The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
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Vol. 15 Iss. 6 | March 2011
5 Choices to Help You Stay Healthy Page
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Claregalway GAA Update Page
Well Done Cosa Beoga Page 2 Once again the young dancing group Cosa Beoga who have been hitting the country by storm made their way into the finals of the hugely popular RTÉ All Ireland Talent Show. Qualifying
through the semi finals on Sunday night, they will now take part in the All-Ireland Final on March 20th. Cosa Beoga who are based in Abbeyknockmoy, feature three young dancers
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of our readers Local News, Health & Sport www.nuachtchlair.com
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Well Done Cosa Beoga
from the parish, Adam and Lauren Hession of Ballybrone and Robert Carr of Waterview. The children of Brian and Marie Hession and John and Margo Carr along with the others have given wonderful entertainment ant it is a huge honour to have them in the final of the All Ireland Talent Competition. 2 | www.nuachtchlair.com
In celebration of this outstanding achievement there is a Celebration Hooley on this Friday night in the Abbey Inn, Abbeyknockmoy commencing at 9 pm with Francis Flaherty and Tommy Flaherty providing the music. Admission will be 5 euro with proceeds towards Cosa Beoga. These young
people have given huge pride to the entire area during a time of struggle for many and they are to be encouraged and supported in every way. this is an opportunity of the people of the surrounding area to say thanks to a wonderful talented group of young people. Frank Kearney, Tuam Herald Photos: Tuam Herald March 2011
This Building Editorial Has Many Secrets Josette Farrell, Editor
You will find it on the Dublin road just across from the GMIT a building that has seen it all from seasonal work parties to the graduation ball 175 rooms, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, restaurant, bar all empty, full of secrets that will never be told it stands with no pulse it stands cold no cars parked outside anymore no lunch to eat, no beer to drink no bed to sleep in, bricks and mortar is what is left of this building the human heart beat is gone it just stands there, alone and waits for someone to see it But we don’t, it’s just another hotel That could not make it Just another building shut down Just another memory stored away Like the game of strip poker I instigated in one of its rooms Drinking cognac naked Lovers tiffs, bar brawls Weddings, engagements, babies conceived, lovers in lifts Yes, this hotel has seen it all And it stays quiet on the Dublin rd Fiona Place 7/03/2011 The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
March has always been very unpredictable weather wise. The nursery rhyme about “March wind doth blow and we shall have snow” has proven true again this time. We can experience four seasons in one day with sunshine, rain, wind and snow. We are good at working with the elements however and making the most of whatever we can. The garden centres are bursting with glorious colours of spring which is a great mood buster – there is nothing as therapeutic as walking around a garden centre taking in the wonders of nature. With the catastrophic events that have unfolded in New Zealand and Japan, we should be thankful that we are able to enjoy such moments. In Japan, over 10,000 people are feared dead after the horrific tsunami and in Christ Church in New Zealand over 163 people were killed after the
earthquake. Searches are still continuing for missing people. They are in our thoughts and prayers. Recession is nothing compared to this. March is the time when our local community centre is transformed into our very own Abbey Theatre! Well done to the Festival Committee and we hope you enjoy the great variety of plays on show. The relief pontoon type bridges in Claregalway will be open soon while works take place on the old bridge. Fingers crossed the traffic won’t be too bad! Don’t forget to support the Community Development AGM on the 15th March in the Parish Meeting Room – after all it is your community. We hope you enjoy our newsletter and your comments and views greatly accepted. Until next time, Josette www.nuachtchlair.com | 3
Thought for the Week: Selfless Service to Others Ever notice how really good you feel after doing something good for another person? When we perform a selfless act without any expectation, it can be so satisfying. Often after we make a difference in the life of another, we ask ourselves why we haven’t done it more often. Our act of selfless service might involve a kind word or lending an ear to a person who could use it. It could be holding the door open for a person we don’t know. Or even as simple as smiling to someone with whom we interact. We can help in many ways. When somebody is in need and we’re open, there comes an impulse from inside us. It’s at that instant in time, when we can choose to act upon it, or not. That moment tends to go by in a flash. Thoughts of a busy day ahead, or perhaps uncertainty, sometimes might sneak in and cloud our decision to move forward. And then it’s passed. We can overcome our indecision The good news is that we can overcome our indecision by having already thought about selfless service and making it something that we do on an ongoing basis. Selfless acts performed consciously with thought-out intention magnify our satisfaction. We get that feeling of being truly alive and in the moment. Our hearts beating. Of being of purpose. Of significance. Consciously helping others is easy to do. We start 4 | www.nuachtchlair.com
