October 2009 Connemara View by Connemara View Publishing

Lisbon Treaty Survey: The Sequel On Friday September 25th, the Connemara View conducted a straw poll on how Connemara planned to vote in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty Referendum. Over the course of two and a half hours at SuperValu Clifden, 232 individuals participated. 47% marked ‘YES’ on the ballot provided. 30% marked ‘NO’,

while 23% chose ‘NOT SURE’. The result of the Connemara View straw poll conducted prior to the 2008 Lisbon referendum was ‘NOT SURE’: 42%; ‘NO’ 30%; ‘YES’ 23%. Voting day for the second Lisbon Treaty referendum is Friday, October 2nd.

CSI Monster Public Meeting Thursday, October 1st CSI Clifden are holding a public meeting tonight, Thursday October 1st, in the Station House Hotel at 8pm. This event will give everybody in the communityy an opporpp tunity to ﬁnd out what stage the plans for the new school building are at. Over the last six months CSI Clifden have been actively lobbying the local and national political representatives to pursue this important issue. You are

requested to attend this meeting to show your support for a new “ﬁt for purpose” secondary school. This meeting is your chance to address our councillors and politicians in person to debate and convey your support for this long overdue project. Your presence will strengthen our message – “We need a new school building sooner rather than later!” www.csiclifden.com.

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October 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2009

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REGIONAL Derrylea Road Closure Galway County Council have given notice that the N59 road between the townlands of Derrylea and Gowlan West will be closed temporarily as an emergency measure, in the interests of public safety and for works to be carried out on the realignment of the N59 at Derrylea from 7p.m.to 7a.m. from Monday 5th to Thursday the 8th of October.

Community School Parents Association AGM Clifden Community School Parents Association is holding their AGM on Wednesday 7th October at 8.00 pm in the Community School. All parents are asked to attend this important AGM. We especially invite new parents of ﬁrst year students to become involved with the association.

Connemara Community Radio AGM The 10th Annual General Meeting of Connemara Community Radio will take place at the Radio Station in Letterfrack on Wednesday October 7th at 8pm. All members are invited to attend and new members are also very welcome and encouraged to attend. A free course titled An Introduction to Community radio is being oﬀered by Connemara Community Radio Tuesday October 13th from 7:30 to 9pm. All are welcome to attend and the evening will involve a talk and demonstration on how the radio station operates and oﬀer more information for anyone who would like to get involved with the station.

Animal Rescue Fundraiser A sale in aid of Renvyle Animal Rescue will be held on Sunday October 25th at the Ellis Hall, Letterfrack from 10am to 3pm. Home baking, books, toys, bric-a-brac, curios, clothes, household items and much more will be on sale and all are welcome as ever. Thank you for helping us to help animals. Judy Lawrence

The virus affects oysters imported from other countries, but does not to spread to native oysters, according to Lisa Fitzpatrick of the Marine Institute. Mortalities in this stock have ranged from 15 to 95 percent. The role of OsHV1 in the mortality is unclear as a number of parameters remain to be explored. It is however, probable that the herpes virus has played some part in mortalities, possibly in conjunction with certain bacterial pathogens and probably in conjunction with other environmental parameters. For example, heavy rains, and high temperatures are all likely to have had an impact on the overall levels of mortalities. The Marine Institute must be notified prior to any imports in line with fish health regulations, to ensure that the Institute can check the clinical status of the site / area of origin prior to import. The main hatcheries in France have undergone voluntary tests for OsHV1 and importers should request the results of this testing before importing. It is also recommended that importers request that screening is carried out on the batch of oysters they intend to import for additional reassurance. For more information on fish health regulations visit www. marine.ie/fishhealth.

Event Management Course GPA Solutions, in association with the Clifden 2012 Committee, are delivering an Event Management Course in Clifden commencing October 20th for one day a week over 4 weeks. The objective of this FETAC certified course is to provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to the Events Industry. A full overview of how the events industry operates and functions will be covered. This course is delivered by an experienced tutor in event organisation. The content is extensive including Planning, Designing and Producing an Event to the Legal and Risk Aspects of Event Management. Brendan Madden of GPA Solutions said at the launch of the details of this course “We are delighted to be in a position to offer this very interesting and worthwhile course. It will benefit those already in the industry and will be of extreme use to those in community and volunteer groups.” For more information contact GPA Solutions on 095-22377 or email info@gpasolutions.com.

Trails Day Walks No Oyster Mortalities in Connemara National Sunday October 4th will see over 100 events taking place

Thirteen bays in Ireland have reported oyster mortalities to the Marine Institute since June of this year. To date, there have been no reports from bays in Connemara. Mortalities have aﬀected principally seed and juvenile oysters brought into Ireland, particularly imports from France. Results have shown the presence of herpes virus, OsHV1. There is no known impact on human health.

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nationwide as part of National Trails Day 2009. A brief guide to the trails in this region is detailed below. Inishbofin will feature in the events schedule for the first time with the guided West End Loop Walk, which will start at 12:30pm and lasting 2-3 hours, organized by Inishbofin Arts and Tourism. A ferry will depart Cleggan at 11:30 and return at 4pm, with a crossover time of 35 minutes. The meeting point is the community centre. Pre-registration is required for this walk. Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltacht Teoranta have organised two walks. A Guided Family Bog Walk will take place in Minna, Indreabhán and will be a linear walk in a peaceful bogland setting on a solid tarmac road suitable for kids and buggies with very little traffic. The meeting point is Minna Church Car park at 12 noon and the walk will take approximately 90-120 minutes. A Village Coastal Loop walk will take place in Spiddal. This walk will go along the shores of Galway Bay leading on to the townland of Bothúna towards the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of cut away bog and rock overlooking the Aran Islands and Co. Clare. It will take place between 2 and 4pm, meeting at the Sean Céibh An Spidéal carpark and is suitable for adults and teenagers but not young children or buggies. Derroura Mountain Bike trail on the N59 near Oughterard, will host a Beginners Mountain Bike Ride with 3 one hour rides at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm with advice and encouragement from members of West Coast Wheelers Cycling Club. Participants must supply their own bikes and helmets and they should be in good working order. Mountain bikes are also available to hire from Seamus Mc Donagh, Derroura Mountain Bike Hire at 087-697-5411. The experienced WCW mountain bikers will lead participants on an hour long cycle using the final 3 sections of the Derroura Mountain Bike Trail, which take in twisty single track, elevated boardwalks, and some fire-road climbs. All the trails are rideable by anyone who can ride a bike, but, given the nature of mountain biking, participants must wear a properly fitting helmet, and it is advisable to wear gloves. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív will officially open walking and family cycling trails that connect the villages of Clonbur and

October 2009

Cong with the National trails Day event starting at 2pm, meeting at the Coillte Carpark Clonbur. The walk takes 3 hours from Clonbur to Cong but shorter routes are also available, and pre registration is required if you require a lift back to your car at the end of the walk as a mini-bus will operate to ferry walkers. Leaders and maps will be available for the walks and cycles and light refreshments will be available in both Cong and Clonbur to celebrate the oﬃcial opening of the trails. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn and brought to any events and contact details for each event and more information is available from www.nationaltrailsday.ie.

Research Your Family Tree The Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society will hold a one day Genealogical Seminar on Saturday 7th November. This seminar will take place in the Station House Theatre. It is designed as an introduction to researching your family, and drawing up a family tree. A number of speakers will look at the various sources, which can be accessed in the Galway area. The programme for the day is as follows: Getting Started-Marie Mannion, Heritage Oﬃcer, Galway County Council. Genealogical sources in Galway County Library and on the Internet-Maureen Moran, Galway County Library. Genealogical sources in NUIG-Marie Boran, NUIG. Church Records and internet Sources-Siobhan McGuinness, Assistant Coordinator/Researcher, Galway Family History Society West Ltd. Introduction to drawing up a family tree-Anne Greaney, Western Family History Association. The seminar is open to anyone, and will cost €5. For further information or to book a place please contact either of the following: Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill at, vtk@eircom.net or 095 -22746. Breandan O Scanaill at breandanoscanaill@eircom.net or 095-21148. The society hopes to run similar seminars, but with extended information and possibly day trips to Galway or further aﬁeld if there is enough interest.

Astronomy Star Party at National Park Galway Astronomy Club in conjunction with Professor Mike Redfren from the Centre for Astronomy are pleased to announce that they will be holding a special Public Star party at Connemara National Park Carpark on the ﬁrst clear night, starting on Friday October 9th to Sunday October 11th from 9pm-11pm. Professor Redfern will announce details in a special interview on all there is to see in the Night Sky on Thursday October 8th on Connemara Community Radio. There will be lots to see all evening including open clusters, galaxies, planetary nebulae, coloured and double stars as well as the planets Jupiter, Neptune and the Moon (Weather Permitting). Please be sure to dress warmly, wearing lots of layers, as Autumn nights can get quite cool! For evening updates tune into Connemara Community Radio or see our website at http:// galwayastronomyclub.blogspot.com/

US Green Card Lottery Do you want to live and work in the US? If so, Galway Youth Information Centre can help you. Entries for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme (DV-2011) will be processed free of charge at GYIC from Friday, October 2nd until Monday November 30th. This programme makes 50,000 US Visas available annually to persons meeting the eligibility requirements. Last year, 167 Irish citizens were awarded green cards. For more information, contact GYIC at Ozanam House, St Augustine St. Tel: 091562-434. Email: yicgalway@esatclear.ie.

TV Doctor Visits Galway Dr Mark Hamilton of the popular RTE show ‘How long will you live?’ will visit Galway to ﬁlm for his new upcoming series ‘Health of the Nation’. He will be joined by new presenter Dr Nina Byrnes, and together they will be taking a mobile clinic around the country and inviting members of the public to drop in for a diagnosis. They will be tackling general ailments, worries and concerns and all are welcome to visit the clinic for treatment and advice on any medical issues. They are also interested in speaking to anyone whose lifestyle has been aﬀected by alcohol consumption. The Galway Clinic will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Eyre Square, Galway on Tuesday the 13th of October. The clinic is free and appointments may be pre-booked. For more information or to book an appointment call 048 90427646 or e-mail info@waddellmedia.com.

Connemara View Newspaper

REGIONAL Design Conference at GMIT Letterfrack GMIT Letterfrack is to host its first furniture design conference, “The Presence of the Past: influences on contemporary Irish furniture design”, at its Connemara campus on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd October 2009. The two-day conference will explore how designs and ideas from the past have influenced and inspired modern designers of furniture in Ireland. It will bring together furniture designers, academics, architects, students and anyone with an interest in Irish design. The keynote address will be given by TV presenter and award-winning architect Duncan Stewart, who will address issues of ecological design and sustainability. Many of Ireland’s leading furniture designers, academics, and writers will also address the event. GMIT Letterfrack students and graduates have contributed significantly to the Irish furniture design and the furniture industry, winning prestigious awards and accolades including, most recently, the Wood Marketing Federation Awards and the Home / Crafts Council of Ireland Student Designer of the Year in both 2008 and 2009. For further information, contact Susan Rogers, Conference Co-ordinator, email: susan.rogers@gmit.ie, tel: 087-285-7281. To register online and for further details including special accommodations rates see: www.gmitletterfrackconference.ie.

Empty Building Finally Utilised A building owned by the HSE in Baile na hAbhann has been finally put to use after laying empty for four years. A dedicated local committee has been lobbying strongly for the building to be used in recent years as they raised substantial funding for it to be built and were strongly supported in their efforts by Cllr Catherine Connolly. At a recent Health Forum Meeting in Merlin Park and in reply to her written question, the HSE West confirmed that 7 Patients will be transferred from Merlin Park in the coming weeks. However it is still not clear exactly who will be running the premises and Cllr. Connolly said she is seeking further information in this regard. The transfer of patients from Merlin Park could also potentially reduce the numbers on the waiting list for admission as there are currently 60 elderly people waiting for a bed in Unit 9A in Merlin Park. Given the history of the situation to date, Cllr. Connolly will also submit a further question for the next Forum Meeting in November to ensure that the transfer has actually gone ahead.

New Pitch Now In Use The new community pitch owned by Foscadh Community Development Ltd at Letterfrack is now in use. Feedback from groups using the pitch has been excellent and the whole development should prove to be an invaluable local amenity in the future as the Tullycross pitch has proven to be over the past 50 years or more. Dressing rooms, showers and toilets will have to be provided, but the withdrawal of government funding for sports facilities means that the provision of such facilities will now take longer to realise. A pitch committee has been set up comprising members of the Foscadh Board and members from the diﬀerent sporting clubs in the parish and the College. They meet on a monthly basis and are putting in place rules and regulations regarding the use of the pitch and safety issues etc.

Wood Energy Initiative Launched The Western Development Commission’s Wood Energy Initiative was launched on September 24th at the National Ploughing Championships by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD. According to the minister the 3-year project has the potential to create up to 1,000 jobs in rural areas and generate an additional €15m per annum. This project is funded under the EU INTERREG Northern Periphery Programme to roll out a renewable energy support programme for rural communities. Speaking at the launch, Minister Ó Cuív said he was “confident that the Wood Energy Initiative will plant the seeds of an indigenous and sustainable enterprise that can put the Western region at the forefront of a burgeoning and diversified rural economy.”

Connemara View Newspaper

New Rural Representative Organisation Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Minister of State, John Curran T.D., confirmed on September 22nd that funding would be made available to support the creation of a single representative organisation for all rural and local development companies, first proposed in late 2008. It is envisaged that the new organisation would supersede Comhar Leader na h-Éireann (CLÉ), PLANET and the Community Partnership Network (CPN). Both Ministers stated that additional time had been given to allow for the submission of final proposals by the three organisations but there was now a need to ensure that the new organisation was in place by November as any further delay would jeopardise funding. Prior to 1st January 2009, there were almost 100 local development companies delivering local or rural development programmes and schemes on behalf of the Department. On foot of a cohesion process completed then, these companies were replaced by 53 companies, most of whom now deliver local and rural development programmes on an integrated basis. Basically, CLÉ represented the rural development or LEADER companies while PLANET and the Community Partnership Network (CPN) represented the others. Funding for the three organisations was provided directly or indirectly by the Department. With the completion of the cohesion process, and in view of the fact that the majority of the new companies now deliver services on an integrated basis, it is agreed that one single representative organisation for the new companies is all that is required. This would also be more efficient and cost effective than current arrangements. The details of the new arrangements are being developed by the three organisations in conjunction with the Department.

occurred at birth to be partially reversed. The Mia’s Hope. ie appeal was launched by family and friends in order to launch the €40,000 needed for the trip. For further information visit www.miashope.ie. Direct donations can be made to AIB Spiddal, sort code 937401 account number 20689053 for information phone 085-821-6609.

Youth In Action Calendar The ever popular Youth In Action calendar is now being prepared for 2010. Photos of family, local events, sporting and community occasions are all welcome and may be submitted to Kathleen De Courcey at Forum Letterfrack by Friday October 9th. All monies raised by the sale of the calendars go towards work with youth in north and west Connemara.

Electricity Conversion Funding Conversions of an electrical supply from Single Phase to Three Phase may now be eligible for funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. A very successful programme was run under the CLÁR scheme which funded the conversion of an electricity supply from Single Phase to Three Phase but had to end due to high demand. Three Phase supply is required for businesses that have any significant usage of electricity and many businesses cannot afford the conversion cost of the upgrade of the lines from Single Phase to Three Phase, thus stunting their growth. Both community based projects and those from private promoters may qualify for grant aid subject to the eligibility criteria of the programme. In relation to the rate of funding, the relevant rates of the Rural Development Programme will apply i.e. for private individual/companies - 50% and for non-profit community based projects - 75%. It is a basic condition that the projects should fit into the Local Area Groups local development strategy.

Grant for GAA A grant of €104,300 has been sanctioned by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív to assist the GAA’s Comhairle Chonnacht in further developing its Training Scheme in the Gaeltacht areas of Connemara and Árainn. Under this scheme, trainers visit Gaeltacht schools, both primary and post-primary, in Conamara and Árainn on a regular basis, teaching football and hurling skills. They work with the same players again over the weekend when the various clubs host training sessions.

GMIT Graduate Award GMIT Letterfrack graduate Diarmuid Murphy, from New Ross, Co. Wexford, has won the prestigious RDS Award of Excellence at the RDS National Crafts Competition, for his entry Smaoineamh (Study Desk). Diarmuid, who graduated with a B. Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Technology in 2008, scooped four awards in total: the RDS New Entrants Prize, The Duﬀ Tisdall Furniture Design Award, RDS Furniture Award and the overall award of excellence worth €7,000. He beat designers in all crafts including Textiles, Ceramics, Glass, Metals and Woodturning/furniture and others.

Mia’s Hope Campaign Continues Eﬀorts to raise enough funds to send two year old Mia Allen from Casla to China for stem cell treatment are continuing in the Connemara and Galway region. Mia was born eight weeks prematurely and suﬀered a number of complications as well as having been recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Stem cell treatment could potentially improve her quality of life and allow brain damage that

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REGIONAL Tidy Towns Results

Clifden

Clifden enjoyed a jump of 10 points in its score from last year thanks to the work of the dedicated Tidy towns committee. The adjudicators gave great praise to the ‘Super Sunday’ and ‘Friends of Tidy Towns’ initiatives and expressed their interest in the development of the ‘imaginative’ Memory Trees project. Once again, the state of the roads in Clifden was a huge problem for the adjudicators: ‘Unfortunately, we have to draw attention forcibly to the wholly unacceptable standard of road surfaces in some places. This was a theme taken up by the adjudicator last year and we have to reiterate his strong concern. In our view many of the roads have exceeded the point of “just” aesthetics and are now unquestionably more a matter of health and safety concerns. While they are allowed to remain in their current state, in a number of locations, a clear danger of potential liability to visitors and locals with its implications for legal actions could well arise. This is particularly so at Bridge St. and Church St’. However, the overall report was extremely positive and Clifden was described as one of the more exciting and interesting Tidy Towns centres to visit. The planning was described as ‘soundly based, and the implementation, measured and appropriate. Many of your ideas are novel and all are successful’. Buildings that came in for particular praise included the Garda Station and the Fire Station, The Tourist Office, Vaughan’s, Belle Blu Boutique, Mitchell’s, Lowry’s, Sea Mist House, Moran’s Medical Hall and Millar’s. A dramatic improvement in litter management was also noted, as well as praise for the provision of wildlife signs on the Beach Rd, Sky Rd and Dooneen. Areas described as needing attention were the sizeable building at the top of Beach Rd, the surrounds of the Town Hall, the old Fire Station and the stables at Hulk St. The final result saw a good jump in points of which the Tidy Towns Group may be justifiably proud.

Leenane On returning to the Tidy Towns competition after a brief absence, Leenane attracted many positive comments and an overall score of 204.The new bridge was described as splendid and many buildings were praised, including the Leenane hotel, the Blackberry Cafe, Hamilton’s Bar, The Grill, the Garda Station,The Convent B&B,the community centre, the school, health centre and church. The cemetery was also described as being ‘maintained to a standard that reflects credit on all involved’. A number of private houses and fine gardens were also praised, and the minor criticisms in the report were mainly directed at the growth of weeds along the base of walls in various locations and vegetation around signage. The adjudicators concluded ‘Your committee and community are clearly motivated to enhance as far as possible the presentation of the village and we look forward to this energy and enterprise being put to good effect in the coming years’.

Letterfrack Letterfrack enjoyed an increase of 9 points on last year, from 222 to 231. The low level dry ﬁll stone walls throughout the village were a particular hit, helping ‘to create an agreeable sense of cohesion’. The appearances of the buildings was worthy of positive com-

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ment, including GMIT, the Garda Station, the Country Shop, the Church and Arus Ghuaire. Residentially, the Heather Hill cottages and the cottages behind Ellis Hall were also praised. The criticisms centred on litter management and control as litter was seen on the road to the visitor centre and the Bottle Bank area ‘was badly marred by disﬁguring litter’. Cluttered signage at the crossroads was again noted. Letterfrack NS was praised for its Green Flag and the adjudicator concluded ‘Nature and history has endowed Letterfrack with many splendid attributes which are being presented today in a suitable and appealing manner’.

Roundstone The Tidy Towns scores for Roundstone continue to rise each year, up to 242 this year in a very positive and encouraging report. The stone ‘Welcome to Roundstone’ signs were described as ‘a delight’ as well as the signs indicating the twinning of the town. The roads and streets were well received, as were the speed limit signs and raised flower beds. Only positive comments were made on the appearance of residences, including Fairgreen Cottages and Fuchsia Lane and the efforts of the committee to remove unsightly and dated signage were also commended and further encouraged. The provision of the waste oil receptacle facility at the harbour was described as an excellent development. Improvement suggestions included: the resurfacing of the car park if at all possible, improving the appearance of the Community hall, the installation of litter bins and picnic tables at Gurteen beach and removing the weeds from the tennis court wire. The adjudicators described Roundstone’s scenery and location as awesome and the ‘efforts to present your village in an appropriate manner and standard are slowly yielding good effects’.

Oughterard Oughterard saw an increase of 4 points from last year and were complimented on placing emphasis on and raising awareness of the Tidy Towns campaign. The adjudicator particularly liked the stone walls throughout the town as well as the old bridge and the mature trees and greenery on the Clifden road side of Oughterard. Oughterard also won the West of Ireland Regional Tidy Towns Best Bring Bank Award, a special competition with a prize of €1,000, sponsored by Repak to recognise community support in maintaining local bring bank sites and assisting in their general appearance and usage. The Golden Mile at Leam was highly praised as was the viewing area overlooking the river and the surrounds of the Catholic

Church. Both national schools were praised for their participation in the Green Flag programme, while private residential houses were also widely appreciated for their appearance. Suggestions were made to improve some signage and litter control while the report concluded ‘the near-by Lough Corrib and its attractions centred on the river are strong positive elements in an overall excellent presentation’.

Clifden Lifeboat Station Over the past few months with an increased amount of leisure activity on the water in our area, our Crews were kept busy on a fairly regular basis. We dealt with services (call-outs) in many areas including High Island, Clifden Bay, Roundstone, Inishnee, Slyne Head, Cleggan and the Area inside Turk and Turbot. Two people had got stranded on High Island when their boat engine failed to start and after a difficult landing due to heavy swell the Atlantic 75 was able to take the people and their boat and tow them to safety in Clifden Bay. This service took place in late June. Between the 17th and 20th of July our boats were called to Roundstone on two occasions. The D-Class was called to check the moorings of a number of Galway Hookers. With the assistance of the Atlantic 75 everything was found to be secure and both boats returned to base and were got ready for whatever task might call them into service. As it turned out it was back to the Roundstone and Inishnee area for the next call-out. Our lifeboats were tasked by the Coast Guard to go to the aid a man who had been seen in the water. This person got safely to shore but the D-Class helped secure the currach and towed the boat to Roundstone. The Atlantic75 which was on route was stood down and both boats returned to base. Within days the Atlantic 75 was required to take up station on a small yacht between Cleggan and Inishbofin and escort the vessel into Cleggan Harbour. In late July a report of a canoeist in difficulty outside Clifden Bay turned out to be a false alarm and the D-Class returned to her base on Clifden Pier. A report of a distress call in our area of operations also had the two boats carrying out wide ranging searches in mid August. Nothing was found and as darkness was falling both boats returned to base. No further distress calls were heard. This was likely a false alarm. Both boats were again launched on the evening of 7th September, in strong wind conditions to go to the aid of a lone sailor

October 2009

who had difficulty at anchor inside Inishturk and was dragging towards the shore. The Atlantic 75 crew took the yacht in tow and brought it safely into Clifden Bay where the crew of the D-Class was waiting to help attach an anchor line to a visitors mooring. Thankfully this service had a happy ending. Our most recent callout was, it seems a false alarm also. The lifeboat service launched both boats, one from Clifden and the other from Bunowen in response to a possible sighting of a flare. Nothing was found and the boats returned to base. Thanks to all the Crewmembers and Shore Staff who responded to the Services over the past few months. Safety Roadshow Visit I was very impressed and indeed delighted to see how many people availed of the opportunity to have a free safety check carried out on their lifejacket/buoyancy aid by experts from RNLI. My own buoyancy aid was found to be faulty and would, in the event of an emergency, not have inflated at all. If you are in any way involved in activities on water, please make sure you have and wear a properly serviced buoyancy aid. Donal O’ Scanaill Lifeboat Press Officer www. clifdenlifeboat.org.

