Connemara Journal (Issue 9, April 2013)

April 2013 Issue 9

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FIRES blazed across Connemara on Saturday last (March 30), with the Clifden Fire Brigade attending incidents in Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Oughterard and Rosmuc.

Fire crews battled for more than 14 hours in total, with the first alarm raised at 9am on Saturday and the final blaze being brought under control at 7am on Sunday.

The focus for a large part of the day was in Cleggan, where fire threatened five houses on the edge of the village.

The fire service was on hand for l

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The scene in Claddaghduff on Saturday night, as fire fighters battled to save property

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Greenway gets Bord’s green light Aoife Ní Dhálaigh

THE Connemara Greenway Project has been given the green light from An Bord Pleanála – clearing the way for a reinvention of the old Galway to Clifden railway line as a tourist-friendly walking and cycling path.

Work on the first stage of the route is expected to start in early 2014, and will continue for between 18 and 24 months.

The asphalt track will cover a distance of approximately 52 kilometres, incorporating seven new bridges, signage and mapping along the existing Galway to Clifden railway.

The Oughterard to Clifden section is the first phase of a project that will link the Greenway to Galway city and, eventually, on to Dublin.

The long-awaited decision on the project followed written submissions from the l turn to page 6

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APRIL 2013

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News CSI update Extra classrooms and site survey latest developments in school campaign – page 4 Cleggan enters Eurozone!

ARTE TV visit village to record documentary that will air across Europe – page 7 Ó Cuív calls for Leader action Festivals feel the pinch as grants embargo takes hold – page 7 Dublin calling!

Renvyle student joins Mohawk world record attempt (left) – page 8 Mercy nuns retire Oughterard bids farewell – page 9

Arts and Features Books interview Aoife Ní Dhálaigh talks to Irene Lawlor (right) about a life-changing health scare and the inspiration for her debut novel, Discovering Ireland – page 19 Connemara Photographic Society – page 22

Health Nick Kats recalls life in New York in the 1980s, and the lasting impression of a simple touch – page 25

Sports On the trail in Fuerteventura Tri-Conn on tour – page 29 Connemara RFC set to bow out of of AIL After a decade of top-flight rugby, the writing appears to be on the wall for the Blacks– page 32 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter www.facebook.com/connemarajournal/ Twitter: @ConnemaraJ www.connemarajournal.ie

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Gardaí meet with Leenane committee Aoife Ní Dhálaigh

REPRESENTATIVES of Leenane Development Association and Councillor Eileen Mannion met with Superintendent Tony O’Donnell and Sergeant Finbar Philpott in the Community Centre in Leenane recently to outline the concerns of the local community as a result of the closure of the

village’s Garda Station.

Residents in the area had expressed fears that the village and surrounding area would no longer have a Garda presence.

The superintendent informed the meeting of his proposals to maintain a connection between An Garda Síochána and the local community, and explained that Leenane would be covered

by Maam Station.

There will also be two gardaí from Clifden Garda Station nominated as direct points of contact for Leenane.

A proposal was made that a Garda office be set up in the Community Centre for a few hours once a week.

A further meeting is due to take place in May to review the situation. aoife@connemarajournal.ie

MAN about town: fibre network officially ‘lit up’ Tony Kiely

THE official launch of the Clifden Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) took place on March 27 – providing the town with a super-fast fibre broadband network comparable with anywhere in the world.

The MAN is an advanced fibre infrastructure capable of delivering world-class communications and information services.

Local businesses can now utilise the highspeed links to drive their e-commerce enterprises, and the network’s light up also opens the door to investment from companies that depend on high-capacity telecoms The Clifden office of Pobal, who manage programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU, has taken a MANbased service via AirSpeed Telecom, facilitating their connection to the government nationwide communications network.

Martina Moloney, County Manager, Galway County Council, said: ‘The activation of the Clifden MAN is a significant occasion for the development of the town, as well as the wider west Galway region.

‘The availability of high capacity broadband will give the town a level

NO decision has yet been taken as to how to proceed with repair works to the Lettergesh Road, where slippage has occurred recently.

Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion said that the Roads and Transportation Section of Galway County Council, which is waiting for a report from the consultants, has assured her that it is treating the repair of the Lettergesh Road as a priority. A three tonne weight restriction on the road is currently in place.

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Cllr Eileen Mannion, Mayor of County Galway Tom Welby, Conal Henry (CEO – E|net), Martina Moloney (County Manager) and Chris Shanahan, President of the Connemara Chamber of Commerce PHOTO: AOIFE HERRIOTT playing field when it comes to securing investment and job creation.

‘The local authority, for our part, is committed to marketing Clifden as a viable investment location for international or, indeed, indigenous companies.’

Welcoming the activation of the Clifden MAN, Chris Shanahan, President of the Connemara Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘This telecommunications network serves as a significant boost to ongoing efforts to make the town attractive for investment.

‘Furthermore, we recognise that this is also exciting news for existing businesses in the area; as

Dogs Bay clean up MEMBERS of the Roundstone Youth Club put in fantastic work on Sunday, March 24, when they collected 45 bags of rubbish on Dogs Bay beach.

Thanks goes to all the young people, to Paul Delapp and Patrick McDonagh for their assistance, and to Tommy Sullivan,

Lettergesh road slippage

Community Warden, who arranged collection of the rubbish by Galway County Council.

A special mention must also go to Peggy Ward, Mary McDonagh and Tony Loughnan for their year-round efforts to keep local roads and beaches clear of litter.

Richard de Stacpoole

faster, more reliable broadband enables companies to innovate and increase productivity.’

Conal Henry, E|net CEO, said: ‘We are proud of our involvement in the delivery of world-class broadband to Clifden.

‘The activation of the Metropolitan Area Network is central to the delivery of cutting-edge communications and information services to businesses and residences in regional Ireland.’

He continued: ‘E|net’s experience is that, over time, the existence of a MAN has a vital and major impact on the range, quality and value of communications solu-

Sub standard APOSTROPHES, commas, quotation marks and even full stops – they all went on an unexpected holiday in last month’s Journal. Time was against us in March – even more so than usual – and so the final read through of pages was less thorough than we would have liked.

But this is an explanation, rather than an excuse, and we’d like to apologise to any readers who were as irritated by this lapse as we were.

tions for businesses and homes.

‘Having activated the MAN in Clifden, we look forward to delivering the same exciting results to the area.’

The Mayor of County Galway, Tom Welby, officially launched the MAN, describing it as ‘an exremely positive day for economic development in the region that will play a key role in the growth of local businesses’. l Analysis: page 27

A COURSE in remote emergency care (Level 2 Course First Aid) is being offered at Recess National School. The two-day, 16-hour course, due to take place in April/May, is designed to help anyone who works or lives in remote areas cope with emergency situations, and to provide them with the skills to help a friend or family member stay alive until help arrives. No previous experience is necessary.

The course is subsidised

by Forum Connemara, and costs just €25 per person. Contact Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin on 087 737-5599 for further information.

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APRIL 2013

St Patrick’s Day parades – In pictures, pages 16-17

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six hours, and while there were no injuries and all properties were saved, there was extensive damage around the properties in question – with oil tanks, turf stocks and utilities destroyed in the blaze.

Clifden Station Officer Gerard King described the Cleggan incident as ‘one of the worst fires we’ve dealt with in years’.

Mr King said: ‘The fires were so intense that crews were forced to use breathing apparatus. The road into Cleggan from Clifden was closed for a period, and phone lines along the road were damaged in the blaze.’

After six hours fighting fire in Cleggan, the crews were then called to a forest fire in Oughterard before attending further incidents in Claddaghduff, Rosmuc and a sec-

ond fire in Claddaghduff late on Saturday.

Gardaí in Clifden are now investigating the cause of the Cleggan and Claddaghduff fires.

Locals posted photos on Facebook while the fires still raged.

One Facebook user commented: ‘I could not see with the smoke [...] on the road – there could have been a lot of damage done. I think one house was very close to going up in flames – in fact, I thought it had gone.’

Another Facebook user added: ‘Could not believe what I was looking at this morning.’

Eamonn McLoughlin, who witnessed the fire in Cleggan, described how the fire spread at a dramatic rate – engulfing up

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‘It looked like we were going to lose some houses’

Fire crews battled for hours to save homes in Cleggan and Claddaghduff on Saturday and Sunday (main image and below, left); inset above: the remains of one of the destroyed oil tanks to a mile of land in half an hour.

Mr McLoughlin was joined by locals from Claddaghduff in digging over the line of the fire to protect horses that were grazing on the side of the mountainside.

Mr McLoughlin said: ‘It looked like some of the houses were going to be lost, such was the extent of the heat and flame

from the fire.’

Mary Barry Nuckton described the scene of devastation at one of the threatened houses – a holiday home whose owners were due to arrive this week – once the fires were extinguished.

‘The oil tank was completed destroyed, along with the shed. The transformer [connecting electricity to the house] was

destroyed. The heat melted underground pipes running to the house, so all of its utilities have been cut off.’

Locals stayed on site until dawn broke on Sunday morning, when smoke and ash still filled the air around the village.

Paying tribute to those who helped fight the blazes, Mr King said: ‘I would personally like to

thank the fire crews and the people of ClegganCladdaghduff for their efforts in fighting the blaze.

‘The effort and dedication from the locals was fantastic, and without them our job would have been almost impossible. l Anyone with information on the cause of the fires is asked to call Clifden Garda Station in confidence on 095-22500

New classrooms and cost cuts move CSI a step closer Deborah Watkins

A MEETING with political representatives on March 11 is the latest move in CSI’s campaign to hammer home the message that Clifden needs a new secondary school building.

School principal Dr Liam Bolger and CSI chairperson Declan Mannion met with TDs Seán Kyne, Éamon Ó Cuív and Brian Walsh, Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, and councillors Eileen Mannion, Seán Ó Tuairisg and Tom Welby to discuss developments in the campaign.

The meeting follows on from the news that the school’s planning application for three additional classrooms has been approved.

L-r: Cllr Eileen Mannion, Dr Liam Bolger, Brian Walsh TD, Cllr Tom Welby, Seán Kyne TD, Declan Mannion, Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh These will provide the necessary temporary accommodation when building work is taking place, as well as addressing the current shortage of classroom space.

Moves have also taken place to address issues raised in a report from the Planning and Building Unit (PBU) of the Department of Education and Skills This outlined the

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reasons why the project had not been approved for Stage 2B, the final stage in the planning process.

These related to the construction costs, including the excavation of rock from the front and side of the site, and the provision of replacement classrooms while building work is taking place.

The Department now requires a significant

reduction in costs, to reflect the reduction in building costs since the project began.

On foot of this report, a detailed site survey was commissioned in January and February to establish the amount of excavation work that will be required.

The results of the site survey will be submitted in a report to the PBU when complete, and this, together with a planned meeting with the design team, should determine whether the project can be approved at this point.

It is estimated that this will take several weeks, and school princpal Dr Liam Bolger said that the outcome of this ‘is awaited with optimism’. l Join the CSI: Clifden campaign on Facebook

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Sweeney Oil launches new image

Connemara’s local oil company unveils vibrant new image with GAA fundraiser Established in 1987, Sweeney Oil service stations have been among the most popular in Connemara and Galway. Conveniently located in Clifden, Moycullen, Headford Road and Oranmore, the Sweeney Oil service stations are family run businesses that are committed to providing the highest level of customer service at each location.

On Friday, March 15, we asked our valued customers to fuel-up at the Sweeney Oil service stations to support their local GAA teams and clubs, at Clifden, Moycullen, Oranmore and Fr Griffin’s Eire Óg, all of which play such an integral part of community life in Galway. For every litre of fuel purchased on the day Sweeney Oil donated 5 cent to the GAA clubs

involved. There was also be a bucket collection run by members of the local club.

Sweeney Oil employs almost 60 people from the local communities in which they operate. Small businesses, such as Sweeney Oil, are the backbone of the local community in Galway and Connemara. By supporting small local businesses we keep our local economies strong and help maintain local jobs.

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own unique image.

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Bartley Conroy, Manager, Sweeney Oil Service Station Clifden; inset left: John Sweeney

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and image. The Sweeney family are extremely grateful for the fantastic support and goodwill shown to them by their many customers and look forward to serving them in the future. l

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APRIL 2013

‘Ewe’ arrivals at Cleggan farm – In pictures, page 12

NEWS

Support from home and abroad for Daffodil Day TWO events held in Clifden in aid of the Irish Cancer Society raised a grand total of €1,635, writes Aoife Ní Dhálaigh.

A fundraiser at Supervalu on Daffodil Day, Friday March 22, was followed up with a coffee morning in Foyle’s Hotel on Monday March 25. Organiser Regina Hopkins said she was delighted with the level of support shown by the community, and would like to thank everyone who made a donation.

Visitors to her B&B,

Kingstown House in Clifden, also contributed to the cause when they heard why their landlady was rushing off from breakfast on the Friday morning!

Regina wants to thank volunteers Mary Cullen, Monica Fitzpatrick, Mary Joe Heanue, Mary Kirby, Barbara Lydon and Martina Mullen. A special word of thanks goes to Joe Lynch and all the staff at Kavanagh’s SuperValu Clifden, and to Stephen Foyle of Foyle’s Hotel.

Margaret O’Farrell and Francoise Millar at the coffee morning in Foyle’s

Regina Hopkins with Caoimhe Foyle, 16 months

Greenway project wins approval l from page 1

public, and two days of oral hearings in December – and comes with a number of conditions.

While some landowners along the route lodged objections with An Bord

Pleanála – citing concerns over security, land access and grazing rights – the Bord’s conditions largely focus on environmental and heritage conservation.

The route of the Greenway will also be changed

slightly, in line with revisions proposed at the oral hearing, ‘to maximse separation between Greenway users and vehicular traffic on the N59’.

Liam Gavin, Senior Engineer overseeing the project with Galway

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County Council, said: ‘We very much welcome the approval from An Bord Pleanála.

‘This is a communitydriven project – it was community groups in Recess, Clifden, Maam and Oughterard who came to Fáilte Ireland and made it happen.

‘We at the council were simply the conduit.’

Supporters of the project believe the Greenway will become a cornerstone of Connemara tourism.

Welcoming the decision, Mayor of County Galway Tom Welby said he was confident that the Greenway, of which he has been a vocal supporter, will profit the Connemara economy.

Mayor Welby said: ‘I’m delighted with the decision, and it’s something I’ve backed for a long time. This project will be very beneficial to the area from an economic point of view, and provide a huge boost to Connemara tourism.’

Councillor Eileen

Mannion said the decision ‘has lifted the spirit of the community and is welcome news after one of the bleakest winters in the area’.

She said: ‘The hard work of the local community group who started the process several years ago much be recognised.’

She also said that the support from Forum Connemara, Galway County Council and Fáilte Ireland had been instrumental in bringing the project this far.’

Cllr Mannion added: ‘The Greenway would give a jobs boost to the area both at construction stage and more long-term jobs when the project is complete, as there would be increased demand for bike hire, restaurants and accommodation.’

Fine Gael TD Seán Kyne also praised the decision: ‘The Connemara Greenway will, I’m certain, become not just a nationally-important tourist amenity but also serve as an access route

Death notices

Copyright of photographs

CONDOLENCES are extended from the Roundstone community to the Luskin family and friends on the death of John Luskin, who was buried on Friday March 22 in Cong. John was heavily involved with the Connemara Pony Society, and was the first president of The Roundstone Pony Show. Condolences also to the King family on the passing of Greta King, originally from Innishnee, who died in London.

Funeral Mass was held in the Star of the Sea, with burial in Gurteen on Saturday March 23.

Richard de Stacpoole

WE would like to remind our readers that the Connemara Journal and its photographers retain ownership of all articles and images published in the print edition of the newspaper, on our website or on social media websites. If you wish to use or redistribute any of our articles or photographs – for use on a website or in another publication – we ask that you call the office on 095-30707 or email editor@ connemarajournal.ie. We will do our best to facilitate all requests, and appreciate your co-operation in this regard.

which will attract increasing numbers of visitors and tourists to the region.

‘While issues such as negotiations with landowners are still to be finalised, I am confident that we, in Connemara, can emulate the success of the Great Western Greenway between Westport and Achill.’

One of those landowners dissatisfied with the report’s findings is Keith Geoghegan, owner of Glengowla Mines near Oughterard.

Mr Geoghegan said that, while he supports the project, he remained unhappy about An Bord Pleanála’s response to his concerns about land access, which he lodged formally last year.

The route of the Greenway would cross 13 acres of Mr Geoghegan’s land.

This would allow free access to areas to which he normally charged admission as part of the tourist attraction he runs.

Speaking to the Journal last week, Mr

Geoghegan said that, while the inspector’s report had proposed that an alternative route be found at Glengowla Mines, ‘this was a recommendation, not a condition’.

Mr Gavin of Galway County Council added: ‘There are conditions on the planning permission – making provisions for the environment, ecology and architectural heritage of the area – and we are happy to proceed in line with those conditions.

‘We are now seeking funding from Fáilte Ireland to construct this first section of the Greenway, with work due to start in early 2014 and continuing for between 18 and 24 months.

‘Between now and the start of construction we will carry out further discussions with landowners affected by the route, and will continue to seek agreement.’ l The full inspector’s report for the Connemara Greenway Project is on www.pleanala.ie

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Cleggan documentary opens door to European audience Aoife Ní Dhálaigh

PHOTO: HEATHER GREER

FILMING has taken place in Cleggan for a half-hour documentary that will be broadcast in French and German across mainland Europe – and could prove a huge publicity coup for local tourism.

Photographer Heather Greer was contacted by ARTE TV documentary maker Marie Delbès in late February, through her Aughrus Peninsula website.

Ms Greer says: ‘After finding out more about the area, Ms Delbès arrived in Co Galway for a hectic three-day scouting mission, meeting with academics from NUIG; Michael Gibbons, expert in Connemara history and geology; Dermot Breen of Connemara

National Park; Pádraic de Bhaldraithe of Carraroe, expert in boats, sailing and seaweeds; and Leo Hallissey, who runs Sea Week and Bog Week.