by thinking of the reason why we would like to be of service. For example, “I’m going to help this person pick up those books they dropped. By doing this I am affirming that there are nice people in the world and that we’re all looking out for each other.” The action then follows and this becomes our truth. At the end of the day, it’s quite refreshing and healthy to feel good about ourselves. It’s also very powerful to affect change by positively influencing the lives of those we touch. Even better, our selfless service to others has a way of attracting the same back to us. And when those acts of kindness do happen to us, we feel right at home receiving them. The reason is because this has already become our model of how the world works. Everyday in your life can be then turned into a special occasion with no regrets. Take Hold of Every Moment A friend of mine opened his wife’s lingerie drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package: “This, - he said - isn’t any ordinary package.” He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box. “She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on. Was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it.” He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me
Thought for the week As your thought for the week, remember how special each day and each week can be if we consciously set about helping those in need and do some selfless service with our lives. Everyday of your life is and should be a special occasion. Only you can make it so. and said: “Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion.” I still think those words changed my life. Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the beach in salthill at times without worrying about anything. I have started to spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I’ll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it. I don’t save my special aftershave for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to. The words “Someday...” and “One Day...” are fading away from my dictionary. If it’s worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now. I don’t know what my friend’s wife would have done if she knew she wouldn’t be there the next morning, this nobody
can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I’d like to think she would go out for her favorite food. It’s these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come. I would regret it, because I’d no longer see the friends I would meet, and the letters or e-mails... that I wanted to write “one of these days”. I would regret and feel sad, because I didn’t say to my parents, my brother and sisters, wife and daughters, not enough times at least, how much I love them. Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives. And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day to do a selfless act for others. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. March 2011
Memories of Our Village Lane
I remember well our village lane Where we walked in youthful years, And also too the joy and pain Of times that were Austere.
I remember mornings fresh and sharp, Stones ringing to hobnailed boots, Again was playing that Immigrants harp – “Adieu the nations golden youth”.
Between cold grey stone walls, Went people of olden ways, Some still wore Western shawls And spoke a Tongue of other days.
Where now the Boys we hurled Against – in our fields playing spots, Are they buried around the world, Are the fields just building Plots?
Where our forefather’s feet once trod, With the skill they had known Tilled and worked the fertile sod – Our fields with crops were sown.
Behind the hearse that took our dead We followed; words of grief unspoken,
When from high storms lashed, Inside barns safe from rain Corn with flails was thrashed And saved the golden grain. On the road with cattle and sheep, To the Fair as dawn was nigh, While the world was fast asleep, We walked to Athenry.
By mourners with lowered heads – All knowing their hearts were broken. Cows looked out at our corteges With a sad and mournful eye And we then of tender ages, Believed they also said Goodbye. For the dead we’d never see again, Though maybe young in years, Knew well our village older men Too, were holding back the Tears.
Edward Coppinger (pictured) grew up in Claregalway, and now resides in England. He has been writing poetry for the Nuacht Chláir for many years.
Oh, that acrid smell of smoke Where the Blacksmiths anvil rung, Into the heart of burning coke – He thrust his metal tongs. The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
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March 2011
Five Choices to Help You Stay Healthy Eat a healthy diet. at least five portions, and ideally 7-9 portions, of a variety of fruit and vegetables per day. the bulk of most meals should be starch-based foods (such as cereals, wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice, pasta), plus fruit and vegetables. not much fatty food such as fatty meats, cheeses, full-cream milk, fried food, butter, etc. Use low fat, mono- or poly-unsaturated spreads. include 2-3 portions of fish per week, at least one of which should be ‘oily’ (such as herring, mackerel, sardines, salmon, or fresh tuna).
■ If you eat meat it is best to eat lean meat, or poultry such as chicken. ■ If you do fry, choose a vegetable oil such as sunflower, rapeseed or olive. ■ Try not to add salt to food, and limit foods which are salty.
