REGIONAL Great Sewerage News Councillor Eileen Mannion delivered fantastic news yesterday to the Connemara View. The foreshore licence for the Clifden Sewerage Scheme has finally been granted. The approval of the licence by the Dept. of Environment gives a green light to the progression of the development of a desperately needed new sewerage treatment plant on Clifden Bay. This action finalises the planning and now the Department will prepare tender documents for Galway County Council within the next few weeks.
Teaching Excellence GMIT Letterfrack lecturer Anthony Clare has been announced as this year’s winner of the GMIT President’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Anthony Clare has been lecturing in the discipline of furniture design and manufacture at the Connemara campus since 1991.
Originally from Bray in Co. Wicklow and now living in Galway City, Anthony has served as a member of the GMIT Academic Council for several years up until 2006, and is Programme Chair of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Furniture Design & Manufacture programme since it was first set up as a National Certificate course in the campus in the early 90s. He has prepared students for various prestigious national and international competitions in the field of furniture design and making and many have won top awards; examples include the National Skills Competition in Cabinetmaking and the House & Homes/Crafts Council of Ireland Student Design Awards. Anthony has also led numerous ‘live’ student design and make projects, with some of the more notable being collaborations with Áras an Uachtaráin (to design and make three lecterns for use by the President of Ireland Mary McAleese) and the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Castlebar, Co. Mayo (to design and make innovative gallery seating to view objects within the museum). “Anthony was one of the first employees of GMIT Letterfrack and has been instrumental in the progression, development and expansion of the campus over those years”, said Dermot O’Donovan, Head of GMIT Letterfrack. Photo: Anthony Clare of GMIT Letterfrack receives the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence from GMIT President Marion Coy.
‘Seven Wonders of the West’ Over 1,000 nominations have been received in the Western Development Commission’s campaign to find the ‘Seven Wonders of the West’. Three of the seven on the Galway County shortlist are in Conne-
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December 2010
mara. These are the Coral Beach in Carraroe, Maam Valley and The Twelve Bens. The official short list of seven nominees in each of the Western Region’s seven counties is on www.lookwest.ie, the Western Development Commission’s (WDC) online guide to living and working in the West. Members of the general public can now vote for their choice of the final seven from that official shortlist on the LookWest.ie website and on www.facebook.com/LookWest until December 15th. “People have really become emotionally involved with this campaign”, explained Joanne Grehan of WDC. “Comments on our Facebook and Twitter accounts show how strongly they feel about their Region. One person said it was a fantastic opportunity to take a virtual holiday in the West and another urged our 2,000 Facebook fans to keep voting believing this campaign to be a great way to highlight the Western Region’s amazing features and sites. We know it will be a difficult choice for people to select just one wonder from the shortlist of seven in each county, but we are calling on everybody to get voting to make sure their favourite place, experience or festival is officially named as one of the Seven Wonders of the West”. Everybody who votes for their favourite from the shortlist, will also be entered into a draw to win an Apple iPad and an additional two return tickets to the UK from Ireland West Airport. Cast your votes at www. lookwest.ie, by email to info@ lookwest.ie or on www.facebook.com/LookWest before 5pm on Wednesday 15th December.
CSI Update CSI: Clifden would like to thank all those who attended the last public meeting on 15th November in the Community School. The progress on the planning permission for the new school was the only item on the agenda which was very informative regarding Galway County Councils requests for further information. The latest news is that the Design Team’s work on completing responses to the Co. Council’s requests is coming to a conclusion and the aim is to submit this work to the Co. Council by the end of this week. Discussions have taken place recently with the Co. Council and National Parks & Wildlife Service officials during the preparation of responses in order to ensure that their requirements are met in the submission. All going well, a decision could be made by the planning department by the end of December. In other news plans are underway to send the CSI: Clifden Christmas card to the Minister for Education and other government ministers. We would like to thank everybody who supported our initiative in the past year. Going forward CSI: Clifden commits to continuing the campaign for a new ‘fit for purpose’ school for Connemara. In this regard your continuing support is important. Many thanks to the Connemara View for its support by way of facilitating our news, web space and other means of communication. See www.csiclifden.com for all the latest news. If you want to be included in any text alerts please text your name to 087-1625842. Please include your email address to be included in our mailing list.
Connemara View Newspaper
REGIONAL Mick Feeney Retires Mick Feeney joined the Defence Forces in 1971. He was based in Renmore Barracks and part of An Chéad Cois. In 1972, he married Marian and moved to Cleggan in 1973, where they had 4 children, Marie, Michéal, Peter and David. When Mick moved to Clifden he was a member of the P.D.F Cadre staff to the FCÁ Unit B Coy 25th Inf. Bn. now called C Coy 51st Inf Bn.
aren’t the same without him. All in C Coy wish him the very best for the future and thank him for his 39 years of great service in the Defence Forces. Ashleen Keady, C Coy 51st Inf Bn. Photo Left: Mick Feeney pictured at his special retirement function from the Defence Forces in the Alcock & Brown Hotel with his wife Marian and family, friends and former colleagues.
Selling Ireland Overseas In a bid to provide tourism firms with practical supports to generate more overseas business, Fáilte Ireland hosted a dedicated workshop on ‘Selling Ireland Overseas’, at the Convention Centre Dublin in November. The workshop was
year in particular, we just want local shoppers to be aware of what is available right on your own doorstep and where possible to do some more of your shopping locally. We know you won’t be disappointed and you may even be pleasantly surprised at what is on offer.
Christmas Lights A big thank you once again to the volunteer chamber members, Cathal Walsh, P.J. Heffernan, Michael King, Shane O’Grady and the Fire Brigade for putting up the Christmas lights (and taking them down) this and every year. Please salute the lads for a job well done and to our local business members who provide the power to the lights for free each year. It shows great business and community spirit.
AGM The Connemara Chamber AGM will be held in the Station House Hotel on Thursday 16th December at 8pm. All members are encouraged to attend and to enjoy a social evening afterwards in the Library Bar. Thanks to all our members who gave freely of their time and effort to promote our area in 2010 and we welcome all new members to attend and be part of the drive to promote Connemara again in 2011. During his time here in Clifden, Mick was the Company Driver. He made sure all personnel were brought to their destination and safely returned home after Field Days, Annual Camps, Night Parades and Competitions such as shooting and orienteering. These camps and competitions took place all over the country including Wicklow, Donegal, Cork and Dublin to name a few, but Mick never needed a Sat Nav! People knew Mick no matter where we went. They’d ask you where you were from and once you said Clifden, it would always be followed with “Do you know Mick Feeney?” Mick always took care of everyone in the Company, getting on great with young people especially, making sure they had a lift, a bed and something to eat. He was like our second Daddy and a great friend. He always had a smile, a joke to tell and would always join us for a drink or two in the mess, or one of his favourite pubs ‘The Gloccmaura’ in Kilworth. Mick is greatly missed in the Company and the road trips
Connemara View
attended by a number of Galway’s leading tourism partners, where key players from each of Ireland’s major source markets (UK, USA, Germany and France), tour operators and Tourism Ireland, provided the Galway industry with an inside track to achieving more sales abroad. Attendees got the opportunity to hear about the range of business supports available to them locally from Fáilte Ireland to ensure they are fully equipped to take advantage of emerging market opportunities and of the various promotional platforms available from Tourism Ireland’s global presence. This event is the latest element of a comprehensive package of supports that Fáilte Ireland hope will help the tourism industry trade out of the downturn and the body has invested over €11 million in the form of direct supports and advice for tourism enterprises nationally. Photo: Pictured at the recent ‘Selling Ireland Overseas’ workshop, organised by Fáilte Ireland were Mary Corbett of Connemara Country Lodge and Colm Breheny of Fáilte Ireland. Photo courtesy of Derek Cullen
Chamber News Shop Local The chamber put a special drive this year once again into a shop local initiative for Clifden and Connemara. As times get tougher it is essential that communities support local enterprise and employment where possible. Our members provide over 500 full and part time jobs in the area, but without the support of our local community shopping and spending with our members these jobs are put at risk. We all understand the pull of the big day out in Galway but this
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It is a great loss to the local area that the Connemara View will no longer be published on a monthly basis going forward. This has been a tremendous resource for the area and will be greatly missed. Whilst advertising spend is greatly reduced in this recession it is hoped that Ellen and her team could revisit the decision in some way in the future as conditions improve. Declan Mannion, Chamber President
New Local Vet Welcomed There has been a new face at WestVet, the Clifden Veterinary Clinic since June of this year. Jens Werner, originally from Germany, has been living in Clifden with his family for the past few months and settling into his role as the new local vet in the West Connemara area, having taken over the practice from Maurice O Scanaill. From a farming background, Jens has been practising as a vet for over 10 years now and has settled in very well to the Connemara area, describing the move here as ‘the best decision of his life’. Covering the entire Connemara region, Jens has adjusted well to the culture change and describes the warm welcome of the people of the area as very encouraging. The existing staff of Western Veterinary Clinic have been retained, with vet Lex Ormsby, full time veterinary nurse Sylvia Staunton and receptionist Fiona Scullion ensuring business ran as usual during Jens first year. WestVet offers all veterinary services to both large and small animals and can be contacted at 095-22209.
Science Week Outing Megan King of Clifden Community school was pictured on November 9th at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Athenry, where the students visited on a field trip as part of Science Week. Photo courtesy of Andrew Downes
Connemara View Newspaper
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
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REGIONAL
Photo: Theresa McLoughlin Youthreach coordinator and Lydia Fitzpatrick
Award for Youthreach Student
Customer Service Award
Lydia Fitzpatrick, from Carna, a past student of the Letterfrack Youthreach ‘Centre of Education’, received the Fergal Quinn Leaving Certificate Applied Award 2010, in Dublin on 27th November. Lydia, was one of five 2010 Leaving Certificate Applied Candidates, who achieved the highest marks in the country. The staff of Youthreach in
Letterfrack are in agreement “that Lydia was a joy to teach, she was a diligent and conscientious student, who worked meticulously throughout the Leaving Certificate Applied programme and she truly deserves her award”. Lydia is at present completing an NUIG Access course, for Early School Leavers, in Clifden and hopes to enter a B.A. Degree course in 2011.
Carmel Rigney who was awarded a €100 SuperValu voucher for her excellence in
customer service. She was nominated over a period of weeks by customers. “I would like to thank all who nominated me for the Customer Service Award in Supervalu . I am grateful that you took the time to complete the nomination forms that were available in the shop. It is very much appreciated. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to meeting you all in SuperValu”, stated Carmel. Photo (l-r): Paulina Maraskiewicz, Nicola O’Malley, Carmel Rigny, Joe Lynch.
streets with Age Action when our medical cards were threatened. The Clifden area group was formed in 2003. We meet in Clúid, St. Joseph’s Court every Tuesday afternoon from 3-5pm and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. We also invite in speakers, have afternoon tea outings and have an annual trip of 3-4 days. We receive a grant through the National Lottery funds which helps us to subsidise these events. We would love to see more active lively people and indeed ‘inactive’ lively people joining us and you are assured of a hearty ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ if you come along, and bring a friend.
Fire Demo at CCS On Thursday 25th November the local emergency services for the Clifden area conducted a crash rescue demonstration in Clifden Community School. The Clifden
Join Active Retirement Active Retirement Clifden is a local community group, one of 600 nationwide. The general age of members is 50+. We are represented on the Senior Citizen’s Parliament which fights for the entitlements of older people, as seen when we took to the
Fire Service, Clifden Ambulance and Clifden Gardai participated. The exercise involved the extraction of a casualty from a vehicle. It showed how the different services work together during a real incident. Station Officer Gerard King spoke to the students about the reality of what happens in a road traffic collision. He impressed on the students, the importance of wearing seatbelts and speed reduction whilst driving and Gerard also stated that due care should also be given to the conditions of the road surface and weather. The Clifden/North Connemara area is very well covered by the emergency services, with the ambulance base, Garda Station and 12 qualified firefighters on call 24 hours a day.
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Best Photo of the Year Congratulations to Heather Greer (pictured below left) of Cleggan for being the winner of the ‘Best Photo of the Year’ in the Kavanagh’s Super Valu Clifden and Connemara View photo contest. Her photo entitled ‘A Mother’s Love’ was the first winner in February. Heather is shown here with her photo receiving €100 voucher Many thanks to all the monthly winners this year: Gina Pryce, Patrick Howard, Mark Furniss, Michelle Coyne, John Claro, Brigid Sealy and Paul Phelan. The winning photos are can be seen in Super Valu Clifden by the tills and online at www.connemaraview.com.
Enda Walker In November last year, a major fundraising campaign was undertaken in the Claddaghduff, Cleggan and wider Connemara area to assist Enda Walker and his parents Johnny and Martina. Enda is a grandson of Ellen Stuffle of Cushatrough and was gravely ill with Langerhans Cell Histio Cytosis, a cancer like disease that was treated aggressively with chemotherapy. We are delighted to bring all those who supported the appeal some great news from Enda and his family. We would just like to let everyone know how Enda is doing. He left Great Ormond Street in March after spending 7 months there and went to Watford Hospital for 3 weeks. We brought him home in April. He started on his maintenance and has come on in leaps and bounds since then. We had a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital in October for a checkup and they were so happy with his progress they have decided to stop all his treatment in December this year. We are at last going to end a real nightmare for the whole family-we thought we would never get there. Enda fought hard all the way. He is a real little fighter and he started full time nursery in October where he has made lots of little friends. Our little boy is at last leading a normal life. Thank you all once again for all the help for Enda, the prayers, masses and thoughts. We really believe that it worked for him. Best wishes, Johnny, Martina, Callum and Enda Walker.
Connemara View Newspaper
Zambia Building Progress The Zambia Housing Project was founded a few years ago by Michael Dolan and Dermot Birch. With the help of Fr. Paraic Kelly from Cornamona, now permanently based in Zambia and another S.M.A. priest Fr. Anthony Kelly they set about building houses for local widows with families. To date, 32 houses are almost complete with planning permission obtained for another 32. The idea behind the project is that the Zambian people build the houses themselves. They work every day on the site until their house is built and after that 1 day a week for 12 months. They also pay a small rent, usually a bag of cement per month. Each family that receives a house also undertakes to take in a street child from the nearby street children’s accommodation. There is a committee of homeowners who oversee the site and they meet regularly with Fr. Anthony Kelly. The women carry the bricks to the site where the men, some of whom are now skilled in block laying, build the homes. The whole
community then works together on the houses until they are complete. During my time there I saw 20 people working on each house every day and even the children help out when they come home from school. The project is very valuable and noble as it will eventually become self sufficient. The small rents will continue to accumulate and the committee can then build more houses. We also visited a health clinic near the project site which is in a very poor state. It caters for 34,000 people with 50% of patients under 15 years old. Michael Dolan and the Project team will probably direct more energy and funds towards the clinic in the future. We also met with Dr. Ronan Flynn from Shannon who has a clinic project of his own set up in Zambia which we visited. The Zambian people are a very appreciative, passive people. Their government is plagued by corruption and much of the country’s natural resources are being exploited by bigger nations. However, even though they have no money, income or welfare they seem content and are proud of their homes. The new homes have made a huge difference to the lives of the families lucky enough to get one. They live for their children and are always carrying small children with them when they go for water or while working on the site. The Clonbur, Cong and Cornamona Zambia Housing Project is a wonderful idea and there is great work being done in Zambia by Connemara people. It was a great honour for me to be a part of it in 2010 and I would really like
to return again and see the progress. I learned a lot about how African society works and how people can be satisfied with so little, and I also learned a bit about myself. As Dr. Ronan Flynn said to us “it may sometimes seem like a drop in the ocean, but the ocean is made up of drops”. Sean Heanue
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel’s Paul Hughes should officially be proclaimed ‘Connemara Ambassador’. Just this past month, Paul was at the launch of Ryan Tubridy’s book on JFK and at the opening of the Dublin Terminal 2 with Michael O’Leary. Photos: Paul with Ryan Tubridy and Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain. Paul with Michael O’Leary at the Terminal 2 opening.
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
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Ballyconneely
Patrick’s Winning Streak
Patrick Keeney, from Ballyconneely Co. Galway has won €39,700 to include a holiday to Turkey on the Saturday 20th November National Lottery Winning Streak TV game show on RTE. The winning ticket was bought in Kavanagh’s SuperValu Clifden.
Photo (l-r): Kathryn Thomas, game show host, Patrick Kenney, winning participant, Harry Cooke, The National Lottery Head of Operations & Corporate Affairs, and Marty Whelan, game show host. Photo by Justin Mac Innes/Mac Innes Photography.
tion in the waste supply; woodland regeneration programme; invasive plant species removal, as well as the fisheries management programme.
The unveiling of a plaque and planting of a tree were part of a memorial service for the late Gail MacNamara held at St. George’s Hospital London recently. Gail was the wife of
We’ve been having great fun here, planning for our Supper Theatre and also our Christmas concert, a pantomime musical production of Cinderella Rockerfella. The Junior classes present “SnowWhite and the Seven Dwarfs!” There’s lots of Séan Nós dancing and music. It will be a spectacular night! The concert takes place on the 16th of December and the supper theatre on the 10th. The Supper Theatre is a special night out for our parents and other people in the community, where they book a table, and then bring their own food (Salads, cheese and crackers, various dips etc..)- for themselves and their friends to enjoy, and for afters a Special Local Assembled Drama Group have been planning a play/ sketch presented by parents and drama club members. Tickets are available at the school costing only €10 which includes a free raffle with great prizes! So all members of the community welcome- just bring your treat to eat! And sit back and enjoy! Your support for our small school would be appreciated! Our school has re-applied for the Comenius Project. Hopefully, we will be paired with Iceland, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Slovenia. Last year we were lucky enough to have Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium and Hungary. We hope it will be as successful this year as it was last year! This year our school is applying for a Green Flag, the theme will be travel, we are all intent on saving fuel and carpooling as much as possible, and we hope to earn another green flag next year for this project. Shortly, we will be conducting a Walkability Audit, assessing walking to school conditions etc. Our penultimate paragraph relates to the Editorial committee and reporters etc.. of Connemara View. We were devastated to hear that the monthly paper is finishing and will be reduced to a possible periodical next year. So we wish to express our sincere thanks to you all for the continued support you all gave to our school in all the various activities we engaged in. Míle buíochas díbh go léir agus go n-éirí an t-ádh libh! Finally, we would like to remind everyone to be very careful on the roads, and to avoid making any unnecessary journeys, also, do try and visit elderly neighbours and make sure they have enough groceries. So Merry Christmas everyone from Cashel NS! Let’s hope Santa Claus visits you all! Slán go fóill ó Zoe, Stella agus chuile dhuine i S.N. an Chaisil.
London Memorial Service
Peter McNamara, formerly of Aillebrack, Ballyconneely. The service was held to recognise all that Gail had contributed for many years of service to the Endoscopy unit and was attended by family and friends as well as hospital staff. Photo: The London Memorial Service for Gail McNamara which took place recently. Photo courtesy of Mary MacNamara Vaughan
Ballyconneely NS News
A healthy eating week was held recently in
Scoil Bhríde, Ballyconneely. SuperValu and Lidl supermarkets donated fruit and vegetables to us. The pupils got the chance to try many fruits and vegetables and to use them in smoothies and soups. We hope that the healthy eating will continue. We are currently working hard on our Christmas plays which we will be staging in the week before Christmas. We are all looking forward to Christmas and to Santa’s visit and wish a very Merry Christmas to everybody.
Cake Sale
Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service are holding a Cake Sale on Sun 5th Dec, from 10.30am to 1pm. A large selection of cakes for sale, Raffle on the day. You can also buy a table for €8 to sell home produce, Christmas decorations, arts and crafts, bric a brac etc. We would like to thank all who ran and supported our recent raffle and halloween disco. Thank you all for your continued help and support.
Ballynahinch
Ballynahinch Wins Green - Again! Ballynahinch Castle Hotel were delighted to be awarded the Georgina Campbell Green Ireland Hospitality Award 2011 at an award ceremony in Dublin last month. The award was in recognition for the measures introduced to provide carbon neutral hot water and heating to the hotel; the reduc-
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December 2010
Cashel
Cashel NS
Clifden
Launch of Clifden 2012 Website The Clifden 2012 committee are delighted to announce the official launch of their new website. This launch will take place on Wednesday 15th of December in the Station House Hotel at 6pm. The website will be an important tool in their campaign to get the message of the upcoming 200th birthday of the town, out to the wider community. It will offer the committee the opportunity to keep the widest possible audience informed of the plans and contact details of this major event. The website will contain articles on the history of the town, old photographs, many of which were collected during our digital archiving day. There will also be information on the various projects which the group are working on. It has been funded by Leader, through Forum Connemara Ltd., in Letterfrack, with assistance from the Connemara Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to seeing you on the evening and learning more of this important historic, cultural, community and economic event. Breandan O Scanaill, Chairperson Clifden 2012
Connemara View Newspaper
Clifden
Parents Association Cake Sale The Annual Scoil Mhuire Parents Association cake sale will be held in The Station House Hotel after Mass on Sunday 12th December. There will be a raffle with some great prizes and Santa Claus will be taking time out of his busy schedule for a visit with music and carols provided by the Scoil Mhuire Children’s Choir. All support is greatly appreciated.
Clifden Christmas Craft & Country Fair
The Clifden Town Hall are holding a Christmas Craft and Country Fair in the Town Hall Clifden on Sunday 5th December from 12pm to 4pm. Everybody is welcome to come along and browse the stands and maybe get that special Christmas gift. It will be a great chance to meet others in the community and kick off the festive spirit in the town.
St. Mary’s Chapel and Graveyard
A unique community event took place at 3pm on Sunday November 14th in St Mary’s Graveyard, known locally as the old graveyard. This was a gathering of the people of the area to commemorate the earliest citizens of the town. It was also a time to celebrate the present generation and to highlight the plans for the restoration of the site. The weather behaved very well, changing from a damp and cold morning to a dry and sunny afternoon, if somewhat cool. The afternoon commenced with a short history of the graveyard and chapel given by Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill and this was followed up by a report on the restoration work so far. At present this has been the commissioning of a number of reports which look at all aspects of the site, archaeological, historical, ecological, and structural. The key aspects are the stabilising of the one remaining gable wall of the chapel, the restoration of the perimeter wall, the removal of some trees and invasive species and the restoration or stabilising of certain tombs and gravestones. A number of people representing various aspects of the
community presented gifts which tied in the past with the present. This was followed by Mass celebrated by Fr. James Ronayne. This was more than likely the first time Mass was celebrated in this place since the old chapel ceased to be a place of worship at the end of the 1870s. The choir from St. Joseph’s church was also on hand to add to the sense of occasion. Also during the mass, the readings and prayers of the faithful involved many different strands of our community; students, emergency and rescue services, gardaí, and care givers. Brendan Flynn acted as master of ceremonies and recited some beautiful verses which added to the special atmosphere on the day. Some of the students from Scoil Mhuire have prepared a project on the old graveyard and students from the Clifden Community School have been involved with a video presentation of the event. Both of these will be part of a presentation made at a diocese wide gathering which will take place in Tuam Cathedral. One striking aspect of the gathering was how few of the people present had ever been inside the walls before. Even people from old established families never knew of its existence. One of the main aims was to highlight the place and its unique importance within the life and history of our town, especially as we gear up for Clifden 2012, the two hundredth birthday of the town. Breandan O Scanaill
Library News Christmas Competition
It’s time once again for the library Christmas Card competition for younger members. Cards should be handmade (no computer generated images please). All entries must have full name, age and contact phone number. Closing date is Friday 17th December and there are lots of prizes to be won.
Age Action Computer Classes - Tutors Needed Age Action Getting Started training programme is for older people to encourage them to use computers. Classes are currently held in the library but there is a need for more tutors. All tutors are volunteers from all walks of life who want to share their skill with older people. Volunteer tutors teach people the basics of computers, how to search the Internet and set up and use email. Computer courses run for 6 weeks, with one session per week and classes are approx one hour in duration. If you have an hour to spare once a week and would like to volunteer as a tutor please call Paul on 095-21092 or leave your name at the library. All training material is provided by Age Action.
