward leg. The rest were American relatives and friends. All, myself excepted, went one way, ﬂying into or out of Iceland for the rendezvous.

St Kilda lies 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides. The main island, Hirta, was abandoned in 1930, leaving behind a lovely arc of houses facing the bay. It is much like the village of East Bay, Inishbofin. Now the UK maintains a missile tracking centre there. The island is run by Soay sheep, a small, primitive and yellow-eyed sheep with beautiful wools, and by skuas, large black seagulls that attack and make every effort to intimidate. We sailed by stunning Boreray, a nearby island with its 2 huge sea stacks. Boreray has the largest colony of gannets in the world. The Faeroes have miles of immense cliffs, probably 600-800 metres high and sheer. One island, with its astounding vertical pinnacles and spiky overhangs above the fogs, made me look for fire breathing dragons. Oval shapes of Viking homesteads lie buried beneath the

grass here and there. The currents are powerful, setting us shockingly far off course once, during a night gale. There were also no pubs in the towns we visited, something that the crew simply could not get over! Iceland is magnificent. Its snows and glaciers clash with the warm summer air, creating fog extending 10 to 20 miles out to sea. We explored fjords on the east coast, 7 to 15 miles long, very deep, and ringed with peaks over 1000 metres. Patches of snow began at 300 metres, and we walked up to the snow. The seas are teeming with cod and haddock. Our last stop was Bakkafjordur village one degree south of the Arctic Circle. Iceland got better the further north we went. The one pub we eventually found was rather basic. On the return leg we stopped at Inishkea South, off Mayo. That was a splendid first stop on Irish soil, with its soft machair to roam on, early Christian relics, abandoned village and field mushrooms. We rounded Achill Head in a gale, ran to Achill Sound South, anchored up the sound by Granuaile’s castle, and hared off to the nearest pub. How good the beer tasted! Next day we rounded Clare against a gale, and hove to in the Turk pub. On our last day we stopped at Bofin to pick up Sean. It was a thrill to pass the marker of Carraic na Ron, and the White Lady entering Clifden Bay, and to see all the landmarks of home. How I missed many things here! I was ready for home. The welcome from old friends on 2 motorboats flying balloons was grand, and all boarded to celebrate. An interesting aspect of the trip was the changing of the nights. We left shortly after the summer solstice, when the Irish night is 4 hours and star visibility is poor. A northing of two degrees of latitude a day dramatically shortened the night, and from the Faeroes on there was no darkness. How small the globe seemed to be! We left Iceland well after the solstice, and returned to the night much earlier. The darkness was satisfyingly deep and we enjoyed two star-studded nights at sea. I look forward to new adventures next summer. We probably will go north again. A blog by those who participated and were involved in this trip was set up and can be seen online at http://clifden2iceland.blogspot. com/ Nicolas Kats Photo: Nick Kats after landing at the Faeroe Islands, with the vessel Teddy moored in the background. Photo courtesy of Sean O Farrell

Death Notices Denise Conerney (nee Flynn), Athenry & Goulane Peter Coyne, Letterfrack Mickey Coyne, Gowla, Cashel Tom Anthony Coyne, Glynsk, Cashel Veronica Flanagan, Clonbur Patrick Gibbons, Maam Cross Carmel Hanly, Oughterard Padraig Higgins, Clonbur Pakie Joyce, Maam Delia Lyden, Clifden Margaret McHugo, Oughterard Hugh O’Donnell, Oughterard Mark O’Malley, Bansha, Tipperary & Derrygimbla, Ballyconneely John Villers Reader, Oughterard

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.

Cancer Care West Roaring 20’s Ball The Cancer Care West Clifden ‘Masquerade Ball’ committee would like to sincerely thank all of the local businesses that contributed, individuals who voluntarily participated in the event and all those who supported the evening by attending or making donations.