You should not smoke. If you smoke, stopping smoking is often the single most effective thing that you can do to reduce your risk of future illness. The risk to health falls rapidly as soon as you stop smoking (but takes a few years before the increased risk reduces completely). If you find it hard to stop smoking, then see your Doctor or Pharmacist for help. Medication may be advised to help you to stop. Do some regular physical activity. Anything that gets you mildly out of breath and a little sweaty is fine. For example: jogging, heavy gardening, swimming, cycling, etc. A brisk walk each day is what many people do - and that is fine. To gain most benefit you should do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. Two shorter bursts are thought to be just as good. For example, two 15 minute bouts of activity at different times of the day. Ideally before embarking on any new training schedule a visit to the Doctor for a check-up is advisable.
The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
Try to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. You don’t need to get to a perfect weight. If you are overweight you can gain great health benefits by losing 5-10% of your weight. This is often about 5-10 kg. (10 kg is about one and a half stone.) Don’t drink too much alcohol. A small amount of alcohol is usually fine, but too much can be harmful. Men should drink no more than 21 units per week (and no more than 4 units in any one day). Women should drink no more than 14 units per week (and no more than 3 units in any one day). One unit is in about half a pint of normal strength beer, or two thirds of a small glass of wine, or one small pub measure of spirits. Claregalway Pharmacy is open late Monday to Friday until 8pm & 7pm on Saturday. 091 799 754.
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March Update from your Local Councillor, Jim Cuddy Potholes Since Christmas the conditions of many of our country roads in particular have got dangerous as a result of the heavy rain and frost. That problem has been compounded by the shortage of road staff with Galway Co. Co. A number of people have suffered serious financial losses as a result of having to replace tyres, wheels etc. At the council meeting on February 28th I had an item on the agenda dealing with those issues. The Director of Services for Roads and Transportation said that he was aware of the difficulties being encountered and to that end he is to have meetings in Galway on March 15th. with representatives of the NRA and Department of Transport Officials with a view to re-allocating funding . In the meantime I am in contact on a daily basis bringing to the notice of the local engineers the many complaints that I am receiving in relation to road conditions and the length it is taking to deal with these problems. Flooding Works Update At the council meeting on Feb. 28th. the councillors were given the flooding works update. I give hereunder the situation for this area:
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New drainage system for Lackagh to commence in March 2011 at a cost of 13,500 .
not tell me what those works would entail as they have not yet decided.
New drainage system for Cloonacauneen costing 13,500 to be carried out jointly by the OPW and Galway Co. Council. This area has to be surveyed again before works will commence.
Clare River flood relief scheme the OPW are in the process of procuring both Engineering and Environmental Consultants to complete the scheme design and attain the necessary statutory permission for the Clare River Flood Relief Scheme. In this regard tenders for Environmental Consultants and Engineering Consultants have been assessed and letters of intent are to issue from Engineering Services OPW shortly. The work has commences putting the temporary bailey bridge in place. Carty Construction have commenced the watermain enabling works. It is envisaged that traffic will be diverted onto the temporary bridge in the third week of March and work on the flood eye is expected to last eight weeks.
Construction of earth bank at Peake, Claregalway costing 4,500 work to start in March. New drainage system for Kiltullagh costing 20,500 work to start in April. The council could
Roads Programme 2011 For 2011 Galway Co. Co. have the sum of
â‚Ź100,000 for footpaths along the N 18 coming up from The traffic lights in front of the school for pavement and minor improvement scheme and they have also been allocated the sum of 30,000 euro for safety measures on the Corporate Park Footpath. That 30,000 euro I am led to believe will be used to continue the footpath from the Goaley Estate to below Dr. Days house and will include infill lighting. I have once again asked the council to seriously consider a pedestrian crossing from the entrance to the Sli and Breadain/Church View Estate across to the school and to have the speed limit also reduced at this location. The council have also been asked to give serious consideration to putting a yellow box on the road at the entrance to the Doctors surgery to improve safety of people turning right into the surgery coming up from Claregalway. Drama Festival Can I take this opportunity of wishing the Claregalway Drama Festival Committee every success in the forthcoming Drama Festival and also to wish well to our own group CompĂĄntas Lir on the festivals circuit. Please feel to contact me any day or evening at 091 798 136 or mobile 087 636 0242 or e-mail me at jcuddy@cllr.galwaycoco.ie
March 2011
Claregalway Dental Surgery: What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws & face. Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for aesthetic reasons with regards to improving the general appearance of patients’ teeth or for functional reasons. It is about making the best of your teeth. Your self esteem will benefit immensely! What treatment involves: Involves the use of braces or other appliances to correct the alignment and bite.
