October 2010 Connemara View

Celebrating Community & Culture in Spectacular Style The Clifden Arts Festival 2010 was certainly one to remember. Individuals and groups of all ages traversed the town enthralled by the creativity along the Art Trail. The combination of home-grown, national and international luminaries is, as ever, a delectable recipe for what can surely be called a world class cultural festival. Particular praise must go to the outdoor theatrical events co-ordinated by Fidget Feet and LUXe which brought together children and adults from the wider Connemara community to put on the breathtaking parades. Their enthusiasm and eorts lit up the Connemara night skies and the hearts and minds of all present. More on pages 26-28

REGIONAL CSI: Clifden News The next CSI Clifden public meeting will take place this Thursday, October 7th at 8pm in Clifden Community School. Top of the agenda will be an update on the recent planning permission decision of September 1st. The Design Team are compiling information following on from the request for further information. It is expected to have all information ready for submission to the council within the next week. Please attend this meeting and show your support in the campaign for a new “fit for purpose” school for the community. See www.csiclifden.com for all the latest news. If you want to be included in any text alerts please text your name to 087-162-5842. Please include your email address to be included in our mailing list.

Clifden Fire & Rescue Open Day Clifden’s Fire and Rescue Service will open its doors to the public on Saturday October 9th from 12-3pm for their now annual Open Day. Members of the public are invited to

inspect the extensive range of fire fighting and rescue equipment with the crew on hand to answer any questions.

Photo: Clifden Fire & Rescue (returning from a Fire call) recently presented a cheque for €1,000, the proceeds from their annual charity car wash to Patricia Stanley, Mary Foyle, Anna Marie Ward and Julia McCann of Ability West.

Class of 1990: 20 Year Reunion The Clifden Community School Class of 1990 are holding a 20 year reunion on Friday November 5th at the Station House Hotel at 8pm. All students, staff and teachers are invited to attend. There will be finger food available for €10 and the organisers are hoping that as many as possible will make the effort to come along and catch up on old times and enjoy the company of old friends. It is a casual get together; bring your partners along if you wish. Please pass the message on to make sure the night is a memorable one.

If you can attend, please let us know by contacting Anna Marie King 087-664-8585, Padraic Heanue 087-248-5422 or Vivienne Flaherty 086-064-0292.

During her recent visit to the Clifden Arts Week we also took the opportunity to press Mary Hanafin, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport for development on the sewage works in Connemara. Our point was that the promotion of Fáilte Ireland of Connemara as the outdoor activity capital of Ireland is at present being undermined by the polluted waterways and the lack of appropriate investment by the Department of the Environment.

Finally we discussed the updated position on the water and sewage works with County Manager Martina Maloney.

Although the foreshore license is still an outstanding issue, the council are hopeful that the Clifden sewage scheme could be going to tender in the near future. We will wait and see! Cllr. Eileen Mannion, at our last meeting, warned that water and sewage projects have been dropped entirely from the council programme this year so the community really needs to keep the pressure on.

Another project which we are pressing the council on is the state of some of the road surfaces in Clifden town, in particular the Church Hill area. This road surface is the worst town surface in the entire area and we are pressing that this is fixed before it becomes a serious safety issue for road users.

One area where we have had council action, thanks to our meeting with the County Manager, is on the Beach Road in Clifden. The chamber, along with other groups, have been pressing for overnight parking restrictions, the fixing of walls and gunnera spraying on this scenic walk. Thankfully all works are in hand and the Beach Road should become a better tourist attraction because of these works.

The Chamber is also working on a broad initiative for Christmas shopping to stay in Connemara this year.

Many of our members 300 local jobs rely on the support of the local population staying and shopping locally and we will be pushing this project very much over the next eight weeks. If you have ideas on this initiative, do let us know at admin@clifdenchamber.ie.

Declan Mannion, Connemara Chamber of Commerce President

FORUM Day Trip A FORUM Connemara Networking Day took place on Tuesday 21st September. A great day was had by the large group who travelled together on a tour of the Burren Centre and had a super time afterwards in Lisdoonvarna.

Photo below courtesy of Margaret Sheehan

Upcoming Activities The Clifden Parent and Toddler Group re-started on Wednesday September 15th. It meets at the Station House

Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 11am-12 noon.

A Swimming programme for special needs children and their families has also re-started at the Station House Leisure Centre, 3-4pm. A support group for parents of special needs children meets at the Clifden Town Hall on the first Thursday of every month at 11am.

The local depression support group meets at the Ellis Hall in Letterfrack on the first Thursday of every month at 8pm.

For more details on any of the above, please contact Margaret Sheehan at the Forum Office, Clifden on 095-21741.

Warmer Homes Scheme FORUM Connemara Limited has received a contract from Sustainable Energy Action Ireland (SEAI) to deliver the Warmer Homes Scheme in the non Gaeltacht part of Connemara.

The Warmer Homes Scheme is managed by SEAI to assist homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty. The scheme is targeted at householders in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment to help make their home more energy efficient.

The measures which will be provided to eligible homes by FORUM include the following: Attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, CFL bulbs.

The costs of the work are covered by the Warmer Homes Scheme funding. There are no grants paid directly to householders under this scheme. FORUM will implement the Warmer Homes Scheme through its FÀS Essential Housing Repairs Community Employment Scheme.

Eligibility criteria for the FORUM Warmer Homes Scheme is as follows: Homes must be located in the FORUM project area - the non Gaeltacht part of Connemara.

Homes must be non-local authority, privately owned and constructed before 2002. Householders must be in receipt of the Fuel allowance payment.

To apply for the scheme please contact Martin Davis on 095-41064 or e-mail m.davis@forumconnemara.ie.

Connemara Loop AGM The AGM of The Connemara Loop / www.goconnemara. com will take place at Renvyle House Hotel on Sunday October 17th at 4pm. A representative of An Taisce will attend to give a talk on the Green Coast status for beaches in our area. Any new members will be very welcome and can avail of the same reduced rates of membership as for the last year.

Teagasc Office Closure Concerns The Teagasc office in Galway may be set to close, despite the fact that the Galway Teagasc office does not fit the criteria drawn up by a Teagasc project team who have prepared a business case over the last few months that specified a Rationalised Office Network. Under the new Teagasc office network, it is envisaged that most clients will have to travel less than the average distance between offices which will be approx. 43 kms. However, if the Teagasc office in Galway closed and the service is moved to Athenry, Connemara farmers will have to travel even longer distances than that at present. Continued on page 4

Connemara Chamber News The Chamber, after much lobbying of our local deputy Frank Fahey TD, got a meeting with An Taoiseach last month to press for action on a number of key projects for the west Connemara region. In particular, we took this opportunity to press for the advancement of the Clifden sewage treatment plant, the advancement of the Clifden community school, improvements to the N59 as a key tourism artery and the outer ring road in Galway to complete the motorway from Dublin to Connemara. The Taoiseach took our concerns onboard and promised to have his department make enquiries into the status of the various projects and revert to us on the status of the various schemes.

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October 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Teagasc Office Closure continued Cllr. Eileen Mannion stated that up to 1,000 Connemara farmers will be directly affected by this closure, including people living on the islands. The Teagasc Galway office services a large geographical area which includes Connemara, Aran Islands, Inishbofin and the Galway City hinterland.

In the future, if the Galway office is closed, Connemara farmers will have to travel to Athenry to avail of the services of Teagasc. At present, many farmers will get a bus into Galway to visit their advisor in the Teagasc office. In the future if this closure goes ahead they will have the extra inconvenience and expense of having to travel to Athenry. People travelling from the islands may have to overnight on the mainland in order to visit the Teagasc office in Athenry. Cllr. Mannion said that the closure of the Galway office will be a further burden on Connemara farmers who are already suffering with the closure of REPS to new entrants. This is a further erosion of a much needed service in an already disadvantaged area.

Connemara farmers pay for the services of Teagasc and it is of vital importance to farmers in this disadvantaged area. Cllr. Mannion said if the Teagasc office in Galway has to be closed down it should be moved nearer

to Connemara farmers, not further away. Cllr. Mannion is calling on Teagasc to reconsider their decision and keep their Galway office open to cater for the one thousand Connemara farmers who use and pay for their service. She said “The Galway office does not fit the criteria used to decide which Teagasc offices should be closed. The Galway office is unique in that it caters for the Aran Islands and Inishbofin as well as Connemara and the closure of the office will result in further hardship for hard pressed farmers”.

GMIT Letterfrack Student Win A student from county Clare studying at GalwayMayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) Letterfrack has won the Department of Education and Skills’ final of the National Skills Competition in Cabinetmaking.

as Welby that they hope to complete works on the ‘Quiet Man Bridge’ in Leam in the next few weeks.

The money was allocated after successful representation by Cllr. Thomas Welby and Cllr. Tomas Ó Curraoin. A total sum of €40,000 has been allocated under the Improvement Grant in the 2010 Roads Programme for these works.

Killymongaun Galway County Council has informed Cllr. Thomas Welby, Independent Councillor for the Connemara Electoral Area that they have contacted the NRA regarding road conditions on the N59 at Killymongaun on the outskirts of Clifden, with a view to carrying out repairs under a Low Accident Scheme.

There have been a number of serious accidents which the fire brigade has had to attend the scene on a number of occasions, where cars and trucks have left the road and finished on the old Clifden-Galway railway line. The most recent accident involved an articulated truck. There has been substantial damage to a number of vehicles. Fortunately there hasn’t been any loss of life but a number of drivers have been trapped in the vehicles for long periods. Cllr. Welby stated “I have had representations from local people about this section of road and I would be concerned that it has the potential to contribute to loss of life unless something is done immediately”.

Ambulance Services Meeting

Gerard O’Loughlin from Ballyea, Inagh, Co. Clare, a fourth year student on the B.Sc (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture in the Letterfrack campus, took the top prize at the recent event held in the Dublin Institute of Technology. This builds upon similar success in this competition from students on GMIT Letterfrack in 2009 and 2007. Lecturer Anthony Clare, who prepared the students for the competition, says the standard in the final was exceptionally high and competitiveness very keen: “The test involved making a free-standing cabinet, with a door and drawer module. We are delighted with our students’ performance in this competition and are thrilled that Gerard has won. This achievement demonstrates clearly the exceptional skill level attained by students undertaking GMIT Letterfrack programmes, given the other finalists were apprentices working in industry. GMIT Letterfrack prides itself on quality in all aspects of education, creativity and craftsmanship and our students have demonstrated this once again on a national stage.”

Photo: GMIT Letterfrack student Gerard O’Loughlin from Ballyea, Inagh, Co. Clare, winner of the Final of the National Skills Competition in Cabinetmaking, which took place in DIT. Photo courtesy of GMIT Letterfrack

Road Works Dawros Bridge

Galway County Council has passed a Part 8 Planning for the development of the Dawros Bridge in the townland of Addergoole on the N59 in close proximity to Kylemore Abbey. The works include the demolition of the existing bridge and the reconstruction of a new single span reinforced bridge. A temporary bridge will be utilised to maintain traffic flow during construction. The NRA has confirmed that they are committed to this project and it is hoped to have contract documents issued in the very near future.

Cllr. Thomas Welby, Independent Councillor for the Connemara Electoral Area, stated “This is an extremely poor section of National Road and these works are essential to improve the road network for local and tourists”.

Quiet Man Bridge Galway County Council has informed Cllr. Thom-

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October 2010

A meeting chaired by Cllr. Sean Kyne and attended by all 7 Connemara Councillors met with representatives of the HSE in Galway on Monday September 27th to discuss the absence of a 24 hour service in the Carraroe area. The group Coiste Cearta Chonamara raised the concern over the response times when the ambulance is not stationed in Carraroe, due to being called to other areas of the county.

There are five ambulance stations in the county: Carraroe, Clifden, Galway City, Ballinasloe and Loughrea. It emerged that the Tuam area is a black spot and that if an ambulance was sent from there to Dublin, for example, then the Carraroe based ambulance would be called on to replace it elsewhere in the county. It was agreed that if the pressure on the service in the Tuam area was relieved then it would have a knock-on effect in other areas, including Carraroe.

The issue of a possible increased role for ambulances of the Order of Malta, the Irish Red Cross and other voluntary organisations was also raised. The HSE representatives explained that they do not call on these ambulances as liabilities could then fall on the HSE if anything untoward occurred. However they agreed that the first responders manning voluntary ambulances could be given more training. It was also discussed that the Health Information and Quality Association (HIQA) intend to set standards for response limits by ambulances. Cllr. Kyne also committed to asking for updates on the key issues raised, by asking questions through the Health Forum.

Pier Road Access Funding Inishnee pier in Roundstone has received grant funding of €171,000 and Doonloughan Pier in Ballyconneely has received funding of €153,000 to develop their public road access. Galway West Fianna Fáil Deputy Frank Fahey, T.D. welcomed the announcement by his colleague Dr. Martin Mansergh, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW. “This is most welcome news for the fishing communities of Roundstone and Ballyconneely, as it will allow for the safe access to the pier and allow fishermen who use the piers to launch and recover boats from the sea in certain weather conditions. It is hoped that further funding in relation to the slipway at Doonloughan will be granted in the New Year, so as to complete the said works on this pier. The slipway at Inishnee pier was completed in 2008, and the improvement of the roadway will allow for the completion of this pier also.

These works will be for the benefit of the community as a whole, and it is hoped that construction will commence on these projects as soon as possible.”

Connemara View Newspaper

Hard Work Rewarded

by Tidy Towns Five of the six Connemara entrants to the 2010 Tudy Towns Competition saw increases in their points this year.

The commitment to ongoing improvements in all of the communities is to be commended. Of course, the task of beautifying our villages and towns is an on-going project that requires participation from many. If you wish to assist in these efforts, contact the committee in your local area.

Clifden Clifden increased its Tidy Towns score by 7 points this year, thanks to the hard work of the dedicated Tidy Towns Committee. The adjudicator praised the committee’s de-

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tailed three year plan and well-drawn map showing locations of projects around the community and they were also congratulated on winning the best float prize on St. Patrick’s Day which the adjudicator noted as ‘an innovative way’ to get the message across.

Once again the ‘Super Sunday’ initiative received great praise and many landscaping projects caught the judges’ eye, in particular the Memory Tree and Jail Walk projects and the Church road.

In the Built Environment category many buildings were admired, the businesses along Market Street were praised with a special mention to Vaughan’s Pub. Other businesses that were remarked on were Clifden Court Commercial development, The White Heather House, SuperValu, Gifts

by Grace, Mitchell’s Restaurant, The AIB, John Mannion’s Cycle Shop, Foyle’s Hotel, Sea Mist House and Vickers Coffee House.

Unfortunately areas that caused concern under this category were the Atlantic Bar which is currently closed and the adjudicator stated that ‘The Monument in Market Square leaves me cold and looks slightly grubby’.

The new wildlife information signs were commended and a ‘wildlife plan’ was suggested for the area. The ‘Brodeóig River Project’ was commented on as ‘a small but important habitat running through the town’ although it was also noted that the river was slightly littered in areas. The adjudicator felt that recycling should be encouraged more throughout the wider community.

The placing of cable underground was highly praised. However it was noted that with the major issue with the water quality in Clifden, that ancillary surfacing works etc. are currently on hold until the wastewater treatment plant was in place, and it is hoped that the anticipated time scale is adhered to.

The town centre was noted as ‘very tidy with good path surfacing, bins and

other street furniture’ with Off the Square getting a special mention for its fine exterior. Areas that need attention were the traffic cones on the lane towards Dún Rí which the adjudicator felt should be removed and some litter and dumping in an alcove beside the Lodge B&B (otherwise looking beautifully painted). Signage was considered neat but it was felt there was too much of it and fly posting in phone boxes needs to addressed.

On general impression Clifden was described as a ‘lively and attractive town with an abundance of attractions both intrinsic to it and in the surrounding landscape’ and it was felt that the Tidy Towns Committee had made great strides since the 2007 entry.

October 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Leenane Leenane Tidy Town Committee must be extremely pleased as they enjoyed a jump of 9 points this year. Their ‘beautifully hand-drawn’ map was commended and was particularly useful as the map clearly marked the locations of current projects. Some areas in particular that caught the attention of the adjudicator were: the road widening and new stone walls, the new bridge and wide paving with neat road surfacing, The Forge, the Sheep and Wool Centre (although it was felt the signage was not in keeping with the town’s character), the school, the church and graveyard, which all enriched the appearance of the village.

In the village centre, the colourful floral displays and new seating were much admired, with planting at the Forge described as ‘very eye-catching, although signage here should be removed as it detracts from the scene’. The adjudicator also stated that the planting around the Blackberry café sign was attractive.

Areas that concerned the adjudicator were the derelict building beside Gaynor’s, and although the Leenane Hotel looks well the broken wall at the base of the sign requires attention. However it was noted that the built environment has been greatly enhanced in recent years.

The bat boxes were much admired. Also as Killary harbour and the 12 Bens area surrounding the village are Special Areas of Conservation it was recommended to develop a wildlife plan, and it was felt that the Walking Festival is a great opportunity to tie in with this. It was also noted that the Japanese knotweed and the ‘flora of Killary harbour’ and other signs needs to be addressed.

The ‘mega clean up’ of the shoreline was praised as a great initiative. Litter control throughout the village was excellent with the bring centre stated as ‘spotless’. Focus needs to be put on reducing waste; therefore recycling needs to be encouraged throughout the community and it was felt that the school’s Green Flag application is crucial here.

The setting back of poles and new buildings was applauded. A couple of ‘black spots’ were noted: the road surfacing from Clifden was very poor, the accumulation of plastic waste washed up on the shore near the bring centre and cigarette ends outside Hamilton’s Bar. Continued on next page

Signs for a litter-free Leenane need to be updated, the appearance of Eircom phone boxes were noted as well as the play area, and signs for FLOGAS should be taken down.

Homes throughout the village and on approach roads were very much admired and all were presented to a very high standard with Leenane Lodge getting a special mention, and the ‘planting for wildlife’ was considered a great project.

It was noted that ‘Leenane is a beautiful village that has been gifted by nature’ and the efforts of the Tidy Towns committee are ‘essential in maintaining the complementary relationship between village and surrounds’ It was also suggested that a wildlife or waste project would give Leenane an opportunity to win points across categories.

their Green Flag and it was felt that the school’s experience should be spread throughout the community, and working closely with businesses is a must. A few areas that the adjudicator felt needed to be addressed were: the hoarding on the pier road, a broken Eircom phone box which should be taken down as should the unused telegraph pole outside Corrib Stores, bent poles, e.g. outside Keogh’s should be straightened, and the Bureau de Change sign at Bank of Ireland needs to be replaced.

In general it was a very encouraging report with Oughterard described as a ‘charming village’ with a very tidy appearance and the adjudicator felt that the town was progressing on a number of fronts.

Letterfrack

Roundstone

Letterfrack maintained its 2009 score of 231 points.

Recent advances in the planning process with regard to the sports centre and retirement home were welcomed. Areas that caught the adjudicators’ attention were The Country Shop, the GMIT building, the Crèche, Veldon’s bar, the Church, Garda station and the school building, although it was disappointing that the Green Flag was not flying. This was a wonderful achievement and the adjudicator felt it should be an ‘inspiration to the whole community’.

Under the landscaping category, the industrial school graveyard was commended and described as a ‘heartbreaking memorial’. Other areas that were praised were the pedestrian route to the church, colourful displays outside Molly’s and ‘The Bard’s Den’ and the planting beside Veldon’s. It was also noted that the committee should work in conjunction with Bog Week and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on raising awareness within the community. The steps in place to control Gunnera were also commended.

The adjudicator described Letterfrack as a ‘picturesque town that is gifted by its geographic location’ and while additional improvements are currently taking place, it was suggested that the committee should focus on some projects to improve their standing in the Tidy Towns table.

In what now seems an annual trend, Roundstone’s Tidy Towns score increased by a further 3 points to 245. A number of projects were praised as being completed to a very high standard, in particular pointing to a derelict house, the new path to the church and the new paving at the school.

Other buildings that were commented on were the Health Centre, Eldon’s Hotel, the Church of Ireland church and the R.C. Church (although it was noted that the Christmas decorations needed to be taken down!).

The village centre was described as looking extremely well with well-presented information boards. Many locations caught the adjudicator’s attention. The fishing piers were described as an ‘extremely attractive feature and lend a strong sense of character to the town’ and the playground was well kept and well used!

Roundstone Tidy Towns Committee was commended for the hard work they put into the landscaping category and many colourful displays of flowers were noted on Main Street. Due to the unique landscape and natural habitats surrounding Roundstone a ‘wildlife plan’ was recommended.

The adjudicator congratulated the committee on the various clean-ups organised with the school, and the school’s application for a Green Flag was encouraged. Areas that need to be addressed were various litter black spots, the wall at the Coastguard B&B which is in need of repair, Christmas decorations to be removed, refurbishment of the tennis court and the infestation of Japanese knotweed. It was also felt that an audit of signage would be of benefit.

Overall it was a positive report with the adjudicator very pleasantly surprised on his first visit to the ‘very picturesque’ village of Roundstone and he commended the committee on the great work they are doing to enhance the town and community.

Oughterard Oughterard had a boost of 3 points to its 2009 score. The Tidy Towns committee was commended for its detailed three-year plan, litter and landscape management plans and assorted additional information. The adjudicator also applauded the committee for involving a wide variety of groups to help enhance the town and surrounding area.

The Court House was noted as a ‘wonderful project’ and the new playground at the car park was considered an excellent addition to the town. It was also recognised that the hard work addressing derelict buildings in the village in association with Galway County Council was extremely important. Other buildings that got a special mention were The Boat Inn and the neighbouring thatched Breathnach’s Bar, Probus Wine Shop, Thomas Tuck and The Yew Tree.

Although litter control had clearly improved since last year and has been kept to a high standard, cigarette ends outside pubs are a problem area that needs to be addressed, as does the signage to the pier.

Lough Corrib, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), has an abundance of features. It was recommended that it would be wise to develop a wildlife plan and the disabled access to the fishing pier was highly praised, as were the numerous contests within the town which give a great incentive to residents to enhance their areas.

The School was congratulated on the maintenance of

Spiddal The adjudicator in the Tidy Towns Compettion 2010 has been in touch with the committee running the bid of An Spidéal to offer encouragement and advice, and to point out where some changes might be necessary and/or desirable. Coming in for special mention were the village’s last remaining thatched cottage, the precincts of the convent and church, and the nearby graveyard. There was also praise for the ongoing liaison between the committee and the schools.

The importance of developing a long-term strategy was emphasised. The unplanned nature of the houses in the village which represented many periods, styles and finishes was seen as a very strong point in favour of An Spidéal.

Next Issue: Thursday, November 4th Ad Space Reservation Deadline October 20th News Deadline: October 27th Directory Classified Deadline October 27th

095-22888 www.connemaraview.com Connemara View Newspaper

October 2010

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Cashel

Going West

Ballyconneely

Ballyconneely School News We wish a big welcome to our new class of Junior Infants.

They are Caoimhe, Carragh, Jack, Joe, John and Lewis. We are also delighted to welcome Maccon to our school.

The senior classes did great work with Fidget Feet in preparation for the Arts Festival parade which took place on the 26th of September. We were really excited to be part of the colourful spectacle and lots of people came out to see us.

We have started working towards getting our 5th Green Flag. This project is based on a green home and school. We have chosen to begin our project with the water strand so we will be learning about conserving water and using water wisely. Ballyconneely N.S.

Art displayed in an elegant room is so comfortable and joyous. This was certainly the case at the Zetland Hotel in Cashel on September 11th at the launch of a diverse display of textured landscapes, serene watercolours, depthful collages and bold sculpture.

‘Ag Dul Siar’ (Going West), an exhibition of new works by Bernadette Dignam, Marie Bailey and Linda Carey, as part of the Clifden Arts Festival will be on display until October 9th. The title ‘Going West’ is significant in that all three are originally from Dublin but have settled in Connemara.

Zetland owner Colm Redmond performed his hosting duties with aplomb and humour.

The delightfully cheeky fellow amused the crowd with a personal story about his orchid (sure, stop in an ask him to tell it to you since I could not possibly capture the soul of the tale here). Celia Larkin officially launched the evening and pronounced Bernie as her most successful classmate. They went to school together in Finglas. Celia has certainly achieved much herself.

A wonderful cross section of Connemara notables were in attendance. They could only have been thrilled by the generosity of the house with the excellent wine and sumptuous buffet offered to all.

I must say that the ambience of the Zetland is so pleasing and calm, no doubt due to the presence of superb managers like Eileen Davis and Sharon Nee. EM Photo above right (l-r): Marie Bailey, Bernadette Dignam, Colm Redmond, Celia Larking and Linda Carey.

Cleggan

Festival Meeting The Cleggan Claddaghduff Community Council will hold a Festival meeting on Thursday 28th October in Claddaghduff Hall at 8.30pm. This meeting is open to anybody who would like to be a part of the festival planning and all are welcome to attend.

Cleggan / Claddaghduff Lotto Win

Congratulations to Brendan Scullion who won the Cleggan/Claddaghduff Lotto jackpot of €9,300 and was presented with his cheque at The Pier Bar at the end of August.

Photo below (l-r): Liz Delappe, Feichin Mulkerrin, Cleggan/Claddaghduff Lotto Winner Brendan Scullion, Josie Joyce, Bernie Hughes and Bridget Shanahan.

Photo courtesy of Marie Dickinson

Public Access Defibrillator: New Contacts

There are new telephone numbers of First Responders for the Public Access defibrillator located at Ballyconneely Community Hall, which serves the Ballyconneely area.

They are: • Marrion Mc Dermott (Foorglass): 087-750-3894 or 095-23795 • Anne Steyaert (Keerhaunmore): 087-246-8294 • Tom McWilliams (Ballyconneely): 095: 23938 • Cathy McWilliams (Ballyconneely): 095-23682 • Ann Mitchell (Calla) 086-147-9731 • Bernie Mullen: 085-147-9731 Remember that emergency services 999 (112 from a mobile) should, if possible, be called first. Please note that the old AED emergency number for Ballyconneely 085-101-4540 is not in use anymore.

Anne Steyaert

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October 2010

Connemara View Newspaper

Clifden

Photo above: Caroline Conneely with her winning photograph in the Clifden Library Photographic Competition.

The Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society held their annual ceremony in September honouring John Reilly and the San Patricio Battalion. The ceremony was organised in conjunction with the Mexican community in the Galway area.

The ceremony took place on Saturday 11th September in Mannion’s shop on Market Street. It started off with a display of photographs from Mexico, and a slide show of old photographs taken from books and magazines. This was followed by a short talk on the history of the Battalion and the various articles owned by the Society. A display of dancing from the Mexican community followed and they also provided a selection of songs and tunes associated with their country.

The main organiser from the Mexican side, Gloria Avalos, then led the whole gathering in the traditional ‘Grito’ or shout, which the Mexicans use to celebrate their independence. This year they are celebrating the 200th anniversary of this momentous event.

A large number of locals joined the 22 celebrating Mexicans. There were also people from Dublin and Limerick present who had travelled to Clifden especially for the event. Also in attendance were a number of Americans who have connections with Mexico. All of the visitors have said that they we will be back again next year.

The participants rounded off the evening with a party, where the superb dancing was the main attraction.

Breandan O Scanaill Photo above: Breandan O Scanaill, Gloria Avalos and Vladimir Catalán at the 2010 San Patricios commemorative ceremony in Clifden.

Arts Week

San Patricios Celebrated

Clifden Library News Summer Reading Challenge

Over 70 certificates were presented by Senior Executive Librarian Ms. Maureen Moran on Saturday the 11th of September when children who participated in the challenge along with their parents and families gathered for the presentation and prize giving. Well done to everyone who took part. Photo below: Some of the children who received certificates for the Clifden Library Summer Reading Challenge with Bernie Jeff ries.

Photographic Competition The winner of the competition was Caroline Conneely with her photo ‘Future Champion’. Congratulations to Caroline who won a fabulous digital camera kindly sponsored by Clifden Pharmacy.

