Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir Nuacht Chláir The free community-curated newsletter for Claregalway December 2014 | Vol.19 iss.4
news
We’d like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2015. Thank you to all who shared local news on our website Claregalway.info this year!
page 7
Compántas Lir Win the All-Ireland Drama Final features
pages 12–13
Decorating for Dinner
sports
pages 30–31
Claregalway Basketball Club Season Round-Up For more local news see www.Claregalway.info
Claregalway Abbey pictured in 2011 by Josette Farrell
Allan Cooper Coffman, González Valderrama José Antonio and Oisin Kenny at Claregalway Castle Christmas Fair.
Ann King with her Mum Frances pictured at the Christmas Fair in Claregalway Castle recently.
Serious chat time with Santa in Claregalway Castle at the Christmas Fair.
Clare Horgan and Seamus O’Connell of Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society at the Christmas Fair in Claregalway Castle. Photos by Josette Farrell. Claregalway.info/photos
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The O'Malley Family, Corofin, at Claregalway Castle Christmas Fair. An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe
You can submit stories & photos by posting to Nuacht Chláir, ‘Currach Ruadh,’ Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe. by emailing Josette@Claregalway.info
Editorial by Josette Farrell
by phoning Josette on 086 391 3852 / 091 798 430 via our website www.Claregalway.info or via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Claregalway.info
We are always on the lookout for new local contributors. If you would like to share some local news, photos, events or stories, just get in touch. We are constantly updating our website Claregalway.info, where you can keep up to date with local news, sports, features, notices and events, read up on some the history of Claregalway, or check out our ever-expanding local business directory. If you have any suggestions for features you would like to see on the site, let us know. Finally, don’t forget to like our popular Facebook page at facebook.com/Claregalway.info where we share local news, links and photos. Nuacht Chláir is an open access publication and we try to include everything that’s submitted, subject to the law of the land, and editorial judgement. This judgement is exercised by the volunteer production team in order to preserve balance in the newsletter. The views & opinions expressed in the articles are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the production team.
www.Claregalway.info
Welcome to the December issue of Nuacht Chláir, published by Claregalway.info, and on behalf of the production team I’d like to wish you all a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful new year. We hope you like the changes we’ve been making to Claregalway.info throughout 2014 and welcome any more feedback or suggestions you have. It’s a community-curated website so input from the community is essential! This month we bring you articles from our regular contributors Móna Wise, GIY Ireland, Crosswords with Brian, Sports and news from local schools in the area, as well as a brilliant monologue by regular contributor Edward Coppinger. Check that out on page 26. Claregalway has been bustling with events over the past few weeks and we have lots of photos from some of these. You can find lots more online at Claregalway.info/photos or on our Facebook page. Huge congratulations to Compántas Lir, who were recently crowned All-Ireland Champions in the confined one act final. This is a wonderful and much deserved reward for the local acting group, whose performances are always first class. We look forward to seeing the next show at Claregalway Drama Festival in the new year! Local resident and former school master Tom Monahan has shared with us some Irish proverbs, in a new Cúinne Gaelach (Irish Corner) on page 15. We hope you enjoy the cúpla focal and try to use them in conversation! It has been a great year for the village overall, with lots of development at Knockdoemore, myriad sporting achievements, the notable success of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir and its very impressive staff and students, the increasingly admirable Claregalway Day Care Centre, the phenomenal events that have taken place in the beautifully restored Claregalway Castle, and of course the influx of new residents calling Claregalway home, to name but a few. Let’s hope 2015 brings more good news for the village. As always, your feedback and opinions are greatly accepted. This is the second issue of our nineteenth edition and you can check out our archives online all the way back to issue one in August 1996! We now have more than 4,000 likes on our Facebook page Claregalway.info so if you haven’t already, like our page to keep up to date with local news, events and photos. Until next time, Josette
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Pride of Place Awards by Vincent Lyons, Organising Chairman
Claregalway Pride of Place members Sheila Holland Fox, Clare Horgan, Ann and Vincent Lyons, Cllr Mary Hoade, Cathaoirleach Galway CoCo and Breda Mulrennan, Galway CoCo with (back, from left) Kevin Kelly, CE Galway CoCo, Ronan Foley, CE IPB, Tony O’Brien, Leas Cathaoirleach Clare CoCo, Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland, Tom Dowling, Chairman Pride of Place, Kieran Coyne of Galway CoCo, at the IPB Pride of Place Awards recently. On behalf of the organising committee I want to thank the people of Claregalway Parish for the huge effort put into to making sure Claregalway put its best foot forward for the judging on the 23rd of July. The judges were obviously impressed with all that Claregalway has to offer. The plan was that they would be with us for two and a half hours. They stayed for five hours. The morning started with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the many aspects of life in Claregalway. This was followed by a tour of the parish starting at the Friary, then to the Castle and onwards to the GAA pitches in Knockdoemore. Next stop the soccer pitches in Cregmore and then to Carnmore Community Centre via School Road, a quick tour around the Community Centre to view the different activities taking place there, then to Claregalway Community Centre. Next stop was the Secondary School, where over thirty community organisations and businesses had their display stands set up. The judges spent a long time with each of them and finished with a short tour of the school. We then visited the Day Care Centre to meet and chat with each the clients. Our final stop was to the charity shop which is such a key element in supporting the Day Care Centre. We went to the West County Hotel in Ennis on the 16th of November for the Award Ceremony. We had hopes and dreams but dared not to be presumptuous. Claregalway was in the large town category (population 1500–4000). Kenmare won first prize in this category. We were thrilled when Claregalway was awarded the runner-up prize. The trophy is currently doing the rounds of the parish. This award is for all the people of Claregalway Parish. Keep up the good work. Thank you. 4
Pictured is Eamonn O’Donoghue of Claregalway Castle presenting a cheque to the Claregalway & District Day Care Centre. Left to right: Dr O’Donoghue, Kathleen Caulfield, Pat Griffith, Julie McKenna, Mike Herewood and Seamus O’Connell. Photo by Josette Farrell
At the presentation of the Supplier of the Year Awards were (L–R) MC Hector Ó hEochagáin, Stephen Kelly and Sharon Kelly Stocktaking.ie (based in Claregalway), Oonagh O’Hagan chairperson of Retail Excellence Ireland, Joan and Patrick McDermott Stocktaking.ie and Peter Sweeney of Barclaycard (event Sponsors) at the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2014 recently. Photo by Andrew Downes
For more local photos, or to share your own, like our page at Facebook.com/Claregalway.info
An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe
Ten Years Ago in Claregalway This is a snippet of local ‘news’ (now history), printed in the Nuacht Chláir ten years ago.
Appeals Board Quashes Irish Language Condition for Claregalway Originally published in the December 2004 Nuacht Chláir
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n Irish language condition attached to planning permission for a development in Claregalway has been quashed by an Bord Pleanala, despite the town’s Gaeltacht status. The proposal by local business man Michael Hughes to construct a single storey extension to the rear of the existing commercial development and to construct two separate two-storey blocks with retail units on the ground floor and apartments at first floor level, was passed by Galway County Council with 22 conditions attached. One of these conditions (Condition 22) ordered the applicant to enter into a legal agreement with the planning authority “to restrict or regulate the development … for the exclusive use of occupants who have an appropriate competency/fluency of the Irish Language.” Mr Hughes appealed the condition to an Bord Pleanála who agreed that Condition 22 as outlined in the County Development Plan was not warranted in this case. Welcoming the decision GMIT lecturer Donncha Ó hÉallaithe said Claregalway is not Irish speaking by any stretch of the imagination. “According to the last Census returns, there is a greater proportion of people in Oranmore (16%) who claim to use Irish on a daily or weekly basis than in Claregalway where the figure is 11%. Oranmore is not in the Gaeltacht”, he said. The population of Claregalway grew by 48% between 1996 and 2002. According to recent census figures the frequency of use of the Irish Language by residents of Claregalway aged 20 years and over compares poorly to other Gaeltacht areas, and even Galway City has greater frequency of use of the Irish language. The boundaries of the Gaeltacht area were defined by the Government in 1956, when 80% of the population in the region spoke Irish as an everyday language. According to the inspector Claregalway no longer reflects its location within the Gaeltacht. “It displays none of the characteristics of the stronger Irish speaking communities. The road signs, directional signs, housing estate names and shop signs are in English, which is in marked contrast to the other stronger areas of the Gaeltacht. The area lacks any definable entity as a Gaeltacht area. “The establishment of such an identity for the village, through the use of signs in Irish and the provision of services through the medium of Irish, would be a significant proactive first step and would be more beneficial as a tool towards safeguarding the status of the Irish language in the village than curtailing the occupancy of residents,” she said. Mr Ó hÉallaithe said Galway County now has to face this problem in dealing with language preservation in the Gaeltacht, under the Planning Process. “Including Claregalway and the other areas east of the Corrib, such as Annagdown, Clonboo and Carnmore, in the Gaeltacht only serves to make a mockery and distort the real Irish speaking areas and make it more difficult to devise a workable strategy for maintaining and strengthening Irish in those areas.” www.Claregalway.info
Archival records of the various names used for postal addresses in Claregalway parish in the 1960s, all of which are in Irish. Image via Logainm.ie
Read news from 1996 onwards at Claregalway.info/archives or check out the Parish History at Claregalway.info/history
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Local Notices The Claregalway & District Day Care Centre is now open five days Monday–Friday from 9.30am–4pm. For more information please drop in, contact 091 739 385, 086 445 8989, or visit claregalwaydaycarecentre.ie. Claregalway Parent & Baby/Toddler Group meet every Wednesday from 10am–12 noon at Claregalway Community Centre. All welcome. Contact Yvonne 087 943 7410. Walking Club meets every Sunday at the Arches Hotel at 10:30am and on Wednesdays meet at Claregalway Church at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For info contact Edel—085 102 0611. Legion of Mary meeting every Monday from 7.15–8.15pm in Cairdeas. New members welcome. Ultra-Flex School of Dance classes in Disco-Freestyle, Street Dance and Musical theatre every Tuesday in the SMA House Claregalway. Classes range from 3–17 years old. Contact Emma on 085 2388 591 for specific class times or for more information.