Before your braces are placed - It is recommended to attend your general dentist for an examination and cleaning. Sometimes it is necessary to have teeth removed to gain sufficient space to align the remaining teeth. When the braces are in place you will visit your Orthodontist approximately ever 4 - 8 weeks depending on your specific needs. These appointments allow us to be sure that your treatment is progressing as expected and allows for adjustments.
Treatment Care/Oral Hygiene: When wearing fixed braces oral hygiene is more important than ever. Braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped. It is very important to continue to have regular check-ups with your dentist. Retention Phase: On completion the braces are removed and retainers are fitted to hold the teeth in their new position. These retainers may be removable or fixed to the teeth. It is important to remember
that retention is a vital part of treatment. Without proper and consistent use of these appliances patients are at risk of allowing the orthodontic results to relapse. This article is courtesy of Claregalway Dental Surgery, Summerfield, Claregalway. 091 798 333 091 738 140 joan@claregalwaydentalsurgery.ie
Mon,Thurs,Fri: 9am-5pm Tues, Wed: 8am-7pm
Most common reasons for Orthodontics are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Protruding upper front teeth - one of the most common dental problems. Over Crowding – a narrow jaw may mean there is not enough room for your teeth, resulting in crowding. Easte r Spe Spacing between teeth. cials F R EE When the centre lines of the upper and lower front teeth do not match. check -up f 16 w A deep bite – when your upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much. or on ith p arent e chil T WO s che A reverse bite – when your upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. for O ck-up d under NE o siblin An open bite – when your front teeth remain apart when your back teeth meet; n che visit gs un ck-up der 1 Offer appli 6 yrs s for the tongue is often still visible between the upper and lower front teeth. es from of ag Mon 18th e A pril u Impacted teeth - in some patients, secondary teeth come through in the wrong position or ntil F riday 29th April do not erupt at all. Orthodontic treatment can help bring these teeth into the correct position. , 201
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March 2011
Claregalway GAA Update: Committees 2011
Executive Committee: Chairman Tony Clarke Secretary Ray Dooley 087 2425664 Treasurer Tony Stephens Registrars Jimmy Moran 087 2568227, Mary Conlon 087 7999379 P.R.O. Sean Flanagan, John Feeney, Gerry Moran, Peader Dolan, Margaret Kearney, Alan Moran. Juvenile Team Managers: U-16 Michael Coyle 087 2569844, U-14 Tony Goldrick 087 7994720, U-12 John Kilmartin 087 9671102, U-11 Tom Culkeen 086 2350003, Alan Daly 086 8154176, U-10 Padraic Fitzmaurice 087 2212902, U-8/7/6 John Morrin 087 2510654. Referees: Tom Flaherty 087 7925701, Pat Hansberry 086 6099603, Tom Cogley 087 6687939. Ladies Football Committee: Chairperson Gerry Moran Vice Chairperson Mick O’Connell Secretary Mary Conlon 087 7999379 Treasurer Paraic Keane Registrar Mary Conlon 087 7999379 Child Officer Ann Moran 086 1571135
The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
Juvenile Football Committee: Chairman Peader Dolan Vice Chairman Tony Goldrick Secretary Margaret Kearney 085 8329158 Assistant Secretary Geraldine Carr Treasurer Phelim Manning Safety Officer Ben Trill Registrar Ja Keating 087 2267987 Adult/Child Liaison Officer Tony Goldrick Co. Board Delegate Tony Nally Development Officer Michael Coyle Coaching Committee Alan Moran 086 6681556, Jimmy Gavin, Tony Nally, Padraic Fitzmaurice, Barry Cullinane, Pat McCartan. Adult Football Management: Senior Eoin O’Donnellan, Fergal McEvoy 087 7783039. Junior John Morrin 087 2510654, Tom Flaherty, Paul and James Concannon, Jimmy Gavin. U-21 Brendan O’Hagan 087 0524665, Roddy Grealish, Gerry Higgins, Joe Gorham. Minor Tony King 087 2677136, Alan Moran, Cormac Evans, Barry Cullinane, Michael Jordan.