Once again the Library was the venue for all things literary. There was lots of poetry, talks and drama and a little bit of music. All the events were well attended and much enjoyed. Paul and Bernie would like to thank Brendan Flynn and all his team for all their help and support, and especially Tony Curtis for the introductions and Christine and Clare for manning the door.

Exhibition Space The new library space is now available for Art exhibitions.

Please contact Paul at 095-21092 for more details.

Bernie Jeffries

Clifden Volleyball Club

At present there are three children’s volleyball classes running in the Clifden Town Hall on Mondays for ages 5-14.

Adult play is on Mondays at 8pm. New children’s classes are also now taking place with professional coaches and an under 5 all round gymnastics and child’s sports development class is also underway. To find out more or to take part please contact John at 087-750-4697.

Clifden Animal Rescue Fundraiser

Clifden Animal Rescue will be raffling a fabulous Halloween Hamper on Saturday 30th October in Supervalu Clifden. Tickets will be on sale in Supervalu on the day and in shops throughout the area beforehand. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Happy Halloween!

Clifden Tidy Towns Results 2010

The Tidy Towns group were very pleased to increase their mark by seven to bring them to a total of 244 for 2010. Our marks remained the same in some areas and went up in others, for example, overall approach, landscaping, wildlife and natural amenities, residential areas, roads streets and back areas.

It was a very positive and constructive report which we are going to take on board in our plans for next year. There are crucial areas we have to improve dramatically on, particularly litter control/tidiness.

A lot of businesses around the town got a special mention and well done to them.

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has helped us in any way, big or small, we greatly appreciate it.

We are actively looking for new people to join our group

for the coming year. For those of you who don’t have the time or interest in meetings but who are walkers, cyclists or litter spotters and interested in keeping our area Litter Free, watch this space. We will be launching radical initiatives over the coming months and we are hoping to get as many involved as possible.

Our thinking caps are on at present for new and exciting projects for 2011 and we will air them at our next meeting.

If you are interested or have any thoughts please join us. For those who would like to read the full adjudication report it is displayed on our notice board in SuperValu or online at www. tidytowns.ie.

Our next meeting will take place on Monday, October 18th at 8pm at Kavanagh’s SuperValu. For more information contact: Mary O’Donnell, Secretary 095-21326, Sheila Griffin, Chairperson 087-249-8482 or P.K. Joyce, P.R.O. 095-21688.

Clifden Tidy Towns Group

First School Day

Six new pupils joined Kingstown National School in September this year. They are (l-r): Ben McDonnell, Alex Mullen, Rica Farragher, Kenny Pryce, John Gavin and Seán Burke (at back).

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2010

Page 9

Costello The new West of Ireland Learning Centre was opened in Costello on Wednesday September 8th.

South Connemara Literary Organiser Neasa de Bhailis spoke at the opening and Louis Mac Con Iomaire gave a reading. The opening was performed by CEO of the Co. Galway VEC, Seosamh Mac Donncha.

Photo far right At the official opening of the new West of Ireland Learning Centre in Costello were (l-r): Seán Ó Dufaigh, VEC Education Officer, Neasa de Bhailis, South Connemara Literary Organiser, Joe MacDonagh, County Galway VEC CEO, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Adult Education Officer and Máire Uí Éanaigh, Community Education Facilitator.

Photo above: At the official opening of the West of Ireland Learning Centre in Costello, Co Galway, were Joe Griffin, Treasa Dundass, Treasa Ní Bheacháin, Neasa de Bhaili, Seán Ó Lorcáin, Joe McDonagh and Louis Mac Con Iomaire. Photos by Sean Ó Mainnín.

Kylemore

Muslim Leader Visits Kylemore In September, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih V, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba), Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, visited Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens during a trip to Ireland. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic and fast growing

international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, it spans over 195 countries with membership exceeding over 160 million. Its fifth and current Supreme Spiritual Head, Khalifatul Masih V, His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba), resides in London and visited

Ireland specifically for the Foundation Stone Ceremony of Maryunn (Mary) Mosque in Ballybrit, Galway.

Photo: Khalifatul Masih V, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba), Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community with Architect Bríd Connell, of Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Garden pictured in the neo-gothic Church during His Holiness’ tour of Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden in September. Photo courtesy of Aoife Herriott

Kylemore Abbey Retreats

The final day retreat of the year at Kylemore will take place on October 16th. The retreats have been very well attended this year and we look forward to next year’s retreats to see faces old and new.

Leitir Móir

Saothar Ealaín

Pictiúr thuas: Grúpa páisti áitiúla as Ceantar na nOileán, Conamara, ag taispeáint sampla dá saothar ealaíne ag Oíche na nDeich Seol ag Céibh Ghlais na nUan, ar 10th Mean Fomhar. Ar chúil ó chlé tá Rebecca Nic Dhonncha, Míde Nic Fhionnlaioch, Róisín Ní Mhocháin, Fodhla Ní Bhraonáin, Jennifer Ní Anracháin, Saoirse Ní Dhomhnaill, Clíodhna Ní Chonaola agus Stacey Ní Ghríofa.

Chun tosaigh ó chlé tá Domhnaill ó Braonáin, Cathal Ó Curraoin, Fiach Mac Fhionnlaoich, Shane Mac Donncha.

Cuireadh saothar eile na bpáistí ar teilg ar sheoltaí báid sa chuan chomh maith.

Pictiúr thíos: Dhá ghrúpa deirfiúr Shannon (ar dheis) and Kaitlyn Flaherty (ar chlé), Tír an Fhia agus Gráinne agus Siobhán Nic Dhonncha, Gleann

Errislannan

The annual beach clean-up on Glendullan beach in Errislannan took place in August. Michael John King and friends (pictured here) collected and disposed of 20 bags of garbage and rubbish from the beach. By now the annual collection has become a social gathering and meeting of friends. A lot of young people took part in the clean-up once again showing their concern for the environmental situation of the oceans. Community warden Tommy O’ Sullivan was very helpful bringing bags, gloves and arranging to have the garbage removed. Photo courtesy of Hagen Schmidt

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October 2010

Trasna, Leitir Móir ag baint taitnimh as seó ealaine ar teilg ar sheoltaí báid ag Oíche na nDeich Seol Céibh Ghlais na nUan, Ceantar na nOileán. Ba chomóradh é an taispeántas ar stair agus oidhreacht na háite. Pictiúir le Sean Ó Mainnín

Letterfrack

Step Out for Sea Week The 26th year of the Conamara Sea Week Festival takes place in Letterfrack from Friday October 15th to Monday October 25th. The festival celebrates our wonderful marine environment and as usual has its own eclectic mix of music, poetry, science, sport, chess, darts, dancing, talking, kite flying, wellie throwing and a large dollop of madness thrown in for good measure.

Sea Week is an authentic event with an inclusive programme including many diverse events for all ages. The whole event kicks off with a very special and popular ‘Small Works Art Exhibition’ which runs throughout the week in the Connemara National Park. All works are presented anonymously and sell for €70.

There are special days for families and kids, for example the Family Fun Day on Sunday October 17th which takes place in Connemara National Park with Kite Flying, and a Mini Regatta with boats no bigger than 20cm. This is followed by Conamara’s largest Book Fair, the Killary Challenge, Penalty Shoot out and mighty music from the famous Mulcahy Sisters who will be joined by a scatter of local musicians and dancers.There is a schools programme throughout the week featuring ecologists and story tellers such as Gordon Darcy, Mags Faherty, and Clare Murphy.

Brilliant music will feature on both weekends such as Johnny Connolly, Marcus Hernon & Family, Don Stiffe, Mary Shannon, Mary Bergin, Mary Staunton, Conor Keane, Greg Cotter, John Walsh, Marie Walsh, Marie Sheridan, Tommy Carew, Danny Brouder, Angelina Carberry and more.

A highlight of the second weekend will be the Sea Week Conference on Saturday October 23rd at 10am in Letterfrack NS. This conference will examine the threats and challenges facing the marine eco system and the implications for coastal communities. Speakers will include Paul Connolly and John Joyce of The Marine Institute; artist Dorothy Cross; poets Mary Montague and Michael Gorman; musicians Conor and Maire Keane and singer Deirdre Herbert.

This is a festival that encourages active participation with music workshops, dance workshops, darts and rings competitions, chess and soccer events and of course musicians are especially welcome to join in the sessions that take place over both weekends. A new addition to the programme this year is The Parish Walk which encourages people to get out and enjoy their own place in the knowledgeable company of John O’Halloran and Mags Faherty.

For more information see posters and brochures in local outlets or contact the Conamara Environmental Education & Cultural Centre, Letterfrack. www.ceecc.org lfrack@ eircom.net 095-43443.

085-115-4629.

Connemara View Newspaper

Letterfrack

Water Supply Works Work has commenced on the upgrade of Letterfrack Water Supply. The contracts for the work were signed in April and the contractors are now on site.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government approved funding for the upgrade of the Letterfrack Water Supply Scheme earlier this year.

Cllr. Eileen Mannion said that this is welcome news for the people of Letterfrack who have been subjected to a ‘Boil Water Notice’ for over a year. “While the Boil Water Notice is still in place at least there is now an end in sight”, said Cllr. Mannion.

The estimated cost of the work to upgrade the Letterfrack Scheme is €425,300. The Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government has approved €335,383.

Maam

Connemara Radio Broadcast Pat Walshe and Tommy Roe recently did a live broadcast from Ionad Pobail an Mháma (Maam Community Centre).

Speakers included Stephen McDonnagh who spoke about the new Tourist Office in Maam, Philomena Lydon spoke about the Leenane/Maam Branch of the Irish Red Cross and P.J. Leavy told us about Broadband in Maam. Michael Laffey spoke about hill walking and the Maumturks Walking Club and Patricia Kirwan Doyle told us about the Golden Mile of Galway Competition. Kathleen Fitzhenry spoke about the Maam Children’s Playscheme. Lynda Cookson told the listeners about her journey from Africa to Maam and about her paintings, and Rosemary Hanley spoke about the Parish of Kilbride Centenary Book, which is for sale for €10 in local shops and can also be ordered from the Parish Priest, Leenane. “The Cornamona Girls” Sarah Lydon, Ciara Hopkins and Maire Cáit Walsh entertained listeners to the programme with traditional music and Molly Lydon sang the lovely song, Skibbereen.

Engagement

Congratulations and best wishes to Tony Keane and Bríd O’ Malley of Maam on their recent engagement.

Wedding

Congratulations to Garret Keane, Maam and Ursula Cribbin of Claregalway, who got married on August 21st in Claregalway. We wish them happiness in the future.

Births

Congratulations to Geraldine and Eamon O’ Cualáin, Lochconaortha on the birth of Liam Michael, Maura and Seamus Ward, Cliffoney. Co. Sligo, on the birth of Saoirse and Gráinne and Martin Coyne, Glenlusk, on the birth of Kate.

Maam /Leenane Golfing Society 2010

The last outing of the Society is on Saturday, October 9th, at Oughterard Golf Club. This is the final outing of the year and first prize is the Keane/Hamilton Cup. The player of the year is a closed competition at the moment. The final of the match play will be played before the 9th of October.

For more details call Tomás at 087-205-0292.

R. Hanley

Oughterard

Clann News Social Inclusion Week Events Clann will play its part in Social Inclusion Week from 17th-23rd October. 2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. What does this mean for people living in Oughterard? With rising unemployment and fewer jobs there may be new experiences of poverty around. Poverty has many faces and is not always easy to recognise, yet 1 in 6 people around you is affected. This could be a neighbour, a colleague, or even a friend or family member. Women, the young, older people, people on temporary contracts, migrants and people from ethnic minorities are especially at risk of poverty. Clann would like to invite you to participate in some events taking place in the Centre and these include: Monday 18th October 10.30am-1pm: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Information; Tuesday 19th October 10.30am: Images of Poverty Discussion and Coffee Morning; Wednesday 20th October 2.30pm; Tea Party organised

by Meals on Wheels followed by preview of Clann’s Book of Inspiration and DVD to mark the EU Year 2010; 7pm Launch of Oughterard Community Alert in Clann; Thurs-

Connemara View Newspaper

day 21st from 10.30am12.30pm Interactive Workshop on Social Inclusion.

Youth Café and Clann Space Meeting space to let in Oughterard town centre.

Ideal for group/organisation meetings. Large space. Prices very reasonable. Available immediately. Please call Maria on 091-557-633.

Youth Café Adult Committee The Colour Crave Youth café is run on a voluntary basis, providing an alternative for our youth to the ‘pub culture’. If you would like to be part of this exciting Community Youth Facility and have a few hours to spare, we would be delighted to hear from you. Email: mariamc. clann@gmail.com.

Youth Café The youth café will be re-launched on Friday 4th of November. At present, the youth café is undergoing interior changes as requested by the young people. Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill from TG4 will be present to re-launch the café. An open mic night will be organised on the night and we are looking forward to a new curriculum for 2010/2011.

Anyone who wishes to get involved, please contact Maria.

Youth Mental Health Workshops A series of workshops will be conducted over the next twelve weeks covering a variety of mental health issues promoting positive mental health amongst young people.

Workshops are open to all young people aged 14-18yrs.

Workshops begin at the youth café on Wednesday 20th of October at 7pm. No admission fee.

Youth Volunteers Wanted We are looking for active volunteers who have a genuine interest in young people to work with us at the youth café.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who has a few hours spare during the week and would like to engage in fun activities and gain some experience in the youth work sector.

Anyone interested should contact Maria at Clann.

Clann Nearly New Shop Well done to all those who took part in the Culture Night Fashion Show. Clann would also like to thank all the businesses for their generosity in contributing prizes. Clann Nearly New Shop is a non-profit making organisation and all proceeds contribute to affordable counselling, community education and family support projects. The shop is run by volunteers and Clann would like to extend a big thank you to all involved: volunteers, people who donate and customers.

Cake Sale

recipes, household tips, remedies, anything that you have found helped you when money was short or you felt life was against you. There are application forms around some of the local shops and Tourist Office or you can drop in your ‘piece’ to Clann Resource Centre as soon as you can. For more information call Clann Resource Centre 091-557-633.

Autumn Event at Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle, a 15th century towerhouse in Oughterard which is run by the OPW and was once home to the O’Flaherty chieftains of Íar Chonacht, hosted their Autumn Memories event on Sunday September 26th in conjunction with the Oughterard Culture and Heritage Society.

This year guests were welcomed and serenaded into the castle by a bagpipe musician. The event included Mr Paul Neassens, a local archeologist who gave a talk on the O’ Flahertys rule in Íar Connacht.

There was also a screening of a short film shot on location at Aughnanure Castle in the 1950’s. The film was part of a trilogy directed by John Ford, the famous Quiet man movie director. The event was open to the public with free entrance to the castle and refreshments were supplied by the Oughterard Culture and Heritage group.

Minister Éamon O’ Cuív and local Councillor Tom Welby attended the event and spoke about the importance of Heritage Sites such as Aughnanure Castle as major attractions to the Connemara area benefitting Business Heritage Tourism and subsequently local jobs.

Janet Schley, Head Guide Aughnanure Castle hosted their Autumn Memories Festival on Sunday September 26th. The classic film ‘The rising of the moon’ was screened and viewed by an audience largely of people interested in heritage which included Minister Éamon O’ Cuív and Cllr Tom Welby.

Photo below (l-r): Cllr. Tom Welby, Aughnanure Head Guide Janet Schley, David Collins, Minister Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. and piper Aiden Croke. Photo by Tom Broderick

A cake sale will take place after mass on Sunday 19th of October at the school. We would be grateful if the community got involved and donated cakes, pie, pastries, bread etc. They do not have to be home-baked, shop bought acceptable!

Book of Inspiration Have you a story to tell? Have you a picture that tells a thousand words? Clann Resource Centre and uachtarARTS are putting a book together of all the inspiring thoughts and practical tips that have helped people through ‘tough times’. We are looking for poetry, stories, quotes, pictures,

October 2010

Page 11

Roscahill

Back to New School!

The September 1st return to school was greeted with great excitement by the pupils and school community in Roscahill. The school received a radical overhaul in terms of new facilities and renovation over the summer months. Motorists along the N59 had become accustomed to the potential danger of passing the location of the school at opening and closing time, but the development of a new car park to the

rear of the school has made dropping off and collections at the school much safer.

Patrons of the school now enter the building through a new entrance located in close proximity to the new car park at the rear of the building. As well as the new car park, a further classroom, a new office and ancillary facilities have also been developed. The oldest part of the school was also entirely refurbished during the summer months. School Principal John O’ Callaghan has commended the school’s Board of Management for their foresight, commitment and hard work in developing the new extension and car park.

Mr O’ Callaghan added “The new facilities greatly add to the school environment from both an educational and road safety viewpoint. The building has changed remarkably and many aspects would be unrecognisable to past pupils”.

News & Photo courtesy of John Connolly Photo: The new work done at St. Annin’s NS in Roscahill has been warmly welcomed by the pupils, staff and all connected with the school.

the immigration judge.

It now seems that the issue has been resolved, which will be of some comfort to Bridie Murphy when she plans future trips back to Connemara.

Roundstone

Water Supply Roundstone residents should have an adequate water supply all year round now that Galway County Council have installed pumps to pump water from Carna to Roundstone during times of peak water demand, such as over Bank Holiday weekends and during the busy summer months.

Cllr. Eileen Mannion stated that over the summer there was a big influx of visitors to the Roundstone area which increased the demand for water, but unfortunately an adequate supply of water was not reaching some homes outside the village.

The Roundstone water supply comes from the Carna-Cill Ciarain water scheme since 2009, and when the system was put in place it was believed that pumps were not necessary to get the water from Carna to Roundstone; that gravity would be adequate to get the water to the reservoir. However, when there is increased demand for water in the area the gravity feed is not strong enough and the solution to this problem was to install pumps.

Cllr. Mannion said that it was disappointing that the pumps were not in place before the busy summer season but now that they are installed Roundstone should have an adequate water supply to cope with the extra demand during the peak times.

Roundstone Dive & Wildlife Festival

The Roundstone Dive and Wildlife Festival, held at Gurteen Bay on the 4th of September, was a wonderful success.

Hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts came from all over Ireland to the beautiful stretch of Gurteen Beach just outside Roundstone and the sun shone throughout the day.

Rosmuc

Connemara Emigrant’s Deportation Drama The story of Irish emigrant Bridie Murphy, originally from Rosmuc and living in Boston for over 30 years gained much national and international attention in September.

Seventy-nine year old Bridie was subjected to prolonged questioning and investigation of her status on returning to Logan Airport after visiting her daughter in Connemara for almost eleven months this year. Before flying to Ireland for the trip, Bridie had gone to the Immigration and Customs and Enforcement office to check her obligations and was told that as long as she wasn’t gone for more than 12 months she would be fine.

However, at Logan Airport after being taken for questioning on her return to the States, she was told her Green Card was too old and felt she had to surrender it to the authorities in the belief that it was the only way she could eventually go home.

Having emigrated to Boston as a teenager, Bridie and her husband Paddy Murphy, a U.S citizen returned to Ireland for a period of time before settling in Boston in the late 80’s.

Two of her four children are in the US military, Padraig who is currently serving in Kuwait and Peter who is in the US Air Force. Her son Noel and daughter Annemarie both live in Rosmuc. The manner in which Bridie was treated by the US Immigration authority was strongly criticised by many, including some high profile voices.

Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen highlighted Bridie’s plight and her lawyer Chris Lavery, who works pro bono for the Irish Pastoral Centre, ensured that the lack of common sense displayed by the Immigration authorities had an international spotlight thrown on it. As a result, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) indicated to Kevin Cullen that prosecutorial discretion was being used in the case and that it would not be pursuing the case before

Page 12

RCR Men’s Day FORUM together with committee members of the RCR (Roundstone, Cashel Recess) men’s group met with Mick Curly coordinator of the Galway Sports Partnership in February, to discuss the sports partnerships interested in supporting sporting activities for men living in rural communities. Further meetings were held in Roundstone where it was agreed to hold a men’s taster sports day in the village on the 18th of September, the idea being to offer sporting activities local men may not have experienced or have been played in the area. With the kind generosity of local man Paddy the Yank the show field in Roundstone was made available for the event, which despite the weather went very well. Some even continued to play on despite the onset of heavy rain later in the day! Well done to the RCR Committee

October 2010

Monty Halls opened the day with a seashore nature walk whilst the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group demonstrated how to rescue a stranded whale or dolphin using a rescue pontoon. The whole reason behind the event was to raise funds to purchase a rescue pontoon for the Connemara coast. The day also included a series of fascinating talks from marine archaeologist Michael Gibbons and underwater photographer Nigel Motyer. Over 20 adults and children ventured into the water to try diving for the very first time most of whom are all now hooked. In the evening attendees ate a scrumptious hog roast whilst dancing the night away to two brilliant bands.

From donations, ticket sales and a fundraising auction which was kindly supported by local businesses the event raised over €2,300. Feedback has been hugely positive and we hope the event can be run again next summer.

Photo: Experienced and first time divers took to the water at Gurteen Beach for the first Roundstone Dive and Wildlife Festival in September. Photo and story courtesy of Lorna Hill

Row from Inis Mór to Roundstone

The Monty Halls BBC team travelled down to Carraroe

on Saturday September 25th to the Criunniú na nIomróirí (Gathering of the Oarsman) where Monty took part with his rowing skills. (See photo) He then travelled down to Rossaveal, where he headed off to Inishmor to spend the night, to get ready for the big row on Sunday to Roundstone.

Monty eventually came into Roundstone at 2.30pm and it took him six hours of solid rowing. He was greeted at the pier with some whiskey and a cool pint of Guinness and the BBC 2 Team! Monty reckoned the hardest part of the row was from McDara’s to the light house and down the bay owing to the currents.

Paddy Shoulders was his coach over the last few weeks and well done to everybody who helped him out and gave advice and was part of the event which raised further funds towards the whale and dolphin rescue pontoon. and the Galway Sports Partnership for providing such a fun day. RCR plan to organise a number of other events for men in the Roundstone parish so watch this space.

Photo: John Sheridan, Richard de Stacpoole and Sean Brennan observe Declan Ridge’s archery prowess. Story & photo courtesy of Margaret Sheehan.

Connemara View Newspaper

Roundstone

Champions of Champions Paddy was once again very lucky with the rain holding off for a very successful 5th All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions pony show. Nearly all the ponies that were in the catalogue showed up to be judged. During the day there was a raffle for the Galway hospice with €655 raised and a musical ridden demonstration. Joanne Fox, the Horse Editor for the Famers Journal was a special guest of the show. We must thank all the Roundstone voluntary helpers on the day.

Without this great help it would be very difficult to run this now all important event and of course we thank all the sponsors; Without them there would be no show.

The Pakistan Fund

Fr. Jarlath announced at Mass in September that the collection which was held in the Roundstone parish netted €350 for the Pakistan Concern fund.

Art in Roundstone

Belgian artist Pierre Charriot and his class of 10 students returned again for a 2 week vacation and painting holiday to Eldon’s Hotel. Pierre who is in his eighties is from Brussels and have been a visitor on and off to Roundstone for about 15 years. He is a wonderful watercolour painter and boasts that Queen Beatrice is one of his students back in Brussels.

Dublin and Cong artist John Dinan has had two separate week sessions with12 students each week on his painting holiday here in Roundstone which took place over the first two weeks of August. It is wonderful to see so many artists making our village their choice of destinations.

St. Enda’s School

Work was carried out over the summer holidays on St Enda’s and it is now completed, with a new heating system installed and also new windows. The children returned to school on Friday last but sadly there were no new pupils.

This is the first time in my 33 years in Roundstone and maybe it is a first. Some time ago we had just one pupil starting, that was Sarah Devane and she started in the Community school last year. There are 12 in junior and 22 in the senior class at present.

Senator Dodd

Senator Chris Dodd along with his wife Jackie and daughters Grace and Christine spent three weeks in their holiday cottage in Inishnee chilling out and being part of the Roundstone community, attending all the local events.

The Senator is having a well deserved rest after his long and hard battle to have Health Care introduced for the American people. This bill was passed last March. He also

strived long and hard on the Banking Reform plan and was honoured to have it now called the Dodd Banking Reform after him. He plans to retire from politics come Christmas to spend more time with his family.

Bill Whelan

Bill Whelan of ‘Riverdance’ fame and who has a holiday home and studio here in Roundstone has been honoured by being given a teaching post in Princeton University, New Jersey. As Bill says himself it is time for him to have a proper job!

This post lasts until Christmas and along with six others such as Bill himself they will undertake to teach some students, who will at the end of the term be in a position to write, play and put on a recital.

Roundstone Lotto

Roundstone Lotto were delighted to be in a position to help the National School with a part of their shortfall from their recent renovations. A cheque was presented to principal Micheal McDonagh. The money from the lotto goes to helping Roundstone local community events such as the school, church, tidy towns, playground and many more. The Committee wishes to thank all those who diligently buy tickets every week.

RNLI Race

Congratulations to Jim Vaughan and Pat O’Neill who both completed the Life Boat 10K run up the Sky road in and around the 45min mark. Phew- I can’t even think about it!

Tidy Towns Results

Well, we now have the Roundstone 2010 Tidy Town results, a little disappointing in some ways as we only came up three more points this year. For example, in the Overall Development approach, 1 point, the Built Environment, 1 point, and surprisingly in the Landscaping section we were only given 1 point. For litter control the adjudicator took away a point and there was another point for the residential areas, therefore we earned 245 points out of 400. Oh well at least we are still climbing! We must work on the sore spots

Scenic Spot Spoiled by Shed The appearance of a green corrugated iron shed erected by Galway County Council in September in the middle of the junction between Roundstone, Ballynahinch and Cashel has outraged nearby residents and many in the wider community. The shed houses the new water pump which is necessary to pump water from the Carna-Cill Chiarain water scheme in order to ensure a regular constant supply of water to the Roundstone area.

Terence and Antoinette McCoy, whose house is adjacent to the pump house, registered their objection to the County Council when the concrete base first appeared at the junction. They also met with Local Area Engineer T.J. Redmond to discuss aesthetic and safety concerns when only the base was in place. At this point, the McCoys understood that they would be made aware of any further developments at the site at this point. However, the shed in question was constructed early one morning without any prior notice or the knowledge of the McCoys.

Connemara View Newspaper

so to speak and look into and improve the comments made by the adjudicator before next year’s competition, but it will need the whole community to come together with ideas and to implement the improvements. Looking through the report, it stuck out a mile what a great job the Roundstone FÁS lads played within the village so we seriously thank the Galway Co. Council, supervisor Donal Nee, Tony Loughnan, Tom Conneely, Joachim McHugh, Joe O’Toole and John Mongan. The FÁS Scheme is a vital link to our village, and long may it last.

Roundstone Market

The next market will be on the 24th October and there will be two in December-the 19th and the 30th. So there we have it, I think it’s appropriate to thank John Walsh for bringing in another asset in to Roundstone.

Fr. Jarleth

Fr. Jarleth was appointed as permanent Parish Priest of Roundstone in September. I received an email from Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam and I quote “I trust that he will receive the wholehearted support of the people of the Parish and I am sure he will appreciate any advice and support you may give him” So there you have it, a permanent priest for the parish. Archbishop of Tuam Dr. Michael Neary then visited Roundstone last weekend and a welcome speech was made to thank him and welcome the news of a permanent priest. We look forward to doing everything we can to assist Fr. Jarleth in his work and in our parish.

Richard de Stacpoole

Connemara County Councillors Thomas Welby and Eileen Mannion were both recently made aware of the situation and the McCoys also wrote to Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames, outlining their objections to the pump house, which they described as “offensive and dangerously positioned”.

Central to the objections to this recent development is that it is located in an area designated as an area of Special Landscape Sensitivity (Class 4). Any planned developments in this region are subject to stringent planning conditions when a resident wishes to construct a new building or amend existing structures. In the County Council’s own language, a Class 4 Special Landscape Sensitivity area is described as, “an area that is designated as having focal points/ views (as indicated in Figure 10 of the County Development Plan 2003-2009). It is the stated policy of the Planning Authority....to preserve the character of the landscape and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest....(and) protection will be afforded to views of amenity value.”