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Adult Music Classes, subject to demand, are being offered at Lackagh Village Centre on Button Accordion, Tin Whistle, Keyboard, Bodhrán & Céilí Drums. For further info call Padraig on 086 3166 972. French for all! Qualified teacher and native speaker Aline O’Connell is giving afterschool classes in Cregmore NS, Claregalway NS, Claregalway Educate Together NS. Private grinds also available, and preparation for Junior and Leaving Cert. Classes tailored for all needs, good rates and great results! For more information, contact Aline 087 743 88 10. Claregalway/Carnmore Active Retirement meeting every Friday at 10.30am in Cairdeas. New members are always welcome. Claregalway/Carnmore Senior Citizens Cards and bingo held every Monday night at 8pm in Cairdeas Parish Meeting Room. You can share local notices online at www.Claregalway.info
An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe
Compántas Lir Win the All Ireland Final Compántas Lir have achieved their long sought after goal by winning the confined all Ireland one act final. Their production Nine was directed by Caoimhe O’Dowd, and started Ruth O’Driscoll (pictured in character below) and Mary Killacky. The play won the top award and Ruth won the Adjudicators Award also. Well done to the cast and crew and to all in the group. Who knows it might even make one more appearance for all who missed it. For more photos visit Compántas Lir’s page on Facebook.
www.Claregalway.info
Some of the Compántas Lir cast and crew pictured at the finals which were held in Ballyshannon, County Donegal recently.
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Electric Car Win for Móna! Well, it is already December and only a few weeks to go before Christmas is on top of us. The last few months have literally flown right by me and I am just now coming up for air.
For more of Móna’s stories and recipes, check out her website at WiseWords.ie or on Facebook.com/WiseWordsMona or check out our posts tagged with WiseWords at www.Claregalway.info.
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graduated recently, with first class honours, from the MA in Journalism at NUI Galway and am so relieved that the last five years of college have wrapped up nicely. Now the real hard work begins as I start the search for a full time job, but I think I have earned a little break so will jump on that task after the start of the new year. Earlier this year, Ron and I entered a competition to test drive an electric car for a few months. The competition was run by Renault Ireland in conjunction with the folks over at GIY Ireland and I have to tell you, it was a lot of fun. They chose four people from all over Ireland and gave them a Renault Fluence eCar. 100% electric with a range of 80–110 km on one charge. The cost is less than €2 per full charge if you charged at home, or it is free to charge at any of the public charging points in Galway or anywhere else in Ireland for that matter. After months of driving an electric car and completing several gardening tasks with the kids, all the while blogging and sharing updates via social media on how the driving of an eCar was going, one lucky driver would be given the car to keep forever, and what do you know, we won the competition! So, now that we are the proud owners of our first electric car, what is it really like? Well, it is really, really, cheap. The first thing worth mentioning is the tax, at just €100 per year, that in itself is a great deal. The second thing worth noting is the fact that there is no need for oil changes and expensive maintenance check-ups, as the car runs on a silent battery; it feels like you are hovering around as you drive the car. Since winning the car, a few people have asked us if we are planning on keeping it for a few years or if we might upgrade it to a newer model in a few years, perhaps even one with a greater range, and a fast-charge capacity, but we think this is going to be a perfect learning car for the kids to start driving lessons in when the time comes, so we are planning to have this one forever.
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As it stands right now, it kind of seems like the perfect car to have when thinking about letting your older teens get behind the wheel. There would be no reason for them to ask for money for petrol, they would not be able to go to far without having to stop for a few hours to recharge, and they would be reluctant to drive too fast, because the faster you drive in an eCar, the more energy you consume, reducing the distance you can drive. It seems like a win-win to me!
So, there you have it. A great note to end the year on. We wish you and your families the happiest of Christmases and best wishes for a prosperous new year. Móna Wise
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Womens Health— What You Should Know by Turloughmore Medical Centre Here in Turloughmore Health Centre we provide a comprehensive Womens Health service, as do most GPs. We look after important areas of women’s health including: Cervical screening, Breast check, Sexual health, Contraception and family planning, Ante- & post-natal care, Fertility issues, Menopause. Free Smear Testing Turloughmore Health Centre is registered with the National Cervical Screening Programme. If you are between the ages 25–44 years you are entitled to a smear once every three years. If you are between 45 and 60 years, you are entitled to a smear every five years. The ideal time to have a smear test is mid-cycle i.e. 10 days–2 weeks after the first day of your last period (unless you no longer are having periods, in which case you can book anytime). You must bring your letter of invitation from Cervical Check on the day of appointment. In order to get this invitation letter you must register with Cervical Check online. You will need your PRSI/PPS number to register. Breast Screening Mammograms are provided by Breastcheck for women aged between 50–64 years every two years. We recommend that all women should be breast-aware and perform regular checks on themselves. What changes should I be aware of? • A change in size or shape—if one breast becomes larger • Changes in the nipple—in direction or shape • Changes around the nipple (rash, crusting skin) • Changes in the skin—dimpling, puckering or redness • A lump of any size in your breast • Constant breast pain • Swelling in armpit or above collar bone Sexual Health Confidential & discrete screening service. We provide a Full STI Screen including testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B & C and Syphilis. This is very important for young adults both male and female. Ante- & Post-Natal Care We provide full antenatal and postnatal care in conjunction with our local maternity hospitals. Contraception and Family Planning Combined pill, mini-pill, Depo-Provera, Mirena Coil, Contraceptive Patch and Emergency Contraception Morning-after pill. All of the above are available. Please consult with any of the Doctors for advice.
www.Claregalway.info
Front of desk: Dr Brendan Day. Back row L–R: Nurse Doreen Eaton, Dr Aisling Hamilton, Dr Kieran Kelliher, Dr Eamonn Twomey. Front row L–R: Dr Onora Lynch, Ms Deirdre Gaughan, Ms Maura Morris, Ms Denise Fitzmaurice, Nurse Catherine Kirrane.
L–R: Ms Kitty Culkin, Professor Andrew Murphy, Dr Melanie Burke, Nurse Saranna Leonard. Front of desk: Ms Orla Moran.
Menopause and HRT Service During the menopause the production of the female hormones, especially oestrogen, declines. The average age of menopause is 51 years. The menopause can cause a range of the following symptoms: Hot flushes and night sweats, Fatigue/ tiredness, Insomnia, Headaches, Mood changes, Vaginal dryness, Urinary symptoms, Emotional symptoms. All women can be assessed for menopausal symptoms on an individual basis and we will discuss the role of HRT & alternative medicines as treatments for potentially difficult symptoms. Turloughmore Health Centre Opening Hours Mon–Frid 9am–5.30pm. Doors are closed daily at 6pm. For calls after 6pm or over weekends phone WestDoc on 1850 36 50 00. Telephone lines are closed between 1:30–2:30pm to allow for change over of reception staff. If you have an urgent medical problem between 1:30– 2:30pm, please call 087 259 6308.
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Grow It Yourself December This year I managed to fill three large hessian sacks with spuds for storage and we’ve been tucking in to them every other day as required. It’s very handy to have them there, waiting patiently in the garage for their moment of destiny in the kitchen.