Pigfest 2009 We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the amazing support we received for the Pigfest ’09 Fundraiser which took place on August 9th in Ballyconneely. We would like to thank Brendan and Bernie Keogh, and all our other main sponsors: Joyce’s Steel, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden Station House Hotel, Connemara Golf Club, Connemara Smokehouse, J.J. Mitchell, John Malone, Jarlath Sweeney, Clifden Tool Hire, and D & N Auto Store. Big thanks go to the Pigfest ’09 Committee for all their hard work: Noel Sweeney, Jimmy Hayden, Josie Joyce, Pat King, John

Connemara View Newspaper

Pearse’s Cottage Turlough, Rosmuc As you travel the road between Screebe and Kilkerrin, you will come across signs for Pearse’s Cottage or Teach an Phiarsaigh. It is worth going to have a look at this beautifully restored house, which as well as giving a feeling for the life of Patrick Pearse, gives an insight into a long gone world of the traditional thatched house. The house is described as a four bay single storey gable-ended thatched cottage with projecting porch, c.1880, set in open countryside. This countryside is superb; a heather covered hillside with granite boulders, overlooking a lake and the bogs of Connemara leading the eye towards the distant mountains. It is the perfect spot for an idealist or a person passionate about the Irish language and culture to get away from it all. The house is very typical of the houses of rural Ireland of the time. The kitchen is the heart of the home with two rooms off this, one to the left and one to the right. In this house the small porch allows entry and protects the doorway from the wind. A fine fireplace takes up most of one wall, containing all the usual cooking utensils. This room would also have served as a sitting room and a place to eat. You can imagine the lively conversations held here between Pearse and the locals as he perfected his Irish and also learned the stories and songs of the area. The bedroom to the right was his bedroom while the one to the left was a guest room. This house was where Pearse wrote most, if not all of his stories and they have a very Connemara feel about them. He also used the house as a sort of summer school where certain pupils would come to learn more about the language. Padraig Pearse was born in Dublin in 1879. His father James was an English stone carver and ran a very successful monumental sculpture works. As a boy Padraig was fascinated by the stories told to him by his great aunt Margaret who was an Irish speaker from Co Meath. This love of the language coincided with the founding of the Gaelic McDermott, Stephen Mullen, Bernie Nee, and Jennifer Nee. We will miss our Wednesday night meetings. We would like to express our gratitude to Marty Early and Eamonn McGonagle for doing the gate all day. Thanks go to the referees, John McDermott and Tom Griffin for the excellent job. We would further like to thank Tom Griffin for all his help with the tug of war and the weight throw. We very much appreciate the efforts of all the volunteers on the day who are too numerous to mention. We would especially like to thank the women in the hall who gave up their whole day to serve up teas, coffees and home baked goods. Most of all, our biggest thanks go to the

September 2009

League. Pearse joined the League in 1896 and became very active in all its activities. He bought land in Rosmuc in 1905 and slowly developed the house, only completing it in 1909. As the oﬃcial record mentions that the house dates from the 1880’s, it can be deduced that there was a cottage of some sort on the site but it seems that Padraig built this actual house. The two main things for which he is remembered are his leadership of the Easter rising and his school, St Enda’s. He was very involved in teaching and believed that Irish schools, like the nation, should be permeated by Irish culture. He set up the school in September 1908 in Ranelagh, but moved St Enda’s to Rathfarnham in 1910. Although the school was successful, he found it very

difficult to keep it running and financially it was a huge drain on his pocket. It eventually closed in 1935. His other major role in the Rising and his involvement in the IRB came about after the controversial third Home Rule Bill of 1912. Pearse and many others joined the Irish Volunteers in 1913, and from that he joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He was sworn in during February 1914 and was soon appointed to its Supreme and Military Council, whose task was to plan a rising against England. Padraig Pearse made his last visit to Rosmuc in 1915. On the first of August of that year he rushed back to Dublin to give his famous and fiery grave side oration at the funeral of Jeremiah O’ Donovan Rossa. After that he was well and truly on the road to Easter 1916. On Easter Monday 1916 a small army of Volunteers stormed key buildings throughout Dublin City, and Pearse read the Declaration of Independence in front of the GPO. The rising ended after five days, and Pearse along with fourteen others were court martialled and executed in Kilmainham Jail. He was executed on 3rd May 1916, and the rest as they say is history. The cottage is now owned by the State and operated as a small museum under the care of the Office of Public Works. Breandan O Scanaill community, who gave so generously and made the day so great. Because of them, and everyone who participated in the sports activities, we were able to raise over €8,000, which will go to Ballyconneely and Aillebrack National Schools, Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service, and Inclusion Ireland, the National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability. Yours Sincerely, David Mullen and Sean Nee, CoChairmen, Ballyconneely Pigfest ’09.

