Admissions Suspended at St. Anne’s The question of beds for the elderly in the North West Connemara region have been placed in serious jeopardy following cost saving measures already introduced by the H.S.E. at St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit, Clifden. Further cuts are pending, and together with the H.S.E.’s national embargo on recruitment and cost savings measures in general, there is already a direct impact on people currently on the waiting list for placement in St. Anne’s. At present there are 7 beds closed at St. Anne’s while 15 people are on the waiting list. In a letter sent by the Connemara View to the H.S.E. the following questions were asked: I would appreciate your comments and confirmation in relation to the following questions: 1. Is there a staff recruitment embargo specifically regarding St. Anne’s Nursing Home, Clifden? 2. Are you aware that there are currently 27 individuals residing at St. Anne’s while there is a capacity for 34 individuals resulting in 7 vacant beds at this facility?
3. Are you aware that there are 15 individuals currently on the waiting list for this facility? 4. What are H.S.E. West’s plans in relation to filling these vacant beds? 5. What are H.S.E. West’s future plans for remedying the waiting list situation? 6. In the event of there being an embargo on staffing, what are H.S.E. West’s plans, if any, in relation to lifting this embargo, particularly in relation to St. Anne’s Nursing Home? In his reply, explaining the reason for the closure of beds Mr. JJ O’Kane, Manager
of Older People Services for Galway PCCC, told the Connemara View that, “Currently, there are electrical upgrades taking place at St. Anne’s CNU, and to facilitate the closure of rooms while this work is underway would necessitate the closure of six beds”. He went on to state that this work would continue until the end of the summer. Continued on next page
Roundstone Boil Water Notice
According to the Galway CoCo, “a recent sample shows the water contains trace elements of cryptosporidium and does not comply with the Drinking Water Standards. Accordingly, in the interest of public health, it is recommended that all users of the supplies listed above, boil water before use. If you are unsure of the source of your water supply, it is advised to boil your water as precautionary measure.” Specifically, they advise that water should not be used unboiled for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of salads and similar foods which are not cooked prior to eating, brushing of teeth, and making of ice. Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling. The full notice is available at www. galway.ie. “The Council regrets the inconvenience caused to the general public and we assure that we are doing everything in our power to rectify the current situation.” For more information, contact Jim Cullen, Director of Environment & Water on (091) 476401.
On March 31st, the Galway County Council announced a ‘Boil Water Notice’ for the Roundstone Public Water Supply and the Group Schemes in Inishnee and Errisbeg.
In The View
Local Improvements
John Durning
On the Lookout N59 Funding Disappointment
RNLI New Boat Naming Ceremony and Photos Pages 6 & 7 International Rugby Cap for Trevor Conneely Page 14
Connemara Pony Breeders Spring Weekend Page 16 St Patrick’s Day Parade pictures from Clifden and Oughterard Pages 20, 21 and 37 Connemara View Short Story Competition Winner Page 25
Seal Release at Dog’s Bay Page 29
Councillors representing the Connemara Electoral area have received the allocation of funding towards the N59 with great disappointment. The N59, which runs from the outskirts of Galway City, through Oughterard, Clifden and on to Leenane comes under the remit of the NRA (National Roads Authority). There has been growing concern expressed by councillors in the area that the standard of this vital corridor to the West has been neglected over the years. Cllr. Seosamh O’Cuaig told the Connemara View that the allocation of funding for the N59 had fallen well short of the €10 million expected. “Why not have the same standard of road leading from Moycullen as leading into it?” a disappointed Cllr. O’Cuaig enquired. Cllr. Josie Conneely concurred with Cllr. O’Cuaig and further added that the “state of the road is killing business”, particularly in the Clifden area. In order to address this issue directly, the Connemara Councillors have proposed and agreed unanimously to arrange a meeting with the elected TD’s representing Galway West, Mr. Fred Barry CEO of the NRA and local councillors. The meeting is proposed to discuss and push for “serious funding” and to co-ordinate a “proper plan” with regard to the N59 according to Cllr. Tom Welby. What is also required, according to Cllr. Welby is “a partnership between political representatives, council officials and landowners” to ensure that land required for road realignment could be purchased in advance. This would provide “continuity of the process and with it continuity of funding” he outlined. Mr. Martin Lavelle, Senior Engineer, Road Design, Galway Co. Co. confirmed to the Connemara View that NRA funding of National Secondary Roads has been reduced nationally and will continue so for the next two years.
NAOMH FEICHÍN G.A.A. CLUB (UNDERAGE) ANNUAL REGISTRATION DAY
On a more positive note, the Derrylea Realignment project, which commenced work in 2007, will be put out to tender and it is anticipated that contracts will be signed at the end of the year. Work on this project has been allocated €700,000 and should commence in 2009. According to Mr. Martin Lavelle, Senior Engineer, GCC this project is part of a pilot scheme with Galway County Council and the NRA. The pilot scheme will look at the “change of standard” associated with National Secondary Roads. Mr. Lavelle further outlined that the pilot scheme would look at the introduction of a “narrow carriageway” along the N59 on grounds of safety. If the narrow carriageway was considered to be safer, then a reduction in the speed limit currently pertaining to the N59 could possibly be introduced. The existing speed limit of 100 kph could be reduced to 80kph. A decision is expected on April 9th. Further allocations that were adopted on March 31 in the Draft Roads Programme 2008 include €1million towards the Leenane bridge programme. The Renvyle Loop and the Cleggan/Claddaghduff Loop have been allocated €300,000 each, while the Ballyconneely Rd. leading back to the golf course has had funding of €80,000 provided. The Errislanann circuit has been allocated €75,000. Cllr. Josie Conneely welcomed the provision of €100,000 towards work on the Racecourse Rd. He stated that this project would start straight away and the funding would go towards strengthening and resurfacing this road. As regards the draft Clifden Town Plan, Cllr. Welby has indicated that this will be on public view and available for comment shortly. No exact time was available but a period of 6 weeks would be set aside for public submissions. The submissions would then be returned to the County Council and the Managers Report would be presented to the councillors within 6 weeks. Councillors would then look at the changes and amend the draft, at which stage the amendments would be placed on display. After the submissions on the amendments alone had been returned they would be reviewed at a full Council meeting and then adopted.
CLIFDEN, BALLYCONNEELY, AILLEBRACK, KINGSTOWN, CLEGGAN-CLADDAGHDUFF, ROUNDSTONE, INISHBOFIN DATE: PLACE: TIME:
Saturday 5th April, 2008 Club House in the GAA Field, Hospital Road, Clifden Between the hours of 11.00a.m and 12.30 p.m.
TO ALL CHILDREN (BOYS AND GIRLS) BETWEEN THE AGES OF 7 AND 16 AND THEIR PARENTS
Moyard Realignment The Moyard programme has been allocated €500,000 for completion of this project. Mr. Lavelle, Senior Engineer, said that inclement weather had not allowed asphalt to be placed on the surface of the road to date. When this was completed there would be no further need for traffic lights at the scene. They will be gone before the summer, Mr. Lavelle added. When asked if the road in question was sinking, Mr. Lavelle was quite categorical in his reply. “The road is not sinking” he stated.
Clifden Sewerage Plant ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE €40.00 PER CHILD OR €60.00 PER FAMILY YOUR CHILD MUST BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO TAKE PART THE REGISTRATION FEE COVERS INSURANCE, TRAINING SUPERVISION AND COACHING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR BUS TRAVEL TO MATCHES WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE UNDERAGE CLUB ORGANISERS Gerry Delaney (087) 6111484
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Paul Fitzpatrick (095) 21631
Alice Black (095) 21967
Ann Mitchell (095) 23938
According to Cllr. J Conneely the contract for Clifden Sewerage Plant is going out to tender shortly. No specific details were available at this time but Cllr. Conneely indicated that the tender would include the design, build and maintenance of the plant. He also added that the plant would be sited at its original location, just off the Ballyconneely Rd. on the outskirts of Clifden. Our next issue will have further and more detailed information on this very important issue. John Durning
April 3, 2008
Admissions Suspended at St. Anne’s continued from page 1 Mr. O’Kane also pointed out that “St. Anne’s CNU is currently €95,000 over its budget spend” and that “management must get the actual spend back to the allocated budget”. He further explained that “those seven beds will not open in 2008 and we may even have to close further beds in order to fall within budget”. “Management at local level are currently meeting to review how we can re-designate beds or make savings to come within budget” he added. When asked to comment Dr. Marian Hanrahan, Director of Nursing, St. Anne’s CNU, stated that “The management is exploring ways and means of addressing the issue but there might be tough decisions to be made this year”. While we appreciate the H.S.E.’s prompt response to our questions, you will note that a number of our queries were not addressed. Among the questions that we would particularly like a response to, is the question of the H.S.E.’s intentions with regard to a remedy to the waiting list situation. We look forward to a response from the H.S.E. and we will keep you informed in subsequent issues. A local doctor outlined that the delay in addressing the waiting list issue would place an increased burden on the families involved. Twelve of the people on the waiting list are residing in institutional care in the county and three are being cared for at home. For those who have to travel, sometimes round trips of 120 miles, the cost can be prohibitive and the time available for visitation of an elderly family member can be shortened because of distance travelled. Those who are caring for their elderly dependent family member at home may have difficulty in coping with illness and have often had to give up work in order to offer care. The facilities at St. Anne’s have been upgraded to the highest standards over the last few years. Together with a committed, dedicated and highly trained management and staff, the care provided for the people resident at St. Anne’s is of the highest quality as is only fitting for our elderly friends and relatives whose average age, by the way, is 86 yrs. Looking to the future, it is an interesting statistic, as ascertained from the CSO, that there is a predicted increase in the over 75 yrs age group in the coming years currently living in the North West Connemara region. How strange it is then, that when there will be a need for beds, that the anticipated future is the possible closure of more! One would hope that the crunching of numbers would not detract from the needs, respect and dignity that our elderly friends, neighbours and relatives deserve. When leaving St. Anne’s I couldn’t but notice the following which sums up the ethos of a centre we should be justly proud of:
Food for Thought for a Care Perspective Our residents are the most important people on our premises; they are not dependent on us-we are dependent on them. They are not an interruption to our workthey are the purpose of it. They are not an outsider to our business-they are the most important part of it. We are not doing them a favour by serving them-they are doing us a favour by giving us the opportunity to do so. John Durning
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
The end of sheep farming? Connemara farmers and representatives of the IFA held a meeting on Monday March 31st at Peacockes of Maam Cross in an attempt to deal with the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government’s intention to remove sheep from the hills of Connemara for 5 months of the year. This latest meeting was once again spurned by the Minister for the Environment John Gormley, and the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan. Almost 400 people gathered at Peacocke’s in Maam Cross, where a detailed, informed and measured discussion of the situation took place between a panel of IFA
members, members of the hill farming community, public representatives and speakers from the floor. The panel included Barry Donnelly, County Chairman of the IFA; Michael Silke, Connacht Vice President of the IFA; Neilly O Leary, Chairman of the Hill Farming Committee from West Cork; Gerry Gunning, Secretary of the Rural Development Commission; Martin Gavin; Mayo County Chairman; and Eamonn Nee, Chairman of the Galway Hill Farming Committee. Michael O Toole of the Leenane Wool and Culture Centre also outlined the environmental effects of overgrazing on heather with the aid of statistics and case studies, and concluded that the scheme was very poorly thought out. Padraic McCormack was the only one of Galway’s five elected TD’s in attendance. The general consensus of the panel and the floor, was that Minister John Gormley, Minister Mary Coughlan and all of Galway’s elected representatives must be present and involved in the discussion of this grave matter. It was felt that the relevant departments have shown disdain and disrespect to the farming community by repeatedly refusing to do so. A letter from the Dept. of the Environment stated that it would not attend “local discussion meetings that involved the convening of mass numbers of farmers, particularly in evenings”. This was described by Connemara Chairman of the IFA Brendan O Malley as insulting to all farmers, and yet another example of a Dublin based Government’s utter contempt and lack of interest in the West. Continued on page 11 Photos: Top - Brendan O’Malley, Barry Donnelly and Martin Gavin. Bottom (l-r) Cllr. Thomas Welby, Cllr. Seamus Walsh, Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, Padraic McCormack TD.
A Reward for All Connemara View Advertisers:
FREE On-line Classified Ads & Business Directory Listings on www.connemaraview.com Yes, FREE on-line ads! Here’s how it works: Classified Advertisers When you place a classified ad in the Connemara View Newspaper, your ad will also be listed on our new on-line directory at no additional cost for 30 days. Advertise your property, business, trade services, vehicles, items for sale, events and announcements for only €5 for 20 words, €10 for 40 words, etc. Add a picture for €10. The ad will go on-line for 30 days and be in the next month’s issue of the Connemara View Newspaper.
How to place your classified ad: 1. On-line: Go to www.classifieds.connemaraview.com. Post your ad and pay via PayPal. We will take the ad details from there to place in the next newspaper. 2. Post your ad and payment in the post to Connemara View Classifieds, Clifden, Co. Galway. We will put the ad on-line for you and place in the next newspaper. 3. Viewbox: Drop your ad and payment in the ViewBox at the Paper Shop, Main St., Clifden. We will put the ad on-line for you and place in the next newspaper.
Display Advertisers Take out a newspaper display ad of any size and receive a FREE 30-day on-line directory listing of up to 20 words. Display Advertisers with contracts receive a 40 word listing with one photo/graphic. Phone 095-22888 or email advertising@connemaraview.com to place a display ad. See www.connemaraview.com for display advertising rates.
On-line ads include both email and website links at no charge.
If you need more information, please phone us on 095-22888 CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
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REGIONAL NEWS World Dance Workshop A free World Dance workshop will take place on Thursday April 3rd at Ionad Pobail an Mhama between 8:30 and 10:15pm. Circle dances from around the world will be demonstrated and taught. They are easy to learn and they tone the body and lift the spirits. Men, women and children over 9 years of age are welcome for a night of fun and dancing for all involved. For further details call Jean Parker at The Old School, Maam, Co. Galway on (091) 571157.
Connemara Adventure Club An exciting new venture involving young people is taking place in Connemara at the moment. This venture involves a partnership between Forum, a local community development company and Killary Adventure Centre, one of Ireland’s foremost outdoor centers. This project introduces young Connemara people aged 13 and upwards to the challenging world of climbing, canoeing and the outdoors with all its magic. Every Sunday, for 12 Sundays, 16 young people attend the Killary Adventure Centre and take on the task of learning to canoe and climb in a safe, yet challenging environment. ‘This is a pilot project which if successful may lead eventually to the establishment of an adventure club for the young people of our area’ says John Coyne, Manager of Forum. Jimmy O’Toole, Teacher at Clifden Community School, who co-ordinates the project in the school says he’s delighted with the progress to date: “things are flying along nicely; everybody is really focused and enjoying all the activities at the centre”. Mary Young of Killary Adventure Centre, an experienced adventurer herself, expressed her enthusiasm that an adventure project for young people is being set up. “This gives young people a great chance to experience the
thrill and excitement involved in out door activities in a well established safe environment”. For further information contact Geraldine Kelly, Forum, 095 – 41116. Photo: Young adventurers Eric Coyne, Renvyle and Liam DeCourcey, Roundstone, enjoying the climbing wall at the Killary Connemara Adventure Club.