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To do this December have to admit however that we’ve lost more than the normal number of spuds to pest damage this As you clear remaining crops from your veggie patch, dig the beds over and add well rotted compost or manure. Get year (particularly among the main crop varieties). This Educated—book yourself on a course! Start planning what is maddening, particularly since you don’t generally you would like to grow next year and work out what crop know that the spud is destroyed until you’ve gone rotation system you are going to use. Study seed catalogues to the bother of peeling it (and then discover a little network of cavities inside it). carefully before deciding on the best varieties to grow. Start a Compost corner or heap. Keep an eye on your stored veggies The two main pests of potatoes are slugs and and discard anything that’s rotting. Collect and store leaves wireworms—partners in slime. The wireworms are in bags to make leaf mould or use as cover for bare soil. typically at the vanguard of these attacks—they are small wire-like worms that bore tunnels Sow Harvest in to potatoes, making tiny holes on the If you haven’t already Buck the seasonal trend by continuing to surface. The more opportunistic slugs done so plant garlic—it harvest winter salad leaves like corn salad, follow, using the same holes to gain should be in the soil by land cress and mizuna. You should still have access to the spud. Getting your main the shortest day of the at least some produce left in the December crop potatoes out of the ground as early year. Bring herbs like mint, veggie patch e.g. winter cabbages, Brussels as you can is the main organic method of chives, lemon balm, parsley, sprouts, leeks, kale, Jerusalem artichokes, prevention for both these pests. thyme indoors by lifting carrots, celery, turnips, parsnips, winter That issue aside, the spud is an and potting them up. cauliflowers, swedes, spinach and celeriac. incredible hardy foodstuff that in general stores very well and we’ve enough potatoes to take us right through to March or so. A Tip of the Month—Buy Local rotting spud can quickly take out all the spuds around When it comes to buying for Christmas (presents, food, wine it, and before long the whole crop can turn to a squidgy etc) we have tremendous buying power. These are tough mush. Removing the occasional rotting spud early on times for small local businesses so support them by buying will prevent this from happening. local this year. Support Irish craftspeople and artisan food Sprouting in storage is normal and not a huge deal— producers. Make sure the money you spend stays in Ireland in fact, the process of chitting them in spring before where it maintains local jobs. planting is encouraging them to do what some of my spuds have done quite naturally in storage. All the For more, visit GIYinternational.org same, it’s no harm to rub off the sprouts and make sure the spuds aren’t soft or green before eating.
by Michael Kelly—GIY Ireland
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The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Claregalway Church Sacrament Times
St James Choir practice at 8.15pm every Tuesday in Cairdeas Meeting Room, beside the Church. New Daily Mass Sunday 9 & 11am Thursday 7:30pm members are most welcome.
Monday 9:30am Friday 9:30am Tuesday 9:30am Saturday 9:30am You
Wednesday 9:30am Vigil (Saturday) 7.30pm
Sacrament of Baptism Baptismal preparation training night second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Cairdeas. Baptisms are celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at noon and the third Saturday of the month at 4pm. Booking forms are available from the Parish Office. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact Parish Office for a booking form.
Christmas Arrangements Wednesday 24th of December Christmas Eve Morning Mass 9:30am Children’s Mass 6pm Vigil Mass 8pm Thursday 25th of December Christmas Morning Masses at 9am, 10am and 11am Friday 26th and Saturday 27th of December Morning Mass at 10:30am
can tune in to 106.4FM to listen to Mass in Claregalway Church live every day. claregalwayparish@eircom.net www.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.com Radio Mass FM106.4 Facebook claregalwayparish The Parish Office, operated by Teresa Payne, Secretary, is located in Claregalway village beside the Church. Contact 091 798 741 / claregalwayparish@eircom.net
Congratulations and best wishes to Ailbhe and Liam Hyland on the birth of their baby daughter Amelia, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8th of December. We welcome with great joy Cyprian Kujawa, Alexander Kyne, Grace Cloherty, and Rory Gaughan into our Christian community. Congratulatons to their parents and Godparents.
Parish Christmas Cards now on sale at The Parish Office. Your intentions will be included in the Triduum of Masses on Christmas day. Cost €2.
R.I.P. Peggy Glennon, Cregboy Congratulations to Lisa and Michael Fitzsimons on the birth of their baby girl Elise on 12th of July 2014. Congratulations to Dympna and Paul Corcoran on the birth of their baby girl Bláithín on 1st of September 2014. Church of the Assumption & St James, Claregalway pictured in the snow of 2011 by Josette Farrell.
www.Claregalway.info
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Interior Design Hints & Tips— Christmas Dinner is Served Christmas seems to come around so fast, it feels like we just have put away the decorations and now we’re taking them out again. But you get a chance to be creative, and use your decorating skills to have some fun.
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ou will spend most of your time around the dining table at Christmas eating and entertaining, so dress it up to make it special before you start, don’t forget the small things e.g. washing and ironing the table cloth, if necessary. Check that you have enough chairs and if not, borrow or invest in folding ones that can be stored away for future occasions. Also check that you have enough crockery, cutlery and glassware to lay each plate setting. Make sure each guest has sufficient space in front and either side of them at the table. If you are bored with your plain table cloth and your Christmas table doesn’t look very exciting, you don’t need to spend a fortune on replacing the lot. Instead use colours and themes to create a festive feeling and also to bring the decor scheme together. A good white table cloth never fails to look elegant and will set the tone for a formal setting. Use a large charger plate to define the space for each place setting. Gold or a silver design will add a touch of opulence. It can be used to set the decor theme for the overall table. Place a gold charger underneath white china to reflect the glow of candlelight on the table. Shimmering shades of gold go well with a dark wooden table, teamed with detailed china and glassware designs. To create a luxurious and sophisticated look combine soft shades of gold, bronze and pewter with a navy blue table cloth and napkins. Team with gold trimmed china and gold cutlery. For a winter-wonderland look use silver. It is all about sparkle and shine. The
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only other colours you need in this scheme are white and green foliage to keep the look fresh and unfussy. Delicate glassware and silver decorations will stand put against the greenery. Hang battery-operated fairy-lights over the table and they will reflect with glass on the table. Add a runner with silver details to soften a crisp white tablecloth. To evoke a snowfall and frost theme, use cool blue and white colours. Make paper snowflake decorations and add place names on paper doilies. The fairy lights will also do well with this theme. Red and white colour scheme never fails to make an impression. For relaxed dinning, use a simple table runner or place mats. Use bright red and off-white tones over a dark wooden table. For a more country look, use traditional rich red with small-scale red and white check. Stoneware crockery would add a contemporary twist to the decor.
No table setting would be complete without a centrepiece. It is easy to make one from items you already have. Fill a glass cake stand and dome with baubles to co-ordinate with your colour scheme. Or you could use a glass vase, jug or a bowl instead. Candles make elegant centrepieces, creating a gorgeous glow and magical feeling. Hurricane lamps are great for keeping the candle contained, leaving you free to decorate the base with foliage, real or silk followers. Stand different size candles on a square mirror. Decorate some of them with ribbon and decorate the base of the arrangement with foliage, sprinkled with snow of glitter.
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Always play safe with candles and never leave them on their own. Like decorating the house, accessories for the table add the finishing touches. Decorate your existing napkins by tying them with hessian or ribbon and add a seasonal touch with cinnamon sticks and berries. A quick way to give napkins a new look is to add a napkins ring. There are plenty out there to choose from or create your own. Update plain cutlery by wrapping the handles in ribbon to tie with other colours on the table. Add some novelty factor to your table with festive salt and pepper sets or place a Christmas wine charm around the stem of your wine glasses. It also helps to identify your glass in a crowd. Use place cards so that guests can see where you’d like them to sit. They add the perfect finishing touch to the table and you can create your own. Decorative baubles can make interesting place-card holders and guests can take them home as mementoes to hang on their own tree each year. For a unique touch, position a small gift on each place setting or a candy cane for a sweet touch. Handwritten menus show attention to detail and are easy to make. For a menu scroll, print or write your menu on parchment paper. Last, but not least, don’t forget the crackers. There is a wide range to choose from i.e. luxurious and expensive to cheap and tacky. You could base your table colours and theme around your chosen crackers. Now that you have decorated the table, don’t forget the chairs. They can be decorated with covers, cushions, ribbons and bows etc. Or keep it simple e.g. a single flower with foliage tracking down the back looks good. Now that the table is decorated and the dinner is served, sit back and enjoy it.
A floral centrepiece can complete your Christmas dining table. It doesn’t have to be a big display. You can use foliage and flowers from your garden. But do support your local florist and garden centre and get them to create an arrangement for you. Also you could use a group of three potted plants as an arrangement e.g. white Cyclamens or Poinsettias. Or place a wreath on the table and filled with tea lights and baubles.
Happy Christmas Mary D. Kelly (091) 798224
www.Claregalway.info
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Claregalway/Carnmore Senior Citizens News by Josephine Noone, PRO Claregalway/Carnmore Senior Citizens held their Annual Christmas party on Sunday the 7th of December in the Claregalway Hotel. A wonderful time was had by one and all. Many thanks to who were involved in making this day a happy event. Thank you to Fr Ian, St James Choir and the Readers at Mass. Thanks also to Paul and Nora Gill and staff for a lovely meal in a beautifully decorated room, to Gus and the Band for the lovely music and to all those who entertained and helped to make the night enjoyable. Thanks to Aoife Dempsey and the Corrib Dancers which delighted the hearts of all. Thanks to Josette of Claregalway.info for taking photos and for keeping us up to date in Nuacht Chláir and on Facebook. The committee wish to thank Noel Grealish for a wonderful day in the Dáil during the summer. Thank you also to Tommy Callinan, Callinan Coaches for free service of his coaches every year. This is a wonderful help to us. Once again we appeal for more help to keep this organisation going so we are looking for young able bodied men and women to assist us. We wish all of our Senior Citizens a Nollag Shona duit. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís.
To view more photos from the Senior Citizens Christmas Party visit our Facebook page facebook.com/Claregalway.info
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Patsy Walsh and Maura Campbell.
Neighbours Mary Casserly and Josephine Noone at The Senior Citizens party in The Claregalway Hotel.
Eddie and Jennifer Donaghy who celebrated a very special anniversary recently. Congratulations!