Acknowledgements & Remembrances Special offer June through October 2009: Price per word: €0.15 (normally €0.25). Photo: €5. Page 27

Clifden Domestic Arts Winners Mary Gibbons of Ardbear won 3 first place red rosettes for her Boiled Fruit Cake, Light Fruit Cake, and Jam Sponge. Mary Pryce of Bayleek took three red ribbons for her Brown Bread, Apple Tart and Porter Cake. Ronan Mullen of Moyard was the winner of the Unclassified craft class with his wonderful miniature house creation. Gary Brown of Faul won first prizes for a Framed Photo by an adult entrant, three heads of lettuce, tomatoes and more rosettes for garden produce also. Tony Mullen was the winner of the class for a collection of 6 or more species of useful vegetables. Elise Galand of Clifden was the winner in the homemade candy class. Steven Coohill of Sky Road won first place for his home grown onions. Maeve Vaughan, Faul won 3 red rosettes for her shell creation, unframed painting and framed photo. Nellie Nuthall of Errislannan was the winner of the Arrangement of Garden Flowers. Ann Molloy of Cushatrough won first for her brown scones. Patrick Nevin of Clifden won first place for his collage, while Gemma Walsh won first for her painted stone. Kim Healy (grandaughter of Teresa McDonagh Healy of Derrylea) was the first prize winner of the drawing by a National School child while her mother Ann placed second in the Painting by an Adult Amateur class.

For a full listing of winners go to www.connemaraview.com.

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Connemara and its Ponies Captured

Museum Celebrates 10 Years

An exhibition of photographic art by Pam Clingan featuring Connemara scenes and the Connemara pony was held at the Alcock & Brown Hotel in Clifden from August 17th to 21st. Pictured at the launch of ‘Photographs of Connemara’ on August 19th were (l-r) Bob Blackburn OBE, Racehorse trainer and breeder of Connemara’s Henrietta Knight, Pam Clingan and CPBS President Dermot Power.

On Friday August 21st the Station House Museum in Clifden celebrated its 10th year in existence when the Honorable Justice Mrs Susan Denham unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. A colourful new publication by Museum Curator Pat Lyne was also on sale on the day. Photo: The Hon. Justice Mrs Susan Denham (right) with Museum Curator Pat Lyne.

September 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Now is a good time to plan a new garden, or to look at revamping an area. With the madness of summer over and the garden getting into a slightly sleepy mode, there is time to take stock and look at various options.The next month or so is an ideal time to dig and try and get rid of weeds and large stones or roots. It is recommended in books that the soil should be dug allowing the frost to break down the various components. Of course frost is not usually a problem for us, but it is still no harm to allow the elements work on the soil. As I have mentioned before the more preparation you can do, the easier things will be when you actually get to work. Now is also the time to work in compost, and or grit. We often overlook the importance of drainage in our ﬂower beds or borders; this is a very important aspect especially here in Connemara, where rain can be heavy and frequent, and water logging especially bad. Adding grit prevents this from happening and plant roots are quite happy working their way through the stones. In fact many of them do better on almost pure gravel. I saw a garden recently which impressed me very much. It looked as if it was natural, yet great care went into its creation. The mixture of colour and form was wonderful. I spoke to the owner and he told me he had worked on this for months. He said that once it was mature it worked very well, but you have to allow at least a year to get to that stage. He had cleared the ground and planted a number 3, 5 or 7 of shrubs and herbaceous plants; these were allowed grow into each other and had now achieved the result he wanted. It looked natural, a bit like Connemara at this time of the year, with the gorse and heather, montbretia and fuchsia blending into each other. Of course mother nature has had millions of years to perfect her planting, where we only have a small amount of time. The fact that this particular garden was on a slight slope made it easier as from the bottom or road side you looked up to the house. The drive followed the curve of the hill and a number of paths made their way throughout. I could see that great thought went into the design. Bringing this back to a smaller scale, I would suggest that a small path be curving through the area you want to plant, plenty of rocks left or put into place, and then the area dug very well. Compost and grit can be added and

