Nuacht Chláir
A Local Story of Great Development Despite Downturn
The free community-curated newsletter for Claregalway November 2014 | Vol.19 iss.3
news
page 4
Claregalway Bypass Still on the Agenda at Council features
pages 8–9
Móna’s Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks
sports
page 29
Three in a Row Success for Richie Donovan For more local news see www.Claregalway.info
Treat Café is a local success story right here in the village of Claregalway, and more recently in Lackagh. It’s hard to believe the business was set up towards the end of October 2006 at the then newly developed Claregalway Shopping Centre behind Hughes SuperValu.
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ackie and Peadar Dolan from Cregmore set up Treat Café eight years ago to create a wholesome, healthy-eating alternative for people living in the area. Their goal was to provide a wide menu choice of home-style cooking using locally sourced produce and served in a warm inviting atmosphere—a place where you could bring your family, friends, business colleague, or just yourself and feel relaxed. The mission was to avoid the dreaded additives and preservatives as much as possible and to make everything on the menu from scratch. This also has applied to the majority of treats at Treat, where all the cakes and goodies like the “todie-for almond bakes” are made on-site by Baker Fionnuala.
Jackie, as most will know, is a people person, who will always find time to greet. She says “the business is all about people, the customers who walk through the door every day, or even just once a year, and the team at Treat. If they enjoy working here, then it will be a good place to come and visit. I hope we achieve that.” “With the food, what I look for is consistency. I want the same high standards for every dish, so if you call in every day, or visit on your way from Donegal to Cork every few months, the Treat pasta will taste as good every time.” An admirable ambition but surely this must be difficult to achieve? Jackie says it certainly can be “but thanks to our Continued on page 7 →
John Feeney with his Dad Peter at the night out for Gerry Reilly recently.
Congratulations to Arann McMahon, pictured with his Mum Mary, on his recent graduation.
Lisa Fitzpatrick and Karen Comer pictured at Beyond Beauty’s recent Customer Appreciation Evening.
Patricia Giblin with her Mum Agnes on the sponsored walk in aid of Breast Cancer with Raftery's Centra, Claregalway. Photos by Josette Farrell. Claregalway.info/photos
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Development underway this month at Knockdoe Sports Centre. 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 November issue of Nuacht Chláir, published by Claregalway.info. This month we bring you articles from our regular contributors Móna Wise, Edward Coppinger, GIY Ireland, Crosswords with Brian, Football and news from local schools in the area. There are also some inspirational features, from Treat Café’s success story on the cover to an interview with local businesswoman Brigid Kearney on page 20. Both are great examples of hard work paying off, and I hope you enjoy the read! As I dug through the archives this month to find a snippet of news from ten years ago for our feature on page five, I was reminded of the years of relentless campaigning for the Claregalway Bypass that I was involved in. It has been a feature of many previous editorials of mine, and I found it interesting that ten years ago this month we (the Bypass Action Group) were out in lashing rain collecting signatures from passers-through stuck in traffic in the village. Despite all the campaigning, not to mention the thousands of euro spent on planning, land acquisition etc. we seem hardly closer to securing a bypass now than we were ten years ago. Some day hopefully. We have recently started sending out email newsletters through our website Claregalway.info. We’ll be sending out the top news and events each month, as well as some local photos and an occasional history snippet. You can sign up to receive them on our website. Huge congratulations to local author and regular contributor Móna Wise, who was awarded First Class Honours in her MA in Journalism at NUIG recently! A well deserved result for this hard working mother. Check out her story and recipe this month on page eight. It is great to witness the growing success of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in the village. The place seems to be brimming with good news every month. We have some updates from the school on pages 23–25. Alan Mongey, his team and the students are to be commended for the innovative ways of learning they are developing in the classroom. 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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Claregalway Bypass “Still on the Agenda” at County Council Published in Connacht Tribune by Declan Tierney A Senior official has informed the Connacht Tribune that every effort is being made to secure the funding for the inner relief road. Director of Services for Roads, Liam Gavin, said that the Council had not given up on the plan to provide a bypass for Claregalway. In fact, he said that he was in constant contact with the Department of Transport with a view to securing the funding to progress the project. Mr Gavin said that it would cost in the region of €12 million and that this was cost-effective in terms of similar road projects that took place in other parts of the country. “It is not something that has gone away. We are still in discussions to get the necessary finance to progress this project,” Mr Gavin confirmed. Figures showing the projected usage of the new motorway from Tuam to Gort have prompted renewed calls for the Claregalway bypass to be proceeded with. But there was some surprise when there were projections that just 7,200 vehicles are expected to use the new motorway between Tuam and Galway. “This means that there will be still more than 20,000 vehicles passing through Claregalway”, observed Deputy Noel Grealish. “A bypass for the village is still required”.
Huge congratulations to local author and regular contributor to Nuacht Chláir Móna Wise, who was awarded First Class Honours in her MA in Journalism at NUIG on October 24th! Pictured is Móna with her husband Ron and mother Catherine Dempsey at the launch of Móna’s book The Chef and I.
It is estimated that there are up to 30,000 vehicle movements through Claregalway each day which has made it into one of the country’s worst bottlenecks. And he accused politicians, past and present, of not supporting a bypass for Claregalway when there was a dire need for one. Deputy Grealish said that some were convinced that the Gort to Tuam motorway was the ultimate bypass of Claregalway but now the figures suggest the contrary. As it stands a route for the Claregalway inner relief road has been identified. Tens of thousands of euro has been spent on the design and route selection process. However, Deputy Grealish has been informed by the Government that there is no further money available for this project.
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Have to say the staff in Raftery’s Centra Claregalway are second to none—always there with a smile and interest in their customers—what more could one ask for? Pictured are Raftery’s Centra staff Anne and Clare participating in Raftery’s Centra walk in aid of Breast Cancer on October 25th. For more photos from the walk, visit Claregalway.info/photos.
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.