Connemara National Park The Connemara National Park in Letterfrack is now open daily right through until October. All the usual sights and surroundings are of course there to be enjoyed with a multilingual audio-visual show and an exhibition on the Connemara landscape. The nature trails and Diamond Hill walks can be enjoyed in whatever weather may be ahead, as well as the indoor and outdoor picnic areas and tearooms. See what creatures you can spot on the park’s many nature trails, or stop and have your picture taken with one of the park’s many Connemara ponies. Brochures of guided walks, pony information, evening talks and a children’s programme will be available from May onwards. Opening hours for March April and May are 10-5:30pm, June July and August 9:305:30, and September to October 10:30-5:30. Admission is free as always, so drop by for a walk or just to be closer to nature, and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular surroundings all around.
Walkway Scheme The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., on March 4th announced the introduction and funding by his Department of a Walks Scheme, which will be initially launched in four pilot areas. The scheme will see landholders receive payment for the development, maintenance and enhancement of approved National Waymarked Ways (NWMW) and Looped Walking Routes that pass through their land or alternatively, their maintenance under the Rural Social Scheme. Participation in the scheme will be optional and access is granted by the permission of the landholder. The four trails selected for the pilot are in Donegal, Cork, Tipperary and the Suck Valley Way in Roscommon/Galway. Minister Ó Cuív said: “The launch of this scheme is an important step in developing, on an agreed partnership basis, high quality trails and walking routes for the benefit of all our communities, both rural and urban, and for local farmers and walkers.” Local Development Integrated Companies (formerly LEADER Companies) will administer the scheme on behalf of Minister Ó Cuív’s Department, with the assistance of the National Trails Office (NTO) at the Irish Sports Council and Fáilte Ireland and in association with local walking management committees and Local Authorities. It is anticipated that when the Scheme is bedded down in these four areas it will be rolled out to a further eight routes this year, with others coming on stream in 2009. It will eventually be open to all existing NWMW and Looped Walking Routes. In the future, new NWMW, Looped Walks and Heritage Routes may also be included along with other possible trails. Minister Ó Cuív said: “I have always agreed that there should be no cost burden on landowners for the maintenance of permissive ways that are open to the public at no charge. The introduction of today’s scheme will allow landowners to work an agreed number of hours, on an annual basis, on the section of walkway that passes through their land. They will be paid an hourly rate of €14.50 for this work and all materials will be supplied for the work. Alternatively the work will be carried out by the Rural Social Scheme. These hours will be agreed in advance with the landowner, the local LEADER Company, the Local Walk Management Committee and the NTO. Agreement has been reached with Fáilte Ireland for the employment of 11 Rural Recreation Officers (RRO’s) to promote walking tourism in areas where there are clusters of suitable, accessible walks. The RRO will act as a contact person for walking tourists and will provide a wide range of support and advice. The recruitment of these Rural Recreation Officers is well underway and they should be appointed next month. There will be a Rural Recreation Officer in the Sli Connemara and the approved Walking Route in the Connemara region.
Connemara on the Big Screen Connemara may experience an influx of French visitors and tourists this year as the natural beauty of the region features strongly in a new movie soon to be screened in France. “Film tourism” is a recognised term in the hospitality and film industry as people are often enticed to visit somewhere
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April 3, 2008
they have admired on screen. Failte Ireland is hoping to capitalise on Connemara’s exposure in the movie by running promotional pieces in the French press on the beauty of the region. There are also competitions running on French radio offering weekends in Connemara. Representatives of Failte Ireland will travel to the Paris premiere to invite French travel and lifestyle writers to come and experience Connemara for themselves and spread the word further. The major French movie “Deux Jours a Tuer” was also described in detail by Aine Ades, Failte Ireland Manager of Southern Europe, at the recent Connemara Tourism AGM, where she also emphasised the impact this type of exposure can have on tourism in an area. Ciara O Mahony, Tourism Officer with Failte Ireland West said, “We welcome anything that helps to promote Galway and anything that would help the visitor to engage with their surroundings when they visit”. A new Screen Commission is also being set up to attract movie makers to the west of Ireland, with the co-operation of Galway county Council, who hope that it will boost businesses in a wide variety of sectors in the county, as well as tourism.
Action for Autism Tommy Roe from Renvyle climbed Croagh Patrick for seven days in a row from the 11th to the 17th of March, in order to help raise money for children with autism. It was a tough challenge as the weather conditions were terrible during that week; hail, rain, high winds, thunder and lighting. Despite all of this Tommy completed the challenge and celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day knowing that he didn’t have to face the reek again on the 18th. While many climbed for children with autism in Co. Mayo, Tommy was the only climber to climb seven days in a row for Galway. There is only one school in the west of Ireland specifically for children with autism. This is Scoil Abalta in Galway City. They use the learning methodology A.B.A. which stands for Applied Behavioural Analysis. A.B.A. breaks down learning into small steps, and has proven to be very effective in educating most children with autism. In many cases, the children after A.B.A. Intervention, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy can progress to such an extent that they can join mainstream schools. Scoil Abalta is not fully funded by the state at its current level of provision. Fundraising is necessary in order to keep the school open for another year. Today the school is operating out of two houses which are totally inappropriate and inadequate. Work is ongoing to secure a site to build a new school. This also requires funding on top of the annual shortfall. Scoil Abalta has a waiting list of 20 children ranging from the ages of 3 to 15 years old and this list is climbing every day. Scoil Abalta along with Keith Duffy (pictured here with Tommy) is hosting a fundraising Ball in the Clayton Hotel on the 16th of May. Tommy attended the launch of this Ball on the 13th of March during his climb of Croagh Patrick. Keith, a Patron of Irish Autism Action and a parent of a little girl with autism who benefited by early intervention and A.B.A., launched the ball. Keith’s little girl has just joined mainstream school. Scoil Abalta is delighted with the support from Connemara and Tommy is continuing his fundraising effort until May. Tommy would like to thank the many people who generously sponsored the climb, sent good wishes and helped in any way. All the monies raised will go to Scoil Abalta through Irish Autism Action. If you would like contribute, cheques should be made out to; Irish Autism Action Galway and can be sent to Tommy Roe, Gurteen, Renvyle. Telephone 086-3707616. For further information on the Ball; which is guaranteed to be a most enjoyable evening, with many great prizes including a car, please contact Grainne, Development Officer at Scoil Abalta on (091) 589646.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Clifden
Walsh, Elaine Fahy and Megan Stoney. Well done girls and a big thank you to all who contributed. Photos of the Group are on display in Super Valu. PK Joyce
Playschool Race Night
Chamber of Commerce News
Clifden Playschool is holding a Fundraising Race Night at Mannions Bar on Saturday 12th April at 8:30 p.m. The playschool is an extremely valuable resource for all preschool children in the area and really prepares them well for primary school. Playschool expenses are funded by a government grant and fees collected by parents. Despite this, there is always a shortfall, hence the need to raise additional funds through fundraising events. We would love to see as many people as possible turning up as it should be a great night.
Clifden Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to a new season as the town starts to come alive again. First up in April is the Connemara Marathon which will take place on Sun 6th. This event is sold out with almost 4000 competitors taking part this year. Many are staying in Clifden for the weekend & it promises to be a lively weekend. Our inaugural Railway Heritage Weekend is on 18th-20th April so don’t forget to book your places now! Together with the Clifden Station House, Clifden Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Jazz & Blues Weekend for the June Bank Holiday. Headline Acts include Louis Stewart, Honor Heffernan & The Cafe Orchestra. Many more acts at venues around the town are lined up to have Clifden rocking with jazz brunches & blues sessions throughout the weekend. Posters will be out next week & full details will be posted on www.clifden.ie. Work is well on the way for our Alcock & Brown Commemorative Weekend from 12th-15th June, which will include walks, talks & documentaries on this historic flight. A surprise treat on Sun, 15th will open the Connemara skies! Clifden Chamber of Commerce held our AGM on Wed, 2nd April in The Clifden Station House. The meeting was well attended and the overall feeling was one of satisfaction with the job being done by the present council, who were all re-elected for the coming year. The present council: Gerard King, Chamber President; Declan Mannion, Vice President; Brian Hehir, Treasurer; and Aidan O’Halloran; Asst Treasurer. There will be a marketing drive in the next few weeks to fund the events being planned in 2008. All businesses are welcome & encouraged to join the Chamber. For more information, please contact Michele Hehir on 087 0520295 or email michele@clifdenchamber. ie Remember there is strength in numbers!
Clifden Tidy Towns The Super Sunday Clean Up will begin at the Ball Alley at 1p.m. on Sunday April 13th. With the right support it should take us no longer than 3 hours. One of our tasks is to have a chosen date each year for a huge clean-up. In order to get as many people as possible on board we have the enticements of competitions such as oldest bottle label found during clean up, and refreshments after the clean up kindly sponsored by Kavanagh’s Super Valu. As well as the Connemara View, Connemara Community Radio are providing us with publicity , plus the SuperValu notice board. An Post has also volunteered the town’s postmen to distribute flyers about a week before the clean up. The group will focus on additional projects including a Brodóig River clean up, restoration of small gardens and bigger ideas such as tree planting, restoration and clean up of old Town Graveyard into action. A word of thanks to Helen Ferguson who had a tidy up of the graveyard on her own and collected 9 bags of rubbish! We need to get away from people having the idea that Tidy Towns is about cleaning up others filth in general, to one of focusing on big individual projects which can and will have immediate impact on those visiting our community. Our 1st St. Paddys Day attendance on behalf of the Tidy Towns Group on Sunday 16th March 2008 went off very well. Kavanaghs Supervalu sponsored the banners and also the sweets given to all the children along the route which were very ably distributed by Aileen Joyce, Rebecca Walsh, Roisin
Senator Calls For Pupil-centred Approach A more pupil-centred approach is needed in our 2nd level education system, said Dr. Fidelma Healy Eames, Fine Gael Education spokesperson in Seanad Eireann. The overemphasis on academic subjects and exams is losing too many pupils along the way, most especially the 20% of our pupil population who are under-achieving and dropping out. In a national survey of Fine Gael public representatives with 102 respondents (Councillors, Senators and TDs) carried out by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, 82% of them said the most common second-level education issue brought to their attention relates to the need for more teacher-pupil attention in the classroom. They are regularly contacted about overcrowded classrooms in the core subject areas, and the lack of special needs teachers at 2nd level. This finding is wholly consistent with the ASTI’s number one demand for the
fabulous art work is on display in the Library. Library Week Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Craft exhibition, Jan Adams exquisite patchwork, Peggy Mannion and her students intricate Crochet, Maureen Finneran’s needlework, Mary Quinn and her personalized embroidery (great gift ideas for that special occasion) and Nancy Whelan’s character dolls. The exhibition of photographs and postcards of Clifden will remain on show for the time being. Railway Weekend In conjunction with Clifden Chamber of Commerce Railway Weekend in April the Library will hold an exhibition of railway memorabilia; we are grateful to everyone who lent items for inclusion in this exhibition. Book of the Month If you haven’t read it yet then ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner) is a must. The story is set against an unforgiving war-torn Afghanistan and spans more than three decades from the early 70s right up to 2003. It is the deeply moving story of the friendship between two women, Mariam and the younger Laila and their endurance of the degradations which can be imposed upon women. Mariam’s mother tells her ‘Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman’. ‘It’s our lot in life, women like
us, we endure, it’s all we have’…This is a very easy book to read, don’t be put off by the backdrop of war. In fact it’s a real page turner (I read it in two days). I recommend this book to every woman. You may never take anything for granted again. Bernie Jeffries
Library News Easter Competition Congratulations to Hazel Scullion winner of the Easter Competition; a large Easter egg is on its way to Hazel. Well done to all the children who entered the competition, their government to prioritise the reduction in class size in the core subjects as promised in the programme for government. “Catering for pupils with special learning needs at second-level is far more unsatisfactory than at primary. It appals me to see what poor education pupils with learning difficulties are experiencing in our exam-points-driven system. Little wonder they can’t wait for 16 years so they can drop out,” said Dr. Healy Eames. School Funding issues relating to building costs (e.g. repairs and the need for new buildings) was ranked as the 2nd most common issue (50%), followed by the need for extra school-based learning support services, specifically psychological assessments and speech therapy. Extra help for early school leavers was ranked third (34%). “Taken together, the most common 2nd level education issues, outside of school funding, relate to pupil learning and the need for adequate support services at second-level for all pupils”, said Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
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RNL I L i febo at Naming Ce re mony Clifden continued Thomas Whelan Memorial On Easter Monday, North Connemara Sinn Fein laid a commemorative wreath on the Thomas Whelan Monument at the top of the Beach Road in Clifden. Thomas Whelan of Sky Road Clifden was executed aged 22, despite always protesting his innocence of the crime for which he was charged, during the War of Independence in 1921. Along with all others who died for Ireland during the 1916 Rising and the Troubles, his death is commemorated and remembered every year at Easter time. (See photo)
The new D Class Lifeboat the “Grainne Uaile” was launched to great fanfare at the Station House Hotel on Saturday the 8th of March. A great night was had by all in attendance at the annual RNLI Dinner dance the night before, where Andrew Bell of Clifden was named as Crew Member of the Year, voted by his fellow crew members.
At the naming ceremony the lifeboat was gratefully accepted and welcomed by Chairman Jackie O Grady; Malachy Kearns of the “Clifden Appeal”, who received an award for his ongoing efforts in fundraising; RNLI Council Member John Coyle; Peter Bailey, Lifeboat Operations Manager; and Mrs Anne Marie Bennett, Honorary Secretary of the Clifden Fundraising Branch.
Fr James Ronayne and Rev. Denis Sandes conducted a service of dedication with hymns and the anthem “Home from the Sea” performed by the Clifden Church Choir. The boat was then officially named and “christened” by Emer Joyce, who told of how she herself had been helped in a time of great difficulty by the Clifden Lifeboat Crew. (See photos below and next page)
A Lifetime of RNLI Support
weather conditions could mean that boats would get into difficulties on the Dogger Bank or the Goodwin Sands. The lifeboats from Sheringham and Cromer would respond to these emergencies. At that time the Cromer crew was headed by Coxswain Henry Blogg, who has gone down in history for his numerous rescues and incredible expertise. “I knew my last moments had come” said one survivor , “I was so cold , I wanted to give up, and the water was dragging me down - and then, in what might have been my last glimpse of the sky, I saw two big hands reaching to grab me, and I was pulled over the side into the Lifeboat by Coxswain Blogg.” By the mid 1930’s Sheringham had a new motorised Lifeboat and a new Boat House at the North End of the promenade. I remember vividly the launch and naming ceremony on that occasion. The old Lifeboat was launched each year for the Sheringham Regatta, and anchored off shore where it served as a site for the greasy pole competition , winning post for the swimming races and a base for the fireworks display at the end of the day. The war years intervened. As a family we evacuated to Scotland and later we moved to Ireland where my Father bought the Rock Glen Hotel, which we ran for 25 years.