then the interesting part, the planting. As I usually say, this is your choice entirely, as the colours and plants are very personal. I would suggest that you keep plants fairly low, look for good ‘spreaders’ but include a bit of height. A certain amount of evergreen will help as you want to enjoy colour all year. Don’t worry much about the colours as nature mixes so many different shades and they work very well together. Do think of all year interest and plant different shrubs and plants which will extend the season. As always, have fun with what you are doing. I was asked about moving a fairly large shrub which is now blocking a wonderful view. This can be a fairly tricky job as some plants hate being moved. I would say that now might be a good time to attempt it as the growth will have slowed, but there should be no trouble from bad weather. I would take cuttings from the shrub, just in case that something does go wrong. If there is a lot of leggy growth, I would cut this back. It’s better to keep the shrub as compact as possible. Dig around the shrub, about 1 meter from the shrub if possible, cut any roots you come across as cleanly as possible. Gently rock the plant in every direction loosening the soil, but trying to keep the root ball in position as much as possible. I find that a crowbar or strong bit of timber useful as you can work this under the plant and wedge it up slightly. There will always be a number of large roots which will have to be cut but try and keep the smaller roots intact if possible. When you manage to get the roots free, lift from the ground, you might need help with this as the less disturbance that takes place the better. Dig the hole in the new location making sure that it is big enough to take the root ball without causing further damage, move the shrub carefully and back fill with soil. Remember to water well, and keep watered. There is plenty of colour at this time of the year. The hydrangeas are especially good, and now is the time to look at them and plan ahead. They are fairly easy to grow, like our soil and climate and last such a long time. They can be planted now; as they are always in containers, buying them at this time also allows you see exactly what you are getting. I probably wait a few weeks or months before planting them but there is nothing to stop you putting them in the ground. If you are interested in hydrangeas, and happen to be going to France, there is a fascinating garden run by the Mallet family. Known as the Shamrock gardens, they claim to have the largest collection in the world. I visited the garden a few years ago and was most impressed by the place. Maybe someone here should take them on and try and build up a better collection. Anyone on for the challenge? Even though we have had such rain, keep an eye on your containers, any dry day or even a windy one can suck moisture from pots and you can have a disaster on your hands. If your pots have gone past their ‘sell by date’, empty them out, give them a good washing, and a drop of bleach in the water will help clean the pots. Leave to dry and then replant with winter flowering plants. Put in a few bulbs for spring and enjoy months of colour and interest. Keep cutting your grass if it is dry enough, the growth has slowed a bit but there is still plenty to cut. Begin to gather your leaves for compost, there is not a huge amount around but it’s no harm to gather them up. Trim back overgrown shrubs, especially after they have flowered, some of them might even give you a second flowering. Next month I will be back to the subject of bulbs and trees, any questions on these topics, can be addressed to Connemara View. Happy gardening. Breandan O Scanaill

Rhododendron - Beauty or Pest? Aster Environmental Consultants have launched a leaflet on Rhododendron Control. This plant was introduced from Southern Europe and Asia as an exotic evergreen by Victorian collectors. Yet despite its beautiful pink blooms this pest is destroying nature in Connemara. Rhododendron ponticum spreads by thousands of wind borne seeds. One plant can cover a large area of ground. Its branches can take root and so form an impenetrable mass. These plants are poisonous to most animals and insects and have few natural enemies. The thick leaved canopy of Rhododendron ponticum starves native plants of light and makes it difficult for anything to grow underneath. The poisonous waxy leaf litter prevents other seeds germinating. Left alone Rhododendron will kill a woodland entirely as no regeneration can take place. In Connemara, Rhodendron has spread throughout the magnificent woodland planted by Mitchell Henry at Kylemore. At Killary harbour vast tracks of blanket bog is being invaded by this insidious pest. It is hard to control as cutting it brings it back with even more vigour. Look out for leaflets in banks shops or download it from our website www.aster.ie.