In their letter to Senator Healy-Eames, the McCoys continued “This eight foot tall tin structure clearly contravenes materially the council’s own policy and is contrary to the proper planning and sustainability of the area. We understand perfectly that the water supply to Roundstone needs improvement. Our objection refers specifically to the positioning of the pump-house when there is absolutely no shortage of more suitable locations”.

On Tuesday October 5th, Cllr. Eileen Mannion indicated to the Connemara View that the County Council has no immediate plans to relocate the pump house but would be willing to make efforts to improve its appearance. Photo courtesy of Antoinette and Terence McCoy

October 2010

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Cashel House Hotel Set below the bulk of Cashel Hill are the very mature and interesting gardens of Cashel House Hotel. In the middle of these gardens is the house itself. It is described as “subItalianate style, asymmetrical, five bay two storey house with a gabled projecting bay and stepped returns, built c.1870 or earlier and rebuilt 1952”. The facade is rendered and has paired windows with various additions. It is possible that there was an earlier house on the site as a number of nonnative trees which fell during a storm a few years ago were dated to the 1780s or 90s. There is no visible evidence of this house, which does not appear on maps or deeds as far as can be detected.

The gardens surrounding the house deserve first appraisal.

They are the finest gardens in Connemara and created over centuries. They have been tended with love by all of the owners. Each has added their own special stamp to the planting and collection of trees and shrubs. Described as having a country house feel, they rise above that description by the quality and variety of the plantings. The site is very well situated with good shelter, although some winds can create a lot of damage in the garden, especially to the mature trees. There is good rich soil, a good water supply and plenty of sunshine. The many different habitats throughout the garden all add to the range of planting.

The house was originally built by Thomas Hazell. Rumour has it that the house was designed by Geoff rey Emerson for Captain Hazell, which provides an interesting historical connection in that Geoff rey Emerson is a great, great grandfather of the present owner. The Hazells were English landowners and had come to Connemara originally as agents for the Waste Lands Improvement Company around 1842. This Company was set up after an Act of Parliament in 1836. The act had the grand title of “An Act for Incorporating a company for the improvement of Waste Lands of Ireland”. The company was formed under the patronage of some of the most influential noblemen of Ireland, and directors were appointed. There was a lot of debate about the company and it seems that most serious commentators were suspicious of the company.

They were also agents for a Scottish firm buying kelp.

The old kelp store still stands by the pier opposite Doon House, just a short distance on the Roundstone side of the house. Kelp was a very important industry around the coast of Connemara and was a major source of income for the people. It is reported that over a third of the people of the Cashel and Carna areas were involved in its production. A number of different weeds were used in the production of kelp, including ribbon weed, black weed and red weed. The harvesting was hard back-breaking work and, once gathered, had to be protected from the rain. When enough had been gathered, it was burnt in long shallow kilns formed of loose stones. These kilns are still to be seen around the Connemara coastline. After the firing, the kelp makers were left with a bluish-black cinder mass, which looked a bit like asphalt. The tricky bit was trying to sell the kelp, as prices varied from year to year and the market was strictly controlled by the purchaser.

Captain Hazell and his wife celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at Cashel House in 1885. The Rose Hedge outside the bar is said to be his present to her on that occasion. Mrs Hazell laid out a lot of the gardens and planted many of the flowering trees and shrubs that can be seen today.

From 1919 to 1951, Cashel House was the home of James O’Mara T.D. and his family. James O’Mara came from a family of wealthy Limerick bacon merchants and grew up in a privileged environment. He was a member of the Irish Parliamentary Party for Kilkenny South, elected on 6th October 1900. In 1903, his private member’s bill was responsible for having Saint Patrick’s Day declared a national holiday in Ireland. His wife Agnes was also political, being involved with the Suff ragette movement. He won the seat in Kilkenny South for Sinn Féin in the 1918 election, winning

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over 80% of the votes. A major fund raiser for the party and close advisor to Eamon de Valera, he became the first official representative of Ireland in the United States and was very much involved in having that country recognise the new republic.

Cashel House was raided a number of times by the Black and Tans.

O’ Mara was appalled by the Civil War and ended falling out with his former political friends. He retired from politics in 1927.

Jim O’Mara was a keen botanist and found happiness in Cashel House. Over the years, he carried out a lot of work on the gardens. The three streams which flow through the garden were a delight to him, with their banks clothed with bog plants and Spirea and Osmunda ferns. O’Mara turned the orchard field into a walled garden of rare trees, azaleas, heathers and dwarf rhododendrons, which his children named, “The Secret Garden”. Jim O’Mara and his wife celebrated their Golden Jubilee in April 1945 in the gardens of Cashel House under a flowering Chilean Fire Tree.

In 1952, Cashel House became the home of Lt. Col. and Mrs Browne Clayton, formerly of Browne’s Hill in Carlow.

During their time at Cashel House, the Browne Claytons had Harold McMillan, the late British Prime Minister, as their guest. The Browne Claytons also gave the garden its notable collection of fuchsias. The family had their origins in the west of England and arrived in Ireland at the time of Cromwell. They settled in Carlow and quickly became one of the most influential families in the county. They built Browne’s Hill mansion in Carlow in 1763. One very striking monument associated with the family is the Browne Clayton Monument. It stands today on the Browne’s old estate at Carrigadaggan Hill, Carrigbyrne, Co. Wexford, just off the N25. The 94 feet Corinthian column was designed in 1839 by Thomas Cobden, who had also redesigned Browne’s Hill House. The monument was made of the finest cut Mount Leinster granite. It is considered particularly significant as it is the only internally accessible Corinthian column in existence. The column is modelled on the celebrated Pompey’s Pillar near Alexandria, which General

Browne Clayton would have seen while fighting in Egypt.

The Browne Clayton Column was hit by a lightning bolt on the 29th of December 1994. Several huge stones were dislodged from the capital and the upper third of the shaft and two large sections of masonry on each side were also pushed apart. The column was meticulously restored by the Wexford Monument Trust Ltd. Dermot and Kay McEvilly purchased Cashel House in 1967. Total refurbishment began immediately, with a fine collection of antiques being added and offering all modern facilities. The house reopened in May 1968 and “Cashel House Hotel” was born. Prior to the McEvillys acquiring the house, Lt. Col. Browne Clayton had been ill for a number of years. During this time the gardens had become overgrown and their restoration is still ongoing. The original house was preserved by the McEvillys and any additional building was done to the side and rear of the main house to maintain its original elegance.

In May 1969, Cashel House had the honour of hosting the late General and Madame De Gaulle of France. Former President De Gaulle had just retired from politics and was looking for a quiet break and the couple spent two weeks of their Irish holiday here.

The country house atmosphere of Cashel House Hotel has not changed and, with its fine restaurant, it is a home away from home for many visitors to this day.

Breandan O Scanaill Illustration by Lol Hardiman

A Local Look at Connemara’s Historical Gems A new book entitled ‘Historical Sketchbook.

Listed Buildings of Connemara, Volume I’ by Clifden native and local historian Breandan O Scanaill was launched at Ballynahinch Castle to a standing room only crowd of over 200 people on Tuesday September 21st.

‘Historical Sketchbook’ was conceived, written, illustrated, edited and printed in Connemara... and, of course, it is ABOUT Connemara.

‘Historical Sketchbook’ began as a monthly series in the Connemara View Newspaper in 2008 and has now been compiled into an elegantly produced book accompanied by atmospheric and evocative illustrations by acclaimed Connemara based artist Lol Hardiman. The book features twenty-two listed structures in many corners of Connemara, from country houses and castles to churches and fortifications.

As a founding member of the Connemara Heritage & Historical Society, the Clifden Writers Group and the Connemara Garden Trail, Breandan’s local knowledge and keen insights provide a glimpse into Connemara’s past through the history of some of the area’s most notable buildings. The result is a thoroughly readable and enlightening book

October 2010

which will appeal to anyone with an interest in Connemara’s fascinating social history. The book was eloquently launched

by Heritage Officer for Galway County Council, Marie Mannion.

‘Historical Sketchbook. Listed Buildings of Connemara, Vol. I’ is published by Black Turf Press of Clifden, the book publishing arm of the Connemara View Newspaper and printed

by CL Print (Clódóiri Lurgan) of Inverin.

Copies of the book are available for €15 at the Clifden Bookshop and the Country Store in Letterfrack. Copies may also be ordered by contacting Black Turf Press directly at 095-22888, by e-mailing ellen@blackturfpress.com or on the web at www.blackturfpress.com.

Photo (l-r): Pictured at the launch are illustrator Lol Hardiman, GCC Heritage Officer Marie Mannion, author Breandan O Scanaill, Black Turf Press Publisher Ellen McDonough and Michael Conneely of CL Print. Black Turf Press editorial staff not shown in photo: Catherine Pryce, Eithne Hannigan & Paula Bann.

Connemara View Newspaper

The Passing of Ships Adventurer, Tactician, Plainsman, Administrator, Dalesman, Philosopher, Senator, Diplomat, Craftsman, Explorer.

Those are not the collective descriptions of a genius, but were just some of the occupational names of the cargo liners of Thos. & Jas. Harrison, otherwise known as the Harrison Line, or Charente Steamship Company. Operating out of Liverpool, London and Hamburg, the Harrison Line provided a Conference Service to and from South and East Africa, the West Indies and the American Gulf ports, carrying many different types of general cargo to and from these destinations. They often returned to the UK with road asphalt from Trinidad, sugar from Demerara and bales of cotton from the Gulf ports, bound mainly for Dublin, Lon-

don and Liverpool. At that time, the Dublin agents were the well-known firm of Palgrave Murphy, who themselves operated coasters.

In the 1960’s the Harrison Line had one of the most modern and up to date fleet of ships, and the MV Adventurer was the first vessel ever to be fitted in Sweden with a Stulken Heavy Lift derrick capable of lifting some 180 tons.

This was particularly useful for carrying steel reactors, tanks and of course new rolling stock for the then-being-built

East African railways through the port of Mombasa.

The Company dates back to 1853, but prior to that, the business was already handling cargoes of brandy and wines brought by French schooners to Liverpool from Charente, Oporto and Cadiz. The first ship of 1329 tons was bought in 1857 and named Philosopher in the naming tradition which became characteristic of all the Harrison Line vessels. In 1884 the Charente Steamship Co. was formed with the firm of Thos. & Jas. Harrison being the managers. In 1889 they bought the Star Line to have access to the Indian Tea Trade and then in 1911 the fleet was increased with the purchase of the Aberdeen Direct Line. In 1913 they also purchased the Rennie Line for the South African Service. Having built up a fleet of over 70 ships, some 27 vessels were lost in WW1 and a further 30 in WW2, but these were gradually replaced with the company later operating an average of 45 ocean-going cargo liners.

Interestingly, the Politician, wrecked in 1941, was the inspiration behind the classic Ealing Comedy ‘Whisky Galore’ as she had foundered off the Isle of Eriskay with 50,000 cases of Scotch aboard! (During the Falklands War in 1982 the Astronomer was converted into an aircraft supply and transporter and became a helicopter base ship. She was renamed Reliant and sold before the end of that year.)

1983 saw the start of a universal decline in the shipping world and a third of all employees had to be made redundant for the first time in the Company’s history. By 1987 the fleet stood at only three ships.

By the year 2000 the shipping industry had changed dramatically and it was at that time that Thos. & Jas. Harrison, on behalf of the Charente Steamship Company, was to relinquish all rights and privileges in the management of the liner trades. They were then transferred to P & O Nedloyd and the last vestige of the once great Harrison Line, with its distinctive two bands of white and one of red on its funnels, disappeared forever. This was directly as a result of the container revolution, and the end of a glorious era as traditional shipping gave way to the mass and ugly sight of

Marconi History: Anyone look familiar?

On October 17th 1907, the first commercial transatlantic message was sent from the Marconi Station at the Derrygimlagh Bog outside of Clifden to its sister station in Glace Bay, Newfoundland, Canada.

Guglielmo Marconi was one of the largest employers in Connemara at the time. The photo above is a recently found image of a group of workers outside the Coal Store at the Marconi Station. Can you name any of the people? Perhaps some faces may be similar to their descendants in the area today? If you do know someone, let us know here at the Con-

Connemara View Newspaper

containerisation.

With this demise of traditional shipping also went the historical wharves and docklands of all the major European ports, with the warehouses now transformed into luxury apartments and the adjoining docks as marinas for the ever increasing flotillas of plastic boats.

The reason for my highlighting the Harrison Line is that it both typified the fate of many other well-known traditional liner companies, as well as the fact that I worked for this company for a number of my formative years in the 1960’s. It was particularly brought to mind when I was visiting Inishbofin Island off the Connemara coast this summer and I happened in on the little museum and shop which is kept near the pier by Marie Coyne. There, on the wall, was a picture of one of the Harrison Line ships, the Barrister. Having suffered engine breakdown, she had drifted away from a convoy returning from Africa in 1943 and floundered off the south-western point of nearby Inis Shark Island. I later found the ships’ bell of the Barrister beautifully polished and hanging in the bar of the Renvyle House Hotel, where it still functions today to call ‘Time Please!’ Anthony Previté Photo above: The Ship’s Bell from the S S Barrister which now hangs in the bar of Renvyle House Hotel. The Barrister (Harrison Line) was sunk in 1943 at the southern point of Inish Shark island.

Photo left: The S S Barrister at sea.

nemara View or contact Shane Joyce on 087-880-0502. (see www.connemaraview.com to enlarge image) The Marconi station was powered by 6 locomotive boilers which ran 3 at a time providing steam to power the turbines which in turn drove the alternators. The boilers each had a nominal capacity of 100 HP. They originally burnt a mixture of coal and turf but by 1909 they burned turf exclusively.

A ton of coal cost 30 shillings per ton compared to turf at 5 shillings a ton. A ton of coal was estimated to supply about 2.5 times more energy that a ton of turf. The turf was harvested by local labour from within the 300 acre Marconi site. Photo courtesy of Shane Joyce

October 2010

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Five Female Generations of Family St Anne’s C.N.U. in Clifden was the venue for a rare photo of five generations of a family recently taken by Clifden photographer Patrick Howard. 96 year old Vera Watts (nee O’ Dowd of Roundstone) was joined by her daughter Kathleen Cullen, grand-daughter Catherine, great grand-daughter Sinead Cullen and great, great grand-daughter Alannah for this memorable and sentimental family portrait.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Howard Studios

Memorial at Criost Linn Above: A memorial service and unveiling of a dedicated bench for Margaret McNamara was held in Criost Linn A.D.S. (Ability West) in Clifden in July. The service was held to recognise all that Margaret had contributed to Ability West for 25 years. In attendance were the McNamara Family, Breda Crehan Roche (CEO of Ability West), service users and staff. Photo courtesy of Ability West.

Musical Fundraising Below: The Moycullen Musical Society held a musical evening at The Forge Bar recently and raised €1,500 on behalf of Cruinniú Maigh Cuilinn. The cheque was handed over at The Forge on Tuesday September 21st. Photo by Tom Broderick Photos

New Arrival Congratulations to Nicholas and Diana Griffin of Roundstone on the birth of their daughter Leah who will be 6 months old on October 6th. Photo courtesy of Nicholas Griffin

Oughterard’s Face of Ireland Above Right: Niamh Walsh, from Oughterard has been chosen to represent Galway in the grand final of the Face Of Ireland competition which will see young ladies over the age of 18 compete for the 2011 Face of Ireland crown, which will be held in Jacksons Hotel, Ballbofey, Co. Donegal on the 29th and 30th of October. Niamh is the only representative from Galway and she was delighted after been chosen from over 25,000 hopefuls. Niamh is a recently qualified Beauty therapist and plans to go on to study physiotherapy or occupational therapy next year. Photo courtesy of Face of Ireland

Knitting Prize Angela Coyne of Claddaghduff was presented with the Mary Kelly Memorial Cup by Mary Kelly (nee Coyne) at the Oughterard Show after winning 1st prize for her knitting.

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Hannon

Wedding Bells

Photos l-r:Siobhan Conneely of Ballyconneely and Thomas Walsh of Oughterard were married in the Church of the Holy Family, Ballyconneely on August 7th with reception at the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway.Photo courtesy of Noreen Walsh.

Ronan Heffernan of Clifden and Flora Joyce of Recess were

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married on September 10th with reception afterwards at Rosleague Manor Hotel. Photo courtesy of Ebony & Pearl Photography.

Petrina Coyne and Shane Egan were married in Christ the King Church, Tullycross on April 30th with reception afterwards at the Lisloughrey Lodge Hotel, Cong. Photo courtesy of K. O’Brien.

October 2010

We love to get photos of your big celebrations.

Send your photos to news@connemaraview.com or phone 095-22888.

Connemara View Newspaper

Automotive D&N Auto Store. Galway Road. Full selection of oils for marine, motor and agriculture. Motor and tractor parts.

Specialising in numberplates: custom, legal and personalised for weddings, hens, birthday’s etc. www.irishnumberplates.ie. Open Mon-Sat. 095-30615. 087-274-4165. info@irishnumberplates.ie.

Bike Rental Mannion’s Bikes. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160. Adult & children bikes (new & used), rentals, service and accessories. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 10am-12pm.

ern workshop 3-3.45pm cost €45euro. For ages 5-7years only. Starts October 9th to November 27th no class October 30th. Still places available in Junior Ballet. Call Elaine 085-154-4664.

“Dusty Banjos” Trad session for learners (adults). Learn tunes, play music with other people. Friendly relaxed atmosphere, slow pace. Suit all melody instruments. €5/ night. Tuesdays 7.30pm – The Bens Music Shop, Clifden.

Info – Heather: 095-44845. New faces always welcome!

Employment & Opportunities

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

prizewinning Connemara ponies. Ride the Renvyle Peninsula on horseback: beach, mountain & bog trails. Top Class Connemara ponies for sale.

Calves/Weanlings/Cattle dehorning and castration services available. All animals done under local anaesthetic with minimal pain, stress or blood loss to the animal. Tagging, dosing, vaccination, boluses etc also administered on request. Please call Donal Staunton on 087-992-2301.

Get Henpecked! Coops & runs for your chickens. Visit our website at www.henpecked.ie or call Brian Casey in Cleggan on 087-249-8097 or 095-44924.

Computers & IT

Financial / Legal

Education & Courses FORUM Foundation Diploma in Training & Education: Clifden dates-Thursday and Friday: 21st & 22nd October and 11th & 12th November. Oughterard - Monday & Tuesday: 1st & 2nd, 22nd & 23rd November. Places limited. Contact 095-41116. (see ad page 4) French for Fun!! Fun and interactive courses for Children.

Clifden Town Hall: Mondays: 4-4.45pm (4 to 7 yrs) and 5-5.45pm (8 to 12 yrs). Ballyconneely Town Hall: Tuesdays: 4-4.45pm (4 to 7 yrs) and 5-5.45pm (8 to 12 yrs).

Starting October 11th 2010. €5 per class. Contact Melanie on 087-631-9874 (Native french speaker, Diploma in SNA, Certificate in Challenging Behaviour).

Yoga Classes: Clifden commencing Tuesday 12th of October: 6.15pm Beginner/Gentle Yoga, 8pm. Continuation Yoga. Pregnancy Yoga in Moyard start Wednesday 13th October 7pm. Contact Aoife Lydon on 086-842-1400.

Shooting Lessons: From the complete novice to the most experienced gun with Shane Bisgood. Coaching for over 30 years in Ireland & the Americas. Call 086-279-5118 or email: shanebisgood@eircom.net.

Martial Arts classes at the Connemara Judo Academy in the Clifden Town Hall on Saturdays. We cater for children from 7 to 14 yrs, youth and adults 15 to 60 yrs. Contact Paraic on 086-356-5590, or enrol for classes on Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm in the Clifden Town Hall.

Yellow Door Productions, Platform One The Stationhouse Courtyard. Special 7 week Saturday Hip Hop and Mod-

theConnemaraDirectory

Experienced care assistant working in St. Anne’s CNU is seeking additional part-time work as a personal assistant or home care assistant. Contact Marek on 086-201-4404.

Ballyconneely Playschool and Afterschool Service have a temporary part-time position available from Jan -July.

Level 5 Childcare preferable, CV to ballyconneellyplay09@yahoo.com or to Caroline Heanue, Ballyconneely Playschool, Ballyconneely, Co. Galway before October 22nd.

Renew Spa & Beauty have a vacancy for a beauty/massage therapist. Please contact Rose on 087-245-0577.

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 of Renvyle, 095-43486 Farm supplies - Animal feeds - Builders supplies – Free delivery throughout Connemara. Diamonds Equestrian Centre & Connemara Pony Farm, www.theconnemarapony.com Home of many

October 2010

Recession Busting Review: Why not avail of our Free financial review to see if we can save you money on all your insurances. Then you will know for sure you are getting the best deal. Call Hennelly Finance on 091-586-500 or call Helena on 086-809-5607. Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator.

Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. Clifden Office: 095-21101. Cashel Office: 095-31128.

Therese Thornton, Solicitor, Clifden, Co. Galway. Professional, comprehensive legal service at reasonable rates.

Call 087-262-5385 or email ThereseThornton@gmail.com for advice or a quote with no obligation.

Information Services & Media Does your partner? Call you names, constantly criticise you?

Control your access to money/phone/car etc? Monitor your time, threaten you and the children? If so you may be in an abusive relationship. For free, friendly, confidential advice and support call D.V.R. 091-866-740.

Connemara AA. Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30pm.

Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30pm. Fridays, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays, Clifden Day Centre 12 noon.

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Information Services & Media

Office Supplies & Photocopying

Clifden Citizens Information Centre. Free and confidential service to the public. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-22000.

087-130-1100. Thurs 7-8pm. Friday 10.30am- 3.30pm.

Connemara Community Radio. Letterfrack. 095-41616.

Connemara View Newspaper. Clifden. 095-22888.

AWARE Depression Support Group meetings take place at the FORUM Office (upstairs), Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on the 1st Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact Margaret 095-21741 afternoons except Tuesday for more details.

A black+white adult spayed female. All friendly, wormed +litter-trained. We also need foster homes. For more details, please call Babs on 086-354-2451 from 6-7.30pm.

Items to Buy, Sell or Rent Sell Your Gold locally without risking the post in a secure retail environment in Clifden. Gifts by Grace is the local agent for goldparty.ie and the staff have been professionally trained to assay, evaluate and weigh your precious gold items so that you can turn them into cash. Contact Grace Joyce to arrange a private and confidential appointment.

Gifts by Grace, Courthouse Square, Clifden. 095-22101 or see www.goldparty.ie.

Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected.

095-21219.

2000 Toyota Corolla. Petrol Saloon. Two years tested. Fully serviced. New tyres. €1,800. Call 087-988-6514.

Three piece suite: Excellent condition (Dark Green) €395 o.n.o. Two piece suite (One seater and two seater) €70.

Contact 087-963-3087.

For Sale: 2007 Toyota Avensis Strata. Petrol, only 52,000km. Maroon colour. Excellent condition. Air con, alloys, EW immoblizer. Full service history. Price €10,900.

Call 087-230-1022.

Car for sale: 1997 Toyota Karina 1.6 petrol. 131,600 mileage. NCT to Dec 2010. Taxed to Nov 2010. 4 good tyres.

Recently serviced. €850. 087-912-8169.

For Sale: Honda 300 Big Red. Fully serviced. €1,800. Contact Keith on 087-988-6514.

For Sale-35 x 10 Ft mobile home. 3 bedrooms. Shower plus toilet. Fully furnished. Perfect condition. Cost €8,500.

Will sale for €4,700. Call John 087-943-7248.

2001 Mercedes 815 Truck (very little use in past 3yrs) 200,000km. Tested. €5,000. Contact Keith on 087-988-6514.

For Sale: Half price rolls of Hydrador hose. Two rolls of 1½ inch, one roll of 1 inch and one roll of ¾ inch. As new (un-needed extra). Phone John 087-961-8709.

Wanted: Large shed/workshop for sale or rent, size approx 1,000 sq ft. Suitable for the use of boat building courses.

Phone: 087-297-7654.

For Sale: 2005 Honda 350 Farm Quad. Fully serviced. €3,600. Contact Keith on 087-988-6514.

Photography & DVD Services

Video Vault, Main Street, 095-22033. More than just movies. A4 and A3 colour photocopying. Internet access, VHS / camcorder transfer to DVD, faxing, laminating and disc repair. Open 7 days until late.

King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. A4 and A3 colour photocopying. Faxing. Laminating. Extensive selection of office supplies.

Professional Connemara based photographer available for all occasions. Weddings, family portraits, functions and corporate events. Ideal packages for wedding couples on a budget. Text or call 086-046-5542 for rates or see www. martinmaguirestills.com.

Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033. VHS to DVD transfer. Disc repair: 5 discs repaired for €10. Photos restored, rescued & reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to CD, ready for print. Open 7 day.

Pets, Animals & Ponies

Local Books Historical Sketchbook: Listed Buildings of Connemara.

Vol. 1: Connemara Heritage book by local historian Breandan O Scanaill and illustrated by local artist Lol Hardiman. Available from Clifden Bookshop or online at www.blackturfpress.com.

New Book: Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising ‘My Great Walk Across Ireland’ by Daniel Sammon. www. walkacrossireland.com. 095-43492 or 087-260-2717.

Second edition of ‘Recipes from the Connemara Loop’ .

The book contains stunning pictures & makes a very affordable gift or keepsake. €2.95. Available from outlets along the Connemara Loop. Order on-line from www. goconnemara.com. All proceeds from the sale of this book are invested back into the Connemara Loop.

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

Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue are looking for homes for the following kittens: Orla, a brindled female, spayed, 6 mths old. Diago, a white, male tabby. A 12 wk old ginger male.

October 2010

theConnemaraDirectory

Properties

Quads

Websites

Galway Quads. Quads, buggies, repairs, servicing, accessories. Boley, East Barna. Contact Keith Trill on 087-9886514. www.galwayquads.com.

Website Design: Creative, professional and affordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack. To view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign.com. Phone Caroline Herriott on 086-079-1918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com.

Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Bridge St. 09522194. 086-404-3125. Website design & development.

Restorations Church-Castle and Monument. Architectural and ecclesiastical restoration and conservation. Statues repair and repainting. Marble altar works. Stained glass windows. Outdoor statues. Towerbells and clocks. Fountains. Crypts.

Church furniture. Stations of the Cross. Vestments. Chalices and monstrances. Grotto statues. Sandblasting and metal engineering works etc. Purchasing-Statue showroom. Michele Thierbach G.R.A.D. www.ars-ecclesia. com. 091-556-735.

Commercial premises/professional rooms to let. Clifden Town. Two separate well-appointed premises to let (840 sq. ft. and 420 sq. ft). Prominent location in town. Each premises includes reception, office/consulting rooms, storeroom and toilet. Ideal for professional rooms. Larger unit would also suit retail or office use. Available immediately.

Enquiries to 095-21066 (Sinead) or 095-21888 (Martina).

House To Let: Renvyle Area. 3 bedrm, oil central heating, all mod cons. Long term rent possible.Call 086-103-8463.

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.

For Lease: Tigh Feisti’s Bar & Restaurant, Recess, Connemara. Fully Licensed. Landmark Location. Serious Offers Considered. Contact: Sinead on 095-21066 To Rent: 3 bedroom house very near Cleggan Village. Newly decorated, wooden floors, all mod cons, safe parking.

Careful tenants appreciated. Call 086-343-8900.

Book now for your Building Energy Rating certificate. Buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. Carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

Call Sinead at Matt O’Sullivan Estate Agents on 09521066 or property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

Selling your house, renting long-term or applying for SEAI Grants? Then you must have a Building Energy Rating.

Contact Oliver Coyne today! 095-35813. 086-238-4195. olivercoyne@gmail.com. Listed on the SEAI Register of BER assessors.