For more information visit www.claregalwaygaa.com
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Realtaí Brownie Pack hosted their annual parents evening on monday 21st of February. 11 girls were enrolled into Brownies, while 10 moved onward to Guides. Sara McHale was awarded Junior Brownie, Niamh Evans was awarded Intermediate Brownie , Ruby Cullinane was awarded Senior Brownie while Aisling Murphy was awarded Most Improved Brownie. Along with these and other awards, over 200 badges were awarded. Leaders received awards too: Marie Laffey made her promise and was enrolled while Anita Clarke received her warrant - congratulations to leaders , Brownies and Guides. The girls finished by singing birthday wishes in the Brownie tradition to two of the Brownies Aoibhinn Fox and Caoimhe Grealish. Parents, Leaders and Girls all had a wonderful birthday party afterwards. Thanks to all in our community who support our organisation. The girls celebrated by sing Happy Birthday to Irish Girl Guides which is 100 years old this year
Chloe Hannon passing on the cup to Over-all Brownie of the Year 2010 Lorna McGrath
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March 2011
Carnmore Naíonra Playschool through the medium of Irish. Places are available for September 2011. Children aged between 3 yrs 3 mths to 4 yrs 6 mths on 1st of September are eligible for a free Pre-School year in the ECCE Scheme. For information contact Ann on 087 619 6429 or call to Carnmore Community Centre.
Thank You
To all the people of Galway West who gave me a Number 1 or a preference vote, to all those who sent good luck and congratulatory messages and a very special Thank You to my campaign team. Noel Grealish TD
Nuacht Chláir Sponsors The Nuacht Chláir is compiled monthly voluntarily by a small committee and distributed free of charge. The Nuacht Chláir team would like to sincerely thank our sponsors and advertisers, without whom this publication would not be possible.
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WiseWords: Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage is one of those hardy winter vegetables that people have a love-hate relationship with. You either love it or you hate it. Growing up in Ireland we ate a lot of cabbage. I love it. Dark green kale, mustard greens, savoy, napa, chinese cabbage. I pretty much love it all. For the most part, I think Irish people in general would be hard pressed to turn away a plate of bacon and cabbage with a side of buttered spuds. With Paddy’s day looming, now that all that Valentines day mush is behind us, surely we should make an attempt to eat a little of the green stuff, just to be patriotic if nothing else. Now, I know before I get into explaining this dish and recipe you are going to be clamouring to tell me that Cabbage Rolls are not in the least bit Irish. I know. The truth is, that it is virtually impossible to tell exactly where Cabbage Rolls originated from. There is a battle between the 16 | www.nuachtchlair.com
Greeks (stuffed grape leaves) the Turks, the Russians and the Polish when it comes to ‘country of origin’ so I figured that we might as well ‘join ‘em’ and claim this tasty dish as our own. The truth is, once you actually make these and eat them, you and your family will be making them and passing down the recipe for years to come. They are just that good. When I think of the reasons ‘why’ this dish has not already swept the nation of their rear-ends and into the cabbage rolling business, well I am just stumped. We grow oodles of cabbage all year round. We have no shortage of onions, ground beef, or left over cooked rice from your last trip to the take-away. Tomatoes have always been at the ready in a can and although we do not have a heck of a lot of sour cream in our local shops there has always been ample Crème Fraîche at our disposal.
Level of difficulty I cannot tell a lie. This is a little times consuming and whilst I am telling the truth you should know that this really tastes so much better ‘the next day’ so I am encouraging you to make it on a Saturday and enjoy it on a colder Sunday evening with a nice jammy red wine. Ingredients (Feeds a family of 6 plus a few stragglers.) 1 Large head of green cabbage 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 Large onion (chopped finely) 3 Cloves of garlic (chopped finely) 2 Cups of cooked rice 16 Ounces ground meat. (I usually use a combination of Turkey/ Pork/Lamb) 1 Can chopped tomatoes 1 Cup tomato puree 1 1/2 Cups Beef stock Salt & Pepper 1 Tub of Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream The next thing you need to do is open a bottle of chilled white wine. Although you do not need this for the recipe, I find that the time consuming process of making this dish runs a little smoother if you enjoy the process. It feels less like ‘work’.