Tragic Death on Mountain The body of a 59-year-old Galway hiker who died after falling from Glenacolly Mountain, Connemara was recovered by Mayo Mountain Rescue on Monday September 28th. The dead man has been named as PJ Fox, a native of Carnmore, who was living in Oranmore. He was an experienced mountain climber and had been among a group which went hiking in the more than 600-metres high peak known as Devil’s Mother near Leenane on the Galway/Mayo border. His brothers Larry and John, who were with him at the time of his fall, trekked across the mountain to a public roadway for more than an hour and raised the alarm on early Sunday evening. Mr Fox was married with three young adult children. May he rest in peace.

Chernobyl Fundraiser Supermac’s have launched a charity drive in aid of The Sunflowers Chernobyl Appeal children’s charity which can be supported in their outlets. When you visit one of the participating Supermac’s restaurants you will have the option of donating €2 into one of their collection boxes at the counter and in return, you will receive a paper sunflower sticker where you can write your name on one side of it. On the sticker it states that “I have helped Supermac’s and the Sunflowers Chernobyl Appeal to change the lives of the Chernobyl Children”. This in turn is stuck to an appropriate wall in the restaurant, using an adhesive strip attached to the back of the sunflower. The overall effect should be an entire wall covered in sunflowers. You can learn more about the Sunflowers charity and their work by logging on to their website on www.chernobylchildren.ie.

Connemara View Newspaper

Top Award for Smokehouse The Connemara Smokehouse & Visitor Centre Ballyconneely has won the coveted accolade of “Best use of Sustainable Local Fish Award” sponsored by Classic Drinks at the Good Food Ireland Awards which took place at the K Club in Straffan, Co Kildare on September 22nd. The lunchtime Irish artisan picnic reﬂected members’ continuous commitment to oﬀering consumers a local food experience and over 300 key representa-

Junior Cert Results Many students received top marks at Clifden Community School in their Junior Certiﬁcate Examination results. Pictured is a group of students just after receiving their results with their Year Head Ms. Sweeney. Photo: Back (l-r): Tara Louise Byrne, Connie Madden, Hazel Corbett, Emma Kane, Josh Stoney, Fergal Moran, Doireann Sheridan, and Ms. Sweeney. Front: Lauren Heanue, Jade Walsh and Charles O’Donoghue. Dressmaking at Dun Gibbons Ten women residents of Dun Gibbons Centre completed an eight week course in Beginner’s Dressmaking on Monday September 28th and were presented with certiﬁcates afterwards by course tutor Patricia Kirwan Doyle. The course was provided as a result of a partnership between the Dun Gibbons Centre, the Co. Galway V.E.C., HSE West, FORUM Connemara and the Galway Refugee Support Group and it is

hoped that similar courses will be oﬀered at the centre in the near future. Garments made by the ladies who took part in the course include trousers, blouses, skirts and dresses and many of the items are modeled by the ladies who made them in the photo here. Photo: The participants of the Beginners Dressmaking course taught by Patricia Kirwan Doyle at Dun Gibbons with their certiﬁcates, and wearing the items they made during the course.

tives from the food and tourism sectors including chefs, restauranteurs, hoteliers, farmers, fishermen and food producers from the four corners of Ireland were in attendance. Beating off stiff competition from Cavistons Food Emporium, Dublin, Fishy Fishy Café, Co Cork , Rathmullan House, Co Donegal, The Burren Smokehouse & Visitor Centre, Co Clare and Ummera Smoked Products of Co Cork, Connemara Smokehouse came out on top. Proud owners Graham and Saoirse Roberts received their award to rapturous applause from almost 300 fellow members and representatives and have now added the award to their many accomplishments and awards to date for their first class gourmet products. Photo (L-r): Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman Good Food Ireland, Winners Saoirse and Graham Roberts from Connemara Smokehouse and presenting the award, Hugh Murray of Classic Drinks.

and Kevin Coyne of Cornamona were among the 70 Irish Red Cross members from all over Ireland who took part in the inaugural seminar for Emergency Medical Technician trainees on World First Aid Day on September 12th. This year sees the Irish Red Cross celebrate its 70th anniversary of service in communities across Ireland by its highlyskilled First Aid and Community Service volunteers. The Red Cross has decided to further increase skill levels by providing higher-level First Aid training to its members by providing them with training to Emergency Medical Technician level. The new higher-level training is being introduced at a time when a new report shows that Ireland has amongst one of the lowest-levels of First Aid knowledge in Europe, with just an estimated ﬁve per cent of people knowing First Aid in Ireland as against 80 per cent in Germany and Austria. Photo courtesy of Michael McDonnell

World First Aid Day Michael O’Sullivan of Lower Salthill, Marie Geary of Henry Street, Galway City

RNLI Head Retires Show Day in Clifden was a lovely sunny day and the Management Committee and as many crew as could make it turned out to wish farewell and a happy retirement to Andrew Freemantle who was stepping down after 10 years in charge of the RNLI. Mr Freemantle and his wife were presented with a gift of smoked salmon by Jackie O’Grady, our station chairman. Peter Bailey then thanked Mr Freemantle for his years of service to RNLI and also wished him a happy retirement. Connemara View Newspaper

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Clifden

Lisbon Treaty Information Evening Connemara Chamber of Commerce hosted an information evening on the Lisbon Treaty last Monday 28th Sept at 8pm in Clifden Station House Theatre. All elected representatives from the Connemara region were invited. Minister Eamon O’Cuiv, Senator Fidelma Healy Eames and Deputy Padraic McCormack spoke in their defence for a Yes vote for the Lisbon Treaty. Representatives from Sinn Fein were in the audience and there were some heated discussions on several aspects of the treaty; military involvement and neutrality; our commissioner; taxation and minimum wage. These were discussed in great detail and all questions were ably ﬁelded by the representatives. The Chamber of Commerce would urge all Connemara people to use their vote this Friday 2nd Oct and for all members to encourage their workforce to vote.

Clifden’s Tidiness Impresses in Oz The tidiness and lack of litter of the town of Clifden was remarked upon recently in a letter from the proprietor of a recycling centre in Aspley in Brisbane, Australia to the Brisbane Chronicle newspaper. The letter praises Ireland for being the first country in the world to ban plastic shopping bags and states ‘the effect this has had on the Irish countryside is noticeable’. The writer continues: ‘If you really want to see litter reduction in action, just visit Clifden, a beautiful town on the west coast of Ireland. Not a scrap of litter, not even a cigarette butt. Clifden is fantastic and its simple litter prevention measure-keep Clifden cleanlitter fine €3000’. The letter writer ended by suggesting that it would ‘be great if some of our local governments adopted this’. The news that Clifden is being praised for its cleanliness on the other side of the world will be appreciated by the ever improving Clifden Tidy Towns campaign and all who

are interested and determined to keep the town looking its best for both visitors and locals alike. For more Connemara Tidy Towns news see page 6.

Kingstown Juniors

Kingstown NS welcomed six new Junior Infants to the school this year. Pictured from (l-r) are: Lydia Mullen, Kian Pryce, Clodagh Abery, Aran Middleton, Matthew Gadaloﬀ and James Conroy.

Library News Pet Photo Competition The winner of the competition was Luke Kelly who received a digital camera; many thanks to Clifden Pharmacy for

this wonderful prize and to Gina Pryce for presenting it on the day. Runners Up: Branwen O’Halloran; Claire Sweeney; Aoife O’Malley; Aoife Scullion; Leah Dyck. Special Commendation: Grace Thornton; Edwina Mannion; Leanne King; Caimen O’Neill; Orlagh Kane; Sarah West; Luke and Alanah Carty; Emma Ridge; Darragh Walsh; Lorcan Gay; Aisling Sealy Phelan. All the winning photos are currently on display in the Library. Summer Reading Quest Pictured below are some of the children who received certiﬁcates for the Summer

sale; much needed funds were raised for the children’s activities in the Library. Arts Week Sculpture On September 18th Gerard Smyth launched Alannah Robin’s sculpture of the Owenglen. This beautiful sculpture in steel represents the Owenglen river and lakes. It is mounted on the ceiling of the arts space in the library. The sculpture is permanent and so can be viewed anytime during library open hours. For Clifden Arts Week events at the library see page 37. Bernie Jeﬀries

Carna

Ballyconneely

New Carna Bus Proposals

Playschool & Afterschool Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service are now enrolling for the school year 2009/2010 providing a warm and friendly environment to develop children’s early learning skills through play. It is a fully insured service with caring, qualified staff. The Playschool runs from 9.30 am to 1 pm from Monday to Friday, catering for children from 2 years and 6 months of age. The children need to be either toilet trained or have started toilet training. Each day starts with “free-play” where children can play with play dough, building blocks, farm toys, dolls, prams, jigsaws, cars and trucks. A schedule of events each day includes activities to help develop children fine and gross motor skills such as scissor and bead work, sand, water play and painting. Weekly, the children participate in home baking. Fees for Playschool start from €1.40 per day, please contact Helen Griffin or Mary Ruddy for further information at 095-23333. The Afterschool runs from 2pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday, catering for children from 4 to 12 years. Children from Ballyconneely National School are collected by the Afterschool Assistant and brought to the Afterschool. A healthy, nutritious meal is served to children based on menus prepared by staff. Teachers help with school homework if the child wishes. Activities include a range of indoor sports held in the hall, board games, puzzles, table football, dancing and home baking. Fees for the Afterschool start at €2.00 per day, please contact Liz Joyce at 095-23333 for more information. The Playschool and Afterschool Services

Death of Sailor Stuns Community There was a great outpouring of sadness and loss expressed at the drowning of Carna man Johnny Sheáin Jeaic Mac Donncha on Saturday September 10th. Johnny was sailing in the gleoiteog McHugh with his brother Josie Sheáin Jeaic MacDonncha (66) and they had been on their way from Kinvara to Rossaveal when the boat got into difficulty near to Kilcolgan Point. A rescue effort by fellow sailors was quickly underway but was sadly unsuccessful in Johnny’s case. A widely respected and experienced sailor and Sean Nos singer, the loss of Johnny Sheáin Jeaic Mac Donncha has been widely mourned. He is survived by wife Barbara, daughters Kathy, Maureen, Roisín and Fiona, and son Sean. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam. New proposals are to be put to Bus Éireann about keeping the Carna to Galway bus on the road. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has supported proposals from the campaign “Keep the Bus” to change the route to the south Connemara road – for the most part. Now Deputy Frank Fahey who is the Dáil and Senate Transport committee Chairman has proposed that additional steps be taken to try and keep the service. These are the proposals: • That a €40 weekly ticket be made available by Bus Éireann for travel to and from Carna 5 days a week. This fee would reduce the nearer one was to Galway City. • That a €160 monthly ticket be made available for people travelling every day from Carna to Galway and reducing the nearer you were to Galway. This would be a 30 or 31 day monthly ticket. • That tickets could attract tax relief on one’s wages where a person was travelling to work. • That Bus Éireann would give deals such as a €35 monthly ticket to people who travelled regularly, though not every day, on the Carna to Galway bus. The plan also includes a proposal that there would be a dedicated bus route through the city that would bring the Carna bus straight into the Hospital grounds in UCHG and down by the University gate. In order to try and get support for this plan, Deputy Fahey says there would need to be a good prospect of having 30 people a day on average using the Carna bus. The “Keep the Bus” campaign is encouraging the public to support this idea. Nothing has been agreed yet and it would need the support of Bus Éireann and the traffic authorities in Galway City. However, if the support is good there is a chance that it could work, but they would need about 30 people along the route. The campaign “Keep the Bus” is asking people who would be interested in this type of service to contact them at 095-32744 or by e-mail at foram@eircom.net

Walk for Community

Reading Quest with Paul and Bernie at the library. Certiﬁcates for the Summer Reading Quest were awarded to 70 children on Saturday September 12th. Book Sale A big thank you to everybody who donated books for the

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are a great help for parents and children, and support is needed to ensure that this service continues to be available in Ballyconneely. Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool service would like to acknowledge the Ballyconneely Pig Fest Committee for their donation of €2,122.75 towards both services, it was much appreciated.

October 2009

Fóram Iorras Aithneach, the Carna area Community Forum, held a fund raising walk lately and raised over €1,000. The walk is held each year to raise money for expenses such as the phone, computer, oﬃce supplies and other costs. This year the walk took place on route from the Coillín crossroad through Bóthar na Puitígh and other side roads in the Moyrus area. The weather was good and an enjoyable walk was had by all. Carna News continued on page 10

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2009

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Carna

Final Call for Magazine Items Work is well in progress now on the preparation of “Iorras Aithneach 2009” the yearly magazine in the Carna and Cill Chiaráin area. People with items or photographs are reminded that time is just about up as the printers will be working on the magazine in October. The phone number if 095-31025 and the e-mail is foram@eircom.net Áine Máire Ní Fhatharta

Cashel

Wallace Pier Officially Opened On Sunday September 27th, Wallace Pier in Lettercamps, Cashel was oﬃcially opened by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Aﬀairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., with

a number of Connemara elected representatives in attendance including Cllr.Tom Welby, Cllr. Seosamh O Cuaig and Cllr. Eileen Mannion. After cutting the ribbon to oﬃcially open the pier, Minister Ó Cuív then laid a wreath with the help of local boy Stephen McDonagh in memory of all the souls lost at sea over the years. Photo left: Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and Stephen McDonagh lay a wreath for the souls of the sea. Photo below: Josie Conneely, Mary Folan La Pierre and baby Alice, Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, Kevin Finn (Galway.Co.Co.) ,Cllr. Seosamh Ó Cuaig, Cllr. Tom Welby, Bernard Lee and Fr. John McCarthy(Roundstone P.P.).Front (l-r): Sinéad La Pierre, Shane La Pierre and Stephen McDonagh. Photos courtesy of Bernard Lee

Cashel NS News We came back to school on the 1st September. Four new pupils started this year– Gavin Berry, Saoirse Bodkin, Niamh Conroy and Oisín O’Brien. We had our Friendship week at the beginning of September. We also had our Comenius Day on Friday 18th September. We played games from other countries and tried food from our other Comenius countries. Carole Reynolds from the National Park came to talk about animals and she brought some stuﬀed animals for us all to see, such as a hedgehog, hare, fox, badger and many more. We all found this very interesting and we even got to touch the animals! We also learnt some

songs and rhymes from the other countries and did some art. We all had a very enjoyable day. Our next Comenius trip is to Hungary from 5th-9th October. There will be one teacher and one pupil and parent going on this trip. Our school extension is coming along well. We are very excited about having more new rooms, especially a PE hall. We had our healthy eating week from September 21st25th. We enjoyed learning all about being healthy. We had a nutritionist at the school to talk to us. We got some lovely fruit from SuperValu and one of our parents showed us how to make some delicious smoothies. It was a very enjoyable week.

Carraroe

Grant for Hall Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Aﬀairs has sanctioned €11,434 to Coiste Halla Éinne to carry out maintenance work on Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua, Co.Galway.

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This maintenance will involve health and safety works. Announcing the grant, Minister Ó Cuív said that great work is being carried out in the hall and that he is happy to be able to provide this funding to update the amenity with regard to health and safety matters. “Halla Éinne is an important facility for the community and for the summer college and this grant will help to improve this amenity,” he said.

Cleggan/Claddaghduff Omey Island Map and Guide Omey Island is the subject of a unique new map and accompanying DVD and guide, created by regular visitor to the island Sean Corcoran. What makes the map different is its new approach to the areas of the island-instead of the commonly used names he has described locations on Omey as ‘The Fingers, the Toes, the Heart, the Soul, the Mouth, the Heel, and the Eye’. The DVD consists of an 18 minute long slideshow featuring 370 images of the island with a haunting soundtrack courtesy of Moby. There are photographs of animals, birds, flowers, sunsets, the shore, the landscape and historic sites. The accompanying guide indicates how to get there for visitors from afar as well as plenty of local information on accommodation and activities. An account of a mysterious creature that Mr. Corcoran and his wife encountered on the island in 2003 also features! The enthusiasm and fondness Sean Corcoran holds for Omey is clearly apparent in this work, which is the culmination of six years of photography, drawing and reflection by the artist. The Omey Island map, guide and DVD is available locally in Sweeney’s of Claddaghduff and Coyne’s of Cleggan at a price of €7 and proceeds from the sales will go to the Claddaghduff Community Centre.

More information and the map itself can be seen online at www.seancorcoranart.com. Photo: Sweeney’s Bar in Claddaghduﬀ hosted a screening of the new Omey Island DVD on Friday September 25th. Pictured were (l-r): Malachy King of Sweeney’s Bar, artist Sean Corcoran and Terry Minogue, Claddaghduﬀ Community Centre. Photo courtesy of Sean Corcoran

Playgroup Table Quiz There will be a Table Quiz in aid of Cleggan Claddaghduﬀ Playgroup in Oliver’s Bar, Cleggan on Friday, October 23rd. It will be four people and €20.00 per table. Kick oﬀ will be at 9:00pm-come along and join in the craic! All are welcome and your support will be very much appreciated.

Festival of the Sea 2009

Claddaghduff Hall - Bonus Ball

This year’s festival was a great success with interesting lectures and talks in Claddaghduﬀ Hall given by John Fourere, John Coll, Brendan O’Connor, John O’Halloran, Jackie O’Grady and a wonderful art exhibition by

October 2009

Margaret Irwin (aka Mo West) which was opened by Jeananne Crowley at the beginning of the festival week and remained on show at Claddaghduff Hall for the duration. In addition to the traditional annual Family Sports Day and Soccer Tournaments on Omey Strand, this year it was decided to shake up the sporting events side of things and make a few adjustments. There was a fun mini-triathlon on Omey Strand which involved a swim in the tide at Omey, a run of approx. 3km and a cycle of approx. 5km back to Claddaghduff Church! There were a great number of local participants as well as many tourists and a really fun day was had by all. There was also a Badminton Tournament in Claddaghduff Hall for the first time in nearly 20 years - it was a hefty challenge for all of the participants and the Chris O’Toole Memorial Cup was won out in the end by Paul and Colette Gannon of Letterfrack Badminton Club. Runners up were Eilish Flaherty and Alan DeLappe - belated Congratulations to all! No doubt Claddaghduff Badminton Club are already in training to try and bring the cup back to their side next year! As always the Seafood Buffet was a tremendous success thanks to all of our sponsors and the ladies who did all the behind the scenes work and pulled it all together on the night. Irish Nights were held in Claddaghduff Hall every Wednesday during the months of July and August. During the festival week, there was a special Ceili Mor with a guest appearance by the Devanney brothers from Carna. Well, anyone who was in attendance that night will know that it was an incredible evening. The roof was almost raised off of the hall! Local and visiting musicians and dancers put on a fantastic show which was then topped off by the Devanneys. Due to the success of the Festival Ceili Mor - it has been decided to run another on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31st. The featured guests will be the Cunningham Family along with a host of local and visiting musicians and if the last night is anything to go by, you will need to be there early to get a good seat! There was a wonderful level of interest shown this year in the running of the festival and in all of the events. The Community Council are hoping to start organising for 2010’s Festival of the Sea a little earlier. There will be an open meeting on Monday, November 9th for anyone who might like to put forward ideas or would like to participate in the organising and/or running of the 2010 Festival. All are welcome Monday, November 9th at 8:30pm, Cleggan Community Centre. Without the cooperation and support of the local people and all who sponsored, organised, attended and visitors this would not have been such a wonderful success. Claddaghduff Hall Fundraising Triathlon The next Triathlon is planned for the June Holiday Weekend, 2010. We will have more information on this in the New Year and nearer to the event itself. Watch this space! Thank you to all who continue to support the weekly Bonus Ball draw in aid of Claddaghduff Hall. The winner of the first quarterly draw was Caroline Heanue, Derryinver. Congratulations Caroline!

Connemara View Newspaper

Cleggan/Claddaghduﬀ Claddaghduff Bingo Bingo takes place every Sunday night at 8:30pm in Claddaghduﬀ Hall. Come along and try your luck!

Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Two young men, Peter Kennedy and Ross O’Shea (see photo) from Skerries in North County Dublin left Skerries on a cross country walk on June 26th and arrived in Aughris Point at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 10th. They rested for a few days in the local area and then made the trip back to Skerries again, walking of course and resting as they went – that is a round trip of 450 miles – a long, long walk. It was a mighty challenge for both men but especially for Peter because he is a CF patient himself. Ross recently became unemployed and decided that he would use this time to try to help others. They were walking to raise awareness and money for Cystic Fibrosis which is Ireland’s most common life-threatening, inherited diseases. The money which the lads raised will go towards the construction and outﬁtting of new specialised CF centres in hospitals around the country. A great many local people welcomed and supported the lads and gave donations to this very worthy cause-their generosity was very much appreciated. Dorothy Conneely

Kylemore Day Retreat The final day retreat at Kylemore Abbey for the year will be on Saturday, 17th October. We will then break for the winter months and resume again in Spring 2010. Our new retreat room is on the first floor of the Abbey. All are welcome to attend.

Leenane Food Festival Success The ﬁrst Leenane Food Festival which took place on the weekend of September 26th and 27th was a tremendous success with a number of fascinating and impressive demonstra-

from those who attended, local and visitor alike, and in numbers ﬂocking to their restaurant during the Festival. Jonathan is moving on to a new position at The Mill Times Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo in the near future and is wished every success in his promising future. Photo: Talented local chef Jonathan Keane of Kylemore creating his dish and talking the crowd through the process with fellow chef Oran Daly of Portﬁnn Lodge during his demonstration at the recent Leenane Food Festival.

Leitir Móir Community Centre Funding Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has announced that he has sanctioned a grant of €8,094 to Comhairle Cheantar na nOileán, Tír an Fhia, to enable them to purchase fittings for their community centre. The facility has already been refurbished with the help of funding of more than €380,000 from the Department. Announcing the grant at the official opening of the centre on September 28th, the Minister said that he is happy that his Department can help Comhairle Cheantar na nOileán to provide these fittings for the centre as they will greatly enhance the facility for the summer college. “A wonderful facility has been developed here with the help of my Department and these fittings will enhance the amenities available for teaching Irish,” he said.

Letterfrack Sea Week starts October 16th The 25th year of Conamara Sea Week begins on Friday Oct. 16th. See page 36 for details.

Tile Mosaic Workshop A very enjoyable Tile Mosaic Workshop taught by Jessica Kane of Dawros took place during the summer in Letterfrack. All the kids that attended and learned the art came away with two unique pieces of artwork bound in a frame. The workshop consisted of ﬁve days of designing, drawing, selecting and applying tiles, and lastly painting the frames to suit the color scheme of the piece. Each mosaic turned out beautifully and well done to all who participated. Photos: Aisling Sealy Phelan with her two tile mosaic creations. Katie Nee at the Mosaic Workshop in Letterfrack.

nanure Castle on Sunday September 27th with “Autumn Memories”. There was free entry to the public, and a photographic archive of Oughterard and its people, past and present, representing the culture/heritage aspect. The history of Aughnanure castle was given by the guides on site, and represented the built heritage. The bats of Aughnanure talk was given by Ms Catriona Carlin of the Galway Bat Group and represented the natural heritage. The newly formed Uachterarts group was also introduced on the day and live traditional music was provided by local group Ardvarna. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and Cllr. Thomas Welby attended the event, which it is hoped will become an annual event at the castle, and added to from year to year. Photo: Danny Walsh, Catriona Carlin, Galway Bat Group, Cllr Thomas Welby, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Aﬀairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Guide Janet Sehley and Guide Superintendent Marie Gibbs at Aughnanure Castle on Sunday September 27th.