Public Notices Councillor Eilleen Mannion. Dates for Clinic: Friday 8th, 15th and 22nd October, from 12 to 1pm. 087-955-5645.

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

Taxi Service Wedding Services Vintage and modern cars available for weddings, social or corporate travel and airport transfers. Our rare and unique cars are fully PSV licensed and insured.

Special midweek rates. Visit our website or call us on 091-506-896 or 087-990-2294. www.getawaylimos.com.

Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. Professional, friendly service. Two camera operators digitally capture your big day while blending into the background. Portfolio and references available. Package includes 4 copies of the edited video. Packages to suit every budget. Renvyle. 095-43756.

086-406-2394. email: fiddisco@mac.com www.fiddisco.com.

Tyres Omey Tyres. Connemara’s 1st complete mobile tyre fitting centre. Recession beater: Wholesale prices on new tyres. Best prices guaranteed. 24 Hour - 7 Days. Service throughout Connemara. Now stocking wipers, bulbs, batteries and oil. Contact Daniel Ryan on 095-44979 / 086831-3462 or omeytyres@hotmail.com.

TV/Satellite/Broadband Free to to air satellite service from Harrington Electrical Connemara. Full standard installation with box and dish €160. Hundreds of free to air channels. Call Paul on 087144-1118 or see harringtonselectrical.com.

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

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

Insulation Alternative Energy & Plumbing Airflow Renewable Energy Solutions, Ballybrit, Galway.

091-764-761.www.airflowireland.ie. Daikin air to water heat pumps. Ground source geothermal heat pumps. IVT heat recovery ventilation. Solar panels. System design & project support. Domestic & commercial. SEAI approved.

Cut your oil bill by two-thirds with solar powered water heating. Call Michael Carey for a free no obligation quote. Testimonials from satisfied customers available.

SEAI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com.

Liam Shannon Plumbing & Heating Contractor. SEI Registered contractor for Home Energy Savings Scheme.

Specialists in oil, gas & renewable energy heating systems.

Solar panels. Boiler maintenance/service. Sheeauns, Cleggan 086-248-8853. liamshannon@eircom.net.

Building Contractors

West Coast Insulation. Your local cavity wall and attic insulation specialists. Eco bead Platinum. The ONLY SEAI grant approved installer in Connemara. Special Offer: Free BER Assessment . Grants available. Call us on 087142-1414. Patrick & John Folan, Letterfrack. westcoastinsulations@gmail.com.

Locksmith Need your locks changed? Give Martin Casey a call on 087276-6924.

Painting Painting and Decorating: Interior and exterior, timber floors sanded and varnished. Neat and tidy job guaranteed. Also offering garden and lawn maintenance service. Competitive rates. References available. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle, 086-857-0302.

Plant Hire

Martin Courcey Construction Ltd. Knockbrack, Cleggan.

Professional construction work at competitive prices. No Job too big or too small. Member of CIF with full insurance. Call 095-44606 or 086-816-1885.

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 Corbett Stone. Natural Connemara building stone.

095-21744. 086-247-5619. www.corbettstone.com. Cut stone by the bag or hand picked at rock bottom prices.

Any quantity. Flag stones for paving. Unusual shaped stones for your garden. Good quality topsoil by the truck load or 1 ton bags. Delivered promptly. Our prices won’t be beaten.

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

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

Windows

Carpentry Newman Carpentry Services. All carpentry work undertaken by experienced tradesman. Fitted doors, kitchens, stairs, decking, built in wardrobes, PVC fascia and soffit, wooden floors, 2nd fixing and general maintenance.

Competitive rates – Display units made to order. Contact Paddy Newman on 086-316-5978 or 095-44931.

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

theConnemaraDirectory

Plastering & Tiling Tiler specialising in all types of floors & walls; Ceramic,

October 2010

Page 19

Arts & Antiques

sive Connemara Pony Ireland clothing. Everything for the pony and rider. Baby and childrens clothing. Feed, wormers, tack, and riding wear. Embroidery service for clubs, restaurants etc. or personalise your gifts. No order too large or small. 095-30779 or 085-771-6322. info@theconnemaraponycompany.com.

Cottage Handcrafts. Moyard. 095-41029. Wrap yourself up in traditional yet contemporary knitwear and jewelry collections, inspired by the local landscape, with a variety of subtle styles, textures and colours that reflect the ever-changing seasons. End of year Sale now on! 40% off glassware. 30% off handknits. 20% off selected items.

Gifts by Grace. Courthouse Square, Clifden. 095-22101.

Join our Christmas Club and spread the cost. A deposit will secure your goods and you pay them off at your leisure. Win a €100 Newbridge voucher-Draw exclusive to Christmas Club members only. Call in and sign up for our loyalty card - no purchase necessary.

Hehirs Woollen Store & Design Studio. Market Street,

Connemara ArtLink is an online gallery showing work by local artists and crafts people. To visit the website go to www.connemaraartlink.com. Details of exhibitions and events available on the Connemara ArtLink Facebook page. Email: connemaraartlink@gmail.com.

Proprietor Noreen Allen welcomes you all to her fabulous Clifden Antique Shop & Irish Art Gallery in the Station House Courtyard. Specialising in 18th & 19th century furniture etc... Antiques are the oldest ‘green’ in the business. You can enjoy beautiful pieces of Georgian furniture whilst knowing you have made a good investment. Paintings from names such as Cecil Maguire, Kenneth Webb, Maurice Wilkes. 095-22230.

Roundstone Ceramics. Michael Killeen Park. Open daily 10am-5pm. We make a wide range of functional stoneware and unique hand decorated porcelain. We also make porcelain jewellery, all sold exclusively from our workshop.

We welcome individual orders for commemorative pieces, house signs & original commissions. 095-35874. roundstonepottery@eircom.net. ekwi ART: Jill Acheson BA, MA, H.Dip. Specialising in animal and human portraiture from photos. Acrylic, oil & pencil. Paintings start at €50, drawings at €30. An Ideal gift idea! Email ekwiart@gmail.com or phone Jill on 086-106-9604.

remedies, organic face and body care. Clinics in kinesiology, acupuncture, Bowen Therapy and massage. Professional, confidential and expert service in both shop and therapy centre. 095-30671.

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

Full selection of fruit and vegetable at great prices. Now selling an extensive range of animal feeds.

Connemara Florist. Main Street, Clifden. Fresh flowers for all occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, births, funerals and weddings. Great gift ideas - whatever your budget!

Delivery throughout Connemara. All budgets catered for!

Monday -Saturday 10am-5.30pm. Contact 095-21565 or see www.connemaraflorist.net.

Connemara Hamper. Lower Market Street, Clifden. Large selection of Irish and European farmhouse cheeses. Organic wines, fruit and vegetables. Freshly baked breads and baguettes. Gourmet lunches and Illy coffee to go.

Open all year. Mon-Sat 10-5pm. 095-21054.

Des Moran Family Butchers. Main Street, Clifden.

095-21232. Home of the national award winning sausages, white pudding and black pudding. Catering to all of your meat and poultry needs.

Duanes Fish Shop. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21804. Large variety of locally caught fresh fish and shell fish. Fresh crab. Live lobster. Fresh oysters. Connemara Smokehouse smoked products. Special offers weekly. Tues-Sat 10-6.

Mon 12-6.

Jagur Organic. Get you organic fruit and vegetables from your local organic grower. Our produce is available in the Countryshop Letterfrack and the Connemara Hamper, Clifden. From October 2010 to April 2011 we will have no market stall at Clifden Square. You can visit us on our farm and buy direct from the farm. Call Linda or Vincent at 095-44855.

SuperValu. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm. Friday 8am-10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 9am-7pm.

Home Furnishings Better Bedding. Sean Mulvoy Rd., Galway. 091-756-766.

Full range of ready made curtains. Visco memory foam beds. Sale on Evista curtain rails now on with free holdbacks. Extensive selection of home furnishings. Free delivery. Free parking.

Homeware Plus. The Square, Clifden. 095-21348. Everything at discount prices!! Homewares, gardening supplies, toys. Gach rud ar phraghas iontach, taobh le SuperValu.

Books & Periodicals The Clifden Bookshop, Main St. Stockists of a wide selection of maps, walking books, guides, memoirs, local histories and an extensive range of latest titles, art materials, cards & stationery. Now stocking Connemara 2011 Calendar, exclusive to the Clifden Bookshop. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net. 095-22020 Open Mon/Sat 10am - 6pm. Sun 11.30 -4.30pm.

King’s Paper Shop, Main Street. Newspapers, magazines, lotto, greeting cards, postcards, stamps, toys, sweets, ice cream, gifts … and more! Contact 095-21119.

Children Brats of All Ages. Market Street, Clifden. Now in stock childrens autumn/winter wear. Agents for Games Workshop, Berg, and new for September Revell, leader in replica plastic kits since 1945 including Star Wars Revell Easy Kits & Airfix producers of a wide range of model kits.

Christmas Club saving card now available! 095-22952.

Fashion, Accessories & Gifts Belle Blu. Market Street. Clifden. 095-21321. sales@belleblu.com. “New Stock! Bomb Bath & Soap range, new Pouchee handbag organisers, Jimeale cosmetic bags, fabulous new scarf ranges and much more! Great gift ideas!”

Opening Hours 11-6 Monday to Saturday or shop online at www.belleblu.com.

The Connemara Pony Company. Market St, Clifden. Exclu-

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Clifden. Winter boots, winter coats & all your winter fashion needs now in stock! A wide variety at great prices with personal service… call in and have a look or see us on Facebook “Hehirs, Clifden”! Open Monday-Saturday till 7pm and Sundays 12-6pm . 095-21282.

La Femme Bleue will be closing in October and will reopen in June 2011.

Ohh! By Gum. Clifden Station House Courtyard. 09521334. Theres lots of new stock for autumn/winter - Fashion, winter wool from Debbie Bliss. Our knitting circle has started in the shop for winter on Monday mornings from 10am - noon and it’s Free!!! Our childrenswear is just gourgeous this season and we have lots of other little bits & bobs to keep the young ones happy too, so make sure you pop in and have a mooch for yourself.

Stanley’s, Market Street, Clifden. 095-21039. New autumn Fit Flop range now in stock! Ladies Ryker boots from €65 and why not give your feet a treat by slipping on a pair of EMU sheepskin boots! So comfy you won’t want to take them off! Full range now in store. Try on any pair of Ecco Shoes during October and enter a draw to win a car!

Food, Flowers & Wine An Bhean Feasa Health Store. Market Street, Clifden. Organic wholefoods, nutritional supplements, herbs, natural

October 2010

Teach & Baile Furniture. 087-280-3563. “Quality everyday furniture at great prices” Why not renew your mattresses ready for those long winter nights, quality mattresses from only €100!

Whistlestop “Gifts & Interiors”. Clifden Station House Courtyard. 095-21532. 086-230-4210. whistlestop@eircom.net www.whistlestop.ie. Design-led home accessories at affordable prices. Lamps, mirrors, throws, glassware sourced world-wide. Baby gifts including award winning Organics for Kids babygros and an eclectic range of jewellery & silverware. Wedding list & personal shopping source available.

Christmas Advertisers: The deadline for advertising in the November issue is Wednesday, October 20th.

Space is limited so reserve your space early. theConnemaraDirectory

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Restaurant Special: Four course dinner €35pp (Early booking advisable) and Tuesday is Irish Night. Christmas Party Packages now available on request for the following Friday and Saturday nights – 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December.

Call 095-21201 or see www.abbeyglen.ie.

Alcock & Brown Hotel. The Square, Clifden. 095-21880. Vickers Coffee House: Great value new lunch Time menu including Steak Sandwich, Brushetta and lots more tempting dishes. Quick and tasty for busy working people. Essence coffee & delicious homemade desserts. Brown’s Restaurant open Friday and Saturday 6-10pm. Autumn special: 3 Course set menu for €22.95, 2 Course set menu for €19.95 with a bottle of our Wine of the week €12. Thats less than €52 for a meal for 2 with wine ! Vickers Bar new menu served 3pm to 9pm. 6 TVs for viewing all sporting events. Live Music at Weekends. Connemara’s Premier Party venue - Birthdays, Christenings, Retirements and Christmas Parties all booking now.

Basmati Indian Cuisine, Market Square. 095-22619. Sister Restaurant of Award Winning Tulsi Restaurant in Galway, offering an extensive menu to suit every palate. Winter Special: Early Bird Menu-4.30 to 7pm: Starter & Main with Tea/Coffee €12.95.

Sunday Lunch Menu- 1pm to 4pm: Starter & Main with Tea/ Coffee €10.95. (Does not apply to takeaway orders).

The Connemara Gateway Hotel, Glebe, Oughterard. December Party Nights: 3rd: ABBA/Garth Brooks Tribute, 4th: Country Dance with TR Dallas.10th: Showcase Connemara. 11th: Country Dance with Mick Flavin. 17th: Legends of Vegas: Elvis, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison Tributes.

18th: Country Dance with Nathan Carter. 23rd: Clancy Brother Tribute Concert with The Kilkennys. St. Stephen’s Night: New Star ‘Gerry Guthrie’. 27th: Foster & Allen and the 29th Jimmy Buckley. Book a party of 10+ and organiser goes FREE. Call 091552-328 or see www.connemaragateway.com.

Derryclare Restaurant. The Square. Long-established family restaurant. Traditional and contemporary cuisines. Specialising in fresh local seafood, prime meats, pizza and fresh pasta dishes. Early Bird Special: 3 courses for €18.95 until 21st October. Enjoy a 3 course meal for two including a bottle of wine for only €58.

October Pizza Special: Buy Any 2 Pizza Get a 3rd Pizza FREE.

Acknowledgements Watersports Day Best Year The team from WaterSports Day would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the day in any way this year. Bills are all in and paid now, expenses cleared, figures totted up and a cheque has been sent to CARI-Children At Risk Ireland, for €5,600. Just over €8,000 was taken in on the day and added to donations this amounted to the best year we have had to date.

Expenses came to €2,602. This included the bigger bills: Insurance costs, hire of Boat, P.A. System, Bouncy Castle & Slide, Toilets, purchase of all food, drinks, trophies and medals and also the smaller bills like printing costs, stationary, e-mails, stamps and petrol.

We get generous deductions in the hire and purchase of all the above but would love to

Anytime. Anyday. Having a Kids Party? 4 Plain or Pepperoni Pizzas Only €30. (Must be ordered 1 day in Advance and picked up before 4pm day of party).Takeaway menu available. Call 09521440.

Griffins Bar. Main Street, Clifden. 095-21370. Extensive Food Menu Served Daily: Monday-Thursday 12-4pm, Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 10-4pm & Sunday 11-4pm. Experience sporting events on big screen & in glorious HD both inside or out in the heated beer garden with smoking area. Live Music at Weekends. Check Board outside Bar or see Griffins Bar Facebook page for updates.

Guys Bar. Main Street, Clifden, 095-21130, info@guysbarclifden. com. Food served daily 10.30am to 9pm. Snug available for private parties. DJ Mike O’Malley every Saturday night from 10pm till late. Keep an eye on the music boards for Live Music.

Kylemore Pass Hotel Restaurant. Appetizing home-cooked meals using only the best local produce. The Sailors’ Bar which is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike, serves an excellent variety of bar meals and bottled beers from all around the world.

095-41141. www.kylemore-pass-hotel-connemara.com.

Mannion’s Bar. Market Street. 095-21780. This traditional family run Irish Pub is a very popular lunchtime meeting spot serving a large food menu daily. Pool table, Juke Box and traditional Irish music Nights. Craic and Ceoil!!

Marconi Restaurant at Foyle’s Hotel. The Square. Open 6 days.

6-9pm. Early Bird specials from 6-6.45pm. €25.95 for 3 courses from our main menu. Reservations are recommended. Now taking bookings for Christmas Parties. Call 095-21801 or see www. foyleshotel.com.

Mullarkey’s Bar. The Square. 095-21801. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Celebrate Halloween at the ‘Infamous’ Mullarkey’s Fancy Dress Party on Saturday 30th October – Tickets now on sale. Check out our billboard on The Square for gig listings or visit Mullarkeys Bar Facebook page.

O’ Dowds Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Open daily from 10.30am.

Award winning traditional pub. Early Bird special 2 courses + tea/coffee €19.50 (available until 7pm). Evening restaurant menu served from 5pm-9.30pm, Bar food served Noon-9.30pm. Fresh seafood daily. Call 095-35809 or see www.odowdsrestaurant.com.

Portfinn Lodge & Fjord Restaurant. Family run since 1977.

Overlooking the majestic Killary Harbour. Specialises in locally sourced fish, lobster, lamb, beef and mussels with their Portfinn ‘Famous’ bisque. Early Bird menu is offered from 6-7pm with 3 courses for €20. Open Wednesday to Sunday 6-9pm until 31st October. 095-42265 or see www.portfinn.com.

The Station House Hotel & Bar. Station House Courtyard. Celebrate in style this Christmas. The fun filled schedule starts with dinner at 8pm followed by show, then dance the night away with our resident DJ. - 3rd & 4th December Adrian Knight Hypnotist.

10th & 11th Trad in the West, 17th & 18th Michael Buble & Take That tribute. Dinner & Show: €49 per person. Dinner, Show & Accommodation: €99 per person, single supplement €30 (25% non-refundable deposit required at time of booking balance due three weeks prior to event). For further information please contact 095-21699 or see www.clifdenstationhouse.com.

further reduce those costs-anyone who would like to sponsor an area next year, e.g. trophies, feel free!

We also have a team of workers who faithfully work long and hard to get this day up and running every year at no charge. We have all those who help in other ways through donations of equipment, printing, food, use of storage premises, etcetera. etcetera. This year we have put some monies into the purchase of new signs. Every year we decide to purchase some new equipment for use on WaterSports Day. We continuously strive not only to maintain established standards, but to improve those standards every year thereby ensuring an efficiently organised event.

And also just to get the ball rolling in 2011 so why not become involved? If not by sponsoring then in some other way-we always welcome new faces on board and on the beach. See you all there again next year! Patricia Keane

theConnemaraDirectory

Maam Heritage Day Maam Women’s Group would like to thank everyone who supported and attended the Heritage Day in Ionad Pobail an Mháma.

Over 130 people attended the event and enjoyed the demonstrations, displays, art exhibition including Tommy Roe and Peter Hamilton (Connemara Community Radio), Catherine Pryce (Connemara View) and photographer Tom Broderick. A special mention of thanks goes to our guest speaker, Trish Walsh, (Petersburg Educational Centre), the musicians, singers, dancers and everyone who helped to make the day a great community effort. R. Hanley

Thanks Tom Mullen & family would like to thank all who supported the music night last April and also thanks to all the musicians & dancers for a great night.

October 2010

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Counselling Counselling and psychotherapy. Úna McKeeve M.Sc., M.I.A.H.I.P., M.I.A.C.P. is a fully accredited Psychotherapist/Counsellor who offers private and confidential counselling. For an appointment call 087-250-5015. Email: unamckeever21@gmail.com.

Psychotherapy and counselling, diploma in psychotherapy.

For further enquires or appointments contact Monica Lydon on 087-641-1625 or monicalydon@hotmail.com.

Beauty

Dental

Bernie’s Hair Salon. Church Hill, Clifden. Ladies and gents.

Open Mon-Sat 9.30-6. Late opening by appt. 095-21135.

October Offer: All perms, bodywaves, hilites and colours include a free cut and blowdry. Colours permanent and semi-permanent from Schwarzkopf. Deep Shine Rusk.

Luxury ammonia free Trio colours.

Anna’s Nail Bar & Tanning Salon. Bridge St., Clifden. 09530001. Autumn offer: File and polish for hands & feet ONLY €25. Vibroplate – One hour workout in 10 minutes just €5. Wow Brown full body spray tan €30. Shellac! UV colour coat that lasts at least 2 weeks ! Only €30. Open Wed to Sat 10-5pm. Late evenings by appt.

The Diamond Hair Studio, Letterfrack,. 095-41999. New colour range Tigi Colour. Wide range of products: Matrix, Goldwell, Bed Head Tigi, Cloud Nine… all at affordable prices! Christmas Club now open. Catering for weddings, debs and parties. Open Tues to Sat 9.30-6pm.

Hair Gallery, Bridge St, 095-21901. Exciting new warm tones for autumn: Chocolate, amber, browns and caramels.

October Special: All semi colours €35 (exc. b/d). Open Mon to Sat 9.30-6pm (Mon by appt, late night Thurs and Fri by appt). Call in for a free consultation.

Sior Og Skincare & Beauty Clinic, 1 Aras Ghuaire, Letterfrack. October Special: FREE eyelash tint & brow shape with every Dermologica Facial. Product lines include Dermalogica, CND, Shellac, MAC Make-Up, Fake Bake spray tan, Cosmetic Bright Teeth whitening system. Open Tues to Sat 10-6pm. Late opening Fri until 8pm. 09541856. 086-386-3296.

The Treatment Rooms at Abbeyglen Castle, Sky Rd, Clifden.

Hot stone massage, indian head massage, reflexology, Zen spa pedicure/manicure, waxing and California tanning.

15% off all treatments every Wednesday, Shellac €30 and Yonka facial plus free starter pack €65. Open 9-6 Mon to Sat. Sun 12-5. Non residents welcome. 095-21306.

Cancer Care Clifden Outreach Service by Cancer Care West at the Clifden Health Centre opposite Clifden Hospital on the 4th Thursday of every month. Drop-in, information and support service. 091-545-000. www.cancercarewest.ie.

Complementary Health

Bio Energy Healing. Physical, mental & emotional dis-ease shows up as resistance in our energy field. Bio Energy Healing helps re-establish your own natural healing process through releasing energy blockages in and around the body. Four day treatment €200 in Moycullen or Clifden.

Contact Jason 085-770-7237 or jason@dreaminglove.net Damien Stoney. Neuromuscular Therapist ANMPT. Sports,

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deep tissue & relaxation massage, dry needling, physical therapy. Change sensations in your body. 087-125-2578.

Reiki / Seichem. Experience the calm & healing energies of this beautiful treatment, which is drug free & non-invasive. These powerful energies can heal one on the mental, emotional, spiritual & physical levels. Qualified Reiki / Seichem master & practitioner. Call Yvonne for appointment. 086-365-3266.

Clifden Dental Practice Station House Complex. 09522731.Dental treatment and maintenance of oral health for all the family. Scale and polish €40 for medical card and PRSI patients. Tooth whitening, crowns, replacement of teeth with implants, bridges or dentures.

Fitness

Courses / Seminars

5 Rhythms Movement Meditation Practice with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphádraig. A day of movement to relax, destress and learn to manage uncertainty. Sunday 17th October. Tranquillity Room, Kylemore Pass Hotel. €75 including lunch. (Pay in full before October 11th €65.) Send €30 deposit to Deora Dé, Finisglen, Recess, Connemara.

095-34664. www.deorade.com.

Connemara Breakthrough Retreats can help individuals, couples or small groups to plan and create a positive and exciting future. Introductory workshop on Thursday October 14th at the Station House Hotel from 7:30-9:30pm. €10. Contact Carol Passermard on 087-141-3026. www. breakthroughretreat.com.

Staying positive for the winter! One-day workshop on taking a holistic approach to positive mental health. Sat 23rd October. Learn techniques to encourage the development of a positive belief in oneself. An overview of nutritional supplements and types of foods that can effect mood and wellbeing. Contact Margaret Sheehan, FORUM Clifden.

095-21741.

An Bhean Feasa. Market St. Clifden. 095-30671. Raw Food, live food and juicing – anti-ageing recipes for a younger, healthier you! Saturday 16th October at 2p.m. FREE tastings of raw food, live foods and juices. Learn how to make your own probiotics and support your immune system this winter.

Uplifting peace meditation every Wednesday from 10-11am.

Meditation is followed by Pranic healing with Martha Conneely. The conscious weight loss course has started and a few places are still remaining.

October 2010

PK1 Kickboxing & Connemara Judo Club, Ross, Moyard.

Monday: Women self defense classes 8-9pm. Tuesday: Boys kickboxing U18yrs 7-8pm, Mens kickboxing 18yrs+ 8-9pm. Wednesday: Girls kickboxing U18yrs 7-8pm, Womens kickboxing 18yrs+ 8-9pm. Thursday: Tumble Judo U6yrs 5-6pm, Judo for 6-12yrs 6-7pm, Adults Judo 7-8pm and mixed adults kickboxing 8-9pm. €25 a month. Call Luigi on 087-053-3267.

Martial art classes at the Connemara Judo Academy in the Clifden Town Hall on Saturdays, we cater for children from 7yrs to 14yrs, youth and adults 15yrs to 60 yrs, contact Paraic on 086-356-5590, or enrol for classes on Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm in the Clifden Town Hall.

Clifden Station House Leisure Centre. 095-30433. leisure@ clifdenstationhouse.com. Fitness classes (open to non members): swimming lessons, Aqua aerobics, circuit training, Pilates, personal training. Contact 095-30433 or email leisure@clifdenstationhouse.com.

Health Store An Bhean Feasa Health Store. Market St, Clifden.

095-30671. Organic wholefoods, nutritional supplements, herbs, natural remedies, organic face and body care. 10% off all products in the new Men’s Health section in October.

Health Insurance Why pay more than you have to for your health insurance?

No penalties if you switch. All served waiting periods are recognised by Hibernian Aviva Health. Call Hennelly Finance on 091-586-500 or call Helena on 086-809-5607.

Hennelly Financial Services Ltd. T/A Hennelly Finance is regulated by the Financial Regulator.

Opticians Ní Ráighne Opticians. Bridge Street, Clifden. 095-30995. niraighneopticians@eircom.net. New special offer: ‘You choose’ spend over €150 on a new frame and lenses, you choose from ONE of the following special offers’: Free 2nd pair of single vision spectacles• Free sun tint • Free contact lens trial • Free single vision lens to your own frame• Free upgrade to transition lenses. Medical cards and PRSI welcome. Eye exams €35.

theConnemaraDirectory

october Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) You have two choices to find success this month. Either one will do, but one is better than the other.

Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Opportunities abound this month but the hard work will pay off and you will celebrate at the end.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Don’t slow down and don’t look behind you. There are some who are not on your side.

Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) Love is the important thing to focus on this month. Make sure you value all those you love.

Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) Some financial difficulties will start to ease this month. Collect debts and go full steam ahead.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) Once you accept the truth of the matter the difficulties will melt away leaving you with a new beginning.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) Happy Birthday! You can handle everything that is happening to you right now. Just trust in yourself and know that you can do it.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Happy Birthday! Cast all your doubts aside. Trust your instincts and travel plans will get the green light.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Some long hours on the job will pay off and help you to make a new choice for the near future.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) After a lot of hard work it now time to relax a bit, so don’t worry about others and what they think.

Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) Don’t let scary dreams hold you back from the fulfillment that you can have now in your life.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Knowing what you want and getting it are very different. Be prepared for any outcome.

In the past you felt in control of the situation and that all of your choices where correct. Now however, others are starting to put their two cents in and it is not all positive. Never fear-the world will look out for you and new beginnings and fresh starts will abound.

Tarot

runes

This lets you know that there will be a beneficial outcome to anything that you undertake at this time. Your own dismay could interfere with any growth so make sure that you stay positive about it all. The time is right to achieve a major shift in the plans that have been made, so seize the moment.

“Undertake To Do All Joyfully”

Adopt a Loving Pet

Dogs In the Bog Walk

MADRA (Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption) is based in Camus, Connemara and is a volunteer dog rescue and adoption group run by qualified dog trainers. In 2009, MADRA rescued over 600 dogs of all shapes and sizes in need of good homes and always have dogs looking for good homes.

A lovely medium sized Labrador type, Tally will be a great family pet. She is quiet, calm and very affectionate, although she will be a lively energetic dog when she gets older. Tally is about 6 months old and is keen to learn so will need a new owner who has the time to give her at this stage in her life.

As with all our dogs, Tally will be microchipped, neutered and vaccinated for her new home. All our dogs also come with a free training session to get you and your new dog as ready as possible. Please check out our website www.madra.ie or call 086-814-9026/087-9103101 for more info on Tally and some of our other pets-in-waiting.