1000s of Signatures Collected for Claregalway Bypass Campaign Originally published in the November 2004 Nuacht Chláir
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n Thursday 28th of October 2004, volunteers in Claregalway collected signatures from motorists caught in peak-time traffic. This action was taken to gauge public support for a bypass as the solution to the traffic problem and to draw public and political attention to the daily snarl-up. 27,000 vehicle movements per day were recorded in the village in December 2003. This figure has grown from 19,700 in 2002 (an increase of 37% over 18 months) and continues to increase. No other residential/business area in the country has a traffic problem of this magnitude. Signatures were collected at the N17/N18 junction from 4–6pm, when the exercise was called off due to torrential rain and the difficulty of signing wet papers. Forms were available during the week in local shops. The total number of signatures collected is now over 8,000. But the most surprising outcome for the volunteers was the overwhelming vocal support expressed by motorists for a bypass. Only a handful of people complained about the extra delay caused by the exercise. As a result of advance publicity from local press and radio, many motorists had their pens to the ready and voiced their support for the campaign. Comments such as about time, keep up the campaign, the sooner a bypass, the better were common. The volunteers who got thoroughly drenched were heartened by so much support. The Action Group for the Bypass Campaign consists of local business people and residents: Terry Brennan, Pádraic Connolly, Josette Farrell, Madeleine Flanagan, Seamus Gallagher, Paul Gill, George Glynn, Liam Higgins, Mícheál Hughes, Tom Jinks, Walter King, Gus McCarthy and John Raftery. The Action Group is convinced that a bypass of the village is the only viable solution to end the intolerable traffic delays and to restore the village to a normal business and social centre. The purpose of the campaign is to have a solution in place before the next general election. The Claregalway Bypass Action Group is campaigning only for a bypass for Claregalway and is not involved with any other acton group for the N17. With the support over the past week by residents and motorists so clearly evident, the Group will now proceed to continue the campaign for the bypass as follows: • The signatures will be presented to Galway County Council. • An early meeting will be sought with Council Manager and Officials. • Local politicians (TDs and Councillors) will be kept informed. • A meeting of Oireachtas members from Galway West with NRA headquarters officials in Leinster House will be held on Tuesday 16th of November 2004. The Action Group welcomes this development and looks forward to a positive outcome. www.Claregalway.info
Past problems... members of the Claregalway Bypass Action Group handing out leaflets outlining some of the traffic problems. Photo courtesy Connacht Tribune
Noel Grealish pictured in 2004 campaigning for the Claregalway Bypass in the village. It is interesting to note that Noel is still actively involved with the bypass, ten years on (see news story opposite), but despite marginal process it seems we are no closer now than we were ten years ago. Photo by Josette Farrell
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
→ Continued from cover fantastic kitchen team which includes Kapi, Declan and Miriam in Claregalway and Kay, Pauline, Michelle and Marian in Lackagh, we do get there the majority of the time. Now maybe customers will tell me different when they read this and we would very much welcome that feedback as well.” The team at Treat Café and its popular catering business now numbers some thirty people, a thriving local enterprise from small beginnings of just five people in February 2007. It’s all the more amazing when you consider the business literally rose from the ashes in January 2010 after a catastrophic fire destroyed the premises in October 2009 forcing its closure for almost four months. We spoke with Miriam Kelly—the longest serving team member at Treat. Miriam has been there from the beginning, and was lucky to escape on that fateful morning in October 2009. What has kept you at Treat for so long? “Well most days we have a laugh, and there’s never a dull day, particularly since we took on the schools and, well, I just enjoy it!” Maureen from Tuam, a regular, chimes in, “I would travel twenty miles for the brown bread” and she does! “Yes, I love lunch, but the coffee is definitely the best on the N17!” Treat are supplied by Jim and Mary from The Coffee Company in Tuam for the past eight years and the last three in the Café at Lackagh, who provide the Puro Fairtrade coffee that is loved by customers at Treat. When you walk through the door at Treat, as a regular or first timer, you are sure to receive a warm greeting from the crew in Lackagh— Marian, Pauline, Niamh or Emma— and immediately get that relaxed atmosphere that Jackie and Peadar set out to create. Coffees and teas are always handed over with a smile from Evelina, Martha or Joanne, and the food is prepared by Kapi, the Head Chef, who has steered the food operation from the kitchens at Treat for the last five years.
www.Claregalway.info
We asked Kapi what the most popular menu item was and he said it was too close to call, “but have you tried our Treat Curry? It’s a real East meets West treat! Tender chicken fillet, fresh roasted vegetables and pineapple in our not-too-spicy curry sauce. It’s just the thing to tingle the taste buds, and we offer a vegetarian option which is just as popular.”
Many people will have sampled Treat Café’s famous brown bread in local Centras and SuperValus, where the Treat Bakery range is available for purchase. And there are plans afoot to expand this range with more baked treats coming on stream in December. “Watch out for some sumptuous home-fresh cream cakes and sponges.”
In a world where diet and choice are becoming more and more important, gluten-free, vegetarian and coeliac-friendly dishes are all available at Treat. Jackie notes that Treat’s trademark soups are glutenfree and with thanks to local vegetable suppliers Glynns of Lydacan—who deliver every morning at 6am—it is possible to make it fresh daily. Visiting Treat Lackagh on a busy Wednesday morning, it was unusual to see a dominantly male clientele. On asking one of the customers John, a local tradesman, he revealed he was there to enjoy the Real AM Treat, one of Treat’s signature breakfasts, which is certainly the real deal. As well as managing the cafés in Claregalway and Lackagh, over the years Treat Café has also developed an extensive catering service, where they provide a full-meal service for all types of events from parties to christenings and communions or indeed any occasion. There is an extensive menu of starters, mains and dessert options available to order. Just this year they have catered for weddings and many large local club gatherings. Treat Catering went through an exciting development in 2013 when they won the contract to supply a full catering service at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, where they provide an exclusive, healthy option for all students with full meals available every day. Indeed, they have more recently progressed to providing a similar service at the new Coláiste Mhuirlinne Secondary School in Doughiska.
When you see the work it has taken to build this local enterprise, it is hard to fathom the amount of hours that must have been put in. It is certainly a business that calls on the community to come and sample the delight that is Treat Café. From humble beginnings, it is fair to say Treat has achieved great progression in spite of the recession and has delivered with great consistency over the last eight years, weaving itself into the fabric of the community. Why not pop in during the run up to Christmas in either Claregalway or Lackagh, and invite a friend for a treat at Treat!
Mon–Sat 8:30am–6pm Sunday 10am–4pm Lackagh 091 737 778 Claregalway 091 739 405
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Móna’s Winter-Warming Lamb Shanks & Mash Hello November… Where has the year gone? In a few weeks I am graduating from college again and it just so happens to be falling on the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which is November 27th this year.
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e are all taking a day off and I’m even going to bring the kids to the ceremony at NUI Galway, because I think it is important for them to see how much of a big deal it really is. We are all looking forward to the celebrations and closing out the last five years of me being a full time mature student. Once that has passed, there will only be a few weeks left to Christmas and I don’t know about you all, but we are very much looking forward to a quiet Christmas at home by the fire. The forecasters are calling for a really harsh winter, and while I hope they are wrong, I will not deny making a more concerted effort to stack the turf closer to the back door this year! One of the easiest dinners to make, suitable for a cold winter evening, is slow cooked Lamb Shanks. The shanks are affordable, they usually run around €3.50 each, and most butchers will carry them this time of year. If you attempt to cook this one, I like to make an extra bigger batch because the leftovers can be made into a lovely soup or base for a pasta sauce later in the week. Enjoy! Móna Wise
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For more of Móna’s stories and recipes, check out her website at www.WiseWords.ie or facebook page at www.facebook.com/WiseWordsMona or see our posts tagged WiseWords at www.Claregalway.info.
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Slow Cooked Lamb Shank Serves 4 Adults
This recipe is traditionally made with Veal and labeled Osso Bucco in Italy, where it originates. As Veal is not something you find easily at the butchers, we have grown accustomed to making this classic Italian dish with much smaller, and more succulent, Lamb shanks. We like to allow one and a half shanks per adult. What you will need • 4 large carrots • 2 sticks of celery • 2 large onions • 1 leek • Small bunch of fresh parsley, mint and sage • 2 Tbsp butter • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 6 Lamb shanks • 1 small tin of tomato purée • 500ml bottle of beer • 500ml chicken/veg stock • Salt and black pepper
For more visit WiseWords.ie
www.Claregalway.info
How to prepare Dice the carrots, celery, onions and leek. Roughly chop the fresh herbs. Allow Lamb shanks to come to room temperature. Rub with a little olive oil, then salt and pepper them well on all sides. Set aside for a few minutes. Sauté all the vegetables and herbs in oil and butter on a medium heat for fifteen minutes, until the vegetables have softened, but are not brown. Remove vegetables from pan, crank the heat up and sauté the lamb until brown the Lamb on all sides (ten minutes). Once the meat has browned, and the pan is getting sticky, pour in a 500ml bottle of Beer (Clew Bay Ale is nice). Add the vegetables back into the pan and allow to simmer for ten minutes. Add one tin of tomato puree and 500ml of chicken or vegetable stock. Stir with a wooden spoon until it is all mixed in together. Cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer on medium–low heat for two hours, turning the Lamb shanks over after one hour. Best served on a bed of mashed potatoes or homemade buttered noodles. This meal can be made a few days in advance and the recipe would also work nicely with everything just thrown into your slow cooker and left to simmer for 4–5 hours. Similar results can also be achieved without any beer in the recipe, just add water or more stock. While not necessary, a glass of red wine accompanies this dish beautifully.