Art Space ‘Thoughts & Views’ An exhibition of Etchings & Watercolours by Margaret Irwin opened in the library Art Space on Friday 26th November and will run for 4 weeks. The exhibition can be viewed during library open hours. The art
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
space is available for local artists and community groups to show their artwork and there is no charge for this facility. Photo (l-r): Bernie Jeffries, Margaret Irwin and Paul Keogh. Paul and Bernie would like to wish all our members a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. Bernie Jeffries
Tidy Towns Update
The Tidy Towns AGM was held in the Station House Hotel on November 17th at 8p.m. There was a good attendance and the following is a summary of the meeting. After the general reports which included the Chairperson thanking all those who supported us throughout the year in whatever capacity big or small, the election of officers was held. Bernie Ward wished to step down from her position as Treasurer and the Officers were elected as follows: Sheila Griffin, Chairperson, Alan Shattock, Vice Chairperson, Mary O’Donnell, Secretary, Jim Hopkins, Treasurer, P.K.Joyce and Sandra Shattock joint P.R.O. Bernie Ward was thanked for all her work as Treasurer and for her diligence in keeping our accounts in order. A presentation was made to Linda and Dave Horsman who had come to live in Clifden and who had joined our group at the previous AGM. They were a great addition and could regularly be seen walking the roads in their Tidy Town Vests picking up litter. We thanked them for all their hard work and wished them well on their return back home to America. As always we wish to invite new members to join our group as we have big plans for the upcoming year and we look forward to an exciting year ahead. If you are someone who doesn’t like attending meetings we would be glad of your help in other ways i.e. willing to pick up litter even one day a week, (we will supply you with bags and pickers etc.) or other areas you might be interested in. For more information, keep an eye on the notice board and visual screen in SuperValu or on our facebook page, or as always you can contact Secretary, Mary O’Donnell at cregghouse1@eircom. net, or phone Chairperson Sheila Griffin at 095-21441 or PRO P.K. Joyce at 087052-4718.
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Clifden
Fundraising Presentation On Thursday November 25th Mary Barry of Kingstown presented Richard Flaherty of Cancer Care West with a cheque for €600 in the memory of her late husband Augustin Barry. Before his sudden death, Gus was in the process of recording a CD and DVD of music which was intended to be released as a fundraiser for Cancer Care West. The
onship Shows all over Ireland to earn his title and earned two Group 1 placings at Swords and Tralee Championship shows under International judges from Portugal and Sweden. To date Mossie has earned two international CACIBS (Certificate of Aptitude for International Champion of Beauty) towards his International Beauty Champion Title. Under the new pet passport scheme Mossie will have the opportunity to represent Connemara and Ireland at four major canine events in 2011: Crufts in March, the FCI Centenary World Dog Show and the French National Dog Show in Paris in July and the Euro Dog Show in the Netherlands in September. Good luck to Mossie and the Farraghers on their exciting times ahead!
Letterfrack
Pride of Place Awards 2010 Letterfrack Village has been awarded Runners Up in the All-Island Pride of Place Awards 2010. They were entered into Category 1 which was for villages with a population of less than 200 people. The purpose of the awards is to highlight local authorities’ commitment to supporting groups who undertake initiatives to improve their communities. All of the nominees on the night demonstrated what can be
Kylemore
Mitchell Henry Commemoration Tegolin Knowland, Barbara Knowland and Sean Coyne after their performance of “Kylemore – from Castle to Abbey” in the Gothic Church as part of Kylemore Abbey’s commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the death of Mitchell Henry. Barabara Knowland travelled from England to attend the play she first wrote more than 20
achieved when people work together to enhance and change parts of their area for the good of the whole community. The winners of the 8th Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Competition were announced on Saturday, 13th November in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath, hosted by Meath County Council. Local TD and Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey announced the winners, MC on the night was Marty Whelan and entertainment was provided by Johnny Logan at the gala ceremony. Photographed representing Letterfrack at the Pride of Place Awards 2010 were Samantha Flaherty, Breda Coneys and Ann Pollington. Photo courtesy of Samantha Flaherty
DVD was later produced by Gerry Canavan and Pat Coyne of Renvyle and the proceeds from the sale of the DVD have now been donated to the charity that Gus intended to support before his untimely death.
Clifden Show Dog Hits International Stage Ir Ch Dobrany Dorainblue Hulaka (otherwise known as ‘Mossie’) is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog owned by the Farragher family of Clifden who has been achieving outstanding success in the world of professional showing. Mossie attained his IKC Champion title this summer at the young age of 17 months. Mossie travelled to numerous IKC Champi-
Letterfrack Information Service
years ago. Each year the play is tweaked slightly to bring the story up-to-date. This year, the story included the closure of the school and the new direction Kylemore has taken. It was a wonderful performance; the atmosphere in the Gothic Church was magical and Kylemore Tourism was delighted to have Barabara Knowland as guest of honour. Photo courtesy of Brid Connell
If you have any questions about Social Welfare, Pensions, Housing, Consumer Affairs, Employment Rights, Education or any of your rights and entitlements in general, call us on 087-130-1100 or drop in from 1.30pm – 4.30pm at Connemara West (Portacabin 4) on Tuesday 14th December 2010 and Tuesday 11th & 25th January 2011. A wide range of application forms and booklets are available, including: Entitlements for People with Disabilities, One Parent Families Information Guide, Entitlements for the Over Sixties, Employment Rights Explained. Clifden Citizens Information Centre: 2nd Floor, Cashel Connemara Credit Union, Clifden. Open Thursday 7pm 8pm, Friday 10.30am – 3.30pm. 095-22000 or 087-130-1100. clifden@citinfo.ie www.citizensinformation.ie.
Maam
Christmas Crib A Crib will be erected for Christmas in the Grotto beside Ionad Pobail an Mháma soon. A special blessing by Fr. Burke, P.P. will take place later this month.
Christmas Cards
Coiste Forbartha an Mháma Christmas cards are now on sale in local shops. A pack of 8 assorted cards costs €5. The cards depict lovely snow scenes which were photographed by local people.
Card Games
The card games continue every Tuesday night at 8.30pm. in Ionad Pobail an Mháma. There are great prizes to be won and everyone is welcome.
Christmas Fayre
This will be held in Ionad Pobail an Mháma on Sunday 5th December. Christmas products, such as Christmas wreaths, candles, cakes etc. will be on sale from 12 to 4pm. Contact 091-571-192 for details.
Women’s Group
The Knitting and Crochet Group meet on Monday evenings from 8 to10pm, and the Art Group meet on Wednesdays at 8pm. The Christmas Dinner and Social will be held in Oughterard Golf Club on Saturday, 4th December at 7pm.
Joyce Country Echo
The Christmas issue of Joyce Country Echo will be on sale in local shops in mid December. It contains community news, interview, photos of local events etc. It is a great read for €3!
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December 2010
Connemara View Newspaper
Maam
Citizen’s Information A Citizen’s Information Officer will be available on the 1st Wednesday of every month, from 10.30 to 12.30pm, at Ionad Pobail an Mháma. Information on social welfare, housing, student grants, pensions etc. This service is free, confidential and no appointment is necessary. Phone 087-979947 for further information. Rosemary Hanley
Moycullen
Moycullen Christmas Craft Fair Moycullen Shopping Centre, An Cearnóg Nua, will be buzzing with Christmas colour and Christmas cheer this year. The centre’s first-ever Christmas Craft Fair is hosting top crafters from far and wide, offering rich yuletide goodies to fill your seasonal shopping bags. Father Christmas will be visiting the centre in the week running up to Christmas, with Ho Ho Ho’s and small gifts for the youngsters, and there may even be a treat for their parents and friends! The first two weekends in December, and the eleven days running up to Christmas Eve from Monday 13th December, is definitely the time to get to An Cearnóg Nua to catch the spirit of this special time of year and to do loads of Christmas shopping. There’s free parking in the basement of the shopping centre and plenty of specials in the retail outlets to make your visit a satisfying pleasure. For details on when Father Christmas has slotted An Cearnóg Nua in Moycullen into his diary please call Grace at The Painter’s Palette Art Gallery, Working Studio and Framer on 091-556-523 or 086-348-9888.
Oughterard
Clann News Youth Café Launch The Colour Crave Youth Café in Oughterard was opened in 2009 in conjunction with Clann as a safe, alcohol-free space for young people to socialise and participate in activities. The official launch of the café took place on Friday 5th of November by TG4 Teen Block presenter Máire Treasa Ni Dhubhghaill. Despite horrendous weather conditions, the community showed great support for the event, the evening concluded with refreshments and live music from
local band South Ember. Photo above Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Maria Mc Loughlin, Anne O’ Shaughnessy, Barbara Welby, Eryka Mc Donagh, Maire Treasa Ni Dhbhghaill, Katie Welby, Cllr. Seamus Walsh.
Book and DVD launch Clann and uachtarARTS will launch their book and DVD launch, ‘Out of the Blue’ from on Thursday 9th December at 7pm in the Clann Resource Centre.
Senior Tea Party An Afternoon Tea Party for older people will take place at Clann on Wednesday 15th December from 2-4.30pm. Please encourage older people who usually don’t go out to join us for the afternoon (Santa might even turn up!)
Carer’s Coffee Morning Are you caring for someone in your family? Clann would like to invite you to a Coffee Morning on Tuesday 7th December at 11am. All are welcome.
conclude in February with a final celebration event in the Community Centre where each school will present their project and celebrate a variety of cultures through music, dance and food.
Support Services You can avail of affordable counselling at Clann. This is a safe confidential service with qualified counsellors. Just call 087-617-1693 or 091-557-633 in strictest confidence. Citizens Information Service is available in Clann every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month Information is available on rights and entitlements-CIC Lo Call 1890-777-121. Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is available through Clann and
Outreach is on every 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. MABS helpline is 1890283438 If you are interested in volunteering with us at Clann please do not hesitate to contact us on 091-556-733. We have a range of worthwhile and positive volunteer programmes.
Parents Morning There will be a workshop held in Clann Resource Centre from 11-12 noon on Friday 3rd December to discuss ‘Dealing with the stress of Christmas?’ All parents are welcome.
Integration Project Galway County Council have provided us with funding to undertake an integration project which will promote awareness of cultural diversity amongst young people and address issues of racism and social exclusion. The project will involve working with local primary schools where one class in each school will participate in awareness raising activities and then complete a research project on a specific country. The project will
Renvyle
Poster Competition Tullycross Credit Union Poster Competition Area Winner (Under 7) Féile O’Donovan is a student at Eagles Nest N.S., Renvyle. She is pictured with her proud parents Dermot and Laura and Vice Principal Helen Faherty. Féile’s poster entry now goes forward to Chapter Level and the Eagles Nest Board of Management would like to wish her the very best of luck. Photo courtesy of Paul Gannon
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
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Roscahill
Santa’s Christmas Magic at Brigit’s Garden This December Santa and his musical elf are once again paying a special visit to Brigit’s Garden, Roscahill, to share ‘Santa’s Christmas Magic’, an interactive entertainment of music, stories and candle-light. Alfie the elf conjures the essence of Christmas with merriment, music and wonder to delight all ages, and creates a special welcome for Santa’s much-anticipated arrival. The highlight of the evening is Santa’s magical ceremony for lighting the Christmas tree with the help of the children and their parents. ‘Santa’s Christmas Magic’ is the perfect child-friendly and non-commercial way to celebrate Christmas this year! This professional production takes place in the intimate setting of the Hazel Room at Brigit’s Garden, and features Miquel Barcelo of Galway’s popular Gombeens Theatre Troupe. The holiday magic continues with a reception after the entertainment, and mince-pies and refreshments are included in the ticket price. Brigit’s Garden is a not-for-profit organisation and a recognised charity. All proceeds go to support the project. The show is suitable for ages 4-8. ‘Santa’s Christmas Magic’ runs on the 11-12th and 17-20th of December with two shows each day at 2pm and 4.30 pm. The tickets are great value at only €11 for adults/ children & €42 for a family of four, including refreshments. Seats are limited and can be booked by phoning 091-550-905.
Roundstone
Errisbeg Water Supply The residents of Errisbeg are to get an improved water supply in the near future as Galway County Council plan to install a new pump house in the next few months. During summer months and at peak times there have been problems with the water pressure and some residents have gone days without an adequate supply. Galway County Council plan to install a new pump house at a more suitable location. Cllr. Eileen Mannion said “The installation of the pumps at a more suitable location will ensure that the residents of Errisbeg will have a more reliable water supply in the future”.
Roundstone Christmas Market A bumper festive Roundstone Country Market will take place in the village in the
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community hall and surrounding area on Sunday December 19th starting at 11am. The Roundstone market became very popular and well attended in 2010 and this bumper Christmas market will be the perfect opportunity to pick up some perfect gifts and delicious locally made festive foods. Stalls will be selling goods such as plants, fruit and vegetables, Irish cheeses, honey, baked goods and pancakes, and crafts will include pottery, furniture upholstering, feltmaking, mirrors and jewellery. There will be an Animal Rescue stand and stalls will be located both inside and outside the community hall.
Santa in Roundstone
The Market also coincides with the day of festive fun for kids and youngsters. The upper part of the community hall will have a bouncy castle, DJ, snacks and face painting. Entry is €5 per child and everybody will receive a present from Santa Claus who will be making a very special guest appearance on the day.
Roundstone News Crough Patrick
A rather unusual fund raising event took place recently in aid of Cancer Care West with a target of raising €5,000 carrying a Honda 90 Bike to the top of Crow Patrick and down again. This was done with a group of 12 lads, Sean Nee, Seamus Nee, Stephan Mullen, David Mullen, Pat O’Neil, Colin Connolly, Pat Dowd, Kevin Conneelly, from Ballyconneelly, Vincent Leggett from Kingstown, and Darragh Wallace from Clifden with two lads from Clare: Michael Meagan and T.J. Moynihan. This effort was the Brain Child of Sean Nee. I have to say it took quite some organising, various permissions had to sought, i.e. the Archbishop for his permission to do this on a holy mountain and of course from the Health and Safety angle, the Mayo Mountain Rescue had to be alerted for this event. Luckily all went well without any mishaps. They all left at 5.30 in the morning. I am told that there was a slight look of horror of the task before them when they started the ascent at 7.15am. There were five others who wanted just to walk with them, each paying a few bob as part of the fund raiser, Bernadette O’Malley, Catherine McEvoy, Agnes Nee, Brendan Keogh, and from Clifden, Imelda Wallace, Patrick “Boots” Conneelly and Pat O’Neil’s sister Anne, who by the way ran all the way up and down again, then promptly
cycled all the way back to Ballyconneely, golly that took some doing . However the lads did it in three hours and if you think about it the average walker takes three and half hours. Anyway taking it in turns to carry the bike, each team which consisted of 4 to the bike, a terrific effort. I can’t imagine what it must have been like when they got to the last leg, it is so steep!! What was interesting was that other outsider walkers on the day were making donations to them, particularly when they got to the top. Donations are ongoing.
The Whale and Dolphin Rescue Pontoon Training Everybody gathered at the Roundstone Community Hall for the first part of the Live Stranding Course, which was being taught to us by Dr. Simon Berrow from IWDG (Irish Whale and Dolphin Group), along with his colleague, Connor Ryan. The course was divided into two parts. Firstly, theory with video which included many subjects like, when discovering a live stranded whale or dolphin: Cetacean identification, (also where it may have come from) examination/diagnosis, assessing the situation, appointing beach masters, who to notify and deciding on whether to refloat the animal or euthanise/let it die naturally. Sometimes we think the best thing to do when we find a live stranded animal is to get it back to the water but most of the time, there are specific reasons why the animal has beached, and sometimes it is because it is sick/injured and it wants to die. The best thing to do in this situation, if you can’t euthanise (if it is too big an animal), is to leave it in peace, NOT pester it and let kids and dogs climb all over it etc. This went very well, with the forever animated and enthusiastic Simon, getting us all into the swing of things with his amazing plethora of facts and figures, interesting videos and anecdotes of his experiences of helping whales/dolphins throughout Ireland over the years. The second part of the course was Pontoon Practice! By 1.30pm we were at the beach, trousers rolled up and in the sea with us, all trying to complete the hardest mission of the day - blowing up the whale and dolphin! Now before you go reporting us to the ISPCA, these were an inflatable whale and dolphin, two props that Simon uses when teaching the course! They got filled with water (so we had an idea of the weight we’d be dealing with) The guys from the Galway Dive Club got to work pumping up the pontoon with air and then we were good to go! Some got into wetsuits, some got their feet wet and some decided it would be safer if they stayed dry and would be a lot more helpful shouting orders from the beach! Procedure: (this is of course, after you’ve reported it to IWDG!) Firstly - appoint a beach master, this person’s job would be to keep all dogs, adults and children extremely quiet and AWAY from the animal. Then making sure the animal is as comfortable as possible, dig little holes beneath the pectoral fins so they don’t get squished in the sand... keep it
December 2010
as cool as possible by pouring water onto it as often as possible AVOIDING the blowhole (if possible, place a towel onto its back and keep damp). If you watch the blowhole for breathing, a dolphin normally breath is 2-5 breaths per minute, any higher indicates stress. Whales’ are a lot longer- normal breath can be 1 breath/min for small whales, large whales are 1 breath every 20 minutes! One thing that was mentioned at the training, which has been done in the past and is one of the WORST things people do, is to tie a rope around its tail and try to drag it back into the sea. This damages the animal so much, the only thing left to do is to put it down. So after you’ve assessed the animal and the decision has been made (if possible with IWDG/vet/both) and you decide the animal is healthy enough to refloat, get out the pontoon! The putting together of the pontoon, around the animal, is quite straightforward, making sure that voices are kept calm and best not to rub the animal, like we do pets as this can stress them out even more. Another IMPORTANT thing to note here is to keep clear of the tail, especially if it’s a large whale, a smack from that can really damage you, or the animal! Also try not to stand above the blowhole, the air can rush out quite fast and as they are mammals, like us, their germs can affect us too! When the tide is in, gently pull the pontoon with animal into the sea and turn around so they’re facing the sea. While they are still in the pontoon, try rocking them very gently to get circulation moving again as they’ve been sitting on a beach for the last while. They won’t take off straight away. They may need even up to half an hour to get orientated. When they feel ready, try and take it out as far as possible and if needs be, let the air out of the pontoon and let the animal gently glide away. Hopefully they’ll swim back out to sea and find their group again. Sometimes it has been known for the same animal to be found beached again the next day a little further away. This can be frustrating and can often mean so many different things. I think decisions made from here should definitely come from the experts! The day was ended on a high when a photographer, Joe O’ Shaughnassey from Irish Times came out and took some pictures! Everyone was also awarded with a certificate which we proudly held up for the cameras! Numbers were also swapped so everyone knew who to contact in the event of a live stranding. The main ones being, IWDG, Galway Aquarium (where the pontoon will live), Galway Dive Club and the group of freshly trained pontooners, who ranged from various different places in Connemara.
Roundstone Youth Club Unfortunately we will not be able to have a regular youth club this year, as we don’t have the numbers to affiliate with Faróige, plus the lack of funding. However with the few we have, we still hope this will not stop us from going to our twinned village in France next year. Actually, it’s great! Some of the younger kids who are not eligible for the youth club are very enthusiastic in helping community efforts in one form or another, so for this year perhaps we will work with them in preparation for their enrolment to the club in the future, it’s the sign of the times, but we won’t forget the kids. Richard de Stacpoole
Connemara View Newspaper
Editorial
Dear Readers, It has been a pleasure for the past six years to bring the news from the towns and villages of Connemara to you. It is a bit like putting together a million piece jigsaw puzzle every month but it has been very rewarding. We announced in the November issue that we would no longer be continuing on a monthly basis due to the steady drop in advertising revenues over the last two years. We all have felt the damaging effect of the recession. Many of our past advertisers are no longer in business and others are struggling to stay open. We must endeavour to shop locally as much as is possible to keep our economy alive. It is our intention to continue on a quarterly basis starting in March but this will be dependent on the amount of advertisers at that time. Your response to our November article has been quite overwhelming and very humbling. So many of you have suggested a variety of solutions and we are grateful for your input. One recurring concept has been to charge for the paper. There are two reasons why we will not do this. Firstly, the infrastructure involved would include dropping at shops only and would involve charging VAT. Then the shops would be invoiced followed by the process of collecting moneys. This system would eat up the euro or even two euro charge. Secondly, and most importantly, I believe that community news should be free. The equation of creating a rich environment of news for readers while providing an affordable local communication tool for advertisers is an inherently good concept. At this time, the model is struggling but I have faith that the model is still the right one. The Connemara View team includes so many contributors and advertisers from around the region. We thank you all and will keep in contact with you in the hope that we will continue on in 2011. All the staff at the Connemara View wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a much more prosperous New Year. Ellen McDonough Catherine Pryce Marie-Noelle Biddulph John Dunne Paula Bann
Jingle Bells Christmas Walk Walk your way around Clifden this Christmas Day. This year COPE Galway’s fundraising event will also be taking place in Clifden in the hope that it can be spread to other Galway towns and villages in the future. Participants will receive little bells to tie to their shoes before taking to the roads for a fun walk. It will be an enjoyable morning for locals and visitors with hot drinks after. The walk will commence outside St. Joseph’s Church, Clifden after Mass Christmas morning. All proceeds raised are used directly in the Galway area. To register for the event log onto www.copegalway.ie or for further information contact Edel on 091-778-750 or email emahon@copegalway. ie. Donations can be made directly to COPE Galway, Calbro House, Tuam Rd, Galway or Bank of Ireland, Sort Code: 903816, Account Number: 39096396
First Independent Hat in the Ring Catherine Connolly, an Independent Galway City Councillor, attended a meeting with her supporters in Óstán an Dóilín, An Cheathrú Rua where she confirmed her decision to stand as an Independent Candidate in the forthcoming general election. Joining her at the event were three men who are no strangers to fighting elections, John Bhaba Jack, Seán Ó Coisdealbha and Independent Councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig. Anyone who wants to lend a hand in Connemara can contact Councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig on 095-33428 or 087-219-4247. Photo: Catherine Connolly with Cllr. Seosamh Ó Cuaig.
Fine Gael Convention The Fine Gael convention for Galway West constituency will take place on Sunday December 5th at the Salthill Hotel. Registration will open at 4pm and the convention will begin at 5.30pm. The following candidates are looking nomination: Councillor Padraig Conneely, Senator Fidelma Healy
Eames, Councillor Sean Kyne, Deputy Padraic McCormack, Councillor Hildegarde Naughton, Joe Lee, Keith Stephens and Councillor Brian Walsh.
PE Grants for Schools Grants for local primary and post-primary schools for minor works and to enhance their PE facilities have been announced by Galway East Fianna Fáil TD Noel Treacy. Each school in County Galway will be awarded €5,500 and an additional €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil for minor works. This funding can be spent on the physical infrastructure of the school, on items of furniture or IT equipment. It will allow the schools to make these small purchases or do minor
Sports Extra
North West Ireland wins “European Golf Destination of the Year 2011” North & West Coast Links Golf (N&WCL) were awarded the “European Golf Destination of the Year 2011” by The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) a their annual Awards Ceremony in Valencia, Spain on November 18th. Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, congratulated all of the clubs involved on this prestigious award. “This honour of European Golf Destination of the Year 2011 is a huge boost for the golf tourism product that we know is amongst the best on offer in Europe. The clubs in the region are working together in a collaborative way to market their stunning facilities and courses, and it is this creative way of using our combined strength in order to achieve a greater profile for the golf tourist to enjoy their time in Ireland. The clubs in the region should be very proud of winning this great award as there was stiff competition from many other fine golf resort areas in Europe.” Established as a small marketing cooperative over 20 years ago, N&WCL has grown from just 4 clubs, to now being considered the premier golf marketing organisation in Ireland, through representation of 12 of the finest courses in Ireland which include Connemara Championship Links, Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Golf Club, Co. Sligo Golf Club, Donegal Golf Club, Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, Rosapenna Golf Resort, Portsalon Golf Club, Ballyliffin Golf Club, Portstewart Golf Club, Royal Portrush Golf Club, and Ardglass Golf Club.
work at their discretion without having to refer to the Department of Education. In addition to this, local schools are also to receive funding for playground and PE equipment. Each primary school in Galway will receive a basic grant of €1,000 and €10 per pupil. Post-primary schools will get a basic grant of €2,000 and €20 per pupil. Deputy Treacy said “This PE funding will allow local schools to purchase modern new equipment. PE is a vital part of the curriculum and it is important that students are encouraged to participate and are afforded the opportunities to develop their sporting skills. I am pleased to see this funding for minor works and PE and I am confident that it will be welcomed by teachers and pupils alike”. The region benefits greatly from golf tourism, with an estimated €350m spent annually by visitors to the North West region, and this Award is another great boost and will ensure that this figure continues to grow year on year.