During the 50s and 60’s my Father met Donald and Elizabeth Robb of Cashel, who enthusiastically raised funds for the RNLI long before a boat was stationed in Clifden. When that happened, a new element was introduced to the community which soon proved its worth. So many people have given their time, money and expertise to make it happen here in Clifden, and our new Lifeboat is something of which we can all be very proud, as we are also of the efficient and highly skilled crew. It’s a far cry from the days of the wooden Lifeboat in Sheringham, and the fund raising dinner dances my Father held in Rock Glen some years ago, but the fund raising goes on. Our new boat, the Granuaile was named at a ceremony in March. The occasion was made even more poignant given that recently our Lifeboat rescued survivors from an overturned currach during a winter storm. The Lifeboat reached them in time and they live to tell the tale. Having been involved for so long with the RNLI Fundraising Branch I am honoured to have been awarded the Donald Robb Perpetual trophy for 2008. I am delighted to accept it. My Father would have been whole heartedly supportive of the RNLI in Clifden, so I accept it for him too. Lavinia Joyce
The Cup
St Anne’s Nursing Home As we are heading into the month of April, and hopefully better weather, we in St. Anne’s are always looking forward to seeing visitors. If you want to bring your four legged friend than he or she is welcome as well! Just make sure they are always on a lead. April “brings the showers for the May flowers”, so we’ll keep up with the proverb and make sure the rooms in St. Anne’s will be filled with flowers. On Friday the 4th, we’ll be making flower arrangements in the afternoon. On Monday the 7th we will make decorations for spring and summer. We’ll be showing-off our knitting and sewing techniques when we’ll be doing crafts in the
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As a child my imagination was fired by the RNLI and the incredible bravery of the men who rescued seafarers in distress. My father was a fundraiser for the Sheringham Lifeboat. He knew all the crew of the wooden rowing boat which in those days was as modern as the times allowed. The men in Sheringham made their living from crab fishing. They were a close knit, closely related community. I knew Chuck West, Go farther West, Teddy West and several others, I listened as they talked with my Father. The Lifeboat House was at the top of a steep slipway down which the boat would launch into the turbulent and choppy North Sea. The Boat house smelled of tar and the sea; spare oars stood along the walls; huge coils of rope hung from the rafters; oilskins hung from hooks. Everything was orderly and ready for use. Call outs were frequent as the busy shipping on the North Sea and bad afternoon. On Thursday morning, we will have our weekly mass @11.30 and on Friday 11th we will be doing exercises to keep as agile as possible. On Wednesday morning of the 16th we will have assistance from our local artist who will be giving us ideas and inspiration for getting in touch with our creative side. Friday the 18th will be a “barking mad” afternoon, as we plan to have a dog activity. There will be some dogs around keeping our residents company for a while. On the morning of Tuesday 22nd of April we will have our friends from Criost Linn come over to help us with exercises and sit-down dancing. In the afternoon we will exercise the brain with brain teasers and other question and answers all for a bit craic! If the weather is good then you can see us on the road with our bus on Wednesdays during April. Hopefully we’ll be able to go to see the beauty of Connemara in the sunshine for ourselves! Marian Hanrahan, Dir of Nursing
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Late last year I was approached by the RNLI head of fundraising to organise a Lifeboat Appeal and raise funds for a D Class lifeboat which would replace the old boat at Clifden Station. I agreed to do so providing the Appeal would not impact on our regular contributors and Branch fundraisers. I put together a small committee, and we decided that we would source donations from the corporate companies who had a business connection or were associated in one way or another with Clifden and the Roundstone area. Our target was to collect €45,000, which was the price of the new lifeboat. Appeal letters were sent to the various companies, and these were followed up with personal telephone calls to the company
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directors. The response to the appeal proved more successful than we had anticipated, and a grand total of €67,1025 was donated. The amount included a cheque for €14,000 that I received from Ms Emer Joyce, which she raised from a currach-racing event. A further donation of €10,000 was received from a survivor of a rescue mission by one of our lifeboats. There was also a donation of €1,400 from the Connemara Rugby Club, which were the proceeds of the Christmas swim in Cleggan. There were also many private donors who donated lesser amounts. As the amount donated exceeded the cost of the D Class lifeboat, the surplus will go to the purchase of a new Atlantic lifeboat when the old boat falls due for replacement. The Appeal Committee would like to thank all donors who so generously responded to our appeal. Yours sincerely, Jackie O Grady, Chairman, Clifden RNLI
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
UPCOMING EVENTS IN CLIFDEN sponsored by the Clifden Chamber of Commerce
Connemarathon April 6th The Clifden Chamber of Commerce, proud sponsors of the Connemara Marathon, welcomes all participants and families to Clifden.
C LIFDEN H ERITAGE R AILWAY W EEKEND 18th-20th April, 2008 Celebrating one of the great lost railways of Ireland, the Clifden Chamber of Commerce, together with Galway County Council & the Clifden Station House Theatre, hosts our inaugural Railway Heritage Weekend from the 18th-20th April, 2008. The weekend will be launched by Minster Eamonn O’Cuiv on Fri, 18th April at 7pm in Clifden Station House followed by the reissue of The Connemara Railway by Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill. A special late night railway comedy movie, The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953), will be shown in the Station House Theatre at 10pm. Saturday will feature a day of lectures & documentaries in the Station House Theatre. Lecturers will include Paul Duffy, Kathleen Villiers Tuthill, Michael Gibbons & Fergus Mulligan. Saturday evening will finish with a Commemorative Railway Dinner in the Clifden Station House. Sunday winds up the weekend with a fascinating walk along part of the original railway line, guided by local historian & archaeologist Michael Gibbons. Places are limited for this weekend so early booking is essential. This can ONLY be done through Michele Hehir at 087-0520295 or email at michele@clifdenchamber.ie.
For more information, go to www.clifden.ie. Railway photos courtesy of Paul Duffy
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
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Ballyconneely Decaying cetaceans and other litter About time! After weeks of waiting for the council to remove 2 decaying whales and a dolphin from the Ballyconneely beaches, an appeal via Galway Bay FM and an article in The Star finally got Galway Co. Co. into action. A few days later, the unfortunate cetaceans were buried with the help of the locals and the green keepers of the golf course who provided the machinery. On behalf of the community, thank you very much!
With the tourist season kicking off we were really concerned about the “lasting impression” visitors to this most scenic part of the country would get if stumbling over decaying whales and dolphins on the beach. Not to mention the stench! Another problem is the amount of jetsam and flotsam littering our beautiful coastline. Broken fish boxes, plastic bottles, pieces of fishnets, ropes etc are piling up yet again and are an eyesore to anyone walking the beaches. Some places on our commonage seem to be a favorite dumping spot for all sorts of household goods. Over the years I have taken a large number of foreign people out on horses in the area and despite the scenery taking their breath away, the ever returning comment is: “ What a shame there’s so much litter everywhere in Ireland”. How embarrassing! If we are to sustain a thriving tourism industry, which is a main source of income in the West and particularly in Connemara, it is paramount to keep the place tidy and show the rest of the world that we do care about our own environment. Wouldn’t it be sad to see Connemara lose its reputation as one of Europe’s outstanding beauty spots? With a little help from our friends we could go a long way and therefore we appeal for volunteers to join us on Sunday 20th April next for a clean-up of the beaches. The starting time is 1pm. Meeting place: The Point Pony Trekking. Arrangements will be made with the community warden for the provision and collection of refuse bags. We will try to get permission for a tractor with skip on the beaches in order to be able to throw in the litter as we go along picking. As for the removal of the bigger stuff on the commonage, we hope the council will give us a hand. For further info please call Anne or Sean at The Point Pony Trekking Ballyconneely on (095)-23685 or (087) 246 82 94. We’ll keep you posted on the outcome! Anne Steyaert Photo by Laurence Hofman
Carna School Strike Students of Carna Community School held a protest recently about the heating system, or lack of in their school. The students complained of constant cold in their class-
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rooms and expressed that this has been a problem for a long time, but made it clear that the protest was not aimed at their teachers. The school Principal Tomas O Nidh and the Chairman of the Board of Management have already met with Education Minister Mary Hanafin to seek improvement works on the school, including a new heating system as the current situation is unacceptable to all who attend and are employed at the school. The school will continue to press hard until the students can attend classes in comfort, with an adequate functional heating system.
Carraroe Drug awareness workshops Parents of students of Scoil Chuimsuitheach Chiarain in Carraroe recently attended a series of drug awareness workshops in the school. The Western Region Drugs Taskforce
facilitated the workshop and it was organized under the Home School Liaison Scheme. Photo above: Back - Padraig O Donnchu, Maire Ni Choncheanainn (Teagmhalai Baile ‘s Scoile), Mairin Seoighe, Coilin O Conghaile, Criostoir O Conchubhair, Tim O Ceallaigh, Pat O Muillaoidh, Cathy Ui Mhuillaoidh, Noirin Seoighe and Caitlin Ui Dhomhnaill. Middle: Jennifer Corbett (aisitheoir Tascfhorsa Drugai Réigiun an Iarthair), Theresa Mhic Dhonnacha, Mary Ann Ui Chadhain, Aine Ui Cheallaigh, Annie Ui Chonghaile, Jackie Ui Fhlathata, Nora Ui Dhonnchu, Pauline Ui Eidhin, Peigi Mhic Dhonnacha, Pauline Ui Churraoin, Nan Bhreathnach, Ellie Seoighe and Treasa Ui Chuinn. Front - Bridie Mhic Liam, Brid Ui Ghairbhin, Bridie Ann Ui Ghriofa, Michelle Mhic Dhonnacha, Ros Ui Loideain, Caitriona Ni Dhroighneain, Mairin Ui Fhlatharta and Saili Bairead.
Cashel Easter Social Night There was an enjoyable night of music and dance in the Cashel Commmunity Centre on Easter Saturday night. The music was provided by ‘Craic’ and the bar licence was from Tigh Festys in Recess. The next scheduled event is on Saturday May 3rd.
Community Alert There is an effort to revive the Community Alert scheme in the Cashel and Recess areas. A recent meeting in Cashel was attended by Bernie Carney from Muintir na Tire who outlined the details involved in setting up a new Committee. It is hoped to have another meeting soon and anyone interested will be welcome to attend. Photos below: Development work on Wallace’s Pier in Lettercamps, Cashel. The project is co- funded by Roinn na Gaeltachta, the Depatment of Marine and Galway County Council. Schoolkids from St Teresa’s National School who
April 3, 2008
attend the weekly Friday night sports at the Cashel Community Centre. Bernard Lee
Cleggan Claddaghduff Cleggan Airstrip A contractor has been offered the job of developing the Cleggan airstrip, but a date has not yet been set for when work will begin. The Dept for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs has said that work is expected to be finished on the Inishbofin airstrip this coming summer. This would then pave the way for work to be completed on the Cleggan side, and take the process one step further in the provision of an air service between the two points.
€90,000 Grant for Cleggan Pier A grant of €90,000 was sanctioned on March 8th by Eamon O Cuiv T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs to assist the Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the development of storage space for freight on Cleggan Pier. Works will be carried out to provide two freezing units for the freight service to Inishbofin. Minister O Cuiv said “This is an important facility that will ensure the safe storage of food until it reaches its destination on the island…it will be a welcome addition to the new subsidized freight service that will soon be in operation.” All grants are likely to be well received in both Cleggan and Inishbofin, and it is hoped that the car parking situation will also be attended to in the near future.
Claddaghduff Hall Thank you to all who supported the recent Monster Car Boot Sale and Indoor Market in aid of Claddaghduff Hall. A special word of thanks must go to Enda from the Fruit & Veg shop in Clifden and to Padraig O’Sullivan and Tom Dyke for their kind donations. The winners of the luxury Easter Eggs were Theresa Gordon, Aughrismore and Tom McWilliams, Ballyconneely. Thank you to all who bought lines and to all of the sellers too. Our next big event will be the Gala Evening which is to be held in Claddaghduff Hall on May 31st (that is the June holiday weekend). There will be a concert featuring Cois Claddaigh, conducted by Brendan O’Connor. Afterwards there will be a Cheese & Wine Reception and Art Auction. Art has been donated by local and visiting artists including Margaret Irwin, John Coll, Cathal O’Malley, Caroline Canning, Chris McGloin and many others. Tickets are available locally or contact Laurence Conneely at 095-44916 or Leo De Courcey at (095) 44392. We are all looking forward to a very enjoyable evening.
Cleggan Claddaghduff Community Council The Annual General Meeting of the Cleggan Claddaghduff Community Council will be held on Monday, April 14th at 8:30pm in the Community Centre in Cleggan. All are welcome. Laurence Conneely
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Inishbofin Infrastructure News The works involving the contractors from the mainland are on the final lap at last, and if the weather improves Keating Construction hopes to have the buttressing to the cliff, new pier and old pier projects finished by the end of April. These projects have caused major disruption on the island and everyone is very much looking forward to the work being completed and getting the island back to normal. When Keatings have finished, it will certainly have improved the island from the pier’s point of view and it will be great to have the Low Road reopened after its two and a half year closure and not have to worry about it collapsing into the sea anymore. The airport should have most of the work completed by July on the actual strip and fencing, lights drainage etc. The airport building is under consideration by the aviation authority and subject to this process the plans will be submitted for planning in due course. The mainland airport is due to have a contractor awarded within the next month. The local Galway Co Co team will continue the work on the Pound Road and the other island projects as agreed under the island’s development plan.
Community Service Programme There are currently two people now employed under the CSP and there are interviews planned to fill three more positions. If the CSP is successful in its current recruitment campaign, this will get the programme moving in the direction of fulfilling its aims and objectives for the Inishbofin community.
National Loop Walk Programme The CDP Office has succeeded in getting approval for a loop walk on the island. These walks are recognized and promoted by Failte Ireland nation-wide (and internationally) and will be a significant plus for tourism on the island. It is planned to install the directional posts etc in the immediate future. This walk will start at the pier, up the Pound Road, back the High Road, out the Fawnmore mountain road and on out the North Side coming around and over the South Side road and finishing at the pier and will be known as the West Quarter Loop Walk.
Inishbofin Arts Festival Preparations for this year’s Community Art’s Festival are well underway with acts such as Jack L, Island Eddy, Jess Klein, Niall Toner Band, and Breakdown Rambler already confirmed. Exhibitions will feature prominent and upcoming artists such as Anne Morgan and Joanne Hynes. Throughout the weekend, workshops in a variety of disciplines will run, including a weekend workshop in film and documentary making with local acclaimed director Kieran Concannon, Sean Nos dancing workshop with renowned dancer Emma O’Sullivan, and various workshops and street performances for kids by Circus and street performance pioneers Stagecraft. Various ecological and archaeological walks will also be a feature of the festival, with renowned tour guides such as Michael Gibbons and Dave McGrath. Celebrated poet Richard Murphy who has a rich history and association with Inishbofin will be reading his poetry. Many other acts are yet to be confirmed but already this year’s festival is already shaping up to be something very special.
RNLI Fundraiser A fundraising dinner dance in aid of
Clifden Lifeboat Station will take place in Inishbofin House Hotel, Inishbofin Island on Saturday 5th April 2008. This will be the first fundraising dinner dance for the RNLI to take place in Inishbofin. Music will be by “Royal Flush”. Tickets cost €50 and are selling fast. For more information/tickets contact Rita on (086) 8850340 or Orla on (086) 8372702.