Photos by Josette Farrell
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Proverbs Ode to a Lightbulb by Maura Kavanagh, Cregboy It has taken a lifetime of darkness to say thank you. You transformed our lives when you first arrived back in the fifties, and we stopped buying the candles and paraffin oil with its aroma permeating and lurking in dark under stairway spaces. You cast a whole new light on all our activities, our nocturnal comings and goings, to beds and out of them on dark winter mornings. We now reach out and touch your on/off button at any hour of darkness, read to our hearts content. You now come in all shapes, size and colours—soft pink and blues for babies rooms and incubators, give warmth to chicks and puppies in barns, seductive reds for atmospherics in brothels and such like establishments no doubt! You light up our doorways and show us the way. I recently carried one of your kind back from Turkey lighting up the inside of a turtle in a stained glass bubble, it being the turtle’s back. What would Christmas be without you? Bringing cheer and sparkle to trees and mantles, inside and out, frosty twinkles in gardens and magic and wonder to the eyes of children. Christmas cheer to one and all in Baile Chláir, as we scramble in shops to find your old fashioned screwable kind to glow and shine inside and out lifting our spirits. Let us never take the simple light bulb for granted.
Nollaig Shona one and all. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís. www.Claregalway.info
When I was first invited to contribute something to Nuacht Chláir, I must confess to being somewhat reluctant initially seeing that the paper has been so successful over the years. On re-consideration I thought I might try a Gaelic Corner or Cúinne Gaelach in view of the district’s illustrious past not least in the area of spoken and written Irish. Proverbs or sean-fhocla were among some items which I thought might be of interest. Proverbs tend to be gems of wisdom for the most part, expressing quite a lot in a few words. Connacht, Ulster and Munster all have proverbs peculiar to their province but many sean-fhocla enjoy general acceptance. Seo thíos roinnt dena sean-fhocla is simplí: Tús maith leath na hoibre A good start is half the work Is gaire cabhair Dé ná an doras God’s help is nearer than the door Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí Encourage the youth[s] and they will develop Is fearr rith maith ná droch-sheasamh A good run(ning) is better than a bad stand(ing) Is maith an capall a tharraingeann a chairt féin It is a good horse that pulls its own cart Cuir síoda ar ghabhar agus is gabhar i gcónaí é Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat Ní dhéanfadh an saol capall rása de asal The world can’t make a donkey be a racehorse Is fearr suí gearr ná seasamh fada A short sit-down is better than a long stand [reference to a time when people walked, no cars!] Is treise dúchas ná oiliúint Nature is stronger than nurture Is olc an cú nach fiú fead a ligint air It is a bad dog that is not worth whistling at
by Tom Monahan
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The Fancy Nest New Home & Gift Shop in Claregalway village Best wishes to Deirdre and John Clarke on the opening of The Fancy Nest Home & Gift Shop in Claregalway Shopping Centre (located between Claregalway Pharmacy and Hughes SuperValu). As well as stocking home furnishings & accessories they are also stocking jewellery, handbags, scarves, hats & gloves. Stock also includes Hatley—children’s raincoats and boots—as well as Melissa & Doug toys! The Fancy Nest has taken great care in sourcing elegant furniture pieces and are happy to support the home owner through creating a perfect space or revamp a room or your entire home. A visit to the store to see the timeless home and personal gifts is a must!
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The Clarke Family—Cillian with Mum Deirdre, and sisters Eibhlin and Ellen and Dad John.
An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe
Thought for the Month The Real Spirit of Christmas I heard the following story from a friend about a family who decided a long time ago that, rather than buying presents for one another at Christmas, they would buy something more meaningful that would fit into the spirit of a Christ-filled Christmas. by Ronan Scully “It’s just a white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name or no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for many years now. It all began because my wife Siobhán hated Christmas. Not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it. Knowing she felt this way, one year I decided to bypass the presents. I reached for something special just for Siobhán. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was twelve that year, was boxing at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by a church, mostly asylum seekers. These youngsters, dressed in runners so ragged that shoe-strings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their fancy sportswear and new boxing shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was boxing without proper headgear that protected a boxer’s head. It was a luxury they could not afford. We beat them in every weight class. Siobhán shook her head sadly. “I wish just one of them could have won,” she said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” That’s when the idea for her present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sports shop and bought an
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assortment of boxing headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the church team. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Siobhán what I had done and that this was her gift from me. Her smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year.
Over the years the envelope never lost its allure. We lost Siobhán last year. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.
The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children would stand in anticipation as their mother opened the envelope to reveal its contents. Every Christmas that followed, I kept the tradition, one year sending a group of seriously unwell youngsters to a Gaelic football game, another year a cheque to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had just burned to the ground, and so on.
Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their mother. The tradition has grown will continue with our grandchildren as their parents take down the envelope. Siobhán’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.”
As your thought for the month, always remember to give in a Christ-like manner at Christmas. After all, he is the reason for the season and the true Christmas spirit. You can read more of Ronan’s Thoughts online at Claregalway.info/tag/thoughts
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Local Notices
Bridge Column
Naíonra Clúidín na mBabaí Enrollments are now being accepted for Naíonra preschool (beside Claregalway community centre) for September 2015. The Naíonra is a preschool through the medium of Irish. Free ECCE places are available for children born between 2nd of February 2011 and 30th of June 2012. Tá fáilte roimh cách. No previous knowledge of Irish is necessary. Phone Lisa at 087 2070558 (Mon–Fri 9.15am–12.15pm)
Checking things out North AK Q 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 A3 — You pick up the above hand and see your partner (South) open 1NT (12–14 high card points). What do you do?
Obviously, if partner has both the Ace of clubs and the Ace of hearts, you will have somewhere to deposit your losing Diamond. Since the missing hearts are AKJ2 and since partner must have two of those (she would not open 1NT with anything less than a doubleton in any suit), you need to find out what you can about them. How? The best start is to ask partner how many aces she has, using either Gerber or Blackwood. Gerber: 1NT-P-4C (asking for aces)-P-4H (one ace)-P-P; or 1NT-P-4C-P-4S-P-6H.* Blackwood: 1NT-P-2C (Stayman)**-P-2S4NT-5D (one ace)-5H (sign off) or 1NT-P-2CP-2S-4NT-P-5H (2 aces)-6H* *Note how, without some key card sequence, it is not easy to find the grand slam (7H). Partner cannot possibly have more than 14 HCP, so showing 2 aces, she could have two kings (total 14HCP) which means a King is still missing and it could be wrongly placed.
Pregnancy Yoga Upstairs at Hughes A safe and ideal way to keep fit and mobile during pregnancy, the carefully chosen movements help boost energy, assist in the prevention of lower back pain, relieve stress and promote restful sleep. Must be 14 weeks+ Places limited so booking essential. For information call 087 1938495.
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** Cannot say 4NT directly over partner’s 1NT since this is ‘quantitative’, i.e. it says to partner, with maximum (14HCP) go to 6NT, otherwise pass. In most cases, with a combined holding in a suit of at least 11 cards it is extremely tempting to leap to a slam. However, it is always best to get as much extra information as possible before committing yourself. In the above case, if partner is missing both the ace and king of hearts, the slam fails.
Bridge Club takes place Mondays at 7:30pm and Friday mornings at 10:30am in the Claregalway Hotel.
An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe
Baile Chláir Ramblers (Claregalway Walking Club) meet Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings each week and all are welcome. Contact Anne 087 248 5559 or Peggy 087 298 1594.
Pilates Classes Tuesday and Saturday mornings in Corrib KickBoxing Club, Claregalway Corporate Park from 11am–12pm. Call Eileen on 0866088137 for more info.
Congratulations to Maeve Gallagher from Cregmore who received a BA in Art & Design from GMIT recently. Pictured left to right are Cormac, Róisín, Maeve, Seamus and Eoghan Gallagher at the ceremony. Photo by Joe Shaughnessy via Connacht Tribune
Yoga with Gráinne—Upstairs in HughesSuperValu on Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 6.45pm. Contact Gráinne at 087 923 4669.
Sports Injury Therapy Swedish Massage; Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology. Anne-Mullarkey-Moran, MNRRI, MGPP, ITEC, Pollagh House, Pollaghrevagh, Claregalway. 091 798 933 / 087 2485559 annemullarkey@eircom.net
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The SMA Fathers would like to thank most sincerely all who have supported them in 2014 and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and many blessings for the New Year.
Claregalway Study Centre in Coláiste Bhaile—Supervised study for Junior and Leaving Cert students. Tuesday 6th January 2015. Contact Josette at 086 391 3852 for further details. 19
Multicultural Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe To say that the national school in Claregalway—Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe—is multicultural is almost an understatement, but it is refreshing to hear pupils from as far away as Bangladesh or Sudan speaking Irish and embracing knowledge about Irish crafts and traditions of their homelands. Denise McNamara, Connacht Tribune
A
s part of the Green Schools Global Citizenship project, the school celebrated interculturalism with an International Day recently and the pupils from different countries dressed up in the traditional costumes of their native lands or the lands where their ancestors came from. The children also hae a great love of music and song and on the day The Tuam Herald visited members of one of the many Ceoltóiri na Scoile groups were happy to launch into an impromptu version of Wagon Wheel complete with banjos, guitars, and tin whistles. They have also produced a CD titled Can Amháin Linn, with four tracks. Principal Carmel Ní Bhroín is delighted that a long-awaited extension to the school is to be built soon as this is important for the ever increasing pupil numbers which are now in the region of 350. History and tradition is an important aspect of school life and children in Rang a Ceathar host a Lá Oidhreachta each year.