Connemara Rugby Update The heartbreak continues for Connemara R.F.C with recent losses in both competitions. We had the Navan game rapped up with three great tries with a sin binning just before half time and a number of changes in personnel and positions that went badly wrong. We were lucky to get a bonus point as the Navan kicker hit the upright from in front of the goal with the conversion attempt after there last try. Our trip to Dublin to play the NUIM Barnhall went poorly as we were beaten 45 pts to 12 pts even though we had a number of opportunities. This year Connemara has a large number of young and eager players who turn out for training and want to succeed. We owe it to the League and the teams we play to raise our game and give them decent competition. A team performing badly in the league affects other clubs and their support in many ways. Hopefully we will introduce a few experienced players and get a few victories. This will help all the present players and not take away from their ambitions. The present group of players who train so hard deserve this and also may need a bit of T.L.C and encouragement. It would be a disaster for all concerned with the club and also for the general area if next year we were to be relegated from the A.I.B. Now is the time to avoid this. Matt O’Sullivan PRO
Death Notices Christopher Conneely, Calseal Gael Nursing Home, Castlegar, & formally of Mannin, Ballyconneely Martin Corbett, Derreen, Clifden Liam Coyne, Leam, Recess Maureen Cummins, Letterfrack, & formally of Camp, Tralee, Co. Kerry Dudley (Darach) Joyce, Rosmuc James Kelly, Cappagariff, Glann, Oughterard John T. Lydon, Derryinver, Letterfrack Neil Murphy, Glasgow, Scotland & formally of Ballyconneely George Peters, Letterfrack, & formally of Shantalia & Mervue, Galway Michael Pryce, Bayleek, Clifden 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.
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
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20 Year Clifden Community Sc hool Reunion A group of past pupils of Clifden Community School gathered together on Friday November 5th at the Station House Bar in Clifden to mark their 20th year since leaving school. The group were delighted to be joined on the night by former Principal Br. James Mungovan and teachers
Brendan Flynn and Ann Marshall, and a great night of memories and laughs was shared by the group. Above Left: (l-r): Jimmy Mongan, Martina Mannion, Pat O’ Neill, James Linnane, Susan Nevin, Paraic Heanue, Stephen King, Tony Coyne, John Davis, Vivienne
Conneely, Anna Marie King, Orla Bayliss, Melanie Pryce and John Burke. Top: Caroline Conneely, Anne Marshall and Stephen King. Above: Fr. Raymond Flaherty, Melanie Pryce, Br. James Mungovan. Photos courtesy of Anna Marie King
New Arrivals Congratulations to... Right: Sarah Whelan and Damian Gorham on the birth of their beautiful baby daughter Aoife who was born on September 12th, and also to proud grandparents Úna and Bernard Whelan of Clifden and Mary and Martin Gorham of Ballyconneely.
Wedding Bells Congratulations to.... Above: Meave Ryan of Clifden and Chris Loveland were married on September 24th at St. Joseph’s Church Clifden with reception afterwards at Renvyle House Hotel. Below: Charlene Conroy of Kylemore and Simon Connolly of Carna were married in Letterfrack Church on November 20th.
Award for Excellence Above: Congratulations to Lorna O’ Malley who won two awards at The Compliance Register Platinum Awards for Outstanding Service to Compliance and Regulation (The OSTCARs), in London in November. Lorna is a daughter of Martin and Margaret O’ Malley of Mannin, Ballyconneely. Photo courtesy of Margaret O’ Malley
Right: Michelle and Gary Gogarty on the birth of their son Dylan on July 19th and proud grandparents John and Helen McDonagh of Moyard.
The babies above are cousins Corey Staunton, Martin Lydon and Clodagh Burke, on Clodagh’s Christening day on 6th November. Photo courtesy of Dolores Staunton
Old Friends Pictured here are a pair of old school pals who recently reunited. Bernie Keaney of Ballinaboy (left) now lives in Liverpool, and Jackie Burke (right) of Maum, Errislannan now lives in Boston and they met up in Clifden last month after an absence of fifty years. Photo courtesy of Marty Conneely.
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December 2010
Connemara View Newspaper
Clifden Fashion Extravaganza On Thursday November 18th, the Clifden Station House was packed to capacity as local businesses showcased their Winter fashions as part of a fundraising initiative by Connemara Chamber of Commerce in aid of Cancer Care West. The participating shops, Hehir’s, Millar’s, Design Platform, Gannon Sports, O’ Dálaigh Jewellers, Belle Blu Boutique, Lowry’s, Ohh! By Gum, The Celtic Craft Shop and Whistlestop asked their own customers to model the wide variety of affordable fashion on offer in the town. Hair and beauty was ably catered for by Hedz, Marie and Joanna in the Hair Gallery, Siobhan Stoney, Ciúin Health and Beauty, Reflexions and Iwona Maraskiewicz. Our local models outclassed any professional model and all were extremely obliging. The fabulous models were: Helen MacDonagh, Mary Hickey, Maureen Geoghegan, Sandra Shattock, Maire O’Halloran, Becky Walsh, Tina Shannon, Sheila Wallace, Lorraine King, Claire Mullen, Sinead O’Sullivan, Sorcha O’Sullivan, Siobhan Hardman, Anna Carey, Eileen Coohill, Margaret O’Malley, Lee Flaherty, Joan Conneely, Joan King, Siobhan King, Therese O’Brien, Doireann Sheridan, Megan King, Roddy O’Donnell,
Peter Cullen, Ronan O’Donnell, Charlie Bourke and John Amenhauser. Behind the scenes was a controlled operation due to all the staff and friends from the various stores. Mike O’Malley provided professional music and lighting, with photography by Patrick Howard and Aoife Herriott. Entertainment afterwards was provided by Peter and Michael Carey, Adam Conroy, Pat O’Toole and Paddy Newman. Local choir Cantairí Chonamara entertained at the interval and The Clifden Fire Brigade sent temperatures soaring with the superb Grand Finale act. Super Valu supplied light refreshment for all involved and Clifden Station House laid on a mulled wine reception at the end of such an enjoyable show, and Aine and all the staff at the hotel ensured everything went smoothly during the night. Delia Joyce Whelan also MC’d brilliantly on the night, adding in plenty of local anecdotes. Everyone involved in the Fashion Show in any way gave of their time and service totally freely and voluntarily. This resulted in a wonderful community event, and most importantly, €4,160 was raised on the night for Cancer Care West, a great local cause.
Photo above: On Thursday November 25th representatives of the Fashion Show presented Richard Flaherty, CEO of Cancer Care West with a cheque for €4,160 at the Station House Hotel. (L-r): Declan Mannion, President of Connemara Chamber of Commerce, Amelia Whelan of Millars, Richard Flaherty, Jonathan Daly of O’ Dálaigh Jewellers and Joe Lynch of Super Valu Clifden. Absent from photo: Event Organiser Michele Hehir.
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
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Graduation Success Clockwise from top: Tara Byrne of Clifden was recently conferred with an LLB Bachelor of Laws Hons. Degree at NUI Galway. Caroline Pryce recently graduated from NUI Galway with a Post Graduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing. She is pictured here with her mother Margaret, sister Susan and niece Kaiya. Photo courtesy of Susan Pryce Holistic therapist Jessica Conneely recently received distinctions in her studies of Holistic Massage and CranioSacral therapy and exams in Anatomy, Physiology, Professional Conduct and Hot and Chilled Stones. John Myles Curley of Moyard recently graduated from University of Limerick with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is pictured here with his sister Caitríona. Photo courtesy of Margaret Curley Pictured are Kathríona McHugh, Ballyconneely and Bernie Coyne, Renvyle who were recently conferred with postgrad Diplomas in Special Education Needs from NUIG.Photo courtesy of Bernie Coyne
GMIT Graduations Clockwise from right: Amanda agus Lorraine Ni Liodeáin as An Cheathru Rua a fuair Baitsileir Ealaoín (Hons) i nGnó agus Cumarsáid as GMIT leis a gcuid thuismitheoirí Mary agus Mairtín. Nora Ann Ni Conghaile as Leitir Mealláin a fuair Baitsileir Business (Hons) in accounting agus Angela Ni Thuathail as Leitir Móir a fuair Baitsileir Ealaíon (Hons) í nGnó agus Cumarsáid ag Bronnadh na nGradam GMIT. Lisa Clancy and Michelle Casey from Oughterard who were awarded a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in accounting at the GMIT graduation ceremonies. Caroline Folan as Leitir Móir a bfhuair Baitsiléir Ealaíon (Hons) i nGnó agus Cumarsáid ag Bronnadh na nGradam GMIT. Aiden Grimes from Oughterard was awarded a Masters of Business in Strategy and Innovation Management at the GMIT. Fuair Sara Ni Ghionnáin as An Cheathru Rua Baitsileir (Hons) i nGnó agus Cumarsáid as GMIT. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick Photos
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December 2010
Connemara View Newspaper
Give to Toys for Tubs
Santa Visits in Connemara
Santa is Coming to SuperValu: Thursday December 2nd, 9th and 16th. Friday December 3rd, 10th and 17th. Saturday December 4th, 11th and 18th. Times: 3-7pm on Thursday and Friday and from 12-4pm on Saturday. €5 per child with gifts for all ! 11th & 12th and 17th & 18th: Santa’s Christmas Magic at Brigit’s Garden. Two shows each day at 2pm and 4.30pm. Tickets €11 for adults/children & €42 for a family of four, including refreshments. Show is suitable for ages 4-8. Seats limited, call 091-550905. 12th: Come Visit Santa at King’s Paper Shop on Main Street, 12-3pm. It’s FREE and every child will receive a FREE gift, there will also be a coffee morning in aid of The Galway Hospice. 12th: Santa will be visiting the Annual Parents Association Cake Sale, which will be held after Mass in The Station House. 18th, 19th & Christmas Eve: Between 12 noon and 4pm Santa will be visiting various stores in Moycullen and will also be calling into the Craft Fair in the Moycullen Shopping Centre. 19th: Santa in Roundstone. Festive fun for kids and youngsters. €5 per child, including a present from Santa.
December Activities & Events 1st to 8th: ‘Toys for Tubs’. Toy drop off point, The Alcock & Brown Hotel. For further information contact Susan O Leary at 086-345-8151 or Mary Conneely on 087-998-2143 or go to www.2fm.rte.ie. 3rd: Parents Morning, Clann Resource Centre. Workshop on ‘Dealing with the stress of Christmas?’ 11-12 noon. 4th to 5th: Moycullen Christmas Craft Fair, Moycullen Shopping Centre. 5th: Clifden Christmas Craft & Country Fair, Clifden Town Hall, 12pm to 4pm. 5th: Cake Sale in aid of Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service. Ballyconneely Community Centre. 10.30am-1pm. 5th: Christmas Fayre, Ionad Pobail an Mháma. 12-4pm. Contact 091-571-192 for details. 7th: Carer’s Coffee Morning, Clann Resource Centre, Oughterard, 11am. 9th to 19th: ‘Mary Poppins’, Station House Theatre, 8pm Shows: December 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th. 6pm on the 11th and 3pm on the 12th. Tickets €10 Adults, €5 for OAPS and Children under 12. Tickets available at the Station House Hotel, Hair Gallery and Guys Bar. 10th: Local author Breandan O Scanaill will be signing and discussing his book ‘Historical Sketchbook: Listed Buildings of Connemara. Volume I’ in Clifden Bookshop 2-4pm. 10th: Annual Christmas Shopping Night at the Clifden Station House Courtyard. Mulled wine, minced pies, Christmas carols and up to 50% discounts on Gifts, Beauty and Fashion. 10th: Hedz Salon Tigi Style Night. 7-9pm.
Discounted prices on TIGI products, Entertainment and “Sips & Nibbles”. 11th to 23rd: Moycullen Christmas Craft Fair, Moycullen Shopping Centre. 12th: Cinderella & Rockerfella: Yellow Door Productions and Expressive Arts School. End of term show. Station House Theatre. Doors open at 1pm. Tickets €7.50 and €5. 12th: Annual Scoil Mhuire Parents Association Cake Sale. The Station House Hotel after Mass. 12th: Renvyle Cat & Dog Rescue Christmas Fair. Festive goodies, raffle and much more. 10am-3pm, Old Monastery Hostel, Letterfrack. Call Babs on 086-354-2451. 15th: Senior Tea Party, Clann Resource Centre, Oughterard, 2pm-4.30pm 15th: International Christmas Carol Concert. Cantaíri Chonamara will be joined by the Scoil Mhuire children’s choir and Ms. Kelly’s violin class in Christ Church, Clifden 7.30pm. Entry €5. 17th: Millars Christmas Shopping Evening. Main Street. Mulled wine, minced pies and up to 50% on the night. Shop open until 9pm. 19th: Roundstone Christmas Market. Stalls will be located both inside and outside the community hall. 11am. 19th: Community Carol Service, Christ Church at 4pm. 23rd: Clifden Comhaltas December Music Session. E.J Kings Bar, Youth Session at 8.30pm and Senior Session at 10pm. 25th: Rugby Club Christmas Day Swim. All proceeds in aid of ‘Mini Rugby’. 1pm on Christmas Day at Cleggan Pier. For further information or for sponsorship forms please contact Kevin Keogh on 087-221-0156. 25th: Cope Jingle Bells Walk. Outside St. Joseph’s Church, Clifden after Mass Christmas morning. For further information see www.copegalway.ie or contact Edel on 091-778-750 or emahon@ copegalway.ie. 26th: Annual Captain vs Presidents St. Stephens Day Match. The Monastery Field. 2.30pm Kickoff.
Connemara View Newspaper
Shoebox Appeals a Success The pupils of Kingstown National School, along with many charitable local individuals, have collected lots of presents for less fortunate children this Christmas in the annual Christmas shoebox appeal. Pictured here are first class pupils (l-r): Edwina Mannion, Roisin Gavin, Eve O’ Reilly and Dylan Staunton.
December 2010
Give a present to a child or teenager this year through Ryan Tubridy’s ‘Toys For Tubs’ initiative. Ryan has launched a Christmas appeal through his 2fm radio show for toys to be donated by members of the public nationwide this Christmas. The toys donated will be distributed by St Vincent De Paul branches across the country before Christmas, ensuring that needy Irish children whose families have been affected by the harsh economic climate in recent times will receive gifts and presents this year. The unwrapped presents can be dropped locally to the Alcock & Brown Hotel from the 1st to the 8th of December. For more information contact local Tubs for Toys collectors Susan O’Leary at 086-345-8151 or Mary Conneely on 087-998-2143 or go to www.2fm.rte.ie.
Free Parking in Clifden Galway County Council are providing additional free car parking at the Coach Park, Galway Road, Clifden for Christmas shoppers on Saturdays 4th, 11th and 18th of December. This is in addition to the free car parking at the Galway Road Car Park which is available seven days a week.
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Shop in Connemara
Flowers Connemara Florist. Main St., Clifden. Monday -Saturday 10am-5.30pm - 095-21565 connemaraflorist@gmail. com - www.connemaraflorist.net. Fresh flowers for all occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, births, funerals and weddings. Great gift ideas - whatever your budget! Delivery throughout Connemara. We cater for all budgets!
Arts & Antiques Clifden Antique Shop & Irish Art Gallery. Clifden Station House Courtyard. 095-22230. Specialising in 18th & 19th century furniture. You can enjoy beautiful pieces of Georgian furniture whilst knowing you have made a good investment. Paintings from names such as Cecil Maguire, Kenneth Webb, Maurice Wilkes. Connemara ArtLink is an online gallery showing work by local artists and crafts people. To visit the website go to www.connemaraartlink.com. Details of exhibitions and events available on the Connemara ArtLink Facebook page. Email: connemaraartlink@gmail.com. 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. www.clifden.biz. Phone 087-629-6195 anytime. Roundstone Ceramics. Michael Killeen Park. Open daily 10am-5pm. We make a wide range of functional stoneware and unique hand decorated porcelain. We also make porcelain jewellery, all sold exclusively from our workshop. We welcome individual orders for commemorative pieces, house signs & original commissions. 095-35874. roundstonepottery@eircom.net. West Shore Studio Gallery Camp St., Oughterard. Original paintings, prints and art pendants by Kathleen Furey. Hand painted mirrors and frames, Original designs. Unique Christmas gifts. 087-244-6542.
Bikes & Quads Galway Quads. Boley, East Barna. Farm quads, buggies, Parts and accessories. Contact Keith on 087-988-6514, keith@galwayquads.com or see www.galwayquads.com.
Books
Gifts & Home Furnishings
The Connemara Pony Company. Market St, Clifden. 095-30779. 085-771-6322. info@theconnemaraponycompany.com. Exclusive Connemara Pony Ireland clothing. Everything for the pony and rider. Baby and childrens clothing. Feed, wormers, tack, and riding wear. Embroidery service for clubs, restaurants etc. or personalise your gifts. No order too large or small. Design Platform. ”Fashion without Limits” in the Clifden Station House Courtyard. 095- 21526. www.designplatform.ie. The key phrase this season is ‘Affordable Luxury’ Now instore new labels such as DAISY MAY where the emphasis is not just on style but also on affordability. Annual Christmas Evening December 10th. Hehirs Woollen Store & Design Studio. Market Street, Clifden. Open Monday-Saturday till 7pm and Sundays 12-4pm . 095-21282. Winter boots, winter coats & all your winter fashion needs NOW LESS 20%!! A wide variety at great prices with Gift Wrapping & Personal Service! call in and have a look or see us on Facebook “Hehirs, Clifden”! Lowry’s Sweater Shop. Market St, Clifden. 095-21139. Warmth & style this winter. Hats, scarves, gloves, Jumpers, jackets, stylish tunics and accessories for all occasions. Millars. Main St, Clifden. 095-21038 or millarsconnemara@gmail.com. Lifestyle and fashion store where emphasis is on style and affordability. Fill your home with festive cheer from our beautiful collection of Christmas gifts and decorations. Christmas Shopping Evening Friday 17th December: Mulled wine, minced pies and up to 50% discount on the night ! Open until 9pm on Fridays. Ohh! By Gum. Clifden Station House Courtyard. 09521334. Christmas ethical fashion and presents at ethical prices. 20% off on all our womens fashion from now until Christmas. For that unique present Ohh! By Gum is the place - art books, kiddie clothes and gifts, fashion and accessories - we have it all and gift wrapped too!
The Clifden Bookshop. Main St. Wide selection of maps, walking books, guides, memoirs, local histories and an extensive range of latest titles, art materials, cards & stationery. Now stocking Connemara 2011 Calendar, exclusive to the Clifden Bookshop. Come in and pick up our 2010 Christmas Catalogue. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. 095-22020 Open Mon/Sat 10am - 6pm. Sun 11.30 -4.30pm.
Teach & Baile Furniture. 087-280-3563. “Quality everyday furniture at great prices” Why not renew your mattresses ready for those long winter nights, quality mattresses from only €100! Christmas products are now available in store. Websavers, Moycullen (Opposite SuperValu). Real value every day. Stocking a large selection of Pyrex, cookware, homeware, hardware, electrical, toys plus many more gift items. Win a 20” flat screen TV, entry into draw with every €10 spent. Huge choice of Christmas decorations now in stock. Whistlestop “Gifts & Interiors”. Station House Courtyard. 095-21532. 086-230-4210. whistlestop@eircom. net www.whistlestop.ie. Exciting gift & home accessory ideas for the festive season. 20% of in December on a large selection of ranges on purhcases of €25 or more. Complimentary gift wrapping service available.. We have lots of stocking filler gifts for kids and adults from €1.50! We are very happy to take deposits and set up easy-pay for Christmas. .
Children Brats of All Ages. Market St, Clifden. Order your Berg goKart now for Christmas. Childrens autumn/winter wear. Agents for Games Workshop, Berg, and Revell, leader in replica plastic kits since 1945 including Star Wars Revell Easy Kits & Airfix producers of a wide range of model kits. Large selection of Remote control toys and Christmas Club saving and Gift card now available! 095-22952.
Fashion & Accessories Belle Blu. Market St, Clifden. 095-21321. Great Christmas gift ideas and they are all on Sale too!!: Yummie Tummies 30% off .Kid’s Beading Kits & Accessories 20% off. Foxy Jewellery 20% off. 50% off Sunglasses, Hip Chic Couture Watches & Evening Bags. Select necklaces, necklace sets and earrings 50% off! 11-6 Mon-Sat. www.belleblu.com.
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Gifts by Grace. Courthouse Square, Clifden. 095-22101. Fantastic value on all Christmas gifts, beautiful glassware in various colours to grace your table at amazing prices! NEW Christmas platters and dishes. Musical snow globes. NEW 20 X 20 photo frames, for every occasion. Spend €50 on Newbridge and get a free Newbridge decoration. Lots and lots of offers instore on the run up to Christmas!!! Homeware Plus. The Square, Clifden. 095-21348. Everything at discount prices!! Homewares, gardening supplies, toys. Wide variety of Christmas decorations now in stock from just €1.50! Gach rud ar phraghas iontach, taobh le SuperValu. King’s Paper & Gift Shop. Main Street and the Station House Courtyard, Clifden. 095-21119. For all your Christmas needs: Decorations, toys, gifts, cards, and vouchers.
December 2010
Connemara View Newspaper
All I want for Christmas….is something from Connemara Why shop local? It is important to support our local businesses. When you shop locally you are investing into your community and in this current economic climate it is the only investment that will mean a guaranteed return for you. The emphasis is on customer care which makes Christmas shopping a delight. It’s also the greener way to shop as distance travelled is less, meaning less carbon, pollution and traffic congestion. Here in Connemara we are extremely lucky to have an abundance of home-grown products and services available to us. From delectable food, hand crafted garments to trained professionals, we have a virtual treasure trove to pick from. The following is just a small selection of products and gift ideas all made and sold in the Connemara region.
Locally Written Books • ‘Historical Sketchbook. Listed Buildings of Connemara, Volume I’ written by Clifden native and local historian Breandan O Scanaill and illustrated by Lol Hardiman was conceived, written, illustrated and printed in Connemara. Meet the author
RTE Guide with its cryptic crossword. The book will be launched at the Station House Museum at 6pm on Friday, December 10th. • ‘My Great Walk Across Ireland’ by local author Daniel Sammon is an informative and both solemn and entertaining account of Daniel’s walk from the front door of his house to the GPO on O’Connell Street in Dublin in commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising. • Connemara Loop Recipe Book contains stunning pictures, delicious recipes and makes a very affordable gift or keepsake at just €2.95. All proceeds are invested back into the Connemara Loop.
A Hamper of Connemara Made Foods • Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day and what better way to start Christmas of right then with some award winning sausages and black pudding from Des Moran’s Butchers on Main Street. • Walsh’s Bakery offers a ‘Scrumptiously Yummy‘ assortment of artisan breads, deserts, pastries plus much more.
• Organic Fruit & Vegetables from our only organic farm, Jagur Organic, where you can visit and buy direct from the farm.