The MADRA Dog charity and re-homing kennels held a fun ‘Dogs in the Bog Walk’ on Sunday September 26th in the Glenlosh Valley in Maam, organised by Eileen Keleghan.

Lots of walkers turned up with their dogs and many of the Madra dogs looking for new homes were delighted to be taken out walking for the day. The walk raised a fantastic €2,500 for the Madra (Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption) kennels in Camus.

Photo right: Erin and Ann Marie Casey from Carna with dogs Mister Chips, Rosie and Zoe taking part in the first ever Charity MADRA Dogs on the Bog Walk on September 26th. Photo below: The Madra Team, Eileen, Gráinne, Marina, Tara and Sean Óg.

Photos courtesy of Justin McGrane Photography

Connemara View Newspaper

The Sun is in the constellation of Virgo throughout October. Summer Time ends in the early morning of Sunday October 31st. Clocks should be put back one hour.

New Moon is at 18:44 UT on Thursday October 7th. The new crescent probably won’t be visible in the south-west at sunset until about Monday 11th. Full Moon is at 01:37 UT on Saturday October 23rd in Pisces, close to the border with Aries.

When it’s Full, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the E at sunset, shines throughout the night, and sets in the W at sunrise the following morning.

Mercury is at superior conjunction, almost directly behind the Sun, on October 17th.

We’re unlikely to see this elusive, fiery little planet this month.

Venus is at inferior conjunction, almost directly in front of the Sun, on October 29th. We won’t be able to see the ‘Evening Star’ (remember, it’s really a planet) this month.

Mars sets less than an hour after the Sun, so the ‘Red Planet’ is also unavailable for viewing this month.

Jupiter is the one planet to be seen in the night sky this month. The giant planet was in opposition (to the Sun) on September 21st so it’s well placed for viewing.

At dusk, Jupiter is well up in the E, and it is due S in the late evening. It looks like a very bright star, shining with a strong, steady light. Relative to the genuine stars, which are all much fainter, Jupiter is moving slowly SW out of the constellation of Pisces, entering Aquarius on October 15th. Some of Jupiter’s four major moons may be seen, even in binoculars, as tiny points of light close to the planet. They are easiest to see at twilight, when the light from the planet itself is not so dazzling. Sometimes only two or three of the

October DVD Releases The Bad Lieutenant: In Werner Herzog’s new film The Bad Lieutenant Nicholas Cage plays a rogue detective who is as devoted to his job as he is at scoring drugswhile playing fast and loose with the law.

He wields his badge as often as he wields his gun in order to get his way. The result is a singular masterpiece of filmmaking: equally sad and manically humorous.

Death at a Funeral: Directed by Neil LaBute, Death at a Funeral is a hilarious day in the life of an American family who come together to put a beloved husband and father to rest.

As mourners gather at the family home, shocking revelations, festering resentments, ugly threats, blackmail and a misdirected corpse unleash lethal and riotous mayhem.

The Ghost: From acclaimed director Roman Polanski (Oliver Twist, The Pianist, Chinatown) and resonating with topical themes, this atmospheric and intriguing political thriller charts

October 2010

moons may be visible, perhaps because one is hiding behind the planet. Throughout the evening of Tuesday 19th October and into the early hours of Wednesday 20th, our own gibbous Moon will appear above and to the right of Jupiter.

Saturn, like Mercury, is at superior conjunction this month, on October 1st. But it then moves into the dawn sky. By the end of October, Saturn should be visible low in the E sky about 6am UT (7am). Relative to the stars, Saturn is moving very slowly SE in the constellation of Virgo. If you can find the Plough, hanging vertically high in the E, follow the curve of its handle down and right to the bright star Arcturus. Saturn will be about the same height as Arcturus, but some 30 degrees further right and not quite as bright.

Meteors: The Orionid meteor shower is active during the second half of October. It will probably peak around Friday 22nd, but activity stays high for a week or more.

The radiant is in the N part of Orion, to the upper left of Betelgeuse (red-orange star on the “upper shoulder” of Orion), 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. Unfortunately, this year there will be a lot of moonlight which will tend to drown out the fainter meteors. October 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. And don’t forget to visit www.twodogcomputers.com for more astronomy news and updates!

John Claró Starting in October, visit the new Astronomy pages at www.twodogcomputers.com. I will be publishing the monthly stars for Connemara, as well as a section on ‘Pointer Stars’ to help you find interesting objects in the night skies. one man’s determination to discover the truth and to tell it, if necessary, from beyond the grave.

The Brothers Bloom: The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with their complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they’ve decided to take on one last job, which involves showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world. Stars Adrian Brody Rachael Weisz and Mark Ruffalo.

Space Chimps 2: Blast off for an outof-this-world animated adventure. The grandson of the Space Agency’s legendary chimpanzee astronaut is recruited to help retrieve a lost space probe. But when the ship crash-lands on a strange planet, can this mismatched chimp and crew work together to save the mission without driving each other bananas?

Page 23

Bogman 65

Across

9 Twelve months on point is long for this. (5) 10 Cursory, bursary? Nursery! (5) 11 Bird which, when dead, becomes ape? (3) 12 22/7? A little number being instrumental in key area? A grand, maybe. (5) 13 Remember HSALF? (9) 14 Is it just when there’s illness about or always? (7) 15 Snoop around the foreign city looking for brothers’ house? (6) 17 Dirty dog, seen in Southern Yugoslavia initially? (6) 18 Prohibit articles on fruit? (6) 21 Really enjoy dressing for dinner. (6) 23 Suits Mr. Fussy that they are always correct. (7) 27 Explain in further detail why this is not a simple clue. (9) 29 Was she named in Shakespearean niece’s case? (5) 30 Like skimming the top off what comes from cows, or certain worms? (3) 31 In other words, pillar loses the direction and crumbles to stand in? (5) 32 Train? Bus? It’s all the same. (5)

Down

Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden

by October 25th.

Connemara Crossword 71

1 Spirit that measures rate of travel beneath the big apple? (5) 2 Ordinary a ordinary? Extraordinary! (10) 3 Come to pub with no money, pure and simple. (8) 4 Play with gun after tea and dessert? (6) 5 It’s just a minor local rule, according to the legislation. (2-3) 6 Old Ford model going like a breeze. (6) 7 Take wager on a second place in letters from Marathon? (4) 8 Rut around A,B,C,D,E,F,G? But not H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P etc. - they’re for the birds! (7) 16 Fancy this? Or an about turn? Mad! (10) 19 It’s a bother to find what is in shade, if you get my meaning. (8) 20 Countrymen in song? (7) 22 Being cunning about such an underhand method of taking it easy? (6) 24 Doctored rum he’s given to counter the signs of illness? (6) 25 Parade at the speed of sound? That’s about right. (5) 26 Hogshead in fancy little food shop where, presumably, they specialise in Indian food. (5) 28 Seabirds, little and great, that can turn on another seabird? (4)

Across

8. Scalp disorder (8) 9. Language (6) 10. Humble, unassuming (6) 11. Impersonates (8) 12. Rainbow colour (6) 13. Slaughterhouse (8) 15. Number (4) 17. He denies existence of God (7) 19. Assaults (7) 22. Worry about (4) 24. Faculty of seeing (8) 27. Tacked (6) 29. English county (7) 30. People on horseback (6) 31. Verbal expression (6) 32. Popular flower (8)

Down

1. Large monkey (6) 2. Glue (8) 3. Sales (8) 4. The _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Queen. 1951 film. (7) 5. Dockage for small craft (6) 6. Empty (6) 7. Irish city (8) 14. Carry (4) 16. Tingling (4) 18. Retail outlets for kids (3, 5) 20. Canaries capital (8) 21. Hard sweet (4, 4) 23. Turns up at (7) 25. English county in South East (6) 26. Professional female companion in Japan (6) 28. Insect that likes to eavesdrop (6)

Winner of September Bogman 64: Tom McWilliams, Ballyconneely Winner Connemara Crossword 70: Michele Conneely, Aillebrack

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

Super Valu Photo Contest Congratulations to Brigid Sealy of Moyard, whose photo was chosen as the winner of the September ‘Autumn Colours’ Kavanagh’s Super Valu Photo Competition.

The theme for October is ‘Action in Connemara’. This theme could include sports action photos or involve any kind of movement or activity. As usual the great prize of a €50 Super Valu Shopping Voucher is on offer and the winning photo will be displayed in Super Valu, Clifden and online at www.connemaraview. com. Photos must be original, have not been previously published and be relevant to Connemara. The competition is open to all ages and copies of photos should be kept as they will not be returned. Entries may be dropped to the Photo Competition Box next to the express till at Super Valu Clifden, posted to Connemara View, Clifden, Co. Galway or e-mailed to news@connemaraview.com (approx 1MB in size)

by Wednesday October 27th.

Page 24

October 2010

What Do You Know? Quiz 24 Congratulations to Jacob Kochumman who answered Quiz 23 correctly and has won €30.

Prize money for Quiz 24 is €10.

Quiz 24 Questions

Geography: What is the world’s oldest country?

History: What was the average life span of a peasant during medieval times?

Sport: What are the chances of making two holes in one, in one round of golf?

Math: Who cracked the Enigma code during World War 2?

Science: How many cells must be replaced per hour by the human body?

Food: The potato is the world’s fourth most important crop. What are the first three?

General Knowledge: What is the average life span of a dragonfly?

Politics: Where and when is the oldest existing governing body?

Music: Who wrote the “Happy Birthday” song and when?

Art: What is the world’s shortest stage play?

Entertainment: What famous Disney characters name means “pine eye” in Italian?

Local Interest: What was the name of the first Connemara Pony imported to Australia?

Quiz 23 Answers

Geography: What is the diameter of the equator? Answer: 12,753km. http:// www.worldatlas.com/geoquiz/thelist. htm History: Where did karate originate?

Answer: India. http://www.nicefacts. com/ Sport: In what country is kite-flying a professional sport? Answer: Thailand. http://www.nicefacts.com/ Math: Who is the most well-known female mathematician (for her contributions to abstract algebra)? Answer: Emmy Noether. http://www-history. mcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Noether_Emmy.html Science: What is stannous fluoride (cavity fighter found in toothpaste) made from? Answer: Recycled Tin. http:// www.nicefacts.com/ Food/Drink: The Egyptians believed that the God of Agriculture Osiris, taught humans how to make what liquid? Answer: Beer. http://www.foodreference.com/html/fagriculture.html General Knowledge: It takes the same amount of time to age a cigar as it does to age wine-true or false? Answer: True http://www.nicefacts.com/ index.php Politics: What is the world’s largest democracy? Answer: India, 600 million + voters. http://didyouknow.org/fastfacts/politics.htm Music: What song was blamed for a wave of suicides in the 1930’s? Answer: Gloomy Sunday. http://musicouch. com/musicouching/10-amazing-musictrivia-facts-you-never-knew/ Art: What is the world’s largest horse statue in the world? Answer: Zizkov Monument in Prague. http://didyouknow.org/fastfacts/art.htm Entertainment: How many points does Kermit the Frog have around his collar? Answer: 11. http://www.dumbfacts. com/facts/directory-of-facts/literature/ Local Interest: When was the first Connemara pony imported to Australia?

Answer: 1963. http://www.cpbsa.com. au/images/Connemara%20Facts.pdf

Connemara View Newspaper

Connemara Publishers Claim Irish Book of the Year

Cló Iar-Chonnacht, who are celebrating 25 years of publishing this year, was awarded the Adult Irish Language Book of the Year (Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin) for the book Ó Chósta go Cósta by Frank Reidy at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge Literary Competition Awards Ceremony which was held in Croke Park on September 28th. The awards, which were presented by Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile from RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, aim to encourage excellence in the standard and quality of both writing and publishing in the Irish language.

The Oireachtas na Gaeilge Literary Competition is the biggest competition of the year for Irish language writers. All aspects of Irish language literature are included with over 35 categories including fiction, short stories, songwriting, short film production and even blogging ‘as Gaeilge’.

Speaking about the announcement of the winners, Aedín Ní Bhroin, Director of Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge said: “I wish to congratulate Móinín and Cló Iar-Chonnacht and all those involved in creating these books, Frank Reidy and Ester Göbl Uí Nualláin in particular on the fantastic work they have produced. We are delighted to support these awards which give due recognition to the high quality of Irish language publishing and support the publishers’ endeavours as they continue to compete at the highest possible level in the Irish literary market”.

Photo: Frank Reidy, winner of the Adult’s Irish Language Book of the Year Award which is sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge with his book “Ó Chósta go Cósta” published by Clo Iar Chonnacht of Inverin at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge Literary Awards in Croke Park.

Country Music Extravaganza

Country music and dance fans from all over Ireland will descend on Oughterard for the West Country Music Festival, a four day music extravaganza taking place at the Connemara Gateway Hotel over the October Bank Holiday Weekend. A total of 8 bands will appear including Jimmy Buckley, Brose Walsh, Louise Morrissey, Gerry Guthrie, Kay & The Country Stars, Johnny Carroll, Des Kelly and Midnight Melodies.

Hotel owner, John Nolan told the Connemara View “Towns like Killarney and Bundoran have for many years attracted crowds for such events, so I decided to roll out Connemara as a destination for the October Bank Holiday Weekend. The response was astounding. We have more than filled the hotel bedrooms and we are now transferring business to other accommodation providers in the area”.

Mick Flavin, who has a large following in the Connemara are is also set to return to the Connemara Gateway on Saturday October 16th.

Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office now at 091-552-328. Upcoming acts and more information can also be seen at www.connemaragateway.com.

Connemara ArtsView

Marie Walsh on National Tour

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann produces a National Concert Tour of Ireland each year called Macalla na hEireann, which runs over two weeks this year from October 10th to 24th at 13 venues throughout the country. It features over 14 musicians, singers and dancers drawn from all corners of Ireland and this year, local musician Marie Walsh has been selected to be a musician on the tour. This also means that Clifden has been selected to host one of the Macalla na hEireann concerts on Monday the 18th of October, which will be hosted by the Clifden Branch of Comhaltas at the Station House Theatre at 8pm.

The show itself will be a well rehearsed, fast moving, colourful and entertaining showcase of the best of Irish music, song and dance, with all performers also in medieval costume! This will be the first time the tour has come west of Galway City and with the added bonus of a local person being on the tour, it will be a show not to miss. Tickets are €20 for adults and €12 for children under 16. Tickets are limited and booking is advised. To book tickets please call 086401-5342. Tickets are also for sale in: The Bens Music Shop, Lowrys Bar, Kings Hairdressers, Central Bar, Eammon McLoughlin Auctioneers, Pryce’s Hardware and Hehir’s Woolen Store.

Photo above: Clifden’s Marie Walsh (left) with some of the musicians she will perform with on the Comhaltas Macalla na hEireann National Tour, which visits Clifden on October 18th.

Inishbofin Trad Weekend

A Set Dancing and Traditional music weekend will provide a great celebration of Irish culture and heritage on Inishbofin from 15th -17th October. The weekend will include music and dance from local island musicians and the Inishbofin Céilí Band.

Traditional music sessions will run throughout the weekend at different venues on the island.

Dance workshops will also take place. A massive Céili will be held in the Inishbofin Community Centre on Saturday night, where tea and sandwiches and brilliant ceol from the Lough Erne Ceili band will be enjoyed. A brush dancing workshop will be held on Sunday afternoon by the well

October 2010

known sean-nós and set dancer Ronan Reegan. Other highlights include a festival mass with trad music and lively trad sessions will be played throughout the weekend. A special weekend ticket for €25 is available and includes entry to all workshops and the Saturday night Céilí. The Trad Weekend is also an important fundraiser for the Inishbofin Community Centre.

A full listing of the weekend’s events can be seen under ‘Upcoming Events’ at www.inishbofin.com.

For more information or to book tickets contact Ruth Carson at 095-45989 or Kevin Abeyta 087-246-1304 or e-mail:csptourism@inishbofin.com.

Comhaltas Concerts and AGM

September has been another very busy month for the Comhaltas group with lots of the members taking part in the great Clifden Arts Festival. As part of the Arts Festival, a youth session was held in Tom King’s Bar on the first Saturday. This was very well attended and a great afternoon of entertainment was had by all. The young musicians and dancers on the day were also taking part in a National Campaign ‘Trad for Trocaire’, which was run in conjunction with Comhaltas and Trocaire.

Our Monthly Music Session for October will take place in J. Conneely’s Bar on Friday October 29th, starting with the youth session at 8.30pm followed by the senior session afterwards.

Our AGM will also take place on Friday 29th October at 7pm, downstairs in J. Conneely’s. All members are urged to attend as there are lots of issues to discuss including next year’s Trad Fest and Clifden hosting the Galway County Fleadh. Anyone wishing to join is also asked to attend on the night.

Mary Poppins Christmas Show

The next stage production of Ceol Theatre will be ‘Mary Poppins’ and performances will take place in the Station House Theatre in Clifden from December 9-12th and 16-19th. Tickets will be €5 for children under 12 and OAPs and €10.00 for adults.

Thanks to all who participated and attended our Musical Review night in the Func Room of JC’s Bar on October 1st with a war time theme, it was great fun and a great success. Should you wish to be involved in any of Ceol Theatre’s productions, or if you can help out backstage or would like to get involved in any way, please contact John at 087-750-4697.

Page 25

Connemara Talent on TG4

Letterfrack Film Society

A strong Connemara contingent of talented dancers will feature in the popular TG4 show An Jig Gig this year. The new series began on Sunday September 26th and consists of 13 episodes in which Irish dancers of all genres and ages will compete for the title of An Jig Gig Champion 2010.

Connemara competitors include Lauren Coyne from Cornamona, who will appear in Show 3 on Sunday October 10th. Ava Casey from Carna performed under the name Cailín Chárna in the first show aired on Sunday September 26th and gave a great performance. The fourth show in the series on Sunday October 17th will feature Maedbh O Neill of Ballyconneely who is already well known in the area for her super talent in sean nós dance. Maedbh is a pupil of the dedicated teacher and dancer Irene Cunningham of Cashel. Helen Flaherty of Clifden will appear on Show 7 on November 11th.

So tune in and support the local Connemara talent as they display the very best of Irish dancing every Sunday evening on TG4.

The Letterfrack Film society is starting its Autumn Season on Tuesday November 2nd with the delightful Irish film His & Hers, which was described by the critics as “The must-see Irish Film of 2010, hilarious and heartbreaking” and “impossibly charming and sweetly profound”. It was the winner of major awards at the Galway, Dublin and Sundance Film Festivals and the Irish Film and Television Awards.

On Tuesday November 9th, they are showing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a dark and compelling thriller based on the international best-selling novel by Swedish author, Stieg Larsson.

The season will run every Tuesday night from November 2nd until December 7th, so check out the November Issue of the Connemara View for further listings. All the films start at 8.30pm sharp in the audio-visual centre of the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack and everybody is welcome. Admission at the door is €6.50 (concession €5) or you can save money by buying a season ticket to see all the films. Brigid Sealy, info@letterfrackfilm.net

Winter Crochet Classes

Local crochet teacher Peggy Mannion will resume classes for beginners and all levels of ability on Friday October 22nd. Classes take place at the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden for 7 weeks from 8-10pm. Some materials will be available. For more information or to book places contact Peggy after 5pm at 086-882-6120.

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

Photos clockwise from top right. Helen Flaherty of Clifden. Cailín Chárna Ava Casey.

Maedbh O Neill of Ballyconneely with An Jig Gig Judge Labhrás Sonai Choilm Learraí. Lauren Coyne from Cornamona.

Photos courtesy of Adare Productions

Page 26

October 2010

Connemara ArtsView

Creative Connemara

A wealth of local and visiting artists displayed their works in various venues all over the town, with a stunning diversity and range of talents once again on display. While we only have room for a small selection here, suffice to say that anyone who took in the Art Trail will have been enthralled and entertained by Clifden’s annual transformation into an art Mecca.

Sean Halpenny’s dreamy exhibition entitled ‘Staring into Space’ was opened with humour and wit by Joe Boske, in a pre Arts Festival launch on Wednesday September 15th. (Photo left). Ag Dul Siar, an exhibition of works

by Bernie Dignam, Marie Bailey and Linda Carey also opened before the Festival and ran throughout at the Zetland Hotel (See Page 8).

Photo right: Gina Pryce of Clifden exhibited some of her nature photography for the first time in a joint exhibition entitled ‘The Wandering Eye’ with Shelly McDonnell (see front cover) on Bridge St. Shelly’s exhibition of oil portraits and video installation of Clifden street scenes uniquely captured the essence of the town’s streets and faces.

Photos below (l-r): Local artist Bernard O Scanaill and Grace O’ Grady were pictured at the launch of Bernard’s exhibition on Bridge St. Nancy Whelan held a textile exhibition of ‘Waist Knots-Art you can wear’ at Saz’s Salon. She and Sarah Coyne are pictured here modelling some of the creations.

Local milliner Isobel Marinot-Woods unveiled her stunning Autumn/Winter collection of handmade hats at Ohh! By Gum boutique at the Station House.

Pictured modelling some of the fantastic creations were (l-r): Kiara Mannion, Mary Tansey, hatmaker Isobel Marinot-Woods and Sharon Griffin, proprietor of Ohh! By Gum.

Local & Visiting Stars Perform Magically

Connemara ArtsView

The soundtrack to the 2010 Clifden Arts Festival would surely be an interesting mix, with serene and soul-stirring classical music, foot tapping jazz and blues, and lashings of the best of Irish trad to be found in varying venues on a daily basis.

Photos counterclockwise from left: The Cunningham family of Cashel gave a tremendous and spirited performance of their stage show Fuaim Chonamara at the Leisure Centre, where they were joined by a host of singers, musicians and dancers.

Local mezzo-soprano Alannah Robbins was accompanied by Elena Gekker for a lunchtime concert at the Church of Ireland, celebrating the works of Schumann.

Irish musical legends Christy Moore and Declan Sinnott played to a packed Clifden audience and were pictured before their departure at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel with Brian and Paul Hughes.

Liz and Yvonne Kane’s latest album ‘Side by Side’ was launched by Matt Cranitch to a packed house in the Vickers Bar at the Alcock.

October 2010

Page 27

Words, Words, Words...

Performed, On Air and On Paper. Delightful!

Photos clockwise from top left: • At the Opening of the 33rd annual Clifden Arts Festival at the West Connemara Leisure Centre were (l-r): Clifden Community School Principal Dr. Liam Bolger, Michael D. Higgins TD, Festival Director Brendan Flynn, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin TD and Eamonn McLoughlin.

• The crew of Connemara Community Radio once

again provided coverage of the Festival via ‘Arts on Air’, broadcast from the Station House complex. Breandan O Scanaill, whose first book was launched during the Festival (see page 14) was amongst those who stopped in to chat to Mary Ruddy, Grainne O’ Malley and Linda O’ Malley.

• Sean and Ros Coyne (Tegolin Knowland) performed ‘Hunger: A Dramatic Recital’ at the Clifden Library. They are pictured here with Eamon Grennan who devised and directed the work.

• Des Lally and Edna O’ Brien shared a fascinating open conversation with a rapt audience at the Station House Theatre, discussing Edna’s life and works.

• Local crime and thriller authors Pat Mullan and Maurice O Scanaill gave a talk on their writing techniques and skills titled ‘Murder in the afternoon’.

• Local author Anthony Previté launched his second book ‘A Guide to Lough Corrib’s Early Monastic Sites’ at Foyle’s hotel. (L-r): Connemara archaeologist Michael Gibbons who launched the book, Publishers Noel Mannion and Catherine Lavoie, Anthony and Christina Previté.

• The Clifden Library hosted many luminaries of the arts.

Michael Coady of the Gallery Press, Clifden Arts Festival Poet-in-residence and Ritan Ann Higgins, pictured here with Festival Director Brendan Flynn, were just some of the big names appearing at the Library this year.

• The Clifden Writer’s Group held an atmospheric reading of their works at Foyle’s Hotel, with musical accompaniment by Lol Hardiman. Lavinia Joyce thrilled with a suspense filled tale.

• Economist, broadcaster and author David McWilliams packed out the Station House Theatre for his pointed and irreverent stage show Outsiders which struck a chord with the rapt audience. He emphasised the importance of local communities strengthening their bonds and collective impact in the current economic climate, citing the Clifden Arts Festival as a shining example.

Page 28

October 2010

Connemara ArtsView

Fantastic Fare For Foodies The 2010 Leenane Food Festival was once again a resound-

Celebrity chef Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain restaurant in Dublin was accompanied by a craft butcher who butchered half an organic lamb into every cut of meat imaginable, demonstrating the versatility and value of every last bit of the wonderful meat. ing success, with scarcely a parking space to be found in Many kids greatly enjoyed a sushi making workshop the village over the weekend of September 25th and 26th. with Elizabeth Foyle and had their eyes opened to Crowds of over 200 people descended on the village over the joys of the healthy and delicious food all around the weekend to sample the very best of locally produced, them. Oran Daly of Portfinn Lodge gave a masterfresh, organic and seasonal food and to see expert demonclass demonstration in seafood cookery and mouth strations by professionals who were as enthusiastic about watering demonstrations were also given by Sean their ingredients as the customers.

Coote of the Leenane Hotel, Julie Flaherty of Lough Inagh Lodge, Jonathan Keane of the Mill Times Hotel, Madelein Brinklow of the Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre and Graham Roberts of the Connethrough a demo at the Leenane Food Festival. mara Smokehouse. Eamonn Hoult created a soup and main Photo above: The Connemara Beekeeper’s Stand was a big course using native seaweed, while Killary mussels abounded hit in Leenane with many people sampling the delicious everywhere. The Connemara Beekeeper’s Association had a honey from the Connemara bees. very popular stand, complete with bees to show how their Photos courtesy of Patricia Keane, Aoife Herriott & Saoirse Roberts honey is made. The organic Connemara Hill Lamb was a complete hit, with all stock selling out and huge interest and demand in the product.

The increasing interest in quality local produce was very apparent throughout the course of the weekend and Leenane has now established itself at the fore front of the promotion and celebration of indigenous food in the Connemara region.

Photo left top: Some local kids greatly enjoyed a sushi making workshop with Elizabeth Foyle at the 2010 Leenane Food Festival.

Photo left bottom: The produce of Kylemore Abbey farm was a huge hit with the crowds in Leenane.

Photo right : Jonathan Keane from Letterfrack and Head Chef at the Mill Times Hotel inWestport talking Catherine O’ ‘Neill Bill Coen, Greenhill, Spiddal Jimmy Conneely, Knocknavaddy, Furbo, Spiddal 27/08/10. For a dwelling house, garage Pat (Padraic) Conneely, Ardvarna, Oughterard and private wastewater treatment system.

Louis Corbett, The Grove, Canrawer, Oughterard August & September 101242 O Malley, Grainne, Aughrusmore, 101161 Conneely, Padraic & Jimmy, BelBridie Curran, (née Kane), Collacruck, Cashel (formerly of Rosroe, Renvyle) 27/08/10. For an extension/alterations to leek, 04/08/10. For the retention of works Catherine Joyce, Dowros Beg, Letterfrack existing dwelling house and all ancillary to an existing quarry and for the extenGerald Nee, Gorman, Recess site works and site services. sion of that quarry under Section 261 Michéal O’Domhnaill, An Cheathru Rua 101264 Homburger, Philippe, Cloonderoof the Planning & Dev Act 2000. The Peggy O’Halloran, Kilkerrin, Connemara wen, 02/09/10. For retention of a pardevelopment will consist of the extraction Elizabeth (Bessie) Pryce, (née King), Coolacloy, Kingstown tially completed house and permission to by blasting and rock breaker of stone for complete same.