“Artefacts are taken to school, giving children and opportunity to go back in time and imagine what life was life in their ancestors’s time, says the principal.
magazine Scéalta na Scoláiri with the current issue proudly on display in the foyer of the school building. The school’s Active Schools Initiative is also well underway, with
Included among the items from yesteryear on display was an old skillet pot used for cooking the chickens or turkeys for the Christmas dinners and more recent items such as a manual typewriter and an old school desk. Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Chláir pupils have also been busy promoting the importance of healthy eating and drinking soft drinks that are low in sugar. On the wall there is a chart displaying the number of calories (and the number of spoons of sugar) in each of a number of soft drinks, some energy drinks and some foods. All this is part of it being a health promoting school working on the theme Healthy Eating, with various fruits and vegetables on display. Every year the senior classes, with the support of parents and local businesses, produce the school
children participating in a variety of sports and active events weekly and pupils proud to try and emulate their heroes ranging from Gaelic sports starts to rugby and other sports to Olympian Katie Taylor to some of Ireland’s and the UK’s top soccer players. So indoors or outdoors, activities are wide ranging and all of this leads to a busy but happy atmosphere in this progressive multi-faceted school which is one of only six in Ireland to win a coveted European award for interculturalism earlier this year.
Keep up to date with school news by visiting www.Claregalway.info or liking our page on Facebook. 20
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Tennis Elbow John Duffy MPSI of Claregalway Pharmacy (091 799 754) has shared this information on tennis elbow. For more information, call in and speak with any member of staff. by John Duffy MPSI
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow because of tiny injuries causing inflammation of tendons around your elbow. In many people, symptoms improve over time by stopping activities that bring on the symptoms. Painkillers may help to ease the pain until the condition improves. A steroid injection may also ease pain in the short term. However, the pain often returns. Physiotherapy is another treatment option. Other treatments are sometimes used if symptoms persist. What is tennis elbow and what are the symptoms? Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of your elbow. The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. This is because the pain is felt around the area of the lateral epicondyle (the lower, outer, bumpy part of your humerus bone in your upper arm). For most people with tennis elbow, the pain only occurs when they use their forearm and wrist, particularly for twisting movements such as turning a door handle or opening a jar. The pain may travel down your arm from your elbow towards your wrist. You may find it difficult to hold items such as a knife or fork, a cup or a pen, or to straighten your arm fully. Some people also notice a stiffness in the affected arm. What causes tennis elbow? The site of the pain in tennis elbow is where some tendons from your forearm muscles attach to the bone around your elbow. The pain is
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thought to be due to an injury, or several tiny injuries, to one or more of these tendons. Injuries are usually caused by overuse of your forearm muscles in repeated actions such as wringing clothes or manual work (particularly with twisting movements such as using a screwdriver). Playing tennis or other racquet sports can also cause tendon injuries. However, despite being called tennis elbow, racquet sports are only thought to be the cause in about 5 in 100 cases. In most people, tennis elbow affects your dominant arm (the arm that you write with). Who gets tennis elbow? About 5 in 1,000 adults develop tennis elbow each year. It mainly affects people between the ages of 35 and 55. Women and men are affected equally. Tennis elbow is more likely to occur if you have unfit forearm muscles. For example, if you suddenly play a lot of tennis whilst on holiday, or you do a DIY project or some gardening when you are not used to strong forearm actions. However, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint an exact event that started your symptoms. In some people, the condition develops for no
apparent reason without any prior overuse or injury to their arm. How is tennis elbow diagnosed? Your doctor can usually diagnose tennis elbow by talking to you about your symptoms and by examining your arms. You will typically experience pain when the doctor examines the outer part of your elbow. Your doctor may also ask you to move your wrist, as this will usually bring on your pain. What is the prognosis for tennis elbow? If you rest your arm and avoid any activities that bring on your symptoms, your tennis elbow will usually settle over time. Rest and painkillers is all that most people with tennis elbow need. Pain from tennis elbow usually lasts for six to twelve weeks. In some people it can go after as little time as three weeks. However, in other people, pain can last for longer (for between six months to two years). Unfortunately, once you have had tennis elbow, it may return. Can tennis elbow be prevented? You often cannot avoid a sudden overuse of the arm, which can cause tennis elbow. However, if you increase the strength of your forearm muscles, it may help to prevent a further bout of tennis elbow in the future. The aim is to exercise and strengthen the muscles, but to avoid twisting movements. It is best to see a physiotherapist for advice on how to strengthen your forearm muscles. If your tennis elbow has been brought on by playing some kind of sport, seek advice from a professional coach about your technique, racquet grip size, etc.
Don’t forget to like Claregalway Pharmacy on facebook, for regular updates & competitions! 21
You can share local notices online at Claregalway.info or through our Facebook page.
Claregalway Dental Surgery would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We would like to Thank You for your business throughout the past year and we look forward to seeing you all in 2015.
Congratulations to Reuben Murray, who was one of the winners in the HP Logo craft competition on the Galway Science & Technology Festival. He won a copy of the Minecraft game for his interpretation of the HP Logo in Minecraft World.
Local resident Martina Passman ran the Dublin City Marathon in October this year, winning a bronze medal in a team category, all while raising funds for Corrandrum National School, which amounted to €415. Martina is pictured presenting her donation to Principal Mr Martin Farraher and teacher Mrs Ann Moylan.
Emergency Opening Hours for the Christmas Holidays 2014 Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December 10am–12noon Monday 29th December Closed Tuesday 30th December 1–3pm. New Year’s Eve Wednesday 31st December 10am–12noon We will re-open on Friday 2nd of January 2015 at 9am Phone 091 798333
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Orla Fox-Colleran from Claregalway, with her husband Fergal Colleran and their children Leah and George Fox-Colleran, after she was conferred with a BA (Hons) in Hotel Management at the GMIT conferring ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Christmas Concert in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Staff and students of Galway Music Academy are buzzing following another very successful and enjoyable student concert last Saturday in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. The Academy commenced lessons in Claregalway in September and now has a thriving student body learning across a wide range of instruments and styles, including Pop/Rock, Classical, Trad and Jazz. The school caters for music grades and exam preparations for Guitar, Piano, Violin, Drums, Fiddle, Banjo, Irish Harp and Accordian/Concertina, with Bodhran and Bouzouki lessons also starting in the new year. With a committed term of qualified, experienced and professional teaching staff, they provide regular student concerts and performance opportunites to learners of all ages and abilities, with a particular emphasis on participation and confidence building.
Term 3 of the 2014/15 year begins on Thursday 8th of January and there are places available on all instruments. New students and parents should visit www.GalwayMusicAcademy.com or contact the school's Director Jamie O'Neill on 0858484707 for more information. Galway Music Academy's staff and tutors would like to wish all of its students, families and the Claregalway community a very happy, safe and musical Christmas and New Year.
Noah, Conor and Saoirse rocking it up at the concert with a great version of Brewin' up a Storm
Our harp students kicked off proceedings at the concert. Photos via Galway Music Academy
First GOAL Mile in Claregalway The community of Claregalway and the surrounding area are being urged to come out and run, jog or walk the GOAL Mile this Stephen’s Day, and raise as much money as possible for GOAL’s programmes for the poor. Claregalway will hold their inaugural GOAL Mile this year at the Claregalway GAA Pitch, in Lakelands (beside the Community Centre) on St Stephen’s Day at 12pm. The event promises to be a family fun day out for the community to get together and remember the true spirit of Christmas. Now in its 33rd year, the GOAL Mile remains one of the country’s most popular annual fundraising events. Each Christmas, tens of thousands of people run, jog or walk a mile for GOAL, helping to raise awareness of their programmes for the poor.
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GOAL is currently responding to the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, where they will soon be managing a treatment centre for Ebola patients in the west of the country. They also have extensive programmes in South Sudan and Syria, where millions of people continue to suffer from conflict and food shortages. GOAL is currently situated in 15 countries worldwide. Last year, more than 25,000 people raised €170,000 at 130 GOAL Miles in Ireland and overseas. For more information on the Claregalway GOAL Mile, call Ciara Jordan on 0879137662
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Coláiste Bhaile Chláir December 2014 News TV3 Chef and Craft Butcher Ambassador
Minor Connacht Champion
by Meg Regan and Chloe Conway Second year Home Economics students at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir enjoyed a visit from celebrated chef and butcher Adrian Martin. Adrian is associated with Craft Butchers of Ireland so he was able to supplement their knowledge of meat by showing them a presentation on the different types and cuts of meat. The students found this very interesting and benefited greatly from it.
Congratulations to Andrea Trill who came first in Connacht in the minor girls at the combined event held recently in Athlone IT. Athletes competed in the hurdles, 800m, shot putt, long jump and high Jump.