‘She also met with several well-known locals in Cleggan: Noreen Higgins, proprietor of Oliver’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant; Cathal King, who operates a live shellfish export business; and Peter Musgrave, who manages Cleggan Farm.

‘I also showed her as much of the peninsula as time allowed.’

Having decided that this busy fishing village would make a great focal point for the Connemara documentary, the full film crew – including a small remote-controlled helicopter for aerial filming – arrived in Cleggan on March 24 for a week’s

Cathal King talks with presenter Raphael Hitier in Oliver’s Bar, Cleggan filming of locals and landscape.

ARTE is a French-German television network with a large international viewership, and a reputation rooted in broadcast-

ing high-quality documentaries.

It is currently working on a series exploring regions within Europe.

Available in French as Paysages d’ici et

Ó Cuív slams Leader grants embargo as festival organisers start to feel the pinch Tony Kiely

THE future of festivals in Connemara is being put at risk by Minister Phil Hogan’s embargo on the approval of new Leader grants.

This is the stark warning issued this month as festival organisers – many of whom depend on funding from the Leader programme to help cover their costs, insurance and marketing – were digesting the news that their applications for

2013 were being placed on hold indefinitely following a decision by the Department of Environment.

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Forum Connemara and other Local Action Groups throughout the country were contacted by the Department on February 6 and asked to ‘cease project approvals until further notice’.

A spokeswoman for Forum Connemara, which oversees the delivery of the Leader programme, said: ‘The Department issued this direction as they were reviewing budgets at a national level, to establish if funding remains in the programme.’

Another email from the Department followed on February 19, stating that ‘no projects should be approved by your Board in February until you are advised by the Department’.

While the embargo will cause costly delays for businesses that have applied for Leader funding, festivals are particularly at risk due to the time pressure they’re under to organise – and pay for – their events.

The structure of the Leader grant means that ‘no activity can commence’ – i.e. no money can be spent on a Leader project – until a signed letter of offer has been received by the

project, signed and returned to Forum Connemara. This leaves festival organisers in a catch-22 – because if and when the embargo is lifted, any money spent by festivals before they receive their letter of offer cannot be recouped.

While no festival has yet had to pull the plug, the grants embargo is placing them under a significant financial strain, and adding a further degree of uncertainty at a time when there is less money available from commercial sponsors.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture and Community Éamon Ó Cuív raised these concerns in the Dáil, calling on Minister Hogan to ‘immediately outline what steps he will take to expedite the approval of projects under the Leader Programme and to expedite the approval of payments’.

In response to questions from Deputy Ó Cuív, Minister Hogan confirmed that less than a third of the money provided under the Leader Programme has been spent to date.

d’ailleurs and Wie das Land, so der Mensch in German, the 40-part series has already covered countries in mainland Europe – and now Ireland.

The half-hour docu-

mentary will air later in the year, and will be seen by a large audience in mainland Europe – all of them potential visitors to the area.

Heather says: ‘This is a massive boost to the promotion of the Aughrus Peninsula and the whole of Connemara.

‘Money simply couldn’t buy this kind of positive publicity for the area.

‘This documentary could result in a massive surge of interest throughout our key European markets, with visitors coming to the region and exploring its beautiful landscape and unique cultural attractions.

‘We should do all that we can to build on this opportunity.’ l www.AughrusPeninsula.com

TG4 film crew ‘gift’ for village A TG4 crew was in Roundstone in March, filming in the village for their five-part drama series of An Bronnatas.

Writing on his newsblog at www.roundstoneconnemara.com, Richard de Stacpoole said: ‘Suffice to say, the filming has created a great buzz in the village – it really rather reminds me of the making of The MatchMaker some years ago. The crew started filming on Dogs Bay, and the rest back in the village. I feel we should thank the film crew and TG4 for the courtesy they have shown in the village, but more importantly in choosing our village to feature in their television series and for keeping our young occupied and putting a few bob back into the village.’

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8

APRIL 2013

‘You’re the cut of a fine bogwoman!’

– Deborah Watkins, page 23

NEWS

€300k funding for community schemes

‘Dublin calling’ for Cody and Shave or Dye world record Aoife Ní Dhálaigh

IT’S a hairstyle that struck fear into the middle class in the 1980s London, and most parents would dread the mention of – but this time, it was for charity.

Renvyle student Cody Johnson took on the Mohawk made by famous by British punks when he participated in the Today FM Shave or Dye world record attempt on February 22.

The annual charity event raises money for the Irish Cancer Society by asking listeners to do a sponsored shave or dye of their hair for the cause.

Not only does this raise funds, but it also shows support for all those who have undergone cancer treatment.

Along with mum Louisa Jack, 11-year-old Cody travelled to Dublin the night before the

Before and after... Cody at the Shave or Dye event event, which kicked off at 8am. The 257 participants gathered in the Market Bar on Fade Street before heading over to the Style Club hairdressers on South William Street for the main action.

Celebrities who turned up on the day to lend a hand included Ray D’Arcy, Ian Dempsey, Miriam O’Callaghan, rugby international Rob Kearney, Voice of Ireland’s Bressie, and actors from RTÉ drama Love/Hate.

The youngest on the day was an 18-monthold baby who contributed a mohawk, while the oldest person

taking part was 67.

And it all paid off when the team broke the Guinness World Record for The Largest Gathering of People with Mohawks/ Mohicans.

This year’s event has already raised more than €316,649 for the Irish Cancer Society and Cody will be accepting contributions until the end of April, when he sends off his completed sponsorship card.

Cody and Louisa would like to thank teachers in Tully National School, who gave Cody permission to take the day off school to take part in the event.

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GALWAY County Council approved funding for projects amounting to just over €300,000 under the Support Scheme for Community Based Economic and Amenity, Support Scheme for Arts and Support Scheme for Heritage.

Councillor Eileen Mannion (pictured) welcomed the funding,

adding: ‘The grants give community groups a great boost and enable them to purchase necessary equipment or prepare for events which are of benefit to the whole community.

‘The funding goes towards groups such as Inishbofin Development Company and Area Renewal Company who received funding for

equipment. Cashel Agricultural Show and Cleggan Claddaghduff Festival of the Sea also received fundin.

‘Clifden Arts Festival received a grant of €8,900 under Support for Arts and Cultural Activities Scheme.

‘Support for Tidy Towns were granted to Clifden, Letterfrack and Carna.’

Over-35s league nets more than €900 for hospital CAPTAINS, players and the referee from the over-35s league were on hand at Connemara Community Radio last Friday to present a cheque for €927 to the winning team’s charity, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. The brainchild of Letterfrack-based Garda Ronan Steede, the over-35s league started in January, with players paying €5 per night to play in the roundrobin competition – with money left after expenses being donated to the charity assigned to the winning team. It is hoped to make the league an annual fixture.

PHOTO: AOIFE HERRIOTT

Council given ‘flexibility’ in allocation of roads budget Tony Kiely

TRANSPORT Minister Leo Varadkar has increased the proportion of road improvement funding which county councils can spend at their own discretion.

County Councils can now use up to 30% of the initial road improvement allocation on road projects of its choice.

Welcoming the new measure, Galway West Deputy Seán Kyne said: ‘This year Galway County council was allocated €8.1 million specifically for improvements to

local and regional roads.

‘Initially the County Council had discretion over the spending of 7% of this total. Now, however, the council has discretion over 30% of the €8.1 million – approximately €2.44 million.’

Connquest adventure challenge CONNQUEST Connemara takes place on Saturday, April 13, starting in the Connemara National Park and passing Kylemore Abbey on the way to Kylemore House.

The 23km adventure race involves running, cycling and an assault coarse. Participants will be faced with challenges such as archery, beam walking, paint ball shooting – and a ‘few surprises’.

Successfully completed challenges will allow you direct passage. Fail and you will incur a 100 meter penalty loop – so it’s a test of skill and fitness. l The race starts in Letterfrack at 10.30am and entry costs €45 l 14-18 year olds can now complete in this race if their waiver form is signed by their parent or guardian. For more information, visit www.roughdiamond.ie

The new funding arrangement gives much greater flexibility and freedom to the council in how it spends its roads grants, enabling it to direct funds towards emergency works, fixing pot holes and improving road surfaces.

Deputy Kyne added: ‘[The move] recognises that County Councils are in a much better position to examine and take decisions on local roads.’

l Galway County Coun-

cil is to receive the second highest amount, after Cork, from a new €2.7 million fund specifically designed to improve road drainage. Deputy Kyne said: ‘Poor drainage issues lead to serious problems with roads and I’m confident that the new allocation of funding can be used by Galway County Council to address road drainage problems.’

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connemara JOURNAL

NEWS

Tidy Towns set for ‘Super Saturday’ Sandra Shattock

WHAT comes to mind when you think of Spring?

Brighter evenings, getting out into the garden, daffodils, spring flowers and of course the inevitable spring cleaning?

Well it’s that time of year again and Clifden Tidy Town’s have arranged our ‘Super Saturday Clean Up’ for April 20 at 2pm, meeting at the Ball Alley on the Beach Road.

Bags and pickers will be provided and afterwards SuperValu is again kindly sponsoring refreshments. We would be

delighted if you, your family, friends, businesses, community groups and schools would join us to make it a real community effort.

We have been busy over the last few months planning for the year ahead and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ clifdentidytowns (please Like and Share) has details of what projects we have been involved in and what’s planned.

Competitions will be held regularly on the site so make sure your name is in the pot. We have great tips on up-cycling, reducing waste and

‘reuse’ initiatives.

Anyone who has children in the local schools will no doubt be aware of their work under the Green School Programme and their enthusiasm to make their community a better place is to be admired and applauded.

If your children have passed on any words of wisdom to you about how to safe energy, reduce waste, or save money, tell us about them.

We are always looking for volunteers to help us out with all aspects of our work – and you don’t even have to come to meetings!

The competition itself covers many parts, not just landscaping and litter control and there may be something you could help us with. Have a look at the entry form on line to see what areas are covered (www.tidytowns.ie) It’s a lovely way of getting out and meeting people, having a bit of a laugh and doing our bit to promote our community.

If you or your group have any spring clean event planned, let us know and we will advertise it on our Facebook page. l Sandra Shattock is Chair of Clifden Tidy Towns

Rev Canon Seán Manning, Sr Frances, Sr Elizabeth (provincial), Fr Alan Bourke PP, Mayor of County Galway Cllr Tom Welby and Sr Rosarii at the tree planting on Easter Sunday PHOTOS: TOM BRODERICK

Oughterard bids farewell to Mercy nuns after 156 years PARISHIONERS in Oughterard bid a fond farwell to the Mercy nuns on Easter Sunday, writes Tony Kiely.

The departure of Sister Frances and Sister Rosarii – the last serving Mercy nuns to the Oughterard community – was marked by the planting

of a cedar tree on the banks of the Owenriff River.

Tributes were paid both to the departing sisters, and to the 156year presence of the Mercy nuns in the community – and their sterling service to the education of the young people of the area.

SEND YOUR COMMUNITY NOTES TO NEWS@CONNEMARAJOURNAL.IE

Comment

CONNEMARA 2012 The banks of the river are a disgrace. There are aluminium drink cans, crisp packets, cardboard, lumps of plastic, some sort of gas cylinder and a toddler-sized plastic car.

This is not, of course, a comment on the efforts of the Tidy Towns committee.

NOTICE OF FORTHCOMING AUCTION On the instructions of the administrator

The Estate of The Late

Michael Gould Emlaghmore, Ballyconneely, County Galway will be offered for sale by Public Auction (Details, Date, Venue to be advised later)

Joint Agents EAMONN McLOUGHLIN

SINEAD O’SULLIVAN

Connemara Properties Bridge Street, Clifden Tel. 095 21473

Matt O’Sullivan Ltd. The Square, Clifden Tel. 095 21066

ADVENTURECHALLEGE

2013 It’s only twelve months or so since the river was picked clear of debris by their volunteers, and new weirs were built with the help of the Clifden Trout Anglers.

Now, though this work is not quite undone – the weirs remain – the efforts of the committee have been utterly soiled and disrespected by the person or persons who dumped their rubbish in the river.

Aside from the environmental damage this kind of behaviour causes, it also visits untold damage to the image and reputation of our area. It goes without saying that as a region we depend on tourism – and what tourist wants to visit a town in ‘beautiful Ireland’ where the rivers are choked with rubbish?

Littering and fly-tipping in Connemara are, sadly, not unusual. Were it not for the efforts of the council and Tidy Town committees across the region, we would be kneethe deep in the proverbial.

MAY 112013

It must be soul-destroying for those volunteers who strive to keep our towns litterfree to see so little heed paid to their efforts – to see their tireless work undone by the thoughtless actions of a few.

Last December, Clifden won a national Pride of Place award. And while there is much to be proud of in both Clifden and Connemara, this wanton disregard for the environment and the work carried out on behalf of the whole community leaves a lot to be desired.

So let’s show a little more pride, and a little more respect for the community – and for those who choose to travel here and spend their money with us.

After all, multi-awardwinner Westport is only a short drive further along the N59.

Don’t give our tourists the excuse to make that trip. editor@connemarajournal.ie

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AS I pulled into the carpark behind AIB Bank in Clifden last week, my heart was cheered by the site of volunteers from the Tidy Towns committee, hard at work clearing weeds from the borders below the apartments.

It was a freezing cold morning, with flurries of snow and a sharp wind, but there they were, oblivious to the conditions and giving up their time for their town and community.

As I climbed the steps adjacent to Brodeoig River, however, my heart sank.

10

APRIL 2013

Reaching across the divide in New York – see Health, page 25

NEWS

Pictured (centre): Phillipa Scott, Camilla Speirs and Kerri Lyons lead a four-horse clinic at the Clifden Showgrounds as part of the CPBS Spring Festival

Olympic rider stars at spring festival THE Annual Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society Spring Festival took place in Clifden from March 21-25.

The festival kicked off with colt inspections at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, Co Westmeath on the Thursday, with the second day of inspections on the Friday in Clifden Also on Friday, the CPBS annual publication of An Capaillin was launched in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel by Frank O’Malley.

Frank’s late father.

Michael O’Malley, was

one of the founder members of the Conneamara Pony Breeders’ Society.

Elizabeth Petch, from Co Cork, spoke about the 90 years of the Connemara Pony Show. Mrs Petch, who contributed to An Capaillin, has been attending the Connemara Pony Show since 1962, and gave a great insight to the earlier years of the event.

On Saturday morning, ponies and riders gathered at the showgrounds for a charity ride in aid of the Galway Society of Cruelty for Animals.

Ponies and riders led the way, with walkers following on foot, for the six mile hack along the Sky Road.

The excitement was building in the showgrounds with the anticipation of the arrival of London Olympic rider Camilla Speirs, who competed at the Games on her half-bred Connemara, Portersize Just A Jiff.

Camilla, along with four riders and ponies, gave a clinic on taking your Connemara pony cross country. The CPBS invited a range of ponies Do you have a job vacancy you wish to fill?

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to participate in the clinic.

Kerri Lyons travelled from Co Meath with her 12-year-old gelding, Breeze On – the highest placed Connemara at novice level with Eventing Ireland last year.

Phillipa Scott from Co Mayo brought her fiveyear-old gelding, Benny Liath, the winner of the Connemara Green Hunter competition in 2012.

Grace Murphy and her five-year-old stallion Hazelrock Horizon was joined by Laura McDonagh on another stallion, Fernville Danny.

At the end of the clinic Camilla rode Breeze On over some of the fences to show us all how the professionals do it!

The CPBS were also delighted to have Noel Noonan’s mare, Banks Vanilla, in the Showgrounds.

Banks Vanilla won at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the UK and was also awarded the Best of the Breed at Olympia in December 2012.

Banks took some time out of her well-earned holiday to take part in the

event, and was ridden by Camilla and paraded by Ciara Connolly from Rosscahill, Co Galway.

On Saturday evening long-time Connemara Pony supporter and Galway author Niamh O’Dochartaigh presented a talk on ‘The Connemara Performance Pony, Past, Present and Future’, which will be published in the coming months.

On Sunday, the annual stallion parade got underway with nearly 30 stallions shown – though the cold weather hindered the crowd.

The parade was run in conjunction with ‘A Taste of Connemara’, which featured a range of trade stands showcasing local food and crafts. Even on a very cold day the Connemara Ice Cream went down a treat! l The Conneamara Pony Breeders Society would like to thank everyone who attended the Spring Festival and we look forward to seeing you all to celebrate the 90th year of the Connemara Pony Show, from August 11-18. For more, see www.cpbs.ie

Class acts shine at Cleggan All-in-one THE All-in-one Show held on February 24 in brilliant sunshine at Cleggan Beach Riding Centre was a great success, writes Judy Cazabon.

Dressage started at 9am and was judged by Vida Tansey. Nicola Musgrave took over in the afternoon, judging the Ridden and Working Hunter classes.

Both judges are experts in their fields and have judged at top shows around the country and abroad.

Vida presented a dressage demonstration with Siobhán Cazabon Sullivan riding her PSG horse, Aramis, and Nicola followed with a demonstration on showing the ridden Connemara, with Alana Cazabon Sullivan riding Blackwood Dancer.

At the end of the day, three riders cleared the

Philip Duane from Ballyconneely on Mask Lady, winners of class 6

Rachel Malone, from Clifden riding Pepperoni

Maria Gorham on Molly receives her prize from Nicola Musgrave

high jump at 1.20m – Liam Mitchell, (Ballyconneely) on Glean Rua Magic; Eadaoin Foden, (Moycullen) on Locky; and Pat O’Neill, (Ballyconneely) on Illunurra Shadow.

Pat also won the prize for the best turned out rider and pony.

Sponsors of the event

included Oliver’s Bar, Cleggan, Connemara Horse and Equestrian Wear, Clifden, and SuperValu, Clifden. l We would like to thank all the riders and helpers who took part in two parades in Clifden and Roundstone on St. Patricks Day – Enda Keane, Pat O’Neill, Siobhán and Alana

Cazabon Sullivan, Liam Mitchell, Pat O'Toole, Rebecca Mullen, Joanne Conneely, Geraldine Galand, Peter and Noreen Higgins.