Oughterard Culture Night A number of events took place in Oughterard to mark Culture Night on Friday September 25th. Paul Molloy gave a demonstration of fly tying at Tuck’s fishing tackle shop. This event attracted lots of attention, as Paul came second in the All Ireland fly tying championships, missing the overall championship by the tiniest of margins. Tuck’s also hosted an exhibition of work by documentary photographer, Lorraine Tuck, which continued to draw the crowds well into the evening. The Connemara Gateway Hotel was the venue for a series of historical talks. Continued next page

Citizens Information The Citizen’s Information service will be available in Letterfrack on Tuesday 20th and Tuesday 27th of October from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Connemara West. If you have any questions about Social Welfare, Pensions, Housing, Consumer Aﬀairs, Employment, Education or any of your rights and entitlements, call us on 087-130-1100 or drop in. A wide range of application forms and booklets are also available. For more information call 095-22000 or 087-130-1100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie or go to www.citizensinformation.ie

Oughterard Autumn Memories at Aughnanure tions and events taking place in the village. Local produce took centre stage and a number of local chefs also wowed the crowds with their mouthwatering creations, including Renvyle’s Tim O Sullivan and Leenane’s own Rory and Oran Daly of Portﬁnn Lodge and the Fjord Restaurant. Jonathan Keane of Currywongane, Kylemore who is Head Chef at The Blackberry Café, Leenane, demonstrated his considerable talents in creating Smoked Connemara Lamb in a Wonton Basket, followed by a main course of Connemara Surf and Turf-Maam Valley Rack of Organic Lamb, Soya Dressing, and Pan-seared Cleggan Scallops, with a Sweet Chili Mash with Smoked Bacon Cream. Sean and Mary Hamilton, proprietors of the Blackberry Café, Leenane, were delighted with the success of the demonstration and this success was reﬂected in both feedback received

Aughnanure Castle in conjunction with the Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group celebrated the built, natural and cultural heritage of the town of Oughterard at Augh-

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2009

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Culture Night Continued Rev Anthony Previte gave a lecture and slide show on the subject of early Christian sites of Connemara, and Mary O’Shea gave a talk on Moycullen and its people-a book in the making. Ardvarna gave a great performance at Teach & Baile furniture shop while Cois Tine and Linda Welby played at the Connemara Lake Hotel. All in all, a great evening and night of entertainment was had at all of the events. Photos: Patrick and Katy Conneely of Beat Club entertaining at the Oughterard Library

during the Oughterard Culture Night. Paul Molloy giving a ﬂy tying demonstration at Tuck’s Angling Shop as part of Culture Night.

Oughterard AFC Annual Social The Oughterard Soccer Club held its eleventh annual social on Saturday evening September 19th in Peacocke’s hotel Maam Cross. The evening kicked oﬀ with a champagne reception in The Boat Inn, Oughterard and from there to Peacocke’s Hotel, Maam Cross. Photos left: Top - The Oughterard AFC committee members (l-r): Terence Monaghan, Eddie Caine, James McConnell, Lynne Caine, Greg Forde, Treasa Tuck, Colin Moloney, Paul Silke, John Gibney, Maura Moran, Regina O’Toole, and Aiden Deering. Photo by Tom Broderick photos. Bottom photo left: Rebecca McConnell, Caroline Faherty, Nora Smyth, Fiona Canavan and Grainne Kearns. Bottom photo right: The Tuck family from (l-r): Vivienne, Jacqueline, Andrew, Treasa, Daniel and Ellen. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

An Eerie Oughterard Tale - The Body Snatcher The following story is true. It is a very strange, weird and frightening story. It’s a story of events that took place in Oughterard, Connemara about 150 years ago. It all began when people in the area began hearing a strange whistling sound in the

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area of Lough Corrib. It started suddenly and continued for many years. Most people thought it was the sounds of sea birds which often frequented the area. But nobody knew for certain and it became a guessing game. As the sounds continued, it took many long years to solve this mystery. It happened one evening as a local man was walking by the lake. He wasn’t sure what he was seeing in the lake. It looked like an otter he thought. He watched it carefully and it seemed to be a monster of some sort. The man was enthralled. He had no idea what it was. Suddenly the head emerged from the lake. The man was speechless and shocked for this thing was none other than a ‘monster serpent’. What a sight-he could not believe what he was seeing. This was really exciting, but he was overcome and anxious to what would happen, so he watched as this serpent made its way through the long grass in the direction of the graveyard, whistling as it went. The watcher kept in touch with the beast’s movements until it entered the graveyard. Curious to see what would happen next, he waited for nearly an hour until at last the creature emerged once more, but this time the creature had a human cargo. It was carrying a human body in its mouth. The watcher could not believe his eyes. This was really frightening! This man was really scared-he had never heard of anything like

this happening before. He began to feel weak, but decided to hang on and see what happened next. He watched as the serpent slid its way back and enters the lake again. This man had never bargained for such an evening’s adventure. He would never forget these events and it wasn’t long until his terrible story got around. It became the talk of the town and surrounding areas. Panic and fear gripped the neighbourhood. People were beginning to panic and stopped visiting friends, even though this was so popular in the area. The children were kept under strict control and not allowed outside after dark. What a terrible period for the people of Oughterard this was, for now everybody knew of the whistling monster in the lake and that this monster was also ‘a body snatcher’. This fear, worry and anxiety continued for many long years until an elderly lady, a Mrs. Molloy died in the village. This lady had three sons. These people had heard the story of the lake monster. They had heard of its bad habits too, so they decided that they would never allow this monster to snatch their mother’s body. They could not agree which of them would make a stand against this terrible serpent so they decided to draw lots. It fell to the youngest son to protect his mother’s body. After the burial everybody left the graveyard, except young Molloy. He was armed only with a sword and an abundance of courage. He was really brave, so his brothers bade him goodbye and he began his lonely vigil inside the little church where his mother’s body had just been laid. Hour after hour passed. He dozed oﬀ many times in the darkness and it was very, very cold. After what seemed like an eternity, he was awakened by the distant whistling which he rec-

October 2009

ognised as the whistling of the serpent. He jumped up and took up his position inside the door of the old church. The whistling got louder and louder till at last it reached the doorway. Young Molloy drew his sword and just as the serpent’s head appeared, Molloy cut off the head. The head flew up to the roof and fell down again and joined up with its body. Molloy tried to escape and tried to jump on his horses back, but like a flash, the serpent changed its form to a young lady who began to fight Molloy. She was really furious and angry. She tore at his face and also tore his clothes. He was soon in tatters with blood streaming down his face. Finally Molloy managed to get away from her grasp. He galloped for home as fast as he could. His brothers were so glad to see him but so shocked to see him in this condition. They washed him and tended his wounds. After a complete change of clothes he told them his hectic story- and what a story it was. They were really proud of their younger brother and of what he had achieved, but unfortunately their celebrations were shortlived, for tragically he died three days later. It was a sad ending for the family but overall the picture was different. Since young Molloy confronted the serpent that night in the graveyard, never again was the serpent seen or heard of in the area, so future generations were spared this terrible ordeal through the courage and bravery of this young man. I have just been told this story recently by a good friend of mine, Martin McEvilly of Roscahill, who heard the story being told to his father when Martin was only a very young lad. It was talked about a lot at that time, he said. Martin is now ninety-three years old. Many happy years Martin! Michael O’ Connor, Killannin, Roscahill

Connemara View Newspaper

Maam

Ros Muc

A concert to celebrate the 15th Birthday of Maam Women’s Group took place in Maam Community Centre on September 5th. Over 90 people attended the concert—from Achill, Athenry, Corrundulla, Galway, Headford, Milltown, Oughterard, Tuam, Tullamore and all over Connemara. Guest Speakers were Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, and Councillors Catherine Connolly and Sean Canney. Entertainment included music by Fiddlesticks of Letterfrack, and by Sarah Lydon, Ciara Hopkins, Grace Hickey and Maire Cait Walsh, from Cornamona School. There was Sean Nos singing & dancing by Emma O’ Sullivan and by Aine and Aoife Coyne, and songs from Aisling Joyce. Drama was provided by Cumann Dramaiochta Corr na Mona, and poetry by John Dunne. There was a display of crafts by members of the Women’s Group and an Art and Photographic exhibition. 35 prizes were donated for the raffle. A buffet was prepared by Jack Hanley and group members baked lovely cakes, scones, tarts, flans etc. Maam Women’s Group would like to thank everyone who attended the concert and supported the group during the past 15 years. Special thanks to Udaras na Gaeltachta and C.D.S. Teo for sponsorship for the celebration. Plans for the future include art classes, computer classes, talks, workshops, and a weekend away for members later in the year.

Fianna Fáil TD Frank Fahey has confirmed that funding has been allocated to Gairmscoil na bPiarsach, Ros Muc. The news was confirmed to him by Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD. The School has been approved for tarmac surfacing to the school’s play area, replacement of external doors and frames and the provision of wheelchair access to the school. Deputy Fahey welcomed the works and expressed his hope that they will be completed as soon as possible.

15th Birthday Celebration

Centenary Book The Parish of Kilbride Centenary Book is for sale in local shops. The book contains articles on the history of the churches, graveyards, holy wells, also memories and photos of the past, and interviews etc. A real bargain for €10!

Weddings Congratulations to Paul Harrington, Tiernakill, and Rebecca Leavy, Charlestown who got married on September 12th in Kilmilkin Church followed by a reception in the Westport Woods Hotel. Congratulations also to Thomas Higgins, Tiernakill, and Lorraine Conroy, Balla, who got married on Sept. 19th in Balla Church. The reception was held in the Claregalway Hotel. We wish both couples good luck, joy and happiness in the future. Rosemary Hanley

Moycullen

Family Market Day for Charity Over 1000 people attended the Family Day Out in aid of Chernobyl Aid Ireland at An Fuarán in Moycullen, on Sunday September 27th. The market stalls, normally seen on Fridays between 1 and 6pm were erected by the marketers on Sunday where refreshments were provided free to the public. There were snacks, burgers, oysters and prawns, cakes, and beverages and a whole pig was roasted on a spit. Organic was the order of the day and the buzz word was ‘locavore’-a person who consumes organic food produced locally. There were bouncy castles and other amusements for the kids, and The Cunninghams, who performed at the Forge on the previous night, entertained the people with their marvellous dance skills. Photo courtesy of Tom Broderick

Connemara View Newspaper

School Funding

Roundstone

Connemara Pony Sale On Saturday the 19th Paddy the yank had his first Connemara pony sale up on the show grounds. I must say for the first time of doing this, there was quite a good turnout and there were a few foals sold. In the afternoon there was the judging of foals, the judge being Kieran Mullen from County Clare. The idea was to choose three filly foals and colt foals, and out of that six to select the winning foal of the day, which incidentally was a filly foal owned by John Joe O’Neill from Galway. Talking to Paddy this morning he was telling me that he is now looking at the possibility of a two day sale for next year, bringing in the Sunday, to make a weekend of the event.

Kinvara and Ros a Mhil for the ﬁnal regatta of the season when the accident happened. They had won their class in an Cruinniu na Bmád in Kinvara the week previously. The boat Bla na h’Óige which is owned by Paraic O Cuilain was sailing in front of them with four young men on board. They saw the McHugh go down and went back to help. Josie survived the ordeal but sadly Johnny was dead when the lads reached them. Both Johnny and Josie were veterans of sailing and were looked up to by the all boat faring people in the area particularly with the young. They are also well known Sean Nos singers, Josie is a 3 times winner of Colin na Riada. Johnny was a beautiful singer too and made many recordings with Radio na Gaeltacht. Colm, a third brother is the chairperson of the local Carna Lifeboat committee and Padraic lives in England. So our condolences to the family on the untimely death of Johnny Sean Jack McDonagh, may he rest in peace. Richard de Stacpoole and Ann Conneely

Community Games Johnny Sheehan had the annual Community Games in September on the tennis courts with loads of sports events. There was golf, toss the wet sponge at the Roundstone Clown, (Oliver Coyne volunteered for the wetting very sporting of him!), darts to hit some ﬁvers, a bouncing castle, kids disco with Mike O’Malley and a barbecue with head chef Geraldine Coyne. All in all it was a very successful event with masses of kids. Well done to Pious Delapp and Patrick McDonagh, who gave freely of their time to set the whole thing up, and to thank all those who stayed behind to clear up i.e. Denis Kane and Oliver Coyne. However the day did not stop there, there was an adults disco in the evening in the Shamrock Bar again with Mike O’Malley, a great way to end oﬀ the day. Now we are looking to arrange some sort of entertainment during the Halloween period.

Wedding The wedding took place on Friday last of Ollie Delappe and Kate Joyce in Christ the King Church here in Roundstone with the reception afterwards in Lisloughrey House in Cong.Ollie is the son of Pious and Ann Delappe and Kate is the daughter of Deirdre and Tony Joyce well-known Galway people. Kate is the granddaughter of the great and well known Galway football player Frank Evers. Congratulations to you both and long life together!

Christening Congratulations to Emer Sheridan and Antony on the christening of their baby boy Jack on Saturday, may he have a happy and long life.

RIP Johnny Sean Jack McDonagh The people of Roundstone were greatly saddened by the death of Johnny Sean Jack McDonagh Carna. Johnny and his brother Josie were on the Gleoteoig beag ‘The McHugh’ owned by Mairtin Keane on which the accident occurred and were travelling between

October 2009

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Champions Shine in Roundstone McGrath family celebrate double championships Deputy Enda Kenny T.D. and leader of Fine Gael opened the All Ireland Champion of Champions Connemara Pony show at Roundstone in glorious sunshine on Sunday September 13th. Show Chairman Paddy McDonagh greeted him along with Cllrs Eileen Mannion and Sean Kyne and Padraic McCormack T.D. The McGrath family from Hazelrock House, Claregalway, had a very memorable day. Kieran McGrath’s two-year-old colt Glencarrig Romeo (Bunowen Bobby-Fairyhill Helen) (Oisin-Fairyhill Heather) had a unique double when winning both the Junior and Supreme Championship of

130 Race Up Sky Road for RNLI This year’s Clifden Lifeboat 10k race, which had an entry of over 130 participants, took place on Sunday 13th September and was once again a great success. Entries came from all over Galway as well as Mayo, Cork, Cavan, Limerick, Kildare, Dublin, Tyrone and the USA. In contrast with last year, the weather could not have been better, with clear blue skies. However this made a challenging course, probably harder as the temperatures were up into the 20’s by the time the race started at 2pm. This did not put off Eoin Mullan from Tyrone (37.10) and Keith White (37.36) who not only came in first and second but also beat last year’s best time of 38.51 minutes. Annette Keane from Loughrea was the first woman in 48.33 minutes. Local people also did very well, with Damien Joyce from Clifden making it as the first local person across the line (7th overall) in 43 minutes 51 seconds, and Olivia Staunton from Clifden the 2nd woman overall, and first local woman in 50.02mins. Local youths also did great time with Liam De Courcey from Cleggan coming in first in the under 18’s (43.54) and 8th overall and Colm Coneys from Streamstown, who

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clocked in at 54.39 and was 1st under 14 and 25th overall. The D’arcy Inn was the first team in, with a very decent average time of 1 hour 04 minutes 34 seconds. Pat Coyne was first in the run/walk category and Richard Needham the first walker. The race is organised to raise funds for the Clifden Lifeboat and is held close to the anniversary of the sinking of the MVF St Oliver on the 17th September 2004, which claimed the lives of 4 Connemara fishermen, including Mikey Mullen, who was only 18 years old, and had only been at sea for 6 months at the time. It is organised as a tribute to him, and in memory of all other local fishermen who have died at sea over the years. The race would not have been such a success without all those who took part and turned out to support the participants, those who helped out in any way and the local businesses who sponsored the race and gave prizes, and Connemara Community Radio and The Connemara View who promoted the event. Anyone wishing to see their results or photos can log on to www.clifden 10k. com (2009 race). Laurence Ingelbach Photos: Top left - The D’arcy Inn winning team of Donal O’ Brien, Glenn Mullen and Bernie O’ Malley. Top right - Colm Coneys, the first Under 14 home. Above - Damien Joyce, the first local to cross the line.

October 2009

the show including the Murty McGrath cup which was presented by the family to Roundstone show in memory of their father, the legendary Murty from Cregmore. Enda Kenny is pictured above presenting the Junior Cup to the McGrath’s. In the final line up Judges Jane Darragh, and Michael Western from Grey Abbey in Belfast, were clearly decisive and awarded “Romeo” All Ireland Champion of Champions and €2,000 prize money, sponsored by Ballinaclough Stud in Waterford. A previous Junior Champion at Claregalway, McGrath said “I saw him as a foal in a field with Padraic Curran in Moycullen and I just had to buy him. It’s always been on my mind to try and win my father’s cup at Roundstone, no words can describe this feeling and we will never forget this day”. Dooneen Alice (Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Jennifer Rose) owned by Peter Molloy from Claddaghduff was the worthy Reserve Champion of the show. Continued on page 26

Connemara SportsView

RUGBY

Connemara RFC AIL League 2009/2010 Fixtures

Connemara Rugby Vaughan Scores Try For Connacht Jack Vaughan of Clifden put in a great performance for Connacht when they captured the inter provincial youths title with an impressive 13-0 win against defending champions Leinster at the Galway Sports Grounds last week. Scoring the only try of the match, Jack lined out in the centre and put in a great performance throughout to help take the title for the Connacht Junior side. Photo above: Clifden’s Jack Vaughan in action against Leinster. Photo courtesy of Connemararfc.ie

Rugby Golf Outing A Fundraising Scramble competition in aid of Connemara Rugby Football Club took place at Connemara Championship Links on Friday August 21st. Pictured on the course were Declan Maher, Alan King and Evelyn King. Photo courtesy of Chris Shanahan.

Oughterard Rugby Honorary Life Membership Awards On September 6th J.V. Smith, ex English international and ex-President of the R.F.U. and Bobby Deacy, ex President and Treasurer of the Connaught branch and of the I.R.F.U. were presented with honorary life membership of the Oughterard Rugby Football Club at Sweeney’s Hotel in Oughterard. This honour was also conferred in absentia to Joe Walsh, ex president of the U.S. Rugby Football Federation and of the Boston and M.I.T. Federation Rugby Club. Photo: (L-r): Pat Higgins (O.R.F.C.), Dr Eoin Bresnihan ( President of the Oughterard R.F.C. ), Bobby Deacy (ex

Connemara SportsView

3rd Oct ‘09 Nenagh Ormond v Connemara 10th Oct ‘09 Connemara v Ards 24th Oct ‘09 Queens University v Connemara 31st Oct ‘09 Connemara v Instonians 14th Nov ‘09 Rainey OB v Connemara 5th Dec ‘09 Connemara v Wanderers 12th Dec ‘09 Sundays Well v Connemara 9th Jan ‘10 Connemara v Barnhall 16th Jan ‘10 Suttonians v Connemara 23rd Jan ‘10 Portadown v Connemara 30th Jan ‘10 Connemara v Banbridge 20th Feb ‘10 Midleton v Connemara 6th Mar ‘10 Connemara v Navan 27th Mar ‘10 Co. Carlow v Connemara 10th April ‘10 Connemara v Naas

President and Treasurer of the Connaught Branch and of the I.R.F.U. ), J.V.Smith ( ex English international and ex President of the R.F.U.), Mike Webb (O.R.F.C. ), Bobby Deacy and J.V.Smith.

Annual Barbecue and Junior Registration On Sunday September 6th Oughterard R.F.C. held their annual Barbecue and Junior Registration Day at the Oughterard Rugby Grounds.Despite the dull day a great crowd of youngsters and adults alike turned out and those who registered each received a gift of a rugby ball to mark their joining of the club. Photo: Graham Casburn presented Sean Goggins Irons with a rugby ball on Junior registration day at Oughterard R.F.C. Photos by Tom Broderick

October 2009

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ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL Mannions AFC Season Kicks Off A new season for Mannions AFC started with a pleasant surprise. The Galway District League contacted me in early August to invite us to play our league football in Division 3 rather than Division 4a due to the league winners Salthill Devon being unable to accept promotion. As we were runners up and had only lost 1 league match last season we were happy to accept the invitation to play Sunday football in a higher league. I must take this opportunity to thank our manager from the previous 2 seasons Martin Casey whose passion for football was a driving force to get us into this higher league. With the reappearance of West Coast United in Junior Football, who I wish every success to (unless they face us on the pitch!), we knew we could lose a couple of players to their ranks, and so our new manager Martin O’Connor was keen to get some new talent in our squads and get some pre-season training and matches to get us in good form for the season ahead. I played in the Mannion’s match against Knocknacarra in a pre-season friendly and apart from our smart 3-1 winning score line, it was even more encouraging to see new talented players on the pitch; Eoin Kilkenny, Jack Vaughan and the return of the hard tackling James Kilkenny to his local side. The rest of the team played very solidly that day, even with 6 or 7 first team players absent. I was given a special exemption by the board of Mannions AFC to miss the beginning of the season as I flew to France to propose to my long suffering girlfriend Laura. I was on an all time high when she agreed to marry me but I managed to climb a little higher when I got a call from the District League to find out the weekend’s matches were all cancelled due to heavy rain-and here I was in 35oC Parisian sunshine sipping a cold beer! Our first 2 league matches were losses, but quite tight affairs; 1-0 to Craughwell and a 5-3 goal fest with local rivals Naomh Bricain. The beauty of this division is that we will meet them again and have an opportunity to reverse those results. The reserve league started last Saturday with a thrilling 5-5 draw with Corrib Rangers in Shantalla. Sean Mullen scored a very classy hat trick and was man of the match, with the other goals coming from Andrew Shanahan and Thomas Madden. There was a strong battling mentality throughout and a classic game of two halves as we took the second period to take the draw. The first team (without 3 or 4 usual starting players) played a Junior Cup match on the Sunday morning with a trip to Dangan in the city to play NUIG’s first team. Again we started badly and conceded a goal but we managed to get one back through a fine strike from Jack Vaughan. The students were definitely passing the ball better than us and finding great space and opportunities. We could have been undone many times if it wasn’t for a man of the match shot-stopping display from our keeper Thomas Madden, which included a penalty save that he managed to hold on

to. Eventually Thomas’ heroics were undone and NUIG managed to score 2 more goals to take the win which they ultimately deserved. Matches now come thick and fast so it’s back to NUIG this Saturday October 3rd to face their B side in the league and with a strong ﬁt squad I think a win is certainly within our ability. Mannions Premier League Predictors has started again so please contact the bar if you wish to join. Kevin Gavin

West Coast United News West Coast Seniors A new pitch, new players and a new approach. Normally two wins from three games would be a great start but the set-up at West Coast is aiming high, and an opening day defeat away to Renmore may come back to haunt us. We are well aware it may take time to gel as a team but such is the talent in the squad that success is as much demanded as expected. Following a highly exciting season last year with the U18’s competing in both Galway and Connacht ﬁnals, the conﬁdence is spreading through the whole club. Regretfully some members of that panel have chosen to do other things this season. Following our 2-0 defeat to Renmore the lads responded by beating Galway Bohs.2 - 1 in Galway and NUIG 6 - 2 in Letterfrack so with a bit of luck the signs are good. We have a playing squad of 30 players at the moment but we need every talented soccer player in West Connemara to bring us to the top league in Galway.

Oughterard Soccer Juvenile Player Awards The 2009 awards for juvenile players of Oughterard soccer club took place in the Boat Inn, Oughterard on Sunday September 20th where a number of young players received awards in recognition of their improvement and skill throughout the year. Photos (Left to right from top): Boys U-11 Player of the Year Phillip Nessens. Boys U-14 Player of the Year Alex O’Toole. Girls U-12 Player of the Year, Megan Lucy. Girls U-12 Most Improved Player, Tara Gibney. Boys U-12 Player of the year, Eric Lee. Boys U-11 Most Improved Player Eoin Whittaker. Photos by Tom Broderick

West Coast Underage The under 13 and under 16 squads have both returned to action with mixed fortunes. The 13’s have won both their league matches, beating Salthill Devon 5-3 in Letterfrack and Athenry 4-2 away. Most of last year’s successful side is still U13 so we are hopeful of another great season. The U16’s have lost their opening two games but with such a talented squad we would expect results to improve. West Coast U10’s begin training shortly. All teams would welcome new players so anyone interested should contact the following managers: U16-Andy Mortimer U13- Brendan Kane U10Finian Sheridan. Senior Management: Joachim Lydon, Kurt Lydon, Danny Coyne. Photo below: The West Coast Under 13’s side.