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Grow It Yourself November With Halloween over, the countdown to Christmas is truly on, and as a result we have turkeys back in our garden again. Each year we rear four turkeys, with one becoming the centerpiece of our Christmas Day celebrations, and the balance jointed and put into the freezer.
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t’s an arrangement that has worked well for us for a To do this November number of years now, providing some amazing fresh Do not leave beds bare for the winter—sow a green manure, meat at a time of the year when we’re really focused or cover with a thick layer of manure/compost and then black on eating food from storage. plastic or straw. This will return nutrients to the soil, keep I love keeping turkeys for the same reason that I love the worst of the weather off it, suppress weeds and prevent making Gravad Lax for Christmas (to the point that it’s leaching of nutrients. Earth up or tie up vegetables such as a bit of a running joke in our family)—I love putting cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Divide up your all that work in to a single meal. It seems to make the rhubarb if you want to propagate, and cover it with a thick Christmas dinner all the more special—and of course mulch of manure. Prune apple trees. Mulch fruit bushes. the fact that the turkeys are out and about in the fresh Take cuttings of currant bushes from current season’s wood. air, with unlimited access to grass, makes the meat particularly delicious. What Sow Harvest could be better than sitting down to a Sow broad beans outside now for an early Continue to harvest perpetual Christmas dinner that has been reared in crop next spring. To avoid rotting before spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, your own back garden? germination, make small newspaper cups potatoes, swede, parsnips, They are very fine birds indeed—two and germinate them indoors first. Next apples, pears. Start harvesting regular white ones and two bronze. summer’s garlic does best if it’s planted leeks, winter cabbage, kale, Though in a separate house, they are before Christmas—plant outdoors in well artichokes, Brussels sprouts. sharing a run with our hens and ducks. prepared soil in a sunny spot. Though I Time to lift carrots and turnips It’s not generally considered such a good never bother with them, some varieties of or at least cover them with a idea to run turkeys and hens together, onion can over-winter and will be ready good layer of straw to protect with the risk of the transmission of to harvest in early summer. them from frost damage. blackhead (histomoniasis) between them—but I am willing to chance it given the relatively Tip of the Month—Divide & Conquer small amount of time the turkeys will be here. The first You can and should divide rhubarb plants every four or five day we let the turkeys out in to the run, the hens and years to give the plants more room and reinvigorate them. ducks spent a few hours cowering underneath an old The best time to do this work is when the plant is dormant, trailor, worried about these strange new intruders into so November to Feburary will work. Dig the rhubarb using their little universe. But by now, they are getting used a fork to lever the crown carefully from the soil, trying to to each other (though the turkeys are definitely the avoid as much as possible damage to the roots. Once you boss). have it out of the ground remove any rotting sections from Turkeys have some unique characteristics when the plant and give it a general clean up. Then using a sharp compared to hens—there are all those wonderful spade, press down heavily and divide the crown in three. gobble-gobble sounds for one thing. While hens head Ideally you want each section to have a crown, a large for their house as soon as it gets dark (so there is no amount of root and at least 4 or 5 pink buds. rounding up to do), turkeys are far more interested in Then dig a hole for the divided crowns and place one roosting in a tree or on top of a wall. Each night since crown in each roots downwards, with the top of the crown we got them, we’ve had to lift them down from a tree roughly an inch below the soil surface. You can pop some or some other lofty perch, and put them in to their well rotted manure or compost into the hole first to add house. Incidentally they are far easier to handle than some nutrients. Backfill with soil, firming in gently. New hens—they seem to like human interaction. plants shouldn’t be harvested too heavily in the first year.
by Michael Kelly—GIY Ireland
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The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Claregalway Church Sacrament Times Daily Mass Sunday 9 & 11am Thursday 7:30pm Monday 9:30am Friday 9:30am Tuesday 9:30am Saturday 9:30am 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. Church Gate Collection Claregalway/Carnmore Senior Citizens Annual Church Gate Collection will be held on the 15th and 16th of November. Your support would be vey much appreciated. Annual Christmas Party will take place on Sunday 7th of December beginning with Mass in the Church at 2:30pm and party afterwards in Claregalway Hotel. Committee will be issuing invitations soon. If you or someone you know would like to be included please contact Josephine at 087 719 6935. Cards and bingo held every Monday night at 8pm in Cairdeas Meeting Room.
People of the Parish wish to congratulate Fr Ian on his recent appointment as Vocations Director for the Diocese. He will work with others to foster and promote vocations to the Priesthood in the Diocese. Bail ó Dhia ar an obair atá a dheanamh.
St James Choir practice at 8.15pm every Tuesday in Cairdeas Meeting Room, beside the Church. New members are most welcome. You 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 Alaoise Halpin, Lydacan, and John Coen, Corofin, who were married in Claregalway Church recently. Welcome into our Christian Community Mark Coyne, Oisin Jennings, Kyle Connor-Moran, Amy Noone and Dylan Coogan. 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. Baby Dylan Coogan pictured with his brother Harry. Dylan was christened on the 2nd of November 2014 at the Church of the Assumption & St James Claregalway.
R.I.P. Bridie Cummins, Gortatleva R.I.P. Micheál Cloherty, Cloon
www.Claregalway.info
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Revolutionary New Treatment Available at Claregalway Foot Therapy Clinic PACT®—First in Ireland and here in Galway! The revolutionary and effective way to treat nail fungal infections is now available at Claregalway Foot Therapy Clinic in Cloon. Nail fungal therapy will never be the same as proven successful in Australia, Germany and the UK and now taking the world by storm. Now available in Galway. This new and revolutionary treatment is, Photodynamic AntiMicrobial Therapy (PACT®). This treatment uses a photosensitive gel combined with LED light, the innovation of a very progressive and experienced German company.
Until now treating nail fungal has often been frustrating, taking lengthy periods of time, sadly only to show disappointing results, often very painful and costly, requiring significant travel or having to take anti-fungal drugs which can have nasty side effects and may not always be suitable.