Locally Made Products himself and have your book signed on Friday December 10th from 2-4pm at the Clifden Bookshop. • “Tart With No Hair Is A Ride” by Maurice O’Scanaill is a guide book on solving cryptic crosswords. Our very own Bogman has also been the compiler for the Phoenix Magazine for the past five years and back in the 80s he supplied the
• Invest in the future and buy a painting from the vast selection of wonderful local artists. Many of which can be found on www.connemaraartlink.com. • For that unique gift, O’Dalaigh Jewellers is definitely a worthwhile visit. The have been creating jewellery since the early 70s. • The gift of music is always welcome and here in Connemara we are certainly privileged to have a wealth of local talent right on our doorstep. The Bens on Bridge Street stocks a large variety of locally produced cds with prices starting at €12.95.
• Local milliner Isabel Marinot’s beautiful creations, Deborah Watkins handmade cotton aprons, slippers knitted by Sarah Linton (see photo below) and hand knitted baby wear are all available at Ohh by Gum.
Local Gift Vouchers • All local stores are more than happy to give you a professional gift voucher to put in that special someone’s Christmas stocking. • Tickets to entertainment & landmark venues such as shows at the Station House Theatre, Fuaim Chonamara or a visit to the Victorian Gardens in Kylemore. • Something that is always desired by the ladies is a gift voucher from one of our many local talented professionals. Hair stylists like Bernie’s Hair Salon, Diamond Hair Studio in Letterfrack, Hair Gallery on Bridge Street, Hedz at Station House Courtyard & King’s Talking Heads Salon on The Square all offer a wide selection of gifts and vouchers. • The gift of relaxation, something a lot of us forget to do! Massage and beauty treatments are available from Sior Og, Letterfrack, The Treatment Rooms in Abbeyglen and Renew at
the Station House Courtyard. • Therapeutic gifts and complementary health services from An Bhean Feasa, Connemara Seaweed Baths, Chokurei Aromatherapy & Acupressure massage and Acupuncture with Nick Kats. • Restaurant vouchers for the wide selection of Connemara pubs and restaurants. • Hotel or B&B vouchers for your family & friends both home and abroad to encourage them to come to Connemara. • A healthy start to 2011? How about a voucher that encourages Health and Exercise. Here in Connemara we have plenty of highly trained professionals in Judo, Yoga, Dance and Music. • Not dwelling too much on our current economic state, but vouchers for practical gifts may be even more appreciated this year an example of these would be food vouchers, home heating fuel and functional items for the home or perhaps something from one of many skilled tradespeople. We have an abundance of home-grown products and services to choose from and remember you can make a difference and please make a firm decision to shop local wherever possible. Keep the money in Connemara and Connemara will grow economically. Let’s look after our community and in return our community will look after us. Paula Bann
• Pottery is a unique and beautiful gift and can be found at Roundstone Pottery (see photo below) or Alan Gaillard Stoneware on Westport Road, Clifden.
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
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Eat Healthier this Christmas Enjoying loads of beautiful foods is the great joy of Christmas celebrations. This year, start your New Year’s resolution for healthier eating early by cooking foods that are lower in cholesterol but taste fabulous! It will come as no surprise to many people that heart disease and strokes are among the biggest causes of premature death in Irish people. According to the Irish Heart Foundation they account for almost 40% of deaths each year. In January 2010 The Irish Times reported that the Slán 2007 National Survey indicated that 80% of Irish people over 45 have high cholesterol. While many are aware of the need to reduce their cholesterol levels after being tested, it is likely that many more of us may be walking around feeling fine, unaware of the serious problems posed by high cholesterol in our daily diets. The science can seem bewildering but to put it very simply, there are two types of cholesterol which are most often referred to. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is ‘good’ cholesterol and is required by your body. On the other hand, LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) the ‘bad’ cholesterol helps to cause heart disease by allowing cholesterol to build up in your arteries. People who have been diagnosed as having high cholesterol will be made aware of the foods to avoid in order to try and lower their levels, as dietary changes are generally recommended as the first line of treatment before medication. Foods that are high in cholesterol include most dairy products, red meat and eggs, so they should be consumed in moderate amounts. Butter, fast foods, cream, bagels, muffins, yogurt, cheese and cake are also serious cholesterol offenders. Removing these foods from your diet can be very difficult when you are used to eating your favourite foods without thinking. However, the importance of a healthy balanced diet often becomes clearer when the question of mortality is raised and gradual changes introduced to your lifestyle will help you live longer, with a better quality of life. Foods that are high in salt must also be considered. Table salt, pre-prepared canned soups and sauces, condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise, the vast majority of
breakfast cereals, frozen convenience foods and fast food must all be avoided or drastically reduced if you have high cholesterol.
Cholesterol Lowering Tips
• Replace sandwich breads with pitta bread or whole wheat options and use fillings like lean turkey, chicken or tuna with any salad vegetables. • Avoid condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise. • Eat oily fish like mackerel and salmon whenever possible • Look at food labels for Trans fats and avoid them entirely. They will increase the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream and decrease the good HDL cholesterol. • Snack on different varieties of nuts. The best are walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews and pecans. While it’s true that most nuts are high in fat, they contain good fat that your body needs. • Include high fibre foods in your diet to lower cholesterol including whole wheat bread, oatmeal (not the high sugar flavoured type), fruit, vegetables and beans. • Always buy and eat lean meat and use a grill/rack or a barbeque to cook it. This way the harmful grease will just fall away. • Salads are good, but most salad dressings and additions bacon bits, croutons, etc. are not. Try to use olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice. • Most fruits and vegetables being high in nutrients and antioxidants are very good for helping to lower cholesterol. The best are: green peas, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, oranges, mangos, papaya, pineapple, tomato, garlic, onions, spinach, water chestnuts, bananas, apricots, blueberries and kiwi. • Avoid fast food restaurants. This is difficult but essential. Don’t get sucked in by ‘healthier’ options on the menu as you will just be tempted-it’s easier to avoid them altogether.
Low Cholesterol Recipes Starters Smoked Salmon Pate • • • • • •
16oz fat-free (or lowest possible fat content) cream cheese 4 oz smoked salmon, flaked 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Dash of Tabasco sauce Combine flaked salmon in a bowl with fat-free cream cheese, chives, dill, hot sauce and lemon juice. If you can’t get flaked salmon, use whatever salmon you can find and combine the ingredients in an electric blender or food processor. Cover and refrigerate for several hours to let the flavours blend. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with fat-free crackers. (Black pepper low fat crackers are ideal).
Crab Stuffed Avocado Avocado and crabmeat is a simple, easy and delicious starter. Buy a bag of fresh or frozen crabmeat from your local fishmonger and buy some avocados well in advance so they can ripen. Mayonnaise is a cholesterol no-no so avoid adding it to the crabmeat. Instead try adding small amounts of minced garlic or onion, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lime juice. If you fancy a bit of a kick, add some finely chopped jalapeno peppers to the mix.
Main Meals Beef and Barley Stew • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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2 lbs extra lean beef stew meat, trimmed of excess fat, chopped. Pepper 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Non stick cooking spray 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves of crushed garlic 1 cup chopped carrots 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh is best) ½ teaspoon dried thyme 5 cups chicken stock 1 cup water 4 medium potatoes peeled and chopped 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped 1 cup coarsely chopped tomatoes 8 ounces sliced mushrooms ½ cup medium barley 1 cup frozen peas Method: Season meat to taste with pepper and thoroughly coat
December 2010
with flour. Using a small amount of non stick cooking spray, cook meat over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for several more minutes. Add carrots, parsley, and thyme and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth and water and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms and barley. Return to boiling. Reduce heat and continue cooking, covered, over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Add peas, stirring for a few minutes. Cooking time: 1 ¼ hours. Makes: 8 servings.
Potato and Sweet Potato Wedges • 4 medium red potatoes and/or sweet potatoes mixed (about 1 1/3 pounds) • 4 cloves crushed garlic • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 to 2 tablespoons water Method: Scrub potatoes thoroughly and cut lengthwise into chunky wedges. Cook potatoes, covered, in a small amount of boiling lightly salted water for 10 minutes or until just tender. Drain. In a small bowl combine garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir in enough water to make a mixture that’s easy to brush on potatoes. Grill potatoes on the rack of an uncovered grill over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges begin to brown, turning occasionally. Alternatively oven bake wedges on a rack in a medium heat until cooked through.
Garlic Roast Chicken • • • • • • •
3 full bulbs garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt Medium size whole chicken 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large onion cut into wedges Method: Preheat oven to 190°C. Separate the cloves of garlic (you should have about 30 cloves) and peel. (This is a lot of garlic but it is a superfood and very useful in the fight against cholesterol. It also loses much of its strong flavor and potency when roasted). Mince four of the cloves. Set aside remaining garlic cloves. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1 tablespoon of the rosemary, the ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Rub the minced garlic mixture over chicken. Place six of the garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours or until drumsticks move easily in their sockets and a meat thermometer registers 82°C. Meanwhile, place sweet potatoes, onion wedges, remaining garlic cloves, 1/2 tablespoon of the rosemary, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a baking pan. Drizzle the vegetable mixture with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; toss to coat. Place in oven on a separate rack and roast, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes or until tender, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove chicken from oven. Cover loosely with foil and let stand 15 minutes before carving. Serve chicken with vegetables. Carve chicken, discarding skin before serving.
Connemara View Newspaper
Sweet Treats Among the toughest things to avoid when trying to reduce cholesterol are desserts and sweets. The good news is that there are some options that can be enjoyed in reasonable and sensible quantities. Jelly desserts and fat-free yoghurts are good options if you really need a sweet treat at times.
4 ½ Lb Low Saturated Fat, low cholesterol Christmas Cake • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
250g ( 9 oz) mono-unsaturated margarine (165g /6 oz) soft dark brown sugar 2 eggs, slightly beaten 3 egg whites, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 tablespoon molasses 1 tablespoon orange marmalade 1/4 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon finely grated orange rind 1kg mixed dried fruit 300g ( 11oz) glace fruit, chopped 2 cups (300g / 11oz) plain flour 1/2 cup (75g / 3oz) self-raising flour 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup brandy Method: Preheat the oven to 150°C. Line base and sides of a deep, 20cm / 8inch square or round cake tin with baking paper. Using an electric whisk, beat butter or margarine and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and creamy. Add eggs gradually, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add essences, molasses, marmalade or jam and rind. Beat well until combined. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and add fruit and/or almonds. Using a metal spoon, fold in the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the orange juice and spirits. Stir until just combined and the mixture is almost smooth. Spoon the mixture evenly into prepared tin. Sprinkle the top with cold water and smooth the surface with your wetted hand. Tap the cake tin gently on the work top to settle the mixture. Wrap double thickness of brown paper around tin and secure with a paper clip. Bake for required time or until skewer comes out clean when inserted in centre of cake. If you are using extra spirits pour them evenly over cake. Leave cake in tin, wrap securely in towels and leave
overnight or until completely cold. Remove from tin and wrap in several layers of plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Total cooking time: 3-3 1/2 hours.
Mocha Pudding Cake • Nonstick cooking spray • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup fat-free milk • 1/2 cup apple sauce • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence • 1 3/4 cups hot water • 3/4 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules Method: Lightly coat an 8x8x2 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl combine flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, the baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, apple sauce, and vanilla until thoroughly mixed. Pour into prepared pan. In a small bowl combine the hot water, brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and the coffee granules. Carefully pour water mixture over cake batter. Bake in a 180°C oven for 45 minutes. Spoon warm cake and pudding into dessert dishes. Total Cooking time: About one hour.
Winter Fruit Crumble A fruit crumble can be made very easily with whatever fruits are to hand. The fat and cholesterol content can be reduced by using a sugar substitute and margarine rather than butter. Fruit • 4 kiwi fruits, peeled and cut into chunks • 2 pears, cored and cut into chunks • 2 bananas, sliced • 1 apple, cored and cut into chunks • 1/2 cup dried apricot Topping • 1/2 cup rolled oat • 1/2 cup oat bran • 1/4 cup brown sugar or sugar substitute • 2 tablespoons mono unsaturated margarine, melted. Method: Combine fruit and spoon into a casserole dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over fruit. Bake in a moderate oven (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is crisp.
Feed Our Feathered Friends This Winter The freezing temperatures this year severely affect the ability of birds to find food and water. You can put out bird feeders, bird tables and fresh water to help them. We have surveyed local shops on the costs of seed and peanuts. Even in this economy, it is important to care for our wildlife.
Bird Food Clifden Fruit & Veg Ferrons, Roundstone Keoghs Centra, Oughterard Keoghs, Ballyconneely Letterfrack Hardware Lidl, Clifden P&B Pryces SuperValu Clifden
Seeds
Peanuts
Unit Size
Cost
Cost per Kg
Unit Size
Cost
Cost per Kg
4lb Bag
€4.00
€2.20
1kg Bag 500g 1kg Bag 1kg Bag 850g* 1kg Bag
€1.76 €2.10 €2.80 €2.49 €1.00 €1.50
€1.76 €4.20 €2.80 €2.49 €1.18 €1.50
4lb Bag 2kg bag 1kg Bag
€4.00 €6.95 €4.05
€2.20 €3.48 €4.05
1kg Bag 1kg Bag 850g* 1kg Bag
€2.80 €2.49 €2.00 €3.50
€2.80 €2.49 €2.35 €3.50
*Loose scoop. Weight is an approximation
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
Page 21
The Good Spirits of Christmas Past Yes, even though it was Christmas 1950, I remember as if it was yesterday; getting up at the crack of dawn and Mom getting the breakfast ready. In those days, everything was cooked over the open turf fire. While waiting, I would go out and feed Jack the donkey in the barn next door. There would be no school for me today as I would be driving Mom to town in the ass and cart to do the Christmas shopping. Dad was working on the road, my brother was at school and Granny would be minding the house. At 9.30am I put the tackle on Jack, hitched him to the cart and put some hay in, and at about 10 o’clock we were ready to hit the road. Mom had warned me to be extra careful today as there would be lots of other traffic heading for town, mostly common carts, side cars and traps. There would also be people riding on horses and donkeys, and in those days, even bullocks. I remember one man that used to always ride to town on a big red bullock. That morning when we reached the main road it was chock-a-block. At the Marconi Cross I spotted Bridget who was putting on her shoes by the side of the road. She used to always walk across the Marconi bog in her bare feet rather than get her shoes and stocking wet. She said it was good for the feet-perhaps she was right. Anyway we stopped and gave her a lift, and with Mom and her chatting away about days gone by, very soon we were rounding Millar’s old
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mill which stood at the waterfall in those days. When Jack heard the noise of the machinery and the noise of the waterfall gushing its way to the sea, he suddenly stopped and cocked his ears, and he then took off like the hammers of hell. Mom and Bridget started shouting “Jesus Mary and Joseph! Stop him or we will be killed!” I was pulling hard on the reins but he seemed to go faster. After going round Lee’s corner I saw a man riding on an ass with baskets, right in our path. We went flying past, but our right wheel caught his basket which went spinning across the street towards Stanley’s window. I glanced around and I could see the man shaking his stick at me as he went to recover his basket. We raced on up Market Street, past Hehir’s shop. There was an old lady with a shawl crossing over from Mai King’s towards Manning’s Arch Bar. Luckily she heard us in time and jumped aside, as we only missed her by inches. They were praying in the back by now, and someone must have heard. As we drew near the Market Square, two men were standing talking outside Tom King’s Bar. When they heard the noise and the shouting and seeing our predicament, they both rushed across the street. One took off his jacket and threw it over Jack’s head, while the other man caught hold of the reins. We finally came to a halt at the Weigh House and they helped
Bridget and Mom out of the cart. They were delighted to get their feet on solid ground once more! After thanking the men for coming to our rescue I left them all chatting there. I guided Jack round E.J. King’s corner, unhitched him from the cart, tied him up and gave him some hay outside Casey’s shop. Looking around, there was your man that I had knocked the basket off his ass down Market Street! He was standing outside Clancy’s still holding the stick. Before he saw me I turned and walked across towards George K. Ryan’s shop on Main Street. I had another glance across the street and I saw him walking past Sullivan’s shop and at P.K. Joyce’s. He stopped and ran across the street towards Mack’s Bar, so I headed for Market Square which was thronged with people selling and buying things for Christmas. That day I had the large sum of five shillings to spend as I pleased. So I headed for T.J. Mullin’s toy shop, where I looked at many toys before settling for a clockwork train set, costing half a crown. Later I met up with Mom outside Mannion’s Bar and we both crossed over to Annie Heffernan’s tea shop, where we had tea, bread, butter and sweet cake-all for three and sixpence. When I turned round, who was sitting at the next table but our friend Bridget. She was looking a bit more relaxed now. We chatted there for a while before heading up town again. Bridget was carrying a white flour bag on her back filled with Christmas shopping. I remember saying to her outside Flanagan’s Shop, “The cart is parked outside Casey’s shop. Leave your bag in it and have a lift home with us”. I had forgotten about that morning’s episode, but not Bridget! She stopped in her tracks, looked at me and said “Ah no thanks, a stór. It’s a fine day and the walk will do me good. I have to call to Burke’s tailors on the square, Kelly’s shoemakers and Margaret Joyce’s on my way down town. But thanks anyway, may God bless you and guide ye safe home”. We all said Happy Christmas.
December 2010
Mom said she was calling to Lowry’s, Lydon O’Neill’s and Pappy Mannion’s. I went to Stankard’s for a bar of chocolate and we met outside Peter Carberry’s. We both went to the Market Square where people from the islands sold cured fish. Mom bought some gunner, mackerel, crannagh and carrageen moss. I crossed over to Joyce’s corner shop to get Ireland’s Own for Granny. I then went back and hitched Jack to the cart. It was getting dark now as we headed up Main Street. Mom went ahead to Maggie O’Toole’s to get the Christmas shopping. I stopped outside Durkin’s. The candles were lighting in the shop windows and it was a lovely sight to behold. There was lots of people around as well as many carts, sidecars and traps parked along the street from The Railway Hotel all along to Lavelle’s, and not a motor car in sight. Everybody was in a festive mood doing their shopping. I can still see Ms. Durkin packing the big poke of sweets for me while she chatted about Christmas long ago. As I paid my sixpence for them, she handed me a large Christmas barn brack to take home to Granny. I had one more stop across the street in Payne’s Pub where I bought myself a large glass of lemonade for the road home. Still with some change in my pocket, I called to Pat O’ Connor’s hardware shop to get some nails for Dad. With the last of the change left, I bought The Irish Press in Bernard Ludden’s. I met Mom outside Moran’s chemist. She gave me money to get a flashlight battery in Mannion’s Bike Shop and a tin of signal red paint in Marty Mannion’s hardware shop. As Marty was handing me the paint, he winked and said to me “Would you like me to put it in a bag for you?” I replied “No thank you, leave it in the tin”. Everybody in the shop started laughing and it all sounded so funny. Anyway, when I got outside, Jack the donkey was heading down the street by himself! I ran and caught up with him near Maggie O’ Toole’s. I tied him to a pole there and went inside. Continued on next page
Connemara View Newspaper
Mom was waiting and had all the shopping done. The big red Christmas candle sticking out of the shopping bag was a familiar sight in those days, as indeed was the large sack of Palmers flour, and of course the Christmas box. Every customer got double the amount of groceries for their custom during the year, and it was called the Christmas box. We packed everything into the wooden box that Dad had fitted in the cart, which was also used as a seat. As we were doing so, a man from Errismore came up to me holding a large bottle of porter. He said “Will you have a drop of the bottle sonny?” I said “Ah no thank you sir, but a Merry Christmas to you anyway”. Across the street I could hear the Lydon brothers working in the forge as they were striking the anvil. After we had everything packed into the cart, Mom went across to Sweetie Lydon’s for a big poke of lozenges. Later as we passed Schley’s Bar, the man from Errismore passed us on his white horse, still holding the large bottle of porter and singing to his heart’s content. The horse would find her own way home; all he had to do was to hold on tight, because if he fell off he would be there for the night. He was in no condition to get back on again. Our very last call was to O’ Hara’s second hand shop where Mom bought records for the old gramophone. I ran across to Joe Packy’s bike repair shop for some valve rubber for Dad’s old Raleigh bike. When we reached Lena O’ Hollaran’s on the corner there was lots of traffic heading for the Ballyconneely road, all in a happy mood and delighted with their day’s shopping. In those times some people from the country would only come in to town once a year, usually at Christmas time, so it was a special day for them. Later as we drew near the old mill, Mom told me to get off and guide Jack past. I said it was ok as I had seen the owner Bob Millar heading up Jail Hill as he had locked the mill up for the night. All you could hear was the noise from the waterfall and the humming of the generators from Eddy King’s power house that supplied the town with electricity. As we got to the bottom of Pat Nee’s hill, we both got off the cart to give Jack some help getting to the top. We walked as far as the Fall crossroad where we lit the candle in a jam jar attached to the front of the cart. We got back in once more and Jack trotted down the hill. On reaching the Monastery gates, near the old oak tree, Jack stopped suddenly and a familiar voice said, “Who have we here? Help me I’m lost”. It was our good friend Dudley sitting on the wall by the spring well holding a bag of groceries, and his cap was missing, which he said had blown over the wall. With the help of the candlelight I found it beside the well. He got on the cart, and I was worried that he would sit on my train set so I shifted it to the front for safe-keeping. Then he started telling fairy stories for the rest of the way home. At the Marconi crossroad he got off and we bid him good night and Happy Christmas. As we went up the Errislannan Hill we could still hear the noise of his hob-nailed boots as he wound his way home towards Derrygimbla. When we got round the bend we could see the lights of Slyne Head Lighthouse and in the distance we saw the light from our own cottage. Jack trotted down the winding lane and you could hear the noise of the wheels grinding into the fresh coral sand Dad had put down for Christmas. You could smell the fresh white wash, and as we got near the cottage one could see the red berried holly through the window at the back of each picture, and the big turf fire with the kettle boiling on the crook. There was also a large parcel from America waiting for us. Granny had the supper ready but first all the shopping had to be taken indoors. Everybody helped, but I was first with the train set. My brother helped Dad to carry the sack of flour indoors which was placed in a large wooden chest with a hinched lid. That stood in a corner near the fireplace. Dad put the cart and tackle away and put Jack in his barn and gave him hay and water for the night.