Connemara View Newspaper

September 2009

Protect otter in the war on mink The increase in mink attacks has prompted me to share a few facts about this animal. The American Mink (Mustela Vison) is a North American species which has become established in the wild in Ireland having escaped from mink farms where it was extensively and unethically bred for the fur industry. The ﬁrst such farms were established in 1950 and the ﬁrst recorded escape occurred in 1961 in Omagh, Co. Tyrone. These animals are not a native species but have adapted extremely well to the climate and conditions here. In their own country they are naturally controlled by their predators; birds of prey, foxes, wolves, raccoons and otters. In Ireland, no other animals hunt them for food. However, they do have some enemies who will attack and even kill them to protect themselves or their young. These include foxes, badgers and otters.

By contrast to the unwelcome mink, our native otter is not posing a threat to wildlife and domestic animals. The otter is now one of the most threatened mammals in the country. New research has found that otter numbers have fallen by 18% because of water pollution, intensive farming, loss of riverside and coastal habitat, roadkill and trap hazards intended for other animals. The relationship between otters and mink is unclear. They belong to the same category of mammals-Mustelidae-along with badgers, stoats and pine martens. They inhabit the same regions-rivers, lakes and coastal areas. However, research is showing that where there are otters there are fewer mink. It seems an otter will not tolerate the presence of mink in its territory. The most obvious difference between the mink and otter is size. The otter is much larger; 95-130 cm from head to tail, compared to the mink, 42-60cm. They both have rich dark brown fur, often lighter on the chest. The mink is more delicate looking with small head, pointed face and thin fluffy tail. The otter is more thick set with puppy like face; large webbed feet and long, strong tapering tail. Both animals are able to delay production of young until conditions are favourable but the mink is more prolific producing 4-6 “kits” annually compared to the otter’s 1 or 2 “cubs”. Otters are much better swimmers than mink and prefer to stay near deep water, building a nest called a holt at the water’s edge where they can rear their young. A female otter will remain in the same area all her life, while the males are mainly nomadic. Mink have a much wider territory, travelling up to 5 kilometres away from their dens in search of food on land. They do not have purpose-made dens, usually occupying old rabbit burrows, hollow trees or ruined buildings. They have a much broader hunting range and although usually solitary can hunt as family groups. This is why they are more of a threat to domestic animals and larger prey. Otters hunt fairly close to home, preferring eels, small crustaceans, frogs, fish and small rodents. Otters are shy but inquisitive creatures. They can become trusting and friendly. So how can we deal with the problem of mink? The ISPCA recommends the use of the specially designed traps which can now be bought at most hardware stores. While time consuming they are still a better option than snares, shooting or poisoning. Poisoning is indiscriminate and threatens other animals and humans. Areas at risk e.g. hen houses, should be well protected with fencing and traps placed nearby. Avoid attractions like access to food supplies etc. Adult otters are unlikely to be caught in a mink trap, but a cub may well fall victim. Also at risk are pine martens although these are less likely to be seen, preferring dense woodland and eating a diet of berries, insects and small invertebrates and vertebrates. Like the otter they are protected in Ireland. Please release animals other than mink or rats which may be caught in the traps. They will be traumatised but should survive. Judy Lawrence

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Consumer Watchdog: Carbon Saving Tips & Petrol Carbon Saving Tips & Pointers Last month we looked at carbon counts-what they are, what they mean and how we as a country stand up to the rest of Europe in terms of environmentally damaging emissions. The overall message is that we are simply producing too much carbon emissions and both individually and collectively need to address this in order to ensure the future of our environment, country and planet. Personal change and the message that one person can actually make a diﬀerence is paramount to making this change. The tips detailed below will not only reduce the amount of carbon we each personally emit, they will also save us money-what better incentive to adapt our behaviour and consumption could there be?