Leenane Leenane Walking Festival 3rd-5th May Plans for the upcoming Leenane Walking Festival are gaining momentum, as all levels of walkers prepare to enjoy the spectacular scenery and guided walks and hikes from Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May. Highlights include a guided walk up Mweelrea Mountain (the highest in Connacht with a speedboat drop off at the start), an exploration of Leenane Mountain led by Michael Gibbons and guided hikes up the Devil’s Mother and Ben Gorm. All guided walks and hikes cost €20. There will also be low level guided walks along the famine tracks, the Western Way and self guided short walks for all the family. Qualified and experienced guides aided by locals with vast knowledge on the area will lead all walks, and transport to and from starting and finishing points will be provided. There will be a gala dinner cruise in the Killary on Sunday evening at a cost of €20pp, the perfect way to wind down after a day’s energetic walking and rest tired legs. Families are especially welcome as Delphi and Killary adventure centres will be running many different activities for children. There is also accommodation to suit all budgets from B & B to hostels and hotels. For further information on bookings contact Hazel or Kathleen on (095) 42017 or (087) 2133838 or e-mail leenanekillary@eircom.net.
churches. The Mission Appeal asks for our continued support for missionary work in Africa. Rosemary Hanley
Maam Cross Wedding Fair at Peacocke’s A huge Wedding Fair and Fashion Show Extravaganza are to take place on the 13th April at Peacocke’s in Maam Cross. Doors are opening at 2pm, with a Fashion show at 3.30pm by Mandy Maher & The Catwalk Model Agency. There will also be some fantastic prizes to be won on the day. The Lakeview Room has been transformed into a banqueting room which will cater for wed-
Maam Ionad Pobail an Mhama Two very successful card games were held in the Community centre to raise funds for the Galway Hospice and for the Children of Belarus. A big “Thank you” to everyone who supported the card games, gave prizes for the Raffles, and donated money for the two charities. Coiste Forbartha an Mhama would like to thank everyone who attended the card games during the winter. Card games and Irish Set Dancing will resume again in the Autumn.
International Women’s Day Members of Maam Women’s Group attended the international Women’s Day celebrations at Forum, Letterfrack. Workshops included Jewellery making, and skin care and Make-up. Lunch was served and everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing day.
dings and functions for up to 250 persons. It is located at the front of the hotel and incorporates all the wonderful views of the surrounding Connemara country-side. Peacocke’s now also has a brand new 100seat high quality coffee shop serving lunches, cakes, snacks and a range of hot and cold beverages. The self-service style Restaurant is incorporated into their current Craft and Gift Shop, with outdoor seating area to the
front of the Coffee Shop. The 60-seat restaurant will open on the 4th April where food will be served and cooked by Head Chef Michael Canning, who was Second Chef in Renvyle House Hotel for five years prior to joining the team at Peacockes. The refurbished Bogdale Bar also serves a full Bar Menu all day. Photo: Lynda Duffy, former Miss Ireland. Photo by Tom Broderick
Oughterard Comhairle na nÓg On 25th February, Clann and Galway County Council hosted a Comhairle na nÓg for youth from non-Gaeltacht Connemara. 38 young people attended from Moycullen, Oughterard and North Connemara, from 6th class and secondary level. The day aimed to create a forum for youth from the area to express their ideas and opinions on issues facing them today. A youth democracy group will emerge from this which will work on issues relevant to youth. The next Comhairle na nÓg will send a representative to the national Dáil na nÓg, which takes place in Dublin. Eric Cormican of Oughterard attended this year’s Dáíl na nÓg. Comhairle na nÓg will take place around Galway County, and the outcomes from each Comhairle will be used to promote an agenda for youth in the county and nationally. Continued on next page
Outing to Westport Eight ladies went to the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport to see the play “The Banshee of Crokery Hill.” This 3 Act Comedy was very enjoyable and was set in a cottage in the West of Ireland. Some members of the Cunningham Family from Cashel appeared in the Play and entertained us with their dancing. The play has now gone on tour in America.
St. Patrick’s Missions Fr. Andy Keating from St. Patrick’s Missions, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow spoke at Masses in Leenane, Kilmilkin, and Finney
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April 3, 2008
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table tennis, and soccer. Many thanks to the dedicated youth club committee!
Oughterard Comhairle na nÓg continued “The Comhairle was very good – it was good to see what’s available in other communities for young people,” said Laura McQuinn, a 1st-year student at St Paul’s. “It gave us ideas for what to do in our own area, and it helped us think about how to get things going.” Youth club: The youth club has been busy! There are about 70 youth in the club, and the parents of each member are asked to give some time to the club, to keep it going. The club won a quiz competition in Tuam, is going to Killary Adventure Centre over Easter, and will be entering the Youth Work Ireland competitions, in hip hop, basketball,
Oughterard Youth Arts Festival From the OYAF Youth Committee “Hi, my name is Barbara Welby. I am going to tell you about the Oughterard Youth Arts Festival. It was on 29 February ‘til 2nd March. We had lots of workshops: salsa dancing, clay modelling, DJ & rap, hip hop, mobile-making, belly dancing, and lots more. A lot of people turned up to these workshops, and thought it was just brilliant, and we are thinking about doing it next year too. Also there was a Cinemobile, and there was a knit-a-thon all day Saturday where a good few people learned to knit. The last day we had a Grand Finale which took place in the Oughterard Community Centre, with You’re A Star in Irish by the Oughterard Óg Ógras Club, A Tale of Two Daughters by the OYAF Drama Group, and a performance from the new Oughterard Youth Circus. There was also face-painting and music from the Soundscape Barrel Organ Project, and we launched Derryglen NS’s art project, Ár gCeantair Féin.” We’re looking for people to develop the festival for next year! Have ideas for OYAF ’09? Want to work alongside youth and adults to create a fabulous Youth Arts Festival for Oughterard? Get in touch!
Also Happening for Youth The Oughterard Youth Circus has sprung out of OYAF ’08 and will continue as a project in its own right. Youth-want to learn and perform circus skills? Adults- want to help kids grow and develop through circus? Contact us! There is talk of setting up a drama group, for youth and adults. Contact us if you’re interested! The Ógras club is running successfully, but needs more helpers with Irish! The Girls’ Group, for 1st and 2nd year girls, will be starting up soon – it will be a space for girls to get together on their own terms. Contact Kerry E’lyn for more info. A sexual health education project will be starting in the near future as well. Contact Kerry E’lyn for more info.
Oughterard Club4U The Oughterard Club4U has been awarded €1,500 as one of 55 groups around the country working with youth and children. The grants were made by the Irish Youth Foundation, a fundraising charity dedicated to providing positive opportunities for thousands of
children and youth all over Ireland. Club4U is a new fun alternative to “drinkin-the-park” culture that haunts Ireland’s youth. Local Club4U clubs arrange discos and events for teenagers run by teenagers (15-18 years old), adults and community gardaí. There are over ten clubs nationally, and with recent funding from the Health Service Executive, the Club is looking to expand into more communities. Club members receive training and participate in Crew Members of the Year Awards, a National Variety Show, and other national events. Club4U is a great example of youth participation, and the youth, volunteer adults, and local support from the gardaí determine the success of Club4U at a local level. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Oughterard Club4U, either as an adult volunteer or a young person, please contact Clann Resource Centre on 091 557633. To find out more about Club4U, check out www.club4u.ie.
Oughterard Youth Café Oughterard Youth Café is still looking for good-quality donations – in particular, a pool table, air hockey, a TV, dartboard, books, magazines, board games, a sound system, paint, tools, rugs, DVDs… Have something you don’t need anymore? Why not give us a ring to see if it might be of use to this great project? Or, are you a tradesperson or have some time on your hands? We will soon need all hands on deck to help refurbish the premises and get it up to speed. We also need volunteers to help run the café. We need a rota of adult volunteers who will be able to work one shift every couple of weeks or so, so we can open the youth café and keep it open! Training will be provided. *All volunteers working with young people will be required to sign up to Clann’s child protection policy.*
State of the art fitness Corrib Gym, which is located in the centre of Oughterard town, offers the wonderful facility of a fully equipped state of the art gymnasium. Due to funding from the Government as well as major investment from Oughterard Community Centre, we have recently opened a new sauna, steam-room and relaxing area. Corrib Gym will hold an Open Day on Saturday 5th April 2008 from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. This will give everyone the opportunity to see and experience these facilities. There will be special offers on memberships on the day as well as free activities which will include free day pass to the gym, steam-room and sauna, mini fitness tests and exercise classes to suit everyone, young and old. Everyone welcome.
Lisa O’ Halloran, who was picked the week previously as Maid of the Parade was the first contestant up to answer questions, and won €150 in the contest... She also led the St Patrick’s Day Parade which was a great success with 38 entries. Photo: Lisa O’Halloran (Maid of the Parade) with Mr Ollie Turner. Senator with members of the Parents Assocation Committee (l-r): Dierdre Webb , Jackie Gibney , Ann Gibbons, Sen Fidelma Healy Eames ,Catherine Whittaker and Giulia O’Connor. Photo by Tom Broderick
Glann Group Water Scheme Galway County Council has informed Connemara Councillor Thomas Welby that they have received tenders which include proposals to upgrade the Glann Group Water Scheme. The council is currently assessing these tenders and they hope to be able to award a contract to the successful contractor in the very near future. Councillor Welby has also facilitated a meeting between Galway County Council officials and the Trustee’s of the Lakeshore GWS with a view to taking it in charge. ‘It is hoped that if the Lakeshore Scheme is taken in charge, it will be able to supply the water for the Glann Group Water Scheme,’ said Cllr. Welby. ‘Both parties at the meeting agreed to the various issues and it is hoped that Galway County Council can move forward with the taking in charge of the Lakeshore Scheme in the next few months,’ he concluded. For further information please contact Cllr. Thomas Welby at (087)-2855676
Winning Streak Congratulations to Kathleen Keane of Roscahill and Margaret McDonagh of Oughterard who appeared on RTE’s Winning Streak with Derek Mooney on Saturday March 22nd.Margaret McDonagh from Billamore, Oughterard won €20,000 and Kathleen Keane of Roscahill was chosen to spin the wheel and won a grand total of €57,250. It is fairly unusual for two contestants from the same area to appear on the same episode, and fantastic to see them both receive some great prizes from the everpopular national lottery show.
St Patrick’s Maid Wins €150 “Who wants to be a thousandaire?” was a roaring success in Oughterard recently. Mr Ollie Torner of Galway Bay FM Master of Ceremony was delighted with all the money he gave away to the successful contestants. A brilliant night was had by the large crowd that attended. It was the topic of conversation after all the masses on Sunday. “A great nights entertainment, and even better that a very worthwhile cause was benefiting from it” said Maria, one of the spectators.
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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Roundstone Easter Egg Hunt at Errisbeg House The annual Children’s Easter Egg hunt here at Errisbeg had a great turn out of youngsters and parents and we were so lucky yet again with the weather. My thanks to Christopher Mc Donagh, Jonathon Magee, Martin Dooley, Ian Mc Donagh and Shane Mannion and to one of the best youth adult Leaders to work with, Geraldine Coyne, for her and every bodys invaluable help. Thanks also to all those that gave the extra eggs, Mary King, Shelia Magee, Bernie Mullen, Joanne and Ann Conneely, plus the visitors, the White family. A very special thanks to Mary McDonagh, (Paddy Shoulder’s wife) who spent a lot of time knitting, little chickens, and placing a small egg inside. They were so cute! I hope she will do the same for next year. Roundstone shops were wonderful holding the sheets of €2 a line. The monies raised after expenses was a staggering €588.76 which will go a long way for future outings. The first prize of the giant Rabbit went to Jackie Kilmartin, 2nd prize went to Michael John Conneely, and the third prize went to Master Joe Vaughan, son of Jim Vaughan, a huge thanks to you all.
Mary Manning Paddy the Yanks daughter Tracy who lives in America, sent me an email relating to her family, in particular to Mary Manning’s son, Erik Manning, who was recently named Deputy Grand Marshall of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade (held in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn on March 30th). There was a dinner dance on Feb 22nd in which all the Manning / McDonagh family were present to honour him. Attached is a picture of the Manning family. From left to right is Gene, Erik, Paul, Mary, Eugene. Photo: Mary McDonagh Manning with sons (l-r) Gene, Erik, Paul, and Eugene.
Dogs Bay, Green Coast Beach Award Here is something that could be good for Roundstone, this relates to the setting up of a green coast award for Dogs Bay. Dogs Bay, apparently was picked because of its sea water quality, and lots more. This is in conjunction with an An Taisce and Galway County Council, the idea is to implement a beach management plan, which as we all know, is already in place by members of the community re the Conservation of the Marron grass etc. However, here is an another opportunity to work together to developing the potential of the beach and hoping to sustain the beach for future generations. As I see it, the criteria for this award is quite complex, (1) no industrial or sewage discharge (2) no litter, i.e. litter management (3) safe for bathing (4) to ensure the protection of sensitive wild life and grass’s. (5) access to the beach to be safe and maintained. There are in fact lots more, but the point that I am getting out is this may well be an opportunity for more people to come on board as part of the beach management, which is a lot more attractive for funding, should it be needed. Anyway it’s food for thought. I suppose the first thing to do is to talk to the beach committee that is already in place, and see if we can give them more help, in their extraordinary on-going work.
The end of sheep farming? Continued from page 3 Speaking as Chairman of the Hill Farming Committee, Neilly O Leary called for farmers to stand their ground and say no to the Dept’s proposed clinics for discussion of the issue, and there was general agreement on this. The option of the discussion clinics, where a small panel of farmers would represent the farming community in talks with the Dept. was deemed unsatisfactory. Mayo County Chairman Martin Gavin spoke of the similar scheme implemented in the Nephin Beg area of Mayo, but stressed that Connemara was an entirely different case, due to the much lower amount and quality of lowland, and lack of access to sheds. A Mayo farmer, Michael Holmes, also spoke from the floor and warned of the drastically lower percentages of sheep actually going back up the hills during the permitted periods. He added his voice to the claim that this would undoubtedly be the end of sheep farming in Connemara and pledged the support of 300 farmers in the Nephin area in helping Connemara farmers fight this measure. Also speaking from the floor, Senator Fidelma Healy Eames indicated that she will be seeking an adjournment motion on the matter, and also questioned de-stocking as the best means of protecting the mountains, citing the example of the Burren. Cllr. Thomas Welby warned of the pitfalls of accepting compensation payments, and Cllr Seosamh O Cuaig also advised against settling for pay-offs. In conclusion, Michael Silke said “ the IFA will support you to the very last. We will not walk out on this area. We can do no deals, and will do no deals until the Dept. come down here and face you”. Connemara IFA Chairman Brendan O Malley has indicated that further meetings will be pursued, until the Depts of the Environment and Agriculture come down and face the people whose livelihoods and way of life they intend to take away. Catherine Pryce
DEATH NOTICES Sean Flaherty, Clifden Alice Lyden, Sky Road, Clifden Bridget Keaney, Liverpool & Ballinaboy, Clifden Michael Walsh, USA & Aughrisbeg The Connemara View would like to extend sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. This list is compiled from various sources and we apologise for any errors or ommissions.
Community Defibrillator Now some thing else has come to my attention, that I would like to throw out for Roundstone, and this is a chance through Galway County Council. A grant is available of fifty percent of the costs to have a Community Defibrillator placed in an accessible place in the village, but we may be late for this years grant. The rough cost of an Community Defibrillator is 4 to 5 thousand euros, training is provided, and the Community Defibrillator once in place is checked every week. Now has any body in Roundstone any thoughts on this idea, as to where it should be placed and would there be volunteers to help me on this, for this rather important piece of equipment to have it installed, and be trained as to how to use it should it be necessary.
Olivia (Nee de Courcey) and Brian Thornton Congratulations to Olivia and Brian Thornton who had their baby daughter, Ella, christened on Easter Sunday in Roundstone with Father McCarthy. I wish, on behalf of the community and myself, a good and long life to little Ella. Richard de Stacpoole
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April 3, 2008
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Easter Celebrations Photos above: The Annual Clifden NS Easter Egg Hunt at the Connemara National Park. Photos by Catherine Pryce. Photo below: Rev. Frs.Sean Manning and Jimmy Walshe (shown with the Mass servers below) concelebrated Easter Sunday Mass as dawn broke over the shores of Lough Corrib .A congregation of about 300 people attended. This is the 4th year that the Easter Mass has been celebrated at Bourisheen Bay, Oughterard. Photo by Tom Broderick.