Safe and Gentle, guaranteed no pain or discomfort No side-effects No Drugs Relaxing Fast & Effective Works regardless of severity Kills Fungus & Bacteria Affordable Convenient (no parking worries) Diabetic-Friendly Suitable for both Toenail and Fingernails No down time, no recovery No special shoes or socks Claregalway Foot and Laser Therapy Clinic is delighted to introduce PACT® to Ireland and particularly to Galway and The West. This dramatic, ground breaking and effective treatment is now available in Galway. Not only a first for Galway but also believed to be the first in Ireland. Cindy, the owner said “we are overjoyed to be able to offer this radical and progressive treatment and it is my sincere hope that we will now overcome this insidious and troublesome nail fungus”. 12
What is PACT® and why is it so different? PACT® is an abbreviation and a scientific term that stands for Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy. With this method, bacteria, viruses and fungi can be killed off very effectively on skin surfaces, toenails and fingernails. Before and After Using PACT® PACT® is a simple, safe, gentle, highly effective and affordable treatment. All you have to do is sit back relax and wait for your beautiful new nails to grow. You will receive your own little home care pack also extremely simply and safe to use. Contact
Cindy Duggan, Claregalway Foot & Laser Therapy Clinic, Cloon, Claregalway, 086 063 1105 / 091 799 013 The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
The Filling of the Cup Laoin á Cupán A great night was held in the Arches on Sunday night the 26th of October to celebrate Gerry Reilly’s win in the AllIreland Horse Ploughing in County Laois in September—the first time Father and Son won such an event. The cup he won was filled and the large crowd in attendance had a great night. Our local politician and councillors were there also. Music was supplied by the O’Neill brothers. Thanks to Paraic Dunleavy and Staff for a great night. Ploughing matches started in Claregalway Parish in the late 30s up to the early 70s. Matches were held in different parts of the parish. In earlier years there was always a dance on the night of the match in Hanley’s Hall. In later years there were socials in the Sacre Coeur Hotel, Salthill. The filling of the cup would take place in Bina Lenihan’s pub which still exists. The Parish Priest presented a cup in the late 40s which was known as the Canon O’Dea Cup which was filled seven times in the Arches after Tommie Reilly won the All-Ireland Senior Horse Ploughing for the first time.
Sean Concannon and Gerry Reilly pictured with the Cup
Words by Sean Concannon Photos by Josette Farrell For more snaps from the night, check out the album on Facebook or visit Claregalway.info/photos
Some of Gerry’s spoils!
www.Claregalway.info
Above: Margaret O’Halloran and Martin Murphy. Left: Gerry with Paraic and Anne Moran from Cloon.
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The Ballad of Poor Biddy Flynn by Edward Coppinger She tramped mostly near to the Clare,
That winter was the worst in history,
Who wandered the roads of Galway,
Sometimes given shelter and a bite to eat,
Galway had never seen its’ like before,
Wretched dishevelled and shabbily clad,
A ghostly figure scruffy and threadbare
The snow covered road was her mortuary;
Among boreens lanes and byways.
Content to sit and warm her feet.
Our county she’d wander no more.
She was a bag lady lonely and sad
Knowing the houses of welcome
She carried gossip and news of abroad
They interred her in a small graveyard
And ones that showed her the door,
With snippets interesting to hear,
Below an ice cold watery sun,
For all well knew she was irksome
A warm fire and a meal her reward
The ground solid and frozen rock hard,
And yet part of our living folklore.
From people good and sincere.
Over Bridget who should have been a son.
My memory returns to childhood
Some used to say she was from Loughrea, On her hands that rosary was entwined
Of her that had no kith or kin,
Others said somewhere near Slievefin
With an article photo and frame,
Not yet knowing between good or bad
Her place of birth she never gave way,
Into the grave her coffin confined
The sad tale of poor Biddy Flynn.
For an enigma was old Bridget Flynn.
That photo and story telling her shame.
Her father a man some used to shun,
The contents of her bag was a mystery
And all who read it at last knew the truth,
Well off in his farm and abode,
For no one ever saw its insides,
Of poor unfortunate Biddy Flynn,
’Twas said hating her for not being a son, Yet others said it included a rosary And drove her to live on the road.
And a few framed photos besides.
How she was abused in innocent youth— By her own wicked kith and kin
Western Family History Association: Talk by Pat Finnegan (Retired Physician GUH & Professor Emeritus NUIG) on Events During the Land War 1879–1882 in Lackagh Parish Centre, Wednesday November 12th at 8.15pm. Based on extensive research, the speaker will discuss these events in their social and political context. All are welcome, contact 091 799 258.
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For more local notices visit Claregalway.info/notices
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Amy’s House creche is situated in the middle of Claregalway village, conveniently located next to the local national school, and is open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Amy’s House caters for children between the ages of three months and ten years. The creche provides a breakfast club in the mornings from 7.30am with school run at 9.10am. ECCE scheme classes and playschool are provided daily. A dedicated afterschool service caters for children up to the age of twelve years. Amy’s House prides itself on the quality of its foods, prepared with care by Anne every day. The needs of the children are met daily by child-friendly staff, under the guidance of manage Olivia. Established in 2005, Amy’s House always seeks to deliver maximum satisfaction to children and parents. Parents are encouraged to call in and inspect the facilities at any time.
Dress to Impress Night of Fashion BPW Tuam are organising their second Dress to Impress Night of Fashion in the Corralea Court Hotel on Friday 14th of November from 7.30pm. It promises to be a full filled evening with fashion and beauty tips galore and plenty of stands from local businesses so why not come along and mingle. www.Claregalway.info
Amy’s House, Claregalway Providing expert childcare and afterschool services For further details call Hazel Curran on 086 383 8564 or 091 739 833.
The evening will commence with a sparkling prosecco reception at 7.30pm followed by the fashion show at 8pm. Tickets are priced at just €12 (BPW members can avail of half-price tickets €6) and they are currently on sale in Lily, Hidden Closet, Evi Nails, Caroline's Boutique, Pat Lanes Shoes, Grogan Travel, Love It and the Corralea Court Hotel. There will be a Best Dressed competition on the night and this is kindly sponsored by Love it who are sponsoring a €100 voucher for the overall winner and the lucky recipient will also receive vouchers for hair styling by Christian Hair and nails by Evi Nails and make-up by Ger Kealy Cunniffe. The runner up prize is sponsored by Hidden Closet and the recipient will receive vouchers for Hair, Make up and Nails from Vanity Hair and Beauty in Tuam. Entertainment after the fashion show will be provided by Marlay Road. 15
Inspirations Claregalway, One Stop Shop for Gifts Galore This beautifully designed shop is a must visit! Situated in the heart of Claregalway—beside Kreation Barbers and Hair Salon, in the RiverOaks Shopping Complex. Along with a range of gifts including cards, balloons, photo frames, party items, candles, banners there is also photocopying and printing facilities. New to Inspirations is Animal-land where you can pick, stuff and dress your own Teddy! Proprietor Emer Trill is on hand to help all customer queries. Phone 091 739376 or 087 9147414. Check out their Facebook page too at facebook.com/paradiso.balloonsclaregalway
Pictured is Ailbhe Hyland with sister and Proprietor of Inspirations Emer Trill
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An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe
Thought for the Month A Time for Remembering As the start of the winter season, November has always had a special significance. We remember those we once knew, who are now dead, and we ask God to show mercy on them. We also pray to them to help us to live out our lives as lovingly as some of them did. by Ronan Scully These faithful departed handed on to us many of the things that make life worthwhile—insights, beliefs, traditions and values. They handed on to us whatever goodness and truth they had discovered in their life even it if was just a short time that they journeyed with us. We remember them with gratitude and real love at this time. Truly Remember Grief and loss affect everyone. None of us knows how to truly process those emotions. At times, we really don’t know how to grieve. We expect there to be a standard timetable for it. We don’t make space for it. We don’t feel safe talking about it. We want it to follow predictable steps and then for everything to get back to normal. The result is that we try to bury our grief, hide away our pain, and act as if it’s not there. And, yet it comes up in all kinds of ways and in places we least expect. If you are truly awake in your own life, you are in touch with the loss you have experienced. And it’s no doubt painful. I have cried privately many times at situations and losses in my own life and recently on a trip to Africa I cried for days at the extreme poverty I witnessed, especially for the children who were close to death. The best way to cope with it is to deal with it kindly, gently, lovingly and with the support of family, friends and the communities we live in. We should try to keep in our minds and in our hearts the knowledge that
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everyone deals with these feelings on a daily basis. If we truly remembered that, we would be kind to everyone. We would be gentler with our fellow human beings and with ourselves. We live in a fast-paced, tough and often cold world. We don’t need to. By being more aware and awake, we can
make a choice to be conscious, caring and compassionate to ourselves and others every day of the year. Now there’s a thought worth remembering. Here is an ancient poem that I read recently at my Auntie Catherine’s funeral that gives me hope in times of grief.