The Connemara View would like to extend sympathies to the family and friends of the filling and building and include ancil101269 Kelly, Christine , Carrowroe North deceased. This list is compiled from various sources and we apologise for any errors or omissions. lary works, road, crushing, temporary site 02/09/10. chun teach nua, garaiste agus office, portaloo, wheel wash and all other coras searachais a thogail. associated development works all on a 101270 M O Mainnin, Rosmuck, 02/09/10. site of total area circa 2.00 hectares. The Chun athchoiriu a dheanamh ar teach application includes landscaping, topsoil/ conaithe agus sineadh a chuir as, chomh overburden and screening berms. maith le coras searachais a thogail.

101191 Donohue, Paul, Maumeen, 101271 MacDonnacha, Paraic, Carrowroe 12/08/10. For a change of house plan North, 02/09/10. Chun teach conaithe previously granted under planning ref no. agus garaiste a thogail.

07/4146.

101285 Sharon Mulkerrin, Damien Pren101196 Curam Leanai na Ceathrun Rua dergast &, Claddaghduff, 06/09/10. For a Teo, Carrowroe South, 13/08/10, chun dwelling house, garage, treatment unit and pairt do mhonarcha 1, iar-mhonarcha raised percolation area together with all Arantronics, ar an eastat tionscail, a chuir ancillary site works and services. in oiruint agus a usaid i gcomhair seirbhisi 101298 King, Anne, Errislannon, 08/09/10. naiolainne, naionra agus iar-scoile, chomh To construct a new dwelling house, Kingmaith le clos spraoi a fhorbairt. span treatment plant and new percolation 101210 Woods, Pat, Ervallagh, 20/08/10. area.

To restore, reconstruct, and extend exist101304, McKnight, Ita, Aughrusbeg, ing derelict/semi ruinous building as a 09/09/10. For retention and compledwelling house with a private wastewater tion of partially constructed dwelling treatment system. house, provision of new sewage treatment 101221 Mullen, Kieran, Ballynew, 25/08/10. system and all ancillary site works and site For retention of existing storage shed services.

(72sqm) and development of a new slatted 101310 Brendan Day, John Mullins &, agricultural shed (133sqm).

Middlequarter, 09/09/10. For the demoli101223 Lally, Josephine, Maumeen, tion of existing structure and construction 26/08/10. Chun teach nua, garaiste agus Congratulations to John Walsh of Dernews and photos see ‘Clifden Weekly Lotto’ of staff accommodation, comprising of a coras searachais a thogail. rylough, Renvyle who scooped the Clifden on Facebook. Annual tickets, which qualify single storey building with connection to 101224 King, Stephen, Errisbeg West, Lotto Jackpot of €12,200 on Monday for every draw for a year from the date of existing on site services.

26/08/10. For dwellinghouse, treatment September 27th. John collected his winning purchase, are available from Pat Casey, Dave 101319 Ni Chonghaile, Aine, Errisbeg, system, percolation area and all associated with family and friends at Mannion’s Bar on Beecher and at the express checkout at 10/09/10. Chun teach conaithe agus site works.

Monday October 4th.

Kavanagh’s Super Valu in Clifden. seirbhis searachais a thogail.

101237 Mannion, John B, Gortrummagh, For weekly updates, winning numbers, Photo courtesy of Paul Mannion Source: www.galway.ie

Death Notices

Planning Applications

Clifden Lotto €12,200 Jackpot Win

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2010

Page 29

Autumn has now well and truly taken hold, with the days getting shorter and a decided chill in the mornings and evenings. The trees are now changing colour or have started to shed their leaves and fruits are everywhere, brightening up the hedgerows and fields. There are plenty of rosehips, haws, rowan, blackberries, and apples, to name but a few. Flowers are getting scarce, but there is still plenty of colour and often these late flowers shine out better as they have less competition. Look out for kaffir lilies, bergenia and nerines, all of which are at their best at this time.

I love this time in the garden as the atmosphere is predominantly peaceful, occasionally loud but still lazy with the buzz of bees and the hum of insects. The majority of the regular jobs are over. The grass will still need to be cut but the growth has slowed. There will be less deadheading or tidying up of herbaceous plants and watering and feeding will have stopped. It is a time to plan and to work on new projects.

I think we all need challenges to keep our interest alive-a garden even more so than a house is constantly changing, between plants coming into flower or going over. There are also trees and shrubs growing too big for spaces or not thriving and needing attention. It is not a space that is ever finished.

No matter how small a space you have you must give it attention, and the introduction of new elements, be they plant material or hard landscaping can increase our interest in the space.

I have a few ideas for this autumn and winter. I need new steps and a path in one part of the garden. I began work on that last year, but was hampered since because of lack of easy access.

So the new work should make it easier.

I also want to clear some rough growth and plant a few flowering

It’s almost the end of a busy season now and it was an exceptional growing year. The last four years of rotations and adding manures and seaweed have made an enormous difference to the boggy ground we originally started on. Of course the warm weather this April and May gave us an early start to warm up the soil for every kind of crop. Even so, we almost ran out of water, so everything got a good soaking to survive the ‘drought’. When the rain came at last in July all the greens were well on the way, ready for an explosion in size. Due to this year’s weather conditions, a cold winter followed by an early hot summer, the problem with slugs, snails and other bugs was minimal.

However in September the caterpillars had their day on the kale and turnip tops and the birds also get their share.

Our bees take every opportunity to collect pollen and nectar on the different vegetables which are flowering now and going to seed. In the past seasons they would have landed on the compost heap long before that. These little critters were very active this summer. We started off with 3 hives which successfully survived the harsh winter.

2 of them decided to swarm in early June so we caught them and settled them in 2 new brood boxes. Later another swarm sneaked in under 2 black tyres covered with

Page 30

trees and shrubs to add interest to this part of the garden. I had planted some hydrangeas a few years ago and they are doing fairly well but are suffering a bit from the shade of the shrubby plants around them.

The trees which I planted last year have done well but I think that one or two which I kept in pots are not as happy. We have had a lot of dry weather and pots are not happy in this condition.

A few people have asked me about harvesting seeds from their flowers and plants. I will have to say that I am no expert on this, but some plants are very simple to work with. Wallflowers, lupins, everlasting sweet pea, and evening primrose all produce masses of seed. I cut off the flower heads and hang them upside down in a paper bag and just let the seed fall out when they are fully ripe. Earlier in the year, this same method is great for columbine, poppy, and sweet rocket. Marigolds also seed freely. It is worth trying this method with almost any flower-what have you got to lose? Make sure that you use a paper bag as plastic sweats and the seeds will rot.

Once the seeds have fallen out, place them into smaller paper bags and envelopes.

Make sure you write what they are on the packet, as it gets very difficult to remember what is what.

A lot of bigger seeds can also be saved but these can be tricky. Some have to be chilled for a certain amount of time, others planted when fresh, and yet others need to be dried. If you like the idea of the challenge it is worth reading up on them and seeing what happens.

Now is a great time to tidy up shrub and herbaceous borders. The growth has stopped but the plants are still there, so it is possible to see where everything is and what you might need to move. Don’t be afraid of dividing plants at this stage, most are hardier than you think. It is a good idea to change the planting every few

a wooden lid. We didn’t notice until a month later when they’d already built a few combs and collected a fair amount of honey. These we have also rehoused and hopefully they’ll settle in for the winter.

After having our wind turbine for one year now, we calculated that it saved us about one third of our electricity. Mind you, there wasn’t as much wind this year as it was in other years-so it can only get better! At some stages during this time our little spinner was over producing 236 kw, which the ESB credited us to our account. We are happy that we can even make a small positive difference to the environment.

Due to a little extension to our farm we needed some more help from new friends (volunteers) and acquired a small used caravan. We fixed it up and now it accommodates 3 more willing workers. We had an array of young and not so young people staying with us this summer and we all exchanged experiences. Amongst them was a French Chef who was in his element cooking with all the fresh organic vegetables.

We decided he was better in the kitchen then in the garden.

The mild autumn in Connemara this year extended the growing season of different salad crops. Sadly the demand this year was down again on last year, which meant for us that there was more lettuce and other veggies going to the chickens and rabbits or landed on the compost heap than sold or eaten. So my husband’s positive answer was

years, a little like crop rotation. The plants seem healthier when you divide and move them.

If you do decide to have a change, dig the ground deep and incorporate a lot of organic material into the mix before replanting.

It is also the time to bag your fallen leaves in order to create leaf mould. This is a simple task which I find very therapeutic. Rake or brush your leaves into piles and place them in heavy plastic bags. Move them to a part of the garden where they will not cause an eye sore and make sure they are well watered. Tie the bags closed and make a few holes in the bottom. The insects, worms etc. will do all the work and within a year you will have one of the nicest composts you can imagine. I mentioned heavy plastic as I have had too many experiences with light refuse sacks tearing as I try and lift them, either when I am putting them away or taking them out at the end of the year. So from now on it’s heavy duty bags for me!

This month is also a good time to plant garlic.

Just divide up a bulb into the various pieces and plant and the garlic should be perfect for eating early next year. Spring bulbs are readily available this month. Daffodils can be planted straight away but you could leave tulips for some time yet. Make sure when you are buying that the bulbs are in good condition, that they are not gone soft or that there are no signs of fungus or mould. Plant them over twice their own depth to keep them safe from mice and other pests. I feel that this also keeps them thriving longer.

Happy Gardening. Breandan O Scanaill

Connemara Garden Club The Connemara Garden Club is back indoors for the winter and we always welcome new members. It is useful to link up with people who have the same interests, especially if you have only moved to the area or are starting a new garden. The club does regular seed and cutting swaps, so there is a chance to build up your stock of plants at very little cost.

The Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Station House Hotel at 8pm.

“If we haven’t got enough to throw away, we haven’t got enough!”

Our goal for next year is to promote more support for buying local and fresher food.

Hopefully more hotels, restaurants and shops will share with us in this thought.

For the winter the Market is now finished and we will get on with tidying up the garden and getting things ready for next season. Much manure needs to be stored and covered to decompose into nutritious soil enhancer. Later the fruit bushes and trees get a haircut (pruning), so they may perform as well as this year. Winter crops need to be tended to and harvested in early November (eg. Oca, Ulluco, Yacon etc.) The new garlic is going to be planted in November in richly manured soil which is being prepared now.

There are still some blackberries and winter raspberries to be picked and the Strawberry plants need to be cut down and relocated.

The last potato bed also needs to be emptied

October 2010

and weeds never seem to stop growing here.

When folks say that we would take it easy in the winter, they don’t know what is going on on a farm. But we enjoy being busy with the land because most of the time we get more out of it than we put in-just look at some of these jumbo veggies! It’s a satisfying life.

Linda Jagobin Photos: Vincent Jagobin of Jagur Organic farm in Rossadillisk with a 1.5 kilo enormous red sails lettuce. Two of the Jagur Organic volunteers with a 12 kilo kohlrabi.

Connemara View Newspaper

What’s the Deal with...Eating Organic?

The month of September saw the fourth annual National Organic Week and National Organic Awards taking place in Ireland, with the aim of raising the profile of Irish organic food and the people and businesses that produce it. As an occasional consumer of organic food products, I decided to take a closer look at what ‘buying organic’ really means to the average shopper. I say ‘occasional’ as there is no doubt that I would aspire to being a more dedicated customer of organic products, but like many people I would freely admit to being a bit confused and bewildered by the claims and statements made in recent years by dedicated organic devotees and their counterparts. Is eating organic likely to positively benefit my health and wellbeing or is it simply a lifestyle choice that I can manage perfectly well without? There is the matter of cost, which cannot be disregarded these days, and the widely held perception that organic food is more expensive than non-organic food. With the international organic market experiencing a dynamic growth in recent years, it is also a matter of big business and that looks set to continue as the interest in and debate over the attributes of organic grows.

In the UK and USA, the organic market saw average growth in the region of 20% every year from the late 90’s to mid to late 00’s. In Ireland, 238 holdings with a total of 5459 hectares were registered as being under organic/ conversion management in 1993. By 2004 that figure had leapt to almost 900 organic farms, operating on close to 30,000 hectares. According to a Bord Bia report carried out

by Lorcan Bourke in 2008, the Irish organic market then stood at more than €100m and found that more people were buying organic habitually since 2003. As more and more of us fall out of love with the brightly lit convenience of the supermarket and rediscover the joy of dirt on our vegetables and a friendly face at our local market, the future of organic could be decidedly bright.

Organic food is defined by An Bord Bia as the result of farming which ‘requires the consideration and application of production methods that do not damage the environment, a respectful use of the countryside and concern for animal welfare.’ While more and more organic products appear on our supermarket shelves regularly, it would be fair to say that smaller retailers have been at the forefront of providing organic produce in our communities for many years now.

Organic farmers Linda and Vincent Jagobin, who grow a wide range of fresh garden produce on their holding in Rossadillisk may regularly be seen at markets in the Connemara area, in addition to carrying out home and business deliveries of seasonal boxes of their home grown produce. In late September, Linda indicated to me at the weekly market in Clifden that business was certainly down on last year, with less income from seasonal visitors to Connemara than in previous years. Organic farming and growing is a way of life for Linda and Vincent, but there is no denying that the income gained from the work involved is hard earned and has diminished due to the recession.

Terri Conroy of An Bhean Fheasa on Market St. in Clifden estimates that over 90% of the products she carries are organic and this includes cosmetic and skincare products as well as food products. In her opinion, the belief that organic products are more expensive is not always the case, and from a health perspective, she contends that the true cost of eating highly processed and/or genetically modified foods may not be fully understood for many years to come.

Just down the street, Eileen Halliday’s award winning Connemara Hamper offers some of the best tasting food on sale in Connemara, sourced and stocked with a keen emphasis on quality seasonal and organic products. With the exception of a few quarter bottles, The Connemara Hamper carries exclusively organic wine and Eileen is a strong advocate for its attributes. Organic wine contains dramatically lower levels of sulphites which are added to the vast majority of wines to increase their life spans. Many people who have sensitivity to sulphites find they can tolerate organic wines far more easily than commercially produced wines. Eileen also places great importance on the overall benefits of buying organic, not just for what we put into our bodies but also for the impact on the environment and the welfare of the animals that make up our food chain.

Also compelling is her confidence in her primary supplier of organic food, Cait Curran, who is the editor of Organic

Matters magazine. As I left with a copy of the Autumn issue under my arm, I began to get a better grasp of the real reasons why we should be making more of an effort to support and consume organic goods.

Next up was a walk around Kavanagh’s Super Valu on the Square. Manager Joe Lynch told me “It’s clear that consumer interest in organic food has increased in recent years. At present we have organic chicken and sirloin in our meat department, dairy products including milk, cheese and yoghurt, various organic fresh produce and also wine and cereal products”. Super Valu also stocks organic smoked salmon from one of Connemara’s true food gems, The Connemara Smokehouse. The wild versus farmed salmon debate has raged for years with business and quality interests clashing on a huge scale, but in the mean time, organic farmed salmon has steadily become an attractive proposition for farmers and consumers alike.

Graham Roberts from The Connemara Smokehouse estimates that 45% of their products are organic at present, but going on increased interest and demand, he guesses that that figure could increase to as much as 65-70% of the business in five years time. He went on to explain “The main differences between organic and farmed salmon are the stocking density of the cages and the diet of the fish. The fish that we use (Clare Island) are stocked at 2 fish per tonne of water. Their diet consists of organic fish meal and crustaceans and contains a phaffia yeast which ferments to give them their colour. They are kept in extremely exposed conditions with strong tidal currents. These conditions compel the fish to swim a lot which results in a well exercised fish with a good firm texture and a lower than average fat content.” As a fan of smoked salmon, I personally have been buying organic regularly for some years now, but truthfully, this was the first time I understood the actual difference.

One of the issues that struck me was either the presence or absence of a logo or symbol to certify a product as being organic, as almost everyone I had spoken to at this point had referred to the stringency of organic certification in Ireland. In the Bord Bia survey previously referred to, 1000 respondents were asked “If you were considering buying organic food, which of these would you rely on the most to guarantee the authenticity of that food?” 59% replied ‘the word organic on the food packet’, while only 25% answered ‘a symbol from a certifying body’. I suspect this may arise from unfamiliarity with any particular logo but I would place myself in the 25% who would prefer to see an approved symbol.

As it happens, there are of course symbols that guarantee Irish foods as certified organic. (See symbols right) IOFGA (Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association) is the leading body in Ireland, with twenty five years of experience in inspecting, certifying and networking with organic farmers.

Organic Matters magazine is the publication of this organisation and is a veritable mine of information on all aspects of the Irish organic scene.

The Irish organic sector is regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and food and there are five bodies approved by the Dept. to carry approved logos indicating organic produce. They are the IOFGA, Organic Trust, The Institute for Marketecology (IMO), Global Trust Certification Limited (GTC), and Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA), so any of those logos on a product will confirm its organic credentials.

Examining the reasons to buy organic products has been revealing and on the whole, convincing. While the issue of spending a few cent or euro more is undoubtedly a factor in most people’s food shopping budgets,

Connemara View Newspaper

October 2010

I am now convinced that with regard to some products in particular, I can justify the extra expense, if and when it occurs. I prefer the taste of organic milk and dairy products and find the award winning Irish organic Glenisk dairy products exceptionally good. Organic salmon makes sense to me, and as a keen devotee of eggs from my own hens, I never buy eggs from caged hens. For those who don’t keep their own, free range eggs are worth a few cents extra as the inhumanity of battery farmed chicken is truly appalling.

Admittedly, there is a very significant price difference between free range and intensively reared chicken for the table, but I am still prepared to pay more for the real flavour and ethical value of a decently reared bird.

I have also come across various studies questioning whether organic food really offers any significant nutritional advantage to commercially produced produce, but of course it always comes back to personal choice. I want to feel good about what I eat; where it comes from, what impact it has on our land and the quality of lives lived by the animals I eat.

And I believe that the way to achieve that is by looking at what I eat before I buy it and eating and shopping ethically wherever possible. If our local and national economy also benefits as a result, the arguments in favour of organic must surely convince.

Catherine Pryce.

For more information on organic food and farming in Ireland see www.iofga.org, www.organic-trust.org www. organicmattersmag.com or www.agriculture.gov.ie/ farmingsectors/organicfarming/

Connemara View Newspaper 7,500 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888 087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor: Catherine Pryce Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Advertising/Admin: Paula Bann Contributors: John Amenhauser, Shane Bisgood, John Brittain, Kathleen Burke, Tom Broderick, Ruth Carson, Judy Cazabon, John Cláro, Charles Conneely, John Connolly, Tony Coyne, Arnaud Cuvier, Oran Daly, Richard De Stacpoole, Marie Dickinson, Marina Fiddler, Colin Folan, Paul Gannon, Nicholas Griffin, Rosemary Hanley, Jacqueline Hannon, Lol Hardiman, Padraic Heanue, Jimmy Heffernan, Aoife Herriott, Lorna Hill, Patrick Howard, Laurence Ingelbach, Linda Jagobin, Bernie Jeff ries, P.K. Joyce, Shane Joyce, Patricia Keane, Anna Marie King, Padraic Lyden, Declan Mannion, Paul Mannion, Peggy Mannion, Antoinette & Terence McCoy, Eamonn McLoughlin Jnr, Maria McLoughlin, Ann Mitchell, Kevin Mullin, K. O’ Brien, Seán Ó Mainnin, Breandan O Scanaill, Maurice O Scanaill, Matt O’Sullivan, Harry O’ Toole, Anthony Previte, Kevin Prunty, Rose Rima, Saoirse Roberts, Ruth Rogers, Bernhard Sanders, Janet Schley, Hagen Schmidt, Brigid Sealy, Margaret Sheehan, Anne Steyaert, Harry Walsh, Noreen Walsh, Marie Walsh, Declan Weir.

Plus many local schools, groups & organisations.

Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.

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Business Notes

tion House Hotel in Clifden from 7.30 to 9.30pm. For more information contact Carol at 087-141-3026 or go to www.breakthroughretreat.com.

A novel way of turning your old, broken and damaged or simply unwanted gold jewellery is now available on a permanent basis in Clifden. Grace Joyce of Gifts By Grace on Courthouse Square is now a fully trained agent of goldparty.ie, a successful new Irish business founded by Galway business man Richard Walsh and his daughter Laura.

Gold has long continued to be a safe investment and even in these economic times its value remains high, so any old or unwanted gold is suitable for selling to goldparty.ie.

Grace herself has been fully trained in gold testing and valuing and on consultation will be in a position to give you an almost immediate valuation of your gold items. Recycling old gold, which is mostly used to create jewellery items, is also environmentally friendly, and while Gold Party also accepts gold for sale by post or at dedicated Gold Parties hosted by agents, the simplest way is to have a one on one consultation with an agent like Grace. In order to have your gold valued by Grace, an appointment is necessary. Phone 095-22101 for an appointment to see just how much your gold could be worth.

‘Window to the World’

Gold Valuing By Grace

Breakthrough Retreats Carol Passemard is a Professional Business Coach and Personal Life Coach who is now practising in the Connemara area. Carol originally trained as a nurse but has been a management consultant for over 20 years now, helping companies and other organisations achieve excellence in their business activities. Through this she identified key processes for helping and supporting individuals, couples and small groups achieve their aspirations. She is now a certified trainer of NLP (Neuro linguistic Programming), Hypnosis (deep relaxation), Timeline Therapy and Creating your Future processes.

Connemara Breakthrough retreats can help individuals, couples or small groups to get in touch with their core values, to understand themselves and their behavior, skills and talents better and resolve the limiting beliefs and decisions that can hold them back. Retreats involve working on the unconscious mind and help to plan and create a positive and exciting future.

Carol will hold an introductory workshop on Thursday October 14th at the Sta-

A new and innovative local advertising concept is currently being rolled out in Moycullen village. Artist and writer Lynda Cookson has co-ordinated an inexpensive window rental scheme, whereby small businesses looking to promote and advertise their services can use the windows of vacant business units as ‘A window to the world for your business’. A display of products and services can be displayed in a window ranging upwards from approximately half a metre wide and two metres high. Alternatively there is a Classifieds window where you can advertise your business on an A4 size poster. All letting contracts are monthly. The windows available for displays are large and Moycullen has a strong residential population including some very motivated business people.

Lynda, who opened The Painter’s Palette Art Gallery and Working Studio in the Moycullen Shopping Centre on October 1st at Unit in An Cearnóg Nua said “Especially in times of recession it’s very necessary for you to promote your business well. Cutting back on marketing and promotion with the intention of riding out the bad times is a bit like getting off your horse while you wait to see if you’re going to win the race!”

For more information on rates and how to advertise your business, contact Lynda at 086-348-9888.

Fáilte Babógbaby ‘Babógbaby’, the world’s first Irish speaking toy, created by Adrian Devane of Moycullen, has been making great leaps and bounds in recent times. As well as featuring on Today FM and on 2fm’s Tubridy Show, ‘Babógbaby’ was announced as a Gold Category winner at the Practical Pre-School Awards in the U.K. on September 24th, a remarkable achievement given that the toy is an Irish speaking aid for children.

The award-winning cuddly and colourful teddy bear teaches toddlers and children 33 words in Irish. BB has bright buttons to press and in response the teddy speaks the friendly-sounding Irish words for basic numbers, colours and shapes. “I saw a gap in the market when, after having our first child, my wife Karen and I noticed there were lots

I have been self-employed for the past four years but recently work has been very quiet and some weeks I have no work at all. What supports are there for selfemployed people who are unemployed or working part-time?

If you are self-employed and become unemployed or are getting less work you may qualify for social welfare. You do

Page 32

of toys available but none that spoke or taught Irish,” says Adrian.

“We live in the Gaeltacht and we want to speak more Irish at home, and have our children speak it. BB the teddy bear arrives in October to coincide with the arrival of our own second child, so it’s going to be a very exciting month round here!”

BB the Irish speaking teddy bear will also be making a special appearance on the ever popular Late Late Toy Show at the end of November. He will also be at the Galway Christmas market from November 19th to December 19th and in the RDS craft fair from December 1st-5th. Babógbaby bears can be ordered online at www.babogbaby. com and will be dispatched in mid October.

They will also be available in Smyth’s toyshops nationwide, ArtnHobby nationwide, World of Wonder Galway as well as selected smaller retailers in the run up to Christmas.

For more information and to see BB for yourself, go to www.babogbaby.com.

Photo: Adrian Devane of Moycullen with BB, the award winning world’s first Irish speaking toy.

Go Nordic Walking Recently, you may have seen people out walking with long poles in the Renvyle area.

If you have been wondering what on earth are they doing they are actually ‘Nordic Walkers’ taking part in the latest Walkfit Class designed by local therapist Eileen O’Connor.

Registered Physical Therapist Eileen has recently opened a new Physical Therapy and Nutrition Clinic at Connemara West, where she will be offering treatment for back pain, sports injuries, arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia and more. She also recently headed up the first Nordic Walking Class in County Galway, which was launched in Tullycross and Letterfrack

not need to close your business or stop working as self-employed, nor do you have to de-register as self-employed.

Self-employed people pay Class S PRSI, which only covers you for certain social welfare payments and does not cover you for Jobseeker’s Benefit. However, if you worked as an employee in the last 4 years, you may have paid Class A PRSI and should apply to your Social Welfare Local Office for Jobseeker’s Benefit.

If you do not qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit you may get Jobseeker’s Allowance, which is means-tested. The earnings from your business are assessed and the assessment must reflect the income you may reasonably be expected to get from your business over the next 12 months. Income for the last 12 months will be taken as a guide but allowing for any factors which it is known will vary. You should be prepared to discuss these factors when you are assessed. Earnings are assessed as gross income less work related expenses over 12 months. Your expected annual earnings from self-employment is divided by 52 to find your weekly means from selfemployment. There is no exhaustive list of expenses allowed as these vary with the nature and extent of self-employment.

To prove the level of income from your business you must provide receipts and payments or audited accounts. Usually, you will be asked for your details for the current and previ-

October 2010

last month.

Nordic walking classes are spreading fast across Ireland and its popularity is ever increasing. Simply put, Nordic Walking is walking with arms and legs. It is a full body workout whilst getting the benefits of being out in the fresh air and enjoying spectacular Connemara views. Eileen provides participants with the walking poles so that they can “try before they buy “and she explains “It is important to attend a class to pick up a safe and effective Nordic Walking technique and avoid injury. You will soon feel the benefit of this enhanced walking technique. Once you have mastered it you can go out on your own, but it is very important to get those initial lessons though or you simply won’t get the health benefits”.

Nordic Walking originates from summer training for cross-country skiers in Finland to keep up their fitness levels but people soon realised the benefits for non skiers.

Eileen says “I am very proud that Renvyle is the first place in Co. Galway to embrace this brilliant but simple technique which has many more health benefits than normal walking and other forms of exercise, and everyone can work at their own pace whether a social walker or an elite athlete needing sports specific cross-training”.

As a Registered Physical Therapist and Nutrition Specialist, Eileen is also able to give advice to those who may have any fitness concerns and teaches Nordic Walking in an indoor-to-outdoor setting. If you are interested in a Nordic Walking Class or the services provided by the Physical therapy and Nutrition Clinic, please contact Eileen on 087-142-6914.

Photo: Nordic walking trainer Eileen O’ Connor out with some enthusiastic walkers.

ous year, however, in certain cases you may be required to show audited accounts for the last two or more years.

There are other supports available. You may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while waiting to be assessed for a jobseeker’s payment or if you don’t qualify.

If your income is below a certain amount you may get a medical card or a GP visit card and you may get help with mortgage interest repayments or your rent. If you are in local authority housing you should contact your local authority and ask for a review of your rent because of the reduction in your income. If you have an exceptional or urgent need, for example, you need help with a funeral bill, there is a range of discretionary payments provided by the Community Welfare Officer in your local Health Centre.

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 or e-mail: clifden@citinfo.ie. Open: Thurs 7pm to 8pm, Fri 10.30am to 3.30pm. Please note our new address: 2nd Floor, Cashel/Connemara Credit Union, Seaview, Clifden.

Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890-777-121.