Renvyle Lettergesh NS Fancy Dress The Parents and the organizers of the recent Lettergesh NS Fancy Dress Night which was held in the Renvyle Inn in Tully, would like to sincerely thank all those that helped organize the event and to everyone who came along on the night, those that dressed up and all who supported the event. The total amount raised was approx â‚Ź3,000.00 and a fantastic and hilarious night was had by all.
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April 3, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Times Gone By Shaaron Grogan Sheahan submitted the accompanying photographs, as members of her family from Errislannan are featured in them. The first photo was taken at Errislannan School House circa 1916, but it is unclear whether it is a class or school photo. Shaaron can identify her uncle Michael Grogan in the middle row at the far right, and
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
her uncle Joseph Grogan in the middle position in the front row. Her father John Grogan is to the immediate right of Joseph. She also adds that her father used to mention a teacher called Pat Casey. If anyone in the area is interested in the photo or is able to identify any of the others, a digital version is available. The second photo is Shaaron’s uncle Michael Grogan, and the other men who were the electricians that helped wire St Joseph’s Church in Clifden. Again, Shaaron and her family can only identify her uncle who is sitting in the middle of the front row. An historian and archivist from England, Shaaron would be very interested in identifying anyone in either of the photos and has kindly offered to make them available for anyone who might have an interest in them. You can get in touch with Shaaron if you can identify anyone in the photos, or would like a digital copy, by e-mail at: sgrogan-sheahan1222@rogers.com
April 3, 2008
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International Rugby Cap for Ballyconneely Sportsman Mannin’s Trevor Conneely won his first Irish international rugby cap on Friday March 14th in the under-20 international game against England. As a member of the Irish panel for the Under-20 World Cup, he will soon be going into intensive training in preparation for the games, most of which will be played in Wales. Trevor plays for Athlone/Ballinasloe team, Buccanneers, who are to be promoted to Division 1 of the AIL next season after an amazing season. Trevor played schools rugby at Clongowes Wood College in Kildare and is currently a business studies student at UCD, while also developing a flourishing career in rugby that is going from strength to strength. Photo: Trevor playing for the Buccaneers.
Mark O’Shaughnessy of Clifden following his team (St. Jarlaths) winning the Connacht Schools Football final a couple of weeks ago. Mark is pictured with his team mates, the cup & his nephew Oran on his shoulders.
Connemarathon - Sunday April 6th The Failte Ireland Connemarathon, which takes place on Sunday April 6th, is sold out, once again proving it’s fantastic success and popularity. Last years race was a sell out attracting 3,600 runners with over 30 countries represented. The day’s running consists of a half marathon (13.1 miles), a full marathon (26.2 miles) and an ultra marathon (39.3 miles). Ultra distance running is growing in popularity worldwide on a scale not seen since the marathon boom in the early 80’s and this ultra marathon is one of only two that currently take place in Ireland. The dramatic and breathtaking scenery of the Inagh Valley, Killary Lough, the Twelve Bens and the Maamturk mountains all add to the appeal of this internationally renowned race, and the huge numbers of participants and visitors give a fantastic boost to local businesses. 2008 is shaping up be another hotly contested day’s racing so hopefully a nice bright dry day will greet the long distance runners as they make their way through the Connemarathon once again. Kenyan marathon specialist Lezan Kimutai, who won the Connemara half marathon in 2003 and 2004, has this year set himself the aim of bettering the half marathon course record which stands at just under 67 minutes. A field of almost 4,000 people aged from 18 to 81, will all hope to make their mark on the day and enjoy the tremendous sense of achievement that is part of such an event.
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Connemara SportsView
Connemara Rugby The season is coming to an end with our last game of the AIB AIL on this weekend. The refixed game with Naas takes place at the Monastery Field on Saturday at 2.30pm. Wins against City Of Derry 25 19, Ards 33 13 and Co Carlow 12 10 moved us well up the table and if we can get a win with a bonus point on Saturday we could move up to fifth in the table. Last Saturday we travelled to Belfast to play second placed Instonians. The home side had an easy win and were promoted to Div.2. We were missing six of our players who were with the u20’s and Alan Keogh, who was out injured. The U20’s had their first real game of the season when they travelled to Cork to play Sundays Well in the playoff of the Southern Conference. Sundays Well are having a good season at u20 level and are unbeaten so far. It was going to a difficult assignment for our lads. We had the strong wind in our backs in the first half and started well, putting pressure on their line from the start. We couldn’t convert the early pressure into scores and The Well came more into the game as their heavier pack started to take control. Sean Joyce put us 3 up after 22min with a well taken penalty and made it 6 nil fifteen minutes later but with the home team having the wind in the second half we knew it was going to be tough to hold on to the lead. Good breaks by Eoin Bourke, Johnny Young and Paddy Madden had the hosts in trouble early in the second half, but again we were unable to convert them into scores. Ten minutes into the second half the game turned badly for us when the referee missed a knock on at the half way and as the ball was hacked forward. Rory Shanahan had no choice but to touch down and concede a five meter scrum. They got a good drive and we were unable to keep them out. The
Ladies G.A.A. Scoreboard O’Connor Shield Final (Senior) N.U.I.G. 2-9 U.C.D 2-4 West Galway Senior Championship Final Mná na Cathrach 2-7 Gráinne Mhaols 0-8 West Galway Intermediate Championship Semi-Final An Spidéal 9-9 St.Michaels 0-2 West Galway Junior A Championship Quarter-Final Salthill/Knocknacarra 9-20 Killannin 1-2 County Junior C League Final (2007) Claregalway 8-4 Caltra-Cuans 0-5 County Adult Leagues Division 1 (Senior) Corofin 6-13 St.Brendans 0-1 Dunmore McHales 2-20 Tuam-Cortoon 1-5 Killannin 1-12 Gráinne Mhaols 1-7 Division 1A(Intermediate)
conversion made it 7 6. Barry Gibbons claimed the restart and driven on by Martin Coyne, Ronan Keane and Martin Mannion, play was brought to the 22. Emmet Ferron and Cathal King drove towards the line but a turnover yards from the line denied us a try. Three minutes later Chris Casey and Rory Shanahan linked well with David Mullen who was tackled high and Sean Joyce kicked the penalty to make it 9 7. We didn’t hold on to the lead for too long, three minutes later a good switch by the home backs caught us out and they got another try which they converted to make it 14 9. John O’Brien came on with ten minutes remaining and had one good break but just lost his footing as he side stepped his man. With minutes left, Peter O’Toole made a good run up the wing to give us hope, but despite all the pressure we just couldn’t get the try we needed to get a result. Well done to John and Niall Malone and Gerry Delaney
and to all the lads for the effort they gave in Cork and they have a Cup semi against Galwegians coming up, so hopefully they might get to the Cup final for the fourth time in a row. The U14s have qualfied for the Plate Semi-final against the West Offaly Lions. The U13s will play the Plate Final on April 12th. The U8/9s will play in the Connacht Blitz this weekend in Castlebar. Peter Keane Photos: Top - Scrum in Carlow. Bottom - Line-out against Ards. Photos by Ciaran Hickey.
St.Michaels SCR Annaghdown W/O Caherlistrane 3-15 Milltown 2-13 Clonbur 4-8 St.Gabriels 5-5 St.Michaels 2-8 Clonbur 1-6 Division 2( Junior A) Glenamaddy 11-17 Monivea-Abbey 0-5 St.Marys SCR Kilkerrin/Clonberne W/O Leitir Móir 8-7 St.Marys 1-0 Glenamaddy 9-21 Corofin 2-3 Division 2A( Junior B) An Spidéal 1-8 Bearna 1-5 St.Colemans 2-12 Glynsk 4-4 Claregalway 1-12 Bearna 4-2 An Spidéal 3-9 Salthill-Knocknacarra 0-5 Division 3A( Junior D) Oileáin Aráinn 4-5 Michael Breathnachs 1-7 Na Laochra Gaeil 6-5 An Cheathrú Rua 0-6
Record Entry Expected for Inaugural West Galway Darts Open The cream of the Connemara crop, in addition to several County players from the environs of Galway city will be converging on Clifden’s Atlantic Coast Hotel for the inaugural West Galway Open Singles Championship and Shield Competitions on Sunday April 13th next commencing at 3 p.m. sharp. This tournament which is being organized by the Gráinne Mhaols Darts Administrative Committee commands an entry fee of €10. First Round losers in the Championship will automatically qualify for the Shield Competition. This will also be the case on Sunday April 20th when the inaugural West Galway Open Doubles Championship and Shield Competitions will be run off at the same venue. The Administrative Committee is also hoping to run off the Peter Lydon Memorial Cup in April (precise details to follow later). Meanwhile, the Connemara Inter-Pub Championship and Shield Competitions reached their dramatic conclusions last month. Keoghs, Ballyconneely captured the Shield defeating Veldons, Letterfrack 28-15 in a replay. These two teams earlier drew 27-27 in the initial match. Teach Daingin, Leitir Móir annexed the Championship title when they edged out Molly’s, Letterfrack 28-26 after a titanic battle. Special indi-
Connemara SportsView
vidual awards went to Eamonn Mannion, Tommy Flaherty and Larry Keady. C.L.G. Ghráinne Mhaoil would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participating teams for their co-operation, flexibility and above all great sportsmanship throughout the duration of the above competitions. Hopefully we will have many new entries from all corners of Connemara in 2009. A dramatic new development on the Inter-County scene has been the recent announcement that Connemara has been given permission by the Irish National Darts Organisation to participate as a County team in its own right in the West Coast Classic and the South Coast Classic. These competitions will take place towards the end of 2008 and the Connemara team will be managed by Renvyle’s Willie Gannon. Trials will be held at different venues throughout Connemara in the run up to these tournaments which could very well put a number of Connemara players in the shop window for selection to the Galway County team which will be participating in next year’s All Ireland Championships. Paul Gannon
April 3, 2008
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Connemara Pony Spring Weekend A fantastic programme of events made for a very interesting weekend for members of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society. Proceedings began on Thursday March 27th with the International AGM and the launch of Volume VII of An Capaillin at the Abbeyglen Hotel. Friday saw the colt inspections, an opportunity to see the “stallions of the future” and a great fun table quiz. An international judge’s clinic, lunging workshop, and educational seminar all took place on Saturday, and in the evening esteemed equine writer Pat Lyne launched her new book “Arctic Moon - A Connemara Breeder’s Journal 1964-2004” to a packed Station House Theatre. The book is a tribute to Pat’s foundation mare Arctic Moon, on whom the Chiltern Connemara Pony Stud was established in 1964. It is a wonderful memoir of forty years of breeding Connemara ponies, and is now available to buy at the Station House Museum. Good weather held out for the Driving Exhibition on Sunday morning and the Stallion Parade was the perfect way to see the very best of the breed being presented by their proud owners. A captive audience also watched the ever versatile and elegant Connemara ponies being put through dressage paces by their skilled riders on Sunday afternoon. The Spring Weekend was rounded off with the Elite Stallion Inspections for Class 1 stallions aged over 7 years. All considered, the weekend was a great success and has set the stage nicely for the 2008 Connemara Pony Festival, which is to take place from the 17th to 22nd of August. Photos: At the launch of An Capaillin, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society Yearbook are CPBS President Tom MacLochlainn and (l-r) Ruth Rogers, An Capaillin Editor and Asst. Editor, Ann Reade. Pat Lyne at the launch of Artic Moon. A selection of photos from the weekend. Photos by Catherine Pryce
Claddaghduff Pony Show The 21st Claddaghduff Show is to take place on Sunday the 27th of July this year. In order for the show to continue, new helpers and committee members are badly needed. A number of people on the committee in recent years have retired and need to be replaced. The number of meetings which need to be attended are kept to a minimum and even helpers in the last 2 weeks leading up to show-day would be of great help. It is strongly felt that members from the Claddaghduff area are most needed, at present there are no members on the committee from Claddaghduff. If anybody feels they may be in a position to provide any help or suggestions please contact Mary Sweeney King at Sweeney’s, Claddaghduff or on (095) 44673 or John Noel Mullen, Cleggan on (095) 44673 / (086) 3778403 as soon as possible. A meeting regarding the future of the show will be held at Claddaghduff Hall on Monday April 7th at 8:30 p.m. All are most welcome and any help or volunteers would be greatly appreciated.