Fundraising Draw West Coast recently held a highly successful fundraising draw to help cover the costs of providing underage football to kids in Northwest Connemara. We are very grateful to John Varley and the Carlton Hotel Group who provided us with excellent prizes of weekend breaks in their various hotels. A sincere thank you to all who supported the draw, it helps us to continue to develop the underage structure.

FAI Coaching Courses West Coast Utd and the FAI will be running soccer coaching courses in the coming months. These courses will be open to anyone with an interest in getting involved in the game and no previous experience of football is required. Please contact Joachim Lydon at 086-409-8814 asap. Joachim Lydon

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com Next Issue: November 5th Page 16

October 2009

Connemara SportsView

Oughterard Show In Hand Report Persistent rain all day at the 2009 Oughterard show made the underfoot conditions almost impossible for exhibitors and organisers to encounter, but in true tradition “the show went on” and everybody joined forces in the mud. After a nice selection of Connemara classes, Judges Ciaran Curran and Junior Judge Cáilín Conneely awarded the Supreme Championship to Ronan Francis Mullen’s homebred eight year-old mare Lakeside Lassie (Streamstown Larry-Hilltop) (Sarsﬁeld-Blue Jean) exhibited by Thomas Mullen from Moyard, Co.Galway. He said “It’s

great to win this and now we are off to Roundstone for the Champion of Champions Show on September 13th. She won at Clifden in 2005 and her half sister Island View won for me here in 1998.” It was a real “chip off the old block” as the yearling filly and junior champion Canal Princess (Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Castle Countess) bred and exhibited by Padraic Hynes was awarded the Reserve Championship sash. “Princess displays many characteristics of her famous dam including quality and presence” Hynes said. “It’s great to win this and she is very special to us”. Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Stephanie Rose was Reserve Junior Champion to Canal Princess. The Champion Foal was Derryeighter Freya, a well-balanced son of Linsfort Barney and Pride of the West owned by Patrick King from Errislannan. Padraic Folan’s Teach Mor Knight, (Castle Knight-Lishmar Lady Donna) stood Reserve. The Smokey line was evident as Kieran McGrath from Claregalway had a winning day when awarded the yearling colt class with Hazlerock Horizon (Bunowen BobbySmokey Jimmy) and also exhibited Hazelrock Buachaill (Currachmore Cashel-Smokey Star) owned by Philip McCallon from Roundstone, who took the red rosette in the stallion class. Pat and Mary Rabbitt from Monaghanstown stud won the John Gibbons Memorial cup with Monaghanstown Sheeba (Abbeyleix Fionn –Monaghanstown Star). Breeder John McLoughlin from Letterfrack was present to see yet another of his breed, Milford Wren 2nd awarded first prize

when exhibited by Niall O’Neill for his father Joe from Annbally, Corofin. This is a nice mould of a mare with a lot of presence and class. Michael Sweeney from Ballyconneely had Derrygimbla Beauty in pristine condition to win the eleven to nineteen years mare without foal class. By Ard Conneely out of the grand matron of Ballyconneely, Irishtown Beauty, this is a jewel of a mare. The bay mare’s class was won by Seamus Keady’s Gleann Rua Godiva and bred by Beatrice Maxwell Murphy in Galway; she is an old fashioned type with a pedigree to match and should make a lovely brood. By Westside Mirah her dam Moonlight is by Coral Star out of Happy Eva (Ashfield Alex-Jolly Eva). The two-year-old fillies this season have some very nice examples that will certainly feature for some time especially in the show ring. Cathy Stuffle from Ballyconneely was awarded first with the striking grey Aoife’s Pride who has quality and presence, her dam Jasmine is by Abbeyleix Owen and Lucky Liza. Patrick Curran is becoming an expert in the young handler’s classes, when winning with his regular partner Coosheen Breeze, but not without a strong challenge from Doireann Gorham and Kingstown Paddy. Ruth Rogers Photo: Thomas Mullen with the Supreme In Hand Champion at the Oughterard Show, Lakeside Lassie. Photo courtesy of Ruth Rogers Go to page 26 for Oughterard Show Results

GAA

Naomh Fechin GAA Minor B Final The Clifden team who were defeated 2-15 to 1-6 by Naomh Anna, Leitir Moir, in the West Board Minor (B) Football Championship Final on Saturday September 5th. Photo right top: Back (l-r): John O'Malley, Michael O'Toole, Brian O'Toole, Peter Cullen, Eoin Kilkenny, Chris Holmes, Eamon McCann, Shane Sweeney, Conor Nee, Iain O'Malley, Conall Joyce, Tommy Nee, Thomas King, Pat King. Front (l-r): Ronan O'Donnell, Iain McDonagh, Oisin Conneely, John Mannion, Liam DeCourcey, Marty Conneely, Tomas Roche, David Black, John Gibbons, Cathal Molloy, Niall Black.

U16’s Final Narrow Defeat The Naomh Fechin U16’s were very unlucky to be beaten by one point in their League ﬁnal against Killanin in Ros Muc in September on a scoreline of 2-13 to 3-09. They enjoyed great local support at the match and can be proud of getting to the ﬁnal of their league.

Bernie Kilkenny Plaque The Naomh Fechin U14’s played a challenge match against Dublin side Naomh Barróg in September at the Clifden pitch. Naomh Barrog have been coming to Clifden to play challenge matches for a number of years now, organised by Bernie Kilkenny and Michael Roche of Clifden. After the match Vera Kilkenny was presented with a memorial plaque in honour of Bernie and his involvement down through the years.

Connemara SportsView

Aran Island Matches The Naomh Fechin U12’s and U 10’s travelled to the Aran Islands for a match in September. While the weather wasn’t great, the games were played in a very sporting manner and all enjoyed the trip to Inis Mór. Photos above (L-r): Naomh Fechin U12’s on Inis Mor. The Naomh Fechin U10’s on Inis Mór

GMT Cup The GMT Cup for U10’s was played at the new Letterfrack pitch on Sunday September 27th with Naomh Feichin eventually winning against Renvyle on a scoreline of 6-9 to 4-4. On the same day the U8’s played the Peter Lydon shield, which was won by Renvyle. Photos: Right - Pat Lydon presents the Peter Lydon Shield to the Renvyle U8’s. Right - Willie Gannon presents the Naomh Fechin U10’s with the GMT Cup for 2009.

Photos: Left - Vera Kilkenny accepts a plaque dedicated to her late husband Bernie from Naomh Barróg GAA Club. Above - The Naomh Fechin U14 side who played against Naomh Barróg of Dublin.

October 2009

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fantastic 2nd day score of 67, to finish 2 under. The winning amateur team was Barrie Trainor pro and locals, Julian Jeff ries, Tony Conneely and Ger Lynch with a score of 179. Photo: The Connemara Pro-Am winning amateur team (l-r): Pro Barrie Trainor, Julian Jeff ries, Paddy Aspell of Clifden Supply Centre. Tony Conneely and Captain Tom Vaughan. Not pictured: Ger Lynch. Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden

Connemara Pro Am The Annual Clifden Supply Centre Connemara Pro Am run in conjunction with the Irish Professional Golfers Association took place at Connemara Championship Links on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September’09. A full complement of 48 teams took part and with great weather and fantastic course conditions some brilliant scores were returned. John Kelly from St. Margaret’s Golf & CC led on Day 1 with 67 and held on with a score of 72 on Day 2. However Peter Martin from River-

side Golf Academy, who carded 70 on Day 1 and 69 on Day 2, caught up with Kelly to share the spoils. Jimmy Bolger, Kilkenny Golf Club, was 3rd with a score of 4 under. Hugh O’Neill resident pro in Connemara had a

Connemara Golf

05/09/09 Open 18 Holes Stableford. Sponsor: Malone Meats/Mannions Bar. Ladies: 1st: Margaret Anderson(14) 36pts,2nd: Catherine Hosty(22)35pts,Gross: Joyce Maguire(15) 18pts. 3rd: Nuala Brangan(32) 33pts(b9),CSS: 33pts,Mens:1st: Anthony Finnegan(14) 37pts(B9),2nd: John Kelly(12) 37pts,Gross: Iarlaith Keane(0) 35pts,3rd: Stephen Clancy(19) 36pts,CSS: 33pts 06/09/09 Open 4 Ball Betterball Stableford. Sponsor: Mid West Mowers. Ladies: 1st: Ann Killilen (23)/ Monica King (21)29pts(b9), 2nd: Athene Keating(26)/ Miriam Broadhurst(25)29pts. Mens: 1st: Michael Kearnry(13)/Conor O’Malley(13)39pts,2nd: Derek Joyce(13)/ Aiden Griﬃn(13)38pts. 13/09/09 Open Singles Stableford. Sponsor: Snap Printing/Corrib & Data Printers. Ladies: 1st: Carmel Gaughan(26),39pts, 2nd: Del Connolly(20) 38pts,Gross: Margaret Lavelle(11),24pts ,3rd: Mary Howley(24) 37pts,CSS: 36pts. Mens: 1st: Jimmy Hayden(19), 38pts, 2nd: Stephen Heanue, (25) ,38pts, Gross: Peter Higgins(6),33pts, 3rd: Alan King(8), 38pts. CSS: 35pts. Presidents Prize 2009, Eddie Foyle. 1st: Derek Joyce (13) 43Pts, 2nd: Donal Standun(12) 39Pts,Gross: Alan King (8) 29. Ladies Gross: Raymonde Standun (16) 18pts,3rd: Roddy McGahon (12) 38Pts (B 9) 4th Joe King (11) 38Pts B 9,5th: Martin Casey (15) 38pts,Guest prize: Paddy O Looney (7) 29Pts,Junior

prize Greg O Reilly (16) 17Pts. 23/09/09 Open Singles Stableford Ladies: 1st: Josephine O’Neill (28) 35pts,CSS: 35pts. Mens: 1st: Paddy McLoughlin(15) 40pts, 2nd: Lorcan Geoghegan(18) 37pts(b9) 3rd: Noel Mulligan(12) 37pts,CSS: 35pts. Photos: Top left - Winner of the Connemara Championship Links 2009 President’s Prize 2009 Derek Joyce receives his prize with 2009 Captain Tom Vaughan. Top right: Winner of the Ladies President’s Prize, Raymonde Standun. Above: Gross President’s Prize winner Alan King with Connemara Championship Links President Eddie Foyle. Photos courtesy of Patrick Howard

Oughterard Golf 01/09/09 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Caomhan Seoighe (C. Isles) (28) 42pts, 2nd Stephen Kavanagh (11) 40 pts, 3rd Pat O’ Sullivan (27) 38 pts (20B9). C.S.S 36 pts. 06/09/09 18 Hole Stableford Competition, sponsored by Lake Society. 1st John Moreley (13) 38 pts. 2nd Padraic Conroy (17) 36 pts. Gross: Paul Harvey (10) 22 Gross Pts. 3rd Luke Bohan (15) 35 pts. 4th Ken Jenkins (17) 33 pts (19b9). 5th Shaun Caldwell (15) 33 pts (15b9). CSS 33 pts. 13/09/09 18 Hole Stableford Competition. Sponsor: Galway Crystal. 1st Eanna Keleghan (13) 45 pts. 2nd Michael Darcy ( Jnr) (5) 41 pts. Gross: Hugh Walsh (3) 34 Gross pts. 3rd Paul Harvey (11) 39 pts (20B9). 4th Tom Durkin (19) 39 pts (19B9).

5th Eanna Noone (18) 38 pts (20b9). 6th Anthony Palmer (15) 38 pts (18B9). CSSm 36 pts. 20/09/09 18 Hole Stableford Competition. Sponsors: H. Keogh and C. McNamara, Oughterard. 1st Noel Smyth (26) 42 pts. 2nd Michael H. Walsh (12) 39 pts. Gross: David Nash (5) 32 Gross pts. 3rd Michael O’Grady (19) 38 pts (19b9). 4th Pat Cunningham (14) 38 pts (17b9). 5th Kevin O’Reilly (23) 37 pts (20b9). CSS 37 pts. 22/09/09 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Chris Hurney (17) 41pts, 2nd Tom McDonagh (13) 37 pts, 3rd Ger Cunningham (5) 35pts (18B9) 4th Michael Kearns (20) 35pts, (17B9). C.S.S 35 pts. 23/09/09 Ladies 18 Hole Stroke. Sponsor: Galway Crystal. C.S.S. Reductions Only. 1st Ellen Greene (34) 68 2nd Ruth Cunningham (25) 75, Gross: Marguerite Fallon (14) 90, 3rd Niamh Keogh (15) 76 B9, 4th Mgt. Forde (30) 76 B6, 5th Peggie Blehein (24) 76 B9. Photo below: An Taoiseach Brian Cowen paid a recent visit to Oughterard Golf Club on September 25th. He is pictured here with Captain of Oughterard Golf Club John Waters and Proinsias Kitt, Chairman of the organizing committee.Photo courtesy of Tom Broderick

Sailors Award

The annual Clifden Boat Club award for sailor of the year was given to Michael Gerard Coohill of Sky Road, Clifden. He is pictured here receiving the cup from 2008 holder Michael Prendergast.

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October 2009

Connemara SportsView

After School/ Arts/ Entertainment After School Club Starting Oct 5th. Monday & Thursday afternoons (3 wks) 2 to 6pm. €25 per session per child. Also mid-term break Club: Mon 26th to 30th Oct. 10am to 2pm (Halloween arts & crafts and cooking). Contact: Mary 095-41349 or Una: 087- 663-2431. Spaces Limited. Book early. Dance Fusion classes start up Tuesday October 13th in Clifden Town Hall. Hip Hop for Teens ages 13-17yrs from 6.30-7.30. Learn Funky Hip Hop routines. Hip Hop builds stamina, emphasizes body isolations, attitude, co-ordination, rhythm, memory and teaches free-style movement to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style. Course runs for 8 weeks and costs €70 check out the www.dancefusion.ie for more info call 091 867821 to book your place! Art Classes. Would you like to learn watercolour painting? One to one and small group classes available. Take a one oﬀ class or several. I can also come to your small group. Patricia Morrison. Derrigimlagh, Ballyconneely. 087-656-9255. Station House Theatre, Clifden. Check out our fantastic line-up of cinema and live acts. www.stationhousetheatre. com. info@stationhousetheatre.com 095-30303. Video rental and purchase. Music. Video Games. Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033 The Ultimate Girls Night In!! An Ann Summers party is the great girls night in for you and your friends. Parties are full of games, fun and laughter and it will be one night you will not forget. To book your party or order a catalogue please contact Paula on 087-758-9710.

Antiques & Restorations

Prendergast Antiques. Lower Market St, Clifden. For that unique gift or special piece for your home why not peruse our extensive collection of antique furniture, silver, ceramics, collectibles, antique and reproduction glassware, prints, mirrors. Best prices, 32 county delivery, worldwide shipping, trade welcome. www.clifden.biz Phone 087-629-6195 anytime. Church-Castle and Monument. Architectural and Ecclesiastical restoration and conservation. Our Service: Statues repair and repainting. Marble altar works. Stained glass windows. Outdoor statues. Towerbells and clocks. Fountains. Crypts. Church furniture. Stations of the Cross. Vestments. Chalices and Monstrances. Grotto statues. Also sandblasting and metal engeneering works.etc. Nationwide Service. Purchasing-Statue showroom. Michele Thierbach G.R.A.D. www.studio-michele.com. www. nicholas-antiques.com. 091-556735.

Automotive

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

Bicycles & Quads

Mannion’s Bikes. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160. Adult and children’s bikes. Rentals. Galway Quads. Quads, buggies, repairs, servicing, accessories. Boley, East Barna. Contact Keith Trill on 087-988-6514 or email keith@galwayquads.com. www. galwayquads.com.

Books & Periodicals

Clifden Bookshop oﬀers a comprehensive range of titles with particular emphasis on local Connemara history, Irish literature, guide books, maps, memoirs and book tokens. Good news for all book lovers - Extensive range of books currently selling at parity. Best Sellers/Thrillers/Bi-

Connemara View Directory

ographies. Also stockists of artist’s materials, cards & stationery. Provides ordering and mail-order service. Main St, Clifden. 095-22020. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Lotto. Newspapers & magazines.

Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants

Clifden Station House Hotel. Celebrate in style this December at the Clifden Station House where you can enjoy a fun filled night including dinner in our Omey Suite followed by a show in the Station House Theatre. Later, dance the night away with our Party DJ. Saturday 5th: U2 Rattle & Hum Tribute; Friday 11th: Neil Diamond Tribute; Saturday 12th: Boogie Nights; Friday 18th: Abba Tribute; Saturday 19th Miranda Rosenburg Jazz. Dinner & Show: €59pp. Dinner, Show & Accommodation: €99pps. Subject to terms & conditions, available upon request. 095-21699. info@clifdenstationhouse.com. Portfinn Lodge & Fjord Restaurant. Casual Dining Overlooking Killary Fjord in Leenane. Early Bird Menu 6 to 7pm €21. Available for special occasions and events such as Holiday Parties, Weddings, Christenings and Birthdays. 095-42265. info@portfinn.com www.portfinn.com. Zetland Country House Hotel. Cashel. 095-31111. Our beautiful restaurant with windows overlooking Cashel Bay. Our restaurant has achieved an international reputation for the quality and standard of presentation of its food and has recently won several prestigious awards for catering and for hospitality. Using locally produced product and herbs in season, our chef produces an exciting menu with a varied choice to suit all tastes. Marconi Restaurant at Foyles Hotel. Clifden. 095-21801. Christmas Party Nights. Friday 11th December, Saturday 12th December, Friday 18th December, Saturday 19th December, Mulled Wine Reception, Five Course Meal, Live Band, Friday €35.00 pp, Saturday €37.50 pp. Why not avail of our special overnight. B&B rate of €35 per person sharing. Oliver’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant, Cleggan. Fresh seafood. Bar food served daily until 9pm. Trad Session on Saturday nights with local musicians Heather Greer (harmonica, concertina) & Mary Lovett (banjo, mandolin) October10th, 24th and 31st at 9.30. All musicians and singers are welcome to join in. 095-44640. Kylemore Pass Hotel and Restaurant, Kylemore. Ideal for small weddings. Tranquillity Room suitable for civil weddings, & therapy-use. Restaurant for a special meal. Sailors Bar for affordable meals. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. Take friends for a drink in our unique bar. 095-41141. email: passinn@indigo.ie www.kylemorepass-hotel-connemara.com. O’Dowd’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Roundstone Harbour. Food served daily from 10am-9:30pm. Fresh seafood daily. 095-35809. EJ King’s Bar and Restaurant. The Square, Clifden. 095-21330. Open 7 days a week. We cater for all kinds of parties. Special 2 course and 3 course meal offers available. Live music every night including our Rock night every Friday. Great fun. Griffins Bar. Main St, Clifden. Serving hot food Mon-Fri from noon to 5pm. Live music every night. 4 TV screens for the best sports viewing. Air conditioned. Beer garden and smoking area. 095-21370. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road, Clifden. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Early booking is advisable. Tuesday night is Irish Night. Entertainment nightly. 095-21201. info@abbeyglen.ie. www.abbeyglen.ie.

gmail.com www.connemaraﬂorist.net Deliver throughout Connemara. An Siopa Deas. Market St., Clifden. Clifden’s premier toy store. Christmas Club now open. A deposit secures your order. Toys & gifts stored right up to Christmas. Delivery available. Birthday and Christmas cards at best prices. Looking after the people of Connemara for 20 years. Open Daily 10-6. 095-21050. Keane’s. Main St., Clifden. 095- 30640. 3rd Birthday celebrations start Wednesday, October 7th. Be our lucky 100th shopper each week and receive a €40 voucher. Christmas Club now open. Great range of Halloween stock. Christmas lighting, trees, gifts and more arriving in a few weeks. King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Visit our new Card & Gift Gallery. Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Back to School Supplies. Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348.

Catering

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

Computers, IT & Mobile Phones

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

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

Dry Cleaners

Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. 095-21348.

Cards, Gifts, Toys & Flowers

Connemara Florist. Fresh ﬂowers for all occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, births, funerals and weddings. Great gift ideas - whatever your budget! Main St, Clifden. 095-21565. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. connemaraﬂorist@

October 2009

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Employment Experienced Secretary available for work immediately, anything considered including working from home. 086-304-3038. Man available for all types of REPs work. Stone walls, etc. Call Michael on 087-255-3389. Available: Experienced secretary. ECDL, SAGE Accounts and payroll experience. Full/part-time work or work from home. 087-218-3464. Part time staﬀ in all areas of hotel work. Experience is essential. Please contact Colm at the Zetland Hotel on 095-31111 and forward CVs to info@zetland.com. Pub staﬀ required for busy Irish pub in Naples, Florida, U.S.A. For details contact Paddy Yank McDonagh 086-346-9372. Email: paddyyank@yahoo.com.

Farming

Diamonds. Renvyle. 095 43486. For all your Farm needs: Hay, Equi Haylage, Straw, Shavings, All Animal Feeds, Fencing, Drainage, Steel, Gates, Stakes, Concrete Products, Cement, Coal, Briquettes, Pellets, Eco Logs, Sand, Gravel. For Coal & Briquettes - Nobody beats Our Prices. Call today for a quote. Free Delivery.

Fashion & Jewellery Sell Your Gold. Old, unwanted and broken jewellery. 6 carat to 24 carat, yellow, white and rose gold. Chains, rings, earrings, bangles, anklets, cuﬄinks, charms, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, sovereigns and clasps. We also buy Platinum. No amount is too small or too large ! Free Phone 1800-800-888 or go to www.thegoldretriever.com. As featured on RTE’s Afternoon Show: “The Gold Retriever pays the best price for your gold...”. If for any reason you feel that your items have not been fairly evaluated, we will return them promptly at no cost to you. That I guarantee! Dr. Greg Heaslip, CEO.

Financial/Legal Bookkeeping & Accounts service for self employed and small businesses. Very experienced financial administrator is available for all your bookkeeping requirements. VAT/PAYE/PRSI returns, Payroll, Monthly Accounts etc. Contact: Marian Herriott 087-647-8303. email: mherriott4@gmail.com. Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. Clifden Office at Unit 3, Tom Barry House 095-21101. Cashel Office 095-31128.

Lydons Carpet & Furniture. Moycullen. Now in: Clare Faux Leather Suite. €799. Hamilton Table with 4 chairs€229; with 6 chairs €329. Many carpet specials. Furniture: 091-868-992. Carpet & Flooring: 091-555-962.

Information Services & Media

Therese Thornton, Solicitor, Clifden, Co. Galway. Professional, comprehensive legal service at reasonable rates. Call (087) 2625385 or email ThereseThornton@gmail. com for advice or a quote with no obligation.

Food & Wine

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

Hair, Nails & Tanning

Anna’s Nail Bar & Tanning Salon. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-30001. New! Wow Brown Spray Tanning now available. Full body tan for €25. Normally €35. Hand ﬁle & polish €13. Toe ﬁle & polish. €16. Open Tues-Sat 10-5. Late appointments strictly by appointment. Rosie’s Ladies & Gents Hair Salon, Roundstone. 095-35819. Open Tues - Sat 10-6. Late and early appointments to suit. New vibrant red colours just launched now in salon. For month of October goody bag with every child’s hair cut. Kids cuts dry €8-€10 or wash + cut+ blowdry €15. T-bar highlights + cut €55. Half head + cut €75. Full head + cut €95. You can bring in your own colour for that professional touch for €10+ €10 for blowdry with that package.