Connemara View Newspaper

County Intermediate Championship Final

Pirate Queens Ascend To Senior Throne Gráinne Mhaols 4-13

Glenamaddy/Williamstown 2-3

The experience gained from playing four consecutive years of Senior League football, coupled with a burning desire to atone for two previous Intermediate Championship final defeats in 2005 and 2007, were the crucial factors in ensuring that the adult footballers of Gráinne Mhaols GAA Club finally earned the right place to dine at the top table next year, along with Corofin, St. Brendan’s, Caherlistrane, Dunmore and Clonbur.

Mná an Iarthair’s graduation to Senior Championship for 2011 has brought great joy and relief to players, supporters and management alike with the latter taking particular satisfaction from the accomplished and professional nature of the performance. Glenamaddy-Williamstown on the other hand can have no complaints on this occasion, as they were outfought, outmanoeuvered and ultimately outclassed by their outstanding opponents for almost the entire duration of the contest.

Gráinne Mhaols hit the ground running and in the process Photo top: Gráinne Mhaols 2010 County Intermediate Championship Winners. Back Row (l to r) Lorraine Heffernan, Emily Gibbons, Alison Coneys, Lauren Heanue, Geraldine McTavish, Jane Gibbons, Doireann Sheridan, Megan King, Sarah Brittain, Katie Coohill, Lisa Coohill, Paula Coohill, Bríd McDonagh, John Francis Flaherty (Manager). Front Row (l to r) Paul Gannon (Manager), Máire Coyne, Brenda Mulkerrins, Kaetlin Wallace, Chloe O’Malley, Mairéad Coyne (Captain), Becky Heanue, Fionnuala Hanningan-Dunkley, Mary Young (Manager), Kim Young, Nóirín Coyne, Maryanna McDonagh, Máire Clotherty.

Photo above right: Gráinne Mhaols Captain Mairéad Coyne delivers her post match speech with technical assistance from Connemara Community Radio’s Brendan Ridge and under the watchful eye of some of her team’s supporters.

Connemara SportsView

produced their finest display of football since their 2006 demolition of Milltown in the County Intermediate League final.

The foundation for this historic victory was laid in the opening ten minutes, when the West Connemara girls took a vice-like grip on proceedings all over the pitch. They seemed to have a complete monopoly on possession and this time they made it stick on the scoreboard.

Inspirational captain Mairéad Coyne, operating at left half forward, led by example with the opening point after thirty seconds. She added two more in quick succession. Corner forward Máire Cloherty followed suit with another, and after full forward Katie Coohill blasted an unstoppable rising drive into the top corner, the writing was already on the wall for Glenamaddy-Williamstown, even though the match was only eight minutes old.

With Lisa Coohill, Geraldine McTavish and Kim Young in the ascendancy at midfield and the outstanding Maryanna McDonagh blazing a trail of destruction down the right hand side of the attack, Gráinne Mhaols really went for the

October 2010

jugular in that opening period. Mairéad Coyne tacked on two further points and then offloaded a beautiful pass to the on-running Lisa Coohill who planted a real piledriver into the roof of Johanna Connolly’s net on twenty four minutes.

The tenacity of Paula Coohill, Lorraine Heffernan and Fionnuala Hannigan-Dunkley in the Gráinne Mhaols half back line, allied to the assured handling and excellent reading of the play by corner backs Máire and Nóirín Coyne, had kept Glenamaddy-Williamstown scoreless up to that point.

Continued on page 37

Page 33

League Victory and County Heartbreak for Clifden Minors After achieving a fantastic 3-13 to 0-8 victory over Oughterard to claim the West Board Minor B Championship on September 4th, the Naomh Fechin An Clochan Minors qualified for the County Minor B Championhip final against Williamstown in Pearse Stadium on Sunday October 3rd.

Clifden got off to a good start with two points from Peter Cullen and Chris Holmes. Williamstown leveled up matters with two of their own and then went into the lead with two more points.

Just before half time, a Gerard Gibbons point from a free, left Williamstown leading by a point at the interval. Conall Joyce tied it up again with a point two minutes into the second half. Williamstown pulled another two points clear before Chris Holmes pointed again for Clifden, again leaving us one point behind after 15 minutes of the second half.

Williamstown then got in for a crucial goal from their corner forward, which deflected off a Clifden back. Peter Cullen then scored a point for Clifden, leaving a goal separating the sides with ten minutes to go. Clifden’s Gerard Gibbons tacked on another point before two more came from Williamstown, putting them five points up.

At this point it seemed the game was slipping away from Clifden, but they rallied brilliantly with another point from Gerard Gibbons and a well taken goal from Chris Holmes leaving the minimum between the sides. Williamstown

Oughterard GAA Night at the Dogs Oughterard GAA is organising a community ‘Night at the Dogs’ on the 20th of November in the Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Tickets are priced at €20 and this includes admission on the night and entry into our buster draw. First prize in our buster draw is €1,200 with eight lucky dips of €100. We hope that everyone in Oughterard and the surrounding areas supports this event and has a great night out. It is also a great family night and kids are more than welcome on the night. Tickets are available from Liam Tierney 087-294-0319, John Byrne 086-1908030, Conor’s Shop and from various club members. Tickets are limited and are going fast.

pulled two clear again before Chris Holmes once more pointed for Clifden to leave us one behind again going into injury time. As much as they tried, Clifden could not get the equalizer and Williamstown held on for victory, 1-10 to 1-09.

It was a tremendous effort from the Clifden lads who have had a fantastic year. They should all be very proud of themselves and we know that there will be better days ahead for them all. Tony Coyne Naomh Fechin An Clochan scorers: Chris Holmes 1-3, Gerard Gibbons 0-3, Peter Cullen 0-2, Conall Joyce 0-1.

Photo above: The Naomh Fechin Clifden West Board Final winning team which defeated Oughterard on September 9th.

Photo right top: Captain Eoghan Kilkenny raises the West Board B Final Championship cup.

Photos courtesy of Ann Mitchell

County Final Sponsorship On Friday October 1st, Joe Lynch of Kavanagh’s Super Valu in Clifden, primary sponsor of the Clifden Naomh Fechin GAA club, presented representatives of the club with sponsorship for a post match meal for the County Final of October 3rd.

Photo right (l-r): Clifden Minors selector Tomás King, Manager Pat King, Captain Eoghan Kilkenny, Conall Joyce, Chris Holmes, selector John McDonagh and Super Valu manager Joe Lynch.

buyers. Our online lotto is a great way for our club supporters to support Oughterard GAA. Online tickets can be purchased at http://www.locallotto.ie/Galway/OughterardGAA/. We encourage all of our current members, ex members and community to keep supporting our lotto. We also hope that we can all work together to promote this lotto and help get back in touch with people from Oughterard and Galway who may now be living all over the world.

Underage Awards Night The Underage Awards night took place in

the Stand at the GAA pitch on Wednesday 22nd September. It was a great night with a barbecue provided by Dermot Walsh and a slide show of photos from matches played during the year. Intermediate players Eddie O’ Sullivan and Joe-Joe Greaney made the presentations. Maria O’ Halloran presented a Certificate to all the Under 8 players. Other winners were: • U10 Most improved player: Cian Monaghan • U14 Most improved player: Rory O Connor • U14 Players Player: James McMahon • U16 Most improved player: Jake Edward

Photos (l-r): • U10 Players Player: Matthew Tierney • U12 Most Improved player: Oisín Darcy • U12 Player’s Player: Daniel Kenny • U16 Player’s Player: Myles Upton Terence Monaghan was thanked for his sponsorship of €2,000 which was greatly appreciated. Tribute was paid to all the teams who organise the 50/50 draw each week: Niall and Anne Walsh, Colette and Stephen McDonnell, Catherine and John Whittaker, Teresa Caine, Kathleen Hanley, Diane Lee, Marie Tierney and Maura Moran.

News & Photos courtesy of Harry Walsh

Online GAA Lotto As a special incentive and thank you to our online lotto ticket buyers there will be one lucky dip allocated each week for the next 2 months to our online

Page 34

October 2010

Connemara SportsView

Clifden County Champs Mark 50 Years A 50th anniversary reunion dinner to honour the 1960 Clifden winning Junior Championship team will be held at the Station House Hotel in Clifden on November 13th. The Clifden side beat Kilconly on October 29th 1960 in the County Final in a thrilling match on a score of 1-05 to 1-04 and the tremendous victory is still recalled by many in the Clifden community.

6 of the 17 players are now sadly deceased (*) and their memories will be honoured at the event, where presentations will be made to the remaining former players. The 1960 team was: Billy Foyle (Goalkeeper), Pat Murphy, Liam O Reilly, Ciarán Joyce* Phil Coyne, David Griffin, Paddy Donnellan (Garda), Tom King, Coilin King*,Tommy Kelly, Sean Bartley (Captain), Ulick Joyce *, Brendan Conroy *, Frank Dyer *, Paul Fitzpatrick. Subs: Manny Coyne* and Francie Folan.

A Guest of Honour from the Galway 3 in a row winning team of the 60’s will make presentations on the night.

Tickets are available from Martin Conroy 086-832-0872, Tony Coyne, 087-204-7142 or Ann Mitchell 086-172-8954.

Leenane/Maam Red Cross 5K Run The Leenane /Maam branch of the Irish Red Cross are planning to host a 5 Mile Run, Jog and Walk through Leenane on Sunday November 21st.

Funds gathered on the day will go towards the upkeep of the local Ambulance. The run will start and finish in Leenane Village. This 5 mile run will take in some of the breathtaking scenery along Killary Harbour and will include the award winning Golden Mile in Glanagimla. This activity is for all serious runners and joggers, but it will also be open to anyone who might enjoy this fun activity. The race starts at 2pm at the Leenane Community Hall and Registration will take place in the Hall from 12 noon onwards. Entry fee is €15 for runners and €20 for families. There will be prizes for first, second and third place. Fancydress is also optional-so start training now! Refreshments will be provided at the end of the race.

For more information contact: Hazel Wade at 087-771-9751 or email Stephen Coyne at jonsteve2@msn.com.

National Bodybuilding Win David O’ Neill of Clifden and now living in Galway, where he trains at Galway City Gym, was the 2010 winner of the NABBA (National Amateur Body-Builders Association) First Timers Class at the Mr. Ireland competition in September.

Pirate Queens continued from page 33 They finally found a way through just before the interval, when a peach of a pass from county minor Ailish Gannon put Heather Joyce in and she calmly rounded Gráinne Mhaols custodian Becky Heanue before slotting the ball into the empty goal. It seemed as if the sheer quality of the score would surely spark a northern revival but Gráinne Mhaols response was both immediate and ruthless. Geraldine McTavish secured possession from the resultant kickout and drilled a long direct ball straight into Katie Coohill. Katie instantly released to the ever available Lisa and her subsequent marauding run through the heart of the GlenamaddyWilliamstown defence culminated with a carbon copy of her first goal. It was vintage Lisa and in many respects the creation and execution of this third goal sealed the fate of her vanquished opponents as they now trailed by 3-6 to 1-0.

Glenamaddy-Williamstown needed a blistering start to the second half to get back into contention, but right from the throw in Gráinne Mhaols reasserted their superiority when Geraldine McTavish picked out her old Carna club mate Maura Cloherty who supplied a sublime finish. This score set the tone for an incident packed first twelve minutes. The westerners spurned four great scoring opportunities, added on an excellent individual point from Maryanna McDonagh and had a goal from a Lisa Coohill ‘45 harshly disallowed. At the other end Becky Heanue pulled off a superb double save from Ailish Gannon, Heather Joyce shaved the post with a second goal chance and Máire Coyne made a timely interception on forty two minutes to prevent the final pass in a flowing movement from reaching its intended target.

Glenamaddy-Williamstown were finally coming to terms with the magnitude of the occasion courtesy of some wonderful attacking football, but they were hit with a real sucker punch on the three quarter mark. The industrious and hardworking Chloe O’Malley was the creator of Gráinne Mhaols fourth goal. She really impressed all through at top of the left, despite not getting on the scoreboard, and it was her perceptive pass that enabled Mairéad Coyne to execute a clinical close range finish. Further points from the captain and Lorraine Heffernan then extended the Gráinne Mhaols advantage to eighteen points with just ten minutes remaining. It was a lead of unassailable proportions.

The game was up for Glenamaddy-Williamstown, but to their great credit they threw caution to the wind and attacked in waves thereafter, in a bid to restore some semblance of respectability to the scoreline. Niamh Connolly missed a proverbial sitter and Ailish Gannon was unlucky to have her goal from a quickly taken free disallowed, but she made amends on fifty six minutes with a confident finish from fourteen yards. The same player added a point from a free and Sinead Purcell pointed from play on the stroke of full time.

Gráinne Mhaols now led by 4-10 to 2-3 and finished in

Connemara SportsView

style with three excellent points in injury time; two from Lisa Coohill to crown a superb individual display, with the final score of the match coming from the boot of Brenda Mulkerrins. The latter was introduced as a second half substitute along with Alison Coneys, Doireann Sheridan and Emily Gibbons. They all performed admirably in their first ever county final at this level. Pride of place in the second half however goes to full back and former captain Bríd McDonagh. When the Gráinne Mhaols rearguard came under siege in that final frenetic quarter, she was the one who led the resistance with mature and disciplined defending of the highest order.

Gráinne Mhaols have a busy Autumn schedule on the back of this well deserved victory. Ten of the squad travelled to Dublin on September 26th to compete in the annual All Ireland Intermediate Sevens. Victories over St. Brigid’s (Antrim), Garda (Dublin) and Coralstown-Kinnegad (Westmeath) secured them a second placed finish in Group 5 behind The Banner (Clare) and qualification for the Shield knock out competition for the fourth consecutive year.

A comprehensive victory over Laois Intermediate Champions St. Conleth’s set up a semi final showdown with arch rivals Milltown. In an epic encounter which rivaled any of their great matches over the years, Milltown prevailed by 5-3 to 4-5 and subsequently went on to win the All Ireland Final, a feat which Gráinne Mhaols themselves managed in 2007.

The West Connemara girls gained ample revenge however, last Sunday October 3rd when they comprehensively defeated Milltown by 6-13 to 3-06 in their penultimate Division 1 League match. This win guarantees Gráinne Mhaols a place in the 2010 Division 1 Shield final (3rd vs 4th). It is the first Senior Final that the club has ever reached within the county competitive structure and Gráinne Mhaol’s opponents could be Corofin, Dunmore or Clonbur.

For the moment however, the main focus has to be on this coming Sunday October 10th when the West Connemara side will contest the Connacht Intermediate Championship semi-final against Castlerea St. Kevin’s in Roscommon’s Hyde Park. No Galway club has ever won a Connacht Junior Championship and a Connacht Intermediate Championship. Dunmore (2004) and Tuam (2008) both fell at the final hurdle. Gráinne Mhaols, who won the Connacht Junior Championship in 2004, now have a wonderful opportunity to write themselves into the history books forever and if they can reproduce their county final form in the Hyde next Sunday they should be just one match away from doing so.

The Connacht Intermediate Championship semi final will be broadcast live on Connemara Community Radio on Sunday October 10th, with commentary by Brendan Ridge and kindly sponsored by Chris and Bridget Shanahan of Clifden Service Station. Kick-off is at 1pm.

Report & photos courtesy of Paul Gannon

October 2010

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

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

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

Heather Heanue and Colleen Curran. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Hooked on Music with John Duane. *Clifden Chamber of Commerce. 6-7pm: Alternate Weeks - As Gaeilge with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig OR Heyday with Bobbi O Regan. 7-8pm: Talk Sport with Vivian Cotter. *Galway CoCo. 8pm: Roundstone Report with Richard de Stacpoole and Anne Conneely. 8.15-9pm: Ann’s Mixed Bag with Ann Conneely.

Tuesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cliona Sheehan. *Connemara View Newspaper. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Louisa Jack.

5.05-6pm: Jack’s Spot with Jack Tomlinson. 6- 7pm: Live with John Dunne. 7-8pm: Community Matters with Pat Walshe. *Tullycross and Cashel Credit Unions. 8pm: Cashel Report with Bernard Lee. 8.15-8.25pm CIC. 8.15-8.25pm: CIC. 8.30-9pm Marion Herriot.

Wednesday: 11am-12 Noon: FORUM Programme with Cathy Keane and Brendan O’Malley.

4-6pm: Gateway Hour with Mickey Mac. 6- 7pm: My Kind of Music with Martin Conroy. *ClifdenSupply Centre.7-8pm: Lift the Latch with Michael O’ Neill and Helen King. 8pm: Clifden Report with Breandan O’Scanaill. 8.15-9pm: Music with Pat Keaney.

Thursday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Mary Roe. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Kathleen O’Brien. 5.05-6pm: Fáilte with Mary Corbett Joyce. 6- 7pm: The Food Show with Janet O’Toole. 7-8pm: The Great Outdoors with Breandan O’Scanaill. *Acton Construction.8 pm: Cleggan Claddaghduff Report with Mary Gordon O’Toole. 8.15-9pm: Specialist Music with Breandan O’Scanaill.

Friday: 11am-12 Noon: Friday Fix with Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirínn. 5.05-6pm: The Friday Feeling with Margaret Sheehan. 6-7pm: Lyrical Allsorts with Linda O’Malley. 7-8pm: Injury Time with Brendan Ridge. *AIB Clifden. 8pm: Ballyconneely Report with John O’ Malley. 8.15-9pm: American Country with Brendan Ridge.

Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with Heather Kearney. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tommy Roe. 5.05-6pm: Pretty Good Day so Far! with Sean Halpenny. 6- 7pm: Blue Highways with Lol Hardiman. 7-9 pm: Music Spectacular Alternate Weeks - Shelter from the Storm with Dave O’ Halloran or Coast to Coast with Paul Phelan.

Sunday: 10-11am: Sounds a Bit Irish with Eamonn McLoughlin.11am-12noon: Mass from Clifden. 4-5pm. Listen Here with Pete Ball.

5.05-6pm: Words & Music with Kathleen Faherty. 67pm: Footappin’ Time with Tom Mongan. 7-8pm: Senior Side of the Street with Josephine De Courcey. *FORUM. 8pm: Ballinakill Report with Paddy Gannon. 8.15-9pm: Decades of Hits with Michael Coyne.

Page 35

All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions Results Yearling colt: Mairtin Nee’s Doonreaghan Marty, by Coolilaun Cushlaun-Doonreaghan Star Yearling filly: Katie & Amy Curran’s Glencarrig Pixie, by Castle Giglo-Glencarrig Rachael Two year old filly: Caillin Conneely’s Letterdyfe Rachel Rose, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match-Letterdyfe Rose Three year old filly: Sinead Lusby McGrath’s Lucky Molly,

by Smokey Idea-Lucky Mavourneen Two & Three year old colts: Ciaran Curran’s Glencarrig Knight, by Janus-Coosheen Breeze Junior Champion: Lucky Molly Reserve: Letterdyfe Rachel Rose Stallions: Eamon Burke’s Clooneile Cashel, by Cloonisle Cashel-Tolka Bridge Filly Foal: Frances & Deirdre O’Reilly’s Glenmore Windy’s Molly, by Windy’s Boy-Glenmore Kelly’s Owen Colt Foal: Michael Conroy’s by Kippure Columbus-Cashel Sheeba Champion Foal: Michael Conroy’s by Kippure ColumbusCashel Sheeba : Reserve- Glenmore Windy’s Molly.

Four to six year old mare: Gearoid Curran’s Glencarig Rose,

by Coosheen Stormboy-April Rose Seven to twelve year old mare: Padraic Hynes Village Heather, by Boden Park Finnard-Village Girl Thirteen year old and over mare: Triona Gorham’s Sliabh Rua Carra, by Ardravinna Andy-Lettercallow Lady Bay Mare: Patrick Lee’s Corncullen Lady Silver, by Glencarrig Creggrush Silver-Corncullen Lady Star Geldings: Ernest Somerville’s Thunder Breeze, by Robe Thunder-Gallowstown Breeze All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions: Padraic Hynes Village Heather, by Boden Park Finnard-Village Girl. Reserve: Eamon Burke’s Clooneile Cashel, by Cloonisle Cashel-Tolka Bridge.

Show Report As the final curtain fell on the major Connemara shows it was fitting that the best wine was kept until last for the All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions Show at Roundstone on Sunday September 12th. Des Branville from Limerick judged all the classes and he selected as his Supreme Champion the lovely true to type Village Heather (Boden Park Finnard-Village Girl) owned by Padraic Hynes from Canal Stage in Clifden and bred by Patrick King in Lehid.

This provided Hynes with his first ever big win at Roundstone. ‘Heather’ has many accolades to her name; she was Supreme Champion at Boswell in June and is also a former Midlands All Ireland Broodmare. Unfortunately sponsor Ed Crotty from Ballinaclough Stud in Waterford was unable to attend owing to a mishap so Paddy McDonagh did the honours.

The Reserve Champion was Eamon Burke’s stallion Clooneile Cashel (Cloonisle Cashel-Tolka Bridge) exhib-

New Annual on Connemara Ponies Worldwide ‘The Connemara Pony Review’ is a new specialized publication edited and compiled by well known equestrian writer and photographer Ruth Rogers. The Connemara Pony Review will be an A4 size, full colour publication of news, views, show reviews and photographs of the 2010 Connemara Pony scene in Ireland and overseas.

It will feature reports from Ireland, the U.K., Europe, America and the Southern Hemisphere including stallion profiles and specialist features.

Contributors are asked to forward articles and photo-

Page 36

ited by Joe Burke and he was returning to a happy hunting ground having collected the Supreme Championship at the July Roundstone show.

The Junior Championship and Murty McGrath Cup had a select line up and for the second year in succession the McGrath brothers Kieran and Pat featured. Sinead Lusby McGrath’s three-year-old filly Lucky Molly (Smokey IdeaLucky Mavourneen) shown by her husband Pat McGrath was awarded the Champion’s sash ahead of local exhibitor Cailín Conneely with his two-year-old filly Letterdyfe Rachel Rose. The win was especially sweet for Pat and Sinead as they bred Lucky Idea but unfortunately lost her dam Lucky Mavourneen this year.

The show opened with the yearling colt class and featured some lovely stock. Mairtin Nee’s Doonreaghan Marty shown by Noel Nee won preference from Clifden winner Dolan Pete owned by Michelle Conroy from Ballyconneely. The yearling filly section went to Katie Curran and Glencarrig Pixie (Castle Giglo-Glencarrig Rachel) owned in partnership with her sister Amy. In the two and three year old colts, Ciaran Curran’s Glencarrig Knight ( Janus-Coosheen Breeze) certainly has that ‘look at me’ factor and took the red from the Spiddal Junior champion Rathlacken Cascade (Laerkens Cascade Dawn-Fairyhill Helen) owned by Sean Burke from Lacken, Ballina.

Frances and Deirdre O’Reilly came from Dundalk and went home happy after winning the filly foal class with Glenmore Windy’s Molly a daughter of Windy’s Boy and Glenmore Kelly’s Owen. The Champion Foal was the unnamed colt foal class winner by Kippure Columbus and the Ganty Blazer mare Cashel Sheeba owned by Michael Conroy from Tawnaghbawn, Cashel.

The Curran brothers from Moycullen rounded off a successful day in the four to six year old mares class won by Glencarrig Rose (Coosheen Stormboy-April Rose) owned and exhibited by Gearoid Curran, she stood ahead of Peter Molloy’s (Claddaghduff ) Dooneen Alice and Gentle Kate owned by John McLoughlin from Letterfrack. The line up in the seven to twelve year old mares’ class won by Village Heather was as good as one could ask for. Placed second to the Champion was Caroline Lydon’s (Carraroe) old type dun mare Dancing Maggie (Corncullen Silver Belle-Blathan) who has been consistent all year and was as usual produced to perfection by her young owner.

Triona Gorham from Bunowen handled her mare Sliabh Rua Carra skilfully when taking the thirteen year old graphs for consideration by e-mail to rodgersruth@eircom. net no later than Sunday October 31st. Photos must be captioned and have the photographer’s permission.

A wide range of advertising options are available. For more information or enquiries please contact Ruth at rodgersruth@eircom.net or call 087-254-0164.

October Connemara Pony Sales The next catalogue sale of Connemara ponies is a 5 day sale which will take place from Thursday October 21st to Monday 25th. Entries have now closed as we are full to capacity and cannot accept any more entries. The sales are as follows: Thurs. 21st: Colts (Yearlings and upwards), geldings, stallions and all riding ponies.

Fri. 22nd: Fillies (yearlings and upwards), and mares.

Sat 23rd, Sun 24th and Monday 25th: Foals and some broodmares.

Please note that only fully registered Connemara ponies and foals with passports will be accepted for the sales. Please ensure that you have your foals blood-typed in time to have your passport for the sales.

October 2010

and over class. Ernest and June Somerville travelled from Beelick, Co.Fermanagh to secure the gelding class with Thunder Breeze (Robe Thunder-Gallowstown Breeze).

Last but not least, in the bay class, Patrick Lee from Headford with Corncullen Lady Silver just shaded Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Starlight to receive the sash for the All Ireland bay mare.

The only losers at Roundstone were those who failed to show and the committee as usual had the show grounds in perfect order.

Ruth Rogers For more photos go to www.roundstoneevents.com Photo top: Padraic Hynes’s Village Heather won the 7 to 12 year old mare class at the All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions Show 2010 in Roundstone on September 12th and later went on to become the All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions. Padraic Hynes of Canal Stage, Ballinafad was presented with the T.J., Mickey and Mary McDonagh Cup by Judge Des Branville and Show Chairman Paddy ‘Yank’ McDonagh.

Photo right: Eamonn Burke’s Clooneile Cashel was winner of the Stallions Class and Reserve All Ireland Supreme Champion of Champions at Roundstone.

Photos by Tom Broderick Photos and Ruth Rogers

Winter Dressage & Jumping Leagues We are hoping to start the dressage and jumping leagues on October 31st. The benefits of these leagues and of riding throughout the year can be seen in the Connemara based riders who took part in the musical ride. All of them were regular competitors last winter and spring and they greatly improved their riding and their ponies, with some of the riders having a very successful showing season.

We were all delighted for Deirdre Holmes who had a super Clifden Show coming second in one of the biggest classes of the day on Knockban Yasha. This year we are hoping to prepare local riders and ponies for the popular working hunter classes. We will be running a course during the October mid-term break.

We will run 3 groups at different times: Experienced under 16, Beginners under 16 and an over 16. These courses will include dressage, jumping, stable management, finishing with the show on 31st. We are very happy that Pat White from Ross, Moyard will again sponsor and run the turn-out classes during the leagues. For further updates and information on the above please phone 095-44746 or find us on Facebook at ‘Cleggan Beach Riding Centre’. Judy Cazabon

Connemara SportsView

Blue Sharks Abound

ANGL I N G Inter-Provincial Competition On Saturday, September 11th, the annual Inter-Provincial Angling Competition was organised by the Connacht Angling Council and hosted by the Oughterard Anglers & Boatmen’s Association.

63 anglers took part, representing the four provinces and 33 boatmen were provided by the Oughterard Angling Club to guide the anglers through their day’s fishing. The competition was from 11am to 6pm and started and finished at Oughterard Pier.

This competition was catch and release with 61 trout registered with the biggest fish measuring 57cm (4lb approx). The presentation was held in the Boat Inn, Oughterard, where all competitors received a two course meal after their day’s exertions. Well done and thanks to Sean Finnerty, the Connacht Angling Council, Rory Clancy, the Boat Inn, and the 32 boatmen for their excellent service.

Results: Team Event: 1st Leinster, 2nd Ulster, 3rd Connacht, 4th Munster. Individual Angler: 1st Peter Dever, 2nd Hubert Smith, 3rd Mike Dunne. Heaviest Fish: Shane Callen Photos: Michael Waldron (Chairman Connacht Angling Council), John Gibbons (Chairman Oughterard Angling Club), Sean Finnerty (Sec. Connacht Angling Council), Mike Dever (Win-

Recess Anglers Inaugural Competition So the summer weather is well and truly over for another year. Lots of rain in early September brought the water levels up and the water temperature down. The September catches on Inagh traditionally have been the top month for Sea Trout and this month was no different.