A Poem of Remembrance Somewhere in the early morning of Eternity, you are running free. Loosened from the bonds of Earth. Unchained from all that bound you here. The years together were too brief, yet who is to measure time? Or how long is long enough? You brought joy and whispered hope to those who loved you most. A single thread of darkness or loneliness pulled you beyond to the moment of now. We cannot fully understand nor shall we try… We simply know that somewhere in the vastness of all that is, you are running free and the ocean of eternity cools your feet, as you run unhampered on the sands of all tomorrows. And a lone seagull calls to you and you respond with laughter. You carry now no burden, no chain, nor bond to hold you. You carry only the warmth and the love of those who cared. So run free and open your arms and touch the clouds and dance with the morning sun and know that, even in our tears, we celebrate with you and bid you good journey, ’til we meet again tomorrow. Amen.
As your thought for the month, treat everyone around you in a gentle way and be thankful for loved ones that are no longer physically with us, especially during this time of remembering. You can read more of Ronan’s Thoughts online at Claregalway.info/tag/thoughts
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Local Notices
Bridge Column The Rule of 11
Kids Singing Class for ages 7–10 resumes Monday November 10th in the Parish Hall in Lackagh, Turloughmore! Learn to sing new songs with confidence and improve breathing and performance techniques. Private one to one lessons and Leaving & Junior Cert exam prep also available. Fully qualified teacher. Call Siobhán on 087 852 7760.
West QJ87 K543 10 7 6 10 7
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South A64 Q 10 6 A98 KQ82
East 10 9 6 AJ2 42 A9653
N/S vulnerable. Dealer South
Claregalway Yoga Classes Monday Morning 10.30–11.30am (All levels welcome) Wednesday Evening 7.30–8.30pm (Beginners gentle stretch) Phone Claregalway Yoga 087 1938495.
Claregalway & District Day Care Centre are hosting a Cake & Christmas Card sale in the Day Care Centre on Sunday 16th of November after the 11am Mass. There will also be a raffle, including the raffle of a beautiful quilt which the service users have been knitting for the past few months. The display of goods will also include Knitting and Crafts by our ladies on Wednesday. Your support would be very much appreciated. All are very welcome.
North K52 987 KQJ53 J4
Contract: 3NT by South Lead: 7 The Rule of 11 is probably the first rule we learn in Bridge. Basically it states that, assuming the lead of the fourth highest of the longest suit of the player on lead, subtracting that card from 11 tells you the number of cards higher than the card led between the other three hands (dummy, partner of the opponent on lead and declarer). In the above case the spade 7 is led. Take 7 from 11 leaving 4. Dummy has one card higher (K) and declarer has 1 card higher (A). Therefore, the leader’s partner has 2 spades higher than the 7. Declarer can count (probably) 5 diamond tricks, 2 spade tricks and at least 2 club tricks (given time), i.e. 9 tricks. She should therefore win the spade K and immediately attack the club suit by playing CJ, then, if the CA does not appear, small towards the KQ. If the CQ wins, she should start playing diamonds, playing DA then small towards KQJ. Finally, play a small spade to the SA and exit with a spade.
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) All are welcome. For more info contact Edel on 085 102 0611.
9 Arch Musical Society Presents The Wizard of Oz
Pilates Classes Tuesday and Saturday mornings in Corrib KickBoxing Club, Claregalway Corporate Park from 11am–12pm. Call Eileen on 0866088137 for more info.
You can share local notices via Claregalway.info, by post to Nuacht Chláir, ‘Currach Ruadh,’ Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co na Gaillimhe, or by messaging through our Facebook page called Claregalway.info.
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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9 Arch Claregalway Musical Society’s The Wizard of Oz opens on Wednesday 19th of November until the 22nd of November in the Town Hall Theatre. With a cast of just under forty juniors and a further twentyfive adults the cast totals more than sixty. Rehearsals are in full swing, led by Director and Choreographer Peter Kennedy and Musical Director Shane Farrell. There is a lot of singing, dancing and acting going on now in Claregalway college where all the rehearsals are taking place. “It’s going to get even more hectic over these final two weeks” says Chairperson Annette Cavanagh. Annette says anyone interested in helping in front of house or backstage for the show, should contact her at 091 797 238.
Booking for tickets is now open for The Wizard of Oz. Contact the Town Hall Theatre on 091 569 777 or buy tickets online at www.tht.ie. 19
Brigid Kearney, Steeling Herself for World of Change We are never too young—or old—to learn; just ask Bridget Kearney. After forty years of running her own successful garden centre in Claregalway, she decided to turn her hand to the family fencing business. She had leased out the garden centre, with plans to enjoy early retirement and a spot of golf. Denise McNamara, Connacht Tribune
H
er husband, John Paul Kearney, founder of JPK Fencing, died nine years ago from cancer. Their son Kenneth had taken over as general manager in the company upon his death. When he suggested that she should join them, Bridget was rather reluctant. She knew nothing about steel or the construction industry. “I thought I’d help out with the trivial stuff like lodging cheques. Then I started going to meetings, looking at accounts. It took a while for me to realise this is all about figures on a paper—whether it’s steel or flowers. Purchases, sales, balancing the books—it comes down to that.” Her role in the company involves examining the accounts, looking at contracts and focusing on costings. “We have a fleet of trucks— the maintenance on those costs thousands every year. I go into all the costings, they see me coming— they’ve all got their heads stuck into a computer—I’m with a sheet of paper and a calculator and they think what is she looking at now,” she laughs. “I like to do stuff the old fashioned way. My system works. You know where you’re going. My husband used to always say keep it simple. I have that on his headstone—JP Kearney: Keep It Simple.”
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A fortnight ago, Bridget was inspired by the positivity of fellow female entrepreneurs in the first Women’s Enterprise Day held in Salthill. “It was so energising. Not once did the speakers mention a downturn in the economy, the crash in property prices or blame banks for too much lending or lending too little. The sky is the limit.” she reflects. She recalls four decades ago going to a different bank to her husband in order to apply for a loan to open the garden centre. She had been doing flower arranging from her home and realised there could be a business in it. She had saved up €3,000 and was hoping to borrow around €4,000. She recalls a letter arrived from the bank manager offering her an overdraft facility for €300. “That was the way they treated women in business back then. It has changed so much—nowadays you can learn about accounts by night, how to run a business. No matter what the business, customers will value straight-talking and value for money.” As JPK Fencing prepares to celebrate forty years in business next April, the company has forty fulltime workers and has won contracts on some of the biggest construction jobs around the country for palisade fencing, motorway safety barriers and pedestrian guard rails. The company
Pictured is local lady Bridget Kearney
plans to open up a second factory to expand their manufacturing. Bridget plans to arrange mentoring for herself and some staff member with the Local Enterprise Centre. For women out there planning on starting a business, she believes they should believe everything is achievable—but always have a backup plan. “That way you’ll sleep better at night. Everything is doable out there, I’ve proven that time and time again, but there’s nothing wrong with a three-year plan or a five-year plan. It doesn’t all have to be done in the first year,” she advises. She recalls a particular wall in the garden centre which she wanted to knock in order to let in light but everybody told her the structure would collapse. “I went to the hardware shop and got a hard hat and a sledge-hammer and I kept hitting this block until it fell out. I could see the brightness. After two hours all these blocks were on the floor,” she recalls. “I’m not suggesting women should knock a wall but things can be done. You’ll get there.”