New Jerseys for Camogie Team
Paul Nash presents a set of Camogie jerseys to Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. Pictured are Lorraine Ryan teacher and Camogie coach with players. Adrian was very busy answering all the questions! He also gave a cooking demonstration on how to cook steak and chicken curry. The students sampled his meals and enjoyed them greatly. The students are currently planning to prepare Adrian’s famous chicken curry in their next practical cookery and are very excited. In future we hope Adrian will once again visit the school and delight us with his culinary skills!
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Soccer The U14 and U15 boys’ soccer teams remain unbeaten after the most recent round of games in their respective competitions. The U14s had a victory in their opening game against St Joseph’s The Bish (2–1) and a well-earned draw against St Marys this week (1–1). Their last group game now is against Coláiste na Coiribe and this will be played after the Christmas holidays. The U15s played out a 1–1 draw with Presentation Athenry at home in their opening game before coming back from 2–0 down to get a great draw against Headford in Headford. Their last game is next Tuesday (the 9th) against Coláiste na Coiribe, where they need a win to be in with a chance of progressing to the knockout phase. Well done to both teams who have played very well in all their games so far and will hopefully progress even further in their competitions. Well done!
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Our 1st Year STEM Trip to Avaya
Galway Science and Technology Festival
by Alaidh Fox, 1st year Coláiste Bhaile Chláir On Tuesday November 19th, my STEM class went on a trip to a company called Avaya. It was really interesting and fun. We all piled onto the bus early as our teacher, Ms Nolan, explained where we were going and why we were going there in relation to STEM. She gave us all a sheet to be filled out with questions about the company such as ‘What kind of people work at Avaya?’ ‘Name three ways Avaya use technology on a daily basis’ etc.
When we got there we were welcomed into the Customer Experience Centre by the manager Paul Cunningham and Sean Dunleavy. Once we were introduced to the group of staff we followed them into a comfy conference room. In here, software engineer Joe Flaherty gave us a brilliant presentation about the company and explained who they were and what they do. He said they were giving us something called their Customer Package and they showed us a schedule of what we would be doing the minute we came in to the minute we left. It was busy! After all this we were lead into a separate room where two more engineers (who volunteer at Coderdojo Athenry) were waiting to show us coding demos of Scratch and App Inventor. This was great fun; we made a Space Invaders game and an app on our phone which talked back to us. Paul Cunningham then showed us the Avaya virtual campus used for engineers who are busy and need to do courses. We were also shown a cool product called the Makey Makey which we used to play a game with potatoes attached up to the computer! It was great fun and the highlight of the trip. We were then given a tour around their labs and they explained how their main purpose was providing paying companies with ways of communication and internet. Before we left we had a look at their wall of patents. They kindly gave us some refreshments (crisps and a drink) and we got on the bus again to go back to school. The visit was brilliant and on the way back we filled in our sheet to give to Ms Nolan; ‘What kind of people work in Avaya?’ Funny, intelligent and busy people was www.Claregalway.info the most common answer!
On Sunday 23rd of November, NUIG hosted the 17th Annual Galway Science and Technology Festival and the students from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir were well represented at our own stand to enjoy it. Students presented their science experiments on electricity and acid base colour change to all the passersby which numbered in the thousands! An exhausted group were able to take shifts at the stand and avail of all the cool demonstrations and workshops taking place. Conor Keane, Ciaran Keane, Allyn McKenna Patterson and Antoine Japy particularly enjoyed Kitchen Chemistry where they showed the power of liquid nitrogen to super cool a balloon, shrinking it right down and then reinflating it with the heat from their own hands! Blythe Stewart did a fantastic job explaining how we can test household products for acidity and Billie Clarke was a great electrician, showing young and old how to wire up the most complicated circuits on our electricity kits. Other helpers on the day included Katie Malone, Mollie Burke, Abigail Walsh, Darren O’Brien, Thomas Regan, Edel Flattery, Mary Duggan, Oisín Tobin, Aisling Duggan and Katie Keane O’Connor.
Judo Congratulations also to second year student Patryk Kazimierczak who represented Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in an All-Ireland Schools Judo competition held on 26th of November in Swords Co Dublin. Patryk won a silver and a bronze medal. Well done Patryk! 25
Playing for a Goose,
A Monologue
Betwixt the river and blacksmiths forge Lies a village called Loughgeorge, Where gambling men met for cards, Whom for the law had slight regards.
Oh ’twas a glorious sight to behold As half crowns on the table rolled. In the tension was shouted words like trumps— And tables banged with heavy thumps.
In O’Carrolls pub known as the Saloon Out the back in the Taproom, They’d lock the door dim the light For the Garda barracks is dark tonight.
Which made the landlord vexed and cross, Saying “quiet men or them guards will come across”, He had quirky sayings did old O’Carroll, Like “better in the belly than flat in the barrel”.
The contest will be fast and loose The winners prize a Christmas goose, Looking disconsolate forlorn and sad, Her head stuck out of a guano bag.
Creamy the porter foamy and black While excitement mounted with the craic. The goose got in a nervous twitchy state Knowing a dinner would be her fate.
All were cardsmen of local fame
As time approached one o’clock
Highly skilled maestros at the game, One of the finest was a Michael John Flynn From a place known as Lydican.
The front door shook with a mighty knock, And a voice of authority loud and clear, Saying “Oscail an doras—Garda Síochána here”.
Tom Reilly a champion of Cahergowan Who wore wellies with the tops rolled down, And Jack the giant from Carnmore Who in his socks stood six foot four.
In the Taproom there was an uproar And a mad scramble to the back door When all eyes were off the goose— In the pandemonium she got loose.
The parish’s best at thatching a stack, His fingers were magic when dealing the pack. A local sharp too was Paddy Cahill Who once used to hurl for Cappataggle.
Into the wind she twisted and soared And was last seen flying over Baunmore. For her it was a close run thing, A Cluanbigeen man had her by the wing!
And a stray Englishman Arthur Bellamy Married to a girl from Cahernashilleny. Who in his cups used to fondly explain Learned card playing at El Alamein.
Oh how that landlord could put on an act, From upstairs shouted down “I’m getting dressed”. Then ever so slowly came down stairs. And when opening the door, no one was there.
Midnight hour was start of play That could last until dawn of day, When the owl hooted above the forge And darkness fell around Loughgeorge.
He roundly scolded towards the slumbering guards “Ye should be out after Putach blaggards”, As silence descended again around Loughgeorge The owl too was silent over Michael Smiths forge.
Now the game of cards has many rules That some folk say is for fools, And talk of Kings, Queens and Knaves In the way that gamblers do behave.
People in Loughgeorge still speak today Of the Christmas goose that got away. And some also talk fondly of landlord O’Carroll, Saying, “better in the belly than in the barrel”. This story is true, I know it is, as I was one of the Putachs! Well, nearly true—A Merry Christmas one and all!
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Edward Coppinger
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Claregalway Ladies AGM
Noel McBride Takes the National Title Congratulation to Noel McBride of Corrib Boxing Club, who made a bit of history for Claregalway on Friday 5th of December, when he won the Intermediate Boxing Championships live on TG4, the first national title for the club! McBride has been working alongside head coach Sean Cumiskey and it was some return to action for McBride, who turned 24 recently. He defeated Patrick Fallon (Monivea) in the semis, before overcoming Keith Flaherty from Connemara in the final.
www.Claregalway.info
The Ladies Committee Annual Meeting held on Tuesday 25th was chaired by Eugene Kearney. Outgoing Chairman Noel Gilmore who was stepping down thanked his fellow officers for all their work with the Club during 2014. Special thanks were expressed to Noel and Senior managers Martin Costelloe and Marty Dowd who were also stepping down after 2 years. In that time they guided the ladies to senior status and an AllIreland Intermediate Title. Highlights of the 2014 season were the brilliant U-12 Girls winning 2 Championships, League, Community Games and Tournaments. The U10’s great success in having two teams and running a Gaelic4Girls programme which attracted over 90 new Girls to the Ladies Game. U14s hosting a very successful National Féile and U16s winning the 2013 Championship in October 2014. The seniors won the Gaeltach 7’s and reached the senior County semi-final. Thanks to the U14 Girls who, during the year, sold St Patrick Day Ribbons and raised €500 for the Carers Association. Thanks was also expressed to all who had sold and bought Blocks for the Clubs new Development in Knockdoemor. Officers/ Managers elected for 2015: Chairman Tony King, Vice Eugene Kearney, Secretary Michael Downes, Vice Michelle Rohan, Treasurer Maura Murphy, Vice and Register Babara Connolly, PRO Padraic Coady, Delegates Tony King, Michael Downes, Eugene Kearney, Jimmy Gavin, Child Officer Elaine Goldrick. Seniors Pat Coen, Jimmy Gavin, Elaine Goldrick, Darragh Leonard. Juniors Gerry Moran, Joan Gavin. U16 Tony King, Alan Moran, Babara Connolly, Padraic Fitzmaurice. U14 Eugene Kearney, Christina Moran, Ben Trill. U12 Helen O’Riordan, David Flaherty. U8/10 TBC. U6 Elaine Goldrick. Much more help is needed at the age groups from U6 to U12s. There will be a Fundamentals Coaching Course held in Claregalway on Saturday 24th of January. This is an introduction to coaching Ladies GAA and anyone in the area interested in attending just contact Jimmy Gavin at 0872835847 to book a place.