Well done, and the best of luck to the seven Cleggan Beach Dressage riders who have qualified horses for the National Winter Finals in Cavan this month.

11

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connemara JOURNAL Tony Kiely

A SALROCK landowner has donated a 14-acre plot of land to Galway-based eco-charity Green Sod Ireland in order to ‘protect and conserve its biodiversity for future generations’.

This is the second major land bequest for the organisation, which aims to protect and conserve Irish eco-systems and create a new respect for the natural world.

The bequest comes from Eileen Coyne – described by Green Sod CEO Sheila Gallagher as a ‘visionary woman’ – who has deep roots in Salrock.

The land is situated on the hillside at Little Killary, under the watchful eye of Mweelrea and contains many distinct ecosystems, from wet heath and rocky outcrops to native woodland and a sheltered rocky shoreline.

A plan for the land is in progress, starting with a biodiversity study to be organised with research students from NUI Galway.

Eileen’s family have lived on the holding for generations.

Asked why she was gifting the land to Green Sod, Eileen says: ‘I don’t feel you can ever really say you “own” land.

‘You are a caretaker only and, during your short time on the planet, you can only choose to nurture the land or to abuse it.

‘I feel people globally are waking up to how the planet and the species living on it are all closely inter-linked and inter-dependent.

‘I hope this donation to Green Sod encourages other landowners in Ireland to look again at their wider responsibilities and give thought to donating a site to animal welfare or environmentally-sound charitable organisations.’

Green Sod Ireland

NEWS

Land bequest by ‘visionary’ woman boosts Wild Acres plan

Salrock As I sit on a sun-warmed rock and gaze Enthralled by the moods of the Atlantic sea The spirits of long dead generations Share my vision while resting beside me.

Here my Great Grandfather once stood to watch The clouds shadow and catch on towering Mweelrea Reflecting, perhaps, on how hunger could savage And cut people down as a scythe does the hay.

And, later, my Grandfather looked on his children Roaming the shore in self-absorbed play From the door of his cottage, dog at his feet, Drawing, content, on his pipe made of clay.

Here I rest, the jaded city-dweller Thanking the fates for the stroke of good luck That allows me to pause from the turmoil of life To cherish the beauty and peace of Salrock Eileen Coyne

hopes that Eileen’s action will inspire other landowners to do likewise and place land beyond any human development, thus supporting the growth of WildAcres in Ireland.

Melissa Griffith, chairwoman of Green Sod Ireland, said: ‘We are delighted to accept the gift of this beautiful piece of land, with its many changing ecosystems and its wealth of biodiversity, and are indebted to Eileen Coyne for taking this visionary step’.

Green Sod was set up to protect Irish ecosystems and educate people to be proactive in the preservation of nature.

There are two strands to their work, one of which is the establishment of ‘WildAcres’ in order to create safe habitats and to facilitate the free movement of wildlife, vital for biodiversity.

The other strand is ecological education promoting a shift in thinking – from ‘human-centred’ to ‘earth-centred’ – across all sectors of society, thus bringing about a better understanding of the value of wild land and the species it supports. l For more information, see www.greensodireland.ie

West Coast clean up with scrap metal collection THERE’S significantly less scrap metal cluttering up the sheds, yards and attics of Connemara – and it’s all thanks to West Coast Utd. The club organised a free scrap metal collection over the Easter weekend to raise money for the club. This picture shows just a fraction of the metal collected at the Farmer’s Co-op in Letterfrack, and club volunteers also arranged free scrap collection from homes over the last few weeks.

Donor Eileen Coyne (centre) signs over her bequest in the company of solicitor Marion Murphy and Sheila Gallagher (CEO Green Sod Ireland)

Green Sod: Working for future generations GREEN Sod Ireland was set up and received charitable status in 2007. Since then, it has been working to put in place the infrastructure for a national organisation.

The head office is in Galway, with groups in Dublin, Mayo, and Waterford, and the organisation is currently in the process of setting up a group in Co Carlow.

The aim of the organisation is to protect and conserve land and its indigenous inhabitants; to acquire land all over Ireland

in order to create WildAcres the length and breadth of the country and protect our rich biodiversity.

A comprehensive education programme for primary school children has been established and delivered in over 300 schools.

An adult basic education initiative in Environmental Studies has also been introduced, which aims to reconnect people with their deep roots in nature.

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12

APRIL 2013

‘I followed my heart and it lead me to new discoveries’ – Interview with author Irene Lawlor, page 19

NEWS

PHOTOS: AOIFE HERRIOTT

Graham, Amy and Saoirse Roberts (Connemara Smokehouse)

Sr Genevieve and Sr Magdalene (Kylemore Abbey)

Sally and John Coyle

Zoe Fitzgerald and Cillian Gilmore (Renvyle House)

Bill Crowley with journalist and master of ceremonies, Roz Crowley

Renvyle House marks 130 years

Rosita Boland (The Irish Times) and Gerard Coyne (Coynes Pub, Tullycross)

Gary Mullin (Connemara Food Ventures)

Mairead Rogan and Ina Ruddy, from Tully

RENVYLE House Hotel hosted an indoor market and a feast of local food on March 9, marking the hotel’s 130th anniversary, writes Tony Kiely.

Guests at the ‘International Gourmet Weekend’ were treated to a meal produced by executive chef Tim O’Sullivan and his team, with wines sponsored by J&C Kenny Wine Distributors.

These were carefully matched

by Roz Crowley, food writer and journalist, who also undertook the role of Master of Ceremonies for

the seven course gala banquet.

After enjoying a prosecco reception, guests were seated in the dining room, where the banquet commenced.

Local food producers including Sr Genevieve and Sr Magdalene (Kylemore Abbey), Graham and Saoirse Roberts (Connemara Smokehouse) and Gary Mullin (Connemara Food Ventures) exhibited at the indoor market, providing a taste of the best artisan foods that Connemara has to offer.

Nice to see ewe: Cleggan farm’s new arrivals

clifden ballyconneely oughterard ballynahinch carna kylemore cleggan tully cross leenaun letterfrack maum recess renvyle rosmuck roundstone inishbofin tully omey claddaghduff lettergesh clonbur cashel EWS, OF N S U SEND AILS T E D D AN IN S P O U T O G H N P COMI A S T N E EV RE YOUR A CALL TONY ON 095-30707 OR EMAIL news@connemarajournal.ie

connemara JOURNAL

the

IT’S that time of year again, when every field in Connemara seems to be alive with countless stumbling, jumping, leaping, bleating lambs.

While life outdoors has been on the chilly side of things this spring, the lambs at the indoor lambing sheds at Cleggan Farm had a

far cosier start to life.

Photographer Heather Greer sent us images of these new lowland lambs, which make their appearance a few weeks earlier than their mountain cousins More of Heather’s work can be seen at www.connemara magic.com

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connemara JOURNAL

THERE were two 100th birthday celebrations in Connemara this month, with Bridie Stanton and Margaret O’Malley both reaching the remarkable milestone.

Bridie, who is a resident in the Owenriff Nursing Home, in Oughterard, celebrated her centenary with friends and family in the Killannin Community Centre.

Bridie received the traditional cheque from President Michael D Higgins, and was also joined by Fr Martin Moran and other members of the Killannin senior citizens community.

In Clifden, at St Anne’s Nursing Home, Margaret O’Malley, from Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, marked her 100th birthday in the company of friends and family who had travelled from across Ireland to mark the event.

Margaret lived all her life in Ballyconneely, and has been a resident of St Anne’s for the last few months.

Former councillor Josie Conneely paid tribute to staff for the care delivered at St Anne’s, and wished Margaret well as she was presented with her Presidential cheque.

Father Tony, from Ballyconneely, said mass, and Myles, James and Isabelle Ruddy, from Manin, provided music.

Top: Bridie, with her family, receives a cheque to mark her 100th birthday; from left: Mary McEvilly, Michael Keane, Fr Martin Moran, Patricia Keane, Bridie Stanton, Mary Wright, Helen Stanton and Albert King; left: the Killannin senior citizens join Bridie at her centenary celebration

connemara JOURNAL ONLINE

Centenary celebrations for Bridie and Margaret

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NEWS

Whether you live in Carna or Camden, Ballyconneely or Boston, all the latest Connemara news is now just a click away The Journal’s website will be updated regularly throughout the month You can also browse the full Journal archive of news, sports and features So go online, get involved, and tell us what you think...

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Pictured, above right: Margaret O’Malley receives her Presidential cheque from Seán O’Malley and former Cllr Josie Conneely; above: Isabelle, James and Myles Ruddy, who provided music at the birthday celebration; above, right: Margaret with the staff of St Anne’s nursing home; right: Margaret with members of her family

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APRIL 2013

PROFILE he bio-energy clinic in Clifden recently celebrated its first year in operation and owner Brian McConway (right) is delighted at the growing number of both new and repeat clients that have attended the clinic.

Brian, originally from Co. Roscommon and currently living in Renvyle, trained as a therapist at the renowned Plexus Institute in Co. Clare, where he achieved his European Diploma in Bio-energy.

I went along to the clinic to experience bio-energy therapy for myself, and discover what, if any, beneficial alternatives to modern medicine it had to offer.

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Maureen Corbett: Brian, what exactly is bio-energy?

Brian McConway: All living organisms, including humans, are made up of a highly powerful, systematic energy field.

When the flow of energy becomes blocked or unbalanced, it has a negative impact on our physical and emotional

Let it flow: a healing energy from within Maureen Corbett undergoes a series of bio-energy treatments to better understand this ancient Chinese medical practice health and wellbeing that can subsequently develop into illness.

Bio-energy therapy was discovered and developed in ancient Chinese cultures and became incorporated into eastern medical practice.

It has continued to provide a successful alternative to conventional medical practice right up to the present day.

MC: What causes the

energy flow to become unbalanced or blocked?

BMcC: Usually, it is the result of some form of shock to the system, either physically or emotionally. This causes a disturbance to the flow of energy, that, in turn, can result in an imbalance to the energy field.

Over time, this imbalance can weaken our immune system, leaving us defenceless

against illness.

Our state of mind also plays a vital role in stimulating our energy flow, as each of our vital organs act as ‘storage areas’ for negative emotions. Bio-energy therapy shows us how to convert negative emotional energy into positive emotional energy with a little bit of practice, thus achieving our ‘inner smile’ where our main organs are functioning properly and are completely healthy.

If we think positive, we feel positive.

MC: How does the treatment work and what does it involve?

DO YOU SUFFER FROM: Asthma, Eczema, Arthritis, Back Problems, Digestive Disorders, Depression, Chronic Fatigue, Insomnia?

Have you a child with ADD, ADHD or any other learning disorder?

IF SO, A VISIT TO THE BIO-ENERGY CLIFDEN CLINIC COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE Special Needs Programme: Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, is a major problem for many children. Within the Plexus Clinic we have created very effective techniques that have improved the quality of life for many of these children.

For more information or to arrange a free consultation contact Brian at 087 9545342 Or email: bmcconway@justimagine.ie Website: www.bioenergyclifden.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/bioenergyclifden Bio-Energy Clifden Lower Market Street Clifden

BMcC: Bio-energy treatments are holistic in approach and, as a therapist, I would always focus on the client, rather than on the illness or condition they may be suffering from.

The treatment provides the client with the necessary tools to allow them to take an active and primary role in their own health care.

Through a series of hand movements, I conduct a scan of the client’s energy field to locate the area where the energy flow is disturbed or interrupted. I concentrate on restoring the flow to this area in order to correct any imbalances.

A client also needs to take a pro-active role in his or her own treatment.

I can provide an individually tailored health care plan that includes nutritional advice, specialised breathing and visualisation techniques.

This ‘all encompassing’ approach to good health and wellbeing stimulates the immune system from an energetic perspective and restores the body’s own ability to heal.

MC: What conditions

can bio-energy be used to treat?

BMcC:An underlying principle of the therapy is the belief that every illness is a result of a frequency imbalance in the body, rather than a chemical imbalance.

I have treated clients, both adults and children, who are suffering from many conditions, including asthma, chronic fatigue, arthritis, digestive disorders, insomnia and depression.

Children, in particular are still very connected with their own energy system and are very receptive to the treatments and the techniques used.

MC: You recommend that treatments be carried out over four consecutive days, lasting approximately one hour each day. Why? BMcC:The energy system has layers and bio-energy therapy can be likened to peeling the layers off an onion. In our fast paced world we have come to expect everything to happen immediately, or five minutes ago.

But the reality is that it takes time and effort to get the best results from this therapy.

Over the four days I can really work with a client to get to the

bottom of why they are with me in the first place.

Getting to the root of what’s causing the symptoms is where the real healing takes place and my job is to unlock that healing ability in an individual.

The length of time this process takes varies from person to person and often I suggest returning for additional sessions when required, usually after a period of six to eight weeks. l Contact Brian at 087 9545342, bmcconway@ justimagine.ie, or go to www.bioenergy clifden.com

Maureen’s diary DAY 1: A scan of my energy field revealed it was fairly weak and very unbalanced (no real surprise there!). As my energy channels were unblocked, I felt a lot of tingling sensations (like severe pins and needles) and intense coldness. The treatment took just over an hour and afterwards I felt drained, sleepy and extremely dehydrated. Went home, drank lots of water and slept for 14 hours straight.

DAY 2: The treatment followed the same format as yesterday and the tingling and coldness continued. Brian discussed healthy diet options and suggested some beneficial supplements and vitamins. I learned some basic visualisation and relaxation techniques that I could practice at home. Again, I was very tired and dehydrated.

DAY 3: Being involuntarily pulled backwards by the magnetic-like force of the human energy field is something that must be

experienced to be believed. Unnerving, to say the least! The tiredness and dehydration has been replaced by a sense of calm and relaxation – still sleeping like a baby though!

DAY 4: My first bio-energy treatment session ended with my feeling refreshed and relaxed and a little stronger on the inside. I know that I need to make a few (well, more than a few) changes to my diet, but already I seem to have lost my taste for coffee and chocolate, so maybe there is still some hope for a healthier, more energised me!

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DIARY

From across the miles: woman’s search for long-lost half-sister

Lee family gathering draws visitors from Germany and Italy THE Cashel area had an early experience of what might be in store when its Gathering event takes place in July and August.

In early March the Lee family organised a surprise 60th birthday party for Mary Lee Reimann, who lives in Stuttgart, Germany.

Family members – three from England, one from Italy and three who reside in Connemara, as well as other relations and friends from Germany and Italy – gathered together in Johny O’Loghlens bar for a great night of music, song and dance.

The main organisers of the event were Mary’s daughter Tara and son Seán, who also live in Stuttgart.

As well as enjoying the birthday celebrations, the overseas visitors took in the sights of Connemara. Some who were enjoying their first visit to the area vowed to return again soon.

The family members would like to thank all who attended and helped out with the event, in particular Colm Redmond and staff at the Zetland Hotel and Bar. Bernard Lee

Mary Lee was joined by family and friends for her surprise birthday celebration in Johny O’Loghlens bar

AN Irish-American woman searching for her half-sister has contacted the Journal to see if our readers can help.

Katie Joyce-Ryan, from Chicago, discovered after her father’s death that she had a half-sister who was born in south Connemara. Bridget (Bridie) Vaughan is the name of either her halfsister or her half-sister’s mother, and she was born in either Lettermullen or Carraroe in the early 1950s.

She may have moved to New York – this is uncertain – but she was back home for Christmas 2012.

Katie’s parents married in

Connemara before moving to Chicago, where they raised their eight children.

Katie is eager to make contact as she knows her half-sister was looking for her father before his death, more than a year ago.

Katie adds: ‘It is her birthright to know who her father was and any family she may have.

‘If she has decided that she does not want to talk, that is okay, too. It is, of course, her decision.’

Anyone who has information can contact Katie at (001) 773-719-9745 or katiefrancis@juno.com

Graduations The eight members of the Lee family gathered for birthday celebrations: Joe, Conal, Bernard, Jerry, Paddy, Robert, Paul and Mary

St Anne’s secures second win in Celebrity Sean Nós PHOTOS: TERENCE O’TOOLE

THE night of Friday March 15 saw Clifden Comhaltas host Celebrity Sean Nós 2013 in the Station House Hotel.

With 15 organisations taking part, it was sure to be a good night’s entertainment – and that it was. Crowds queued at the door from 7.30pm to get the best seats in the house as anticipation built to see what each organisation would do on the night.

Each celebrity had great support with them and they gave it their absolute all when they took to the stage. Each dance started with an exhibition of sean nós dancing from Clifden Comhaltas’ young sean nós dancers and then the tutor and celebrity jumped onto the stage.

Music was provided by Clifden Comhaltas and local musicians and thanks must go to them for providing great music all evening.

There was a host of props used to represent each organisation, including: A makeshift bar from Lowry’s,

an RNLI suit, a fire-beating baton, a supermarket basket and many more. The winner was Seán Heanue (pictured left with John Joyce), representing St Anne’s Nursing Home, and he put on a brilliant display of steps – and fun.

His props including a walking aid (amongst other things), and he got a roaring reception from the appreciative crowd when the announcement was made that he was to be crowned champion.

His tutor was John Joyce, building on his success as the winning tutor last year. This is the also the second year St Anne’s have won, and last year’s winner arrived in style – on a horse drawn carriage – courtesy of Enda Keane and Cleggan Riding Centre (left).

Last year’s celebrities also reprised their performances and this year’s celebrities – including winner Seán Heanue – can be seen taking part in Clifden Trad Fest this weekend. See www.clifdentradfest.com

Hamper unveils a fresh new look THE Connemara Hamper, on Market Street, Clifden, revealed a fresh new look this month. Still stocking your favourite artisan foods, the deli now boasts a more open and breezy layout that’s sure to prove a hit with customers old and new – and provide a boost to trade as the busy tourist season rolls around again.

q VINTAGE cars, horses and a wax-a-thon to round off the evening – it could only be the 10k drive and ride in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation, which took place in Clifden last Saturday (March 30). Organiser Stephanie Salmon is still working out the final tally from the event, but has extended her thanks to everyone who took part. All money raised will go towards helping children with severe neurological development issues, and Stephanie now hopes to make the drive and ride an annual event.