The Recess Anglers held their inaugural fishing competition on Lough Inagh on Sunday September 5th. The first hour saw nice conditions and the lake produced 3 salmon for the lads, but sunshine and light winds put them in their place for the remaining six hours.

Sean Burke, Patrick Joyce and Thomas Burke caught salmon weighing 5lbs, 5lbs and 2.5lbs respectively. All three fish took salmon patterns fished on the tail. Debbie Hipp (USA) fished Inagh for an afternoon and landed five sea trout to 1.5lbs on a Bibio. Debbie also played a very large salmon (I presume) for 25 minutes but failed to get a look at it before the fly came back to her.

ning Angler) and Colman Shaughessy (Treasurer Connacht Angling Council). Anglers and boatmen at the Oughterard Pier.

Kevin Prunty-Sec. Oughterard Angling Club

Photo below: The Recess Anglers with their catch of three Salmon.

Report & photo courtesy of Colin Folan.

Annual Clifden Cattle Show and Sale The annual Cattle Show and Sale at Clifden Mart took place on Friday September 24th. Over 240 cattle were offered for sale on the day, 216 of which were sold. Bullocks over 400kg were sold from €775 to €850. Bullocks of 500kg and over went for between €925 and €1,022, while 650kg and upwards made prices of €1,075- €1,230.

In the heifers, prices for 400kgs and over ranged from €725-€800. 450kg and over sold from €800-€910, while the heifers over 600kg sold from €1,050-€1,175.

2nd: Michael Burke, Kingstown, Clifden, 3rd: Henry O’ Toole, Faulkeeragh, Clifden.

Continental Bullock: 1st: Maurice Needham, Ballynew, Cleggan, 2nd: Joe Mannion, Kylemore, 3rd: Michael Burke, Kingstown.

Non-Continental Heifer: 1st: Cailin Conneely, Letterdyfe, Roundstone, 2nd: Nicholas Barrett, Rahoon, Galway, 3rd: Nicholas Barrett, Rahoon, Galway.

Non-Continental Bullock: 1st: Joe Mannion, Kylemore, 2nd: John Halloran, Kingstown, Clifden, 3rd: John Halloran, Kingstown.

Photo: The Champion at the annual Clifden Cattle Show and Sale 2010 was a 734kg Continental heifer owned by Michael Burke of Kingstown, Clifden, seen here with Judges John Angleand and Seamus McGovern.

Clifden Weanling Show and Sale

Clifden Cattle Show Results The 2010 Clifden Cattle Show at the Clifden Mart on September 24th saw some quality stock entering the sales ring under the expert judging of John Angleand of Oughterard and Seamus McGovern of The Neale, Co. Mayo. Four classes saw Continental and Non Continental Heifers and Bullocks judged, with Michael Burke’s 734kg Continental Heifer eventually being awarded the Champion’ s Cup for 2010. She later sold for €1,250.

Results Continental Heifer: 1st: Michael Burke, Kingstown, Clifden,

Connemara SportsView

The annual Weanling Show and Sale took place at Clifden Mart on Friday October 1st. The four Show classes were judged by Francis Mooney of Craughwell. There were 340 weanlings on offer and there was very lively trade. Heifer weanling prices were as follows: 200kg to 250 kg sold from €460 to €575 euro, 250kg to 300kg sold from €600 to €615 and 300kg upwards sold from €650 to €800. Bull calves of 200kg to 250kg sold from €450 to €600, 250kg to 350kg sold from €620 to €700 and those 350kg and upwards sold from €750 to €900.

Results Continental Bull Calf: 1st Henry O Toole, Faulkeeragh, Clifden, 2nd Gerry Roche, Fahy, 3rd Henry O Toole, Clifden.

Continental Heifer: 1st Henry O’ Toole, Faulkeeragh, Clifden, 2nd James G. Flaherty, Renvyle, 3rd Thomas Whelan, Sky Rd, Clifden.

Non Continental Bull Calf: 1st Pascal Wallace, Maam, 2nd

October 2010

Early September saw some excellent shark fishing aboard John Brittain’s boat Bluewater from Cleggan, with an average of six per day caught in the first ten days of the month.

Luigi Dannini’s Italian group caught the biggest, closely followed by the BBC’s Monty Halls catch, which will feature on his next ‘Great Escape’ series. Both fish were up around 100lbs with Luigi’s measuring 6 foot 6 inches. Ground fishing was also good with a Dutch group taking 17 species on their 3 day trip including John Dory.

Photo right: One of the blue sharks which were caught, tagged and released on John Brittain’s Bluewater on September 10th.

Photo below: A Dutch fishing group caught John Dory as well as 16 other species over three days in September. Photos courtesy of John Brittain

Martin Lee, Dohulla, Ballyconneely, 3rd Pascal Wallace, Maam.

Non Continental Heifer: Michael Heanue, Derryinver, Renvyle. 2nd Malachy Sweeney, Bunowen, Ballyconneely, 3rd Paddy Joyce, Bunowen, Ballyconneely.

Photo: The Champion Calf at the Clifden Mart Annual Weanling sale was a 314kg continental bull calf owned by Henry O’ Toole of Faulkeeragh, Clifden, which sold for €1,000. Accepting the trophy here is Peter O’ Toole with Judge Francis Mooney.

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Renvyle’s David Mortimer Irish PGA Champion 2010 Professional golfer David Mortimer from Renvyle pulled off an incredible 40 foot eagle putt to win the 2010 PGA Irish Championship in stunning fashion at Seapoint, Co. Louth on Sunday September 26th.

In recent years he has quietly and diligently improved his game along the way receiving recognition at Interprovincial level, Irish Youths and Irish Seniors level.

On Saturday September 25th he eased up the leader board unannounced to take the outright lead ahead of Sunday’s final round.

The reward for his round 69 on Saturday was a pairing with the pre-tournament favourite Damien McGrane in the chase for the Irish PGA Championship and a title that has so far eluded the talented Meath man. Damien Mooney lost the lead after a third round 71.

From the outset, composure never aban-

doned Mortimer, even at the second when McGrane levelled the scores following a birdie, or even later at the ninth when the best he could do was scramble a par. Off the 10th tee box, the Renvyle native replied with a fairway splitting drive, after McGrane went wayward. He then carried two greenside side bunkers with a superb second to settle on the green in two. With deadly efficacy Mortimer holed his birdie chance to get back level, adding another birdie on the next hole to take a one shot lead until the 17th green.

On the final hole it was a stunning forty foot eagle putt delivered with Mortimer’s usual calmness and serenity, even under the pressure of a looming play off, that left the experienced McGrane aghast and clutching his head momentarily, particularly as he had just rattled the flag and was waiting to putt for a birdie.

It was the three foot vertical jump and shout for joy that finally showed Mortimer’s joy to all; understandable given his victory in a tough field, against a quality opponent on the final day and a tournament that had seen some harsh conditions midway through.

It was also the celebration of a second Irish PGA title, four years after the last in a season that is culminating into a series of milestones. They include the Glenmuir PGA

Championship six weeks ago and passing through Stage 1 of European Tour School last weekend in dreadful weather conditions at Dundonald Links.

Although the season is drawing to a close there are still more tournaments to be played with the Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in association with PING on October 17th, which he now leads outright. Mortimer will also play in the Skins PGA Fourball Championship at Forest Pines on October 6-8th, 2010 with partner Kevin McGrath (Birr) as they seek victory in the 54-hole event at the Lincoln course against defending champion Stuart Taylor (Island) and new partner James Erskine from Portpatrick Dunskey.

In mid November, Mortimer then heads to Stage 2 of European Tour Qualifying School. In 2011, Mortimer is lined up to play the PGA Cup for the Great Britain and Ireland team against the USA at CordeValle California as part of his win at the Glenmuir PGA Championship Grand Final.

However, before any of these trips the 2010 Irish PGA Champion has earned a start at the £4,500,000 BMW PGA Championship flagship event at Wentworth next May and gets the opportunity to test his skills amidst the world’s best golfers on the redesigned West Course.

September 16th and raised in the region of €4,500 for the local heart charity. Pictured below are some of the competitors (l-r): John McElhinney, Colm Kavanagh, Tom Lydon, Joe Noone, John Waters, John Oliver Molloy, Pat O’ Connell, Mike Kyne, Brendan Ferguson and Pierce O’Malley. Photo by Tom Broderick Photos

Connemara Golf Club Results

Connemara Golf Pro-Am The Connemara Championship Links Clifden Supplies Pro Am 2010 took place on the 18th & 19th September. A former Irish amateur international, Galway man Mark O’Sullivan claimed the 36-holes proam. He opened on the Saturday with a oneover-par 73 for third place overnight, but in the second round carded a two-under-70 to be three shots clear of joint second-placed Kenny Fahey of Clifden, Peter Martin and Wayne O’ Callaghan.

O’Sullivan teed off his second round at the 10th hole and pencilled in nine straight pars to his turn. A birdie three at the first hole was balanced by a bogey five at the third, but he then made another three at the par four sixth hole and finished strongly with a birdie at the long ninth for a total of oneunder-143.

It was a home victory in the team event as local pro-cum-greenkeeper Hughie O’Neill and his amateurs headed the leaderboard after rounds of 87 and 84. Connemara General Manager Kathleen Burke (21), Lady Captain Marie Bourke (24) and Vice Captain Aidan O’Halloran (20) were the three amateurs.

Photo above: The 2010 Connemara Pro Am winning team: Professional Hugh O’Neill, Vice Captain Aidan O’Halloran, Sec. Manager Kathleen Burke and Lady Captain Marie Bourke. Also included in the picture are 2010 Captain Dr. John Casey, Sponsor Paddy Aspell, Clifden Supply Centre and PGA representative Michael Stanford.

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All Ireland Mixed Foursomes Champions The Oughterard Golf Club team enjoyed a great victory in early September when they won the All Ireland Mixed Foursomes trophy. The Connacht champions defeated Lisselan from Munster, by 3 - 2 at Castlerock Golf Club. In the semi-finals Oughterard scored a 3-2 win over the Ulster champions City of Derry, while Lisselan beat the Leinster champions, Clontarf, by 4-1. The team was: Rita Jordan, John Carr (team captain), Valerie Heary (team captain), Jerry Gore, Maire Ni Mhaile, Catherine Hosty, Michael Darcy, Peter Feeney, Laura Gore, Ursula Hernon and Mairtin O’Cearra.

Golfing for Croí

Oughterard Golf Club hosted a charity golf event in aid of CROI, the West of Ireland Charity Heart Foundation on Thursday

01/09/10. Singles. Ladies: 1st: T O’Buachalla (13) 31pts. Mens: 1st: L Conneely (18) 37pts, 2nd: R Sweeney (2) 33pts.

04/09/10. Open Singles. Ladies: 1st: H Cullen (28) 36pts, 2nd: M Lavelle (11) 35pts (b9).

Gross: B Lawlor (10) 23pts, 3rd: K Burke (21) 35pts. Mens: 1st: T Higgins (15) 39pts, 2nd: M Crone (14)38pts. Gross: R Sweeney (2 )30pts, 3rd: J Flannery (15) 37pts.

05/09/10. Open 4 Ball. Ladies: 1st: D Murphy (15) & P Clarke (19) 39pts, 2nd: C Gaughan (22) & E King (20) 37pts, 3rd: B Conneely (24) & T Willder (26) 36pts (b9). Mens: 1st: J Cashin (18) & L Conneely (17) 43pts, 2nd: T. Hickey (16) & V Cotter (18) 40pts (B9), 3rd: J Love (9) & P Babington (12) 40pts.

06/09/10. Singles. Ladies: 1st: M Lavelle (10) 37pts, 2nd: A. Finnegan (21) 36pts. Gross:T O’Buachalla (12) 22pts, 3rd: M Leonard (24) 35pts, CSS: 36pts. Mens: 1st: P Byrne (17) 41pts, 2nd: O McDonnell (11) 39pts, Gross: R Sweeney (2) 35pts, 3rd: J Kelly (12) 38pts,CSS: 35pts.

07/09/10, Singles. Ladies: 1st: M Kilroy (18) 35pts, 2nd: D Doyle (22) 32pts, Gross: M Lavelle (10) 18pts, 3rd: D O’Farrell (20) 32pts, CSS: 33pts. Mens: 1st: J Quinlan (12) 36pts, 2nd: M Burke (5) 36pts. Gross: A Shanahan (4) 27pts, 3rd: F Ryan (22) 35pts, CSS: 33pts.

“At the start of the season, I was a bit cautious about how well things would go, but I’m not one for boasting and saying I’ll do this and that” explained Mortimer recently.

“I always knew what I was capable of and I feel it’s best to be quietly confident”.

Story courtesy of Fore Ireland 08/09/10. Scramble. 1st: B King (17), P Flaherty (9), W Kavanagh (19) 58, 2nd: S O’Connor (12), S Forde (15), P Gill (7) 59,3rd: E Brennan (16), M Cronin (15),G Lynch (18) 61.

09/09/10. Open Singles. Ladies: 1st: S Forsythe (27) 40pts, 2nd: M Lavelle (10) 36pts.

Gross:S Forde (15) 18pts, 3rd: M Kelly (23) 34pts,CSS: 33pts. Mens: 1st A McNicholl (20) 38pts, 2nd: D Rafferty (18) 36pts, Gross: J Quinn (6)27pts. 3rd: B Coughlan (25)35pts, CSS 34pts.

10/09/10.Open Singles. Ladies: 1st: M Jackson (12) 37pts, 2nd: T Green (19) 36pts. Gross: M Lavelle (10) 26pts. 3rd: S Forsyth (25) 35pts, CSS: 36pts. Mens: 1st: P Flaherty (8) 46pts, 2nd: P O’Gaora (10) 42pts. Gross:R Sweeney (2) 33pts, 3rd: D Glackin (13) 40pts,CSS: 35pts.

11/09/10. Open 4 Ball. Ladies: 1st: K Burke (21)/B Conneely (24) 36pts, 2nd: A Murphy (21)/M Kelly (23) 34pts, 3rd: T O’Buachalla (13)/M Jackson (12) 33pts. Mens: 1st: S O’Mahony (9)/F Stephenson (19) 43pts, 2nd: L McInerney (13)/M O’Brien (16) 42pts, 3rd: M Brophy (13)/M Hamon (12) 41pts.

18/09/10. Stroke. Ladies: 1st: M Bourke (25) 68, 2nd: C Gaughan (23) 74 (b9), 3rd: K Wallace (32) 74. Mens: 1st: P O’Toole (18) 71, 2nd R McGashon (13) 72, 3rd: I Griffith (10) 73.

18/09/10 & 19/09/10. Connemara Pro Am. 1st: Mark O’Sullivan -1, 2nd: Kenny Fahy +2, Peter Martin +2, Wayne O’Callaghan +2, 5th: Garry Cullen +4, David Higgins +4, David Mortimer +4, Damien Mooney +4, Hugh O’Neill +4. Team Results: 1st: Hugh O’Neill, Aidan O’Halloran, Marie Bourke, Kathleen Burke, 2nd: Michael Mulryan, John Mannion, Sean Mannion, Alistair Conway, 3rd: Neil Manchip, John Mulholland, M Keane, Michael Molloy, 4th: David Higgins, B Connolly, P Foley, B Fanning.

22/09/10. Singles. Ladies: 1st: E King (20) 40pts. Mens: 1st: M King (15) 38pts, 2nd: B O’Farrell (12) 37pts (b9), 3rd: S Hennessy (9) 37pts (b9).

Oughterard Golf Club Results 31/08/10. Open Day Competition. 18 Hole Stableford. 1st James O’Dea (23) 42pts, 2nd Eanna Keleghan (10) 41 pts, 3rd MikeWelby (19) 30pts, 4th Michael Joyce (20) 37pts. CSS 36 Continued on next page

October 2010

Connemara SportsView

Local Lady Beats Lifeboat Race Record

Connemara Rugby

The third annual Clifden Lifeboat 10k race took place on Sunday September 12th in almost perfect running conditions. Out of 126 participants, 111 crossed the finish line with many seasoned runners commenting that it was the hardest race they had ever run. However, this did not stop both the first man and woman from setting new records. Mullingar man Martin Lyons crossed the finish line in 35 minutes, 25 seconds and Clifden’s own Rachel Mannion crossed the line in 45 minutes, 07 seconds.

The race, which aims to cater for all ages and levels of fitness, is fast becoming a popular event and sees a number of regulars who return every year, such as Olivia Staunton (2nd female 2009) and Annette Keane (1st female 2009), both of whom came first in their respective categories. This year’s winning team consisted of Sean Nee, (first local man across the line and 7th overall), Alan Keogh and Pat O’Neill, while Brendan Scullion who came in 9th overall, was the first in the under 18’s.

All funds raised from the race go to the Clifden Lifeboat and organisers would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of everybody who helped, participated, sponsored, gave a prize or came out to support the participants and helped make it a success.

The Connemara Rugby Club players are back on the training and playing fields for the new season. There is a mixture of old, not so old and new performers taking part. We had a great write-up on the Club by Gerry Thornley in The Irish Times of September 29th which was a nice start to the season and some good national coverage.

The first game, a friendly against Monivea at Clifden, was very interesting with some 25 players on each side togged out. The first session was won by Connemara, and the second, when all the reserves on both sides took part, was easily won by Monivea.

Galwegians were next in the Connacht Senior League which the Galwegians won easily. Still Connemara had a number of new players showing promise. The next game was against Corinthians in Galway.

Connemara used all their players here at some stage.

They were well beaten but young players like Ian McDonagh, Jack Vaughan and Colin Reilly showed a lot of promise. Michael Aspell at full back was good, as was David Keogh at scrum half. The Sweeney brothers, Emmett Ferron, Martin Coyne and MacDara Breathnach from Carna all showed promise.

It’s a pity that Connemara R.F.C could not get organised a little earlier in the Summer months to take on the early challenges in the Connacht League and the All Ireland League but summer season work commitments and participation in the various Gaelic football tournaments must be honoured. The first A.I.L game against City of Derry was a daunting task with lots of new players taking part. Derry attacked early and concentrated at our wings and centre where they got a few soft scores. Our young players must be proud of their all-out effort which reaped three great tries in the second half. Kevin Ward’s introduction in the second half was noticeable as he and Cormac McDonnell, Emmett Ferron, Martin Coyne, Alan Pryce and Darragh Sweeney did well. Young Michael O’Toole at scrumhalf will have benefited from this experience.

Alan Keogh, James O’ Connell, Michael Aspell, David McDonagh and the other backs did their best as did Sean Joyce. City of Derry scored five tries and our three tries came from Cormac Mc Donnell and two from centre James O’Connell. Thanks to Michael Nee of Connemara Bus Coaches for his continued sponsorship. Success will bring more support, sponsorship and attendance at games.

The next game is an away game against Banbridge on Saturday the 9th of October.

The Connemara Juniors played NUIG in the Monastery Pitch on Sunday the 26th September. Connemara were unlucky to be beaten by a last minute try

by NUIG. A number of players had played football in the morning and the second game was a bit too demanding.

Connemara Juniors also played Cregg R.F.C on Sunday the 3rd of October in Roscommon. They unfortunately lost by 25-14 to a strong Cregg’s team, who are one of the favourites for the league this year.

Sponsors This year’s main sponsor for the Connemara Club is Griffin’s Sports Bar. It is hoped to have a few functions here during the year-race nights, membership invitation evening etc. Anyone interested in promoting the affairs of the club should contact any members of the Fundraising & Sponsorship Committee.

Local Successes Connemara Rugby Football Club would like to congratulate St. Feichin’s Clifden Minor Football team on their recent winning of the West Board Title and all their achievements throughout the year. Congratulations to Patrick King, Willie and John McDonagh and all the coaches who looked after these young players from childhood.

Also congratulations to Grainne Mhaols Ladies football team for winning the Galway Intermediate title in Clonbur and best wishes to them and their coaches in the Connacht title race.

Matt O’ Sullivan, PRO Connemara RFC

Results Total entries: 126 Total finishers: 111 First Man: Martin Lyons (35.24). Also beat previous Male best time of 37.10 First Woman: Rachel Mannion (45.07). Also beat previous female best time of 45.10.

Under 18: Female: 1st Victoria Foyle. Male: 1st Brendan Scullion, 2nd Brian O’Toole, 3rd Josh Stoney.

Under 16: Female: 1st Sarah Foyle, 2nd Sarah Maher, Joint 3rd Sarah Dickinson & Shannon Needham. Male: 1st Ryan Maher, 2nd Colm Coneys, 3rd Conor Clarke Under 40: Female: 1st Olivia Staunton, 2nd Nora Ní Ghriofa, 3rd Lora Thomson. Male: 1st Fingal Dorman, 2nd Michael Ostasz, 3rd Dougal Dorman.

40-50: Female: 1st Annette Keane, 2nd Pam Clancy, 3rd Jasmin Golestan. Male: 1st Jim Vaughan, 2nd Tom Burke, 3rd Michael O Sullivan.

50+: Female: 1st Mary Doyle, 2nd Rita Donnellan, 3rd Karen Joyce. Male: 1st Martin O Donnell, 2nd Paul Gibbon, 3rd John Joyce.

Teams: 1st Sean Nee/Pat O Neill/Alan Keogh, 2nd Lowry’s Bar team (Donal O’Brien, Bernie O’Malley and Alex Mullen), 3rd The Quiet Man team.

Run/Walk: 1st John Foyle, 2nd Chris Nee, 3rd Claire Mullen.

Walkers: 1st Carol Cummins, 2nd Anne Faherty, 3rd Eileen Coohill.

Photo top: Rachel Mannion crossing the finish line in 45’ 07, beating the previous woman’s record. Rachel is from Clifden and currently lives in Dublin. She is an experienced and accomplished athlete who has run in many international marathons in recent years including those in Madrid, Paris and Berlin. Last year she completed the New York Marathon in the extremely impressive time of 3 hours and 44 seconds.

Photo center: Race Organiser Laurence Ingelbach welcomes the first man Martin Lyons across the line.

Photo bottom: The winning team was (l-r): Pat O’ Neill, Sean Nee and Alan Keogh.

Results courtesy of Laurence Ingelbach. Photos courtesy of Laurence Ingelbach and Patrick Howard Studios

Oughterard Golf continued 05/09/10. 18 Hole Stableford Competition. 1st Noel Murtagh (21) 42 pts, 2nd Sean Cuddy (27) 41 pts (22b9). Gross: Michael O’Keane (7) 32 Gross pts, 3rd Devin Morley (18) 41 pts (20b9), 4th Gerry Egan (13) 39 pts (18b9), 5th Paul Dillon (12) 39 pts (17b9). CSS 36 pts.

07/09/10. Open Day Competition, 18 Hole Stableford. 1st John Golden(18) 45pts, 2nd Tom Molloy (18) 39pts (20B9), 3rd Malachy Glynn (10) 39pts (17B9),4th Peter Lee (14)38pts, CSS 36pts.

12/09/10. Rita Jordan’s Presidents Prize Competition. 1st Don Walsh (15) 66 Nett, 2nd Sean O’Reilly (6) 67 Nett (33b9), 1st Gross: Liam O’Reilly (2) 73 Gross (37b9), 2nd Gross Michael Darcy (Snr.) (6) 73 Gross (38b9), 3rd Tom Molloy (11) 67 Nett (33.5), 4th Christy Smyth (19) 67 Nett (34.5), 5th Jonathan Gould (15) 68 Nett (33b9), 6th Gerry Burke (9) 68 Nett (34.5b9). Ladies: 1st Bridget Walsh (18) 67, 2nd Ruth Cunningham (20) 71, Gross: Maire Ni Mhaille (15) 88, 3rd Alice Murphy (27) 74, 4th Ursula Hernon (16) 75, 5th Nora Lynch (24) 75Bk9/Bk6. 6th Geraldine O’Reilly 75b9.

14/09/10. Open Day Competition. 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Pat O’ Sullivan (26) 39pts, 2nd John Molloy (10) 38pts, 3rd Chris Cahill (21) 37pts. CSS 36 pts.

15/09/2010. Ladies Hidden Partner Competition, Sponsor: Mike

October Darts Schedule Sunday October 10th: Oliver’s Bar Cleggan. Mikey Mullen & Souls of the Sea Grand Final.

Friday October 15th: First round games of Inter-Pub Darts League 2010. Various venues. Starting time: 8.30pm.

Sunday October 17th: County Darts Ranking, Keoghs Ballyconneely. Starting Time 3.30pm. Friday October 22nd:

Connemara SportsView

Welby Tool Hire Galway. 1st Mary Hall & Geraldine O’ Reilly 64pts, 2nd Ruth Cunningham & Brid Penny 61pts, 3rd Pauline Deacy & Phil Kavanagh 60pts.

19/09/10.18 Hole Stableford Competition. 1st Tim Hernon (16) 40 pts (22b9), 2nd Geoff Ginnetty (19) 40 pts (21b9), Gross: Michael Darcy (S). (5) 36 Gross Pts, 3rd Christy Smyth (18) 38 pts, 4th Ken Hartman (21) 37 Pts (13b6), 5th Niall Malone (12) 37 Pts (12B9). CSS 36 Pts. 21/09/10. Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Eanna Noone (14) 39pts, 2nd Pat O’ Sullivan (25) 38 pts (21B9), 3rd Noel McEvilly (10)38 pts (20B9, 15B6), 4th Tom Molloy (17) 38pts (20B9, 14B6), CSS 36pts.

26/09/10 18 Hole Stroke Competition. 1st Eanna Noone (13) 64 Nett, 2nd Kevin Kennelly (19) 66 Nett (31.5b9), Gross: Hugh Walsh (3) 71 Gross, 3rd Ciaran O Flatharta (10) 66 Nett, 4th Matt Donoghue (14) 66 Nett, 5th Stephen Thornton (18) 66 Nett.

29/09/10 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford. Source & Supply Logistics & O2 Trophy. 1st A. Naughton (29) 38pts, 2nd M. Lundon (32) 36pts, Gross: R. Jordan (16) 20 Gross, 3rd Mary Hall (35) 35pts.

Category 0-20 1st R. Cunningham (19) 32pts, 2nd Isolda Claffey (14) 32pts. Category 21-28 1st P. Kavanagh (21) 33pts, 2nd B. McTigue (27) 33pts, Category 29-36 1st K. Burke (31) 32pts, 2nd M. Hogan (36) 32pts, Nine Hole: Brid Penny 14pts.

Second round games of Inter-Pub Darts League 2010. Various venues.

Sunday October 24th: Peter McMahon Memorial Darts Cup, Kings Valley Hotel, Merlin Park, Galway.

Friday October 29th: Third round games of Inter-Pub Darts League 2010. Various venues.

For further information contact Harry O’Toole on 087-285-4017.

October 2010

Page 39

Oughterard Culture Night a Great Success On Friday, September 24th uachtarARTS Oughterard Community Arts Group and Clann Resource Centre came together once again to host a lively Culture Night in Oughterard.

A wonderful mixture of music could be heard throughout the streets and everywhere you looked there was dancing, poetry, film and storytelling going on. Other highlights of the evening included a children’s drawing workshop, a great evening of entertainment at Owenriff Nursing Home, a fantastic fashion show in Clann’s Nearly New Shop, a wonderful Art Trail, a stunning 6ft steel fish sculpture and lots of fun at the photo booth.

The success of the evening was down to the great support received from everybody involved so we are extremely grateful to the Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport,

Page 40

Temple Bar Cultural Trust, Galway County Council, Clann Resource Centre, Oughterard Business Association, Oughterard Tourism & Development Association, local businesses and organisations, and the performers, visual artists, volunteers and everyone who came out on the night.

Photo top: The hip hop dancers from the Oughterard youth club performed a dance routine on Culture night. They represented Galway in the All Ireland Youth Club competition where they came third, losing by only one point.

Photo below top: The youth café in Oughterard hosted the band ‘Waiting for Friday’ on Culture Night.

Photo bottom: Louise Felton gave a poetry reading in Faherty’s Bar. Photos by Tom Broderick

October 2010

Connemara View Newspaper