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Information on Fibre from Claregalway Pharmacy John Duffy MPSI of Claregalway Pharmacy (091 799 754) has shared this information on fibre as part of a balanced diet. For more info, call in and speak with any member of staff. by John Duffy MPSI Fibre should play an important part in any healthy, balanced diet, yet many of us don’t eat as much as we should. It helps to manage our appetite as it keeps us feeling full but while we should eat at least 18g a day, we in Ireland eat on average only 14g. Fibre or roughage as it’s also known, plays an essential role in maintaining health, controlling your appetite, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, keeping your weight down and reducing your future risk of bowel cancer, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Fibre has two different forms, and while they are both good for our bodies, they both have different uses: Soluble fibre moves waste through the body more quickly as it absorbs water in the intestine, while at the same time reducing the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. Insoluble fibre can help to make your waste softer and more bulky which in turn enables it to pass through your intestines faster. This can help reduce the risk of constipation and also help reduce your risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome and even bowel cancer. Your soluble fibre intake can be increased with more potatoes, beans, soya products, oats, lentils and fruit and vegetables. Insoluble fibre can be found in breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, and fruit and vegetables.
Getting more fibre in our everyday diets Great sources of fibre include fruit, vegetables, brown bread, pasta and rice, oats, beans, pulses, lentils and foods that include whole grains. The browner it is, the more fibre it’s likely to have. Remember to check the label—high-fibre foods have at least 6g of fibre per 100 g of food. Keeping your cupboards full of wholegrain pasta, seeded bread, brown rice, whole-wheat crackers and rye is a good way of increasing your fibre intake. You might also want to start your day with a high-fibre cereal such as muesli, which contains both soluble and insoluble fibre. Another option is porridge, and either can be topped off with fruit such as bananas, which increases the fibre intake even more. You should also ensure you eat your five-a-day. Fruit and vegetables contain most fibre before they have been cooked, so eating some of them raw will be even more beneficial. When you fancy a snack, you can get yet more fibre if you eat dried nuts, raisins, wholemeal biscuits and even popcorn. You can also use lentils, barley and brown rice when making stew, casseroles and soups, while adding mixed beans to a salad will also provide a big fibre boost. If you are increasing your fibre intake, you should look to do so gradually to ensure you don’t suffer from bloating or stomach cramps. You’ll also help your digestion if you drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
Don’t forget to like Claregalway Pharmacy on Facebook for regular updates!
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Support Corrandulla Library and Be in with a Chance to Win a Hand-Stitched King Size Patchwork Quilt
Library of Friends, Old Girls School, Corrandulla, County Galway. Local craft group The Crafty Broads have over the past year made a beautiful patchwork quilt which will be raffled at the Leabharlann na gCairde Christmas Fair on Sunday 30th of November in Corrandulla Hall. Tickets are currently on sale and any queries call 085 135 2506. The quilt itself is king size and very hard to put a value on as it took thousands of hours to complete and is a stunning example of patchwork. Tickets are €5 each or three tickets for €10. All proceeds go to Leabharlann na gCairde, (Corrandulla Community Library). Tickets are available from the library and members of the community. Please support. For any queries call Anne on 085 135 2506. The Crafty Broads pictured L–R: Noreen Curtin, Anne Butler, Mary Dooley, Jean Percy, Kathleen Joyce, Noreen King)
Unit 12 Cois Chlair Claregalway
Cruthu Studio Art Exhibition
087 6866 740
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New Craft Group
“ New Beginnings “
Come join us celebrate our First Art Exhibition in this exciting new gallery space in the heart of Claregalway Opening Eve Sat 22nd Nov 7pm Guest speaker : Mayor Cllr Mary Hoade.
Tuesday 10.00-‐12.00 We are hosting a Craft Group morning every week in Cruthú Studio. This is an opportunity to meet up with like minded crafters in a social environment, while we all work on our own individual craft. There is a sewing machine that may be used in the studio , but in general you bring your own materials.
Exhibition runs from
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www.cruthustudio.com Artist: Elaine Cunningham
The cost will be €5 / week
Sun 23rd Nov – Sat 6th Dec
We will also arrange expert workshops every so often to inspire you.
10am-‐ 5 pm
Starting Tuesday Dec 2nd
Tell all your crafty friends !!
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Claregalway School Site Will Cater for 1,000 Students in Five Years A site has been purchased for the expansion of Claregalway’s secondary school which will ensure that the school campus will be able to cater for a projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils in five years’ time. by Tom Gilmore, The Tuam Herald The site of about fourteen acres has been purchased on lands beside the existing Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Claregalway Corporate Park. Principal Alan Mongey has confirmed that the first extension to the school, which was planned before this latest purchase, will go ahead early next year and planning permission has already been applied for. “It is great news that a landowner next door to our existing site has sold the land. The Dept of Education and Science are looking at retaining the existing building and next year’s planned extension as part of the new campus. “The first extension will be done under the Rapid Build Scheme and
Stay informed by following Coláiste Bhaile Chláir on Twitter @ClaregalwayColl or liking Claregalway.info on Facebook.
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it is hoped to have it ready by next September. That will cater for our increased numbers for the next two years until the new larger school is built on the site just purchased.” says the principal. “It is ideal that all this is taking place where we are located now in the heart of the village, and with enrolments averaging approximately 200 per year the new school complex will cater for 1,000 pupils in five years time,” he added. Since it opened in August 2013 the numbers wishing to enrol at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir have been phenomenal and it has risen from an initial 164 to 320 at present. The students, approximately 50/50 boys and girls, come from a wide catchment area taking in part of
Turloughmore, Lackagh, Corrandulla, Annaghdown, Carnmore, Corofin, Claregalway itself and villages closer to Galway city. The Department of Education and Science and Galway–Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) are patrons of the school, which was located in the village after a long campaign by parents. It was initially expected that student numbers would top 500 when the new permanent building would be in place, but projections now suggest double this number within five years. Pat Gilmore, Chairman of the GRETB, has welcomed the news that a site has now been purchased. It is hoped that planning permission will be granted as soon as possible.
Coláiste Bhaile Chláir students recently took part in the National University of Ireland Galway, Maths Contest PRISM (Problem Solving for Second Level Mathematicians). The contest is aimed at second level Mathematic students to encourage students to develop their interest in mathematical problems and in mathematics in general. Well done to first year student Sarah McHale and second year students Conor McCann and Daniel Prior who achieved the highest results in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. 23
Visit to University of Limerick On the 3rd of November 2014, the University of Limerick welcomed eight students and two teachers from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir to an interactive workshop to explore how they are currently teaching and learning. The teachers use and create unique teaching resources at the school using Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Office365. Students and teachers at the school use Microsoft Surface Pro devices. Students discussed their online learning with the University and highlighted the innovative delivery of education they are currently experiencing. Dr Ingrid Hunt course tutor and researcher from the Enterprise Research Centre noted “that the emergence of technology in education have necessitated increased innovation in how we approach the delivery of courses to our students”.