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Claregalway GAA Club December Notes The Club AGM took place on Friday December 12th in the Claregalway Hotel. Thanks to all those who turned out. The Juvenile Club had its AGM on Wednesday December 3rd. Key highlights of the year included 37 boys signed up for U6’s. In the U8 grade attendance was also impressive playing over ten games during the season with over fifty players travelling to Ballinasloe, Salthill and Oranmore. In U9 there were 27 U9 registered boys this year, with an average of 18 to 20 players turning up for training sessions. The majority of the boys showed a big improvement in skill levels throughout the year. The number of games played was quite limited as the majority of clubs could not field U9 only teams. In the U10 grade Claregalway's footballers can reflect on a very successful 2014 season. We began training back in springtime with player numbers of 25+ attending sessions. We played a couple of challenge matches in May and in late June we participated in an Invitational Tournament hosted by well known Dublin club Na Fianna. 11 a-side and a 9 a-side team matches were organized and we played some great games against the host club plus Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), Wattey Grahams (Derry), St. Brigids (Roscommon) and Sarsfields (Kildare). 29 players participated in the U11 grade with 20 matches played over the course of the season. Some of the U11 players lined out for the Club in the U12 City league. Highlight of the year was a trip to Tullamore to see Galway v Tipperary in the All Ireland
football qualifier in July. We played games v Garrycastle in Athlone on route to the match. To finish off the year, in November we brought the U11s for a fun day out in PureSkills Knocknacarra. The U12 boys took part in the City league and the County league. One concern of ours was league matches ran side by side dates and times with U12s and U13s which made it difficult to field teams. In the U13 grade it was a frustrating year for players and mentors due to the fact that there were no official county competitions (league or championship) for the U13 grade. The players showed tremendous commitment and will have more competitive grades ahead. The U14s had a very busy year in 2014 where they played in four competitions: U14 League & championship, Féile and John Egan tournament. In the U15 grade the highlight was when captain Sean Lyons lifted the U15 City League Cup after beating Salthill in the Final on score of 7–8 to 1–14. The U16 boys won the County Championship and this win bodes well for the future. The aim will be to keep this group together, nurture their talents and give them the platform to perform at the level they are capable of. On your travels you will have noticed in recent weeks good progress on the Knockdoemore Park Community Sports and Social
Centre development. This is a reflection of the huge work done by many to ensure that the social, community and sporting future of Claregalway is being put in place. To support this venture the Buy a Block campaign continues unabathed. This community project between Cairde Mór and Claregalway GAA will have meeting rooms, changing rooms, community offices and recreation facilities. Fundraising is ongoing and to assist in this the Buy a Block campaign is organised by virtue of Gold, Silver and Bronze contributions which will be recognised on a permanent notice that will be part of the building interior. Volunteer callers have been calling to houses in the Parish explaining what the campaign is about and will be returning to pick up the literature that was circulated. Keep an eye out for developments of this very significant sustainable community project. Lotto results and Christmas Draw. The numbers were 13, 18, 19, 21. There were three match 3 winners this week, Barbra Connolly Gortadooey, Fiona Wall School Road and Patrick Killilea Caherlea. The sellers prize went to Sean Killilea. The Jackpot is now €4,450 and the next draw is our big Christmas draw which will be held in Grealish's Bar. There will be an additional 10 valuable Christmas vouchers added in the Christmas draw so get your tickets in early.
Keep up to date with GAA news by visiting www.Claregalway.info or liking Claregalway Football Club on Facebook. 28
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Cregmore-Claregalway FC Girls December 2014 News As the further development of girls soccer in the club continues Cregmore-Claregalway FC are entering a team for the first time in the new Galway U18 League, set to start in the new year and are looking for new players in the area who may be interested in joining. This follows on from having entered a successful team in last year’s U16 League where the club went on to win the Galway Cup and runners up in the League. This season the U16s are top of the Premier League having had wins over Athenry and Oranmore as have the U14A and U14B sides who topped the Premier League and Championship after a successful start to the season. The U16/17/18 train on a Thursday night in Lisheenkyle All-weather pitch from 7–8pm. All new players are welcome to add to the present squads. For more info contact any of the club coaches.
U14 Girls Connacht Shield Final Cregmore-Claregalway FC 5–0 Gurteen Celtic
U18 Paul Horkan 0872792835 or Tony Phillips 0877711931 U16 Noel Connolly 0872993562 or Gerry Gilmore 0872063311 Pictured above back row (L–R): Chellene Trill, Amy Walsh, Sinead Murray, Karen Connolly, Orlaith Roe, Gemma Coll (Captain), Niamh Moran, Claire Conry (joint Captain), Andrea Trill. Middle row (L–R): Kate Slevin, Shauna Brennan, Ellie Creane, Rhiann Heery, Katey Roche. Front row (L–R): Caitlin Quinn, Sinead Donovan.
www.Claregalway.info
Cregmore-Claregalway FC U14 girls added the Connacht Shield trophy to the Galway League title they captured earlier this year when they overcame a strong challenge from Gurteen Celtic at Gurteen, Sligo last weekend. While the scoreline suggests an easy win for the visitors, it was far from the truth as it took the Galway girls a long time to break down the Gurteen defence and indeed the home side were unlucky not to take the lead on twenty minutes when a well struck shot came back off a post after CCFC goalkeeper Karen Connolly had made a brilliant fingertip save. Rhiann Heery was in the right place at the right time to score Cregmore-Claregalway’s first goal on the half hour to give them a 1–0 half-time lead. Cregmore-
Claregalway eventually got their team game going and Andrea Trill scored their second shortly after the interval but the home side rallied and were unlucky not to pull a goal or two back as they pushed forward in search of some reward for their gallant efforts. However, the tireless Andrea Trill completed her hat trick with two well taken goals before Rhiann Heery bagged her second and her side’s fifth to secure a comfortable win in the end. Joint captains Gemma Coll and Claire Conry accepted the shield on behalf of their team from Connacht representative Tina Beirne who also presented Cregmore-Claregalway midfielder Claire Conry with the Player of the Game award.
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Claregalway Basketball Club December 2014 Report Claregalway Basketball Club is fully up and running and is going to conclude its first half of the season with a Christmas Fun Day on December 20th in Claregalway Community Centre from 12–4pm. 12–2pm will cater for the U8s–13s and 2–4pm will cater for the U14–18s, with both session mixed. Loads of basketball games, Christmas music and prizes to be won. Plenty of fun for all the family, club members and non members all welcome.
Remember you can still join after Christmas in January. Most of the teams have some league and cup games played and are doing well in their divisions. Some team’s leagues will start after Christmas. Best of luck to everyone who sat exams in December. Below is a brief round up from the coaches of each of the teams. U10 Girls train on Mondays from 3:15– 4:30pm. U11 Boys train on Mondays from 5–6pm and Saturdays from 1:30–2:30pm with James McDonagh and Joanne Cullen. New members are always welcome anytime. The U11s are doing very well learning basic plays and loads of drills. They had their first challenge against Titans and a few more are planned for the new year. Panelists: Adam McDonagh, Jason McDonagh, AJ Cullen, Johnny King, David Tarmey, Andrew Fox, Sean Collins, Darragh Moran, Owen Hardiman, Aaron Walsh, Michael Fahy, Ciaran Wilde, Cian Fahy, Ryan Kearney, Cathal Duffy.
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U12/13/14 Girls train on Mondays from 6–7pm with Mike Murray and Rebecca Hansberry and have seventeen coming to training on Monday evenings. Our next game is v Titans in Claregalway on the 8th of December at 6pm, and 13th of December v Oughterard in Killanin. These are a great bunch of girls and work hard in training. Panelists: Ciara Kearney, Ava Murray, Katelyn O’Donoghue Moran, Katlyn Kearney, Maolissa Walsh, Jennifer Hughes, Lucy Murray, Chloe McNamara, Kate Slevin, Alana Griffin, Rebecca Moylan, Rosanna Martin, Johanna Swaitek, Shauna Brennan, Ruby Duggan, Natalia Sikorski, Kathryn Cloonan, Molly Mc Hugh. U12/13 Boys train on Thursday evenings from 6:15–7:30pm under Liam Ryder and Keith Duggan. They are to have their first game this Thursday 4th of December with more to follow after the Christmas. There has been a good turnout at training with up to fifteen members at this age group. We also had two new players join up in recent weeks. We are training Saturdays also at 1.30pm along with James U11 team. Panelists: Neil McLoughlin, Aaron Ryder, Enda Lawless, Brendan Hardiman, Rory Duggan, Darren Melody, Christian O’Kane, Henry O’Hare, Oisin Tobin, Jack Timothy, Matthew Fahy, Cathal Hardiman.