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Connemara SportsView
Mannions AFC
Oughterard Sunday 9th March Results of 15 Hole Spring Competitions. 1st John G Walsh 16, 35-1=34Pts(22B9) 2nd Niall Malone12 34Pts(21B9, 15B6) Gross Martin Callagy, 8, 27 Gross Pts, 3rd Pascal McDonagh 12,34PTS(21B9, 14B6). CAT A (0-11) 1st Maurice Power, 7, 33PTS 2nd Jerry Gore, 8, 32PTS. CAT B (12-16) 1st Pat Browne, 15, 33PTS(21B9) 2nd Brian Langan, 14, 33PTS(18B9). CAT C (17+) 1st Eamonn Conroy 19,33PTS 2nd Gerry Beatty, 28, 31 pts. Sunday 16th March Results of 18 Hole Competition (Sponsor: M.Faherty). 1st Michael Coyle, 19, 38pts 2nd David Healy, 7, 37pts(20b9, 15b6, 8b6). Gross Martin O Cearra, 5, 32 Gross Pts 3rd Michael Seoige, 19, 37pts(20b9, 14B6). Cat A (0-13) 1st Anthony Palmer, 13, 37pts(20b9, 13b6) 2nd, John Palmer 13,37pts(18b9). Cat B (14-18) 1st John G Walsh, 16,37pts(19b9) 2nd Pat Kelly, 16, 37pts(17b9). Cat C (19+) 1st Heinz Rohleder, 21,35pts 2nd Eugene Hanley, 20,34pts(18b9). Monday 17th March:Results of 18 Hole Open Day Competition. 1st Ciaran Muldoon (Galway), 8, 39pts 2nd Kevin Begley, 16,38pts(19b9) Gross Martin O Cearra, 5 30 Gross Pts 3rd Sean McHugh, 27, 38pts(18b9) 4th David Walsh 14, 37pts(20b9) 5th Bill Payton, 17, 37pts(16b9) 6th Liam Brennan (Kilkenny) 11,36pts(21b9). Ladies Easter Hamper Competition (19/03/08). 1st Maureen Corcoran (36) 43pts, 2nd Ann Bhreathnach (23) 38pts, Gross Mary Molly (14) 21 gross pts. 3rd Kathy McGoldrick (36) 38 pts. Cat 0-20. 1st Barbara Buckley (18) 37 pts. 2nd. Olive Breen (20) 33 pts. Cat 21-28. 1st Peggy Blehein (24) 35pts. 2nd Chris Grandon (25) 34pts. Cat 29-36. 1st Rebecca Lee (36) 37 pts, 2nd Ann Walsh (36) 37pts. Sunday Competition 23rd March 18 hole Competition (Sponsor: Dooley Auctioneer). 1st Richard O’Brien (19) 39 pts; 2nd Tom Molloy (20) 37 pts (20B9), 15B6); Gross Liam O’Reilly (4) 31 Gross Pts; 3rd Dermot Begley (14) 37 pts (20B9, 14B6). Cat. A (0-12) 1st Chris Butler (9) 37 pts (20B9, 13B6) 2nd Gay Ryan (8) 35 pts. Cat. B (13-18) 1st Jerry Keeler (15) 34 pts (18B9) 2nd Kevin Lee (15) 34pts (17B9) Cat C (19+) 1st Michael Walsh (26) 37 pts (15B9) 2nd Dick Lyons (21) 33 pts. CSS 34 PTS. Ladies Easter Hamper Competition (19/03/08). 1st Maureen Corcoran (36) 43pts, 2nd Ann Bhreathnach (23) 38pts, Gross Mary Molly (14) 21 gross pts. 3rd Kathy McGoldrick (36) 38 pts. Cat 0-20. 1st Barbara Buckley (18) 37 pts. 2nd. Olive Breen (20) 33 pts. Cat 21-28. 1st Peggy Blehein (24) 35pts. 2nd Chris Grandon (25) 34pts. Cat 29-36. 1st Rebecca Lee (36) 37 pts 2nd Ann Walsh (36) 37pts. Sunday Competition 23rd March 2008 18 hole Competition (Sponsor: Dooley Auctioneer) 1st Richard O’Brien (19) 39 pts; 2nd Tom Molloy (20) 37 pts (20B9), 15B6); Gross Liam O’Reilly (4) 31 Gross Pts; 3rd Dermot Begley (14) 37 pts (20B9, 14B6). Cat. A (0-12) 1st Chris Butler (9) 37 pts (20B9, 13B6) 2nd Gay Ryan (8) 35 pts. Cat. B (13-18) 1st Jerry Keeler (15) 34 pts (18B9) 2nd Kevin Lee (15) 34pts (17B9). Cat C (19+) 1st Michael Walsh (26) 37 pts (15B9) 2nd Dick Lyons (21) 33 pts. CSS 34 PTS 26th March Voucher Competition: Competition Standard Scratch: 76. 1st Maureen Corcoran, 36,46 2nd Ann Kavanagh, 36,40 Gross Laura Gore, 16,21 Pts 3rd Collette Murray, 34,35 Category 0 – 20 1st Marguerite Fallon, 15,29 (B9) 2nd Rita Jordan, 14,29. Category 21 – 28 1st Peggie Blehein, 24,31 2nd Phil Kavanagh, 21,30 Category 29 – 36 1st Bridie Duane, 35,34 2nd Monique Bolger, 29,34 Nine Hole. Sunday, 30th March: Results of 18 Hole Competition (Sponsor: C & C) 1st Noel Bolger (21) 40 pts (23B9); 2nd Dermot Begley (13) 40 pts (18B9). Gross Michael Darcy (5) 34 Gross pts. 3rd Finbar Thomas (14) 39 pts
Connemara SportsView
2008 hasn’t resulted in flowing football for Mannions AFC; this is down to the number of cancelled games due to the weather rather than a lack of ability on the pitch. There was a gap of a month between the 1st team’s last league match against McDara and our latest league encounter. As the English Premiership title race draws to an end, the luxury of having a large squad is definitely influencing which teams will win silverware and which sides will get relegated. It’s no different in our West of Ireland division, it’s been a huge advantage that we could rely on a vast number of registered players when others have got injured, suspended or are (19B9, 7B3) Cat A (0-12) 1st Roddy Wyer (12) 38 pts. 2nd Eugene Thornton (11) 37 pts. Cat B (13-16) 1st Paddy O’Halloran (13) 39 pts (19B9, 5B6) 2nd Anthony Palmer (13) 36 pts (21B9). Cat C (17+) 1st John Morley (17) 38 pts 2nd Pierce O’Malley (19) 36 pts (18B9). CSS 36 pts.
Connemara Mens Wednesday 5/03/08 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford. 1st: Gareth Anthony(7) 43Pt2nd: Joe Lyons(+1)36Pts 3rd: Michael Moran (14)35Pts. CSS 36Pts. Sunday 9th March 2008 18 Holes Single Stableford 1st: Oliver McDonnell (12) 39Pts 2nd: Martin Casey (15) 35Pts 3rd: Martin O’Neill (19) 33Pts(b9) CSS 34Pts. Saturday 15th March 2008 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford Sponsor: ¼ Wine Bottle Co. 1st: Rory Sweeney (6) 39Pts2nd: Roddy McGahon (10) 35Pts. CSS- 37Pts. Sunday 16th March 2008 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford Sponsor: Clifden Service Station, Esso. 1st: John Wallace (20) 41Pts 2nd: Martin Casey (15) 40Pts Gross: David Lally (scr) 38Pts 3rd: Eamonn O’Loughlin (10) 39Pts(b9) CSS – 37Pts.
Ladies Sunday 2nd March, 18 Holes Stableford Sponsored by The Ladies Committee 1st Josephine O’Neill (28) Connemara 38pts 2nd Carmel Gaughan (24) 36pts. CSS 36pts. Sunday 9th March 2008, 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by The Ladies Committee.1st Mary O’Reilly (13) 36pts. (With a hole in one at the 11th.) CSS 36pts. Saturday 15th March, 18 Holes Open Stableford, Sponsored by Clifden Esso Station, 1st Cora Lawlor (27) Killiney 32pts. CSS 75 R/O. Sunday 16th March, 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Clifden Esso Garage.1st Aideen NiShlannchadha (30) Connemara Isles 41pts. 2nd Vyvyan Saunders (27) Sutton 39pts, Gross Laura Daly (9) Ballinrobe 24pts, 3rd Josephine O’Neill (27) Connemara 38pts. Sunday 23rd March, 18 Holes Open Stableford, Sponsored by Carrs Carpets, 1st Deirdre Murphy (17) Connemara 34pts, 2nd Mary O’Higgins (16) Galway 31pts, Gross Tara de Courcey (7) Connemara 23pts, 3rd Detta Doyle (23) Galway 30pts.CSS 75 R/O. Monday 24th March, 18 Holes Open Stableford, Sponsored by Super Valu, 1st Mary Heaslip (18) Galway 34pts, 2nd Mary O’Reilly (13) Connemara 32pts, 3rd Deirdre Murphy (17) Connemara 31pts.CSS 75 (33pts).
otherwise unavailable. The last weekend in March brought Mannions to Galway City to play Galway Bohemians in Knocknacarra. There had been many changes to our latest squad for reasons stated but all men that came in were capable footballers; the only issue would be how they’d play as a team. Bohs have a very flat and finely mowed pitch so there’s no excuse for not playing a smart passing game on the deck, which James Sweeney, Sean Mitchell and Thomas O’Malley were certainly doing when they got the ball to feet. When it was hoisted into the air, Brian Flaherty and Captain Cathal Mulkerrins fought hard to win headers and also get the ball in to dangerous areas. Brian Flaherty opened the scoring with a well-taken goal in the first half when we were definitely having the majority of the possession. However, the back line of Jonathan O’Malley, Liam Duffy, Liam Dilleen and Frank O’Toole along with Goalie Steve Weber worked hard for a clean sheet to take us in 1-0 at half time. The second 45 continued with fine football and plenty of chances for us, and James Sweeney smoothly slotted a second goal after strong pressure from a corner. I managed to hit the frame of the goal from a free kick after that and at this stage, it looked like we couldn’t lose. The increasing pressure soon shifted when we didn’t clear properly from one of their corners and then one of their players headed into our goal. Only a while later, they managed to draw level when one of their quick thinking midfielders had a shot from far out when they saw our goalie off the line. With this sudden change of direction we could have dropped our heads but instead we got back into their half as quickly as we could from the tip off. Michael Flaherty had come on as a substitute, and instead of having a blast from the right side of the goal he decided to calmly pass to Liam Dilleen who was standing at the edge of the box. His sweet low struck shot put us 3-2 up with minutes to play. These 3 points keep us in mid table for this season but a win was what truly mattered to us all. Kevin Gavin
Ras Chonamara Connemara’s Premier Bike Race
Building on the success of the 2007 event, the 2008 Ras Chonamara will take place in Oughterard and it’s surrounding area on the 12th and 13th April. Thanks to great local organization, sponsorship and help and support, last year’s one day of Bike Racing was so successful that this year the events have been extended to two days in order to accommodate more sponsors, more prizes, more categories and most importantly-more racing. Saturday April 12th sees the 10k Individual Time Trial, a technical and demanding course where cyclists battle against the clock and the winding Glann roads for every possible second. Sunday April 13th sees 100km of tough tactical road racing, where the riders will tear up the roads trying to outwit and outmuscle each other in the hunt for sprint and hill prizes and overall positions, where only the strongest will survive. Categories include Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Junior, Ladies, Senior C/B, Ladies and Vets. A large and very competitive field of cyclists is anticipated, and the Race Committee encourages everyone to come along to watch the drama and competition unfold once again this April.
Fianna Rua Handball Action from the recent All Ireland League match between St. Pats from Dublin and Na Fianna Rua. The Na Fianna Rua players Jason Ridge, Bernard Lee and Jack Vaughan stop a St Pats attack with goalkeeper Colin Reilly alert to the danger. St Pats won 38 –22.
April 3, 2008
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Connemara Pony Cup 2008
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com
Photos: Top - Winners of the Connemara Pony Cup: Naomh Feichin GAA Under 13 Team. BottomRunners-up: Renvyle GAA Under 13 Team.
Naomh Feichin G.A.A. Underage Registration
Naomh Feichin GAA Club Fixtures 2008
The annual underage registration day for Naomh Feichin G.A.A Club will take place on Saturday April 5th at the ClubHouse at the G.A.A Field on Hospital Rd, Clifden between the hours of 11am and 12:30 pm. It is open to all children (boys and girls) aged between 7 and 16 years of age, and their parents. The annual registration fee is €40 per child or €60 per family and children must be registered in order to take part. The registration fee covers insurance, training, supervision and coaching throughout the year. There is no charge for bus travel to matches as the underage club covers this. We would like to welcome players from Clifden, Ballyconneely, Aillebrack, Kingstown, Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Roundstone and Inishbofin. For further details or information contact Gerry Delaney on (087) 6111484, Paul Fitzpatrick on (095) 21631, Alice Black (095) 21967 or Ann Mitchell on (095)23938.
Senior / Intermediate League Cup GROUP2: Rd 1 NF v Maigh Cuilinn 23rd March; Rd 2 Killanin v NF 5th & 6th April, Rd 3 NF v Oughterard 12th & 13th April.
Intermediate League Rd 1 20/4/08: NF v St James, Rd 2 04/05/08, CarnaCaiseal v NF, Rd 3 01/06/08 NF v ML. Breathnach, RD4 29/06/08 St.Micheals v NF, Rd5 10/07/08 NF v An Fhairche, Rd6 24/31/08 Oughterard v NF, Rd7 28/09/08 NF v Leitir Mor
Intermediate Football Championship Rd 1 24th & 25th May 2008 NF v An Fhairche
Junior C League Group 2 RD 1 06/04/08 Na Piarsaigh v NF, RD 2 27/04/08 NF v Leitir Mor, RD 3 11/05/08 NF v An Cheathru Rua, RD 4 08/06/08 Renvyle v NF, RD 5 15/06/08 Carna – Cashel v NF, RD6 12/07/08 NO GAME FOR NAOMH FEICHIN, RD7 10/08/08 NF v Oilean Arainn.
Junior C Championship Preliminary Round: NF v Na Piarsaigh
Minor B Championship Preliminary Round: Bearna v Renvyle, Quarter Finals 25/06/08 A V Naomh Feichin
Minor B League Group 2 RD 1 24/03/08 Renvyle v NF, RD2 09/04/08 NO GAME FOR NAOMH FEICHIN, RD 3 16/04/08 NF v Oileain Arainn, Rd4 30/04/08 An Fhairche v NF, Rd5 07/05/08 NF v Carna/ Caiseal /Na Piarsaigh.