Home Furnishings

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

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

Items for Sale or Rent

Turf for Sale. €300 per trailer including delivery within Connemara. 087-611-9409. Fender Jazzmaster electric guitar, Candy-apple Red, locking tremolo, 2 x Seymour Duncan Quarter-Pounder highoutput pickups, includes custom hardcase. € 490 ono. Marshall AR-12 cab, voiced for AVT2000 series amp head. €85 ono. Nobels CH-D stereo Chorus Eﬀect Pedal €50 ono. Call John at Two Dog Computers. 095 22194. New Pellet Stove half price. 3 bought. Only 2 used. Same type can be seen working. 095-41141. 04 Yamaha Farm Quad. 2wd/4wd. Diﬀ locks. Hi/lo. 087-988-6514.€3800. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095 21219. Diamonds. Renvyle. 095 43486. Coal, briquettes, pellets, Eco Logs, sand, gravel. For coal & briquettes - Nobody beats our prices. Call today for a quote. Free delivery. Celtic Flame Kiln Dried Olive Wood. €6 per net sack. Half Ton: €300. Ton: €550. Creative Warehouse. Kilroe, Inverin. 091-553-995 087-285-3114

Landscaping

Tree Pruning, Crown Reductions, Crown Thinning, Deadwood Removal, Tree Removal, Hedge Cutting & Chipping, est 1998. Alan Linnane. West Coast Tree Surgery. 095-43018. 086-284-8340. westcoasttreesurgery@hotmail.com.

Office Supplies

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

Pets, Animals & Ponies

Connolly’s Boarding Cattery near Rossaveal. Open all year for long or short stays. Designed for safety and comfort of cats following FAB guidelines. All cats must be vaccinated and males neutered. Tel. Maureen on 086-398-8179 or 091-572-000 or visit www.purr.ie.

Next issue: November 5th Classified Ad Deadline: October 30 Page 20

October 2009

Connemara View Directory

Pets, Animals & Ponies

Photography Services

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

Properties

Modern & comfortable 3 bedroom house available for long term rent. Located in quiet and convenient location just a stroll from Clifden town centre. Available immediately. Careful tenants only. No pets. Available furnished or unfurnished. Car space provided. 086-398-9350. 091-552-929. Rooms to rent in town centre. New house, all mod cons. Ph 086-837-7120. Looking for a cottage or small house to rent within 5 miles of Clifden with a ﬁeld for a horse. 087-913-5948. For Rent: 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and rooms to let, 5 minutes walk from Clifden town centre, fully furnished. 095-44924 or 087-249-8097. House to Let: 4 bedroom bungalow in Gowlane. 2 miles from Clifden. Fully furnisher. Oli central heating. 2 bathrooms. 086-163-9720. 095-21319.

Properties - BER Building energy rating (BER)call today for a quotation,also a solar panel and heat recovery ventilation installer.SEI registered.contact Aodan on 087 0660755 or email at aodanmacdonncha@gmail.com.

Dance Fusion Adult Dance Fitness classes start up on Tuesday October 13th in Clifden Town Hall. Hip Hop Fit for Adult Beginners 7.30-8.30. No partner needed this course is a high energy fat burning workout!! Salsa Fit for Adults 8.30-9.30. No partner necessary, no experience necessary. Beginners Adult Courses suitable for all ages. This course is an excellent workout. Learn easy to follow dance moves while toning up and having fun! Course runs for 8 weeks and costs €88 but we also offer a group discount if you book a group of 5 people it costs only €70 each. Check out www.dancefusion.ie for more info and call 091-867-821 to book your place! The Station House Leisure Centre. 3 months single membership for only €200. Includes use of all facilities: Gym, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room. Available from September 1st. Phone 095-30433. 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. Do you suffer from anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, digestive disorders, depression, headaches, lack of energy, ME, MS, muscle tension, stress? I f so, contact Lucy Ly-

don (BEHA Dip) on 087-757-9237. True Awakening Plexus Bio-Energy Therapy. Reiki/Seichem. Experience the calm and healing energies of this treatment which is drug free and non-invasive. These powerful energies can heal on a mental, emotional, spiritual and physical level. Qualified Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on 086-365-3266. 5 Rhythms® Movement Classes. We dance for joy, for fun, for keeping fit and we can also dance to feel rooted and steady in life, to feel supported in your way of living. An exhilarating, creative, movement meditation practice. October 7th & 21st, Nov 4th & 18th , Dec 2nd & 16th. 10.30 am to 12 noon. €120 for 6 classes at he Tranquillity Room, Kylemore Pass Hotel. Special Offer: If fully paid before September 10th, 6 Classes for €100. Send payment to Caitríona at Finnisglen, Recess, Co. Galway. Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig, www.deorade.com. Clifden Outreach Service by Cancer Care West at the

Connemara View Directory

October 2009

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

Page 21

Properties - BER

Travel

Building energy rating (BER)call today for a quotation,also a solar panel and heat recovery ventilation installer.SEI registered.contact Aodan on 087-066-0755 or email at aodanmacdonncha@gmail.com. Book now for your Building Energy Rating certiﬁcate which is compulsory for all homes for sale or rent from January 1st 2009. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. BERs will be carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Call Sinead at Matt O’Sullivan Estate Agents on 095-21066 or e-mail property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com. Listing properties for long term rental.

Would the family from the Oughterard area that wanted to do a home exchange with someone on Vancouver island, Canada please contact Bob McIvor via email. rcmtech@ ssisland.com.

Security Services

TV/Satellite/Broadband

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

Websites

Website Design: Creative, professional and aﬀordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. For pricing and to view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign. com. For a competitive quote phone Caroline Herriott on 086-079-1918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com.

us on 091-506-896 or 087-990-2294. Wedding Videography with a difference. Capturing with precision all the style and elegance of your special day. Professional, quality DVD that will give wonder and joy for generations. Flexible friendly service, HD equipment. For details:Contact John at www.dvp.ie. 087-247-0112. 093-35847. Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. 095-43756. 086-406-2394. email: fiddisco@mac.com. www.fiddisco. com. Phone for a Free Demo DVD.

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

Taxi Service

Wedding Services www.getawaylimos.com. Vintage and Modern cars available for weddings, social or corperate travel and airport transfers. Our rare and unique cars are fully PSV Licensed and Insured. Special midweek rates. Visit our website or call

Seán Bartley, Ballinaboy Michael Coyne, St. Joseph’s Court,Clifden, formerly of Letternoosh & Oxford, U.K. Mark Curran, Chicago & formerly of Carna Mary (McCafferty) Faherty, Oughterard John Feeney, Roscahill Tommy Laffey, Maam Sean ( Johnny Sheáin Jack) MacDonncha, Carna Lawrence E Manning, Clifden Edna Millar, Lichfield, U.K, & formerly of Clifden Michael Austin O’ Toole, Leenane 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 7,500 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888 087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor: Catherine Pryce

Death Notice

Thanks for Good Treatment

Ms Maura Schley, formally of Bridge Street Clifden, Sister to Raymond, Padriac and Sean passed away in London on 14th September last after a short illness. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the people for their sympathy and kindness.

I recently had people from New York & Dublin (family reunion) staying in our house. They arrived to Connemara after misadventures with ﬂights on an extremely wet & wild Saturday evening. On Sunday morning their mother realized she had forgotten her medication, but through the kind assistance of Mary Faherty who was on duty that Sunday morning at Clifden Hospital, she got in contact with West Doc to get these tourists sorted quickly & professionally. They & I thought she was lovely. I would like to say a big thank you to her. Name and address supplied to Editor.

Thanks for Support

Acknowledgements & Remembrances

Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Contributors: John Amenhauser, John & Sue Brittain, Tom Broderick, John Claró, Breda Coneys, Ann Conneely, Dorothy Conneely, Sean Corcoran, Sarah Cosgrove, Sonja Delappe, Richard de Stacpoole, Philomena Ezergailis, Aine Maire Ni Fhatharta, Kevin Gavin, Freddy Gibbons, Rosemary Hanley, Joe Heanue, Samantha Heanue, Sean Heanue, Patrick Howard, Laurence Inglebach, Bernie Jeﬀ ries, Cathal Joyce, Liz Kane, Nick Kats, Patricia Keane, Linda Keaveney, Gemma Kelly, Judy Lawrence, Christopher Lawson, Bernard Lee, Joachim Lydon, Brendan Madden, Micheal McDonnell, Kate McNamara, Ann Mitchell, Aine Maire Ni Flatharta, Enda Noone, Kevin O’Connor, Michael O’Connor, John O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Donal O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Emma O’Sullivan, Anthony Previte, Ruth Rogers, Chris Shanahan, David Shannon, Danielle Wallace, Emma Walsh, Declan Weir.

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

Page 22

The Roundstone Connemara Pony Show Committee would like to say thank you to all the people that helped make the 2009 Roundstone Events a great success. Paddy ‘ Yank’ McDonagh

Price per word: €0.25. Photo: €5.

NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, November 5th Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, October 21st News Deadline: Wednesday, October 28th Classified Ad Deadline: Friday, October 30th October 2009

Connemara View Directory

Trade Supplies & Services Alternative Energy

Airflow Renewable Energy Solutions, Ballybrit, Galway. 091-764-761.www.airflowireland.ie. Daikin air to water heat pumps. Ground source geothermal heat pumps. IVT heat recovery ventilation. Solar panels. System design & project support. Domestic & commercial. SEI approved. Cut your oil bill by two-thirds with solar powered water heating. Call Michael Carey for a free no obligation quote. Testimonials from satisfied customers available. SEI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com.

stairs, ﬁre escapes. Registered contractor. 091-868803. 087-2616947. Email: conncoatfab@eircom.net.

Headstones

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

Insulation

Appliance Repair & Maintenance

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

Stone. 095-21744. 086-247-5619. www.corbettstone. com. Washed and graded sand and gravel. Decorative stone chippings in a variety of colours for pathways, driveways and patios. Also, choice gardener’s bark mulch. Free delivery to your door. Just need a bag or 2 of sand, gravel, decorative chippings or bark mulch? We are now supplying 25kg, 50kg and 250kg bags. We also sell in bulk.. Free delivery throughout Connemara. Mongan’s Stonecraft. Derryinver, Letterfrack. 095-43473. 087-130-7752. 086-199-1988. The Original Bagged Sand Supplier. Soft & sharp sand, washed gravel & decorative chippings. Gold chippings now €100 per ton bag. Stonetech, Clifden. Call Seamus on 087-668-7437.

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

Sheds

Plant Hire

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

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

Windows

Building Contractors

Deck Oﬀer: 100 sq. ft. deck including treated timber, railings and labour for €1200 inc vat. Also specialising in rooﬁng, attic conversions & timber framing. Contact Pat O’Malley. Full service builder. C2. Ltd Co. North Star Builders. 087-228-3862/085-780-6351. northstarbuilders@live.ie. Connemara Seamless Gutters. Suppliers of roof line cladding and guttering systems. Over 17 years experience. Aluminum, UPvc. Wide range of colours. Free quotations. 095-41180. Gerry: 086-103-1053. Peter: 085-760-4130.

Plastering & Tiling

Chimney Cleaning John F. Hynes Chimney Cleaning. In business for over 30 years. Fast, clean, reasonable rates. Phone 091-555-317 or 087-231-5401.

Gates

Connacht Gates Moycullen. Manufacturer of wrought iron gates domestic and commercial. Side gate, railings. balconies, stainless steel handrails, glass balustrades, customised

Connemara View Directory

Tiler specialising in all types of ﬂoors & walls; Ceramic, mosaic, marble, terracotta, porcelain, slate, paving. Call for FREE quote & advice. Commercial & residential. Competitive rates, professional throughout. Paul Davis. Tel: 095-23803 Mob: 085-110-3035.

Sand, Gravel & Stone

Cut Stone by the bag or hand picked at rock bottom prices. Any quantity. Flag stones for paving. Unusual shaped stones for your garden. Good quality topsoil by the truck load or 1 ton bags. Delivered promptly. Our prices won’t be beaten. Corbett stone. Natural Connemara building

October 2009

Page 23

Bogman 54

Connemara Crossword 60

32. Inadequate (6) 33. Slaughterhouse (8) 34. Required (6) 35. Transported to (9) Crossword Down 2. Insect with a bite (6) 3. Skedaddle (6) 4. Sprinkling (6) 5. Failed to mention (7) 6. Martial art (6) 7. Eagerness, drive (8) 8. Unseen (9) 11. Dangerous pussy (5) 13. Magnifying glass (4) 17. Flat, living space (9) 19. Well informed (8) 20. Follow, come after (5) 22. Have a dip (4) 23. Small house (7)

Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden by October 28th

September Winners

Bogman 53 Liz Devane, Roundstone Crossword 59 Ann Conneely, Roundstone 25. Worked for (6) 27. Jungle excursion (6) 28. Ease, alleviate (6) 29. Power source (6)

SUDOKU

Crossword Across 1. Downturn in the economy (9) 9. Colourful food fish (6) 10. Vegetable, beloved of school kids (8) 11. Pacific island (6) 12. Wavelet (6) 14. Nincompoop (4) 15. Weird (5) 16. Star sign (6) 18. Glad (7) 21. London football team (7) 24. Courses taken (6) 26. Fertile spot in desert (5) 30. This relative is a nut (4) 31. Quantity (6)

Bogman Across 9 Voter turns up with treasure. (5) 10 Has he any involvement with such an animal – that’s a laugh! (5) 11 The only tree that’s left after a fierce forest fire. (3) 12 There’s a large amount to be won on it. (5) 13 Though they’re big, they are within range. (9) 14 Be open about one receiving medical treatment. (7) 15 Shatter calm by hitting it. (6) 17 Is it for leading the horse? Or stopping it? (6) 18 Could it contain sodium chloride, Muscadet or Merlot? (6) 21 Do they provide the wood for sacred mixture? (6) 23 Would you be happy to see what’s in it? (7) 27 With complicated art I am cut in a painful way. (9) 29 Is this all an adder gets? (5) 30 Take the girl to court? (3) 31 Could this be live? (5) 32 Is this a sad song about a broken ridge? (5) Bogman Down 1 Stop working in the market (5) 2 Bard cannot be involved with smuggled goods. (10) 3 He’d go on first, being a compulsive pleasure-seeker. (8) 4 Insincere start by a witch-doctor? (6) 5 Put me back in mink or sable or ermine for a bone. (5) 6 Is this father’s attempt to get a tart? (6) 7 Is it the IRA’s turn to provide cover for Sonia Ghandi? (4) 8 It’s a weed everywhere except in Scotland. (7) 16 What think-tanks may do for underwear in high wind. (10) 19 Adult tie knotted at a certain position, north or south. (8) 20 Is this the fifth letter from an exquisitely happy state? (7) 22 The Cure. (6) 24 Turn around company with sect exercising magic. (6) 25 How you might guide a bullock? (5) 26 Being very fast and streamlined, the bottoms of the boats turn up. (5) 28 Get monkey kiss but not on your bottom! (4)

Page 24

What Do You Know? Quiz 13 No winner. Prize money now €60 for 12 correct answers for Quiz 12.

October Quiz

Entertainment: In the movie The Quiet Man which actor plays the part of Reverend Playfair? Food & Drink: What is a wine cask or beer barrel of large capacity called? General Knowledge: In which country did the ‘sauna’ originate? History: Which Nobel prize winner was offered the presidency of a country of which he was not even a citizen? Literature: Which Shakespearean play ends with this line: “So thanks to all at once and to each one, Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.” Local Interest: In what year did the Connemara poet Micheal Mac Suibhne die? Music: Which famous composer was the father-inlaw of Wagner? Nature: For how long can Emperor penguins dive underwater? Politics: In which year was Reverend Ian Paisley first elected as a Westminster MP? Science: Which satellite in the solar system is named after the cupbearer of Gods in Greek mythology? Sports: Which Irish golf course has the distinction of being the furthest west in Europe? Geography: Journeying eastward, what is the next major expanse of water you would reach after the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea?

September Quiz Answers

Entertainment: What is the real name of the lead singer of Black Sabbath? Answer: John Michael Osborne. http://www.ukwebstart.com/triviaquiz2. html Food & Drink: Which biscuit is named after Queen Victoria’s holiday home in the Isle of Wight? Answer: Osborne. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1. html General Knowledge: In Islamic law, how many wives is a man allowed to have? Answer: 4. http://www. ukwebstart.com/triviaquiz3.html History: The oldest shoes found by archaeologists date to approximately 10,000 years ago. Where were they found? Answer: U.S.A. http://www. funtrivia.com/submitquiz.cfm?quiz=271375 Literature: What was the name of Hans Christian Andersen’s first story which was published in 1822? Answer: ‘The Ghost at Palnatoke’s Grave’. http:// www.123facts.com/quiz_results.php?quizid=5248 Local Interest: What pony was named as Junior Champion at the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden in 2008? Answer: Clooshgreen Prince owned and bred by Ms Dymphna O’ Brien of Clooshgreen Oughterard. http://www.cpbs.ie/page.aspx?id=21 Music: Cavatina is the theme to which film? Answer: The Deer Hunter. http://www.quizu.co.uk/quiztpl1. htm? Music=qinc0155.js&quizinc=qinc0155.js Nature: At what distance can a golden eagle spot a hare? Answer: 2. 2 miles. http://www.quizu.co.uk/ quiztpl1.html/Natural=qinc0031.js& Politics: Who was the first woman to be elected to the British House of Commons? Answer: Constance Markiewicz. http://www.funtrivia.com/submitquiz. cfm?quiz=274865 Science: Which planet in the Solar System is closest in size to Earth? Answer: Venus. http://www.quizzone.co.uk/quizrounds/011007science/answers. html Sports: Which two teams contested the first All Ireland Hurling Final and where? Answer: Thurles against Meelick in Birr. thurlessarsfields.tipperary. gaa.ie Geography: What is the name of sea lakes on the Polar Cap which can remain liquid for an entire winter? Answer: Polynyas. http://www.funtrivia. com/submitquiz.cfm?passthrough=qid:104850

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

Connemara View Newspaper

Mindfulness & Cancer Support

In a previous article for this paper (see: www.cancercarewest.ie), Dr. Helen Greally gave an overview of the psychological effects of cancer and Cancer Care West’s role in supporting those affected. In this piece I would like to introduce ‘mindfulness’ – a rapidly growing approach to supporting people with cancer and one in which we are delighted to be able to offer at our Cancer Support Centre in Galway. Nobody asks for a diagnosis of cancer. A diagnosis of cancer can challenge long-held assumptions such as the predictability, permanence and control we feel we have in life. For many people this deeply challenges how they perceive themselves and think about their journey through life. Faced with such challenges, how can the practice of mindfulness help?

Background My ﬁrst immersion in mindfulness took place at a training retreat in Sussex in October 2006. I had practiced meditation on and oﬀ for nearly a decade and was familiar with how my mind could create a running commentary on practically everything – including the practice of meditation! However the insight I gained in Sussex was how busy and active my mind was all of the time! Paying attention to this ‘inner dialogue’ in a non-reactive way is the heart of mindfulness meditation and has been a liberating personal discovery for me and for many people who are introduced to mindfulness. Jon Kabat-Zinn has pioneered the application of mindfulness meditation in healthcare since the late 1970’s. As a physiologist and following his own extensive study and practice of mindfulness, he developed an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme to complement medical care for chronic pain and other medical conditions (e.g. arthritis, cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease, multiple sclerosis etc.) that did not respond to purely medical treatments alone. The programme was established to help complement the work of standard medical care and took place at the Complementary Medicine Department of the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre. It has remained relatively unchanged since that time. This programme has now been adopted by health and medical care centres throughout the world as part of a new more ‘participatory’ approach to healthcare, where patients are supported to assume greater responsibility in their own healing. Mindfulness training, regardless of setting, helps to develop attention and present moment awareness. The cultivation of mindfulness – of paying attention “on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally” allows basic patterns of thinking, feeling and physiological changes to be observed. The ‘non-judgemental’ aspect of mindfulness is extremely important, as judging our experience (as good/bad; pleasant/unpleasant; appropriate/inappropriate etc.) is how we normally relate to ourselves, other people and situations. Developing an awareness of how we relate to our experience can be crucial to preventing further distress.

Mindfulness & Cancer The emphasis on the ‘here-and-now’ is key to the appropriateness of mindfulness in cancer care. Many sources of distress stem from thoughts and memories, which may relate to personally held beliefs regarding cancer causation or thoughts and feelings such as regrets about the past. Similarly, thoughts about the future can lead to fears and anxieties regarding the success of treatments or recurrence – all of which is appropriate and normal in the context of cancer. The difficulty is that by living either too much in the past or spending too much of our mental time in the future, we leave ourselves at risk of increased susceptibility to anxiety and depression. The mindfulness programme offered at the Cancer Support Centre is a slightly modified version of the

Connemara View Newspaper

8-week programme developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and incorporates insights from cognitive therapy into the more established MBSR model. The programme specifically emphasizes how patterns of thinking may add significantly to distress. Given the naturally arising fears and concerns surrounding treatments and prognosis in this setting, this type of intervention seems particularly pertinent to a cancer setting, regardless of gender, age or cancer stage or type. So how do those who come to the Cancer Support Centre learn to put these ideas into practice? Well just like learning anything worth knowing, like learning to type or to drive, it demands a lot of practice. However, it is also important to say that although I can do my best to describe mindfulness, it is best not described as a skill or a theoretical concept but rather an experience of being. Each participant who comes on the course agrees to attend each week of the 8 weeks (we meet for 2 and a half hours each time) and also commits to an hour of ‘home practice’ each day between meetings. The main formal ‘practices’ are a lying down ‘body scan’ meditation and also a guided sitting meditation. Although it is often commented that these practices allow people to experience states of deep relaxation, the main purpose is to train attention and awareness. The purpose of training where our attention goes is to help us become more aware more often. So if you were to pay a visit to the Cancer Support Centre during one of these courses, you might see people sitting or lying very still and really looking like they’re not doing very much at all! However if you have ever tried to practice paying attention to something as simple as your breathing even for a couple of minutes, you might quickly discover that the mind is having none of it! It has its own agenda! Very soon we may become aware that we’re making plans for tea or what’s on TV later. We get lost in all kinds of thoughts. And so the essence of mindfulness is to regain awareness when the mind strays from whatever the focus of awareness is meant to be in that moment. This ‘coming to awareness’ is crucial to stopping negative cycles of rumination that can be turning points for our mood to deteriorate. All thoughts are treated the same in terms of mindfulness practice. So whether we train on the neutral thought of ‘what will I make for dinner?’ or the powerful one that says ‘this chemotherapy isn’t working,’ the goal remains the same – to come back to the present moment, back to working with the breath. Research evidence in support of mindfulness-based interventions has grown exponentially over the past decade. Grossman et al. (2004) conducted a review study of the health benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and found reductions in pain, skin and heart conditions; depression and anxiety; quality of life and immune strength in those with cancer. The views expressed by people who have attended our courses over the past 18 months would support this evidence: “It has given me a way to cope with problems and has helped me to live in the moment.” “I feel it has opened a door to a new way of being with myself.” “This course has opened up for me a new way of integration and healing.” It is interesting that the root word of the verb ‘to heal’ is also the root of the word ‘to make whole.’ So in an important way, language suggests that real healing might also mean ‘whole-ing.’ In terms of cancer or any serious diagnosis or event, this means integrating the reality of what has been experienced. Mindfulness offers us a way of beginning this journey by paying attention to what is unfolding within our own body, feelings and mind, moment by moment. If you are interested in learning more about this course or about the other supports offered at Cancer Care West’s Cancer Support Centre, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. E: info@cancercarewest.ie. T: 091 540040. David Shannon, Counselling Psychologist Cancer Care West