“Meeting with our students of tomorrow has shown us today that we need to be equipped to ensure that when these students enter University that we continue to revolutionise and remain dedicated to their learning experiences”. Adrienne Horan administrator and graphic designer at the Enterprise Research Centre said it “was great to meet a school that is integrating technology into the classroom and meeting students who have extra motivation to learn because they are learning outside the traditional textbook”. “Technology is certainly changing the learning environment” according to Rob Dalton, eLearning technologist at the Kemmy Business School. Gareth Callan, teacher at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, believes that students have an opportunity to better their learning in ways that were not possible even in the recent past. “What we want to achieve at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir will allow students to take ownership of their own learning. Students now live in the Information Age, where they have a wealth of data at their fingertips. We need to empower students to feel confident in their own abilities to construct knowledge from reliable sources. While we are still in the very early stages of this process we have had much success over the past fifteen months, and we are constantly learning of ways that we as teachers can facilitate more meaningful working relationships by using eLearning both in the classroom and outside of it”.
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Science Week 2014 Coláiste Bhaile Chláir is running a number of science related activities this year again to mark Science Week 2014—the theme this year is The Power of Science. Science Club is up and running with students decorating the school in Wild Science Facts and getting stuck into some slimy experiments to show the power of science. STEM and science students in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir will have an amazing start to their November term with engagement with the I’m a Scientist/ Engineer Programme. This is an X Factor-style competition where students are the judges. Scientists and students talk in a live web chat online in a drive to change common misconceptions about what a scientist or engineer is and does. The students ask questions about the research, education, time in school and everyday life. Every day the students can vote for the professional they would like to win and after the activity has run for two weeks, the winner is announced. The winning professional gets €500 to spend on promoting and communicating their research. On Tuesday November 18th, STEM students will log in and engage for the first time in conversation with engineers such as Laura Tobin, an optical engineer in UCD or Ashley Cubert working on reducing carbon emissions. These engineers are live on the job and excited to share their insight into STEM careers available to the students in the future. On Thursday November 13th, we will host our second Astronomy night in the school in conjunction with Galway Astronomy Club. This is a community event and everyone is welcome from the youngest to the oldest! Celebrate all things space related with our visitor Ronan Newman from the Galway Astronomy Club. Learn how to use the telescope to view the planets and the Moon (weather permitting!). Even if it rains we will have a really interesting discussion about the Solar System and what makes the planets different.
The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
NUIG trip
by Mark Roe (1F)
Every first year in our school was brought to NUIG in Galway city to attend either a maths lecture or a physics lecture as well as an IT lecture as part of Maths Week in our school. We all left at 10am and were split into two groups, one going to the Maths lecture the other going to the Physics lecture. I went to the Physics one. The lecturer was a telling us about the salt in our oceans. He explained how saltier water is heavier and how it rises to the surface. He then went on to tell us about his very own robot that was like a 3m pole that goes down into the ocean and is set to come back up, measuring all the salt in the water. He spoke for about an hour and a half, then we had to walk from that lecture hall all the way to the other side of the campus where we had a lecture in IT. The lecturer talked to us about the history of technology and about the early creators and inventors of the first computers which would take up whole rooms compared to modern day ones which could fit in your pocket. He also told us about Raspberry Pi, that is a little computer that is used to start people off with simple coding. Once that lecture was over we all piled back on the buses and headed back to school.
NUIG trip
by Alaidh Fox (1F)
We went to NUIG on Friday two weeks ago. It was an enjoyable experience. All the first year forms went on buses to get there. The bus I was on was buzzing with chatter about what we would do there. When we arrived we were led to a massive lecture room, filled with rows of seats. We all scurried to get seats. The lecturer was standing on a sort of stage. There was a sort of wooden table with a laptop and projector on it, on the stage. He stood by this until we all hushed and started listening attentively. He paced up and down the stage as he explained his job. He was a scientist who studied the levels of salinity in the ocean and how it varies in different places and how he had to travel around parts of the world on a boat to do so. He talked about it for a while and then showed us a slideshow of pictures to give us an idea of what it was like to be at sea and asked was there any questions. It was soon time to move on to the next lecture, where we were told about IT from a new lecturer. We were a bit squashed because all of the first years were attending and there wasn’t room for us all. Apart from that it was fun. The lecturer told us about the first Apple computer and people like Steve Jobs and his ideas. He also told us about coding and how it created Google and other sites. He explained that without coding we wouldn’t be able to further our ability to use technology. He told us that the world needs a new generation of coders and that we all had the potential to become great coders and to create new computer programmes and it was really inspiring. Then he showed us a video of what life would be like it everyone wore Google glasses which was the highlight as it was so cool. www.Claregalway.info
Choir On Saturday the 18th of October the Coláiste Bhaile Chláir school choir and traditional music group contributed to a very successful first youth mass in Claregalway parish church. Thanks to the parish pastoral council who treated them to pizza afterwards. Looking forward to participating again in the future.
Soccer The first year soccer team got off to a winning start in their U14 Cup competition with a 2–1 victory over The Bish before the mid-term break. It was a great team effort and hopefully they can continue their winning ways in the next game now. Well done to Sinéad Donovan and Andrea Trill who made the Connacht U15 schools soccer team.
Liathróid Láimhe Well done to Niamh Heffernan who is the Connacht first year 60×30 handball champion. Coláiste Bhaile Chláir was also well represented in the Connacht final by Darragh Jordan.
Camogie The Mairéad Meehan A camogie tournament was held in Killimordaly on the 23rd of October. Coláiste Bhaile Chláir were successful in their group games against Seamount and St Brigid’s. They then went on to beat the Pres Athenry in the semi-final. The final was a replay against Seamount.
They had an excellent nine-point win in the final with outstanding performances from each and every one of the girls. The captain for the day was Rachel Hughes who showed excellent leadership throughout the day. Hopefully this is a sign of more to come.
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Carnmore Hurling Club November 2014 News U6, U8 & U10
Carnmore U8s finished up their hurling season on Saturday 18th October. It was a great year for hurling and the U8s put in a great effort all year. They commenced in early April and continued all through, taking full advantage of the great summer. Go-Games matches started in May and Carnmore came out on top in many of their games. Carnmore also took part in a very competitive blitz in Craughwell in June and all players performed admirably on the day. Later into the summer, the popular CATS blitz took place over a number of weeks. This is an annual blitz held between Carnmore, Abbeyknockmoy, Turloughmore and Sylane for U6s, U8s & U10s and is a very enjoyable and competitive blitz, with two cups and two shields up for grabs at U8 & U10 level. This year, Carnmore U8s bet Abbeyknockmoy and Sylane to book their place in the final, versus neighbours, Turloughmore. Luck was not with Carnmore on the day of the final, and Carnmore lost narrowly to Turloughmore in extra time. As the year progressed, and challenge games were played, there were some great improvements in skill and effort, and more importantly, the boys were really enjoying their hurling. The U8s had a bus trip to Doora Barefield Hurling Club in County Clare in early October. They played three games and were treated to some great hospitality in their fabulous facility, after the games. Carnmore awarded them an engraved crystal trophy to commemorate the event. Finally, on the 18th October, after the last training session on the pitch, Supermac’s delivered to the Centre and T.J. presented the lads with certificates. Another great day in a great year for the U8s and all went home happy. Thanks to all the Coaches (Martin Fahy, T.J. Hynes, Ronan Gillespie, Paul Casserley, Shane Qualter, Frank O’Connell and Mike Moran), parents and the players themselves. Special thanks also to Teresa Cummins, Juvenile Club Secretary, and Fiona Morley, who was always on hand to help out throughout the year.
Carnmore U6s at the end of year award party.
Carnmore U6s celebrated the end of the Season 2014 with a party and a presentation of certificates to all the young players. The lively bunch are in high spirits after receiving their Certificates.