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April 3, 2008
Connemara SportsView
The Connemara View Crossword No. 43 1
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Across 9 Loud instrument in strings, moves to winds. (5) 10 With sorrowful expression I go in to decipher: is Al a false name? (5) 11 With such little publicity, there’s no bother. (3) 12 With time to spare you may peer before you begin your answer. (5) 13 Company manager will make a killing about four in Rome. (9) 14 To eye medical person with clout is disturbing? (7) 15 It’s the reason for making a move to put it back inside? (6) 17 Are they charged for article on poetry? (6) 18 See about animal lock. (6) 21 The most sensible solution is to be found in the west. (6) 23 Have stout before friend describes late result? (7) 27 One aspect of having debts, though not serious ones? (9) 29 A quick turnaround taking one back to celebrity? (5) 30 The member to end a story of old? (3) 31 Strange to have a sunbeam about in weather that isn’t sunny? (5) 32 Might one admit, with just slight hesitation, to possession? (5)
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Across 1. Large mammal (4,5) 9. Motion pictures (6) 10. Affecting (9) 11. Corkscrew like (6) 12. Job-seekers line up (4,5) 13. Trial (6) 17. Lyric poem (3) 19. Alleged medical treatment (7) 20. Large ape (7) 21. Twosome (3) 23. Shelter (6) 27. Obese driver should have one (5,4) 28. ------ island, Father Ted’s place (6) 29. Flying machine (9) 30. Punctual (2,4) 31. Deep in thought (9)
Down 2. Portable P.C. (6) 3. Small lace hole (6) 4. Large outdoor therapeutic bath (3,3) 5. Torpid, sluggish (7) 6. It’s a long way to this county (9) 7. Protruding abdomen, too much lager (4,5) 8. Canadian symbol (5,4) 14. Frightening, but not dangerous to the birds (9) 15. A person of mixed race (4,5) 16. Gambling is said to be this (1,4,4) 17. Strange (3) 18. Self pride (3) 22. An awful lot (7) 24. Protection from armed attack (6) 25. Uses delaying tactics, cinema seats (6) 26. Third place in the Olympics, or copper and tin united (6)
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1 Write the answer, though not before you solve the clue. (5) 2 Hurries when swallowing, can expect to suffer serious wind problems. (10) 30 31 32 3 Being in the red, go round and round, but was done for the good of the environment? (8) 4 + 3 + 3 + 3 gives a dozen of theirs. (6) 5 Are they camouflaged to observe wildlife on cows? (5) 6 Group of orcas disturbed about EU’s false Enter answers into draw of correct answers for a voucher beginning? (6) 7 At about eleven in Rome, one might be from Homewares Plus in Clifden by April 23rd found in rank surroundings. (4) Winners: Bogman 36 Barbara Davies, Cashel Connemara View 41 Jacinta Friel, Oughterard 8 Driven hard, as it were, into container of peas! (7) Answers to Bogman 37 & Connemara View 42 16 Mischievously enter rival for it, but it re1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R E M O T E C O N T R O L T D G H F U A C ally doesn’t matter at all. (10) 10 11 M N V S P E P R 9 H O R S E E V I L S S P A 19 Back the winner? (8) A U G M E N T T O R P E D O E Y T R X E P N 20 Quick as a bird or an old dean with one foot 13 T L N E I N R B 12F U M E S O V E R D O S E D in South Wales Lumber Yard, initially? (7) U N I T L E M O N B A B E T A E I D U I 22 In the theatre, rearrange an essentially 14 15 16 R S A M A N D T R C R A V I N G S P I K E D female part with a stitch? (6) E X H A L E D C E M E N T T E E A 24 Values what such a dumb creature is about 17 18 19 S D E C O R U M R F I E N D S D E A L E R to say. (6) 20 N P O L I C E C N B P 25 Subject to work in such a nervous condi- T R O W E L 21 22 23 24 U R R E N D N T D O P I A T E A P P R I S E tion? (5) 25 26 D I E T E M A I L C A L F C A P A U Q J 26 Angry tears resulting from eyes being 27 28 29 E G B B G W L O A D D I C T I O N P L U T O opened wide? (5) I O K L I T I I N I A G A R A G L A C I E R 28 Turn up, for example, account of bar’s 30 31 32 N I P L I L A C L I E O N T N R L E S A D construction? (4) C O N N E M A R A P O N Y
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CONNEMARA COMMUNITY RADIO 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Repeat of previous evening: Noon-4 pm.Weather Forecast (*Broderick Electrics; Sweeney Oil) & Community Notices : 3pm/4pm/8pm (*Gannon Sports) *Sponsors
MONDAY
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WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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11am – 12 Noon MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
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10am – 12 Noon
Monkeying Around
Sounds A Bit Irish
Heather Heanue & Dympna Heanue
Mike O'Malley *Connemara View
Mary Roe
Cathy Keane Brendan O'Malley
Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond
Heather Kearney
Eamonn McLoughlin 11am Clifden Mass live
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
4 - 5 pm
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Pirates of the Airwaves
Gateway Hour
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Gateway Hour
Pirates of the Airwaves
David Ciefielski 5:05 - 6 pm Hooked on Music John Duane * Clifden
Rory Tangrey 5:05 - 6 pm Jack's Spot
Mickey Mac 5:05 - 6 pm Inishbofin Live
Kathleen O'Brien 5:05 - 6 pm
Tonya Ni Cuireen 5:05 - 6 pm The Friday Feeling
Tonya Ni Cuireen 5:05 - 6 pm
David Ciefielski 5:05 - 6 pm Lyrical Allsorts
Jack Tomlinson
Paul Kehoe
6 - 7pm Live with John Dunne & Guests
6 - 7pm My Kind of Music Martin Conroy *Clifden
7 - 8pm
Talk Sport
Failte Mary Corbett Joyce *Aran Direct
*Mulcrone Bros
Margaret Sheehan
Pretty Good Day So Far Sean Halpenny
6 - 7pm Take It Easy
6 - 7pm It's the Weekend
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Michael O'Toole
Liam Joyce
Terri Conroy
Tom Mongan
7 - 8pm
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Community Matters
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Pat Walsh*Tullycross and
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8pm
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Michael O'Neill & Helen King 8pm
7 - 8pm Senior Side of the Street Josephine DeCourcey
Roundstone Report
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Cleggan/Claddaghduff
Bernard Lee
Breandan O'Scanaill
8:15 - 8:30pm Classic Half Hour Pat O'Toole
Chamber of Commerce
6 - 7pm As Gaeilge Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig 7 - 8pm
Richard de Stacpoole Anne Conneely 8:15 - 9pm Mandy's Manic Monday Mandy Linton
Cashel Credit Unions
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Brendan Ridge
*AIB
Alternate Weeks
Linda O'Malley
*Acton Construction
Clifden
8pm
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John O'Malley
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8:15 - 9pm Music with Pat
8:15 - 9pm Blues Highway
8:15 - 9pm American Country
Coast to Coast
8:10 - 9pm Decades of Hits
Pat Keaney
Breandan O'Scanaill
Brendan Ridge
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
Paul Phelan
*FORUM
8pm
Michael Coyne
PAGE 19
Clifden St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 16, 2008
PAGE 20
April 3, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Clifden St. Patrick’s Day Parade Photos by Don Brown, Lol Hardiman & CV Staff
Oughterard St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 16, 2008 Photos by Tom Broderick
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
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Ceol Theatre Musical Review Night Our next Musical Review Night will take place in EJ’s Pub on Friday 25th, April at 9:30 p.m. It is €5 at the door and it will be a night of Country & Western. If you would like to be a part of this show or any other Ceol Theatre production please contact John on (087) 750 4697.
Upcoming Play Ceol Theatre is homeless for the moment and the performance schedule of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” is being sorted. This is due to much needed renovations to the Clifden Town Hall, which have now begun. Please check new posters as they come out to see when and where this production will occur. We do apologise for any and all inconveniences to anyone. John Amenhauser
Clifden Arts Society A very unusual and popular ensemble, White Raven are to perform in the Church of Ireland on April 12th at 8pm. This group is made up of Kathleen Dineen, American tenor Robert Getchell and Latvian baritone Ratis Girgalis and they have been thrilling audiences all over Europe. Michael Dervan of the Irish Times wrote of them “Everything they touch seems to turn to purest gold”. They are based in Switzerland and are currently on a short tour of Ireland. Their programme includes traditional songs from Ireland and Scotland, love songs, lullabies, tragedies and tall tales. Many of the songs were collected from the late Elizabeth Cronin, a traditional singer
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from Macroom. Kathleen Dineen, also from the same area of Co Cork includes many songs from the old tradition she learned as a child. The programme will also include songs by Thomas Moore, Sean O Casey and Patrick Kavanagh, and traditional Irish songs with a strong Cork flavour. Their three part harmony has to be heard to be believed –it is sure to be a memorable night. Tickets will be available on the door.
Photography at the Atlantic An exhibition of photography is currently running at the Atlantic Hotel entitled “Sin Sceal Eile” by artist Colum O Cualain. The photos in the collection were all taken during a period of residency at Aras Eanna on Inis Oir in April and May of 2007. Colum has been producing art since the late 70’s in the mediums of sculpture of wood, stone and ceramics and drawing and writing. His interest in photography has always centred on landscape in all its forms with a particular interest in ancient man-made monuments, both large and small. He continues to be engaged with these themes, with a stronger emphasis on smaller features in the landscape. He describes the landscape as having a strong sense of “soul culture”. Having worked abroad for many years Colum O Culain has relished the opportunity to refresh his relationship with this kind of landscape and culture. The exhibition continues at the Atlantic Hotel on Market St, Clifden throughout the month of April.
Plays at Station House Krapp’s Last Tape A new production of Samuel Becke ’s Krapp’s Last Tape is sure to be a hit when beginning it’s run at the Station House Theatre on Friday and Saturday 18th/ 19th April before it goes to Dublin and Galway for further performances. Reversing the usual trend of bringing work from outside Connemara in, this production has been rehearsed and shown in the Moving Still Studio at Lough Fee, near Le ergesh and is being brought out to the world from there. The director is Art O Briain, a former Producer/Director with RTE and TG4, who now lives at Lough Fee, and the part of Krapp is performed by sometime resident of Kylemore Village, Fergus Cronin. These two have known and worked with each other in different capacities for many years but spending time in Connemara prompted the idea of creating a production of a work which both of them regard as one of Becke s finest. This is a play about an old man and his memories, prompted by the replaying of old recordings he has made over the years on his tape recorder. It is funny, wise, sad and revelatory in equal measure. It requires a very focused and clear interpretation, and this performance and production achieves that and is not to be
April 3, 2008
missed. It is a short play and will be followed on Saturday 18th with a showing of John Huston’s powerful last film of James Joyce’s classic short story ‘The Dead’. Moving Still Productions is commi ed to bringing film and theatre work to new audiences and has already shown two documentaries in the Station House Theatre which have been critically acclaimed. The first was a portrait of the late great photographer Fergus Bourke whose landscape work will be familiar to many in Connemara, and the second was a documentary film about the well known graphic artist Joe Boske called ‘Too Late for the Early House’. With this production of ‘Krapps Last Tape’ the company declares its intention to rehearse and produce further theatrical work in Connemara which will be initially shown at the Station House Theatre in Clifden. Another Becke production, First Love kicks off a fantastic month for theatre lovers at the Station House. The internationally renowned Gare St Lazare players present acclaimed actor Conor Love with his novella, in which the narrator, expelled from the family home upon the death of his father, takes refuge on a bench by a canal. He then meets a woman who takes him home and the events that follow are hilariously awful. Doors are at 7:30pm on Saturday April 5th, and tickets are €15 for an evening of Becke ian hilarity and perversity!
Country Boy The Country Boy is a comedy/drama set in the small Irish farmhouse of the Maher family in Co. Mayo and performed by the Knocknacarra Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) who are All-Ireland Drama Award winners and are celebrating 10 years in existence. Curly lives with his parents Tom and Mary Kate but dreams of following his older brother Eddie to the US in search of success, even if it means leaving behind his sweetheart Eileen. On Eddie’s first return visit home with his wife, some truths are revealed of hardship, alcoholism, a troubled marriage, homesickness and regrets. The play has just finished a very successful run at the Town Hall in Galway, and is directed by Sylvia Nolan and Pat Lally. Doors are at 7:30, with show at 8:00pm on Fri 25th and Sat 26th, and tickets are €15/€12.
The Kings of the Kilburn High Road The se ing is the function room of an Irish Club on the Kilburn High Road in London. A group of emigrants re-unite to drink to one of their friend’s memory and look back at their lives, lost dreams and their place in the new Ireland of the present day. Doors are at 8 and show at 8:30, and tickets are €15/€13 on Saturday March 12th. All considered, April is set to be a great month for theatre-goers at the Station House Theatre, for bookings or enquiries contact (1850) 377 000 or (095) 21699.
Connemara ArtsView
As Gaeilge, le do thoil!
Easy Irish
There has been great local interest in comedian Des Bishop’s latest TV series “In the name of the Fada” which was shot over the past year in Tír an Fhia in Leitir Moir. As a teenager, Des moved from New York to Ireland and was exempt from learning Irish at school, so he always felt he was missing out completely on the importance of the Irish
With Seachtain na Gaeilge just gone by there are many methods and courses of action available for anyone who would like to improve their Irish language skills or expand on the “cúpla focal” they remember from their schooldays. A new DVD based package called “Speaking Irish/An Ghaeilge Bheo” is aimed at those who would like to take their language skills beyond the basics. It features audio-visual recordings of authentic natural unrehearsed speech, and all 3 regional dialects are represented. All aspects of contemporary Irish life are covered and the supporting book includes a transcript of all the interviews on the DVD as well as notes on vocabulary, pronunciation, idioms and cultural issues. Authors Siuan Ni Mhaonigh and Antain Mac Lochlainn are leading Irish language educationalists and can be contacted at speakingirish@gmail.com or (01) 8029826. The book “Speaking Irish/An Ghaeilge Bheo is published by McGraw Hill, and is available from bookshops or Cló Iar-Chonnachta (091) 593307 at a cost of €30. “Easy Irish!” was also launched by RTE as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge and consists of a website and audiovisual supplements, again aimed at people who have a basic grasp of the language from school but would not be confident in their ability to hold or understand a full conversation in the language. The emphasis is placed on developing listening and speaking skills and complicated jargon is avoided. All the dialogues on the website can be downloaded for free, and fun interactive activities can also be found on the site. An audio CD containing all the dialogues in the course will come free with the April 12-18 issue of the RTE Guide and
language. His biggest challenge to date has been moving to the Connemara Gaeltacht to learn Irish, where he sat the Leaving Cert Oral exam, worked odd jobs with locals, joined the Junior GAA team and performed a gig in a local pub to explain what he was doing in his own words. His eventual aim was to perform an entire gig in Irish-in a way trying to reclaim the tradition of the seanchaí in the modern incarnation of stand up comedy. “In the name of the Fada” can be seen on RTE1 on Thursdays at 10:15p.m. with the final episode being aired on April 17th where we can see if he can pull off an entire gig “as Gaeilge” and be guaranteed a few laughs into the bargain. Des has also recorded a completely “as Gaeilge” version of the House of Pain classic rap song “Jump Around” called “Léim Thart” which can be downloaded from his website www.desbishop.com.
Connemara ArtsView
April 3, 2008
the whole course can be accessed at www.rte.ie/easyirish. There has never been a better time to brush up on your Irish, and after all if a New Yorker can perform an entire comedy gig in the language, those of us who have neglected it since school have no excuse for not being able to hold a conversation or two “as Gaeilge”.
Movies at CSH Theatre Horton Hears a Who: “Horton” tells the story of an eccentric elephant named Horton (voice of Jim Carrey) who stumbles upon a floating speck that is actually an infinitesimal world that is home to thousands of tiny little creatures called Whos. Though microscopic, the world known as Whoville is a land of technological achievement. The Whos are intelligent little creatures who are strange in appearance. The Other Boleyn Girl: Justin Chadwick’s soap opera of ambition, sibling rivalry, intrigue and deceit at the court of King Henry VIII. Stars Scarlett Johannson, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana. In Bruges: ‘In Bruges’ is touching, melancholic and achingly funny, thanks to the combination of hit-men, colourful dialogue, shocking violence, quirky characters and oodles of pulp-fiction-like twists and turns. Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Vantage Point: With a Rashomon narrative style, the attempted assassination of the president is told from several different perspectives. Stars Dennis Quaid, Forest Whittaker and Matthew Fox. The Spiderwick Chronicles: Upon moving into the rundown Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of fairies and other creatures. Stars Freddie Highmore, Nick Nolte and our own Sarah Bolger. 27 Dresses: After serving as a bridesmaid 27 times, a young woman wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister’s side as her sibling marries the man she’s secretly in love with. Stars Katherine Heigl.
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Domestic Arts The Domestic Arts section of the Clifden Connemara Pony Show, while always popular, seems to deserve a boost in numbers to keep interest in it alive. There are up to 43 categories each year ranging from baking and fruits and vegetables to painting, flower arranging, handcra s and much more. A list of last year’s classes and winners can be found at www.cpbs.ie for anyone who would like to see what classes they might like to enter. For further information on registration for classes phone (095) 21863. While there has been an increase in entries in the baking and children’s cra sections, some of the other cra categories in recent years have been looking a li le bare. While the prospect of teaching yourself a new cra
might seem daunting, there are plenty of people in the community who are happy to help and teach their skills to others. Peggy Mannion (see photo) has been bringing the beautiful art of crochet to life by teaching classes locally during this very long winter (for details contact Peggy at Super Valu Clifden or enquire at the library for details of upcoming workshops or demonstrations).The Clifden Guild of the ICA also practise, teach and learn many cra s on a regular basis, details of which can be found in our accompanying article in this issue. There are lots of avenues and incentives out there for anyone interested in taking up a new cra , and even a great annual opportunity to showcase your results at the Clifden Show, so get cracking on your new cra today! Our next article is aimed at ge ing you started on a project with the hot celebrity pastime of kni ing.