Heat • Turn down your thermostat by one degree celsius. This will save up to 300kg of CO2 per household a year. Take the time to learn to properly use your thermostats and timersthey are instrumental in avoiding waste. • Turn off radiators in rooms not in use-especially in spring and summer months. • Fit draught excluders under all external doors, attic door, letterbox and cat/dog flap. However, to ensure your safety make sure that there is adequate ventilation for a healthy air supply for occupants, in particular where there are fuel burning appliances. • Close your curtains to minimise heat lost through windows. • Put reflective insulation sheeting behind radiators mounted on external walls to deflect heat back into the room. • Make sure your hot water tank has a lagging jacket. • Be aware of your home’s efficiency-if you are considering any upgrade work think in terms of saving both energy and money with regard to attic insulation, wall insulation,

upgrading your heating system etc. It will invariably save you money in the long term.

Electricity • Beware of the standby setting on tv’s and other appliancesit can use up to 20% of the energy required to be fully on. This also applies to mobile phone chargers. • Energy saving bulbs last up to 15 times as long as traditional bulbs and use one ﬁfth of the electricity used by an incandescent bulb. Replace them as your current bulbs become exhausted. • Avoid unnecessary electricity use between 5pm and 7pm and help reduce national CO2 emissions. • Reduce the number of washes you do by always washing with a full load and reducing your temperature. Wash at 30˚ rather than 40˚ and dry clothes outside where possible rather than using the tumble dryer. • Choose A rated appliances when you are buying new ones or replacing old ones. • When using your electric kettle, only boil the amount of water you actually need.

• Use rechargeable instead of disposable batteries. • Use reusable food containers. • Used clothing can be passed on to friends or family or to used clothing shops. Catherine Pryce

Waste • Many products have excess packaging; look out for similar products with less packaging. For example, most fruit and veg do not need packaging. • Avoid using disposable products such as kitchen towels, face wipes, disposable razors, paper and plastic cups. • Block Junk Mail from your letter box-talk to the Post Ofﬁce about this. • Use reﬁllable containers and buy in bulk. Where possible, buy products in returnable containers. • Use reusable shopping bags for all shopping trips – clothes, toys, CDs and groceries.

Business Notes My daughter’s uniform for her new school is very expensive. Can I get any payment to help with it? The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) is available to families on certain social welfare or other State payments to help with the costs of school clothes and footwear. You may also claim for children aged 18-22 who are in full-time education if you are on a social welfare payment that includes a Qualified Child Increase for them. The scheme runs from June to the end of September each year. If you are getting a social welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement) or a payment from the Health Service Executive (HSE) you are eligible for BTSCFA if your weekly income is below the following thresholds: Couple Lone parent 1 child €560 €407 2 children €586 €433 3 children €612 €459 4 children €638 €485 Each additional child €26 €26 If you are on a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) or are getting a Back to Education Allowance, you are also eligible. The allowance is also available to people on employment schemes such as Community Employment, Back to Work Allowance, Rural Social Scheme and Revenue Job Assist if their gross weekly household income is less than €317.43 (the threshold for keeping secondary benefits). If they do not meet this condition they can apply under the normal income limits given above. The allowance paid is €200 for each child aged 2-11 years before 1 October 2009 and €305 for each child aged 12-22 years before 1 October 2009. Further information is available from Clifden CIC which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 095-22000 & 087-13001100 Email: clifden@citinfo.ie Address: c/o VEC Offices, (above Sweeney Oil), Galway Road, Clifden. Open: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Phone service outside those hours, call Declan on 087-130-1100. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890 777 121.

See it in the Waiting Room Last month saw the launch of a new magazine which had its origins in Clifden. In the space of three days, The Waiting Room, a free, take-away magazine for patients, went from zero to nationwide distribution, when 70,000 copies were delivered to 1,500 GP surgeries throughout Ireland. The man behind The Waiting Room is Clifden vet and author, Maurice O Scanaill, and he remains the editor even though the business is now being run by his partner, designer Helen Gunning, in Kinvara. As editor, Maurice also draws on the talents of the pool of talented local Connemara writers. The magazine has been very well received by patients and the medical profession, and supportive messages are being received every day. We look forward to the next issue in November.