Nicola Connolly, Ballyconneely, who graduated recently from NUI Galway with a BA honours degree in Mathematics and Education. Nicola is pictured here with Denis O’Connell and parents Noel and Brigid Connolly

On the path to growth PATRICK O’Flaherty (Ballynahinch Castle Hotel) and Zoe Fitzgerald (Renvyle House), pictured here with Ciara O’Mahony (Fáilte Ireland), were among the hoteliers who attended Fáilte Ireland’s recent workshop aimed at helping Galway tourism businesses to attract more visitors from Britain.

PHOTO: JOE TRAVERS

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The next issue of the Connemara Journal will be published on May 1 The deadline for advertising and submitting articles is April 22 To advertise, email sales@connemarajournal.ie or call 095-30707

This project is supported by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development – Europe investing in rural areas

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APRIL 2013

IN PICTURES: ST PATRICK’S DAY

Y o u r _ f r e e St Patrick’s Day 2013 c o m m u n i t y

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OUGHTERARD

CLIFDEN

THE honour of cutting the tape to start the Oughterard St Patrick's Day parade went to Mayor of County Galway Tom Welby, who was joined by Sister Rosarii, James Stewart (grand master), St Patrick himself (Larry Larkin) and Sister Frances.

The Sisters retired this month after years of sterling service to the education of the young people of Oughterard (see page 9).

The Collinamuck float (below, right) was the overall winning entry in the parade.

Sponsored by Peig’s Bar, Collinamuck, the float depicted the army enforcing austerity.

Other highlights included the Oughterard young hurlers (sponsored by J P Keogh's) and the Corribway branch of the Irish Pony Club .

There were also shades of an iconic image in Irish-American history, with the the ‘tea break’ float (above, centre) celebrating the construction of the Oughterard water tower in 1961. Pictured in the photo are ‘skyscraper builders’ Padraig and Mick Conneely, from Rusheeny, Oughterard.

A large and enthusiastic crown lined the route – despite the almost traditional St Patrick’s Day chill – with families taking full advantage of the wide range of activities on offer.

Pictured (far right) are Aisling and Sean Geoghegan with parents Mary and John, enjoying cupcakes baked by local volunteers, and the Casey family – Andrea, Kevin and Daragh.

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PHOTOS: DON BROWN / IRENE KING STAUNTON

MOYCULLEN THE second Paráid lá Fhéile Pádraig Mhaigh Cuilinn was a resounding success. Over 50 floats representing commercial companies, sporting and social organisation took part, with the colourful floats and vibrancy of the marching groups livening up a cold but dry day. A large number of spectators lined the route and they thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. Míle buíochas to our main sponsors, McCann’s SuperValu, Moycullen, and the various businesses and individuals who contributed their time and financial support to make our second parade such a success.

ALL PHOTOS: TOM BRODERICK

TULLYCROSS

PHOTO: AOIFE HERRIOTT

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IN PICTURES: ST PATRICK’S DAY

ROUNDSTONE THE Craughwell Unit of The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps travelled to Roundstone to take part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade. With cadets ranging in ages from 10 to 16 years, they were a great representation of the work done with young people and senior citizens in their parish. It is hoped that the village’s own Order of Malta Ireland Community Care corps unit will be able to emulate this structure when it is set up through Roundstone Youth Club. There are also plans to make a community care service vehicle available to the surrounding parishes.

The officers of the day were Maura Lyons, Deputy Officer in Charge; Eilis Ruffles, Cadet Officer; Michelle Nee, Training Officer; Collette Lyons, Cadet Leader; Senior Cadet Members, Eamon Lyons, Seán Lyons and Aaron Mc Donnell.

Cadets: Aoife Lyons, Ashlee Nee, Sean Lyons, Ciarán Lyons, Ailish Lyons, Emer Lyons, and Hermione Ruffles.

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BOOKS We want the Journal to be a newspaper that anyone of any age can get involved in, and with that in mind we’ve opened up the books pages to feature reviews from our young readers. First up is Brendan Conneely, age 11 If you would like to get involved, email aoife@connemarajournal.ie

Fast-paced mystery aboard the Lusitania THE story is set in 1915 and is about a 13-year-old boy who lives in Queenstown (Cobh), Co. Cork. His name is Finbar and his father is a Staff Captain aboard the Lusitania.

When his father comes home for a brief visit, Finbar decides to sneak aboard to try to earn some more money for his family. But while there, he discovers some strange activities on board the Lusitania.

The SOS Lusitania is a very entertaining read. I found it exciting and mysterious, with many really interesting true facts.

I liked the main character, Finbar, because he is a really kind person. He is very good to his siblings and takes care of them.

The mysterious side of the story is highly

SOS Lusitania Kevin Kiely (O’Brien, €7.99)

enjoyable as well as the plot, because you will never get bored with it.

The only thing I did not like was that I felt the story moved along a little too quickly for my liking.

SOS Lusitania is a really good book for fast readers.

I would recommend this book for kids aged between nine and 13 years.

Brendan Conneely

The Abbey Playboys who won the day in Hollywood ANYONE with even a passing interest in the history of Irish cinema will recognise John Ford’s The Quiet Man as a watershed moment in the genre. The 1952 film was a mélange of the fantastic scenery of the west of Ireland, a gripping story, some famous members of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre and the skills of the most decorated film director of his time – an IrishAmerican who had roots in Connemara through his Spiddal-born father, John A. Feeney.

All of this and much more is explored with some style in Hollywood Irish by Adrian Frazier, a professor of English at NUI Galway.

In the introduction, Frazier immediately presents to us the historic first meeting of the prolific director Ford and the members of the Abbey, relating how the company went to Hollywood in February 1935 (doing a production of JM Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World, among other works) for its third tour of a United States in the

Hollywood Irish Adrian Frazier (Lilliput Press, €20)

depths of a terrible recession.

Ford was born in the state of Maine in 1896, yet retained a significant passion for the literature of his parents’ homeland.

At the time of his meeting with the actors from Ireland, he was filming an adaptation of Liam O’Flaherty’s novel The Informer.

Prof Frazier tells of how Ford arranged a welcoming banquet for the players on the set in Hollywood at RKO Studios, which pinpoints the beginning of what Bogart’s Rick Blaine

might have called ‘a beautiful friendship’.

Perhaps the Irish visitors brought Ford additional luck, because The Informer marked the first of his four Academy Awards for Best Director.

Thereafter, tempted by lucrative movie contracts, these actors, including Barry Fitzgerald, his brother Arthur Shields and Maureen O’Hara, resettled in Hollywood and became members of what was informally called Ford’s ‘stock company’, appearing repeatedly in successful films such as The Long Way Home (1940), How Green was My Valley (1941), and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949).

Prof Frazier credits much of the excellent detail in his book to some detective work he did after writing a draft of the second chapter. He traced the papers of Arthur Shields to Oakland, California, where Shields’ daughter Christine, still living, had kept all the memoirs and many photographs of her father from his days in

the Abbey and on film. It is fortunate for us that Shields was as meticulous a collector of his records, as was the notable character he played in The Quiet Man, the Reverend Playfair.

Adding to the enjoyment of Frazier’s work is the display of many excellent photographs culled from the Shields family papers. These show the lead actors of the Abbey appearing in a medium that many of them had probably never dreamed of, before an international audience of film-goers instead of just the punters in Dublin.

The final chapter of the book is devoted to a comparison of Synge’s Playboy of the Western World and The Quiet Man. Although not nearly as shocking to contemporary audiences as Synge’s play was in 1907, Frazier says that Ford’s film did run afoul of the notoriously strict Irish censor on at least two instances – one being where Barry Fitzgerald’s Michaleen Oge Flynn exclaims the words ‘Impetuous!’ and

‘Homeric!’ to what he perceives as the reason behind the shattering of Sean Thornton’s marriage bed – although the audience knows better.

This final chapter is an intuitive look at the many, varied themes running through The Quiet Man and it is perhaps the ultimate irony to discover that, just as Ford was wrapping up filming in Cong during the glorious summer of 1951, the Abbey Theatre was gutted by a fire that left the interior blackened but not completely ruined.

As Arthur Shields said at the time: ‘Fire won’t stop the Abbey’. And it didn’t stop Ireland’s finest stage actors of the day from shaping American cinematic identity thanks to collaboration with a legendary director like Ford.

Frazier’s book sets the scene for a very enjoyable look at how the Irish first came to Hollywood – and won the day.

Gerrit Nuckton

Engels aghast at a land of colonial desolation The raw misery that Friedrich Engels witnessed in Ireland prompted a dramatic change in his opinion of the Irish, writes Eoin Bourke riedrich Engels worked from 1842 till 1869 in his father’s Manchester textile firm Ermen & Engels. In his earlier writings he criticised the Irish in England as a sub-proletariat that had not achieved the advanced state of consciousness of their English counterparts and who undercut the wages of the latter.

As to the scandalous poverty that existed in Ireland, Engels declared it to be owing to the character of the people themselves and their ‘sensuous, excitable nature that prevents reflection and quiet, persevering activity from reaching development’, adding categorically that ‘the cause of Irish misery, which now seems to come from abroad, is really to be found at home’.

One of the factors in causing a complete reversal of that view was certainly Engels’ common-law partnership with the secondgeneration Irish worker Mary Burns. She acquainted Engels with the Irish slums in Manchester and accompanied him on the first of his two trips to Ireland.

Engels had written extensively on

F

Ireland and the Irish particularly in the for over a decade hinterland of Galway, before he travelled the countryside is from Dublin to the covered with derelict west and southwest peasants’ cottages, coast of Ireland with most of them Mary in May 1856. abandoned only since On May 23 he wrote 1846. I would never words in a letter to have believed that a Karl Marx in London famine could have that are marked by the such palpable reality. shock of first-hand ‘Entire villages are experience: desolated, and between ‘One can look upon them are the splendid Ireland as the first demesnes of the lesser English colony, and landlords, almost the one which, due to its only people who still proximity, is still ruled Poor Green Erin live there, most of directly in the old way. Edited, Translated them lawyers.

Here you notice that ‘Famine, emigration and Annotated by the so-called liberty of Eoin Bourke and clearances have the English citizen is together brought this Peter Lang, €80 founded on the about. There are not oppression of the even animals in the colonies. In no other country have I fields; the countryside is a pure ever seen so many police, and the wasteland that no-one wants. The besotted expression of Prussian country is totally devastated by gendarmes has been developed to English wars of conquest from 1100 the highest point of perfection in till 1850 – that is basically how this constabulary armed with long the wars and the state of siege carbines, bayonets and handcuffs. have lasted.

‘In the entire West, but ‘How often have the Irish made a

fresh start to work on their own improvement and every time been crushed, both in a political and industrial sense. By artificial means and through consistent subjugation they have become a completely down-and-out nation...’

Julius Rodenberg, observing Connemara from a Bianconi coach, contemplates the sadness of its history: ‘“To Hell or to Connacht!” was the war cry in the face of every rebellion, every uprising, every massacre when the English became tired of murdering or when earth and water had no more room for the dead bodies.

‘With these words Cromwell’s soldiers gave the despairing families driven from their possessions a terrible choice, and in the wars that William III waged against the exiled Stuart and Catholicism it was the battle cry.

Either the sword or the wilderness – and with the shout of desperation ‘To Connacht!’ the survivors took flight into the wilderness.

‘Since that time the wild West with its heaths and bogs has become the last asylum for the Irish

Celts, and here one realises from their proud names that the peasants and beggars are the descendants of ancient Irish royal and aristocratic dynasties. The wild West with its endless stretches of moor, its stony ranges of hills, its pale lakes and lonely, deserted villages is one of the saddest areas in the world; wild and melancholy, the sea rolls onto the flat stony strands, the wind blows monotonously and darkly over the heath, its diverse sounds accompanying the traveller wherever he goes.

‘Mud cabins lie by the wayside or in distant marshes, miserable half-naked creatures crawl out of them when they hear the rolling of a carriage, no green field, no tree as far as the eye can see, nothing but stones, nothing but misery and boundless solitariness: that is the wild West of Ireland, and that is where we are going.’ l All quotes are from Eoin Bourke: “Poor Green Erin” – German Travel Writers’ Narratives on Ireland from before the 1798 Rising to after the Great Famine.

Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2011. © Peter Lang GmbH

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ublin author Irene Lawlor never thought of herself as a writer – a keen amateur dramatist, she was more at home on the stage than sitting behind a desk.

But her life changed in a moment when, seven years ago, while pregnant with her third child, she collapsed with heart palpitations and was rushed into hospital.

Several lifesaving electric shocks – and one relapse – later, Irene was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and was fitted with an implantable defibrillator.

It has discharged seven times since then, saving her life repeatedly.

Remembering the early days of her diagnosis, Irene says: ‘If you have a chronic illness, there is a lot of trauma associated with that, and it can lead to depression.’

This was exacerbated by the fact that, with a serious heart condition, Irene was forced to give up the acting she loved.

‘My aunt suggested writing,’ she says, ‘But I ignored her advice for a couple of years.’

‘I would never have done it, but I had to learn how to calm down because of my heart. I had to learn how to live quietly and calmly.

‘I had all these ideas in my head, and I could direct this energy into writing.’

Irene eventually began to write, with the idea that it didn’t matter what ‘rubbish’ she produced at the beginning.

Eventually, the germ of an idea for a novel emerged – what would happen if a girl saw a guy on a website and fell in love?

One trip to Connemara and two and a half years of writing later, Discovering Ireland is the story of Californian travel writer, Kimberly Ireland, who has to come up with a promotionwinning story on a trip to Europe.

When best friend Tizzy decides to tag along, the focus shifts from finding the perfect destination to sell to Kim’s readers, to finding the perfectly-handsome activity guide Tizzy has fallen in love with on the Discover Ireland website.

Work goes out the window as the beautiful Connemara landscape – and dashing locals – win the women’s hearts, and in the end, Kim discovers as much about herself as she does about the Emerald Isle.

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BOOKS

‘I followed my heart, and it lead to new discoveries’ When a health scare forced her to give up her amateur dramatic aspirations, author Irene Lawlor found a new calling in fiction, and an inspiration in Connemara. By Aoife Ní Dhálaigh

Discovering Ireland Irene Lawlor (Life Dream, €9.99)

Irene’s search for a scenic backdrop to her story brought her to Connemara, where she visited Clifden for a few weeks in 2010.

Staying in a Station House Hotel apartment with her husband, Irene enjoyed exploring the town – and particularly liked the fact that local shops and pubs were within walking distance.

Lowry’s was a firm favourite, and features prominently in Discovering Ireland.

Indeed, for anyone familiar with Connemara, part of the fun of the book is stumbling across places or businesses you recognise – Mannion’s and Mullarkey’s pubs are there, as are the Station House Hotel and Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.

Characters explore Roundstone, Kylemore and Killary, and the reader is taken on a tour of the bogs and beaches through a visitor’s eyes.

Irene did plenty of research during her trip, including taking a tour of the obstacle course at Killary Adventure Centre. Part of the book’s climax is set during the centre’s annual Turf Guy endurance race, when Kim faces up to her fears – and her feelings.

The active life of Kim – an avid surfer who won’t back down from any type of physical challenge – is just one element of the book and the plot whirls through fashion, media, urban and rural living, illness, loneliness, and denial.

Irene’s long interest in

the spiritual side of life, which intensified after she came to a ‘very dark place’ because of her medical trauma, is apparent throughout and she found Connemara to be a ‘spiritual and mystical place’, ideal for her story’s requirements.

‘After my heart problems, I would ask myself each day, “Why me? What was all this meant for?”

‘I look fit and healthy, but I can’t run for a bus – I gets pains in my chest.

‘I think I was meant to do this. I can say, “Every idea that went into this was all mine.” I would ask for ideas while meditating and they always came to me.’

Irene juggled writing with her part-time job as a medical secretary in Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital and her fulltime job as mother of three young girls. When she first began writing, she would scribble down ideas on a notepad as she waited for her daughters at their swimming sessions. She then progressed to writing when she had the house to herself two mornings a week.

Irene published the finished book herself, with help from her husband. She admits it was ‘a lot to learn’, between finding an editor and illustrator, to securing an ISBN for the book and getting the physical book printed.

She admits that she has already forgotten how much work it was, and now has an idea for another, quite different second story.

Irene Lawlor, pictured here at the launch of her debut novel, Discovering Ireland However, Irene purposely did not tie off every single plotline, so a follow-up to Discovering Ireland is not out of the question – ‘After someone snaps up the movie rights to this one, of course!’ she laughs.

The big task facing her now, she says, is ‘getting the book out there’.

She hopes to return to Clifden in April for book signings and an interview on local radio.

After that, her next target is America – but, while she believes there is a market there for her book, she accepts success may not happen overnight.

Her heart led her to this new career, and her heart must now also guide her.

‘I can only do so much in the time I have, so I just have to build it and let it grow slowly.’ l Discovering Ireland

by Irene Lawlor (Life Dream Publishing, €9.99 – also available on Kindle)

Want more BOOKS? V isit our full ar chive at w w w. c o n n e m a r a j o u r n a l . i e

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APRIL 2013

NEW WRITING

A Dubliner in Clifden

by Eddie Larkin

’ve lived in Clifden since February 2009, but my journey to this town really began some 15 years earlier when I holidayed in Connemara with my family.

We were based in Rosmuc, but drove everywhere each day. At this juncture my memories are somewhat vague, but I do remember trips to Pearse’s Cottage, the Quiet Man Bridge and places like Letterfrack, Recess and Roundstone.

And Clifden itself, of course.

We also went to Galway at a time when Padraic O’Conaire’s statue still sat in Eyre Square, and sailed out to Inis Mór to spend some magical hours on that lovely island. Without doubt it was our best holiday ever.