Carnmore U6s pictured in Oranmore after their last match of the season 2014 Carnmore v Oranmore
Submitted by Tim Feeney, U8 Manager
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The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Senior Club AGM
The Senior Club AGM takes place at 5pm on Sunday, December 14th in Carnmore Centre. Nominations and Motions forms are available from Club Secretary, Sheila Fox.
Juvenile Club AGM
The Juvenile Club AGM takes place at 8pm on Tuesday, November 25th in Carnmore Centre. Nominations and Motions forms are available from Juvenile Club Secretary, Teresa Cummins.
Camogie Club AGM
The Camogie Club AGM takes place at 8pm on Friday, November 25th in Carnmore Centre. Nominations and Motions forms are available from Dermot Fenton.
Club Calendar
A Club Calendar to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Club will be on sale at the end of November.
National GAA Draw
The GAA have launched their National Draw for 2014. All proceeds from ticket sales by Carnmore Hurling Club, will go directly to the Club. Tickets can be bought from Kevin Shaughnessy 086 3542526.
70th Anniversary Mass
A Mass will be said in Claregalway Church for all present and deceased members of Carnmore Hurling Club and to mark the 70th anniversary of the Club, on Thursday November 20th at 7.30pm. Members are invited to participate in the mass. Please contact Club Secretary, Sheila Fox at 085 7044105 or email secretary.carnmore. galway@gaa.ie if you would like to participate.
Turkey Trot
The annual 5k Turkey Trot will be held on the 7th December. Participants can pre-register on www.runireland.com or by emailing secretary. carnmore.galway@gaa.ie or at Carnmore Centre, on the day of the race. Entry fee is €15. The race is open to everyone over 16 years. As always, Further details will be available on www.carnmore.net and Carnmore Squad Facebook page.
Find more Carnmore Hurling news at www.Carnmore.net www.Claregalway.info
Claregalway U12 Ladies Win County Final Congratulations to the Claregalway Ladies U12 Green team who Won the U12 A County Final which was Played in Milltown on Saturday 8th of November. As in the League final back in May the opposition was Naoimh Mhuire from Oranmore. Naoimh Mhuire started the game very well and were making most of the play and took the early lead and led all the way to halftime on a score of 0–6 to 0–2. Claregalway began the second half with a lot more vigour and soon found their form. They got a point and then followed up with two goals to take a three point lead. Naoimh Mhuire then responded with a goal and followed it up with the lead point and with five minutes remaining they appeared to finish off the Game with a goal. The Claregalway Girls did what they have done all year and that is keep playing until the end. With three minutes to play they got a fortunate goal and from the kick-out they won possession in midfield and they worked the ball forward and scored a fantastic goal to grab a two point lead which they held until the final whistle. There was great joy among the girls at the end of the game and Naoimh Mhuire were shocked but gracious in defeat. Mary Hernon presented the trophy to co-Captains Laura Flynn and Anna Conneally who thanked Dunmore for the use of the pitch and Naoimh Mhuire for a great game. The girls enjoyed a tour of the parish after the game. This concludes a very enjoyable U12 season with success in both the League and the Championship.
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Claregalway Ladies Win U16 Championship Replay
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fter almost a delay of twelve Panel: Rebecca Downes, Karen O’Dowd, Ellie Glynn, Andrea Glynn, months the Ladies U16 A Orla Murphy, Eva Gilmore, Aoife Philips, Grace Cahill, Emma Connolly, Championship Final was played Megan Glynn (Captain), Catriona Moran, Laura King, Ava Fitzmaurice, in Rahoon Hurling grounds on Sunday Stephanie O’Connell, Ciara Burke, Aisling Murphy, Sara Coady, Laura 26th of October. Played in a gale force Field, Laurie Moran, Andrea Trill, Gwen Horkan, Orla O’Gorman, wind and rain, the football matched up Maeve Moran, Aoife Gavin, Hannah Coady, Rebecca Hansberry, to the weather conditions. Moycullen and Clodagh Murphy, Shauna Flaherty. Claregalway had waited a long time to see who was going to take the silverware The game was tied going into he closing minutes and it home and Moycullen opted to play with the strong wind in the first half. But it was Claregalway who put the pressure looked like after waiting for a year it was going to go to extra on in the early stages and gained a three point to one lead time. But a combination of Moycullen’s legs getting tired after fifteen minutes and at the break, Claregalway led by against a very strong wind and Claregalway’s hunger to win, six points to five after some fantastic football and some the last three points were to be scored to give Claregalway great free taking by Ciara Burke against an aggressive wind. a deserved win on a score line of 1–13 to 2–7. Both clubs Moycullen came out in the second half and were as congratulated each other on such an entertaining game of equally determined to win, and their efforts were rewarded football provided by a great bunch of ladies on a day that after five minutes when they broke through and crashed gale force winds and rain failed to take over the game of home a fine goal. The ball was kicked out and some great football. team work by Claregalway replied by scoring a goal of their Claregalway captain Megan Glynn accepted the cup from own. The game was in a delicate balance and a couple the County Board’s James Crowe. Claregalway mentors of points from Moycullen put them ahead. Claregalway congratulated their team afterwards and thanked the however dug dead and got four points in quick succession, twenty eight girls that showed up and togged out for the but Moycullen were not giving up so easily and after a Claregalway club on such a stormy day. fine block by Claregalway goal keeper, Rebecca Downes, it wasn’t enough to stop the Moycullen forwards scoring a For more sports new visit Claregalway.info/sports goal from close range.
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The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Three in a Row Success for Richie Congratulations to Richie Donovan of Claregalway who captained the Galway Masters (Over 40s) Footballers to their recent three in a row success. Richie has the honour of being the first Galway player to captain a three in a row team since the great Enda Colleran in 1966. Galway won by the narrowest of margins (0–8 to 0–7) over a game Mayo side in Clonberne on Saturday last. Richie played at full back where he also played last year when Galway deflected Tyrone in the final. It was Galway’s fourth AllIreland at Masters level since the inauguration of the competition in 1992. Mayo are ahead with five titles in the roll of honour. The match was televised live on The Irish Channel (191) Sky Digital.
Claregalway U14 Ladies
James Crowe (County Board) presenting Megan Glynn with the Cup on winning the U16 A Championship Replay Final on 25th of October at Rahoon Pitch.
Hard luck to the Club’s U14 Girls who travelled to Tuam for the third time this Season to play Tuam-Cortoon in the Championship playoff last Wednesday. Aided by a stiff wind Claregalway lead at the break by 0–7 to 1–1 but like the previous occasion a late converted free gave Tuam-Cortoon the narrowest of wins 1–10 to 3–5. The U14 league Final v Kilkerrin/Clonberne has still to be played. Claregalway Team: N Egan, R Cullinane, S Flaherty, I Moran, E Connelly, G Coll, A Lyons, E Coakley, A Walsh, N Moran, M Moran, K Kearney, S Donovan, A Trill, N McGrath, S Morris, C Quinn, V Coleman, A Connelly. Congratulations to Kilkerrin/Clonberne and Clonbur Adult Ladies on their huge wins in the Connacht Finals in the Intermediate and Seniors respectively at the weekend, and best of luck for the rest of the season. Good wishes to all our players that played for Galway during 2014 who will be receiving their Connaught and All-Ireland Medals at a function in the Claregalway Hotel on Saturday evening.
Claregalway GAA Club U15 League Winners 2014 Team and Mentors 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 Treat Café Claregalway Want to become a Sponsor? Get in touch for options. 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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The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
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Last month’s winner was M Canavan, Claregalway.
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Post completed Crosswords to: B.D. Place, Woodleigh, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co na Gaillimhe.
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The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
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