U15 Girls train on Fridays from 5:30– 7pm and have played league matches at home v Corrib and away v Maree. Both were great matches losing by a slim margin. U16 Boys train on Wednesdays from 5:30–7pm and Saturdays 3–4:30pm with James McDonagh and Brendan Harte. They have two league games played with more to play after the Christmas break. U16 Girls train on Fridays from 5:30– 7pm and have played a cup match v Corrib and in the league away v Maree, home v Corrib. We have a great bunch of girls that are having a great time. It’s a great way to socialise and keep fit and if they win it’s a bonus. David Hansberry is the trainer and Rebecca his sister is the assistance coach you couldn’t ask for better. Panelists: Caoimhe Keenan, Lauren Boyd, Ellen Coyle, Kate Roche, Niamh Fahy, Rachel Walsh, Shauna Flaherty, Vanessa Dinan, Jayne Conlon, Grace Gilmore, Rebecca Downes, Orla Canney, Maolissa Walsh. U17/18 Women train on Wednesday nights from 7–8:30pm and their competitions start after Christmas. The girls have joined up with the senior team for some experience and match practice. Shannon Cullen, Rachel Gaffney, Rebecca Hansberry, Stephanie O’Connell, Michelle Coyle, Caitriona Moran, Moya Dunleavy.
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Acorn Life Senior Women train on Wednesday nights from 7–8:30pm and are top of the league, going undefeated in all league games to date. There’s a good mix of ages on the team this year with the ladies welcoming ten new members to add to the twelve returning. Congratulations to Karen Campbell who also got married in November. Panelists: Hannah Coen, Kate Lyons, Shannon Cullen, Michelle Coyle, Stephanie O’Connell, Caitriona Moran, Moya Dunleavy, Rebecca Hansberry, Emer Glynn, Georgina Martin, Lauren Murray, Siobhan Cullen, Mary Kate Killilea, Vanessa Creaven, Nikki Burke, Kasia Borek, Sinead Harte, Karen Campbell, Orla Sands, Una Daly, Rachel Gaffney. Coached by Mike Murray. Senior Men are also top of the table going undefeated into the Christmas break with some superb games over the last number of weeks. Panelists: Mike Murray, Ryan Murray, Paul Flanagan, Marius Sarapejevis, Gregor Galucha, Tony Creane, John Caulfield, Tom Lavin, Robert Bowe, David Hansberry, Daire Conway. Social Basketball on Sunday mornings has really taken off with the ladies playing for fun. The ladies play from 10– 11am and men play from 11am–12:30pm. This will recommence after Christmas.
Dates to remember December 20th Christmas Family Fun Run January 5th Basketball Sessions Resume January 11th Social Basketball returns January 23rd/24th/25th No Basketball March 9th–21st No Training (Drama Festival) April Annual All Star Awards Night Thank you all for your continued support every year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. Hannah Coen, Claregalway Basketball Club
www.Claregalway.info
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Students at Claregalway Educate Together raised money recently for the local paper and for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. The Student Council in Claregalway Educate Together organised a Jumble Sale and donated the proceeds to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. Neil Webb and Earl, Assistance dog for his son Adam were presented with the cheque for €452.60. Our annual Big Breakfast raised €155 this year which was donated to Nuacht Chláir. Josette Farrell, editor accepted the presentation from Jane Moroney and Nathan Fitzgerald.
Carnmore School Choir with Principal John O'Reily at the Christmas Carol Service in Claregalway Church on the 14th of December.
St James Choir at the Christmas Carol Service in Claregalway Church.
Pictured is Terri Claffey, Principal of Educate Together School with Josette Farrell, editor of Nuacht Chlair accepting the presentation of a cheque for €155 from Jane Moroney, the oldest student in CETNS and Nathan Fitzgerald, the youngest student in the school. Nuacht Chlair wish to sincerely thank The Student Council in Claregalway Educate Together School for their generous contribution which goes towards the cost of printing this newsletter.
Claregalway Folk Choir at the Christmas Carol Service in Claregalway Church.
Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Choir at the Christmas Carol Service in Claregalway Church.
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The Student Council in Claregalway Educate Together organised a Jumble Sale and donated the proceeds to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. Neil Webb and Earl, Assistance dog for his son Adam were presented with the cheque for €452.60. Student Council members are Cormac Adams, Ayana O'Brien, Corina Mahony, Katie Monaghan, Dale Hardiman and Seamus McGarry.
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
We would like to wish you and your family
A Very Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year
Noel Grealish TD
Pupils in Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe turned out in force to sing Christmas carols in Hughes SuperValu on the 9th of December, and it was truly wonderful.
Cllr. Jim Cuddy
Constituency Office, Briarhill Business Park, Briarhill, Galway. T: 091- 764807 F: 091- 764974
Lydican, Carnmore, Oranmore, Co. Galway. T: 091- 798136 M: 087- 6360242
E: noel.grealish@oireachtas.ie
E: jcuddy@cllr.galwaycoco.ie
Guitar man Gabriel serenading Nellie at the SMA House night out recently!
Thank you for all your support in 2014
The stalwart team in the SMA House: Susie, Madge, Bernie and Martina.
For more local photos see Claregalway.info/photos or like our Facebook page. Members of Baile Chláir Ramblers (Claregalway Walking Club) enjoying a Christmas meal at McHughs Pub & Restaurant Castlegar recently. www.Claregalway.info
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Useful Local Contacts Group Contact name
Contact number
Carnmore National School John Reilly
091 798 718
Compántas Lir Drama Dermot Hession
085 711 4352
Conradh na Gaeilge Anna Glynn
091 798 351
Claregalway & District Day Care Centre
Geraldine Carr
086 227 4139
Claregalway Cemetery Maintenance
Malachy Noone
087 133 3711
Claregalway Cemetery Caretaker
Seamus O’Connell
087 313 7282
Claregalway Educate Together NS Terri Claffey
091 798 356
Claregalway Folk Choir Anne Moylan
087 638 6626
Claregalway National School Carmel Burns
091 798 720
Claregalway Parish Office Teresa Payne
091 798 741
Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Alan Mongey
091 799 001
9 Arch Musical Society Annette Cavanagh
087 219 7772
Our Local Sponsors
Useful Local Websites
Claregalway Basketball Club
www.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.com
Claregalway Dental Surgery Claregalway Medical Centre Claregalway Pharmacy Compántas Lir Drama Group Glynn’s Centra Carnmore Hughes SuperValu Claregalway Noel Grealish td Carnmore Paul Nash Transport The Arches Hotel Claregalway Treat Café Claregalway Nuacht Chláir is compiled and produced voluntarily every month, as a service to the community. We rely on the generous sponsorship we receive from local businesses to cover printing costs and maintaining our website www.Claregalway.info. Please show your support for Nuacht Chláir, and the businesses and people that help make it possible, by shopping locally whenever possible.
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www.bawnmorens.ie www.Claregalway.info www.carnmore.net www.carnmoreschool.scoilnet.ie www.claregalwaybasketball.net www.claregalwaygaa.net www.claregalwayeducatetogether.blogspot.com www.claregalwaycastle.com www.colaistebhailechlair.com www.compantaslir.ie www.cregmorens.blog.com www.facebook.com/Claregalway.info
Advertising Rates (per issue) Full Page €100 ½ Page €50 You can share stories by posting them to Nuacht Chláir, Currach Ruadh, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Contae na Gaillimhe. by emailing them to news@Claregalway.info by phoning Josette on 086 391 3852 / 091 798 430 or you can message through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Claregalway.info
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
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1st correct Crossword opened wins a meal for 2 in the Arches Hotel, Cois Chláir, Claregalway.
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Post completed Crosswords to: B.D. Place, Woodleigh, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co na Gaillimhe.
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Down 2 Outfit for e.g. halloween (7) 3 Organs of hearing (4) 4 Horatio ------ (admiral) (6) 5 Make less harsh (6) 6 Surprise attack (4) 7 Creatures (7) 8 Device to open/close a circuit (6) 9 Desire strongly (6) 14 Weekday (7) 16 Chess pieces (5) 18 To do with hearing (5) 20 Timid (3) 21 Animal companion (3) 23 Stick to (6) 24 Hawk of genus Buteo (7) 26 Relationship between organisms and environment (7) 27 US computerised data quotation system (6) 28 Type of beard (6) 29 Alloy of antimony and copper (6) 33 Explosive device (4) 34 Gemstone (4)
Supermarket Opening Hours
Post Office Opening Hours
Monday–Saturday: 8am–9pm Sunday & Bank Hols: 9am–7pm
Monday–Friday: 9am–5:30pm Saturday: 9am–1pm
Tel: 091 798 138
Tel: 091 798 101
Have a Happy Christmas from Hughes SuperValu With our range of Quality Well Priced SuperValu own branded items, our low priced Daily Basics Range, Our 3-weekly WOW & Handbill Promotions & of course Family Fun McVities Family Our Bargain Den with 100s of Big Branded Special Offers that will not be beaten. Circle 800g Christmas Rec Price:€7.99 Crackers Here is just a sample of our many special offers in Hughes’ Bargain Den: From €5
Our Price:€3.99
Family Fun Christmas Crackers from €5
McVities Family Circle 800g Rec. Price €7.99 Our Price €3.99
McVities Victoria Biscuits 700g Rec. Price €14 Our Price €7
Fibra Flame Firelogs Best Value 3 for €3.77
Duracell Batteries Standard Packs Best Value 2 for €6.99
Wide range of Christmas Hampers made to order from only €10
Don’t forget to call in and book your Christmas Turkey “Keep it Local”—Shop at Hughes SuperValu (Check local paper & our Handbills for our many specials) 36
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
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