Connemara View Newspaper
After supper was over and the washing up done, the parcel was opened. All the twine and wrapping was saved and also the stamps were put away for the foreign missions. There were lovely candy bars, toys, sweets, coffee, sugar cubes and clothes for everybody. Afterwards we all sat round the fire (even the cat). We were discussing the day’s events and Mom said we were lucky to be alive. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and on answering, lo and behold, who was standing there but our good friend Dudley, once again saying “Where am I, begories, I’m lost?” We sat him down by the fire. After a while there was another tap on the door. It slowly opened and a voice called over the half door, “God save all in”. We all replied “God save you kindly”. It was our good friend and neighbour Tommy Green and when he saw Dudley, he said “Oh good God is that you Dudley? What harm but didn’t I meet you going home an hour ago?” We all laughed and Dudley started telling stories about Christmas long ago. Then we all had tea and Granny’s homemade treacle bread. Afterwards the sweets were opened and passed around. Dudley said he never tasted anything like them and we all agreed. Later Dad took down the old wind-up gramophone from the top of the dresser and wound it up. He put on one of the records Mom had bought on the turn table and it started playing the books of Oranmore by Michael Colman. Dudley then started telling more stories. Tommy said that he was better than any gramophone. I wound up the train set and it started going round and round on the track. Dudley said it reminded him of the Marconi Express that was here in 1919. Around midnight, Tommy said he would leave Dudley home with the lantern light. That night I would dream about fairies and Dudley getting lost, and I would awake to the sound of Jack calling from the barn next door and another day. It would soon be Christmas Eve. We were due holidays today and with a bit of luck the teacher would let us home early. It would give us time to clean the chimney as Santa might be calling. My brother and I would go to the wood for some red berry holly that we would place behind the pictures, and also put up the streamers that were saved from year to year. We always looked forward to Christmas Eve, when we had confessions in the old school house on the hill, and afterwards people would call to visit us on their way home. The men folk would have a bottle of stout and the women would have a glass of Hall’s wine while they chatted about days gone by. When it got dark the oil lamp was lit and the big red candle was erected in a jam jar and also lit. This was Christmas 1950. All those lovely people have now departed this life and may they rest in peace. But for me they are not forgotten. Every Christmas, when I pass the old mill site at the waterfall, fond memories come flooding back of that day all those years ago when Mom, Bridget and myself went galloping for our lives up the old Market Street in the ass and cart. Marty Conneely
December 2010
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Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Restaurant Special: Four course dinner €35pp (Early booking advisable) and Tuesday is Irish Night. Christmas Party Packages now available on request for the following Friday and Saturday nights – 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December. Call 095-21201 or see www.abbeyglen.ie. Alcock & Brown Hotel. The Square, Clifden. 095-21880. Vickers Coffee House: Great value new lunch time menu. Quick and tasty for busy working people. Essence coffee & delicious homemade desserts. Brown’s Restaurant open Friday and Saturday 6-10pm. We are also pleased to announce that the Old Bar behind reception has re-opened. The perfect spot for a cosy pint. Christmas Party nights every Friday and Saturday until Christmas. Enjoy a 6 course meal and then dance the night away to an 80s Disco at Connemara’s Premier Party venue. Book now for our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and ring in the New Year in style! Basmati Indian Cuisine, Market Square. 095-22619. Sister Restaurant of Award Winning Tulsi Restaurant in Galway, offering an extensive menu to suit every palate. Winter Special: Early Bird menu-4.30 to 7pm: Starter & Main with tea/coffee €12.95.Sunday lunch menu- 1pm to 4pm: Starter & Main with tea/coffee €10.95. (Does not apply to takeaway orders). Now taking bookings for Christmas parties. Derryclare Restaurant, The Square, 095-21440. New Winter menu and all wines only €15. Great Takeaway Special Buy any 2 pizzas get a 3rd pizza FREE. Pick up our new takeaway menu. December opening days will be at 5pm on: Fridays: 3rd, 10th & 17th. Saturdays: 4th, 11th & 18th and Sundays: 5th, 12th & 19th. EJ Kings, The Square, 095-21330. For a relaxed and social Christmas party in a festive setting book EJ Kings now! 7 Course meal for only €27.50 including Champagne reception. Guys Bar. Main Street, Clifden, 095-21130, info@guysbarclifden. com. Food served daily 10.30am to 9pm. Snug available for private parties. DJ Mike O’Malley every Saturday night from 10pm till late. Keep an eye on the music boards for live music. €12 Takeaway pizza - Large menu selection (please see ad on pg 8) Kylemore Pass Hotel Restaurant. Appetizing home-cooked meals using only the best local produce. The Sailors’ Bar which is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike, serves an excellent variety of bar meals and bottled beers from all around the world. 095-41141. www.kylemore-pass-hotel-connemara.com. Marconi Restaurant at Foyle’s Hotel. The Square. Marconi Restaurant. Open every night 6–9pm. Christmas party menus available midweek from €26.95 pp. Christmas party nights for the following Friday and Saturday nights in December: 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th. Mulled wine reception, Five course meal, Live band. Friday nights €31.95 pp and Saturday €33.95 pp. Why not avail of our special overnight B&B rate of €35 per person sharing. Call 095-21801 or see www.foyleshotel.com. Mullarkey’s Bar. The Square. 095-21801. Live music at weekends. Check out our billboard on The Square for gig listings or visit Mullarkeys Bar Facebook page. O’ Dowds Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Open daily from 10.30am. Award winning traditional pub with open fires. Breakfast menu 10.30 to 12. Bar food menu 12-9pm. December restaurant special: 2 courses + tea/coffee €19.50 (available all evening every evening until December 24th). Serving fresh seafood, chicken, meat & vegetarian dishes. Home-made soups, sandwiches & freshly-made rolls & scones. Tea & coffee. Call 095-35809 or see www.odowdsrestaurant.com. Off the Square, Main St. 095-22281. It’s the Festive Season so why not dine with us and choose from our extensive Seafood Menu or “The Old Favourites”. Special Value €25 menu. Why not finish the night off with live music in Griffins. Special New Year’s Eve a la Carte Menu served from 5pm. Booking advisable. The Station House Hotel & Bar. Station House Courtyard. Celebrate in style this Christmas. The fun filled schedule starts with dinner at 8pm followed by show, then dance the night away with our resident DJ. See ad on page 2 for details on acts and dates. 095-21699. www.clifdenstationhouse.com. Walshs Bakery, Market Street. 095-21283 / 21937. Call today and enjoy some home cooked food to keep the cold away. “Scrumptiously Yummy” range of Christmas desserts, handmade mince pies and hand crafted breads, fantastic range of Christmas food gifts & hampers, plus much more.
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December 2010
Connemara View Newspaper
Local Rugby Clubs Meet on New Pitch Oughterard Rugby Club’s new pitch was the venue on Saturday November 13th for the first home games to be played since the redevelopment of the pitch earlier this year. The matches were played by the juvenile members of the Oughterard and Connemara rugby clubs. Photos below from top: The Oughterard Under 10 Squad. The Oughterard U-12/13 squad at the first home game on the Oughterard Club’s new pitch. Photos right from top: The Connemara RFC Under 12 team. Rugby stars of the future, the Connemara and Oughterard Rugby Club’s Under 7 teams got acquainted before their tag rugby matches. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick Photos
WIORA returns to Clifden
Suns Shines for Leenane Red Cross Run The Leenane 5 Mile Run which took place on Sunday November 21st was once again a great success. Over 140 competitors turned out in bright winter sunshine to support the Leenane/Maam Branch of the Red Cross and the enthusiasm of the participants and organisers ensured a great show of support for the highly valued local service. All participants received medals for taking part and Tigger and Scooby Doo even ran the race, entertaining the youngsters. The results and times and more photos of this year’s race can be viewed online at www.leenanevillage.com. Photos courtesy of John Holmes
Connemara SportsView
The West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association (WIORA) West Coast Championships, first hosted by Clifden in 2007 was the largest meeting on the West Coast that year. The competition was keen, the sailing demanding and the shore side atmosphere was electric. It is all due to happen again in July 2011. Four days, seven races, in IRC and ECHO 1, 2, 3 and White Sails classes. This is the third time that the West Coast Championships will be hosted by Clifden Boat Club. On the 13th of July, Clifden bay will be alive once again with yachts from the
December 2010
length of the west coast and beyond, and we can guarantee that great festival feeling that always accompanies this prestigious event. The crew at Clifden Boat Club is working hard to ensure that this event is everything that it can be and it is shaping up to be a great one. Alan Crosbie, one of Ireland’s most renowned race officers, will receive a very warm welcome as he returns for his eighth West Coast Championships. Whether you are a competitor or a spectator, local or visitor, it will be well worth making the journey from wherever you are to join in on the thrill and excitement of it all. For more information log onto www. wiora.org or www.clifdenboatclub.com. Damian Ward
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Historic Clifden GAA Victory Recalled after 50 Years A milestone in sporting achievement in the town of Clifden was recalled and remembered on November 13th when members of the 1960 Junior Football Championship winning team gathered together at the Station House Hotel to mark the 50th anniversary of their great victory. The 1960 Clifden team prevailed over Kilconly 1-5 to 1-4 in a thrilling match which has been one of the town’s great historic sporting achievements. Presentations of commemorative trophies were made to the members of the team present and also to representatives of the team members who are now sadly deceased. The 1960 team consisted of Billy Foyle, Pat Murphy, Liam O Reilly, Ciarán Joyce, Phil Coyne, David Griffin, Paddy Donnellan, Tom King, Cóilín King, Tommy Kelly, Sean Bartley, Ulick Joyce, Brendan Conroy, Frank Dyer, Paul Fitzpatrick, Manny Coyne and Francie Folan. Galway ‘three in a row’ star and footballing legend Bosco McDermott and his wife Ann were guests of honour on the night and Bosco made the presentations to the former players and their representatives. Messages of support and congratulations were also received on the night from former President of the GAA Joe McDonagh and the Kilconly footballing legend George Glynn, who played centre in the final when Clifden prevailed in the Championship. Indeed, the sense of sporting fraternity and high regard in which the clubs hold each other was demonstrated by the attendance of sixteen visitors from Kilconly, including six members of the 1960 team. They were also presented with commemorative plaques and their attendance added further to the nostalgia on the night. Sincere welcomes were extended to all who travelled great distances on the night including former Clifden team members who came from as far as Donegal, Cork and Kerry. With over 100 people present, a great atmosphere and extremely enjoyable evening was had by all. Former friends and players, now passed on, were fondly remembered and a great sense of occasion ensured that another night that will live long in the memories of all those present. Photos top: Members and Representatives of JFC Champions 1960, Clifden. Photos top to bottom from left column: Tom King and Peter Fitzpatrick, Clifden. Guest of Honour Bosco McDermott and Clifden Captain, Sean Bartley. Tony Coyne receiving on behalf of his father Manny Coyne, Clifden, RIP. Martin Conroy receiving for Brendan Conroy, Clifden, RIP. PK Joyce receiving for Ulick Joyce, Clifden, RIP. Mary Conneely receiving for Colie King, Clifden, RIP. Peter Fitzpatrick receiving for Frank Dyers, RIP Clifden. Bosco McDermott and Francie Foley.
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Jack Cosgrove and Paul Fitzpatrick. Bosco McDermott and Billy Foyle, Clifden. Bosco McDermott and Liam O’ Reilly, Clifden. Bosco McDermott and Phil Coyne, Clifden. Bosco McDermott and David Griffin. Bosco McDermott and Paul Fitzpatrick.
December 2010
Connemara SportsView
Oughterard GAA Club na nÓg (Underage) The AGM of club na nÓg was held on Sunday 14th November in the club room in Corribdale. This subcommittee of the main club deals with players from U10 to U16. The following are the managers for 2011: U8 - Maria O Halloran; U10 - Harry Walsh; U12 - Johnny Whittaker; U14 - Oliver Lee; U16 - Justin Keogh. In a new development it was decided for next year to have an U6 group (born 2003/2004). Brian Tierney will be the manager for this group. All appointments are to be ratified at the main club AGM on Sunday the 19th December 2010 at 3.00 pm in GAA meeting room in the stand. A registration date will be set shortly for January. All interested in joining the club will have to register on this date. Training for U6 up to U12 usually begins around Easter time 2011. All our coaches are fully qualified GAA coaches and will be using go-games up to U12 level. These are small sided games (7 or 9 a side) games where the emphasis is on fun and maximum participation.
Scrap Collection Oughterard GAA would like to thank everyone that helped and donated to our scrap collection. We hope that it helped Oughterard look a little tidier and help people get rid of unwanted rubbish. We are planning on running
BADMI NTO N Castlebar Classic The Connacht U13 and U15 Open Singles and Doubles Championships were hosted by GLTC in early November. Connamara Thiar’s sole representative was Luke Gannon at U13 level. He was partnered with Andy Stewart from the Raphoe Club in Donegal for the Doubles and they progressed all the way to the semi final before losing out to pre-tournament favourites and eventual winners Kyle and Mervin Magee from the Foyle Club in Derry. Luke had to give second best to Matthew Molloy from Ennis in the first round of the Singles but rallied well to defeat Sligo’s
Nessan Leydon in the quarter final of the Plate competition. Ben Gallagher Lynch from the Ballaghdereen club provided the opposition in the semi final and the Roscommon player prevailed in a closely fought encounter. A number of Connamara Thiar players are currently attending County Development Squad sessions in GLTC. Galway County teams will be selected from the squads for the inaugural Connacht U11, U13, U15 and U17 Inter County Championships on January 2nd 2011. Photos: Tournament Official Adrian Keena presents Connamara Thiar duo Amy Gannon and Céití Daly with their Winners Trophies after they emerged victorious in
another scrap collection in the spring.
Oughterard Night at the Greyhounds Oughterard GAA would like to thank everyone that supported our night at the dogs in November. It was a very successful night. Winners as follows: 1st Prize €1,200 - Jenny Healy, Magheramore; 2nd Prize 500 Litres of home heating oil - Margaret Larminie, 11 Creig View. 8 lucky dip winners of €100 euro: Colin Maloney, Glann. Adam Tierney, Claremount. James Regan, Moycullen. Alan McDonagh, Letterfore. Evan Welby, Tonwee. John Joe Reilly, Oughterard. Padraic McCormock, Renmore. Angeline O’Toole, Lemonfield.
AGM The club’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday the 19th December 2010 at 3.00 pm in GAA meeting room in the stand. All club members and interested parties are invited to attend this important meeting which is an opportunity for all members to evaluate the club’s current position and put in place structures and plans for the year ahead. The AGM will review the clubs financial position, membership and development. If you have any concerns, questions or suggestions for the club, this is an excellent venue to raise them. See our website www.oughterard.galway.gaa.ie for more details. Report and stories courtesy of Harry Walsh the Castlebar Classic Under 11 Girls Doubles. It was a day to remember for Amy Gannon who also captured the U11 Girls Singles title. Connemara Thiar players who represented the West Connemara region with great pride at the recent Castlebar Classic. (l-r) Daniel Pryce Williams, Jamie Merrins Pryce, Josh Merrins Pryce, Céití Daly, Amy Gannon and Luke Gannon. Not in picture, Anna Burghoffer and John Burghoffer.
Letterfrack Division 7 Squad
Doubles partners Pat Pryce and John Cornwall qualified for the final of the Division 7 Men’s Doubles Championships on Thursday, November 25th last. Their opponents in GLTC on December 12th will be Jason O’Neill and Conor Rabbitte from the Clonberne club. There was heartbreak in the Women’s Competition for Josephine Davitt and Collette Gannon who lost out 21-16, 20-22 to Killannin pair Ann Palmer and Yvonne Walker in a gripping semi final. Letterfrack’s other participants in the Division 7 Doubles Championships were Tim Warbout and Rory Coyne, Tara Flaherty and Barbara Joyce and Ann Merrins and Sally Mannion. Neighbouring club Claddaghduff was represented by Shaun O’Toole and Paul Needham and Anita Daly and Lorraine King. On Wednesday, November 24th, Letterfrack Division 6 players Niall Conneely and Paul Gannon qualified for the final of the Division 5 Men’s Doubles Championship and they will face Claregalways’s Alan Gilmore and Odie O’Neill in GLTC on December 12th. The postponed Division 6 Doubles Championship Qualifiers take place in GLTC next week and Letterfrack hope to be well represented in both the Men’s and Women’s Competitions. Photo: Letterfrack B Division 7 Squad - Back (l-r): Dermot O’Donovan (Captain), Rory Coyne, Brendan Ridge (Chairperson), Eamon Lacey, Niall Mullen. Front Row (L to R) – Barbara Joyce, Bairbre Ní Chonchubhair, Saoirse McWalters, Lyndsey Balfe. Story and photos courtesy of Paul Gannon
Gráinne Mhaols Seniors County Division 1 Shield Runners Up A thrilling encounter against County Senior Championship Runners Up Dunmore ended all square when Sarah Conneely landed a last gasp point for the North Galway side. Gráinne Mhaols were left to rue a series of missed chances particularly in the last quarter and the prematch favourites really upped the ante subsequently in extra time. Dunmore eventually gained a measure of compensation for their heartbreaking two point County Final defeat to Corofin by annexing the Shield title on a scoreline of 3-10 to 1-9. Gráinne Mhaols will have learnt a lot from their last competitive outing of a year to remember. It was disappointment on the double for Connemara when Clonbur lost out to Corofin by 2-9 to 2-6 in a fiercely contested Division 1 League Final. Meanwhile the Gráinne Mhaols Annual Dinner Dance goes ahead in the Alcock and Brown Hotel, Clifden on Friday December 3rd. Special Guest is Renvyle native Johnny Kane. Johnny managed both the Galway U16 and U18 Camogie teams to All Ireland success in 2010. He will present the Gráinne Mhaols with their County Intermediate Championship Winners medals and Connacht Intermediate championship Runners Up medals. A number of Special Awards will also be presented on the night. The Gráinne Mhaols Annual General Meeting takes place next January, date and venue to be confirmed. Photo below: Back (l-r) - Jane Gibbons, Zara Mortimer, Megan king, Doireann Sheridan, Nóirín Coyne, John Francis Flaherty (Manager), Kaetlin Wallace, Bríd McDonagh, Lorraine Heffernan. Front: Ríona McTavish, Shona Acton, Geraldine McTavish, Brenda Mulkerrins, Máire Coyne, Maryanna McDonagh, Mairéad Coyne, Máire Cloherty. Story and photo courtesy of Paul Gannon
Oughterard Boxing Tournament On Sunday the 12th of December, there will be a boxing tournament in the Connemara Gateway Hotel commencing at 3pm. 16 bouts in total and two local All Ireland champions boxing on the day, Colm Molloy and Peter Lee. Please show your support for your local boxers.
Connemara SportsView
December 2010
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West Coast United Senior West Coast United have started the new season strongly and with 7 games played we lie in 2nd place in the division 3 league. After winning our division last season, it is great to see the squad taking the higher level in their stride. The results so far has seen victories over Medtronic [3-1] Mannions [2-1]; Ramblers [9-0] and Claregalway [4-1]; two draws against Cois Farraige [1-1]; and NUIG [22]. Our only defeat was away to Claregalway and we still haven’t figured out how we managed to loose that one. With 2 teams to be promoted West Coast are confident of reaching division 2 this season. We are lucky to have a strong panel with players from all over North-West Connemara. In addition, we have signed a couple of players from the Furniture College in Letterfrack. The 1st team panel which consists of nearly 40 players also competes in the reserve league and have won all their games to date. We are guided by an old football saying “you cant win the league before Christmas but you can definitely loose it” By that adage we’re doing ok.
Underage This season West Coast United are competing at under 11s, 13s 14s and 15s. The season has been hugely successful so far with all our teams top of their divisions. West Coast are proud to offer football to so many youngsters throughout all of Northwest Connemara including Tullycross, Clifden, Leenane, Cleggan, Ballyconneely, Renvyle, Letterfrack and every village in between are represented. It is great to see the club moving in the direction that was envisaged when it was founded in 1984. The talent in our area is comparable with anywhere in the country and so as the club structure develops and coaches improve the standard of teams should reach the very top. We are grateful for all the help we receive
from the local community and we need to stress the importance of more coaches, parents, fundraisers etc... to get involved. We can’t do it alone and there’s a job for everyone and training provided. For information on West Coast teams contact any of the following managers: Senior: Joachim Lydon 086-409-8814. Kurt Lydon 087-7691947. Under 14/15: Brendan Kane 086-103-8463. Under 13: Terence Mullen 086-350-1845. Under 11: Finian Sheridan 086-088-2941. Our aim is to provide a fun, safe environment where every child is encouraged to develop to their maximum, not everyone can be a Torres or Messi.
Fundraising Recently we held our annual underage fundraising draw. We are very thankful to John Varley from the Carlton Hotel Group who provided us with brilliant prizes, weekends away in their many hotels including Donegal, Wexford, Mayo, Kildare, Cork and Galway. The 6 lucky winners were 1st John Folan, Cashel; 2nd Mary Lapierre, Cashel; 3rd Eddie Kane, Tullycross; 4th Eireann Downes, Cork; 5th Moira Burghoffer, Renvyle and 6th Kenneth de Lappe, Cleggan. Thanks to all who supported the draw and our next big fundraiser is the annual Race Night which will be held again during Christmas week. Look out for the posters and don’t miss the best fun night out of the Christmas. Photos: Above - Senior team. Below - U13s. Bottom left - Reserve Team. Bottom right - U11s. Report and stories courtesy of Joachim Lydon
Top Sheep in Leenane Aoife Keane with her grandmother, Patricia, presented her GreatGrandparents cup, the Rosaline and Francis Joyce Memorial Cup to Brendan Joyce of Recess at the Leenane Sheep Show 2010. Photo courtesy of Patricia Keane
Connemara 27/10/10 Singles Men’s: 1st J Heanue (20) 34pts, 2nd R Sweeney (2) 33pts. CSS: 35pts. 31/10/10 Singles Ladies: 1st V Sanderson (30) 40pts, 2nd D Murphy (16) 36pts, 3rd B Ward (30) 36pts. CSS: 35pts. Men’s: 1st M O’Cartuir (15) 40pts, 2nd B Faller (13) 39pts, 3rd P Joyce (15) 38pts. CSS: 35pts. 03/11/10 Singles Men’s: 1st M Fitzpatrick (16) 39pts, 2nd P Mohan (20) 35pts.
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Ladies:1st F Macken (25) 35pts. 07/11/10 Singles Men’s:1st J Malone (11) 38pts (b9), 2nd S Heanue (24) 38pts (b9),3rd P Gannon (16) 38pts. Ladies: 1st D Murphy (15) 35pts, 2nd C Gaughan (23) 34pts, 3rd V Egan (36) 32pts. 10/11/10 Singles Ladies: 1st C Kroll (17) 35pts, CSS: 36pts.Mens: 1st J Crisham (12) 38pts (b9), 2nd N Monahon (12) 38pts, 3rd J Moran (19) 37pts. CSS: 35pts. 14/11/10 V Par Men’s: 1st M Gaughan (21) +4, 2nd P O’Rourke (12) +3, 3rd J Malone (10)+2. CSS: -1. 21/11/10 Stroke Ladies: 1st Kathleen Burke (19) 71, 2nd Olive Breen (20) 72, 3rd Mary O’Reilly (14) 73. CSS: 72. Men’s: 1st Adam Conroy (16) 63, 2nd Jamie Flaherty (7) 68, 3rd Julien Jeff ries (18) 70. CSS: 73.
24/11/10 Open Singles Men’s: 1st Jimmy Sheehan (15) 41pts, 2nd Norman Deacy (14) 39pts, 3rd Alan Deacy (10) 38pts (b9).
Oughterard
07/11/10 15 Hole Stableford Competition:1st Tom McDonagh (10) 38 pts, 2nd Martin Lee (13) 38 pts, Gross: Liam O’Reilly 26 Gross pts, 3rd Cammie Gallagher (12) 36 pts, 4th Joe Donnelly (16) 35 pts, 5th Michael H Walsh (12) 35 pts. 21/11/10 1st Luke Bohan (9) 40 pts, 2nd Dermot Begley (15) 36 pts, Gross: David Healy (7) 28 Gross pts, 3rd John MacAlinney (12) 36 pts, 4th Micheal O Conghaile (10) 36 pts, 5th Sean Rankin (21) 36 pts.
Maam / Leenane Society
End of Year Report The Maam/Leenane Golfing Society’s
December 2010
season came to an end for this year at Oughterard Golf Club on Sat 9th October. The Society had a very good year under captain Des Larkin in regards to good membership numbers, some very good scores and most of all good ‘aul crack. Everybody is looking forward to next year already. The following are the main results of the year of the Society: Player of the year: Darren Joyce. Matchplay winner for 2010: Marcus Conroy. Winner of the Keane/Hamilton Cup: Sean Walsh. The new incoming Captain of the Society is Martin McDonnell from Leenane. Everybody in the society wishes Martin best of luck for 2011. Details of next year’s outings can be got from Martin after Christmas. Tomás Higgins
Connemara SportsView
EQ UES TR IAN Exciting New Equestrian Event A new Connemara equestrian event will be held in early January. This competition will be run over 3 days. Day 1 will be dressage, day 2 showjumping and day 3 a ‘Le Trec’ ride. ‘Le Trec’ includes orienteering, control of paces and obstacles including cross country fences. This competition would be suitable for novice horses and ponies, but riders must be capable of independent control of their horses in open spaces, so it would not be suitable for small children or beginners. To promote the suitability of the Connemara Pony for all equestrian events there will be a special prize for the highest placed registered Connemara Pony over the 3 days. Anyone interested in taking part or helping with organizing the event should contact 095-44746.
Dressage League The Dressage League results after Day 3: Turn out Rider only, 1st Maeve O’Neill, Ballyconneely, 2nd Ciara Nee, Renvyle, 3rd Sadhbh O’Toole, Clifden. Turn out Horse/ Rider: 1st Joanne Conneely O’Toole/Ojo, 2nd Pat O’Neill/Ojo, 3rd Alwyn Moran/ Patch. Lead rein: 1st James Sullivan, Inisnee, 2nd Noelle Joyce, Ballyconneely, 3rd Peter Walsh, Cleggan. Intro A: 1st Maeve
December Bogman 67
Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden by December 22nd.