October 2009

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

Monday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with

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

Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with

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

Page 25

Champions continued from page 14

Oughterard Show

She has been consistently in the ribbons and will definitely carry on the great dam line of Jennifer Rose who also produced two other winners on the day, Dooneen Hazy Rebel a full brother to Dooneen Alice and the three year old-filly Dooneen Stephanie Rose by Laerkens Cascade Dawn. Peter Molloy said “It’s been a great show for us, we will be back next year and we are just delighted”. The Reserve Junior Championship remained in Roundstone with Cailin Conneely’s Letterdyfe Rachel Rose (Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Letterdyfe Rose). This was Conneely’s 16th red rosette this year, and he said “we bred Rose ourselves, and hopefully she will carry on the line. It’s great to win at home and it’s been a wonderful year for us with the ponies”. Judged Supreme Champion Foal was Monaghanstown Shannon owned by Pat and Mary Rabbitt from Westmeath, a bay daughter of Linsfort Barney and Monaghanstown Sheeba. Pat Rabbitt told me “We came here for the first show and we always try and qualify so that we can come each year-we are just thrilled to win”. Caoranbeg Champ (Moorland Snowy River-Ballowstown Bibi) owned by Peter O’Malley from Carraroe was Reserve Champion Foal. Damien Gorham’s Doonhill Queen has also been very consistent all through the season and she obliged here in the two-year-old filly class. There was a strong seven to twelve year-old mares class that was eventually awarded to Foreglos Lass (Wings of Victory-Foreglos Matchmaker) owned by Noel Brett from Belmullet Co Mayo. Frances and Deirdre O’Reilly travelled from Dundalk and collected red with their Dublin champion Glenmore Kelly’s Owen in her class. Joe Burke had Clooneile Cashel in top condition as he stood ahead of Robbie and Barbara Fallon’s Spiddal champion Cashelbay Cruise in the open stallion class. The Bay class was won by Seamus Keady’s Gleann Rua Godiva who certainly has a “look at me factor” and the pair also collected the prize for the best turn out. As Roundstone is for first prize winners only, a nice bonus for this year’s winners was the announcement that they would automatically qualify for next year’s show. Chairman Paddy McDonagh and each one of his team deserve enormous credit for the presentation and attention to detail that surrounds this show. Enda Kenny in his opening speech complimented all the good work and dedication from breeders in Connemara towards the preservation of Ireland’s native pony. As he watched the classes and mingled with spectators for almost two hours, many of the grassroots present recalled the legacy and the tradition left by the people who gathered so proudly in this little town in 1923 to found the Stud Book. As young Eva Coneys from Clifden sang solo Amhrán na bhFiann before the presentation of the Junior Championship, there was pride and passion etched on many faces and it was surely a day to remember. Ruth Rogers

Oughterard In Hand Results

Roundstone Supreme Champion of Champions Show Results 2009 Yearling colt- Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Hazy Rebel, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Jennifer Rose. Yearling filly- Cailin Conneely’s Letterdyfe Rachel Rose, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Letterdyfe Rose. Two year-old filly-Damien Gorham’s Doonhill Queen, by Currachmore Cashel-Connemara Lady; Three year-old filly-Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Stephanie Rose, by Laerkens Cascade Dawn-Jennifer Rose Two &Three year-old colts-Kieran McGrath’s Glencarrig Romeo, byBunowen Bobby-Fairyhill Helen Junior Champion: Glencarrig Romeo; Reserve: Letterdyfe Rachel Rose. Filly foal-Pat & Mary Rabbitt’s Monaghanstown Shannon, by Linsfort Barney-Monaghanstown Sheeba Colt foal-Peter O’Malley’s Caoranbeg Champ, by Moorland Snowy River-Ballowstown Bibi Champion foal; Monaghanstown Shannon: Reserve: Caoranbeg Champ Stallions-Eamon Burke’s Clooneile Cashel, by Cloonisle Cashel-Tolka Bridge Four to six year-old mare with or without foal-1, Pe-

Page 26

continued from page 17

I.S.A.Connemara All Ireland yearling qualifier-Jim Mullaney’s Loughill Breeze, by Glenayre Silver Fox-Lavagh Bess. I.S.A. Connemara All Ireland two year-old qualifier-Val Noone’s Crusheen Scarlet, by Monaghanstown FionnStoney Princess. Yearling colt or gelding - Kieran McGrath’s Hazlerock Horizon, by Bunowen Bobby-Smokey Jimmy Yearling filly-Padraic Hynes Canal Princess, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Castle Countess Two year-old colt- Sean Conneely’s John’s Pride, by Rathcoona Love-Roseo (one exhibit) Two year-old filly-Cathy Stuffle’s Aoife’s Pride, by Glendine Kestral-Jasmine Three year-old colt- Esther Feeney’s Atlantic Tiger by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Queen of Peace; Three year-old mare-Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Stephanie Rose, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Jennifer Rose; Junior champion; Canal Princess; Reserve: Dooneen Stephanie Rose Colt foal-Padraic Folans Teach Mór Knight, by Castle Knight-Lishmar Lady Donna; Filly foal-Patrick King’s Derryeighter Freya, by Linsfort Barney-Pride of the West Eánna. Champion foal; Derryeighter Freya; Reserve; Teach Mór Knight. Best filly/colt Parish foal- Ciarán Conneely’s by Fernville Danny-Bunnagippaun Sophie Four year old mare Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Alice, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Jennifer Rose, Bobby-White Rose. Mare not exceeding 138 cms-Emma Loftus Rocklands Lady, by Pilgrim-Frosty Sparrow Two year old and over bay mare- Seamus Keady’s Gleann Rua Godiva, by Westside Mirah-Moonlight Five to ten year-old mare without foal-Ronan Frances Mullen’s Lakeside Lassie, by Streamstown Larry-Hilltop Five to ten year-old mare with foal at foot-Joe O’Neill’s Milford Wren 2nd, by Coosheen Thyme-Milford Wren Stallions-Philip McCallon’s Hazlerock Buachaill, by Currachmore Cashel-Smokey Star -Twan Ballyvougher. Eleven to nineteen year old mare without foal-Michael Sweeney’s Derrygimbla Beauty, by Ard Conneely-Irishtown Beauty Eleven to nineteen year old-mare with foal at foot-Pat & Mary Rabbitt’s Monaghanstown Sheeba, by Abbeyleix Fionn-Monaghanstown Star Mare twenty year-old and over-Grace Maxwell-Murphy’s Lakeside Lady, by Abbeyleix Dolphin-Kits Bay Mare with or without foal owned by a resident of Oughterard-Roger Joyce’s Noreen’s Angel, by Gloves DukeRathganny Noreen. Young Handlers class-Amy Curran’s Glencarrig Rose, by Coosheen Stormboy-April Rose (Patrick Curran); Supreme champion: Lakeside Lassie; Reserve: Canal Princess.

Male or Female any breed born after 01/01/09 confined to Connemara-Kevin Clancy, Clifden. Male Calf other than Charolais born after 01/01/09-Derrick Forde, Corrandulla Female Calf other than Charolais born after 01/01/09-Walter Halloran, Westport Charolais Male or Female Calf born after 01/01/09-Kevin Clancy, Clifden Suckler Type Heifer confined to Connemara-Patrick Walsh, Oughterard Best Female born between 01.09/09 and 31/12/08-Jimmy Faherty, Letterfrack Best Male or Female born after 01/01/09 -Derek Forde, Corrandulla Best Bull any breed any age-Derek Forde, Corrandulla Overall Commercial Championship- Derrick Forde, Corrandulla Reserve Commercial Champion- Walter Halloran, Westport Overall Pedigree Championship-Derrick Forde, Corrandulla Reserve Pedigree Champion-Jimmy Faherty, Letterfrack Bullock: Joe and Evan Clancy from Gortrevagh , Oughterard, first prize in the best Bullock with no teeth class.

Sheep

ter Molloy’s Dooneen Alice, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Jennifer Rose Seven to twelve year-old mare with or without foal- Noel Brett’s Foreglos Lass, by Wings of Victory-Foreglos Matchmaker Mare thirteen year-old and over with or without foalFrances & Deirdre O’Reilly’s Glenmore Kelly’s Owen, by Abbeyleix Owen-Gentian Gold Gelding class-Grace Maxwell Murphy’s Smokey Biscuit, by Glencarrig Prince-Smokey Star (one entry) Bay Mare class-Seamus Keady’s Gleann Rua Godiva, by Westside Mirah-Moonlight; All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions: Glencarrig Romeo: Reserve: Dooneen Alice

Scotch Blackface Ram 2 years and over-James Ryder, Newport Scotch Blackface Ram Shearling-John Nolan, Buckagh, Newport Scotch Blackface Ram Shearling confined to Connemara-Sean Óg Halloran, Clonbur Scotch Blackface Ram Lamb-James Ryder, Newport Pen of 2 Scotch Blackface Wether Lambs-Tom Lydon, Maam, Scotch Blackface Wether any age-Colman Sullivan, Leam, Recess, Scotch Blackface Ewe 2 years and over-Pat Vesey, Achill Pen of 2 Scotch Blackface Ewe Shearlings- John Nolan, Newport Pen of 2 Scotch Blackface Ewe Shearlings confined to ConnemaraGerard Mc Donagh, Letterfore, Recess Pen of 2 Scotch Blackface Ewe Lambs-Pat Horan, Swinford Pen of 2 Scotch Blackface Ewe Lambs confined to ConnemaraPatrick Kerigan, Clonbur Best Scotch Blackface of the Section-Pat Vesey, Achill Suffolk Ram Shearling and upwards-Jonathon Molloy, Baurisheen, Oughterard Suffolk Ewe Shearling and upwards-Jonathon Molloy, Baurisheen, Oughterard Suffolk Ram Lamb-John D Brooks, Ballinasloe Suffolk Ewe Lamb-John D Brooks, Ballinasloe Best Suffolk of section- John D Brooks, Ballinasloe Wicklow Cheviot Ram-Gerard Mc Donagh, Letterfore, Recess, Co Galway Wicklow Cheviot Ewe-Daniel Conneely, Rusheeney, Oughterard Wicklow Cheviot Ewe lamb-John Murray, Shannaghree, Oughterard Best Cheviot of Section - Gerard Mc Donagh, Letterfore, Recess Best breeding Galway Ewe- Glenamaddy Purebred Texel Ram Shearling and upwards-Martin Joyce, Leam, Recess Purebred Texel Ewe Shearling and upwards-Patrick Joyce, Cahir, Recess Purebred Texel Ewe lamb-Brendan Hannon, Aughrusmore, Cleggan Purebred Texel Ram Lamb-John D Brooks, Ballinasloe Purebred Texel Ewe owned by a novice breeder-Michael Healy, Roscahill Best Texel of Section -Patrick Joyce, Cahir, Recess Best sheep any breed not previously classed-Jonathon Molloy, Baurisheen, Oughterard Crossbred Ewe Shearling and upwards-Declan Molloy, Baurisheen, Oughterard Pen of 2 Crossbred Ewe Shearlings-Tom Lydon, Cleggan, Maam, Co Galway Factory Lamb Under 45Kg-Michael Joyce, Kingstown, Clifden Connemara Hill Lamb (Mountain Blackface)-Colman Sullivan, Leam, Recess Mule Lamb, Male or Female (Cross between Mountain Blackface Ewe and Blue Leicester Ram-Thomas Walsh, Glann, Oughterard Pen of 2 Crossbred Ewe Lambs other than Texel/Scotch CrossNicky Byrne, Oughterard Best commercial of section - Jonathon Molloy, Baurisheen, Oughterard Best Wooled Sheep, Scotches (Lambs not included)-James Ryder, Newport Best Wooled Sheep other than Scotches (Lambs not included)Nicky Byrne, Oughterard Young Handler under 14 years-Declan Molloy, Baurisheen, Oughterard Best Ram of Show-John D Brooks, Ballinasloe Best Ewe of Show-Pat Vesey, Achill Supreme Champion of Show-John D Brooks, Ballinasloe

See Champions photos on next page

See Oughterard Show photos on next page

Cattle Suckler Cow with calf born after 01/01/09 confined to Connemara-Kevin Clancy, Clifden Qualifier for the all Ireland Beef Heifer ChampionshipEamonn Connolly Best heifer (any breed) not showing more than two permanent theeth-Dermot Mullaney,Balla, Co Mayo. Best Bullock (any breed) not showing more than two permanent teeth- Evan & Joseph Clancy, Gortrevagh, Oughterard, Best Bullock of heifer showing no permanent teeth confined to Connemara- Paddy Welby, Oughterard,

October 2009

Connemara SportsView

Champion of Champions Show in Roundstone Photos: Left - Reserve Champion at the Roundstone Supreme Champion of Champions show was Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Alice, pictured here with Paddy McDonagh and Roundstone Show Queen Tara Byrne. Above - A great crowd enjoyed the sunshine on the day of the Roundstone Supreme Champion of Champions show on Sunday September 12th with many supporters also taking the time to meet with guest of honour on the day Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny T.D. Below - Pat O’Neill’s Illanurra Mist at the Roundstone Supreme Champion of Champions Show Parade through Roundstone village after the Show. Photos by Tom Broderick

Oughterard Show Photos: Right Top - Bullock Joe and Evan Clancy from Gortrevagh, Oughterard, won first prize in the Best Bullock with No Teeth Class. Below Dylan and brother Cailim McDonagh with Shay Molloy showing off their medals. Below - Patrick King from Errislannan, Clifden was presented with the Paddy McQuinn Memorial Cup by John McQuinn when his filly foal took first prize in its class. Right - Miss Amelia Gibbons from Oughterard who won Little Miss Oughterard. Bottom Champ Parkmore Diamond, a premier quality brood mare owned by Pat Finn from Oranmore was awarded the overall Champion of the Show at Oughterard on Sunday August 30th. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

Connemara SportsView

October 2009

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october Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Good things are on the way for you this month and they will happen in unexpected ways-enjoy. Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Think about a trip with the family or that special person this month. A get-away will be just the thing. Gemini (May 21–Jun 21) Enjoy your family and home environment this month. Let those you love know how much you love them. Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) It’s time to make some changes in your life. You cannot control the actions of others, only your own. Make yourself the focus-not them. Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) Don’t let the cold get to you, you need to stay warm and happy. That is all about the internal, not the external! Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) You have no chance of controlling what will happen this month, so do not even try. Just let everything go and make the best of it all. Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) Happy birthday! It’s your party and you can do what you want to. Do not worry about other people and what they want, do your own thing. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) The only way to get ahead in life is by taking risks, this month is all about those chances, so why not go for it. Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) You need to try different things this month. The attempts in the past did not hit the mark so find what works for you. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) It’s time to make some plans for your immediate future. You know what you want-just find a way or a plan to get it. Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) Do not let the fear of your past get in the way of your plans for the future. You must take control of yourself. Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Just trust in all that is you this month and enjoy being who you are. You have the power to be whatever you want.

Tarot The King of Cups in the past (reversed) lets you know that it has been a roller coaster just to get to where you are now. The 4 of Pentacles informs you that you need to be careful about being too protective of the things you think are important. Strength as the outcome tells you that you can achieve what you want, that you have the strength to do it.

runes

The blank rune tells you that there will be an end to the old ways of doing everything. You need to embrace this end. The challenge comes from being able to do nothing to aﬀect this change while it is happening. You need to let nature take its course. Fertility as the overview informs you that all things will bear fruit and work out in the end. So trust in fate and what is occurring in your life.

“Choose Your Own Deliverance”

October DVD Releases

State Of Play: U.S. Congressman Ste-

phen Collins is the future of his political party. An honorable appointee who serves as the chairman of a committee overseeing defense spending. When his research assistant/ mistress is brutally murdered, buried secrets come tumbling out and it’s up to his best friend and reporter McCaff rey to find out the truth. Stars: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck & Helen Mirren. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: Connor Mead is a notorious photographer who has a bad boy reputation of loving beautiful women and dumping them when they fall in love with him. When he is confronted by the ghost of his womanising uncle, he is forced to see that perhaps love is not a lie. Stars: Matthew McConaughey & Jennifer Garner. Observe & Report: Seth Rogen stars in

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this hilarious new comedy as Ronnie Barnhardt, the head of security at the Forest Ridge Mall. He patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist, combating skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun. Stars: Seth Rogen & Michael Pena. Coraline: From the visionary director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, comes this spectacular stop-motion animated adventure! Coraline Jones is bored until she finds a secret door and discovers an alternate, better, version of her life on the other side. When this seemingly perfect world turns dangerous, Coraline must use her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to save her family. Stars: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher & Ian McShane. 12 Rounds: Detective Danny Fisher discovers his girlfriend has been kidnapped by a ex-con tied to Fisher’s past, and he’ll have

Sunrise gets about 2 minutes later each day, and sunset about 2½ minutes earlier. By the end of the month, the clocks have gone back: the Sun rises around 7:15 am GMT, and sets around 4:30 pm GMT; the sky is reasonably dark between about 6 pm and 6 am GMT. Summer Time ends in the early morning of Sunday 25th October. Clocks should be put one hour back. Moon: Full Moon occurs on Sunday October 4th, when the Moon is in the constellation of Pisces. When it’s full, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the east at sunset, shines throughout the night, and sets in the west at sunrise the following morning. As it starts to wane over the following week, it continues to rise shortly after sunset, but it sets later each morning. New Moon is on Sunday October 18th. The new crescent probably won’t be visible in the south-west at sunset until about Thursday 22nd. Full Moon occurs again on Monday November 2nd. Mercury is at its greatest elongation west of the Sun on October 6th, and we have an unusually good chance to see this elusive little planet in the eastern sky before sunrise. Any morning between about October 6th and 11th, try looking out around 6:30 am. The brilliant planet Venus will be quite low in the E; Mercury will be below and a little to the left of it, about 6 degrees away (a little more than the width of your ﬁst, held at arm’s length). Mercury will be much less bright than Venus and you may need binoculars to help locate it; but once found, it should be visible to the naked eye-very cool. After the 11th, Mercury will be sliding back down into the glare of the Sun; it is at superior conjunction (behind the Sun) at the start of November. Venus is rising a couple of hours before sunrise, and it’s visible in the E sky at dawn; but each morning it rises a little later, and appears a little lower down. However, Venus is so intensely bright that it can be seen even in a brightening sky, and even at low altitude. Relative to the stars, Venus is moving rapidly south-eastwards from Leo into Virgo; but it’s very much brighter than any of the stars. On the morning of Friday October 16th, the waning Moon will be at the same altitude as Venus, but 7 degrees further right. Mars is rising in the NE well before midnight, and by dawn it’s climbing high into the southern sky. Relative to the stars, Mars is moving steadily eastwards out of Gemini, crossing into Cancer on the 12th. It will be exactly in line with the “Twin” stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux, on the morning of Wednesday 14th. Mars itself looks star-like, a little brighter than either of the “Twins”, and somewhat orange in colour. In a telescope, Mars shows a tiny

October 2009

to successfully complete 12 challenges in order to secure her safe release in this all action nail biting thrill ride.Stars: John Cena & Ashley Scott. DVD reviews courtesy of Video Vault, Main St. Clifden. 095-22033.

disc, around 7 arc-seconds across; it’s unlikely to show very much detail yet, but it is growing larger week by week. On the evening of Sunday 11th, when the waning Moon rises in the north-east, Mars will appear very close above and to the left of it. As the night goes by, the Moon will gradually slide leftwards below Mars, but the two objects will stay close together all night. Jupiter is due S in the middle of the evening, though at best it’s less than 20 degrees above the horizon. It sets in the SW around midnight. Relative to the stars, Jupiter is almost stationary in the constellation of Capricornus; but the giant planet is way brighter than any of the stars. In a telescope, the disc of Jupiter shrinks this month from 45 to 41 arc-seconds in diameter; its dark and light cloud-bands should still be visible. The Great Red Spot usually appears as a hollow in the southern edge of the south equatorial belt; it will be near the centre of Jupiter’s disc when the planet is in the south, on the evenings of October 2nd, 7th, 14th, 19th, 24th, 26th and 29th. Some of Jupiter’s four major moons may be seen, even in binoculars, as tiny points of light, in a near-straight line to either side of the planet. Often only two or three may be visible–either because one is hiding behind the planet, or occasionally because one moon is hiding behind another moon, or in another moon’s shadow. At dusk on the evening of Monday 26th, our own First-Quarter Moon will be about 7 degrees to the right of Jupiter; the two objects will get slightly closer before they set that night. Saturn is very slowly emerging from behind the Sun into the dawn sky; it still won’t be easy to see. On the morning of Thursday 8th, if you look to the lower left of Venus and manage to ﬁnd Mercury, Saturn will be very close to the left of Mercury (only 18 arc-minutes away). But Saturn is considerably dimmer than Mercury, and will almost certainly require at least a pair of binoculars to see. Each morning, Saturn appears a little higher, and Venus a little lower. On the morning of Tuesday 13th, these two planets will be side by side: Saturn will be half a degree to the left of Venus (but of course Venus far outshines Saturn). For the rest of the month, Saturn will be higher than Venus, and a little further right. The Moon passes both planets on the morning of Friday 16th. If you do manage to catch Saturn in a telescope, the disc appears 16 arc-seconds across, and the famous rings form a narrow oval, 36 arc-seconds wide and less than 2 arc-seconds high. Meteors: The Orionid meteor shower is active during the second half of October; it will probably peak around Tuesday 20th, but activity stays high for a week or longer. The radiant is in the northern part of Orion, to the upper left of Betelgeuse (Orion’s red ‘shoulder), so a few Orionid meteors may be seen even in the late evening; but the best rates will be in the early hours of the morning. This year there will be no interference from moonlight! This is also generally a good time of the year for seeing sporadic meteors, which may appear at any time, in any part of the sky. Watch the skies! John Claró

Connemara View Newspaper

Photo Corner Family Meet Lady of Message in Bottle Find

In September the Carty family of Clifden were visited by a very unique new friend, made in the strangest of circumstances! Back in June of this year, Olive Carty wrote a story for the Connemara View describing how she and her children Luke and Alannah and husband Joe had been out walking on Eyrephort beach outside of Clifden, when they discovered a mysterious bottle with no less than 6 messages inside. Olive made contact with one of the writers who had written her contact details on her note, a lady by the name of Nan McConnaughey from

Denver, Colorado, who just three months later paid a visit to Clifden and the spot where the bottle she had tossed over the side of a cruise ship exactly ten years earlier was found! The story of the ‘message in a bottle discovery’ made the news on TV channels all over the U.S.A. after Olive and Nan made contact. Nan had been on a cruise which left Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was passing by Ireland on route to Venice in 1999, when she and a group of friends on board threw the bottle overboard. Speaking at the spot on Eyrephort beach where the Carty’s found the bottle on September 15th, Nan was delighted to have visited the family and the area after this unusual and unlikely story transpired and said ‘Six months ago, before I got the call from Olive, my daughter and I discussed coming to Galway-so maybe it was meant to be! Olive has also recently made contact with one of the other ladies who wrote notes that were contained in the bottle. She lives in Texas-so there may be even more people out there surprised to ﬁnd that their messages were found in Clifden many years later! Photo: Nan McConnaughey of Denver, Colorado whose message in a bottle was found at Eyrephort beach 10 years after she dropped it in sea by the Carty family, Olive, Luke, Alannah and dog Dora.