So start by boiling a large pot of water. You are going to need this to blanche the cabbage leaves. This makes them that beautiful green colour and a heck of a lot more pliable which helps with the rolling process. March 2011
Remove the center core of the cabbage and start blanching the cabbage leaves. If the cabbage is tight and the leaves do not come off willingly, then blanche the whole head and peel the leaves of bit by bit. I recommend using Savoy Cabbage or Sweetheart Cabbage for your first attempt. The white cabbage is just too boring for this dish and impossible to work with. After all the leaves are a beautiful green colour, remove them from the boiling water and let them cool a little. Keep the cabbage water for later and set a few of the larger leaves aside to line your (lidded) casserole dish. In a small pan, melt the butter and add the chopped onion and garlic. If you have any left
over bacon fat (from the fry you had for breakfast) then use that instead of the butter for a better flavour punch. Allow the onions and garlic to cook until soft and translucent. Do not let them burn. In a large bowl combine the rice, ground meat, onion/garlic mixture, salt and pepper. Take a teaspoonful and cook it in the pan. Taste it, then adjust the seasoning to your own taste. If the filling tastes bland, add more salt/pepper. Now, with those lovely (cooled) cabbage leaves, take a spoonful of the filling and plop it into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the cabbage over the filling and starting with the stem end, roll the cabbage up into a nice
The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
little cabbage roll. Line your casserole dish with the larger leaves then assemble all your cabbage rolls into the dish. In a large bowl combine the can of tomato, the tomato puree and the beef stock (made with your cabbage water). Mix it up and pour it over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish and allow to cook for an 1 1/2 hours at 180 degrees celsius. When ready to serve just scoop a few out on to the plate and ladle the tomato sauce on top followed by a dollop of Crème FraÎche. Now, tell me this does not sound delicious! Those are all the WiseWords I have for today, WiseMóna www.nuachtchlair.com | 17
What is Possible? Yellowwood.ie
In short, I firmly believe that anything is possible. Many people in everyday life and throughout history have achieved magnificent feats despite not having widespread support. You may remember a time of your own when people challenged your idea and you persisted anyway, and still you succeeded without their support. When you reflect on this, you may recall the personal attributes that you had to achieve your feat – self belief, determination, persistence, action, empowerment and positive intention towards a goal. These attributes are crucial to making any feat possible. I once heard the saying:
In some circumstances a feat maybe so challenging that support is required in your journey to achieve success. In every challenge lies an opportunity to grow and learn from experiences. To overcome these challenges it may be helpful to look to others for support. There is huge support out there and it takes form in many shapes and sizes. Once you look for support and inform people of the feat that you wish to achieve you will be amazed at the acceleration of achieving your feat will get. Connecting with others for support is also rewarding experience as it can also bring new perspectives, energy learn-
ing’s and exciting opportunities to light. While surrounding ourselves with likeminded people is important. We must also remember our own role, and what we are responsible and accountable for. We are accountable for our actions; if we want to achieve a magnificent feat we must feel empowered to take action. We are also responsible to ourselves and ensuring that our mindset is open, focused and positive at all times in the face of adversity. Practice makes perfect – so remember “Where positive thought goes, positive energy flows”
This article also appears on the Possibilities.ie website. Possibilities are the umbrella group for charitable organisations who are responsible for bringing the Dalai Lama to the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on April 15th. About the Author William Corless is the Managing Director of YellowWood, a provider of coaching, training and business solutions for more info log on to www.yellowwood.ie
“If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it.” 18 | www.nuachtchlair.com
March 2011
Special News & Local Notices R.I.P.
Line Dancing Classes in Grealish's Bar Carnmore Cross every Wednesday @ 8pm. All levels welcome. Just drop in for a dance or call Ciara on 087 795 2660 if you need more details.
R.I.P. Michael Lardiner, Carnmore. Lucy Molloy, Lydican. Jeep Veld, Cloon.