But while my family resumed their normal lives on returning home, for me Connemara had left a lasting and indelible impression.

Perhaps this was because I was already disillusioned with life in Dublin, and I suppose it was then that my dream of living in this part of the country first came to mind.

I couldn’t do so immediately, however, because the children were still quite young and I had to work and provide for them. In the meantime, when the pressures of city life did get to me, I occasionally got into my car and

I

Sunset over Omey Strand, January 2013

by Phillip Gooding

drove to Galway for a day or two, booking into B&Bs chosen at random.

From there, I would drive all around the beautiful, rugged countryside that is Connemara, inevitably ending up in Clifden. It felt like I was being drawn to the place.

The relaxed way of life

never failed to restore my spirits, enabling me to return to Dublin fresh and newly energised. I knew then where I wanted to live: Clifden. It was just going to take a little time.

Fortuitously, the opportunity came sooner than expected when I was made redundant from my job after several

I slip quietly out of the house Head down Church Hill to my little utopia As I enter the café, the aroma of Home baked bread, touches my senses Coffee and fresh scones await And the company of the literati Who gather there, As a scribbler myself, I know that I have come home.

by Maureen McNall

to editor@connemarajournal.ie

Raindrops on the windowpane I awake in a strange room, shivering, My bare feet touching the cold tiled kitchen floor, I take a hot shower, a bit of comfort, And light the fire in the ancient range, It takes hours to heat the room, I put the electric kettle on, Make tea, and toast with Jam, Take Uncles breakfast into his bedroom, He is already awake, we make light conversation Mostly about the weather Then I let him rest, and sleep again he will rise at the Angelus bells And take himself in to town

send your short stories, poetry and photography

AUGUST 1992 A SHORT STAY WITH MY UNCLE

years’ service. My children were now growing into adults and beginning to leave the nest.

So, with time on my hands and some capital to my name, I made the momentous decision I’d been thinking about for so long. And yet, on that very morning when I

was all packed and ready to leave Dublin, I was stricken by last minute doubts.

Was I making a mistake? Was I too old to uproot myself?

Was it only a pipe dream, after all?

My sister’s timely intervention put me back on track. She said I’d

never know either way unless I tried, and if I didn’t I’d probably live to regret it.

In the end I needn’t have worried. I’ve settled here quite well indeed, and the contrasts to my former life couldn’t be greater.

For one, it’s nice to say ‘Good morning’ and

Help!

Once it was ‘The Beads’ hanging on the bed-head.

Now it is the pendant glowing red like a Sacred Heart lamp.

Press it to send in angels.

‘Hello’ when I’m out and about, and receive the same greetings in return.

I’ve gotten to know a few people who have plenty of time for me, while respecting my privacy. I really appreciate that.

Even better, I feel more secure here than I had for years in my native city.

Clifden is a quiet little town which comes alive at certain periods of the year, with its St Patrick’s Day parade, various musical events which take place both on Market Square and in the local hostelries, the Connemara Pony Show, and the Arts Week, at which I myself participated.

As one who loved hiking in my younger (and fitter) days, I also enjoy occasional walks along Clifden Bay, up the Sky Road or around Clifden Glen, where I initially lived for sixteen months before moving to my present abode on Market Street.

In the past few years I’ve made several trips to Dublin to catch up with family and friends. I’ve also travelled further afield to New York, Memphis and Nashville.

I’ve been to Paris twice, where my eldest son is now living. And I’ve enjoyed each trip.

Nevertheless, this place remains in my thoughts while I’m away, and I’m often impatient to get back.

Because Clifden, quite simply, is now my home.

FOR I WILL CONSIDER THE HEAVENS IN MANNIN BAY. I looked up and there they were, Jupiter and Saturn, brideboys lighting the way like postillions about to be struck by lightning.

Jupiter and Saturn, the brideboys, and here comes the bride slipping from behind an arras, the silver edged cloud trailing like Ophelia.

And here comes the bride, millions and trillions of candlepower driving us mad with light, turning grey night ethereal.

Millions and trillions of candlepower, a sphere of beauty on the run, the run of the heavens, until Zeus impregnates her in a shower of gold.

by Ita O’Donovan

by Ita O’Donovan (first published in The Shop magazine)

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connemara JOURNAL

MUSIC

PHOTOS: AOIFE HERRIOTT

Noah Kitterick and the Sons of Paupers, from left: Shane ‘Fuzz’ Flaherty, Simon Kearns and Seán Herriott

Sons say it all with a slow seduction GIG REVIEW Noah Kitterick and the Sons of Paupers Mullarkey’s Bar NO amount of garage time can prepare a band for a live gig. You can sharpen your licks and timing to no end, but the acid test is playing live.

Noah Kitterick and the Sons of Paupers are a band who are not afraid to take time to perfect their sound, songs and style before taking the necessary leap into playing for an audience.

This is a working band of musicians. Carpentry,

cooking, barwork. Each working to a rhythm, a beat.

The saw and hammer moving to a rhythm, knife chopping to a rhythm. Each day. Working to a beat.

Rhythms within work.

Crafting songs in the workplace. A goal in mind.

Maybe a change of tempo here, a nuanced word there.

Eyes always on the prize.

Working toward the album.

Working toward the gig.

Always thinking of the songs, the rhythm, the beat, the craft.

If You Have Something To Say was born from building sites, kitchens and bars.

Slowly evolving from an idea. A dream.

With the work already done, the gig should be an expression of joy of the work already mastered. This joy was evident onstage in Mullarkey’s Bar. The nods, grins and occasional laughs shared by the band, highlighted their comfort playing to a packed house, to a variously aged audience.

This was not to be an ambush by an over eager band, but a slow seduction with the emphasis on the nuances and shifts of the songs and music.

Band members Shane

‘Fuzz’ Flaherty, Simon Kearns, and Seán Herriott, (Connemaramen all!) looked completely in control as they highlighted tracks from their debut album, If You've Got Something To Say. Their Blues/Grunge CD passes the quality control mark easily and it reaches another level live on stage.

Confidently, they start with a non album track, ‘The Chauvinist’, showing their momentum. Moving ahead already.

Album staples follow – ‘Pendulum Effect’, ‘I’ve Got A New Pain’ and ‘Before We Start’ – all well received

by the audience.

Outkast’s ‘Hey Ya’ is reworked as a Bluesy/Lounge number and the band’s muse, Irene Conneely, added vocals on one of the tracks, reminiscent of a young Joan Baez.

This was a gig much anticipated by the band’s growing numbers of fans and it more than surpassed their expectations.

You’ll have ample opportunity to see and hear them over the coming months. This is music created and crafted in Connemara. Shop local.

You’d be foolish not to.

l Noah Kitterick and the Sons of Paupers play at The Pier Bar, Cleggan (April 12), Mullarkeys, Clifden (April 13) and O’Malley’s, Clifden, May 25 l Download the album for €5 at www.noahkitterickandtheson sofpaupers.bandcamp.com/ l Streaming: www.soundcloud.com/ nkandthesonsofpaupers Email: noahkitterick @yahoo.com l Bookings: 087 6603872 Find the band on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Reverbnation.

Dave O’Halloran

‘A unique and seamless blend of three haunting voices’ Trad Fest good to go GIG PREVIEW Trio Medieval Church of Ireland, Clifden ‘BEGUILING’, ‘intoxicating’ and ‘mesmerizing’ are just some of the words used by breathless critics to describe the

extraordinary sound of Trio Mediaeval, a Norwegian ensemble that has captivated audiences worldwide with a songbook spanning medieval music, traditional Norwegian ballads and contemporary works.

The three unique voices blend together

with seamless and unnerving accuracy, but for all the hauntingly pure harmonies and vocal finesse, the trio deliver songs from a bygone era with a tenderness that melts away the centuries.

Founded in Oslo in 1997, the group’s first album, Words of the

Angel, immediately reached Billboard’s Top 10 Bestseller list, while Folk Songs, an intimate collection of Norwegian folk songs, won a Grammy nomination in 2008.

Trio Medieval’s concert in Clifden, as part of the Music Network series and

promoted by the Clifden Arts Society, will see them perform ‘A Worcester Ladymass’ and a selection of traditional Norwegian and Swedish folk songs. l Trio Medieval perform at the Church of Ireland, Clifden, on April 14 at 8pm. Tickets €12 / €10

connemara JOURNAL

the SEND YOUR MUSIC NEWS AND LISTINGS TO: ARTS@CONNEMARAJOURNAL.IE

THE Clifden Traditional Music Festival kicks off tomorrow (Thursday), marking the start of four days of the very best in traditional music. This year’s extended festival will feature sessions in the town’s pubs and hotels, as well as on the streets and on a specially-constructed stage in Market Square. The highlight will be the free outdoor performance on Saturday night, April 6, at 7.30pm, given by world-renowned Traditional Irish music group, Téada. For full festival details, see www.clifdentradfest.com, or check out last month’s full preview at www.connemarajournal.ie

22

APRIL 2013

LIFESTYLE

In pictures: ‘Creative Blur’ Connemara Photographic Society monthly competition 1st Aoife Herriott (society member) (Top left): A portrait of my dog Moe looking very proud with his stone! Captured by panning the camera and a burst of flash 2nd Annett Furniss (society member) (Left): Taken spinning around on Aerfort Beach making myself dizzy!

3rd Muireann Ni Cheallachain (Above): I took this blurry photo of the summer sun setting behind Inse Gainnimh Island in South Connemara by horizontally panning my trusty Nikon D3000 while using a slow shutter speed l Aoife wins a €15 voucher kindly sponsored by Guys Bar, Clifden (www.guysbarclifden.com) and a copy of A Portrait of Clifden by the Connemara Photo Society l April’s theme is ‘Silhouettes’; each month’s competition winners are published in the Connemara Journal. For more information on the Connemara Photographic Society visit www.connemaraphoto society.com or www.facebook.com/ connemaraphotosociety

GARDENING BY THE SEA

with Tom Dyck

Prepare your lawn now and you’ll soon feel the grass grow under your feet ow is a good time to sow your lawn seed. It is possible to sow from March to October, the best months being April to September. The recommended seed for conditions in Connemara is a No2 mixture.

First of all, level the site you are going to seed; then rake thoroughly, removing all stones and debris. Make sure there are no weeds left as they will be much harder to remove later.

Now rake in a layer of moss peat, and roll the ground with roller or tread in. Spread the grass seed evenly, rake in lightly, and water the whole area. Do not let it dry out.

N

Border with selection of Phormiums and Astelia Don’t make your first cut until the grass is at least 5cm long. Regular mowing will improve density and appearance For borders, you can use most shrubs or perennials.

However, for exposed

Railway sleepers can be used to create simple raised beds sites, heathers are not recommended (even though you will see the wild ones growing happily).

The reason heathers grow well in the wild is that they have established themselves slowly, one behind another,

Mixed border with Olearia solandrii hedge behind

creating their own shelter.

Raised beds can be made with sleepers/log rolls/stones or any material that looks aesthetically pleasing. Just fill with top soil or moss peat, add fertilizer and decide which plants to put in.

For larger spaces it’s best to plant in groups of three or even five – odd numbers look more natural.

It’s also possible to plant the one species entirely in one bed. Phormiums are a very low maintenance plant,

and will grow in most soil conditions. They even help to keep beds weed-free through the constant swaying of the leaves on the ground by the wind.

To keep neat edges on lawns try using an edging iron (half moon shaped spade) or you can use lawn edging.

Bricks or paving also work well and, when slightly buried, make a level edge that can simply be mowed to leave a neat finish.

Enjoy your garden. l Gardening by the Sea is presented here by Tom Dyck of the Seaside Nursery and Garden Centre, (095) 44687, 086-3391555

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connemara JOURNAL

LIFESTYLE

‘You’re the cut of a fine bogwoman’ Deborah Watkins prepares to spring forward and embrace the promise of finer days in a land where wellies are essential moved to Connemara from the east coast of Ireland 22 years ago this summer and I discovered a couple of things about living here very early on, which have remained true.

These are that; 1. An umbrella is a useless article 2. A good pair of wellies is essential Umbrellas could be considered hazardous objects here because they can be carried out of your hands and turned into scrap in an instant. They are often counterproductive in the business of staying dry, since you are much more likely to get soaked in the

I

process of trying to manage one when it gets sucked inside out with a strong gust of wind.

I remember buying my first pair of wellies in Veldons hardware in Letterfrack – a good honest pair of black working boots, none of your fancy schmancy designs and never green, oh no matron.

Shortly afterwards when I was out and about in my new boots, someone remarked to me that I was ‘the cut of a fine bogwoman’ – a comment that still makes me smile when I think of it and one which I took to my heart at the time as a compliment.

Fashion is second to practicality for me, and who can dispute the benefits of dry feet and trouser legs?

The point that I am trying to make is that life in Connemara is elemental in a way that it is not outside of here. There’s no ducking out of the rain Sheep and Mist Panorama,

by Aoife Herriott

Rainbow over White Strand,

by Aoife Herriott in this part of the world. You can’t hop on a bus to avoid a shower or nip into a department store to find some shelter. The openness of the sky and the land, the power of it and its wildness is ever present. It’s what enthralled me enough to make my life here, like so many others, and the beauty of the landscape is ever present as a reminder.

These photographs by Connemara photographer Aoife Herriot capture the mood and atmosphere of Connemara perfectly.

You can see more on her website, www.aoifeherriottphotography.com It’s human nature to feel weary of the wintry weather in spite of all of this and I still allow myself the odd grumble. When it rains for weeks on end without a break, or when trying to negotiate small

children into a car in a gale force wind.

I could go on...

Of course, it’s part of the national discourse to give out about the weather, but this is really more about shared experiences and relating to one another. This is why it’s so good to reach the end of March and to celebrate the extra hour in the day. To remark on the pleasure of this, to feel grateful for the sight of the yellow gorse back again and the vividness of small green shoots bursting up from the ground.

All of it is long awaited and it feels like something that has been earned. Like backpay, which is oh so sweet now that it has arrived. l Read more from Deborah’s blog at www.deborahwatkinspaintings.com

The generation grain Cliodhna Prendergast shares her take on traditional brown soda bread e have just filmed an episode for Breaking Eggs on soda bread that will be out a little later in the year, but here are two different takes on brown soda bread to keep you going.

I love this bread – not only because it’s so wholesome, but because this recipe is traditionally passed down through the generations.

It brings back memories of cooking with my own mother; she says the same of hers. So I love when my children help out with this, because it’s what Breaking Eggs is all about.

Every family would usually have its own little variation to the basic bread; a tweak to the recipe that would have been passed down, and it usually means adding a few ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 230C/Gas mark 8

W

Brown Soda Bread Basic recipe Ingredients: 400ml buttermilk 225g brown wholemeal flour 225g plain white flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp bread soda sieved

Method 1. To make the basic bread, when the ingredients are weighed out, you sift the white flour and the bread soda into the mixing bowl.

You then add the brown flour and salt and mix all of the ingredients very well.

2. Make a well in the centre and pour in almost all of the buttermilk and mix in big

folds with your hand, adding more milk if necessary.

3. The amount of milk will vary day-to-day depending on how dry the flour is or if it is very humid in the kitchen. The dough needs to be soft but able to hold its shape on its own.

4. If it becomes too soft just add an extra handful of flour.

5. Here, it’s necessary to mix enough to incorporate all of the dry ingredients with as few folds as possible.

The more you mix the heavier the bread will become, so keep it light.

7. When it’s mixed adequately, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and dust the bread generously with flour.

8. Mould it lightly into a circle, press gently to flatten it a little and place on a floured baking sheet.

9. With the back of a knife make a cross in the bread, then pierce each quarter twice to, as the old women used to say, let the fairies out!

The Seeded Sunflower This is done by cutting the dough into scones, dipping them in various seeds and baking them very close together in a sponge tin to give the effect of a flower.

Extra ingredients for the Seeded Sunflower: 1 egg A drop of milk A handful of sesame seeds, Poppy seeds and sunflower seeds.

All added to the basic brown soda bread ingredients 1. Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk with a drop of milk for egg wash.

2. Place the seeds on individual saucers.

3. Make the dough as in the Brown Soda Bread recipe.

4. Flour the surface.

5. When you have turned the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a round and flatten a little.

6. Then cut out nine scones.

7. Dip a pastry brush in the egg wash and paint on to the top of the scones.

8. Then dip the top of the scones into the seeds, three

of each, keeping your favourite for the middle.

9. Flour the sponge tin.

10. Place the favourite seeded scone in the middle of the tin and the other scones around the outside, keeping them very close together.

To cook: Place the loaf/sunflower in the preheated oven for 20 min. After 20 minutes, turn down the temperature to 200C/Gas mark 6 and cook for a further 20-25 minutes.

To check if it is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow.

If not, put it back in for another five minutes – all ovens are different.

You can leave it on a wire rack to cool. l Another nice variation is to add some treacle to the milk and 2 handfuls of crushed walnuts to the dough. l Cliodhna Prendergast is the founder of Breaking Eggs, an online cookery programme for parents and children championing the life skill of family cooking l For more, visit www.breakingeggs.com, www.facebook.com/ BreakingEggs, or folow on Twitter @Cliodhnaof

‘BRINGING FOOD AND COOKING TO THE NEXT GENERATION IN A HEALTHY, FUN AND INFORMATIVE WAY’

24

APRIL 2013

PLANETS & PUZZLES

THE CONNEMARA SKY AT NIGHT

with GERRIT NUCKTON THE evening of March 25 was an especially entertaining one in Clifden as Ronan Newman, long-time secretary of the Galway Astronomers’ Club, gave a fine multi-media lecture at the Clifden Boat Club in front of an audience of around 35 people.

Mr Newman, who in 2012 was named astronomer of the year by the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS), had originally planned to centre the talk on the subject of Comet PANSTARRS and perhaps offer a viewing of the object through a telescope.

But the onset of 90% cloud cover shifted the focus to a general and quite informative lecture (featuring dozens of colour photographs and videos) about our galaxy, the planets and moons of the Solar System plus various methods of looking at the stars that make up the constellations.