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Oliver DeLappe and Kate Joyce of Galway who were married in Roundstone on September 4th with reception afterwards at Lisloughrey House in Cong. Photo courtesy of Richard De Stacpoole Congratulations to Darrell DeLappe and Sinead Allman who were married at St Joseph’s Church in Clifden on September 5th with reception afterwards at the Alcock & Brown Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonja DeLappe

Monster Catch Local ﬁsherman John Wallace landed an absolute whopper this summer with the catch of this enormous lobster in Cleggan Bay this summer, weighing 9lbs and approx 33” or 84cm in length. Photo courtesy of Danielle Wallace

40th Birthday Greetings Congratulations to Michael Nugent who celebrated his 40th birthday with a party at Oliver’s in Cleggan on Saturday September 26th. He is pictured here with his family Maura, Mary Jo, Michael, Liam and Hugh Manley. Photo courtesy of Kate McNamara

New Arrival Congratulations to Michael and Christine DeLappe from Roundstone on the birth of their daughter of Alexandra Elizabeth, born in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Richard De Stacpoole

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2009

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One subject which is much discussed at this time of the year is the planting of bulbs. I have to say that this is a favourite topic of mine as there is hardly ever a failure with planting bulbs and there is such a sense of achievement when the ﬂowers show their heads in the mid to late spring. Also the ease of planting, the varieties available and the choice of locations, make bulbs a sure favourite. So let’s begin with the varieties. The most obvious are

daﬀodils and tulips, but even within these two types there is a huge selection, from miniatures to large plants, single heads to multi headed and of course the colours range from white to black and everything in between. As with all aspects of gardening your own preferences should guide your selection; of course keeping in mind the limitations of soil and position. Daﬀodils are some of the best value, they will come back year after year without any problems, or at least very few. Some people complain that birds or animals can eat the bulbs; this complaint can be leveled at most bulbs,

but a few simple tips can help. In saying this, I have never had trouble with my bulbs, but when you are planting, it is possible to put some chicken wire around the bulbs-a bit like growing them in a basket. You could also try burying a few pieces of holly or gorse around the bulbs with the idea that the thorns will keep pests away. I think that if you plant the bulbs deep enough there should be no problem. When buying daffodils, or any other bulbs, make sure that they are firm, and free from rot or mould. They should not appear damaged and should have a similar texture as an onion. If you are not ready to plant them straight away make sure that they are kept dry and cool. I plant them double the depth that it suggests on the pack. If there is no pack, the rule of thumb is twice the depth of the bulb. However I suggest four times or even deeper-it never seems to affect them. Daffodils are ideal for planting out in the grass, or in flower beds, they also make great pot plants and can be grown with other spring flowers in tubs and containers. Some of the smaller varieties are lovely in window boxes. Tulips work best when grown in flower beds or containers, but it is possible to grow them in grass also. When you look at some of the great bulb gardens, like Kukenhof near Amsterdam, or Kew in London you can see them doing very well through grassmaybe we should try this ourselves. Of course there is no need to limit yourself to these two bulbs, look through various catalogues or check the various shops, which sell bulbs and perhaps try a few of the following: Chionodoxa, or glory of the snow; a lovely light blue, with startling white centres. Dutch Iris; a range of colours and sizes. Allium; from the onion and garlic family, some incredible colours and sizes. Crocus; one of the earliest bulbs, and so delicate to look at. Fritillaria; a few of these are great for naturalizing and all are spectacular. My favourites are Camassia; these flower a little later than some of the others but put on a great show, mostly blue, but also with white flowers. I recently visited a garden which made great use of mixed materials; there was stone, wood, paving, grass and plants. Mostly I would recommend that you keep it simple, which this garden did, although it had all the above features. I think what worked so well in this garden was the sense of space, the various elements were not crowded on top of each other, and the natural rock was enhanced by the careful use of steps, paths and plants. There were plenty of places left for sitting and enjoying the views over the garden and the wild landscape beyond. Each section flowed, linked by timber paths, and stepping stones which led to various nooks and crannies. These contained interesting plants or a well sited summer house and all these paths led down to the end of the garden and a large pond. The planting was also very

good with a great selection of shrubs and flowers, mixed with one or two trees and good vegetables. A lot of thought had gone into this garden, but it showed that if you were willing to give plenty of time and effort, you could achieve a lot. The land around showed that the site had been boggy and rough, and by leaving that rough ground outside the boundary, the contrast was even more startling. There has been a lot of talk about vegetables this summer; it seems that a lot of people are getting back into growing their own. There is no doubt that the flavour of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables can’t be beaten. The debate has been raging about how good the year has been. Some gardeners have been disappointed while others tell me it was the best year for a long time. I know that my apples, about the only fruit I grow, have been very good, but others have had a bad crop. I think it depends on having shelter from the early winds, and plenty of sunlight to ripen the fruit. My blackberries have also been delicious. Again, I think the sunshine is the key. Both of these fruits have grown together, making it easy to gather for tarts, and crumbles. Herbs have also done very well and I have increased the numbers of herbs this year and have enjoyed the new flavours. As the leaves begin to fall, don’t forget to gather them for compost, if there are not too many, simply mix with your normal compost, but if there are masses, it is easier to place them in black bags and allow them to decompose separately. I don’t use leaves from sycamore trees in this compost, as they tend to have a lot of black spots, which I feel would not be great for the plants. A nice idea at this time of the year is to gather a few good leaves from various trees, and press them to preserve them. I usually just place them on a few sheets of tissue, mansize hankies, or even toilet paper works fine for this. Put a few sheets on top, and put them in a heavy book. You can make a scrap book of your garden and include these leaves as examples of the trees. If you have children, this project can spark off a love of nature or gardening in them. Happy Gardening. Breandan O Scanaill

Garden Club Annual Sale The Clifden Garden Club held their annual sale during Clifden Arts Week at the Square in Clifden on the morning of Friday September 25th. As ever, the stock of plants didn’t last too long as keen buyers exchanged gardening tips and advice with fellow local enthusiasts. Pictured here are some members of the Gardening Club and some interested customers. Page 30

October 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Warehouse, The Quay, Clifden Many people wonder about the large stone building which is situated across from the quay on the Beach Road in Clifden. This substantial ruin is almost the sole survivor of the grain stores or warehouses which once dotted this area of the town.

Clifden was founded in 1812 by John D’Arcy and at the time of the founding, trade was almost all conducted by means of the sea. Practically everything that was needed for the fledgling town had to arrive on boats and ships of various sizes, so one of the first tasks undertaken by D’Arcy was the provision of landing and storage facilities. At first these would have been fairly basic,

Planning Applications 091512 Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd, Roundstone, 04/08/09. For the construction of a 20 metre high slimline monopole concealing antenna and associated equipment. Development also consists of associated works, equipment, cabinets, transmission dish attached to monopole, access track and fencing for the Government’s National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 091534 Mulkerrin, Judy, Mweenish 06/08/09. Chun meadu le comhair an teach a choinneail. 091539 Wood, Michael and Laura,Emlough, 06/08/09. For retention/completion of development which consists of the construction of a two bedroom dwelling 83.5sqm and a shed 39sqm and will also include a mechanically aerated sewage treatment system. 091545 O Mainnin, Daithi,Ros Muck, 07/08/09. Chun teach nua agus garaiste/stoir le dabhach searachais agus (pura-ﬂo treatment works) a thogail. 091564 Coyne, Mary Lee, Doonloughan,13/08/09. To (a) upgrade existing septic tank and install Puraﬂo sewage treatment system, (b) removal of lifetime enurement clause. 091567 Mari Saville, Gerard Mannix Flynn &, Letterfrack,13/08/09. For a development consisting of permanent retention of existing partially completed structures, and completion of theatre building and of three two-storey studios at rear of Ellis Studios at the former Letterfrack Industrual School Buildings (a protected structure, ref. 544) and close to Letterfrack Roman Catholic Church (also a protected structure, ref 546); also provision of ancillary space to the existing theatre building including foyer, toilets and cafe in a two-storey building at the road corner end of the existing theatre comprising a total area of approx 100sqm and a new rear extension to the theatre

but within a short time he had managed with the (often reluctant) help of Alexander Nimmo, the Scottish Engineer, who had such an impact on Connemara and the west of Ireland, to construct a substantial pier. With this facility in place, trade developed fairly quickly and the D’Arcy family and other business people began to build the warehouses. There were at least three stores along the quay. The grain store, as it is now called, was owned by the Livingstone family, who originally came from Scotland, but for many years were connected with Westport. They were big grain merchants on the west coast and probably owned similar stores in Westport and perhaps further aﬁeld. They also owned breweries and distilleries and may have had an interest in these businesses in Clifden. One of the family, Richard, married Julia, who was the youngest daughter of John and Frances D’Arcy. They were married on February 15th 1834, but this was to be a very short lived marriage, as Richard died on the 19th of August of the same year. Julia came to live at Glen Ierne, the house now known as Gleann Aoibheann. She remained

a widow and died in 1885. The second store was next to this one, about where the RNLI station is now located. This also incorporated the newest part of Quay House and in later years belonged to the D’Arcy family, and it is possible that it would have been theirs from the start. Next to that, and right beside Quay House, was a store which was connected to the Franciscan Brothers monastery. Of course there was also a large warehouse, beside the children’s playground, which was formerly the ball alley. Lewis’s Topographical Survey of 1837 described the variety of produce which was being imported and exported from the quay. Timber, iron, rope, pitch, household items, salt, tea and other foodstuff, furniture and glass was all coming in, while fish, corn, oats, kelp, marble, butter, and some material, tweed and knitted garments were exported. It is interesting to note that the Clifden area produced very fine oats, which reached a higher price in London than any other in the market. Although the inner bay dried out, boats of 200 tons burden could still make it to the harbour wall. One of the two principal reasons for John setting up the town was as a trading point on the west coast, mid way between Galway and Westport. The success or failure of this first part would determine how the town developed, and as can be seen, the town prospered, obviously with periods of good and bad times. The other part of his plan was to develop the fishing industry. This was by no means as successful as the town development, as there were so many factors involved which were beyond John’s control. He did his best on both of these fronts and wrote constantly to the authorities at Dublin Castle and London, and sent report after report to the different committees

and commissions. Some of these petitions worked, while others got him nowhere. If you walk along the quay today and look at the small amount of activity which is still taking place, it’s not diﬃcult to imagine what it would have been like almost 200 years ago. The actual harbour walls have changed very little; the markers out in the bay and on the shore would have been familiar sights then. Quay House has stood in the same position since the mid 1820’s. Originally the harbour master’s house, it afterwards became home to the Franciscan brothers while they waited for the monastery to be built. Later it housed the Sisters of Mercy as they awaited the completion of their convent. It was also a private house for many years, then became a B&B and is now a guesthouse. The view back to the town has changed a fair bit since then but the town founded by John D’Arcy is still recognisable. A particular disgraceful event took place here during the years of the famine. Grain was stored in one or all of these stores, but would not be given or sold to the poor; the rumours were that the owners were waiting for the price to increase. During what amounted to a food riot, a band of starving people eventually forced their way into the store, but it was found that the grain had become rotten and unusable. The last remnant has still survived while the others were gradually knocked down or put to other use. The structure at the ball alley became a sort of annex to the orphanage at Glenowen. Later it became a handball alley, and then a squash, or badminton court; now it is hardly ever used. It would be lovely to see the grain store restored, and maybe used as a museum telling the story of the sea, and Clifden’s close connection with it. Breandan O Scanaill

consisting of a two-and-a-half-storey building containing backstage storage and green room, comprising a total area of approx 77sqm and site development works including connection to the new public sewer. Previous development authorised under reg. ref. no. 70225 is relevant. 091573 Collinamuck N.S., Board of Management,Roscahill, 14/08/09. To retain an existing detached demountable prefabricated unit (to be used as an office and store ancillary to the national school) at the rear of Collinamuck National School. 091575 O’Malley, Mary, Moycullen, 14/08/09. For dwelling house, garage and private waste water treatment system on revised site boundaries from that previously permitted (ref. no 08/3124) 091582 Nugent, Liam, Fountain Hill,17/08/09. To construct a new dwelling house, domestic garage, Bord na Mona wastewater treatment plant and a new sand polishing filter system. 091607 O Halloran, Aidan, Ardbear,21/08/09. For a dwelling house and private wastewater treatment system. 091630 Van Cleef, Alan, Ballynew, 27/08/09. For extension and renovation of existing dwellinghouse, inlcuding re-roofing, for replacement of existing windows, and for upgrade of wastewater treatment system and percolation area. 091632 Davin, Bernard & Lorraine, Tooreena, 27/08/09. To construct dwelling house, septic tank, puriflo sewage treatment system and all ancillary site works and site services. 091638 O’Tuairisg, Peadar, Cornamona,28/08/09. Chun teach nua le Dabhach searachas a thogail. 091641 Lavelle, William, Cloonamore, 31/08/09. For (1) retention of dwelling house constructed to a different design, (2) revised site boundaries and (3) changed road access to that previously granted under planning ref 03/3833.

091644 O’Connor, Peter, Moycullen,31/08/09. To retain porch extension and alterations to dwelling house as constructed. 091650 Diamond, Liam, Tullymore,02/09/09. For the construction of commercial storage warehouse on existing storage yard for storage of general merchandise, equestrian and agricultural supplies and all ancillary site works and services. 091660 McDonagh, Thomas, Tullokyne, 03/09/09. Chun teach, garaiste phriomhoideach, agus coras searachais a thogail. 091664 Cowgill, Harry, Clifden, 03/09/09. To construct a garage. 091667 Bolger, Kevin, Derrygimlagh 03/09/09. For the construction of a dwelling house, septic tank, percolation area and all ancillary works. 091668 O’Toole, Mark, Aughrusmore, 04/09/09. For retention of a house and recently completed extension. 091673 Malone, Niall & Norrie, Gowlan West, 04/09/09. For alterations and extension to existing dwelling house, a garage/shed and to upgrade existing wastewater treatment system. 091679 McAleer, Hugh, Claddaghduff, 04/09/09. For construction of a serviced dwelling house with a septic tank, an effluent treatment system, a percolation area and a garage/shed. 091684 Lavelle, William, Cloonamore,07/09/09. For (1) retention of dwelling house constructed to a different design, (2) revised site boundaries and (3) changed road access to that previously granted under Pl. Ref. No. 03/3833. 091694 Burke, Sharon, Rossroe 09/09/09. To demolish existing house and outbuildings, upgrade access road and construct new dwelling house and garage with new wastewater treatment system. 091705 Ryan, David, Salrock, 10/09/09. For (1) change of existing use from school/ church to dwellinghouse, (2) construction

of new 2 storey extension to the side, (3) conversion of existing attic to bedrooms and bathroom, (4) alteration to elevations and (5) new sewage treatment plant and percolation area and all ancillary works. 091709 O’Cualain, P, Maumeen, 10/09/09. Chun cead coinneala a dheanamh ar theach conaithe agus Seallai le spas conaithe. 091710 Ni Chualain, reda,Maumeen,10/09/09. Chun teach conaithe agus coras searachais a thogail. 091711 Oiliuna Sheain Ui Mhainin, Coste Dornlaiochta agus, Rosmuck, 10/09/09. Chun ionad spoirt le halla dornlaiochta, giomnasiam, seomrai feiste agus gach seirbhis gaolmar a thogail. 091716 McHugh, Kathriona, Dohulla, 11/09/09. For a dwelling house and private wastewater treatment system. 091720 Ni Chualain, Paula, Mweenish Island, 14/09/09. Chun athru a dheanamh ar an iarratas pleanala ata ceadaithe cheana (uimh. tag. 07/4800), i gcomhair athru agus leathnu ar an dteach ata ann. 091728 Laverty, Patrick, Moycullen, 16/09/09. To construct a store and ancillary servcies to the rear of existing dwelling. 091754 O’Toole, Kim, Crocknaraw, 21/09/09. To retain alterations to the dwelling house and garage previously granted under planning permission 02/884. 091779 Fintan Connolly, Patricia Joyce &, Cornamona, 24/09/09. For the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage and proprietary treatment system. 091791 O’Conchubhair, N, Lettermore, 24/09/09. Chun chead athru a dheanamh ar spas siopa agus storala go dha uimhir arasain chomh maith le oibreacha eile coimhhdeach. 091818 Flaherty, Christy, Mannin, 29/09/09. To demolish and rebuild an existing agricultural store shed, of plan area 66sqm. Source: www.galway.ie

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2009

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Oughterard Debs 2009 The annual Debs’ ball of St Pauls school, Oughterard took place on Thursday September 10th and the debs’ assembled at the Connemara Gateway hotel before boarding nine stretch limos and a number of buses, and heading oﬀ to the ball in Ballinasloe. Photos from top (l-r): Mike Walsh and Cliona Griﬃn, Nicki Byrne and Shannon O’Flaherty, John McDonagh and Catriona O’Malley, Fergal D’Arcy and Roisin Walsh, Michael Walsh and Aedemur Cloonan, Adam Whyte and Fiona Martyn, Declan Walsh and Katie McDonagh, Stacy Walsh, Aaron Coady and Ismay McVeigh, Stephen Gibbons and Amanda Joyce, Pat Gibbons and Rebecca Naughton, Peter Jarman, Mike Clancy. Photos courtesy of Tom Broderick

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com Page 32

October 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

REGIONAL EXTRA Fire Station Open Day Clifden Fire Brigade will hold an Open Day at the Station as part of Fire Safety Week on Saturday October 10th between 12 and 3 pm. All are welcome to attend the Station and learn ﬁre safety tips, see demonstrations and much more.

Connemara Chamber News Since the beginning of the year the chamber has been very busy in working on the issues and challenges facing our area and supporting our tourism industry. Working on behalf of our members we have been pressing our local authority and national government on the issues critical to our members and also working with other organisations or on our own to develop events for our area. We will be having our first meeting after the summer on Wednesday next the 7th of October in Foyles Hotel to review progress and to plan for the year ahead. Clifden sewage and water treatment plants The chamber continues to press local and national government on this issue but the progress is depressingly slow. Despite this we are alone in being the representative body which has consistently lobbied on this over recent years but although progress has been made the fact is the state’s process in implementing such infrastructure plans are almost designed to fail. The current status of the plan is that the design build and operate (DBO) contracts for the plant have now been prepared by Galway County council and submitted for the department of environment for approval. However a delay in relation to the foreshore licence of the plan is the latest setback to the development. The chamber have at least pressed senior officials in the department of environment to review the DBO contracts to see it any further issues could potentially delay the issue. We will continue to press this issue over the coming months together with the drinking water and pipe network plans for the town with both the local authority and our Galway west TDs. Bridge Street We met with county manager Martina Moloney in March to press for local development. Amongst other issues we were successful in having the resurfacing of Bridge Street put to the top of the agenda before the summer season and our pressure on this point was key to getting this work done. We plan to meet her and her officials again before the end of the year. Events The chamber had another busy year on the event organisation front and our list of involvement in events in the region speaks for itself. We launched a new walking festival for the area during the year and we do hope to grow this in coming years. We also had reruns of recent innovative weekends like the Railway weekend, Jazz and Blues and we have been instrumental in getting the Clifden 2012 bicentenary celebration planning underway. However without doubt the major event of the year was the Connemara Air show celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Alcock & Brown. This event got extensive regional and national media coverage and was a significant achievement for the chamber this year. Thanks to all who supported our efforts and the organising committee who did trojan work. Our other events work included assisting the Connemarathon, Omey Tag Rugby, vintage car rally, Arts Week, Christmas events and St Patrick ’s Day parade. Special projects The chamber has been a key driver in the celebration of our engineering heritage through the railways, Marconi and Alcock & Brown. This year we have worked with NPWS and local land owners to create a plan to develop the historic Marconi site and make it more accessible and visitor friendly. The chamber (many thanks to Shane Joyce here) have applied for planning permission to make access improvements to this site and this process is ongoing and we are hopeful a blueprint for future development can be achieved. The BBC Coast programme was in town last June and they did a piece on the Marconi site for broadcast next spring. It is not an understatement to say this filming might not have taken place without the assistance and negotiating by the chamber, the producers and the NPWS. Thankfully all worked out in the end and hopefully the site will be seen in all its glory on the BBC in the spring. The chamber has also applied for the development of a floating pontoon in front of the Clifden Boat Club on grounds which the chamber has the appropriate Foreshore licence. The proposal will cost over €50k and will be funded

Connemara View Newspaper

75% by Leader it is hoped. The plans are very well advanced and the development will be in place before the next boating season starts. This will be a significant addition to the marine leisure infrastructure in the area. We are also at an advanced stage in the planning to convert much of the old Galway to Clifden railway line into a walking route. This project in conjunction with our Railway Weekend hopes to tap into the significant railway enthusiasts market worldwide. Consultations with landowners and with Galway Co Co, Minister O’Cuiv and Leader are well advanced and it is hoped a detailed plan of action will be in place for early next year. Clifden 2012 is a concept which has been actively promoted by the chamber and is now becoming a reality. We have coordinated the formation of a plan to involve the entire community to get involved in the planning for the bicentenary of the town in 2012. We are also at the final stages of the development of a guided walk around Clifden in conjunction with Galway Co Co. Many similar projects have taken place around Galway and Clifden’s plan will be in place for early next year. This will be an exciting development with professional printed guides and audio guides being produced which will open up the historic trail way around Clifden for all our visitors. Community services The community credentials of the chamber have never been in doubt. We continue to support broad-based community activity when the general improvement of the town is proposed. The St Patrick’s Day parade, Santa’s grotto and the Christmas lights, financially supporting the great work of the Clifden Tidy Towns and the Clifden Arts Week are amongst the highlights of our community work. Fundraising The chamber relies on three sources of funding, membership subscriptions, the raising of a voluntary marketing and promotion fund and from grants from various authorities. In fact in this year we have been quite successful if the latter (grants will probably be over €25,000 in the full year) but less so in the first two categories. The economic downturn hits all businesses but this work can only continue with your continued support. In fact many grants require matching funding so we will lose out on grant assistance without the continued support of our members. These are difficult times. The chamber is delivering, but despite this we are becoming increasingly pressurised in our financial capacity to keep all projects on the go. Except for Michele, our great administrator, all other chamber work is done on a completely voluntary basis. I ask all members who have yet to contribute to the marketing drive or who could introduce a new member to please do so. Our longstanding volunteers would gladly welcome new interested members to the existing committees, so let’s all join together to ensure Connemara and Clifden can continue to thrive in the economic times we find ourselves in. Please put our next meeting in your diary 7th October in Foyles Hotel at 8pm. Declan Mannion, President, Connemara Chamber of Commerce.

I am setting up my own business and will need to pay self-employed PRSI. How do I register for this? What does self-employed PRSI cover? How do I continue contributing if my business closes? Up to 2007, people starting self-employment were required to register with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners. This is no longer a requirement and when you register as self-employed with the Revenue Commissioners, you will automatically be registered for PRSI. You will find information on registering as self-employed (using form TR1) in booklet IT 48 Starting in Business. Both form and booklet are available on www. revenue.ie. When you are registered for PRSI you will pay at Class S. This class applies to self-employed people, including certain company directors, people in business on their own account and people with income from investments and rents. It doesn’t cover you for jobseeker, illness or disability payments, but it does cover you for the following social insurance payments: Widow’s and Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) , State Pension (Contributory), Maternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit, Bereavement Grant. If your business closes and you stop being self-employed, or if your annual income falls below €3,174 and you are under age 66, you may apply to become a voluntary contributor. Voluntary contributions give cover for the pensions that you were covered for when you were last working and paying compulsory PRSI. To become a voluntary contributor after self-employment, you must have worked and paid PRSI for at least 260 weeks and apply within 12 months after the end of the tax year during which you last paid PRSI. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public.Tel: 095-22000 or 087-130-1100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie Address: c/o VEC Offices, Statoil Apartments (above ESSO garage), Galway Road, Clifden Open: Thursday 7pm to 8pm & Friday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890-777-121.

Disadvantaged Area Payment for Farmers More than 10,000 farmers in Co. Galway will start to receive payments under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme from late September, according to local Fianna Fáil TD Noel Treacy. Almost €22 million will be paid to County Galway farmers under the Scheme. “The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, has confirmed to me that the Disadvantaged Area Payments will start this week,” Deputy Treacy said. “The Scheme is worth in the region of €220 million to more than 100,000 farmers across the country, and almost €22 million of that will be paid to County Galway farmers.” “Payments in the region of €800 million will also start to be issued under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme on October 16, a full six weeks earlier than is provided for under the rules of the Scheme. As well as earlier payments, the level set for the amount of the advance payable is an unprecedented 70%. Agreement for the advance payment was negotiated by Minister Smith with his colleagues in the EU Council in order to facilitate farmer’s cash-flow difficulties following the bad weather this summer, as well as other factors. The 30 per cent balancing payments will begin to be issued from the start of December. Any farmers who have received correspondence from the Department of Agriculture should respond to any outstanding issues as soon as possible because their applications cannot be cleared until all issues are resolved,” Deputy Treacy concluded.

October 2009

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

First recorded sighting of a Sei Whale in Irish Waters John Brittain was out on his charter angling boat Blue Water last Wednesday September 23rd fishing off Inishbofin Island, when he noticed a plume of spray from a whale blowing a short distance away. There was a big swell on the day but the weather was clear with good visibility. As John went to investigate, the swells were rising steeply in front of the boat. Suddenly the whale appeared momentarily in a swell in front of the boat, as if it was in a giant fish tank. The animal was clearly feeding with the top of its head above water level and it continued to feed around the boat for some time before it disappeared, but before it did so, John managed to take a series of photographs of it. All this took place about a half mile off the East end of Inishbofin so the whale would have been visible from the shore. After the sighting was reported on The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s web site the experts began the identification process and have validated it as the first Sei Whale recorded in Irish Waters. There is a full report on the IWDG web site at www.iwdg.ie The Irish Whale and Dolphin group welcome all reports of sightings of cetaceans which can also be done on their web site. John is also a keen ornithologist and has photographed some interesting birds off the Connemara coast including a Fea’s Petrel, one of an estimated world population of 1500 pairs who nest on the Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands. John’s photos of the Petrel, taken last year, are the only ones of a Fea’s Petrel ever taken in Ireland. John and Sue Brittain have been running their angling business called Blue Water fishing from Clifden for the last 20 years. During this time John has caught many interesting fish; Bluefin Tuna over 800lbs, Common Skate over 200lbs and the first European Fly caught Blue Shark amongst them. They can be contacted at bluewater@eircom.net or 095-21073.