Do You Love Vintage? Love Vintage is a new temporary fashion and style outlet situated on Market St, Clifden. The brainchild of Carol Anne Joyce and her daughters Emma and Hannah O‘Sullivan, the shop features a veritable treasure trove of vintage and nearly-new fashions, handmade jewellery, bags, shoes, furniture and much more with new stock additions arriving almost daily. Hannah has recently returned from a stint in Paris where she explored and absorbed the vintage clothing and fashion scene, while Emma’s customised

skirts and other items have already been a hit with Clifden shoppers. Carol Anne, of course is well known for her impressive fashion industry credentials and eye for unique styles and pieces, and Love Vintage combines the inﬂuences of all three ladies to great eﬀect. It is open for business from 10:30-6 from Monday to Saturday and 1-6 on Sundays.

New Chiropractor Connemara Chiropractic Clinic would like to welcome Dr. Lorraine Surdival D.C, M.s.C from Castlebar to the team. Dr. Lorraine graduated with her Masters of Chiropractic from the University of Glamorgan Wales, and is looking forward to serving and helping Connemara residents suﬀering from bodily aches and pains. Dr. Lorraine is an avid jogger who enjoys the outdoors and is looking forward to enjoying outdoor sports here in Connemara.

Sherry Fitzgerald Mangan The business formerly known as Sherry Fitzgerald Kavanagh on Main St, Clifden has now changed to Sherry Fitzgerald Mangan, owned and run by Adrian Mangan who is a member of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute. Covering all the Connemara region, the business is actively involved in holiday homes, residential, commercial, new homes and valuations both legal and for the major ﬁnancial institutions. 095-21888 or clifden@sfmangan.com.

Banga European Food Store A unique new food store, Banga European Market has opened on Bridge St, Clifden offering a wide range of European food products. The products on sale mostly come from Lithuania, Poland and Latvia but are popular in all of eastern and northern Europe. A large variety of dairy, cured meats, spices, drinks, sweets, biscuits and preserved products are now available. Twice a week there is also fresh bread from the specialty bakery in store. Banga European Market is now open from Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 7pm and Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm, offering affordable tasty and interesting products for all.

Have a Consumer Complaint? Let us know! Phone us at 095-22888 or email us at news@connemaraview.com Page 30

September 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

1st Birthday Party Ella Coohill of Sky Rd, Clifden celebrated her ﬁrst birthday at a big party surrounded by family and friends on July 3rd.

80th Party Gabriel Keady of Sky Rd, Clifden celebrated his 80th birthday in style surrounded by friends and neighbours at Foyle’s Hotel on Thursday August 13th. Photo courtesy of Carmel Lyden Creative Colouring Evie Lavelle (6) of Clifden was joint winner of the Clifden Bookshop colouring competition. The prize was a wonderful set of FaberCastell pencils kindly presented by Maura O’Halloran and Nicole Shanahan of the bookshop. PhD Success Congratulations to Gráinne McLoughlin of Cleggan who recently graduated with a PhD in Psychological Medicine from King’s College of London. She is pictured here with her father Eamonn.

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Elaine Walsh from Oughterard and Ciaran Mahon from Tullykyne who were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Oughterard on Friday, August 28th with reception afterwards in The Galway Bay Hotel. Photo by Tom Broderick The wedding of Jason King and Amy Platt took place in Southport, U.K. on July 25th.Pictured (l-r) are Mikey King, Alice King, Jason King, Amy Platt, Alex King, Victoria King and Carmel Lyden. Photo courtesy of Carmel Lyden

Connemara View Newspaper

Back to the 1920’s On Saturday August 15th the Station House Hotel and Theatre were transformed into a ‘Roaring 20’s themed speakeasy for a masquerade ball and dinner and stunning themed Fashion Show in aid of the Clifden Outreach centre of Cancer Care West raising over €8,000 for the local cancer charity. Photos by Kevin Griﬃn

September 2009

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September 2009

Connemara View Newspaper