Connemara Crossword 73
Winner of Bogman 66: Denise Pryce, Kingstown Winner Connemara Crossword 72: Hugh Delappe, Cleggan
O’Neill/Pepperoni, 2nd Catriona Curran/ Charlie, 3rd Sadhbh O’Toole/Pepperoni. Prelim U 16: 1st Elise Galland/Smokey (27 points) Joint 2nd Catriona Curran/Charlie and Katie McEvilly/Pepperoni (26 each). Prelim O16: 1st Alwyn Moran/Corrib View (29), 2nd Alwyn Moran/Patch (25), 3rd Pat O’Neill/Ojo (20). In the Novice u 16 Alana Sullivan/Amber have 30 points, O16: Peter Higgins/Patch and Alwyn Moran/Corrib
What Do You Know? Quiz 26
No winner of Quiz 25, prize money is now €30.
Across 1 Is it appropriate that you and I should be housed in such beastly accommodation? (8) 5 The sinking feeling of finding such a philosophical suffix in any one twenty-four hour period. (6) 9 Is this an account of Paul getting mixed up with a company in Mexico? (8) 10 Retards the growth of capers. (6) 12 At door of Twickenham, sought admission, despite not having held a pass. (7,2) 13 Is this the amount of paper left in the kingdom? (5) 14 Feel sorry for mine, in other words, before you begin. (4) 16 TTT? That is the issue - along with a couple of others, that is. (7) 19 Hide a note in the soap. (7) 21 It changes when cut. (4) 24 G1R is a hopeless case. (5) 25 Drugs discovered as vet dies horribly. (9) 27 Lifts up like one amongst many. (6) 28 Despite a foot problem, I see he travels the road by the sea. (8) 29 It’ll make a mockery of it to pay while staff sits in. (6) 30 Kneels to rummage for bones? (8) Down 1 Though illegal, it follows that they support the ears. (6) 2 Now IRA, being reinvented, can get into line. (2,1,3) 3 Article on dirt? Now that’d be crazy! (5) 4 Clearly, girl sets about altering top in other words. (7) 6 It would have to be done before taking on staff if I were in TV organisation. (9) 7 How chaps reckon they don’t need paper, pens, calculators or tables. (7) 8 How about mytoes.ie? Isn’t that a strange address for a park that isn’t even Irish? (8) 11 The single component in being reunited when the rush is removed. (4) 15 Was left in the dire complex situation by death. (9) 17 With such standards, the joint becomes the standard bearer. (8) 18 Loose in drink, colloquially, but happier. (8) 20 Got up in garden to smell sweet. (4) 21 Had place to tie boat to land fish. (7) 22 Bird not being known for song, gets octave wrong. (6) 23 Like seabird and its behind? (6) 26 Heavyweight gains a pound, being concerned with quality of sound and vision. (5) Across 1. 1959 Billy Wilder movie starring Tony Curtis (4, 4, 2, 3) 10. European country (7) 11. Colourful ruminant is Britain’s largest land mammal (3, 4) 12. Feeble (4) 13. Celestial body. May have tail (5) 15. Flightless New Zealand bird (4) 17. Colour of danger (3) 19. Fastener (6) 21. Scottish dish (6) 22. Power, command (7) 23. Repetition of broadcast (6) 25. 1960 Alfred Hitchcock movie shocker (6) 27. Plus (3) 29. Leave out (4) 30. Spiritual being (5) 31. Warmth (4) 34. Big bird (7) 35. Old hand (7) 36. Educational establishment (7, 6)
Down 2. Portable light (3, 4) 3. Verve (4) 4. In a house or building (6) 5. Deserved, merited (6) 6. Neat (4) 7. Doing as told (7) 8. 1939 film fantasy starring Judy Garland (3, 6, 2, 2) 9. 1996 movie from Danny Boyle and hobby (13) 14. Gathering (7) 16. Rot (5) 18. Light model-makers wood (5) 20. Man’s name (3) 21. Skip (3) 24. Artist (7) 26. Goodbye (7) 27. Fastening device (6) 28. Investigates, probes (6) 32. Steady company (4) 33. Skin irritation (4)
Send in your Crossword and Quiz answers! Drop to the Connemara View Drop Box at King’s Paper Shop, Main St, Clifden, post to Connemara View, Clifden, Co.Galway or e-mail to news@connemaraview.com.
Connemara View Newspaper
View have 10 points each. Connemara Pony ‘Park Wren’ ridden by Siobhan Cazabon Sullivan has 20 points at Elementary level. The next show will be held in Cleggan on the 12th December weather permitting, and the final will be held during the Christmas holidays. For further updates on these and future events see Facebook Cleggan Beach Riding Centre. Photo: Local riders line up for inspection - (L-r) Jack O’Neill, Ballyconneely, Noelle Joyce, Ballyconneely, Ciara Heanue, Clifden, Lauren Walshe, Cleggan, Ciara Nee, Renvyle, Jenny Cazabon, Moycullen, James Sullivan, Inisnee and Sadhbh O’Toole, Clifden.
December 2010
Geography: What is the poorest country in the world? History: What was the first animal in space? Sport: What is the biggest participant sport in the world? Math: What mathematician is best known for his infinite sets theory? Science: How many minutes does it take for light to get from the sun to the earth? Food: Humans have been eating raised bread for over how many years? General Knowledge: Can putting sugar in a car’s gas tank destroy a car’s engine? Politics: What is the youngest active governing system and when was it introduced? Art: What artist’s name comes from the old spelling of fox? Entertainment: Who is the first character to speak in Star Wars? Literature: How many times has the Noble Prize for Literature been shared? Local Interest: When was Clifden train station opened?
Quiz 25 Answers
Geography: What is the world’s youngest country? Montenegro. http://www.worldatlas.com/geoquiz/thelist.htm History: French was the official language in England for how many years? Over 600 years. http://www.nicefacts.com/index. php Sport: Between what years was tug-of-war an Olympic event? 1900-1920. http:// www.nicefacts.com/quickfacts/index. php?goto=next&currid=1289 Math: What famous mathematician starved himself to death because he thought he was being poisoned? Kurt Godel. http:// www.po28.dial.pipex.com/maths/mathms. htm Science: An Archimedes screw is a device for moving what? Water http://www.animatedsoftware.com/pumpglos/archimed.htm Food: In which country did the potato originate? Peru http://www.indepthinfo.com/ potato/history.shtml General Knowledge: What sea-creature has the largest eyes in the world? The Giant Squid. http://www.nicefacts.com/ index.php Politics: Which former Progressive Democrat Senator left the party and moved to Fine Gael in 2000? Helen Keogh http:// www.paulsquiz.com/free_quiz_questions/ other_trivia_quizzes/Irish_Politics_Quiz_1/ Music: Who played guitar for Oasis in the song “Champagne Supernova”?. Paul Weller. http://www.philbrodieband.com/ music_trivia.htm Art: What was the first colour picture taken of? A tartan ribbon. http://didyouknow. org/fastfacts/art.htm Literature: Who won the Booker Prize for fiction in 1993? Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/List_of_winners_and_shortlisted_authors_of_the_Booker_Prize_for_Fiction Local Interest: What is the latitude and longitude of Clifden? Latitude: 53.489169, Longitude: -10.019617 http:// centres.citizensinformation.ie/centre. php?cic=Clifden+CIC
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Stephen Fry on Ros na Rún
Actor, writer and renowned British broadcaster Stephen Fry is set to make a speaking guest appearance in the popular Irish language series Ros na Rún. He is currently shooting a series on minority languages for the BBC and was invited to appear in the programme during a visit to the area. There is great excitement on the set of the show, with his storyline being kept a closely guarded secret until the episode will be broadcast in February. Ros na Rún broadcasts on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30pm on TG4 with an omnibus show on Sundays at 10.30pm. For more information see www.tg4.ie.
GMIT Art Award
Mary Hession of Mullaghgloss, Renvyle, recently received the Linenhall Best Student Award at the GMIT Graduation ceremony in Travellers Friend, Castlebar.
painting show, An Rón Dall (The Blind Seal) and a concert by The Molly Hicks, was held in support of local artist group, Ealaíontóirí Chois Fharraige. Meadhbh Ní Eidhin (pictured here) was one of the many artists who exhibited works and took part in the event, which was a great success and very well received. Photo courtesy of Seán Ó Mainnín Mainnín.
Trad Fest 2010 was, Clifden Comhaltas is delighted to announce that Clifden Trad Fest 2011 will take place from the 15th-17th April 2011. Again the weekend will feature a host of talented musicians, with a lot of visiting musicians being booked to take part. There will be music and dance workshops again in 2011 with a large emphasis on the youth in this section. There will be an outdoor stage with some fabulous entertainment planned to dance the night away. The local bars will be filled again with music night and day and we will also be introducing a few new events this year, so watch out for the Trad Fest brochure and official launch in March. Marie Walsh, Chairperson Clifden CCE
Celebrate Christmas Sean Nós Style
Double All Ireland Win
Róisín Seoighe from Ros a Mhíl had tremendous wins at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge in Killarney at the end of October. Róisín came home after her performances with two All Ireland cups, one for U12 sean nós singing and the other for U12 sean nós dancing. Photo courtesy of Caitlín Seoige
Mary, who was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art & Design, was presented with the prestigious Linenhall art award by Marie Farrell, Director of the Linenhall Art Centre, Castlebar. Photo: Mary Hession of Renvyle with her daughter Natasha on her recent graduation from GMIT.
Art Auction and Live Painting
An Art Auction and special live painting show took place at the Park Lodge Hotel in Spiddal on Friday November 12th. The event, which featured a live
Clifden C liffd Comhaltas C h lt News N
Our November Music Session was held in Lowry’s Bar on Friday the 26th of November and was a roaring success once again. We were celebrating our first birthday and members and musicians turned out in style to celebrate this great achievement. Our December Music Session will be held in E.J. Kings Bar on Wednesday the 23rd December starting at 8.30pm with the Youth Session and the Senior Session after at 10pm. It’s sure to be a great night with a great festive feel. Again as usual, all are welcome and membership is now open again for the coming year.
Galway County Fleadh In the last issue of the Connemara View we announced that Clifden had been selected to host the Galway County Fleadh on the weekend of the 14th of May 2011. This is one of the highlights of the Music calendar in County Galway and Clifden is honoured to host this weekend of music, song and dance. The weekend will be a packed weekend of competitions, music sessions, concerts and more and all are welcome to attend. We will be fundraising from now until May to help with costs of hosting the weekend, so watch for details on this fundraising as there are some “very different” fundraising events planned in the lead up to the fleadh! Finally we are again calling on anyone that has old memorabilia, photos, videos or stories about Traditional Music in Clifden or on the last Galway County Fleadh held in Clifden in 1990. They can be emailed to clifdencce@yahoo.ie or call 086-401-5342
Clifden Trad Fest 2011 Yes it’s back! After the massive success that Clifden
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December 2010
The dancing phenomenon that is the Cunningham family from Cashel is going from strength to strength as the spectacular stage show ‘Fuaim Chonamara’ continues to delight audiences all over the country. 24 year old Brian, who choreographs and produces the show along with his siblings Irene, Ashline, Lorraine and Michael, has also brought together some of the country’s finest performers for a series of Christmas performances this year. The lineup includes Riverdance stars Siobhan Manson and Doireann Carney with guest appearances by singing favourites Dessie O’Halloran and Cheannabháin. nd Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin Champion musicians also in the line-up include Johnny O’Halloran, Tommy Doherty, Lisa Canny, Colm O Neachtain, Yvonne Flynn, Jimmy Higgins and All-Ireland singing champion, Fergal Ó Murchú. ‘Fuaim Chonamara’ is spectacular, not only for the energy that goes into the dance but the whole enjoyment the crew get from performing on stage, and their genuine enthusiasm spreads out into the audience in every show. Brian explains “I always had a dream that I wanted to put a show together and dance full time. Sean Nós was more or less dead 10 years ago until we started reviving it. What we are doing is unique and fresh, something no-one has done before. It’s about what’s inside you, it’s your DNA. The goal is to lead the way with Sean Nós and make it popular worldwide.” The shows will all feature the brush dance, the solo dance, barrel dancing, old music forms of lilting in the bag, the jaws harp and other sounds made only by mouth, in a true and joyful celebration of Irish music and dance. Upcoming shows in the Christmas period include the Carna Bay Hotel on December 27th (095-32255), The Forge in Moycullen on December 28th (091-868944) and The Royal Theatre in Castlebar on December 30th (0818-300-000).
Connemara ArtsView
Christmas Carol Concert
Cantaíri Chonamara Christmas Carol Concert will take place on Wednesday 15th December at 7.30pm in Christ Church Clifden. The Cantaíri Chonamara Choir will be joined by the Scoil Mhuire Children’s Choir and Ms. Kelly’s violin class. The program will contain international and classic carols and entry will be €5 on the door. Scoil Mhuire will benefit from the proceeds. Please show your support for our local talent.
Mary Poppins Christmas Show Ceol Theatre’s annual Christmas production ‘Mary Poppins’ will be in the Station House Theatre on December 9th and 10th at 8pm, 11th at 6pm, 12th at 3pm and on the 16th, 17th, 18th & 19th at 8pm. Tickets are €5 for children under 12 and OAP’s, €10.00 for adults and are available at Guy’s Bar, The Hair Gallery and The Station House Hotel. We have been rehearsing a lot and working very hard to ensure a great show and we look forward to putting on another great show. Should you wish to be involved in any of our productions in any way please contact John at 087-750-4697.
25 Years of Cló Iar Chonnacht
The 25th anniversary celebrations of Connemara publishers Cló Iar-Chonnacht culminated in a great night’s celebrations in the Park Lodge Hotel, Spiddal on Friday November 19th. Writer Jackie Mac Donncha launched his new book ‘Aileach’ at the event, which was extremely well attended and a great night of celebration and accomplishment. Photo: Pictured at the Cló Iar-Chonnacht 25th Anniversary celebrations were Máire and Paddy Mc McCormack of Maighros, Carna. Photo courtesy of Seán Ó Mainnín
Book of Spiddal’s Memories The new book “Coláiste Chonnacht. Céad Bliain faoi bhláth”, a centenary of the famous Spiddal College’s memories, was compiled and edited by Sean O Neachtain and launched at the Park Lodge Hotel, Spiddal, on Saturday November 20th last. Seán was teacher, principal and director of the college down the years. Photo: Sean (far right) is pictured here together with other contributors Mairtín Ó Curraoin, Máíre Ní Neachtain, Nollaig Mac Congáil and Colm Ó Ceallaigh. Photo courtesy of Seán Ó Mainnín
on November 16th, so we are continuing for a week longer than in our printed brochures. Films start at 8.30pm sharp and everybody is welcome. Admission at the door is €6.50 (concession €5). This Autumn, we have a special offer for GMIT students who can pay just €2 at the door on presentation of their student card. Our Spring season is starting on February 8th, with the hugely successful Swedish thriller, “The Girl Who Played With Fire”, which is the sequel to “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Full details of our spring programme will be available on our website www.letterfrackfilm.net, as well as our facebook page. This month’s upcoming films are: 07/12/10 – Ondine: Dir: Neil Jordan , Ireland, 2009, 111 mins. In this gorgeous contemporary fairy tale, filmed on location in West Cork, Colin Farrell plays a lonely Irish fisherman who one day pulls up his net to find a mysterious woman named “Ondine”, who may or may not be a selkie, a mythological creature that is part human, part seal. 16/11/10 – Tulpan: Dir: Sergei Dvortsevoy, Germany, Kazakhstan, 2008, 100 minutes. Set among nomadic sheep herders on the harsh Kazakh steppe, this beguiling film charts the courtship efforts of a youth who needs a wife to achieve his dream of tending his own flock. Gentle humour and spectacular cinematography make this an unmissable film.
December DVD Releases Twilight Eclipse As a string of mysterious killings grips Seattle, Bella, whose high school graduation is fast approaching, is forced to choose between her love for vampire Edward and her friendship with werewolf Jacob. Stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
Inception In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date, Inception. Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon Levitt.
Shrek Forever After Rumpelstiltskin tricks a midlife crisis burdened Shrek into allowing himself to be erased from existence and cast in a dark alternate timeline where Rumpel rules supreme. Stars: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy.
Knight & Day June Havens finds her everyday life tangled with that of a secret agent who has realised he isn’t supposed to survive his latest mission. Stars: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.
The Expendables
Letterfrack L f k Film Fil Society S i Letterfrack Film society’s Autumn Season has two more films, on Tuesdays 7th and 14th December in the audio-visual theatre of the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. We have rescheduled the film “Tulpan” to December 14th due to a power-cut in Letterfrack
Connemara ArtsView
In this all out action epic, a team of mercenaries head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator. Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li and Dolph Lundgren. DVD Release updates courtesy of Video Vault. Main Street, Clifden. 095-22033.
December 2010
Connemara Community Radio Weekly Schedule Broadcasting 11 am to 9 pm each day on 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Weather Forecast & Community Notices at 3pm, 4pm and 8pm. Sponsored by Broderick Electric, Sweeney Oil, Gannon Sports and The Oil Company.
12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. * Indicates Sponsors
Monday: 11am-12 Noon: The Chat Show with
Heather Heanue and Colleen Curran. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Hooked on Music with John Duane. *Clifden Chamber of Commerce. 6-7pm: Alternate Weeks - As Gaeilge with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig OR Heyday with Bobbi O Regan. 7-8pm: Talk Sport with Vivian Cotter. *Galway CoCo. 8pm: Roundstone Report with Richard de Stacpoole and Anne Conneely. 8.15-9pm: Ann’s Mixed Bag with Ann Conneely. Tuesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cliona Sheehan. *Connemara View Newspaper. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Louisa Jack. 5.05-6pm: Jack’s Spot with Jack Tomlinson. 6- 7pm: Live with John Dunne. 7-8pm: Community Matters with Pat Walshe. *Tullycross and Cashel Credit Unions. 8pm: Cashel Report with Bernard Lee. 8.15-8.25pm CIC. 8.15-8.25pm: CIC. 8.30-9pm Emergency Services with Mary Ruddy. Wednesday: 11am-12 Noon: FORUM Programme with Cathy Keane and Brendan O’Malley. 4-6pm: Gateway Hour with Mickey Mac. 6- 7pm: My Kind of Music with Martin Conroy. *ClifdenSupply Centre.7-8pm: Lift the Latch with Michael O’ Neill and Helen King. 8pm: Clifden Report with Breandan O’Scanaill. 8.15-9pm: Music with Pat Keaney. Thursday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Mary Roe. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Kathleen O’Brien. 5.05-6pm: Fáilte with Mary Corbett Joyce. 6- 7pm: The Food Show with Janet O’Toole. 7-8pm: The Great Outdoors with Breandan O’Scanaill. *Acton Construction.8 pm: Cleggan Claddaghduff Report with Mary Gordon O’Toole. 8.15-9pm: Specialist Music with Breandan O’Scanaill. Friday: 11am-12 Noon: Friday Fix with Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirínn. 5.05-6pm: The Friday Feeling with Margaret Sheehan. 6-7pm: Lyrical Allsorts with Linda O’Malley. 7-8pm: Injury Time with Brendan Ridge. *AIB Clifden. 8pm: Ballyconneely Report with John O’ Malley. 8.15-9pm: American Country with Brendan Ridge. Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with Heather Kearney. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tommy Roe. 5.05-6pm: Pretty Good Day so Far! with Sean Halpenny. 6- 7pm: Blue Highways with Lol Hardiman. 7-9 pm: Music Spectacular Alternate Weeks - Shelter from the Storm with Dave O’ Halloran or Coast to Coast with Paul Phelan. Sunday: 10-11am: Sounds a Bit Irish with Eamonn McLoughlin.11am-12noon: Mass from Clifden. 4-5pm. Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Words & Music with Kathleen Faherty. 67pm: Footappin’ Time with Tom Mongan. 7-8pm: Senior Side of the Street with Josephine De Courcey. *FORUM. 8pm: Ballinakill Report with Paddy Gannon. 8.15-9pm: Decades of Hits with Michael Coyne.
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Clifden Courthouse As you arrive into Clifden from either the Galway or Westport direction you will immediately notice a very fine building, set a little above the road and backed by St. Joseph’s church. This is the Courthouse and it has been on this site and in constant use since the late 1830s. It is described as “a detached seven bay double height courthouse with part basement and recessed entrance bays at either end, designed by William Caldbeck, c1837. The exterior is rendered ruled and lined and has limestone dressings including strings, pedimented door cases and entablatures to upper floor window opes. The building has a cast iron modillion eaves. The interior retains some original fittings including the judge’s bench and canopy. Set back from and facing road”. This is a long winded way of describing the courthouse, but it gets across the size and grandeur of the building, which is probably grander than it needed to be for a relatively small town like Clifden. Courthouses and churches are normally big and imposing as they are there to stamp the authority of Church and State on the people of an area. This was very important when the building was being constructed. Clifden was still in its infancy and the area around was still fairly rugged and lawless. The state wanted to impose its will and had already begun by introducing the coast guard service. These men patrolled the coast watching out for smugglers or illegal activity, and when they found it, they needed somewhere to try to hold these wrongdoers. The building of the courthouse would have been seen as a civilising move by many people, including John D’Arcy who had founded the town in 1812. He had hopes of the town becoming an outpost of civilisation, and to that end he constantly lobbied to have such services, including the providers of law and order, become part of his town. Around the same time that the courthouse was being built, the town was also getting a very impressive jail. The description from the Protected Buildings list mentions that it was designed by William Caldbeck, but I can find
Stop Deer Poaching Now Thousands of deer all over the country are being poached this year and you can stop it. Why is it that we Irish have a problem standing up and being counted? We don’t want to get involved yet we condemn lamping, shooting from car windows and armed trespass etc. As chairman of the Irish Deer Society (Connaught) I get many phone calls condemning these practices, yet no one wants to give the direct evidence necessary for the prosecution of poachers. You may wonder why the Wildlife Rangers or the Gardai don’t do something, but they will if they can get evidence, and if they don’t act on it by going to the top, report them to their superiors. It is time for all right thinking sportspeople to stand together and stamp this practice out. We need registration numbers of vehicles, names and times. Stopping the slaughter of deer at night and out-ofseason is the responsibility of us all. We have all heard the bragging of some about the amount of deer they can kill. It requires no skill to dazzle a deer with a powerful lamp at night and pull the trigger, often just wounding it. Sending a high powered bullet that can travel up to three miles into the darkness, when it is impossible to see the background is totally foolhardy. It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously or fatally injured. No genuine sportsman will associate himself with this kind of practice. I was talking to a well known firearms dealer in the West of Ireland last week and he told me an interesting story. A man had been left a .243 rifle by a friend who was emigrating and had just had the license transferred to his name. He came into the shop to buy ammunition and then, as an after-thought, asked as he was taking up deer hunting “What is the most suitable spotlight for deer?” Ignorance is bliss! He was told by the dealer that spotlights are totally illegal for deer hunting. I manage a herd of red deer in Connemara and every year we get some idiot shooting a few deer, often leaving them
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no references to his name in conjunction with Clifden Courthouse. Caldbeck was a well known architect around this time. He was born in Dublin in the 1820s and was a pupil of Dublin architect William Dean Butler but the reports say that he only began work in the 1840s. There is no doubt that he worked on the building of courthouses but the few that can be attributed to him look very different from Clifden. According to Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill in her excellent book ‘The History of Clifden’, “at the Summer Assizes on 19th July 1837 a sum of one thousand pounds was granted for the building of the Clifden Courthouse, Mr Owens was the architect”. This Mr Owens is a mystery as I can find no reference to him, but I know that Kathleen uses the official records from that time as the source of her research. The courthouse was the scene of many dramatic cases. However, as it was only being used for petty sessions which were held every fortnight, these cases would have been on the lower levels of the law. The cases which tended to make most news were the public order cases which arose around the time of the famine and the ‘religious wars’ between the Catholic clergy and the Irish Church Missions. Reading newspaper accounts of these cases is fascinating, describing the rabble rousing which went on, in which no side was blameless. These showed the depth of suspicion and hate which arose at that time. The cases, which are fascinating, were for the most part fairly mild. Major cases would of course have been heard in Galway. Most cases seemed to carry warnings about behaving in a civilised manner and I am not sure how many ended up with people being carted away. As mentioned in the description, the interior has many original features and these have recently restored along with the building itself. The judge’s bench with its canopy is in good condition with the Irish harp no doubt replacing the Royal coat of arms. Underneath the courthouse is a holding cell, which even in its warm and redecorated state still has an air of foreboding. You can easily imagine some unfortunate waiting there for their case to be called or awaiting transport to jail or higher court. Up until the recent restoration, this underground section was used as a store by the County Council and all manner of signs and barrels would be scattered about. I rememwhere they are shot, not even interested in the meat. But this year, possibly because of the economic down turn, poaching has reached epidemic proportions. Anyone who has reared a few pheasant or duck knows the effort and time it requires to nurture and protect game. We have also seen our so-called sportsmen descend on an area the moment the word gets around, all eager to cash in on other peoples hard work. We’ve even had a wildlife ranger who considered coming down to the west to take advantage of our efforts! It takes ten years of careful management for a red deer stag to reach maturity, but fine immature animals are being shot down indiscriminately. Hinds, (female deer) are being shot leaving calves abandoned and lost, not in the name of sport or food or even agricultural damage, but for cold hard cash. Are we willing to see the end of this fledgling Red Deer population exterminated so that a few people can still put a bet on a horse or have a couple of extra pints?