Potholes reach new depths! The saga of Connemara’s craters and potholes appears to be worsening by the month. One pothole on the Green Road in Cleggan is so deep that two separate contributors have submitted it for the dubious Connemara View prize of ‘Pothole of the Year’. Emma Walsh and Sarah Cosgrove just couldn’t get to the bottom of this particular pothole- with one of the girls nearly losing her head! Meanwhile, Christopher Lawson also came across this shockingly deep pothole which nearly left him without a leg to stand on. Does the pothole on your road drive you to despair? If so then we want to hear from you, and don’t forget, the picture deemed Pothole of the Year will win a €50 voucher for Homewares Plus in our December issue. E-mail entries to news@connemaraview.com, post to Connemara View Newspaper, Clifden or drop in the View Box at King’s Paper Shop in Clifden.

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October 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Flashback: Pulladulla Rescue Pulladulla is the name given by people living on Market Street and the Square, Clifden for a stretch of shoreline of the Owenglen River, at the point at which it meets the inner reaches of Clifden Bay. The house where I was reared on Market Street overlooks that part of the estuary. (See photo). The year was 1966. It was the 1st of March. It was a cold wintry day. The river was in full ﬂood. Mary Stanley was celebrating her thirteenth birthday and I had been invited to

the party which was to start at 3pm.I was all dressed up and was looking out the back window which faces the Ballyconeely road, the river and the bay. The flood in the river was as big as I had ever seen it. The next thing there was a raft drifting down the river. At the same time I saw a boy falling off the raft. I knew straight away that he was falling in at a place we used to call “The Swallow Hole”. A deep pool, sometimes swirling, located right at the mouth of the river, (The place name Pulladulla may have come from a version of the original Irish for the place “Poul Dubh” or “Black Hole”). I ran from the kitchen to the cellar stairs. Just at that moment my older sister Mary and our friend Roy Griffin were walking in the hallway. I shouted “there is somebody

Halloween Party Treats and Tips The end of the month sees Halloween, the day of the year when the ancient Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead dissolves. Trick or treating is the name of the game for kids, while adults often choose to mark the occasion by dressing up in ghoulish fancy dress or freaking themselves out with some classic horror movies. Whether going to or hosting a Halloween party, why not blow away the winter and recession blues by celebrating still being on the ‘alive’ side of the boundaries between worlds!

drowning in the river”. The three of us ran down through two dark cellars and two flights of stairs and through the long back garden which led to the shore. By the time we got to the end of the garden all we saw was a hand sticking out of the water. Mary went ahead of me and jumped in to save him. The young lad was strong and pulled her under. I threw off my new shoes, dived in after Mary, who was (at this stage) starting to drown too, and managed to pull them both to the shore to safety. The boy was blue in the face. We hit his back until he threw up water. He was very weak. ( John Conneely, our neighbour was on the shore also. He was only a boy of six then). Roy, Mary and I then carried and assisted the boy for the hundred yards up to the house. This was difficult. The place was wild and overgrown. It was almost vertical for the first five metres or so of the sloping garden. Although the trees and branches were bare, there were tree roots and bushes everywhere. It is hard to believe it now but Roy, Mary and I were only young teenagers at the time and we were carrying a big young lad. Soon our kitchen was full of people and the boy was stripped and covered in blankets by Mrs. Flanagan, our neighbour. She was also the district nurse. She was great. The poor boy was shivering. Mrs Stankard came from across the road with whiskey, to help revive him. Mother and Mrs Conneely were there also, helping, but very upset and my little sister, Erin, aged five, looked on. She had seen it all from the window and helped jog my memory to write about it, all these years later. The boy of about nine was Joseph Heanue. He lived over the Galway road. His aunt is Mrs Gavin in Goulane and his uncle was Patsy Coyne who used to be the shoemaker on Market Street. Joseph’s father came and picked him up and thanked us for saving his son’s life. Joseph Heanue now lives If you prefer, strain out the fruit at this point and then add it at the end to individual servings. Add the soda water and stir gently. Pour sangria into wine or highball glasses that are filled with ice and with black straws for full effect. Cocktail Tip: Use clear plastic gloves to make ‘ice hands’! Adding these to your punch bowl will keep it chilled for a long time and look creepy. Use punch instead of water and as the ice melts, it won’t water down the punch bowl.

Halloween Mocktails

(For grown-ups only!) • 1 bottle (inexpensive) red wine • 12 oz. Soda water • 2 oz. brandy • 3 tbsps. warmed honey • 4 sliced ﬁgs • 1/2 cup red or black grapes, halved • 1/2 cup pitted cherries (can use frozen if necessary) • Ice Combine the fruit in a large glass bowl, adding the brandy and honey until the honey is dissolved. Pour in the wine and stir gently. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours and as long as over night. When ready to serve, pour the mixture into a glass pitcher.

When it comes to non alcoholic Halloween drinks the natural colours of many drinks already look the part. Cranberry, orange and apple juice mixtures are obvious choices while a little dash of Grenadine adds a blood red hue to any drink of your choice, but less is more with this syrup. Party Food Tip: If planning a menu for your Halloween party try and think of creative ways to serve and display the food. You can use a small, shallow pumpkin, hollowed out, to serve fresh veggies and dips. Party Decoration Tip: Make candle holders for long tapered candles or votive candles using cored out apples. Choose small, round apples with a flat bottom that will sit stable on a flat surface. Remove the stems and cut a small round hole in the top of each apple - deep and wide enough to securely hold a candle. You can use a plate to make an arrangement of different candle heights and catch any dropping wax-but ensure you treat lit candles with the usual caution to avoid a Halloween

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2009

Halloween Cocktail-Blood Red Sangria

in Cork and has a grown up family. I changed my clothes and went to the birthday party but I felt very unwell that night and started to shake. Delayed shock, I suppose. I had nightmares for a long time. There was a small write up about it the following week in the Connaught. The mouth of the Owenglen was always a popular spot for salmon poaching. Salmon and trout were plentiful in those days. It is possible that we may have been recommended for a bravery award of some kind were it not for the belief of the Guards that we were engaged in salmon poaching when Joseph fell in the water. We were always good swimmers and spent our childhood on the shore and at the beach, a mile west along the bay. I was very proud to have helped to save Joseph’s life but I shudder sometimes thinking we would have all gone down together, in the floodwaters, that afternoon if I had not had the strength to pull them both out. It is so important to be able to swim well. Clifden bay is such a beautiful place. If Clifden beach ever gets back its blue flag again the children of today will be able to know and enjoy the bay and the river, as much as we did as children. Freddy Gibbons, Racecourse, Clifden In response to learning that Freddy had written this account for the Connemara View, Joe Heanue added the following: My name is Joe Heanue. I recently contacted the offices of the Connaught Tribune newspaper and got a copy of the front page report dated March 1967 on the near drowning incident in Clifden at that time. This article brought it all back to me and showed how seriously in danger my life was, and how brave Freddy and Mary were. I would like to take this opportunity, some 42 and a half years later to very sincerely thank Freddy and Mary and all the other people who helped to save my life on that day (even though I am sure my wife of 30 odd years does not always appreciate it!). I have often wondered if there is any kind of bravery award with which Freddy and Mary could be presented, and would appreciate it if anyone who is aware of such an award would let us know by contacting the Connemara View newspaper. Joe Heanue, Mallow, Co. Cork. party spoiling mishap!

Home Made Comfort Food

For those who would prefer something to have with ‘a nice cup of tea’, why not make your own Barm Brack. A traditional Halloween favourite, it couldn’t be simpler to make, and it’s perfect for enjoying as you wait for trick-or-treaters to knock on your door, or when you settle down to watch a spooky movie-if you have the stomach for it that is! Ingredients • 135g muscovado sugar • 300 ml black tea • 450g raisins • 1 Egg • 240g Flour • 1 heaped tsp Baking powder • 50g glacé cherries • 2 tsp mixed candied peel • Small handful Almonds, chopped Method 1. Dissolve the sugar in the tea. Add the raisins and leave to soak overnight. 2. The next day, preheat the oven to 160C/gas Grease a 20cm loaf tin or small round cake tin. 3. Beat the egg and mix in the raisins and their soaking liquid. 4. Sift in the ﬂour and baking powder. Add all the other ingredients and stir together well. 5. Spoon into the tin and bake for 1 hour. When cooled, Barm Brack is best enjoyed with a nice spread of butter and will keep for days in a tin or wrapped. Traditionally rings or coins are mixed into the dough but if you can’t handle the hygiene implications of that, you could always wrap the surprise ingredients in a small piece of greaseproof paper. It may also be best to advise others of the baked-in contents in case of a dental accident!

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25 years of Sea Week Conamara Sea Week 2009 kicks oﬀ on Friday Oct. 16th until 26th in the Quaker Village of Letterfrack. This is the 25th year of the celebrations and promises to be an exciting ten days with its usual eclectic mix of sporting, cultural and artistic events.

Weekend 1 will see the opening of ‘Conamara Sea Week Small Works Exhibition 2009’-featuring the work of both young and established artists. It will be oﬃcially opened at the Connemara National Park with American writer / broadcaster Jackie Lyden on Friday16th at 8.00pm, all are very welcome. The exhibition will run from the 16th-26th. Saturday 17th will see trad music workshops in Letterfrack NS, from 11am-3.30pm. They are open to all ages and all instruments with some of Ireland’s finest players/teachers. Sunday 18th will feature a Mini Regatta (boats under 20 cm) in Connemara National Park at 2pm followed by a Book Fair in Ellis Hall at 3pm which will guarantee fun for all the family. The evening of Sunday the 18th will also see a special community event ‘The Parish Dinner’ at 8.30pm in the Renvyle House Hotel, which will be a unique occasion for friends and neighbours to get together, break bread, and enjoy each other’s company. A buﬀet prepared by award winning chef Tim O’Sullivan and his team will celebrate local produce such as Conamara Lamb, Conamara Mussels etc. This very special night will also feature the release of ‘An Cosán Draíochta’-

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The Enchanted Causeway, celebrating 25 years of Conamara Bog Week and Sea Week. Musicians such as Johnny Connolly, Marcus Hernon, Liz Kane, Marie Walsh, Josephine March, Mick Kinsella and Conor Keane have composed music for the CD and will be present on the night to make magic. During the week a vibrant schools programme will be in place with various scientists, artists, musicians/ actors and storytellers visiting schools in our region. Chess competitions and Darts competitions are also set to be part of the week’s activities. ‘Small Hydropower in Ireland’ will be the subject of a talk given by Architect and Alternative Energy Expert Fiach O’Brollacháin in Renvyle House Hotel on Thursday 22nd at 9pm. The main event of the Bank Holiday weekend will be the Conamara Sea Week Conference-a retrospective, looking back over 25 years. The venue is Letterfrack NS and the conference starts Saturday 24th at 10.30am and continues on Sunday at 11am with a wonderful line up of scientists, poets and musicians that should make for a great weekend. The regular favourite ‘Monastery Hostel Gig’ will take place later that evening (Saturday) with musical performance provided by Andrew Murray on vocals, Laoise Kelly on harp, Mirella Murray on the box and a candlelit dinner at 7.30pm. The wonderful Cunningham family will also hold a Sean Nós workshop on Sunday 25th in the Ellis Hall at 4pm while later that night our young local talent will give a Mol an Óige Concert in Letterfrack Church at 8.30pm. Proceeds raised will go to Galway Hospice. The Conamara Sea Week 5-a-side Schools soccer tournament will also feature as part of the festival’s line up, taking place at Letterfrack NS on Monday 26th at 11.00am in the very capable hands of Brendan Ridge and his team. Last but certainly not least, there will also be an abundance of great music over both weekends with some of the finest players coming from all over the country to once again visit Letterfrack. For the full line up go to www.ceecc.org or contact Leo Hallissey on 085-115-4629 / 095-41034. lfrack@ eircom.net.

Crochet Classes

Classes in the craft of crochet taught by expert teacher Peggy Mannion will take place at the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden on Friday evenings starting on October 23rd from 8-10pm. For more information contact Peggy at 086-882-6120.

be “Scrooge A Christmas Carol” at the Station House Theatre on December 17th, 20th, 27th, 28th & 30th at 8:00pm and19th at 1:00pm. If you would like to be a part of this show or any of Ceol Theatre’s productions please contact John @ 087750-4697.

New Video from Bofin Musician

Inishbofin musician Vincent O’ Halloran, brother of Dessie, has released an atmospheric and entertaining video in which he plays the button accordion against the backdrop of the island’s magnificent scenery. The film shows Vince playing his button accordion while sitting on a rock in the middle of the ocean, just oﬀ Inishbofin harbour. The video is in four parts and is free for all to see on YouTube. It also features rare old footage of Inishbofin and Connemara that will interest many. The video is in four parts and is free for all to see on YouTube. It is titled ‘The King of Inishbofin’ and can be found simply by typing ‘Vincent O Halloran’ into the search box. It also available to view on the Connemara.net website and on the blog section of the comhaltas.ie website.

New Cunninghams Show

After the massive success of their first stage show ‘Fuaim na gCuinneagainí’, the multi-talented Cunningham family of Cashel are continuing their development of exciting stage shows with the launch of their new show ‘Fuaim Chonamara’ at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway on Wednesday October 7th. The revamped show will feature new choreographed routines and performances by all five members of the family, Irene, Brian, Ashline, Michael and Lorraine as well as many more familiar faces. Acclaimed young Sean Nos singer Annmarie O Riordan who recently won the Best Newcomer Award at Irish Music Awards in the World Fleadh will join the cast for this very special new show, starting at 8pm. Tickets are €25/€22 and can be booked online at www.tht.ie or by calling 091 569 777. Photo: The Cunninghams put on a stunning final performance of their last stage show with special guests, Dessie O’Halloran and Orlaith Keane at The Forge in Moycullen on Saturday September 26th, where a packed to capacity crowd had a great night. They are pictured here after the show with the band, dancers, Ann Marie Kelly, Dessie O’Halloran, Orlaith Keane, and a crowd of some young fans. Photo courtesy of Tom Broderick

Ceol Theatre

The next review show will be on December 4th in the Station House Theatre at 8:00pm with a Christmas theme, €5 at the door. Anyone who would like to perform a song can contact John @ 087-750-4697. Backing tracks can be provided if you have a favourite song you would like to sing but don’t have the music for, so start thinking of a festive favourite now! The next stage production will

October 2009

Connemara ArtsView

Arts at the Library

Clifden Library once again played host to a fantastic line up of artists, poets and performers throughout Clifden Arts Week. Alannah Robin’s sculpture of the Owenglen River featured throughout and performances included Eamon Grennan, Ed Boyne and Áine Uí Fhoghlu, library favourites Michael Coady and Tony Curtis, and many more, while locals Sean and Rosalind Coyne packed the house. Clifden historian Des Fogarty gave a very informative reading while talented actress Jeananne Crowley entertained and regaled with her special representation of the work of Sydney Owenson, Lady Morgan. The esteemed Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney even dropped in to listen to some of the poetry readings. All events were very well attended and conducted in style by Bernie Jeﬀries and Paul Keogh who always ensure that the library is a hub of activity for Clifden Arts Week.

Arts in the Gaeltacht

Do you live in the Gaeltacht? Do you dance, write, read, play music, act, paint, sing, go to concerts, to plays...if so, you are invited to a public meeting about the Future of the Arts in the Gaeltacht to be held at 8.00pm on Wednesday 7 October in Óstán an Dóilín in An Cheathrú Rua. Majella Ní Chríocháin, an independent Arts Consultant who is carrying out an audit of the arts in the Gaeltacht will chair the meeting. Ealaín na Gaeltachta, a partnership between Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Arts Council, have commissioned this audit. The purpose is to assess the current state of the arts and to gather information regarding the infrastructure, activities and services for the arts in the Gaeltacht, information which will form the basis for a new Arts Plan for the period 2011-2015. This one is in a series of public meetings which will take place in all Gaeltacht regions, where the views of the community regarding access to and participation in the arts will be sought. The meeting will be conducted through Irish but an interpreting service will be available. You can get further information from Majella Ní Chríocháin at 087-977-6852 or majnic@eircom.net

Ó Chósta go Cósta

A new book by Frank Reidy of Ros a Mhíl conveys images of Africa that are not so common in the Western media, which often seems to focus on stories of famine, war, political fraud, and constant hardship. In I his first book, published p by Cló Iar I Chonnachta in i Indreabhán, Frank F recounts his h experiences of sailing s around the Kenyan K coast in a traditional t dhow, visiting v Barack Obama’s O grandmother, m (who asks him h if he thinks her h grandson will win the election), and learning about the country’s tragic and complicated history. As an Irish army officer, he was sent to eastern Africa in 1994 as part of the United Nations effort that was assembled to deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by genocide in Rwanda. For this book the author returned, hoping to see another side of the continent. As well as being a travel book, this is a history book, a memoir and a political glossary. Interspersed with full-colour photographs and original illustrations, it is a story that is full of humanity and of life as it is lived by the people of Africa. Frank is a regular visitor to Africa both as a traveler and voluntary worker and is a regular correspondent on Defence and Foreign Affairs on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and on TG4.

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Ó Chósta go Cósta (text is in Irish) is available now in paperback at a cost of €15 from www.cic.ie or by calling 091-593307.

All Ireland Title for Emma

The hugely talented and accomplished Renvyle Sean Nós dancer Emma O’ Sullivan added yet another trophy to her collection recently when she took first place in the Senior Section All-Ireland Sean Nós Dancing competition at the Éigse Uí Ghramhnaigh Festival in Athboy, Co. Meath on Saturday August 29th. This was the second year of the Éigse, which was very well attended and supported with entries from all over the country. Emma is also a founding member of the exciting new dance group The Reel Mix, who have performed at a number of events in recent months. The group of five stunni ning girls are al all champion dancers and da musicians and m have been enha joying fantastic jo reactions to re their exciting th and thrillingly an choreographed ch routines to date. ro Amy Coyne A and Chelsea an Kane, both Ka from Renvyle, fro and Fiona and an Niamh McN Dermot of Kylemore complete the line up and each girl brings their own unique style and touch to their performances. The Reel Mix will perform at the ‘Parish Dinner’ and album launch as part of Sea Week on Sunday October 18th at Renvyle House Hotel, which promises to be a fantastic evening. Emma has also recently been teaching children from all over Connemara to dance Sean Nós style in a number of workshops. The members of Emma’s Saor Cos dance camp, Nikita McLoughlin, Nada Uí Churrin, Aoife O’ Neill, Phoebe Fitzpatrick, Gillian McGreal, Anna Berghofer, Andrea Coyne, Sorcha O’ Malley, Steven Coohill and Alice Hannon performed at the Arts Week Sean Nós night, when they performed a mixture of Sean Nós, set, barrel and brush dances learned at Emma’s dance camp. A dance camp is currently taking place in Clifden and anyone who would like more information or to set up a dance camp or event in their area can contact Emma on 086-252-0672 for more details.

Upcoming Theatre Highlights Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me Frank McGuinness’s Tony Award-nominated play,

October 2009

‘Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me’ will be staged at the Station House Theatre on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October. In the remarkable play, Frank McGuinness explores the diﬃcult relationships among an Irishman, an American and an Englishman taken hostage in Lebanon during the early 1990’s. With nowhere to hide and only each other to turn to, the three men ultimately find the support they must cling to in order to survive. Inspired by events surrounding Brian Keenan’s abduction in Beirut, this timeless classic has been described as ‘heartrendingly compassionate’ as well as ‘uproariously funny’, and is an absolute mustsee for fans of the play and first-timers alike. The show starts at 9pm and tickets are €16/€18.

Reservoir Dogs An exciting stage version of Quentin Tarantino’s iconic movie of the same name will be performed at the Station House Theatre on Saturday October 24th. Up and coming talented actor and director Graham Feeley, who has spent most of 2008 adapting the Reservoir Dogs script guarantees that it will have audiences begging for more, as he has added in some scenes that were never seen ‘but talked about’ in the 1990 cinema release. The story for Reservoir Dogs is very much the same in this must-see theatre experience and is set around a bungled jewellery store robbery, and the events both leading up to it, and following on from it. Each gangster is assigned a colour, and instructed not to discuss each other’s personal background so as to minimise the chances of them being traced if someone were to be caught. The cast includes some of Galway’s most talented actors such Barry Keane (Ros Na Run), Jude Quigley, David Sullivan, Mark Mc Cormack, Willie Moriarty, Steven Cantrell, Colin Hogan and Paddy Carter, and Connemara’s own Mike O Malley. Tickets are €18 and the show starts at 8:30pm.

Clifden Playwright on the Rise ‘Little Black Dress’ the latest work of playwright Ronan Noone, originally from Clifden and now an American citizen, premiered at the Boston Playwrights Theatre on October 1st , where he developed his craft and now teaches. Ronan emigrated from Ireland in 1994 and his first stage play ‘The Lepers of Baile Baiste’ was a massive hit with both theatre critics and audiences. This was followed by two more Irish themed works, ‘The Blowin of Baile Gall’ and ‘Gigolo Confessions of Baile Breag’. ‘Little Black Dress’ now completes an American trilogy including ‘Brendan’ in which an Irish immigrant negotiates his way through Boston, which was ecstatically received by critics, and ‘The Atheist’ which played oﬀ Broadway in 2008 to great acclaim. Noone is now undoubtedly one of the U.S. theatre scene’s most highly regarded and respected playwrights and his works have been staged in Boston, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and London.

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Culture, Community and Craic

at 32nd Clifden Arts Week

Arts Week photos from top (l-r): Marie Walsh’s Connacht Champions Céilí band and Grúpa Ceol wowed the audience at the opening of Arts Week this year. Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney delighted a thronged St Joseph’s Church with a reading, and was presented afterwards with the image of himself used for the Clifden Arts Week 2009 poster created by artist Jimmy Lawlor. Mime artist Jomi gave a stunning performance that words simply cannot describe, though ‘sublime’ might suit. A particular highlight was his involvement of audience members including Clifden’s Nick Kats in his ‘concert performance’. After speaking at the oﬃcial opening of Arts Week, hurling legend Ger Loughnane was happy to pose for a picture with Gabriel Keady and poet Tony Curtis. Talented piper Fiachra O’ Regan launched his first solo album ‘Aisling Gheal’ during Arts week. He is pictured here with partner Sophie Lavoie and his mother Eimear. Joe Boske, Art Ó Briain and Leo Hallissey share a joke at the first Irish screening of Art’s stunning new documentary film ‘A Subtle Movement of Air’. Popular comedian Colin Murphy was more than happy to pose for a photo with Brendan Flynn. This year’s John Moriarty Memorial Lecture entitled ‘The State We’re In’ was given by NUIG Prof. of History Dr. Gearóid O’ Tuathaigh and chaired by Clifden’s Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill. The superb Cherish The Ladies packed the Station House to bursting point and were joined by the cream of local talent for an unforgettable night of music and dance. (L-r): Yvonne Kane, Emma O’ Sullivan, Sharon Shannon, Eamon McLoughlin, Brendan Flynn, Liz Kane, and Joanie Madden and Mirella Murray of Cherish The Ladies. Photos by Padraic Lyden & Staﬀ.

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The Grand Finale!

The grand finale of Arts Week 2009 was of course the ever popular parade, with the theme ‘The Year of Astronomy’. Thanks to a collaborative eﬀort between Arts Week, Fidgetfeet ,LUXe and local schools; the town was transformed into a colourful and chaotic route of creativity and performance by all involved. A thrilling aerial acrobatics display followed and had the crowd nicely warmed up for a great night’s entertainment by Rob Strong on the Gig Rig, who enjoyed the support of some local groupies who came out to cheer him on! Photos by Padraic Lyden, Paddy Howard & Staﬀ

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October 2009

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October 2009

Connemara View Newspaper