Tí Cusacks, Claregalway Hotel. 091 738 300 stay@claregalwayhotel.ie Friday March 18th – Stars in Your Bars Heat All are welcome – followed by Garth Brooks Tribute Act Saturday March 19th – Dave & The Blu Tacs Friday March 25th – Stars in Your Bars Heat Followed by Free Electric Band Saturday March 26th – Double Deuce We are also have some big matches coming up that we will be showing live in the sports bar: | All Ireland Club Hurling and Football Final - March 17th | RBS 6 Nations we will be showing the IRISH matches and other games if they don't clash with other sports. 12th 12th 13th 19th 19th 19th
14:30 17:00 15:00 14:30 17:00 19:45
Italy Wales England Scotland Ireland France
v v v v v v
France Ireland Scotland Italy England Wales
Stadio Flaminio Millennium Stadium Twickenham Murrayfield Aviva Stadium Stade de France
We show all big Premiership, GAA, Champions League and RBS games Live in our Sports Bar. 3D when available.
Vintage Display, Autojumble & Auction Deerpark Industrial Park, Oranmore Sunday 24th of April 2011 Vintage Cars Classic Cars Commercials Motorcycles
Tractors Vintage Machinery Autojumble Stationary Engines
“Something for Everyone” All proceeds from this event will go to Hospice.
Claregalway Landscaping &Paving. Tel: Brian Griffin at 087 980 5053 or P.J. Donnellan at 087 278 8067
Send Special News/Local Notices to Nuacht Chláir, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe or email news@nuachtchlair.com. The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
www.nuachtchlair.com | 19
Easy to Grow Delicious Fruits Soft fruit is something to consider for the smaller garden. Most modern varieties take up very little space, fruit as young plants and give years of enjoyment. Try gooseberry invicta, bright green fruit with excellent flavour and super disease resistance. Gooseberry whinsham industry will give you a sweet red fruit ideal straight from picking or for tasty jams or fillings. Blueberries have become very popular over the past number of years this easy to grow shrub will reward you with an abundance of deep blue fruit ideal for pies, jams or straight from the bush. Blueberries for a neat full shrub providing superb autumn colour when the foliage turns from green to scarlet and red. Raspberries, loganberries and Tay berries can also be grown in limited space, fruit as young plants, if carefully pruned after fruiting, will give years of delicious fruit. Strawberries are still one of the most popular of all the soft fruits. Easy to grow and fruiting as young plants has guaranteed their place in most gardens. Horkys tip: Strawberries are ideal for growing in containers as this helps to keep the fruit clean and away from slugs. Look out for the variety Cambridge favourite for large orange 20 | www.nuachtchlair.com
fruit with excellent fresh flavour. Which are ever bears producing fruit throughout the summer. Remember not to over feed strawberries as this encourages foliage at the expense of fruit Blueberries Blueberries are one of the top Super foods to grow in your own garden, High in antioxidants; high in fibre and folic acid low in calories bush blueberry is an easy and very productive fruitier. Related to our native bilberry or ‘ frochan ‘ which grows on mountain heath land and woodlands. Modern varieties have been bred for larger and sweeter fruit and are ideal for growing here in the West of Ireland. Some of the best Blueberry ‘bluecrop ‘is an excellent early variety with large fruit of excellent flavour. This variety is vigorous and ideal for the larger garden. Blueberry ‘Berkeley ‘will give you mid season fruit of a super large size with matching flavour. This variety will cover a larger area due to its spreading habit. Blueberries love the mild wet weather in the west of Ireland
Lydican, Oranmore. Tel: 091-739958
and require a lime free soil to grow well. Choose a site in full sun in a shelter section of the garden add plenty of farmyard manure and peat to create the ideal conditions. Horkys tip: Feed blueberries throughout the summer with mir - acid liquid fertiliser to give larger fruit and keep the soil acid. Plant two year old plants with good side branches once they begin to fruit feed every spring with sulphate of potash which is a lime free fertiliser and encourages fruiting in young and established plants. Blue berries can be grown in larger containers in lime free compost, remember to feed in summer with mir acid and water throughout the summer. Horkys tip: Use water retentive granules mix through the compost to store water and prevent drying out. Pruning and after care Young plants need only light pruning to develop a bushy full shape, once established the pruning of blueberries is similar to blackcurrants which