December 2010
ber visiting that section as a youngster and being locked in. I don’t think it would have been too difficult to break out as I seem to remember the outside door being half off its hinges. For many years the courthouse had a resident caretaker who lived in the east part of the building. This section was shared with the judge and barristers and I suppose most local people of a slightly older generation will remember going into this section to cast their votes. The last time that I remember going there for that function, I was shocked by the state of disrepair. Of course the terrible condition of the whole structure was a topic of conversation, not only around the area but nationally. The judges and people who worked there on a regular basis complained of the cold and damp. Water leaked through the roof and at one time a bucket or two were placed around to catch these drips. Plaster was falling off the walls and floors were unsafe. I’m sure people will remember the cartoon of the judge with the hot water bottle as it appeared on Hall’s Pictorial Weekly on RTÉ television. Finally the court service came around to the idea of restoration and the court was transferred from the building for a number of seasons. A major overhaul took place and now the building is as new. It is probably better than it ever was as the facilities have been modernised and the work of the court can be carried out with more efficiency, affording everyone the proper facilities. If you have never visited this fascinating building, call in on the next court day and have a look. Breandan O Scanaill We have been privileged to have a hand reared red hind, Bambi, on our ground for the past four years and this year she had produced her fourth calf. She has been introduced to many people and has introduced herself to even more, including mountain bikers on the Derroura cycle track. Over the last month she and her calf had taken to visiting and supervising the building of a new house in Curaghduff, off the Glann Road, Oughterard, just a few hundred yards from a Coillte forest. Three days ago her calf arrived back alone. The calf has tried to rejoin her mother’s social group but it is being bitten and kicked and driven away. On making enquiries I found out that the local yobs had shot down ten hinds and calves in one night after being given permission by local farmers. I am assuming that Bambi died in this hail of gunfire. I hope she died cleanly and this blood money was useful to them. We only have to open one of the Irish shooting magazines to see ads by game dealers looking for shot deer, as they squabble and fight like vultures over our falling stock of red deer. In many cases these deer will be illegally exported to Scotland and then on to the continent. In the 1860s we managed to exterminate most of our red deer. Are we really prepared to sit back and allow it to happen again? Connemara’s main industry is tourism and its success will have an influence on us all in the future. We have allowed our sea trout to be reduced to a mere trickle and much of our salmon stocks are in a state of collapse. We have seen our hills being overgrazed by overstocking of sheep and we have allowed indiscriminate heather burning to destroy huge areas of habitat for our Red Grouse and Golden Plover. The reintroduction of eagles to Ireland is also being put into jeopardy by selfish ignorant individuals using poison. Wildlife has a part to play in the big picture for us all. We can stop this destruction. If you have information, please call the Garda Confidential line on 1800-666-111. Paul Wood (Chairman, Irish Deer Society, Connaught Branch)
Connemara View Newspaper
they are all native trees which is good. The planting can be done as a single specimen tree in the middle of grass, or as a windbreak or hedge planted around the edge of the property. They can also be planted in groups-three or five make the best number. Give them plenty of room if you are planting them like that, although the varieties I have seen are all fairly light growers and will take a bit of crowding. The planting of any tree is fairly straightforward. First of all make sure that your ground is not prone to water logging. If it is okay, dig a large hole, about twice the size of the root ball, or the spread of the roots, in the case of bare rooted. Dig the soil well and remove any large rocks, then incorporate some good compost into the soil and mix well. Place to one side and position the tree. Take a little care how you do this. Most plants have a good side where the branches are fuller, or the shape can be appreciated. Also look out for the shape of surrounding items like a wall, house, large rock or shape of the ground itself. You might need help with this as the tree may have to be rotated to suit, or moved from one side or another. Once you are satisfied, begin filling the hole. Tramp down the soil from time to time and make sure that there are no air pockets. Care is needed when doing this so as not to damage the roots. Continue until the soil is level with the soil mark on the tree and any leftover soil can be used in another part of the garden. I have been asked about growing herbs indoors. This can be a fairly difficult task as people seem to either overwater or give too much light and heat to the plants. I find that a cool window ledge works best for most herbs and I usually try and have chives and mint growing on the kitchen window. I dig up small pieces of these herbs and pot them up in smallish pots. Be sure to water well when you plant them in order to settle the soil, then cut back the top growth. Once they shoot begin using them on a regular basis to maintain a supply of fresh growth. Many herbs such as thyme, rosemary and winter savory stay green throughout the winter. Leaves from these can be gathered and used but don’t over-harvest as there is no new growth. There has been a lot of talk recently about water charges being introduced, so maybe it’s time to think about water conservation. The first step on this road is to choose plants
which suit the soil and climatic condition. When planting shrubs and trees, create a saucer shaped dip around each plant which will hold water and prevent runoff. Use a geotextile or good mulch to retain moisture in the soil. If you can, get a rain barrel or butt and collect rain water from your roof. It is also possible to construct a concrete rain tank and store the runoff. Whatever you are using, make sure that the tap is high enough so that you can fit a watering can underneath. A regular reader wondered recently if I have any idea which might help her get her children interested in gardening. At this time of the year, indoor gardening might be best. One thing I like is a bowl garden of cacti and succulents. Pick a fairly wide bowl or basin. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom-if that is not possible then a good layer of drainage material will be needed. Select a few different plants but avoid the very prickly ones if the children are small. Try out different arrangements and when you/they are happy with the outcome, begin planting. On top of your drainage layer, place a good layer of compost which should contain some sharp sand or gravel. Take the plants out of their pots and place them where you want. Backfill the pot and push down firmly on the soil. Top dress it with gravel or small pebbles and a few larger stones or interesting driftwood could be placed through this as well. Only a little water is needed to keep them alive. Finally, we are getting ready for the season of giving and there are thousands of gift ideas out there. Gift certificates are good for the many garden centres in the area. Plants themselves make a wonderful present. If they are outdoor plants, don’t keep them in the house for long periods as they can dry out. Books are always great, and there are so many to choose from. I have just read a great book which deals with how plants got their names, called ‘The Naming of Names’, by Anna Pavord. It is not strictly a gardening book but anyone with an interest in plants will find it fascinating. It is well researched and beautifully written. Thanks to everyone who has commented on this column over the last few years and those who have asked questions or made suggestions as it has been fun, if at times hard work. Happy gardening. Breandan O Scanaill
Connemara has been an intellectual and artistic mecca for the last two centuries. Thinkers and doers have been invited or serendipitously arrived here. Others had connections or duties that linked them with the West and so became part of its history. Cromwell’s (alleged) warning to reluctant subordinates was, “To Hell or to Connaught”. Those whose misdemeanours had exceeded their current usefulness were sent to a region of an agricultural scarcity the likes of which they had never seen before. Basically, Connemara was not at the top of the list for a relocation promotion. Grainne Mhaoile, the famous import-export (pirating / smuggling etc.) businesswoman from 16th century Mayo and Galway, worked from Connemara coastal waters because that was where her heritage and fleet were. Her fascinating exploits include meeting and negotiating with Queen Elizabeth while both were in their sixties. Alcock and Brown were delighted to find a bit of soft-ish bog to land on at the end of their flight from Newfoundland to Continental Europe in 1919 (the first ever). They announced their successful flight across the Atlantic (even if they hadn’t made it to Paris) over Marconi’s radio waves. Marconi had fancied Cornwall as his broadcasting station base, but Clifden and its environs with cheap fuel (the ubiquitous turf ) and necessary labour secured Marconi his backers’ enthusiasm and patronage. Renowned philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein lived in Salruck for a time in 1948. Apparently he completed Part R of his “Quaternians” there. That’s the Connemara air for you!
Lady Wilde is only one of the many visitors who took Renvyle to their hearts. She was devoted to her husband, who was over worked as a surgeon, oculist and ear specialist. Sir William Wilde was born and grew up in Roscommon, with close relatives owning land on the Mayo side of Lough Corrib. In the early 1850s, just married with a child on the way, Doctor Wilde leased a spit of land from the Thomson family and constructed a basic but functional cottage on Lough Fee. Other writers have expressed anxieties that Lady Wilde (lethargic, suffering from gargantuanism) would have spurned this holiday home. But Lady Jane Francesca, whose nom de plume was Speranza, was keen to encourage her children in Irish country history and legend. The journey from Dublin would probably have involved the new(ish) train services. Lady Wilde, with Oscar, his older brother Willie and their sister Isola, could have taken a train from Dublin to either Westport or Clifden. The Bianconi coach from Mayo would have taken them to Leenane, where a pony and trap would have picked them up. The trip from Galway to Clifden, through Recess would have been longer and, until the rail track was built, little used. Oscar returned to Illaunroe (see photo) at least once a year. Despite his father’s new country estate at Moytora (built more for entertaining and comfort, than the lodge’s basic accommodation for anglers and dreamers) Oscar came to the cottage to write, paint and fish. On one occasion in 1876, he arrived for a holiday with Frank Miles for two weeks to “catch a brace of salmon”. Frank was a portrait painter to whom Oscar was introduced at college, and one of the suspects in the ‘Jack the Ripper enquiry’, despite the fact that he died in Brislington lunatic asylum in 1891 before the final
atrocities had taken place. Together they painted a mural in the hall entitled “Tight Lines”, depicting Frank and Oscar as cherubs. Connemara captures people, a combination of accident and choice. Alcock and Brown landed here, Marconi broadcast from here and Wittgenstein philosophised here. Paul Henry decided to paint here. And Oscar Wilde left here. Now a new generation of artists and thinkers has come to feel and look and smell and taste and listen. Joe Boske is an artist who chose Connemara as his canvas; Dorothy Cross has decided to create her art from this environment. I’m proud to have Mo West’s print of Omey Island on my wall. Musicians also find inspiration. The singing and dancing from within the area have enticed and inspired musicians from elsewhere to visit and create. Local players have headed out to entertain in America, Australia and the Irish bars of mainland Europe. The magic continues, and long may it last. Eithne Hannigan
Connemara View Newspaper
December 2010
This month is a fairly easy month in the garden, although this can be weather dependent. Don’t lose any opportunity to tidy or undertake any new tasks. As most if not all the growth has stopped it is a good time to get ahead of oneself. We have had some rough weather in the last month and there will be plenty of tidying up to do. Lots of people will have branch litter and may have blocked drains due to leaves being washed into streams. If the branch damage is on fresh wood it is important to check the damaged plant. The break may have left jagged ends on the tree or shrub and these can lead to further problems, so take action. Using a good saw or lopper, cut the damaged branch cleanly. This prevents the build-up of disease and protects the plant from suffering further damage. By now you should have all your spring bulbs planted. If you still have some left make sure that they are still sound. They often look fine but can be very soft so any of these should be dumped as they can infect the others. If you are having problems deciding where to plant the bulbs, it is a good idea to plant them in a pot. Place around 5 to 7 bulbs in good compost and leave them somewhere sheltered but a place where they won’t dry out. When they come up in spring you can make a hole in the ground and plants the growing bulbs in place. Remember to bag your fallen leaves as these make great compost. Just rake up the leaves and place them in a black plastic bag. Put the bags somewhere out of the way and leave them for at least a year. Make sure that they are wet. A few holes in the bottom of the bag will allow the insects and worms get in and begin the process of breaking down the product. Traditionally this is the time of the year to read the seed catalogues and plan for next year. You will often find these booklets in newspapers and magazines. It is a good idea to make your selection first and then take time to explore how well the plants are suited for your area. Once you are satisfied that you have made the right choices, you can then go ahead and order the seeds you want. When they arrive, be sure to plant them at the right time and follow the correct procedures. This time of the year is a good time to plant trees, particularly bare rooted ones. Very good value may be had at some of the marts and fair days around the place. Nice size trees can be had fairly cheap. There is a limited range but I think
Captured by Connemara
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december Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Work: Everything stops and has to be approved from above. Love: Dress sharp and cover all the expenses. Enjoy it while it lasts. Money: You have loads of cash and plastic for when that runs out. Dream on! Life: Add more of everything to whatever you are doing: people, time, money, etc. Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Work: All your hard work and ideas are shot down by the powers that be. Love: You will need a strong shoulder to cry on. Money: Funds are not made available to you that you thought you had. Life: Let all cutting remarks run off your back like rainwater. Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Work: Anything you gain comes at a huge price. Love: A relationship gets out of hand. Money: You love having money in the bank so much that you live poorly. Life: Plot your escape from the things that hold you back. Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) Work: You come against a brick wall and your request is denied. Love: Someone falls asleep during a romantic moment. Money: Downsizing means it’s not a good time to ask for a raise. Life: Be careful, quick talkers will win the day. Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) Work: Some rumours are not true, but some of them are. Love: You hear from a secret admirer but it’s not necessarily good. Money: Payments are past due; make sure you are not too late. Life: No news can sometimes be very good news. Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) Work: Take the bull by the horns and throw yourself into your work. Love: This is a time to make the first move, someone is sending signals. Money: Apply your resources; this is a time to employ your assets. Life: Performance counts and output is measured. You score! Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) Work: The early results of your money making scheme dribble in. Love: You’re off to a good beginning in this relationship. Money: After a success there is money to be divided. Life: Sit back and wait for everything to mature. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Work: You will have to show that your ideas have merit. Love: You get stuck with a third wheel tagging along on the next night out. Money: Support the arts and go to fundraisers. Life: You will have to voice ideas first in order to get credit for them. Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Happy birthday! Work: A skill or trade still comes in handy in this day and age. Love: There are enough good things about this relationship to keep it going. Money: The time you invested in something puts some cash in your pocket. Life: You must demonstrate your skills and show what you can do. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) Happy Birthday! Work: Someone gets the story wrong; the news is not what it appears. Love: You are having a hard time seeing your way clear. Money: Get a physical exam before doing any hard labour. Life: You can do it, you can make it. Just put one foot in front of the other. Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) Work: During a re-organization, watch for opportunities and make accounts. Love: There is a change for the better in a one sided relationship. Money: Your returns may be subject to audit, make sure they are right. Life: Things are plotted in silence; keep your guard up at all times. Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Work: There are many conflicting goals and competing interests at play. Love: It hits the nail on the head and goes on and on and on. Money: It’s all about money that is due, to you and others. Life: Submit lots of ideas and work extra shift and volunteer to do more.
Tarot Past: You were in a situation that required a strong commitment. Present: Make a wish on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Future: You are testing your wings and feeling foot loose and fancy free.
runes Action: Do not immerse yourself into any serious relationship. Challenge: The completion of beginnings is required but finish the old ones first. Overview: Be certain that what you are, or are not doing right now is what it should be.
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The Sun is in the constellation of Ophiuchus at the start of December, moving into Sagittarius on December 18th. The shortest day of the year is Tuesday December 21st. This is the Winter Solstice, when the Sun reaches its most southerly point in the sky. The Moon: New Moon is on Sunday December 5th. The new crescent could be visible in the south-west at sunset from Tuesday 7th onwards. The crescent stays up later every evening as it widens. The Moon is Full on Tuesday 21st, close to the junction of three constellations: Taurus, Gemini and Orion. When it’s Full, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the north-east at sunset, shines all through the long winter night, and sets in the north-west at sunrise the following morning. On this occasion, there is also a total eclipse of the Moon. As the Moon wanes gibbous during the following week, it rises later every evening, but continues to set in the late morning. Last Quarter occurs at 04:18 on Tuesday 28th, when it is in the SW corner of Virgo, just above the little constellation of Corvus (the Crow). It rises in the E around midnight, and sets in the W around midday the following day. By the end of December, the Moon is again only visible in the early hours of the morning. New Moon is at 09:03 on Tuesday January 4th. Total Lunar Eclipse: At Full Moon, we always see the Moon in the opposite direction to the Sun. But most months, the Moon and Sun are not exactly opposite: the Moon passes a little above or below the shadow of the Earth. However, this month the Moon passes right through the shadow, so we have a total eclipse of the Moon. At 06:32 in the morning of Tuesday December 21st, when the Moon is sinking in the western sky, the left-hand edge of it will become darkened. Over the next hour, more and more of the Moon’s disc will be covered by shadow; at 07:40 the eclipse will become complete. At this stage, the Moon will be getting very low, and the sky will be starting to get light. Normally, even during a total lunar eclipse, we can see a dim reddish light from the eclipsed Moon. A little sunlight leaks around the edges of the Earth, through the atmosphere. An observer on the Moon would be able to see the glow of sunrise or sunset all the way around the Earth. But this time, as the sky brightens, the Moon will probably disappear completely and by the time the Moon starts to emerge from the shadow, it will be below our horizon. Mercury is to the E of the Sun at the start of December, but it sets only an hour after sunset. By December 20th it’s at inferior conjunction, almost directly in front of the Sun. However, Mercury will start to emerge into the dawn sky at the end of the month, well to the left of brilliant Venus, and lower down. We will get our best views of it during the first week of January, but it will never be easy to see. Venus is a brilliant “Morning Star” this month, visible low in the SE sky before sunrise. Relative to the stars, Venus begins the month in the constellation of Virgo and moves E, crossing into Libra on December 12th. But Venus is far brighter than any of the stars, and can still be seen as the sky brightens and the stars disappear. On the morning of Thursday December 2nd, the Moon itself, also a narrow crescent, will be close to the right of Venus. And almost a month later, on the morning of Friday 31st, the Moon will have travelled right around the sky, and it will be back beside Venus. Mars will be at conjunction (almost directly behind the Sun) next February. This month the
December 2010
“Red Planet” sets less than an hour after the Sun, so we won’t be able to see it. Jupiter continues to be well placed for viewing. It’s visible as soon as the sky starts to get dark, and it’s due S in the early evening; it doesn’t set till around midnight. It looks like a very bright star, shining with a strong, steady light. Relative to the genuine stars, which are all much fainter, Jupiter is moving very slowly north-eastwards, leaving Aquarius and crossing into Pisces on December 16th. Some of Jupiter’s four major moons may be seen, even in binoculars, as tiny points of light close to the planet. They are easiest to see at twilight, when the light from the planet itself is not so dazzling. Sometimes only two or three of the moons may be visible, perhaps because one is passing in front of Jupiter, or hidden behind it. On the evening of Monday 13th December, our own First-Quarter Moon will appear to the right of Jupiter and a little higher up. Saturn is rising in the E in the early hours of the morning, and is well up in the S sky at dawn. Don’t confuse it with the planet Venus, which is further left, a bit lower down, and very much brighter. Relative to the stars, Saturn is moving very slowly south-eastwards in the constellation of Virgo. If you can find the Plough hanging vertically high in the east, follow the curve of its handle down, first to the bright reddish star Arcturus, and then on down and right to the bright white star Spica. Saturn is above and to the right of Spica, and of similar brightness, though it shines with a steadier light. At dawn on Wednesday December 1st, our own narrow waning Moon will be below and to the right of Saturn. Four weeks later, on the morning of Wednesday 29th, the Moon will appear almost directly below Saturn. Meteors: On any clear night, we may see the occasional meteor or “shooting-star”, as tiny specks of inter-planetary débris burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Sometimes the Earth travels through a cloud of this dust, and we get a meteor-shower; in this case, the meteors all seem to spread out from a single radiant point. One of the most reliable meteor-showers of the year is the Geminid shower, which occurs every December. Geminid meteors may be seen any time between December 7th and 16th. Their radiant point is close to the bright star Castor in Gemini, so it can be seen throughout the hours of darkness, though the best meteor numbers are usually seen after midnight. The peak this year is expected in the early hours of Tuesday 14th, when we might expect to see one meteor every couple of minutes, if the sky is clear. Rates will be poorer earlier in the night, when there will some interference from moonlight. The first week of January brings another good shower, the Quadrantids. The radiant point for this shower is in the now-disused constellation of Quadrans Muralis, between the bright star Vega and the “handle” of the Plough; it’s low in the north at midnight, but climbs high in the east towards dawn. The 2011 peak is expected around midnight on the night of Monday January 3rd, so the best numbers will probably be seen in the early hours of Tuesday morning. There will be no moonlight, so if conditions are good we might hope to see one Quadrantid every two or three minutes.Meanwhile, sporadic (nonshower) meteors can be seen on any night, in any direction. Connemara Stars will continue to be published at the Two Dog Computers website, www. twodogcomputers.com. Watch the skies! John Claró
Connemara View Newspaper
Alternative Energy & Plumbing
Education & Courses
Airflow Renewable Energy Solutions, Ballybrit, Galway. 091-764-761.www.airflowireland.ie. Daikin air to water heat pumps. Ground source geothermal heat pumps. IVT heat recovery ventilation. Solar panels. System design & project support. Domestic & commercial. SEAI approved. Cut your oil bill by two-thirds with solar powered water heating. Call Michael Carey for a free no obligation quote. Testimonials from satisfied customers available. SEAI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com. Liam Shannon Plumbing & Heating Contractor. SEI Registered contractor for Home Energy Savings Scheme. Specialists in oil, gas & renewable energy heating systems. Solar panels. Boiler maintenance/service. Sheeauns, Cleggan 086-248-8853. liamshannon@eircom.net.
Yoga Classes Clifden commencing Tuesday 11th of January: 6.15pm Beginner/Gentle Yoga, 8pm Continuation Yoga. Pregnancy Yoga, Moyard, Wednesday 12th of January 7pm. Contact Aoife Lydon on 086-842-1400. “Dusty Banjos” Trad session for learners (adults). Learn tunes, play music with other people. Friendly relaxed atmosphere, slow pace. Suit all melody instruments. €5/ night. Tuesdays 7.30pm – The Bens Music Shop, Clifden. Info – Heather: 095-44845. New faces always welcome! Interested in making music? Develop your musical skills with Eithne Hannigan M.A. Soloist: Some like it Hot. Tuition offered for Violin and Piano, all levels of skill are welcome. One on one or small groups. Eithne focuses on the development of individual technique, so that the excitement of music making, be it Jazz, Trad, Country, Classical or Rock can be enjoyed. For further information contact 087-768-4921 or ehannigan@eircom.net.
Automotive D&N Auto Store. Galway Road. Full selection of oils for marine, motor and agriculture. Motor and tractor parts. Specialising in numberplates: custom, legal and personalised for weddings, hens, birthday’s etc. www.irishnumberplates.ie. Open Mon-Sat. 095-30615. 087-274-4165. info@irishnumberplates.ie.
Bike Rental Mannion’s Bikes. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160. Adult & children bikes (new & used), rentals, service and accessories. Special Offers throughout December. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 10am-12pm.