Although Comet PANSTARRS has been a relative disappointment in terms of its brightness to viewers in the Northern Hemisphere, Newman noted that in November of this year, Comet ISON is expected to put on a far more brilliant show, perhaps outshining the full Moon in the sky as the comet makes an extremely close approach to the Sun. In fact, it will get to within 1.1 million km of the solar surface, which may ultimately cause its fragmentation due to the Sun’s powerful gravity.

Among the websites given a special mention during Newman’s talk as being of value to local enthusiasts are www.galwayastronomyclub.ie and www.stellarium.org.

The latter site allows anyone the ability to download and determine in 3D which stars and other objects are visible in the sky at any given time, above one’s exact location.

On Facebook, one can also ‘like’ the Galway Astronomer’s Club (nearly 1,000 followers at present) and a page created

by Newman and devoted to seeing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, at Celestial Light: Irish Aurora Hunters Homepage.

April 25 features the first of three lunar eclipses for 2013, although none of these will be total. A partial lunar eclipse, which is the kind occurring in April, takes place when only a portion of the Moon enters the umbra, or full shadow cast by the Earth. During any lunar eclipse, the red colouring we see on the Moon’s surface appears because any sunlight reaching the Moon must pass through a dense layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, where it is scattered. Shorter wavelengths are more likely to be scattered by the air on Earth, so by the time the light has passed through our atmosphere, the longer wavelengths containing red dominate. Thus, the only light we see projected onto the moon by Earth’s shadow is perceived as red.

This is the same effect that causes sunsets and sunrises on our planet to turn the sky a reddish colour. Meanwhile, the next total eclipse of the Moon will not occur until April 2014.

Mercury is close to the Sun from our viewpoint this month, but under the right conditions will be visible very low in the ESE before sunrise.

Venus is difficult to see until after April 9, when it becomes visible low in the West after sunset for the rest of the month.

The Moon is New on April 10, reaches First Quarter on April 18, and is Full (and partially eclipsed) on April 25.

Coincidentally, on April 27, the Moon reaches perigee, meaning that it makes its closest approach to Earth in its monthly orbit on that day. This makes for more extreme high and low tides, especially coming so close in time to a Full Moon.

Mars is lost in the Sun’s glare as it is almost at a 180 degree angle to us (i.e. it is in a straight line behind the Sun from Earth’s position). We will have to wait until May to see the Red Planet again.

Jupiter is high in the SW sky at sundown. It is now shining at magnitude -2.5 (brighter than even the star Sirius which is visible on the Southern horizon to the lower left of the constellation Orion) and sets about midnight.

Jupiter is worth looking at through binoculars (10x power or more), as you should see three or four of its larger moons on either side of it as tiny points of light. With a telescope, you can see a couple of its dark equatorial belts as well.

Saturn is visible in the constellation Libra and is rising mid-evening, so is viewable all night. On April 28, it reaches opposition to Earth, which means it and the Earth are in a direct line in relation to the Sun.

The Connemara crossword no8 ACROSS 01 Michel Demitri Shalhoub, bridge player and film star (4,6) 09 Relating to the kidneys (5) 10 Television detective series without a regular whodunnit element (7) 11 _ buoy, lifebuoy with a canvas support resembling a pair of trousers (8) 12 Rebuked or scolded (4) 15 By _, exclamation mainly in northern England (3) 16 _ fever, viral illness first reported in Nigeria (5) 17 A European river or a place of business (3) 18 Large long-horned variety of antelope (4) 19 Type of very hot Indian curry (8) 22 Relating to ancient Greece, particularly its architecture (7)

24 Open to bribery (5) 25 Anagram of TAPESTRIES (10)

DOWN 02 A group of atoms bonded

together (8) 03 Field considered hard to understand, particularly in negative comparisons (6,7) 04 American comedian, writer and musician Rich (4) 05 The Pacific _, places round the edge of the ocean (3) 06 Battle in 1513 in which Scotland was defeated by England (7) 07 Horse of a breed popular for its grace and speed (4) 08 What 25 may be described as (8) 13 Of a fracture, very thin (8) 14 Republic of _, island nation in the Indian Ocean (8) 15 St _ Day is on April 23rd (7) 20 One of the kinds of paint (4) 21 A flock of snipe or a small strand of something (4) 23 Organ behind a temple (3)

particular kind (5) 03 The Waldorf-_, hotel in

New York (7) 04 Involved in company with others in an unlawful activity (9) 05 _ Lingus, anglicisation of _ Loingeas, meaning air fleet (3) 06 Pusillanimous (5) 07 Shortened version of the title of a dean in the Anglican Church (4,3) 12 A person carried along by the efforts of other people (9) 13 Place in a detached situation (7) 14 A unit of explosive power (7) 16 Go to as a tourist (5) 18 Utensil used for separating coarser particles from finer ones (5) 20 Drink introduced to England in London’s coffee houses (3)

The Connemara crossword no9 ACROSS 01 Type of picture or pattern found in, for example, Roman villas (6) 05 In grammar, the opposite of passive (6) 08 Anagram of TIME LORD (3-5) 09 A place of trade (4) 10 _ anise, fruit used in Asian cookery (4) 11 A cutter of stones, especially gemstones (8) 13 Professor of biochemistry best remembered for his science fiction works (5,6) 15 Small warship designed for convoy escort duty (8) 17 A rapid and abundant stream of something (4) 19 Name associated with musicians Domino and Waller (4) 20 With another or others (8) 21 Chevrolet _, Holden _, Opel _ and Vauxhall _, family car names (6) 22 A keeper of a park or forest (6)

DOWN 02 A young bird of prey of a

Sudoku no12 8

6

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Sudoku no13 6

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Given up already?

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Solutions to all puzzles are printed on page 30

25

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connemara JOURNAL

HEALTH

‘Something in me fell... he was my buddy, my brother...’

Nick Kats recalls a chance encounter in the 1980s with a Bowery bum, and the powerful, lasting impact of a simple human touch uring the 1980s I lived in the lower east side of Manhattan. To get to work in Brooklyn I often drove through the intersection of Houston and Bowery.

Around this intersection was a colony of bums, sitting around fires on the sidewalks or in parking lots, talking, drinking from paper bags, pissing, sleeping.

At the intersection itself, where the lights stopped the traffic, an army of these guys worked for their living.

With buckets of soapy water or Windex, with dirty rags or paper towels, they washed car windshields for tips.

D

They simply enveloped the stopped traffic.

Some bums were aggressive, yanking up wipers and scrubbing away, sometimes to the screams and curses of drivers.

Others were courteous and asked first.

The courteous ones maintained a polite and positive attitude in the face of almost constant refusals.

I often wondered how they could keep up such positiveness all day in the face of the peculiarly discouraging brand of New York viciousness and indifference.

Anyway, you just lived with these guys and shrugged them off, won-

dering about them from a distance and always putting up a wall when they got close.

I didn’t need their service, thanks.

One morning I got stopped on Houston at the intersection. It was hot and my windows were down.

This bum walked up and asked me if he could wash my windshield. I said no thanks.

He asked me again: again I refused.

He stood by, looking at me. Time passed, the traffic light remained red.

He asked me a third time. Refusal.

More time dribbled by.

Lights still red.

Other bums plying the

cars, drivers screaming in rage, drivers retreating into impenetrable tanks of silence, a car or two jerking back and forth a few feet to evade the enemy.

My man reached out, touched me on the arm.

No words. That was it.

A touch.

I was shocked.

A warm touch.

On my skin.

It floored me.

Something in me fell.

That moment was a long time. This guy WAS next to me. Was one of us. I was him. He was my buddy, my brother.

He was warm.

He was nice.

He was honorable.

He needed to make a living.

He had his wants, his vices.

I had mine.

All this in an instant, a second, five seconds.

How long, I don’t know.

Did I give him something? No. Did I say anything? No. Did he ask again to wash my windshield? I think not, I can’t remember. Yes, he did, and sure I refused.

Did he know what he did to me? I don’t know.

Perhaps. A split second of eye contact tells all.

Perhaps he knew.

The lights went green.

Cars shifted, revved, frantically roared out.

The bums receded.

I drove out of the intersection. I thought about

Clifden group paves way for disability support Jean Mullan

I AM sure that each and every one of you know of someone either within your own family circle or a friend or neighbour who has a disability.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability and this number is rising as we are living longer and the number of chronic diseases is increasing.

Paving the Way, based

in Clifden, is a support group for families with children or adult family members who have a disability.

There are many different kinds of disabilities which have been defined as longterm physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments.

This covers a wide range of conditions: for example, people who are wheelchair users, blind and deaf people, those who have learning disabilities, autism,

Padraic Lyden PHOTOGRAPHY Letterfrack, Connemara 095-41114 paly@eircom.net

Down’s syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, MS and acquired brain injury.

Even though there is a great variety in the different kinds of disability, all people with disabilities share similar difficulties accessing appropriate education and healthcare, finding suitable work or an occupation and participating in community and social life.

This can lead to a sense of isolation and can be extremely stressful for the person with a disability and their families.

Paving the Way meets up once a month at an informal coffee morning – facilitated and supported by Forum.

All are welcome at these get-togethers, which provide a great opportunity to meet and

share your experiences and concerns with other families who have gone through similar situations – and can offer an understanding ear and often advice on how to deal with various issues.

In addition, we run a number of courses and activities. In April we are organising a workshop in Practical Advocacy Skills with the aim of teaching you how to effectively advocate for your child with special needs and/or family member with a disability.

These are invaluable skills when it comes to dealing with schools, health care professionals and other officials in accessing appropriate support for your family member.

This course is sponsored by Forum so there is no charge for

participants. For more information, contact Anita at Forum on 095 21741.

Paving the Way provides information and support at a local level and representation at a national level for families dealing with disability. We also aim to raise awareness of disability issues within the community, to build support networks and decrease the stigma of living with a disability Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 11 at 8pm in the Elm Tree Centre. At this meeting we will be electing a new committee and outlining our proposed activities for the coming year.

We extend an invitation and a warm welcome to anyone who is interested to attend this meeting or any of our activities.

this guy all day. And the next day. And the day after.

What was it? What happened? What was I? I reduced it, played with it, digested it. It was a touch. Warm. Him. Me. Us. All of us.

Since then I probably do touch people a bit more. Just a touch. A little warmth. It is good. It’s

fun. Sweet. It opens. To touch. Time passes.

Things fade.

Touching doesn’t. l Nicolas Kats ND, Lic Ac, is a US Naturopathic Doctor and licenced acupuncturist. He practices at Dooneen Clinic, Clifden, and at Health & Herbs, Galway.

086-3651590 (text only), drnkats@eircom.net

Nicolas Kats ND, Lic. Ac. Herbs. Diet. Supplements.

Acupuncture (VHI, VIVAS, BUPA) Dooneen Clinic, Clifden 086-3651590 (text only) drnkats@eircom.net

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APRIL 2013

For as little as €12.50 per month, you can advertise your business and make sure that when our readers need something, it’s you they call.

If you would like your business to appear in this directory contact sales@connemarajournal.ie or call 095-30707

To a d ve r t i s e , c o n t a c t s a l e s @ c o n n e m a r a j o u r n a l . i e o r c a l l 0 9 5 - 3 0 7 0 7

A–Z OF SERVICES

A – Z DIRECTORY Accountants Kevin Barry & Associates Chartered accountants and registered auditors. Tom Barry House, Main Street, Clifden. kevin@kevinbarry.ie, 1800 476 984 Mannion Lochrin & Co Market Street, Clifden. Chartered Accountants. Telephone 095-30030, Fax 095-30031. e-mail: declan@mannionlochrin.com

Books The Clifden Bookshop Unique interesting Bookshop stocking an intriguing range of books, maps and guides, Greeting Cards, gifts and Artist's Supplies. Book-Ordering Service.

Owners on hand to make recommendations. Book of the Month choices. We also stock a selected list of titles exclusive to us. Main st, Clifden Ph: 095 - 22020, E-mail: info@clifdenbookshop.com Building energy ratings Selling your house, renting longterm or applying for SEAI Grants?

Then you must have a Building Energy Rating. Contact Oliver Coyne today! 09535813, 086-2384195, olivercoyne@gmail.com. Listed on the SEAI Register of BER assessors.

Building services Martin Courcey Construction Ltd No job too big, no job too small.

Member of CIF with full insurance. SEAI registered contractor for insulation grants. Knockbrack, Cleggan. Call 095 44606 or 086-8161885 Plasterer available Flood damage – extension – new builds – dry lining – quality work – previous work can be seen – phone for a quick, keen quote – 086-2307301

Cafés & Dining Kylemore Abbey Spring time in the Victorian walled garden. See our beautiful spring displays this season. Open daily from 9am to 6pm. www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie, (095) 52001

Classes & Courses Yellow Door Expressive Arts Classes in Oughterard and Clifden teaching ballet, modern dance and stage door courses: drama, dance and singing.

Skills for stage, confidence for life. For more information see www.yellowdoor.ie or call Elaine on 0851544664. laineyenright@gmail.com Need help creating or editing your CV with a great cover letter to land that elusive job? Experienced word processor can also quickly type and format your hand-written assignments.

Please call (087) 693 9902 for help at very reasonable rates.

Emergency Care A course in remote emergency care (Level 2 Course First Aid) is being offered at Recess National School. The two-day, 16-hour course, due to take place in April/May, is designed to help anyone who works or lives in remote areas cope

with emergency situations, and to provide them with the skills to help a friend or family member stay alive until help arrives. No previous experience is necessary. The course is subsidised by Forum Connemara, and costs just €25 per person. Contact Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin on 087 737-5599 for further information.

Community notices Forum Employment Notice Board Do you have a job vacancy you wish to fill ? FORUM Connemara Ltd invites you to use our newly erected Employment, Education and Training notice board in SuperValu Clifden . This service displays your job vacancy for 2 months and is free of charge to employers in the region. Please contact Anita on 09521741.

Credit Unions Cashel-Connemara Credit Union Ltd Clifden Office 095-21101; Cashel Office 095-31128. Whatever your needs, why not consider a Loan from your Credit Union –10% interest charged on the reducing balance. Loans are protected under our Loan Protection Scheme at no extra cost to the member. Your savings with the Credit Union are guaranteed under the Government Guarantee Scheme up to €100,000.

Electrician LiveWire Electrical Domestic wiring, CCTV, Fire alarms, security lighting, Internet. Replace existing lighting with energy saving LED light bulbs. Saorview/satellite television installation. Contact: Stephen on 0866082612

Fuel Sweeney Oil Company Home heating, oil, kerosene, diesel – fast & efficient – keenest prices. The local call for your home heating oil. Call us on 095 22636 or order online at www.thesweeneyoilcompany.ie

Hairdressing Hedz Hairdressing Salon Hedz Salon, Station House Courtyard.

Est. March 1999 and growing still on the strength of our referrals. Don't gamble on your hair, ring Hedz on 095-22202 with our stylists it’s a winner every time!

Open Mon-Sat. Call in for a free consultation or see www.hedz.ie Headstone Services Connemara Headstones and Grave Maintenance Headstone cleaning, renovations, inscriptions and a variety of stones, surroundings and chippings. Letterfrack, Co Galway. Tel: 086 811 5694. e-mail: connemaraheadstones@gmail.com. www.connemaraheadstones.com Health & Wellbeing Acupuncture and Massage Therapy Ethel Feneran, Dip. Ac, Lic. Ac, Cert.

Nanjing, China. Recognised by the World Health Organisation to be beneficial in the treatment of: Back pain, Sciatica, Neck Pain, Headache & Migraine, Muscle & Joint Pain, Sinusitis & Allergic Rhinitis, Insomnia, Digestive & Bowel Disorders, Depression, Anxiety and Stress, Gynecological Problems, Strokerelated complications. Dooneen Clinic, Clifden. 085 1737071 Bio-energy Clifden Do you suffer from: Asthma, Eczema, Arthritis, Back Problems, Digestive Disorders, Depression, Chronic Fatigue, Insomnia?

Have you a child with ADD, ADHD or any other learning disorder? If so, a visit to the Bio-Energy Clifden Clinic could change your life For more information or to arrange a free consultation contact Brian at 087 9545342 Or email: bmcconway@justimagine.ie www.bioenergyclifden.com www.facebook.com/bioenergyclifden Pain? Tense? Tired of suffering?

Not feeling your true self anymore?

DISCOVER CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY. This enlightening gentle yet powerful balancing manual therapy works at such a fundamental level in the body it has proven effective in helping people with a wide range of health challenges.

CST provides a safe approach for adults, trauma patients, the elderly, teenagers, children and babies alike. For further information or if you would like to book an appointment contact: Jessica Conneely at 087 - 6430667 Nicolas Kats ND, Lic. Ac. Herbs. Diet. Supplements.

Acupuncture (VHI, VIVAS, BUPA) Dooneen Clinic, Clifden 086-3651590 (text only), drnkats@eircom.net

Insulation West Coast Insulation Your local cavity wall and attic insulation specialists. Satisfaction guaranteed: Company owners are onsite every day to ensure all work is done to the highest standards. www.myinsulation.ie. Call us on 09541500

Hotels and B&Bs Abbeyglen Hotel Renowned for its gourmet food, offering the very best local seafood, live lobster and a fresh catch of the day.

Call 095-21201 for Special Rates.

Email: info@abbeyglen.ie Connemara Coast Hotel Your dream wedding location.

Spectacular setting on the shores of Galway Bay. Dedicated wedding coordinator managing your special day.

Variety of exquisite tailor-made packages. Licensed to conduct civil ceremonies. Member of Good Food Ireland and The Bridgestone Guide 2012. Furbo, Galway. (10 minutes from Galway City). Tel: 091 592108. Email: events@connemaracoast.ie, Web: www.connemaracoast.ie Painting & Decorating Johnny Coyne 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. All Connemara covered. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle on 086-8570302.

Party Hire Connemara Bouncy Castles Bouncy Castles for hire for all occasions.