consists of removing older stems right down to ground level, this encourages new growth from the base. Remember blueberries fruit on younger wood. Regular feeding is important to encourage plenty of strong young growth. Fruit picking starts in august and continues until late autumn. The fruit will keep for up to four weeks in a fridge and over a longer period in a deep freeze. Apples For the smaller garden. Cornet is an Irish group of fruiting apples bred for their compact habit and fruiting ability even as young trees, so much so that they are guaranteed to fruit in their first growing season. Cornets are ideal for the smallest of gardens and are even suitable for growing in pots. There is a range of varieties to cover a fruiting period from July to November and offering a range of flavours from sweet to tangy. All the cornet varieties have been tested for the Irish climate and proved very successful in all trails. Popular varieties include the beautiful Katy, red skinned apple packed with flavour; the tangy jonagold is popular for the super flavour and good holding qualities. Egremont russet and fiesta remain excellent choices for something different. Cornet should be planted now March 2011
and will fruit this summer giving you instant results. Horkys tip: Plant three varieties to give good cross pollination. Rhubarb in the garden. Rhubarb is a welcome sight in early spring when it is young and full of flavour. Plant rhubarb in well prepared soil where garden compost or farm yard manure has been added. Plant timberely early for excellent red sticks which are ready for picking very
early in spring. Rhubarb stools should be rewarded in winter with a dressing of garden compost mulched around the base of the plant. Horkys tip: After planting feed & water young rhubarb stools for two seasons before pulling any sticks and avoid taking sticks after July. Join me this and every Saturday morning from 9am to 10am on mid west radio for the gardening programme.
Special Hedging Weekend in Horkans Turlough 18th to 20th March Don’t Purchase replacement plants for your damaged hedging as Horkans Lifestyle & Garden have organised a special hedging weekend with hedging plants been offered at cost price as a support to readers who have lost valuable hedges. This special weekend will ONLY run from Friday March 18th to Sun March 20th. Horkans have organised a team of hedging experts to advise you on the most suitable plants to replant you hedging areas.
Gardening Tips for this coming week 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Polytunnels and greenhouses can be fumigated with Midi Fortefog smoke which is simple placed in the centre of your greenhouse or polytunnel – Light the canister and close the door. The treatment will kill off any greenfly, black fly, aphids and attacking insects. Plant Early seed potatoes including Sharpes express home guards, Duke of York and epicures now for some great tasting early potatoes in early summer. These early varieties can be planted in containers or raised beds. Organic Slug pellets – called Slug Death which contain ferric Phosphate kills slugs and snails effectively without killing other garden visitors including birds. After use it returns to the soil as beneficial iron and phosphate. Great to use in the vegetable and herb garden and also useful in polytunnels and greenhouses. Time to plant Tomato plants – Moneymaker – Alsa Craig, Sweet 100 and tumbler tomato plants are ready for planting into grow bags or tomato pots Plant some instant colour into the garden now – Pansies – Primulas, spring flowering bulbs and blue aubrietia are all flowering now and ideal for adding much needed spring colour. Plant Garlic, Onion and Shallots now in ridges or drills in your veg garden. Summer flowering bulbs are ready to plant – Dahlias, Begonias, Cutting gladioli, cannas lilies, scented lilies and paeonia roses are ready to plant now. Baby plants of Petunias, busie Lizzies, blue lobelia, fuchsias and marigolds are now ready for potting up. Happy Gardening, Simply pot on the baby plants into small pots and leave on your window sill to grow on. Josette Farrell.
The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore
www.nuachtchlair.com | 21
Quality food for any occasion Delicious home cooked food suitable for all your
party needs: Communions, Confirmations, Christenings, Birthdays etc. whatever that special occasion is, we deliver to your home
MPG Foods LTD., Cregboy, Claregalway, Co. Galway Producing top quality food for over 20 years
Tel: 086 81 82 628
22 | www.nuachtchlair.com
Cottage Pie
Beef Lasagne
Chicken Curry
Beef Stroganoff
Call Pa
Chicken à la King
draic
Vegetarian Lasagne
Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent
Garlic and Cheese Potatoes Cooked Rice
on 086 81 82 628
“ A Taste of Home”
This photo shows one of the pontoon bridges in place over the River Clare in Claregalway during flood relief works. March 2011
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OPEN EVERY DAY 8am - 10pm
24 | www.nuachtchlair.com Raftery’s Centra, Claregalway
Tel: (091) 798 805 Fax: (091) 799 031 March 2011 Email: rafterysclaregalway@centra.ie Web: www.rafterys.ie