Books & Periodicals The Clifden Bookshop, Main St. Stockists of a wide selection of maps, walking books, guides, memoirs, local histories and an extensive range of latest titles, art materials, cards & stationery. Now stocking Connemara 2011 Calendar, exclusive to the Clifden Bookshop. Come in and pick up our 2010 Christmas Catalogue. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. 095-22020 Open Mon/Sat 10am - 6pm. Sun 11.30 -4.30pm. King’s Paper Shop, Main Street. Newspapers, magazines, lotto, greeting cards, postcards, stamps, toys, sweets, ice cream, gifts … and more! Contact 095-21119.
Building Contractors Coal, Firewood, Fuel & Oil Diamonds Renvyle. For all your Farm & Home Heating Needs. Hay, Equi Haylage, Straw, Shavings, Animal Feeds, Fencing, Drainage, Steel, Gates, Stakes, Concrete Products Cement, Coal, Briquettes, Pellets, Eco Logs, Sand, Gravel. For Coal & Briquettes: Free Delivery throughout Connemara. Call 095-43486/43638. The Oil Company. The local call for your home heating oil. Call Clifden 095-22636 or Galway 091-555-999 or see www.theoilcompany.ie.
Computers & IT Carpentry Newman Carpentry Services. All carpentry work undertaken by experienced tradesman. Fitted doors, kitchens, stairs, decking, built in wardrobes, PVC fascia and soffit, wooden floors, 2nd fixing and general maintenance. Competitive rates – Display units made to order. Contact Paddy Newman on 086-316-5978 or 095-44931.
Catering A la Carty Catering: For all your home catering needs contact Joe and Olive Carty. 095-22842. 087-260-5961. alacartycatering@gmail.com.
Chimney Cleaning John Hynes Chimney Cleaning. Professional service for open fires, ranges, stoves etc. Call John or Scott on 091-555-317. 087-231-5401.
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Education & Courses Crochet Club by Peggy Mannion. 7 week course on Monday nights starts January 17th 8-10pm at the Elm Tree Centre, Clifden. €70. A second 7 week course starts March 7th. Contact Peggy on 086-882-6120. Shooting Lessons: From the complete novice to the most experienced gun with Shane Bisgood. Coaching for over 30 years in Ireland & the Americas. Call 086-279-5118 or email: shanebisgood@eircom.net.
Employment & Opportunities Boat Charter business based in Bunowen, Ballyconneely doing guided tours and angling seeks an adminstrative individual to assist in marketing, taking bookings and to facilitate our website. Experience necessary. The individual would work from their own home. Send CV to ECHO Tourism & Angling, Thomas Stuffle, Bunowen, Ballyconneely. Need help with typing and editing of papers for school, cover letters to prospective employers, and/or CVs? Professional with 20 years of business and academic experience can help you meet your deadlines. Reasonable rates. Please call 087-693-9902. Pub staff required for busy Irish pub in Naples, Florida, U.S.A. For details contact Paddy Yank McDonagh. 001-239-370-8343. paddyyank@yahoo.com.
Farming Diamonds of Renvyle, 095-43486 Farm supplies - Animal feeds - Builders supplies – Free delivery throughout Connemara. Diamonds Equestrian Centre & Connemara Pony Farm, www.theconnemarapony.com Home of many prizewinning Connemara ponies. Ride the Renvyle Peninsula on horseback: beach, mountain & bog trails. Top Class Connemara ponies for sale. Need a stake and wire fence or maintenance? A stone wall for REPS? Call 087-759-4403 for reasonable rates. Galway Quads, Boley, East Barna. Farm Quads, Buggies, Parts and Accessories. Contact Keith on 087-988-6514, keith@galwayquads.com or see www.galwayquads.com. Get Henpecked! Coops & runs for your chickens. Visit our website at www.henpecked.ie or call Brian Casey in Cleggan on 087-249-8097 or 095-44924.
Financial / Legal Recession Busting Review: Why not avail of our Free financial review to see if we can save you money on all your insurances. Then you will know for sure you are getting the best deal. Call Hennelly Finance on 091-586-500
or call Helena on 086-809-5607. Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Therese Thornton, Solicitor, Clifden, Co. Galway. Professional, comprehensive legal service at reasonable rates. Call 087-262-5385 or email ThereseThornton@gmail.com for advice or a quote with no obligation.
Food & Wine An Bhean Feasa Health Store. Market Street, Clifden. Organic wholefoods, nutritional supplements, herbs, natural remedies, organic face and body care. 095-30671. Clifden Fruit & Veg. Main Street, Clifden. 086-836-5864. Full selection of fruit and vegetable at great prices. Now selling an extensive range of animal feeds. Connemara Hamper. Lower Market Street, Clifden. Large selection of Irish and European farmhouse cheeses. Organic wines. Fruit and vegetables. Freshly baked breads and baguettes. Gourmet lunches and Illy coffee to go. Winter Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 10-5pm. 095-21054. Des Moran Family Butchers. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21232. Home of the national award winning sausages, white pudding and black pudding. Catering to all of your meat and poultry needs. Jagur Organic. Get organic fruit and vegetables from your local organic grower. Available in the Countryshop Letterfrack and the Connemara Hamper, Clifden. From October 2010 to April 2011 we will have no market stall at Clifden Square. You can visit us on our farm and buy direct from the farm. Call Linda or Vincent at 095-44855. SuperValu. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Christmas Opening Hours: 17th: 8am-10pm, 18th: 8am-9pm, 19th: 9am-7pm, 20th to 23rd: 8am-10pm. Christmas Eve: 8am6pm. Closed Christmas Day and St. Stephens Day. Reopens Dec 27th 9am-7pm, 28th to 30th: 8am-9pm. New Years Eve: 8am-6pm and New Years Day: 10am-7pm.
Framing The Bens Music Shop, Bridge Street, 095-22680 or 086-103-1154. Picture Framing: Certs, Canvas Art, Box Frames, Photos etc… Made to size. Johnchristopheroreilly@eircom.net West Shore Studio Picture Framing Oughterard. Complete Framing Service by Guild Commended Framer. Framing of Memorabilia, Baby shoes, football shirts etc. 086-819-0908.
Gutters Gannon Gutters. Ivan Gannon. Roscahill. 087-777-0903
Information Services & Media Does your partner? Call you names, constantly criticise you? Control your access to money/phone/car etc? Monitor your time, threaten you and the children? If so you may be in an abusive relationship. For free, friendly, confidential advice and support call D.V.R. 091-866-740. Connemara AA. Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30pm. Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30pm. Fridays, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays, Clifden Day Centre 12 noon. Clifden Citizens Information Centre. Free and confidential service to the public. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-22000. 087-130-1100. Thurs 7-8pm. Friday 10.30am- 3.30pm. Connemara Community Radio. Letterfrack. 095-41616. AWARE Depression Support Group meetings take place at the FORUM Office (upstairs), Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on the 1st Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact Margaret 095-21741 afternoons except Tuesday for more details.
Insulation West Coast Insulation. Your local cavity wall and attic insulation specialists. Eco bead Platinum. Special Offer: Free BER Assessment . Grants available. Call us on 087142-1414. Patrick & John Folan, Letterfrack. westcoastinsulations@gmail.com. Martin Courcey Construction Ltd. Knockbrack, Cleggan. SEAI registered contractor for dry-Lining Insulation, attic and roof Insulation. Grants available. Call 095-44606 or 086-816-1885. mcourceyconstruction@yahoo.co.uk
Items to Buy, Sell or Rent Farm Quad for sale. 05 Honda, New Model, 4x4, 350TRX, Manual. Fully serviced with good tyres. €3,750. Call Keith at Galway Quads on 087-988-6514.
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For Sale: 00 Toyota Corolla NCT till December 2012. New tyres, battery and fully serviced €1,700. For further information call 086-199-2888. For Sale: 04 Yamaha 450, 4x4, Fully serviced, Tyres 80% new. €3,000. Call Keith on 087-988-6514. Adly 2 wheel drive, high and low. Like new, demo model. 1yr warranty was €4,700 now €3,000. Call Keith on 087-988-6514. For Sale: 03 Nissan Micra, 5 door. €2,500. For further information call 086-199-2888. Big Red Farm Quad. 300cc, Fully serviced, New Tyres, €2,000. Call Keith on 087-988-6514. Sell Your Gold locally without risking the post in a secure retail environment in Clifden. Gifts by Grace is the local agent for goldparty.ie and the staff have been professionally trained to assay, evaluate and weigh your precious gold items so that you can turn them into cash. Contact Grace Joyce to arrange a private and confidential appointment. Gifts by Grace, Courthouse Square, Clifden. 095-22101 or see www.goldparty.ie.
Local Books Historical Sketchbook: Listed Buildings of Connemara. Vol. 1: Connemara Heritage book by local historian Breandan O Scanaill and illustrated by local artist Lol Hardiman. Available from Clifden Bookshop or online at www.connemaraview.com. New Book: Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising ‘My Great Walk Across Ireland’ by Daniel Sammon. www. walkacrossireland.com. 095-43492 or 087-260-2717. Second edition of ‘Recipes from the Connemara Loop’ . The book contains stunning pictures & makes a very affordable gift or keepsake. €2.95. Available from outlets along the Connemara Loop. Order on-line from www. goconnemara.com. All proceeds from the sale of this book are invested back into the Connemara Loop.
Locksmith Need your locks changed? Give Martin Casey a call on 087-276-6924.
Metalworks Joyce Steelworks, Moyard. Industrial and General Engineering. Wrought Iron Gates, Railings, Balconies, Doors, Conservatives steel, Light structure steel, Fire Escape, Carport etc… Call 086-890-3166.
Musicians New 4 piece band available for Christmas Parties in your home or pub. Mystic Four includes Paul Mulligan, lead vocal and guitar; Fion Conneely, percussion; Corey O’Toole, guitar; Sarolta Siom, violin. Very experienced musicians. Contact Paul on 086-406-3653 or Fion on 086-409-0075.
Office Supplies & Photocopying
Video Vault, Main Street, 095-22033. More than just movies. A4 and A3 colour photocopying. Internet access, VHS / camcorder transfer to DVD, faxing, laminating and disc repair. Open 7 days until late. King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. A4 and A3 colour photocopying. Faxing. Laminating. Extensive selection of office supplies.
Painting Painting and Decorating: Interior and exterior, timber floors sanded and varnished. Neat and tidy job guaranteed. Also offering garden and lawn maintenance service. Competitive rates. References available. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle, 086-857-0302.
theConnemaraDirectory
Pets, Animals & Ponies
premises includes reception, office/consulting rooms, storeroom and toilet. Ideal for professional rooms. Larger unit would also suit retail or office use. Available immediately. Enquiries to 095-21066 (Sinead) or 095-21888 (Martina).
Properties – BER
Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033. VHS to DVD transfer. Disc repair: 5 discs repaired for €10. Photos restored, rescued & reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to CD, ready for print. Open 7 day.
Selling your house, renting long-term or applying for SEAI Grants? Then you must have a Building Energy Rating. Contact Oliver Coyne today! 095-35813. 086-238-4195. olivercoyne@gmail.com. Listed on the SEAI Register of BER assessors. Book now for your Building Energy Rating certificate. Buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. Carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Call Sinead at Matt O’Sullivan Estate Agents on 095-21066 or property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.
Public Notices
Plant Hire
Clifden Animal Rescue. Good homes required for 3 friendly kittens 10 weeks old. Litter trained. Please call 087-249-9849. Connolly’s Boarding Cattery near Rossaveal. Open all year for long or short stays. Designed for the safety and comfort of cats following FAB guidelines. All cats must be vaccinated and males neutered. Tel. Maureen on 086-398-8179 or 091-572-000 or visit www.purr.ie. Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue are looking for a good homes for an adult friendly, neutered, male ginger cat and also 2 adorable b&w male kittens. Call 086-354-2451.
Photography & DVD Services Professional Connemara based photographer available for all occasions. Weddings, family portraits, functions and corporate events. Ideal packages for wedding couples on a budget. Text or call 086-046-5542 for rates or see www. martinmaguirestills.com.
Properties Flat to Let: One bedroom Flat in Bridge Street, available immediately. 086-266 4542 1 Bedroom Flat to rent in Clifden. Suit couple or single person. Please call 087-137-0153 for more details. For Rent: 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and rooms to let, 5 minutes walk from Clifden town centre, fully furnished. 095-44924 or 087-249-8097. Commercial premises/professional rooms to let. Clifden Town. Two separate well-appointed premises to let (840 sq. ft. and 420 sq. ft). Prominent location in town. Each
Quads Galway Quads, Boley, East Barna. Farm Quads, Buggies, Parts and Accessories. Contact Keith on 087-988-6514, keith@galwayquads.com or see www.galwayquads.com.
Restorations Church-Castle and Monument. Architectural and ecclesiastical restoration and conservation. Statues repair and repainting. Marble altar works. Stained glass windows. Outdoor statues. Towerbells and clocks. Fountains. Crypts. Church furniture. Stations of the Cross. Vestments. Chalices and monstrances. Grotto statues. Sandblasting and metal engineering works etc. Purchasing-Statue showroom. Michele Thierbach G.R.A.D. www.ars-ecclesia. com. 091-556-735.
Sand, Gravel & Stone Corbett Stone. Natural Connemara building stone. 095-21744. 086-247-5619. www.corbettstone.com. Cut stone by the bag or hand picked at rock bottom prices. Any 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.
Septic Tanks Septic tank emptied: All areas covered. 086-379-1015 (24 Hour Service). Permit number: WCP-M0-10-6050-01.
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Sheds
Clifden CIC Know Your Rights I have just finished 12 months on Jobseeker’s Benefit. I have applied for a means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance but I was told that I’m not eligible because of my partner’s earnings. We live together but we are not married and we split our expenses equally. I don’t understand why we are assessed as a married couple? Signs Traditional Irish sign writing by ‘Studio Nicholas Connemara’. Moycullen-Tullokyne. www.studio-michele.com. www.nicholas-antiques.com. 091-556-735. 087-220-3898.
Taxi Service
Tyres Omey Tyres. Connemara’s 1st complete mobile tyre fitting centre. Recession beater: Wholesale prices on new tyres. Best prices guaranteed. 24 Hour - 7 Days. Service throughout Connemara. Now stocking wipers, bulbs, batteries and oil. Contact Daniel Ryan on 095-44979 / 086-831-3462 or omeytyres@hotmail.com.
The Department of Social Protection treats married and unmarried couples in the same way. They assess the total income of the household rather than the circumstances of the individual claimant. This means that if you are married or living with someone as husband and wife, the means of
Website Design: Creative, professional and affordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack. To view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign.com. Phone Caroline Herriott on 086-079-1918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com.
Wedding Services
TV/Satellite/Broadband Free to to air satellite service from Harrington Electrical Connemara. Full standard installation with box and dish €160. Hundreds of free to air channels. Call Paul on 087-144-1118 or see harringtonselectrical.com.
your spouse or partner are also taken into account. The Department of Social Protection uses detailed definitions and criteria to assess whether a couple is cohabiting and you can read these online at welfare.ie. How the means of a couple are assessed differs slightly depending on the payment applied for. If you are applying for Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance or Farm Assist, your household income is assessed by deducting your total household means from what would be the maximum payment for someone in your circumstances (the personal rate plus full increases for any adult and child dependants). If your spouse or partner is in insurable employment, a disregard of €20 a day applies to them for a maximum of 3 days a week (maximum €60 a week) and 60% of the balance is assessed. Other income or assets (apart from your own home) are also assessed. Sometimes a certain amount of income or income from particular sources is not taken into account. This is referred to as an income disregard. For example, Child Benefit is always disregarded. If your spouse/partner is getting a social welfare payment in their own right, your means are taken to be half of the total means of yourself and your spouse or partner. In this case, you would not get a full payment for qualified children but you may get a half payment for them. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service. Tel: 095-22000 and 087 130-1100. Email: clifden@ citinfo.ie. Open: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 10:30 to 3:30 2nd Floor, Credit Union Building, Seaview, Clifden. Information is also available at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890-777-121. (Please note we will be closed for two weeks from Monday December 21st for Christmas and New Year)
Connemara View Newspaper 7,500 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888 087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com
Vintage and modern cars available for weddings, social or corporate travel and airport transfers. Our rare and unique cars are fully PSV licensed and insured. Special midweek rates. Visit our website or call us on 091-506-896 or 087-990-2294. www.getawaylimos.com. Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. Professional, friendly service. Two camera operators digitally capture your big day while blending into the background. Portfolio and references available. Package includes 4 copies of the edited video. Packages to suit every budget. Renvyle. 095-43756. 086-406-2394. fiddisco@mac.com www.fiddisco.com.
Welding Mobile Welding Service: Marine and industrial repairs general fabrication, sheds, cladding, roofing, gates, doors, ailings etc… Contact John Kelly on Mob: 087-150-2705, Days: 095-44750 Evening: 095-44800.
Windows
Websites
Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Advertising/Admin: Paula Bann Contributors:
John Amenhauser, Tom Broderick, Judy Cazabon, John Cláro, Charles Conneely, Marty Conneely, Brid Connell, Bernie Coyne, Derek Cullen, Margaret Curley, Richard De Stacpoole, Andrew Downes, Samanatha Flaherty, Paul Gannon, Philip Gooding, Rosemary Hanley, Eithne Hannigan, Sean Heanue, Tomás Higgins, John Holmes, Paul Hughes, Bernie Jeff ries, P.K. Joyce, Ashleen Keady, Anna Marie King, Padraic Lyden, Joachim Lydon, Justin Mac Innes, Brendan Madden, Declan Mannion, Ann Mitchell, Roisin Nee, Seán Ó Mainnín, Margaret O’Malley, Susan O Leary, Breandan O Scanaill, Maurice O Scanaill, Matt O’Sullivan, Susan Pryce, Caitlín Seoige, Dolores Staunton, Mary MacNamara Vaughan, Martina Walker, Harry Walsh, Marie Walsh, Damian Ward, Paul Wood.
Plus many local schools, groups & organisations.
Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Bridge St. 09522194. 086-404-3125. Website design & development.
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Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor: Catherine Pryce
Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.
December 2010
theConnemaraDirectory
Fitness PK1 Kickboxing & Connemara Judo Club, Ross, Moyard. Monday: Women self defense classes 8-9pm. Tuesday: Boys kickboxing U18yrs 7-8pm, Mens kickboxing 18yrs+ 8-9pm. Wednesday: Girls kickboxing U18yrs 7-8pm, Womens kickboxing 18yrs+ 8-9pm. Thursday: Tumble Judo U6yrs 5-6pm, Judo for 6-12yrs 6-7pm, Adults Judo 7-8pm and mixed adults kickboxing 8-9pm. €25 a month. Call Luigi on 087-053-3267. Martial art classes at the Connemara Judo Academy in the Clifden Town Hall on Saturdays, we cater for children from 7yrs to 14yrs, youth and adults 15yrs to 60 yrs, contact Paraic on 086-356-5590, or enrol for classes on Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm in the Clifden Town Hall. Clifden Station House Leisure Centre. 095-30433. leisure@ clifdenstationhouse.com. Fitness classes (open to non members): swimming lessons, Aqua aerobics, circuit training, Pilates, personal training. Contact 095-30433 or email leisure@clifdenstationhouse.com.
Beauty
Health Store
Anna’s Nail Bar & Tanning Salon is going mobile from the 1st January 2011. Same Great Products… Same Great Prices! Call Anna on 087-624-6863. The Diamond Hair Studio, Letterfrack. 095-41999. New colour range Tigi Colour. Wide range of products: Matrix, Goldwell, Bed Head Tigi, Cloud Nine… all at affordable prices! Christmas Club now open. Gift Vouchers, Gift Sets and Hair Straighteners. Catering for weddings, debs and parties. Open Tues to Sat 9.30-6pm. Hair Gallery, Bridge St, 095-21901. 20% off Colouring on Mondays. Now available Christmas Gift vouchers and Product Gift box sets. Open Mon to Sat 9.30-6pm (late night Thurs and Fri by appt). Call in for a free consultation. Hedz, Station House Courtyard, 095-22202. International Haircare Locally. Hedz is now a Flagship TIGI Salon. TIGI Style Night: December 10th 7-9pm. Clifden Hedz Academy: Cutting and colouring courses starting midJanuary see clifdenhedzacademy.com for further details. Open Tues-Sat 9-6pm, late night Friday till 9pm. Renew Beauty & Spa, Station House Courtyard. Dermalogica Limited Edition Sets ! Clean and Refresh: PreCleanse with two free gifts. Eye Revitalise: Intensive Eye Repair with two free gels. Smooth and Renew: Gentle Cream Exfoliate with two free gels. Call 095-21881 for further information. Sior Og Skincare & Beauty Clinic, 1 Aras Ghuaire, Letterfrack. Winter Warmer Special: Soothing facial, a hot oil back massage plus french polish €65. Christmas Voucher Special: Every €50 spent receive €10 FREE. Selection of gift sets available. Product lines include Dermalogica, CND, Shellac, MAC Make-Up, Fake Bake spray tan, Cosmetic Bright Teeth whitening system. Open Tues to Sat 10-6pm. Late opening Fri until 8pm. 095-41856. 086-386-3296. The Treatment Rooms at Abbeyglen Castle, Sky Rd, Clifden. Hot stone massage, indian head massage, reflexology, Zen spa pedicure/manicure, waxing and California tanning. 15% off all treatments every Wednesday, Shellac €30 and Yonka facial plus free starter pack €65. Open 9-6 Mon to Sat. Sun 12-5. Non residents welcome. 095-21306.
cess through releasing energy blockages in and around the body. Four day treatment €200 in Moycullen or Clifden. Contact Jason 085-770-7237 or jason@dreaminglove.net Damien Stoney. Neuromuscular Therapist ANMPT. Sports, deep tissue & relaxation massage, dry needling, physical therapy. Change sensations in your body. 087-125-2578. Reiki / Seichem. Experience the calm & healing energies of this beautiful treatment, which is drug free & non-invasive. These powerful energies can heal one on the mental, emotional, spiritual & physical levels. Qualified Reiki / Seichem master & practitioner. Call Yvonne for appointment. 086-365-3266.
Health Insurance
Courses / Seminars 5 Rhythms Movement Meditation Practice with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphádraig. Workshop retreats at the Tranquillity Room, Kylemore Pass Hotel: The five rhythms are explored deeply and purposefully, allowing the dancer to identify how they relate to their individual body, mind, heart and spirit. Next workshop 19th December : Peace and Quiet. Cost €65. For more information contact: Deora Dé, Finisglen, Recess, Connemara. 095-34664 or info@ deorade.com or see www.deorade.com.
Counselling Counselling and psychotherapy. 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 087-250-5015. Email: unamckeever21@gmail.com. Psychotherapy and counselling, diploma in psychotherapy. For further enquires or appointments contact Monica Lydon on 087-641-1625 or monicalydon@hotmail.com.
Why pay more than you have to for your health insurance? No penalties if you switch. All served waiting periods are recognised by Hibernian Aviva Health. Call Hennelly Finance on 091-586-500 or call Helena on 086-809-5607. Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator.
Opticians Ní Ráighne Opticians, Bridge Street, Clifden. 095-30995. niraighneopticians@eircom.net. Offers an extensive range of optical products and services. Stockists of high quality fashion eyewear. Prices to suit everyone!
Weight Loss Weight Loss Clinic: System 10 is a scientific based weight loss programme designed to correct your metabolism faults and is rapidly becoming Ireland’s most popular weight loss plan. Private weigh ins, constant tracking and motivation included on all plans. Clinics every Thursday at Renew clinic, Station House Clifden. For more information contact System10 Consultant Grace Joyce on 087-172-7882.
Dental
Cancer Care Clifden Outreach Service by Cancer Care West at the Clifden Health Centre opposite Clifden Hospital on the 4th Thursday of every month. Drop-in, information and support service. 091-545-000. www.cancercarewest.ie.
Complementary Health Bio Energy Healing. Physical, mental & emotional dis-ease shows up as resistance in our energy field. Bio Energy Healing helps re-establish your own natural healing pro-
theConnemaraDirectory
December 2010
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December 2010
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