With rain cover. Delivered, erected and collected. Call 095-21219 Western Bouncy Castles Giant slide, bouncy castles and sumo suits for hire. Fun for all ages! For more details find Western Bouncy Castles on Facebook. No cancellation fee. Call Denis on 087 6779668

Photography Aoife Herriott Photography Aoife Herriott LBPPA is a Wedding and Commercial Photographer based in Tullycross, Renvyle. Offering a wide range of Wedding packages and prices to suit all requirements and budgets for that special day. www.aoifeherriottphotography.com Email: aoifeherriottphotography@gmail.com Tel: 087 6228903 Tom Broderick Oughterard, Co Galway. Ph: 086 886 1052. Email : tmgbroderick@yahoo.ie.

Weddings, social, portraits, events.

Mobile studio/home sittings & PR photography.

Padraic Lyden Letterfrack, Connemara. 09541114, paly@eircom.net WDJ Photography Wendy Debrock-Jeffries. Bridge Street, Clifden. 085-8457626, wendy.debrock@gmail.com. www.wdjphotography.co.uk

Print & Design Cantec Copiers, sales, service, supplies, print and design. For your chance to win a Canon camera see our display advert on page 6. print@cantec.ie, 091-565156.

Property Connemara Coastal Cottages Connemara's largest Selfcatering Agency 2013 brings new technology an instant online booking engine and a new look website. Do you have a property you want to rent in Ballyconneely , Errislannan, Dounloughan, Cashel, Claddaghduff, Cleggan, Leenanne, Sky Rd. We are pleased to rent your property all year or just for the summer months Call us NOW! 095 41844 www.cccottages.com Notice of forthcoming auction, on the instructions of the administrator, the estate of the late Michael Gould, Emlaghmore, Ballyconneely, County Galway, will be offered for sale by Public Auction (Details, Date, Venue to be advised later). Joint Agents Eamonn McLoughlin, Connemara Properties, Bridge Street, Clifden – (095) 21473; Sinead O’Sullivan, Matt O’Sullivan Ltd., The Square, Clifden – (095) 21066 Sand, Gravel & Top Soil Mannion Quarry and Plant Hire Suppliers of High Quality Stone Products & Construction Plant Services. Road & Site Development. Serving Connemara

for over 40 years. Lettershea, Clifden.

095-21264. mannionplanthire@eircom.net

Shopping Ohh! By Gum Eco-chic Boutique stocking: childrenswear, womenswear, yarn, sweets and accessories.

The Courtyard, Station House, Clifden, Co. Galway. Tel 095-21334. www.ohhbygum.ie, www.facebook.com/OhhByGum. Open Mon - Sat 10am till 6pm and Sun 12noon till 4pm.

Situations Vacant Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Vacancy For Experienced Receptionist.

For job application form text 087 2477757 with your name & address. www.abbeyglen.ie

Sports & Events Connemara Golf Club – ladies introduction to golf Four-week intrduction starts on Thursday April 18, 6pm. Participants will receive three lessons with a club professional, withthe final evening taking place on course. Just €20 per person. To book phone (095) 23502.

Turf Warrior & Connemara Adventure Challenge Gaelforce Events are planning a full calendar of events to test your body and mind to the limit. Highlights of this year’s programme are the Connemara Adveture Challenge (May 11) and the new Summer Turf Warrior (May 25). For full details, see page 28.

Taxi Connemara Taxi Company Cars & 8-Seater Minibus available.

Telephone (095) 30000 Day or Night.

Tree Surgeons West Coast Tree Surgery: Tree pruning, crown reductions, tree removal, hedge cutting & chipping. Tree surveys and tree reports carried out. Est 1998. Contact Alan Linnane on 0862848340 or 095 43018.

TV & Satellite Peter Keane Aerial and satellite installations.

Saorview and saorstat. Sky Road, Clifden. 087-6687468, 095-21827

Vet West Vet Galway Road, Clifden, 095-22209.

Emergencies: 087-9179248 (24hr) Business Hours: Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30, Sat: 10.00-12.30

Windows Martin Casey Window fitting and maintenance. uPVC, aluminium windows and doors. 0872766924.

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he fibre optic loop in Clifden was finally brought into service in March. This is potentially the most important change in Connemara since the closing of the railway in 1935.

Our seven year wait was caused by a legal challenge to the government’s plan to help pay some of the operating costs of the country’s fibre optic loops.

Connemara, as a result, has lost millions of euro annually due to higher business costs, lost visitor revenues, reduced investments and lost sales to national and international e-commerce sites.

The positive benefits of having high speed broadband can be seen in the experiences of communities elsewhere.

The most interesting impact was from a 2012 survey in the UK, which found that houses with high speed broadband were priced between 10% and 15% higher than those without. It also found that good internet connections were the second most important service to house buyers after electricity.

T

BUSINESS & FINANCE

High speed broadband: good or bad for business?

Colum Joyce looks at the potential impact of MAN light up, and the action local businesses must take if they want to survive in a new, internet-driven economy High speed broadband also saves UK consumers over £750 (€1,050) each year. They save time paying bills online, use free internet telephone services like Skype, find lower cost energy and telecommunications suppliers, get better prices by using e-commerce sites and find cheaper holiday and transport deals online.

But there is a business problem in having high speed broadband. Connemara retailers, with or without a web site, will increasingly lose local customers and revenue to e-commerce sites across the world.

Connemara is not

alone in this. The 2012 UPC study found that the average Irish online shopper spends over €1,000 each year. 75% of this was spent with nonIrish e-commerce sites.

This costs Irish businesses €2.1 billion annually. It also costs the exchequer over €600 million.

To help reduce our local losses and to successfully compete internationally, Connemara businesses must at least be visible on the web.

This can be done in a three simple steps.

The first and cheapest thing is to get a free business web page created on Connemara Online

(www.connemaraonline.ie).

This will make your business easier to find by the 75% of consumers inside and outside Connemara

who search online before buying a product or service.

The second thing is to apply for the new gov-

ernment web site development grants. These are worth over €1,000 and will help pay for creating a business website.

Ideally the development should be done by one of our local web developers (eg Connemara.Net, Cuan Mara, NetLink etc). This keeps money inside Connemara and helps local businesses.

The Connemara Programme (www.connemaraprogramme.com) will provide free assistance with the grant process and individual advise on how best to have a web site developed.

The third thing businesses need to do is to advertise and let people

know that they have a business and a web site.

Every piece of marketing material (eg business cards, brochures, newspaper adverts, community radio) should give the physical address, phone numbers, email and web site information.

Whether high speed broadband benefits or damages Connemara communities and businesses will depend on how we choose respond to it. In the next article some of the potential responses and opportunities will be examined. l Colum Joyce, Connemara Programme, www.connemaraprogramme.com

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

What are your plans for after you get the gold watch and pat on the back?

Q A

ALL OF THIS COULD BE YOURS

I intend retiring at age 60 later this year.

What should I do to make sure I qualify for the State Pension (Contributory)?

There are rules about the number of PRSI contributions you must have to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). If you are aged under 66 and you are no longer working and paying PRSI contributions or signing for credits, you may be eligible to make voluntary contributions to help maintain your social insurance record.

To be eligible to make voluntary contributions you must: l Have a certain number of PRSI contributions paid under compulsory insurance in either employment or self-employment; l Apply to make your voluntary contributions within 12 months after the end of the last completed contribution year during which you last paid compulsory insurance or you were last awarded a credited contribution; l Agree to pay voluntary contributions from the start of the contribution week that follows the week in which you leave compulsory insurance.

The number of paid PRSI contributions you must have to

become a voluntary contributor is changing. Up to April 6 2013, you had to have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid under compulsory insurance.

From April 6 if you want to become a voluntary contributor you will need to have at least 364 PRSI contributions paid.

The rate of voluntary contribution you will have to pay depends on the last Class of PRSI you pay. If you paid PRSI at Class A, E or H you pay a contribution rate of 6.6% of your reckonable income in the previous tax year, subject to a minimum payment of €500. If you paid PRSI at Class S you pay a special flat rate of €500.

You must pay the full contribution for the year no later than five months after the end of the year in which the payment is due.

To become a voluntary

contributor, you must complete application form VC 1 and return it to Client Eligibility Services, Social Welfare Services, Cork Road, Waterford. l Further information is available from Clifden CIC, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 07 7580 / 087 1301100. Email: clifden@citinfo.ie. Address: 2nd Floor, Credit Union, Clifden l Opening hours: Thursday, 7pm – 8pm, Friday 10.30am – 3.30pm (Call 087 1301100 outside those hours). Letterfrack Service Tuesday April 9 and 23, 1.30-4.30pm, Connemara West Portacabins. Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie

...and it costs less than you might think

CALL TONY ON 095-30707 OR EMAIL sales@connemarajournal.ie

connemara JOURNAL

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SPORTS ADVENTURE RACING

Discover your inner ‘warrior’ The Gaelforce events calendar is chock-full of challenges to test your body and mind to the limit. Here we preview two of this year’s highlights, the Connemara Adventure Challenge, and the new Summer Turf Warrior Connemara Adventure Chalenge CONNEMARA Adventure Challenge, one of the first events on the Gaelforce Events calendar, will take place on Saturday May 11.

The course has been designed to be achievable by all levels of fitness, so whether you’re getting fit for the first time in 2013, or are a proven fitness guru, this event is for you.

The race route will see you run, cycle and kayak through some of the most spectacular scenery Connemara has to offer. You will run parts of the western way, cycle on Coillte Forest tracks and paddle on Killary Harbour.

The whole course is approximately 31km long, making it less than half of the distance of Gaelforce West. It is also flatter than the Gaelforce West course, with just one hill to climb, and the cycle route is very level.

It is suggested that you get some training in on bog (plenty of this around

Summer Turf Warrior

in Connemara!) as this terrain often catches people out if they’re not used to it.

This is a fun event that’s ideal for people who want to try their hand at adventure racing for the first time and a great training event for those thinking of entering Gaelforce West later in the year.

As with all Gaelforce

events, the race is topped off with an epic after party at Killary! l Connemara Adventure Challenge will be held in and around Killary Adventure Centre in Leenane on May 11. For full details, to register, to help out at the event or to view other events check out www.gaelforce events.com/connemara

GAELFORCE Events have announced another new event in their calender.

Summer Turf Warrior is the new and improved obstacle course challenge, packed full of adventure, mud, climbing, swinging, leaps into the Atlantic and all kinds of other mayhem and madness!

The Turf Warrior Challenge is the new brand name from the very popular Turf Guy Challenge to mark the addition of a new summer event, which runs for the first time on May 25.

But don’t worry – the Turf Warrior Challenge still includes the original winter event (November 2) for all you hardy Warriors out there for whom cold, wind, rain, hail and snow are of no consequence!

The course for both races is the same but weather makes a big difference. If you can complete the summer challenge you will definitely be ready to take on your old stomping ground again in November, and truly earn your warrior status.

The team at Gaelforce have re-invested in the design of the course, spending hours planning new obstacles and using the natural features of the rugged Connemara landscape to

Pride in the Parish ‘Pat Kelly was the main man’ I WAS always interested in football as a young lad growing up in Lettergesh.

When I was 10 years old a few of us collected a load of Sweet Afton tokens from all the local smokers and sent off for a football and two sets of boxing gloves.

There was myself, Tony Coyne, Jimmy King, Frank Kearney and Pat Kelly.

Kelly was the main man, a great organiser who had found out about the special offer from Gibbon’s shop back in Mullaghgloss.

Years later, he would get his hands on a Tipperary Senior Championship winners medal after being stationed in the

Premier County during World War Two. There was great excitement when the ball arrived. We had to pump it with a bicycle pump and then lace it up.

We played on Cloone Strand, the Bog Field in front of Toorena Cemetery and occasionally in Greenmount on a level piece of ground not far from Joe Curley’s house.

It wasn’t long before the new ball got warped with all the wear and tear, and eventually lost its shape completely.

‘Buailim Ort’ The big lads practised all the time on Cloone.

It wasn’t unusual for up to 40 lads to turn up.

You must remember

Pride in the Parish Paul Gannon (Emal, €25)

there were awful big families in Lettergesh back in the 1930s, not like today.

Two lads would stand up and one would say ‘Buailim Ort’, to which the other would reply, ‘Tuigim Leat.’ Then they’d toss for the first call. Naturally enough, the man who got first

create unique challenges.

The Turf Warrior event, which many consider to be the real highlight of the adventure calendar, is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain Ireland has to offer on the banks of Killary Fjord, Leenane.

This event will be a mental and physical challenge but will also be lots of fun – you push yourself to your limits but just keep thinking about the fancy dress party later that day!

Ciara Young, of Gaelforce, said: ‘At Gaelforce events we firmly believe in the after-race part too.

Free entry to the themed party at Killary Adventure Company is included for all warriors, so you can get together for a well-earned drink, swap stories and relive the ups and downs of a day on the battlefield – after you’ve scrubbed the mud from your ears, eyes and every other body part!’

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more – and the bigger the group the better the discount.

So try something truly different in 2013. Choose summer or winter, or do both, bring friends, colleagues or choose to be a lone warrior...

Either way, it’s sure to be the best craic to be found this year! l Register now at www.turfwarriorchallenge.com.

Let 2013 be the year you surprise yourself!

The third in our series of extracts from Paul Gannon’s ‘Gaelic Sporting History’ sees Mickey Walsh, of Lettergesh East, recall collecting Sweet Afton tokens as a boy to earn his first football, and facing off against the Letterfrack lads

call would pick whoever he considered to be the best player and they’d be calling after that until they had fifteen a side.

There were often fellows waiting who wouldn’t be called at all and they’d be awful disappointed. There were some very knacky players down the north side at the time – Martin Kerrigan, Paddy McDonnell, Petie Melia and Pete Walsh from Glassillaun, the Nee brothers from Culfin, Dennis Petie and Patrick and of course Dan Coyne and Frank Kearney from Mullaghgloss.

There were three teams in the parish in those days: Lettergesh, Letterfrack and Renvyle.

Renvyle had some great players. Stephie

Salmon, Petie Walsh, Mick Fitzpatrick, Mikey Walsh, Packy Sailor Flaherty, John Diamond, Willie Diamond and John Gannon were all county class, but Lettergesh always did well against them in Cloone because Renvyle hated playing on the sand.

Matches were usually refereed by Michael Lewis Connolly who lived beside the Grand Gate. The Renvyle lads used to give out about him a bit because they reckoned he used to give the benefit of the doubt to the Lettergesh lads. He was very fair, the lads down here liked him.

‘Ara, cheer up!’

I remember travelling up to Letterfrack one day on Curley’s lorry to a match between

Letterfrack and Lettergesh. It was played on a field which is part of Connemara National Park today.

Letterfrack had a great full back in Paddy Nee. He was as strong as a horse, you just couldn’t get through him.

Martin Conneely and Paddy Coyne were very impressive forwards for them at that time.

There was also a fellow from Tuam called McGrath, who was reared by the monks in the Industrial School.

They later gave him the job of driving their new lorry.

McGrath and Coyne were Letterfrack’s version of the ‘Terrible Twins’. They were both very skilful and had a great understanding of where the other would be when one of them had the ball.

While the adult game was in full flow, myself, Tony Coyne and Pat Kelly took on Letterfrack’s Pearse Guy, Martin Joyce and Joe Malone in a challenge match of our own. Letterfrack won the adult match and the Lettergesh men were awful down as they headed back home on the back of the lorry.

Pat Kelly was having none of it, however.

‘Ara, cheer up, we beat the young lads,’ he piped up.

This is an edited extract from The Lily White from Lettergesh, remembered

by Mickey Walsh and written by Paul Gannon.

Mickey is a native of the townland of Lettergesh East, in the parish of Letterfrack-Ballinakill l Pride in the Parish is available from selected outlets throughout Connemara

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SPORTS FEATURE

A group of local cycling enthusiasts from Tri-Conn recently traded the roads of Connemara for the stunning mountain trails of Fuerteventura – this is how they got on...

he old saying, ‘a change is as good as a rest’, rang true on an action-packed seven days in the Canaray islands. A daily schedule of early morning run (optional!), followed by sea swim, cafe con leche (essential!) and finally an evening mountain biking adventure ensured that, combined with healthy eating, it was better than any rest!

The high pass to Cofete was one of the many spectacular trails we discovered. The hair-raising descent is just visible in the picture (far right), behind the guys’ heads, meandering around the hill and reemerging down at the left of the photo. Helmets on, suspension open, saddles down and away on a mesmerising glide from mountain top to sea level.

T

Get ready for the descent – it’s gonna be a fast one We also tackled the popular El Cotillo-Corralejo 42km mountain bike spin at a blistering pace – taking in a nice road ascent from the small fishing port of El Cotillo, to the quaint village of La Lajares, followed by a steep ascent on loose single track around the dormant volcanoes of Montana Colorado and Calderon Honda. A massive eruption in this area 50,000 years ago contributed to the island expanding by 110sq km to

the north… sheesh, this place is brand new!

El Cotillo – Corralejo loop: A rugged stone-built trail under our wheels now requires the front suspension open and our full attention as we climb hard in dead heat.

Barbary ground squirrels, a cheeky native of Africa introduced in 1965, scurry away from the noise of our rasping tyres (and lungs). I could spare an almond for the bravest fella, but the shadow of a buzzard overhead sends

Members of Tri-Conn on their training camp in Fuerteventura

him scurrying amongst the jumbled lava.

Lunar landscapes: The large crater of Calderon Honda is worth a look – a quick look, as biking in the cool evening and beautiful light means that you have to keep moving, fast, or you’ll be in darkness before you know it. The sun won’t linger over the horizon for hours like a balmy June evening in Connemara. It’s January, and we are 2000 miles south on the island of Fuerteventura – so keep those cranks spinning.

Volcanoes: Suddenly the climbing is finished, the ground levels off and we’re onto a fast winding descent heading north on the unsealed track down to Corralejo. It’s a welcome change of pace. The cool sea air and wide open view towards Lobos and Lanzarote contrast sharply with the close in view of plants and a small stone built Corral de Los Asnos (donkey pen) that we left just moments ago – but already a few kilometres behind us and hundreds of metres above.

One of the many joys of mountain biking is that your environment can

change dramatically in a few seconds, and it happens often.

A fumble for a drink from the camelpak mouthpiece and then full attention to the descent – it’s gonna be fast!

The descent is not as technical (steep, rocky, narrow) as the other trails we took on this week – all the more reason to go for top speed.

Sandy trail along the north shore: All too soon the trail levels off, we skim the outskirts of Corralejo on dirt tracks and turn left for a 20km dash along the stunning northern coast. This winding track with sandy stretches and a corrugated surface would blur your vision if it wasn’t for the plush suspension and big chunky tyres.

Surfers, windsurfers and kite boarders do battle with the mighty surf all along this

exposed coastline as we wrestle with ruts and sand drifts, all the while maintaining top speed.

Cycling with a group, be it on the road or up the side of a volcano, is so much faster and more enjoyable than cycling alone. Aside from the camaraderie and slagging, the unofficial ‘mates race’ is an ongoing phenomenon and you find you’re pushing yourself faster than you could imagine… and enjoying it!

The last 5km run into El Cotillo brings a welcome return to smooth tarmac roads. Time to take it easy?

Nah, not likely when you keep company with adventure racers. It’s a sprint all the way to Vaca Azul restaurant for the avocado and fresh prawns salad. l This is an edited version of ‘And now for something completely different’, from the Scubadive West blog (blog.scubadivewest.com).

Scubadive West is a PADI 5 Star Resort, IDC Training Centre and also holds the National Geographic Dive Centre rating. For further information call 095-43922

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SPORTS RUGBY

Blacks play part in Irish schools victory l from page 32

back row Joyce duo of Thomas and John Joyce.

John offered Connemara a superb ball carrying outlet, whilst Thomas’ defensive work at the breakdown and in open play was superb.

Two players with experience with the senior side, Niall Staunton and Ian Heanue, showed their quality throughout, particularly in the ball carrying department and in organising their younger team-mates.

Such leadership and passion for the jersey is

an extremely encouraging sign for the future.

Another feather in the cap of Connemara RFC’s evergreen youth system was Oisin Heffernan’s starting berth for the Irish Schools Team in the Irish Schools’ victory over Georgia in Grenoble, France.

One of the star performers in Cisterian College Roscrea’s march to the Leinster Senior Schools’ semi final, Oisin is highly rated in Irish rugby circles and is a rarity in Irish rugby – a more than competent tight head prop.

The Connemara Blacks U14 squad, pictured here at Westport on March 10. The Blacks lost the game in the last moments, when a draw was looming, with Claremorris going over for a try

The Connemara Crossword no8 Across: 1 Omar Sharif, 9 Renal, 10 Columbo, 11 Breeches, 12 Chid, 15 Gum, 16 Lassa, 17 Inn, 18 Oryx, 19 Vindaloo, 22 Grecian, 24 Venal, 25 Striptease.

Down: 2 Molecule, 3 Rocket science, 4 Hall, 5 Rim, 6 Flodden, 7 Arab, 8 Unseemly, 13 Hairline, 14 Maldives, 15 Georgeís, 20 Oils, 21 Wisp, 23 Ear.

The Connemara Crossword no9

Across: 1 Old Spice, 5 Isis, 9 Mezzo, 10 Shining, 11 Umpteenth, 14 Kee, 15 Tottenham, 18 Hut, 19 Red carpet, 20 Scottie, 22 Tenon, 24 Lust, 25 Redditch.

Down: 1 Osmium, 2 Doz., 3 Protectorate, 4 Cos, 6 Stick íem up, 7 Signet, 8 Light-hearted, 12 Petitions, 13 No end, 16 Chisel, 17 Stench, 21 Eve, 23 Net.

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CROSSWORD & SUDOKU

Sudoku no12

Junior and Lep sides lead the way in Oughterard RFC Matt Henderson

MINI RUGBY: As we head towards the final weeks of the rugby season, the annual Connacht mini blitzes have been in full swing. First up the U10s travelled to Ballina. The U12s then headed to Loughrea, with the U8/9s making the journey to Westport on St Patrick’s weekend for their provincial mini blitz.

As always, there were some brilliant team performances, with the U8/9 and U12 sides returning home unbeaten, and the U10s losing only one game.

Fantastic efforts all round.

All the groups travelled on ‘team buses’ which made for great fun on their first away ‘tours’.

LEP RUGBY: At the start of the season, we didn’t have a Lep section. Now there have almost 20 girls aged between 6 and 12 playing regularly, which makes them the success story of the year.

Their most recent blitz was in Tuam over Patrick’s weekend.

A full bus of players and supporters headed up the N17 and had a great day out, with loads of tries scored by both U8 and U11 teams.

The Leps are planning their own home blitz, inviting teams from the province out to Oughterard before the end of the season.

JUNIOR RUGBY: The league finished with a highly entertaining game against unbeaten league leaders

The U10s team after a successful Connacht blitz in Ballina

Marchers all set for St. Patricks day parade Buccaneers, from Athlone.

Although just losing 23-20, a fourth losing bonus point of the season was secured. The

GOLF

progression of the team has been above expectations, with the final league position higher than expected and the four

bonus points showing potential for the future.

With the fast and exciting brand of rugby they play, the ORFC juniors are looking forward to the Ard Na Cregg cup, the first round of which is at home to Castlebar this Sunday (April 7). So get behind your local team and come down to support them on the day.

TAG RUGBY: Spring must be here as the ORFC Tag team is back training. The Tagmaniacs, who won league honours last season, train on Monday nights at 7pm at the ORFC pitch. The Spring league starts in April, so if you fancy keeping fit over the summer while having great craic, come on down to training or call Sinead on 087-9777290.

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: For the first time, ORFC took part in both Oughterard and Moycullen St Patrick’s Day parades. There was a great turn out of marchers for both events.

Thanks to everyone who cheered them, and everybody else on.

ORFC ANNUAL SOCIAL: The annual ORFC social is being held in the Boat Inn on Saturday April 27. Going by previous years’ events, it promises to be a great night.

Tickets are selling fast.

Contact Mike on 085-8181508 to book yours.

For further information about the club or training times visit www.orfc.ie, find us on facebook or email orfc@hotmail.com

KAYAKING

Ladies introduction at Leenane club open to new members Kayak Club was started in details on their facebook page at Connemara Golf Club LEENANE February 2012 and attracted more than www.facebook.com/leenanekayakclub.

CONNEMARA Golf Club is holding a ladies introduction to golf.

The introduction starts on Thursday April 18, from 6pm, and runs for four weeks.

Participants will receive three lessons with a club professional, with the final evening taking place on course.

Tea and coffee will be served afterwards, and the course costs just €20 per person.

This is a great opportunity for any women interested in taking up golf in the surroundings of one of Ireland’s premier golf clubs.

To book and for more details, phone 095-23502.

Connemara Golf Club results Sunday March 3,18 Hole Singles: Stableford, Round 3, Pub League 2013:1st Enda O’Malley(19), 41pts, 2nd Julian Jeffries (19) 40pts, 3rd Mark O’Malley (5) 39pts, Css:37pts; Ladies,1st Denise Tucker (36), 37pts back 9, 2ndKathleen Burke(15) 37pts, 3rd Pat Dooley (24) 35pts, Css:36; Pub League Table (First four to Qualify for Final on 10th March) Veldons724pts,O’Dowd’s717pts,Tom King’s704pts,Keogh’s700pts, Paddy Coyne’s678pts,Golf Club657pts,Oliver’s654pts Sunday March 10: 18 Holes Stableford; Ladies 1st: Mary Reilly (14) 35pts, 2nd: Julie Donnellan (17) 31pts(b9), CSS: 33pts; Men’s: 1st: Pascal O’Toole (24) 40pts, 2nd: Tim Hickey (17) 37pts, 3rd: Ronan Joyce (14) 36pts, CSS: 35pts Pub League Final: 1st: O’Dowds 220pts, 2nd: Keogh’s 218pts, 3rd: Veldons 213pts, 4th: Tom Kings 206pts Wednesday March 6: Open Single Stableford: 1st Leo DeCourcey (22) 39pts, 2nd Evelyn King (21) 34pts; Men’s CSS: 34pts Ladies CSS: 33pts Tuesday March 5, Open 18 Hole Single, Stableford: 1st Sarah Murray (36) 44pts, 2nd Padraig Duffy(24) 42pts, CSS: Mens 38pts Ladies 37pts

30 members in its first year.

Siobhan Bennett, Chairperson of the Club, says: ‘We are delighted with how the first year of the club went, and are looking forward to the 2013 season.

‘With the cold weather for the winter, we took to holding sessions in the swimming pool for the last month, but are now all set to take to the water.’

The club are inviting new members to join for 2013 and will be running some ‘Come and Try’ sessions, where people can pay just €2 and have a try before deciding whether to join the club. They will be advertising these in the next few weeks and you can find

To raise money for the club – to help purchase equipment – they will be running a table quiz on April 12 at 8.30pm in Hamilton’s Bar, Leenane.

At the moment the club have been lucky enough to be able to use Killary Adventure Centre’s equipment, but they would like to purchase their own gear so that members can get the full benefit of the club and try a number of different disciplines in the sport.

If you would like more information on how the club runs and membership, you can contact Siobhan on 087 2819825, join their facebook page or email siobhanbennett@hotmail.com.

Pull rope if you want to get fit and have fun...

INTERESTED in getting fit and having fun? The Renvyle women’s tug of war team is looking for new members! Training will take place in Tully, beside the playschool. Times yet to be confirmed. Please contact Barbara on 087 1333219 or Kerstin on 087 9455748 for further information.

SPORTS@CONNEMARAJOURNAL.IE

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SPORTS

PHOTO: TOM BRODERICK

Eight club boxers secure Dublin bouts l from page 32

determination this season and the fact that she came so close to a final last year has given her a new drive to go all the way this year.

On Saturday March 16, the club hosted the Connacht Boy 1/2/3 and U18 finals in Oughterard Community Centre.

There were 42 finals in total and this would be an absolute feast for the boxing die hards.

The boxing commenced at 10am and the last bout finished at 4.30pm.

Oughterard had five boxers on the final card.

First up was reigning Boy 1 36kg All Ireland Champion, Matthew Tierney, who guaranteed there’d be no upset with an 8/3 win at the Boy 2 42kg division.

In his first Connacht Final was Jason Lawson Kearns who just got pipped at the bell to lose his bout 11/12.

It was a very close bout throughout, and Jason has a strong foundation to build on next year.

Peter Tierney, who has showed great boxing skills throughout the year, was next up at Boy 3 39kg and the score reflected the level he has come up, winning his bout 21/6.

Paul Walsh was next up and he, too, has shown a new

Jason Lawson Kearns (right) throws a jab in his bout against Owen McDonagh of Sligo determination and high work rate this year.

Paul came within a point last year of winning his first Connacht title and was determined this year that he would book his place in the All Irelands – coming out victor at Boy3 57kg on a score of 10/2.

Our last boxer of the day was Sean Kennedy, who would have it all to do against two-time All Ireland Champion, Jordan Myers. This was to be the most determined and dogged performance of the day, with Sean getting down to work straight away.

He never gave his opponent time to breathe and kept coming forward, despite taking some very hard punches.

The hall was filled with noise as the crowd got behind Sean, and in the final round the support rose to their feet

to encourage him to keep up his brave efforts.

Unfortunately for Sean it wasn’t to be, but he can be very proud of his performance and it definitely was the bout of the day, despite him losing.

In all, Oughterard will have eight boxers travelling to Dublin for the All Ireland Championships. The numbers are up on last year and it’s the most we have had travelling to Dublin for many years.

The club would like to wish them and their families all the very best – for a few of them this is their first time to compete in the National Stadium.

The club would also like to sincerely thank all the parents that helped over the weekend and the Oughterard Community Centre.

On Monday the club

hosted a West v East Galway selection for the Gerry Clancy Memorial Cup. Oughterard Boxing Club was well represented on the team.

East Galway came out victors on a score of 7/6.

All money raised on the door goes towards the Oughterard/Killanin community bus. Thanks to everyone that supported on the day.

The All Ireland Championships will be going on until May with the B4/Y1/Y2 getting underway on the weekend of May 22. The following weekend will see the finals of these divisions.

Easter Week will see the Boy 1/2/3 start their finals and the Girls’ will take place in May. I would like to congratulate all our boxing members in the club for all the hard work they put in over the season, and while there may be disappointments along the way, they can be very proud to call themselves boxers.

It’s a hard sport that asks a lot physically and mentally – it’s the boxers themselves that are alone in the ring.

We have seen some great improvements from all our boxers, which they can build on next season.

They will all get a much earned break over the summer.

connemara JOURNAL ONLINE

Matthew Tierney, Amy O'Donovan, Lizzie Lydon, Paul Walsh, Peter Tierney and Sean Seoighe – six of the eight boxers who represented Oughterard Boxing Club in the All Ireland Championships

w w w . c o n n e m a r a j o u r n a l . i e

BOXING

Whether you live in Carna or Camden, Ballyconneely or Boston, all the latest Connemara news is now just a click away The Journal’s website will be updated regularly throughout the month You can also browse the full Journal archive of news, sports and features So go online, get involved, and tell us what you think...

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On the trail in Fuerteventura...

See page 29 Tri-Conn on tour

Oughterard rugby Juniors lead the way

See page 30

RUGBY

Blacks look set to bow out of AIL John O’Sullivan

AFTER a decade of unparalleled success, the writing finally appears to be on the wall for the odyssey that was Connemara RFC’s stint in the All Ireland League.

With four points from eleven games, Connemara require three bonus point wins in their remaining three games to stand any chance of survival.

Even Connemara, who have over the years developed a habit of upsetting the odds, will find this task near impossible to achieve.

Despite a spirited and all action performance, the Blacks succumbed to a 31-17 defeat to lowly Dublin side Suttonians.

The Suttonians game was a microcosm of Connemara’s season – so much positive work was undone by inexplicable individual errors, sheer bad luck and, of course, injuries.

The game may have signalled the first ever relegation in the history of the club, but there was another first amidst the action – after eight seasons as a senior player, hooker Alan Pryce registered his first try for the club.

Picking a great line off David Keogh’s pass, Pryce, despite the best ef-

forts of the Suttonians’ defence, powered over the line.

Alan Keogh, an integral player for Connemara since the club elevated to senior status, missed the game through injury. His replacement, Jack Vaughan – who had never before played full back – acquitted himself admirably in the role.

Showing his GAA background, Vaughan was solid under high Suttonian kicks and as a last line of defence for Connemara.

As on other occasions this season, Connemara came under severe scrutiny in the scrum.

The front of David O’Reilly, Alan Pryce and Eugene Conroy are all capable broken field runners but gave up substantial weight and size to their Suttonian opposite numbers.

There were positives for the Blacks to take from the defeat, though – mostly the return to action of key centre Paddy Madden.

Madden was ever-present last season, and his defensive steel and incisive sniping runs were sorely missed by Connemara during his nine game injury absence.

Thanks to the torrential rain throughout the country the week before last, Connemara’s scheduled

game away to Navan was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.

There were, however, games involving the clubs age grade teams.

Saturday week saw the visit to the Monastery Field of New Jerseybased rugby club, Rowan Rugby.

Well drilled and extremely physical, the American side asked several questions of the U19’s defence.

What Connemara lacked in size, they made up for with elusive running and superior passing. Conor Clarke, reminiscent of Shane Williams with his step and electric pace, was a thorn in Rowan’s side, adding a try and going close on several other occasions.

With a ferocious wind in his face, fly half Mark Staunton showed impressive kicking accuracy – slotting four out of his five kicks – two penalties and two conversions. The one kick that missed its target – a conversion, from an acute angle – was extremely close.

Staunton also showed he is a competent broken field runner, as he broke several tackles for a superb try.

Also impressive for Connemara were the l turn to page 30

The new Summer Turf Warrior, which takes place on May 11, builds on the success of the winter event

Have you got what it takes?

GAELFORCE Events are planning a full calendar of events to test your body and mind to the limit.

Highlights of this year’s programme are the Connemara Adveture Challenge (May 11) and the new Summer Turf Warrior (May 25).

For full details, see page 28

Put your club news on the back page of Connemara’s community newspaper Call Tony on 095-30707 or email sports@connemarajournal.ie

BOXING

Patrick’s weekend provides a feast of boxing Seán Clancy

THE Connacht boxing finals were held in Oughterard on St Patrick’s weekend.

In the run-up to this weekend, the Oughterard Boxing Club travelled to Foxford in Co Mayo for quarter finals and semi finals, with Colm Molloy winning his final and Kieran Molly getting a walkover on their way to the All Ireland Championships.

Both lads will have weighed in for their respective championships and boxed by the time of this going to press.

On Sunday March 9, Oughterard had the first of our boxers out with Cillian Tierney being just beaten on the narrowest of margins when his bout went to a count back.

Robert Gill and Paul Butler also boxed impressively, with this being Paul’s first year at Boy 1 boxing in the Connachts.

On March 10, the club had five boxers in the semi final, with Matthew Tierney defeating Patrick O’Grady.

Peter Tierney put in an impressive performance, beating Thomas Sweeney, while James Butler came up against a familiar opponent, Gabriel Dossen, working hard throughout to get past Dossen’s long reach. Dossen won this exchange.

Paul Walsh won his bout with a very confident performance against Charlton Conroy and Sean Kennedy defeated Darren Kelly.

Jason Lawson Keirns made it straight into the finals and Sean Seoige got a walkover to gain his

first Connacht Title at Boy 1.

Lizzy Murphy Lydon also got a walkover, giving her a second Connacht title and her second year to go to the National Finals.

Amy O’Donavan would have to wait until the middle of the week due to the large number of bouts on the card the previous weekend.

Amy had to box in Westport against her St. Anne’s opponent, who was boxing in her home club.

Amy put in a strong performance and came out on top.

She becomes the first girl in the club to win a Connacht title competitively.

Amy was also very unlucky last year at the All Ireland Semi Finals, when her bout went to a count back. She has shown great l turn to page 31

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