Get the needles out-knitting that is! Kni ing is a cra that lots of people learn in childhood and then gradually lose, but with a li le refresher, it can be a really enjoyable and productive pastime. Kni ing has become extremely popular among movie stars needing a way to pass time on set, with stars like Catherine Zeta Jones, Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and even so-called tough guy Russell Crowe being photographed indulging in the pastime! So why not pick up a couple of needles and some wool and pass any free time practising the cra . Regular kni ers find the process calming and therapeutic so there’s no be er time to take up or resume
Calling all women! Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in the humdrum routine of daily life, with the demands of kids, family or a busy life leaving you no time for yourself? Are you always telling yourself that you should take up a new hobby or interest but then never get around to actually doing it? Do you sometimes wish you knew more people in the area in a similar position as yourself to share conversation and company with? Then help is at hand with a fun and relaxed meeting once a month with the Clifden Guild of the ICA. The ICA or the Irish Countrywoman’s Association was set up in 1910. Initially the aim was to improve life for women in rural Ireland through educating women in various cra s and skills. Women’s lives have changed a lot since then of course, but the need for solidarity and companionship will always be there, and it is in this respect that the ICA has proven to be invaluable to thousands of women over the years. There is a Guild to be found in most towns and villages in the country, where every woman over 16 years of age is welcome to join-there are no barriers of race, creed, class or political persuasion. All opinions and walks of life are represented by the many thousands of members who co-operate in a voluntary, non-sectarian and non-party political way to achieve their objectives. Mrs Noreen King founded the present Clifden Guild of the ICA in 1980. As the first president of the current guild, Noreen built a firm foundation from which the guild grew and developed over the years. The members of the guild have acted on local, federation and national commi ees and taken part in a huge variety of activities and competitions, outings and exchanges,
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and learned and used a great range of skills and cra s during their time as part of the Clifden Guild. Member Mary Flaherty says “I joined the ICA in 1980 in Clifden. I was thirty-something with a young family and I found it to be a lifeline- I found friends to talk to and share happiness with and sometimes sadness too. I wish more young people would join the ICAwe need to be able to pass on our cra -making skills, which are too numerous to mention.” Some of the cra s the Clifden Guild have practised over the years include painting, patchwork, dressmaking, furniture covering, drama, public speaking, calligraphy, jam making and much much more. This year, the guild has had classes in Sean Nos dancing and yoga as well as a massive range of domestic arts. There are also other very useful courses in areas such as computer skills. Members are always coming up with new ideas for classes and the sky is the limit when it comes to imagination and scope. As a member of the original Clifden Guild 45 years ago, Barbara Lydon recalls “I first joined the ICA as a teenager. Over the years I have learned so many new skills in the Guild, everything from the latest technology to fashion, drama and music. Today the ICA still gets me out of the house and keeps me active with yoga and dancing. I also really enjoyed the exchange visits we had to Northern Ireland with our friends up there.” The ICA has stood the test of time down through the years -in an increasingly materialistic world many people neglect the value of community support and friendship. Far from being just a casual meeting of women, the ICA is an influential and empowering organisation. Through the ICA, women all over the country are in constant touch with the government at national and local level where their views and advice are regularly sought. The ICA also has its very own counselling service at the cost of a local phone call, where members or their families can call and discuss any problems that might be troubling them. A member for 27 years, Brid Feneran says, “ICA has given me more confidence and a chance to meet people and make friends. It is great for women with young children, it gives them an opportunity to go out and meet other mothers and together they have a voice”. What the ICA means to its members is
April 3, 2008
the hobby, and maybe even exhibit it at the Domestic Arts stand at the show this year. You can get what you need to get started in Lowrys or Stanleys in Clifden, or in Yarn, Hickeys or Anthony Ryans in Galway. The Internet is full of kni ing related web-sites also, with free pa erns and endless ranges of wool and needles available to buy online. Some of the best include www. lionbrand.com, www.thisisknit.ie, www.kni inghaven. com, and www.jimmybeanswool.com.
Knit a Quilt Square Let’s start an easy kni ed square that can be used to create a quilt, potholder or washcloth. Materials: 1 ball of yarn (1 makes 2 squares) and size 8 (5mm) needles. Instructions: Cast On (co) 30 stitches (sts). Knit every row until you’ve got basically a square (it should be about six inches all around). Bind Off (bo). For basic kni ing instructions with diagrams on casting on, stitch pa erns and binding off go to h p://learntoknit.lionbrand. com/
Next month: Connecting your squares.
clearly evident from what they have to say about it. The ICA is also strongly involved with fundraising for charity having worked over the years to help the Irish Heart Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Association, Irish Wheelchair Association and National Breast Cancer Research. Current President of the Clifden Guild Mary Carey says “As a member of the ICA for 27 years, it has helped me to see the needs in the community from talking and meeting with local women, while also learning what is necessary to fulfil those needs. We are now at a stage in the Guild where we would like to welcome some new members, with new ideas, and new needs and dreams so we can help make them happen. We would also love to welcome back some former members to join with the new as we prepare for our centenary year in 2010. The guild meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at The Elm Tree Centre in Clifden at 8p.m. There will be an open meeting on Tuesday April 22nd, so why not drop in, without obligation, to come and see what we have to offer.” Clifden Guild also organises the Domestic Arts part of the Clifden Pony Show thanks to the tireless work of Jan Adams and the rest of the ladies year in and year out. So don’t forget, there’s still time to have an entry in this summer, perhaps to showcase some of the many skills you will learn as part of this dynamic, fun and supportive group of women. To join the Clifden Guild, why not come along to a meeting or get in touch with Anne Coyne, Secretary (095) 21268, or Mary Carey, President on (095) 21383 or check out www.ica.ie. Photos: Top (l-r) - Mary Hickey, Maureen Geoghan, Anna King, Mary Carey, Tina O Scanaill and Anne Coyne. Bottom - Anne Coyne, Mary Flaherty, Mary Kirby, Mary-Jo Heanue, Barbara Lydon, Mary Gavin, Pauline Canavan, Marie Coyne, Lucy Ward and Maureen Geoghan.
Connemara ArtsView
Short Story Contest Winner The Kaleidoscope Woman by Ita O’Donovan The scent of lemon verbena trailed down the road a er Peony. Passers by smiled without knowing why. To the watchers at the windows over the shops and in the pubs she was a bird of paradise surrounded by dun brown hens. They watched as her tall legs glided her past the thermal clothes hanging in Faoin Tuath, The Outdoor Shop, and E J King’s busy bar. Their eyes followed Peony as she pulled her long dippy coat and curved her feathered head into the waiting taxi to head out the Dublin road. The last time she was gone a week. She seemed somehow crushed when she returned and they missed the pzazz she gave the square in autumn. The unseasonable warm days gave way to a week of high pitched wind and hail swept Clifden streets clean of shoppers. The watchers counted the days. This time it was two weeks before Peony swung back into Clifden in a two-seater BMW with fancy wheels and a fancy man. They parked and went into Foyle’s, Peony’s yellow chiffon scarf flying like a bird behind her. Thomas went over to check the parking disc and got the faintest whiff of verbena. One of the watchers had a sudden urge to have coffee in the hotel also and reported back that the man was tall, beakyfaced and with a Sco ish accent like James Bond. That was autumn and then winter came – a cold one. Peony and her friend, Angus, were in and out of the supermarket and the shops. They went to the cinema, had chats with Paul in the library and if you didn’t see them at market on Friday you’d wonder why. Which is exactly what happened and then people noticed that the BMW was gone – no one had spo ed it leaving. A neighbour said Peony went for long walks on her
own, walking like someone driven, scarves blowing behind her like wings. But then she came to the Trout Anglers’ Ball in slinky scarlet with a feathered boa and tickled the desire of a lot of men. All the same, she rarely went shopping and her walks resumed. Lights burned late at night. Mary, her nearest neighbour, was nervous. Peony was a writer and goodness knows what she was writing – it might be a book about themselves, she thought. Coachloads of tourists might arrive in Clifden, as happened in a village in France, looking for the plumber with the comical grammar or to smell real turf – as if they didn’t all have central heating. Seamus, an electrician who lived in the same townland, was called to Peony’s co age to sort out a faulty trip switch. His wife, Brid, quizzed him. ‘Just like our own home,’ he said, ‘more books and, I don’t know, colourful bits and pieces everywhere. ‘Twas warm, I suppose, even before I got the heating back.’ He called again to see if Peony was alright and Brid quizzed him about that too. ‘What else would I do?’ he said, ‘anyway she has a way of talking to you that makes you feel good about yourself,’ and he went out and got more logs for the fire. Brid sniffed. Spring came early – bursts of sun that touched everything with new life. At Easter, pavements became ribbons of colour as tourists ambled and locals weaved between them. A circle of cars constantly moved through the village. It could be a lonely season too. Some of the watchers were bound in their muscles and sad in their memories. They watched the holiday frenzy with patient eyes. They missed Peony, her colours, her feathers, the brightness of her, the mystery of
her. Brid missed her too. She hadn’t seen Peony out walking for a long while but shyness and a stubborn envy stopped her calling. It was Jackie who found her. He was walking the cliff searching for a missing sheep when he spo ed the colours below him. Everything feathered she had was on her as if she tried to take flight. Rumours abounded - a fast car being heard in the night, le ers from England no longer coming every week as they had been. Mary asked Brid if she had seen her lately. ‘No,’ said Brid, ‘and it’s on my conscience that I didn’t call. I thought I’d disturb her writing maybe even though Seamus said I should call and that she was always welcoming.’ ‘Well then, nobody had seen her for a week, not myself or yourself, and I asked Pat when he last brought post and he said it was two weeks ago at least.’ The Connemara View was due out the next Friday and there weren’t many copies le . However, neither the post mortem nor the Coroner shed any light on why Peony met her death as she did. So it remained inconclusive. Summer came and Mary was busy with her B and B. Brid had so many relations to stay that she wished she lived in Tullamore. Peony was not forgo en but everyone was busy. Someone put a small cross on the cliff. If Brid and Mary walked that way they got into the habit of picking some wild flowers and leaving them by it. Summer went and shoppers reverted to the browns and the beiges and the air turned pale grey. The patient watchers missed their bird of paradise and felt colder in their bones.
Galway County Arts News
year. Galway County Council, Galway Arts Centre and Age Action West collaborate on an innovative arts programme for nursing home residents in Galway. A series of visual arts residencies are run in nursing home throughout County Galway. Art workshops are facilitated by professional artists, introducing participants to a wide selection of materials and techniques, encouraging experimentation. Each session in the total of fi een county-wide projects is tailored to the needs and expectations of the individuals involved, allowing them to develop and explore their creativity at their own pace, whilst celebrating the creativity of one of the many happily creative communities of County Galway. This is a multi-location project, taking place in Inis Mor, Carraroe, Carna, Merlin Park Hospital, University College Hospital Galway, Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Athenry, Clifden, Tuam and Portumna. For more information please contact; Arts Office, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway, email; artsoffice@galwaycoco.ie or phone 091 746860 or Maeve Mulrennan, Visual Arts Officer, Galway Arts Centre. 091 565886 or email info@galwayartscentre.ie.
graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting. She won the performance prize in the RTE Ra lebag Slam at the Dublin Writers’ Festival in 2003 and the Cúirt Grand Slam in 2004. As well as writing and performing, Trish works as a voice/performance coach, and has coached the last three winners of the Cúirt Grand Slam. Trish has performed her work across Ireland, as well as in England, Wales and the United States. Her poetry has been anthologised and amongst other publications her work has appeared in the Irish Times and a recent Leaving Certificate Geography textbook. She has just been appointed the first Poet-In-Residence at Ó Bhéal in Cork (www.obheal.ie) and is currently working on her first full collection. Do you write? Would you like to share your work with an audience? Bring your work with you and read it at the Open Mic! Le tuilleadh eolais 087 6896519 carraroereadings@gmail.com. Supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Opportunities Arts & Culture Plan Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Séamus Brennan T.D. has unveiled details of the comprehensive Arts and Culture Plan 2008. The plan includes additional funding of €40m for arts and cultural capital projects nationwide, the announcement of a National Cultural Day and extended opening hours at National Institutions. For full details please see the department website: www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie
Film Course at Galway Film Centre We run weekend and evening film courses for adults. If you would like to receive a brochure or want to be added to our mailing list, send your contact details to education@galwayfilmcentre.ie Tel 091 770748, website www.galwayfilmcentre.ie Galway Film Centre’s ID Films Do you belong to a community, social or voluntary group in Galway City or County, with a unique voice which encapsulates your community, tradition, lifestyle, views and culture? ID Projects offer groups an exciting opportunity to make their own documentary on identity and deliver their own voice and message with the help of a professional film-maker. Galway Film Centre in association with An Chomhairle Ealaion/the Arts Council, Galway City Council and Galway County Council would like to offer you this unique opportunity to participate in ID Projects at no cost to your group. The deadline for applications is 28th April 2008. There will be some open meetings held in the county to outline the scheme in more detail. If you would like further information contact Nuala in the Galway Film Centre, 091 770748 or projects@galwayfilmcentre.ie
Arts & Health Burning Bright The burning bright project now enters its fourth
Connemara ArtsView
Poetry Reading in Carraroe WIth the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta Micheál Ó Cuaig & Trish Casey will perform their work in An Cupán Tae Café, Carraroe on Tuesday 8 April at 7.30 p.m. A native of Cill Chiaráin, Micheál Ó Cuaig is currently singer in residence with the Centre of Irish Studies NUIG. He is a sean nós singer and is also the author of highly regarded collections of Irish poetry Uchtóga (1985) and Clocha Reatha (1986) which critics have applauded for their emotional delicacy and scrupulous use of language. His poetry will be featured during The Cúirt Festival 2008 in Nead an Dreoilín, a series of short films of poetry directed by James Kelly, which, using a combination of new and carefully selected Dennis Geoghan, thatcher and stone mason from Rusheeney, archive footage, lyrically reflect the poems Oughterard shown thatching a house owned by Tomas Shaughthey accompany. nessy of Killannin, Oughterard. Photo by Tom Broderick. Trish Casey, from Cobh in Co. Cork, is a
A Vanishing Craft
April 3, 2008
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Learning about Herbs Herbs for Mother & Baby Having a baby is an amazing, life changing experience. Pregnancy and child birth take their toll on a woman’s body and many women can feel tired and drained - before, during and after the birth. Labour and delivery are hard work – hence the term “labour” and emotions can be all over the place – elation, fear, joy, nervousness, the blues, anxiety. Many sleepless nights can follow because of night feeds, teething a bit later on, scary dreams, and childhood illness. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided us with a wonderful cornucopia of helpful herbs that can soothe, relax and heal. Raspberry Leaf tea is an age-old remedy for preparing the body for delivery. This herb has the ability to shorten and ease labour by its influence on uterine muscles and contractions. This tea should be taken once a day from the third month onwards, and three times a day from the sixth month. There are other herbs available from a medical herbalist which would also ensure a safe, easy and short labour. There are several essential oils that can also help a mother to be to prepare for the big day. If you are feeling tense or fearful about the birth, oils such as Rose and Lavender, added to the bath or diluted in a carrier oil for massage can reduce anxiety and boost confidence. They will also reduce feelings of vulnerability as well as enable a woman to relax and remain calm – which is good for her and for baby. Clary Sage is an oil which relaxes the uterine muscles and prepares them for childbirth and can be used in the last couple of weeks before the delivery date. Geranium is very useful for helping a woman when she feels low, or big and clumsy and wonders if the big day will ever come. This low feeling just before the birth is quite common due to hormonal changes. Geranium is also helpful after the birth if the “baby blues” should kick in and Rosemary and Lemon Balm taken as teas can also lift postnatal depression. Once baby is born, Arnica is fantastic for taking down swelling, speeding up the healing process and reducing pain. Calendula is a beautiful herb, gentle, soothing and cleansing. A few drops of oil in water can be used to clean the baby and an infusion of flowers or a teaspoon of tincture can be used to speed up recovery of the perineum. Continuing with the Raspberry Leaf tea will help tone the reproductive system and the uterus and get you back into shape. To help soothe your baby, add a few drops of Chamomile or Lavender to his bath or massage the baby with Chamomile Massage Oil. A problem of cradle cap can be dealt with by rubbing the little head with Sweet Almond Oil. If you decide to breastfeed your baby there are a number of herbs that can enrich and increase your milk supply. Raspberry Leaf Tea taken with a spoonful of honey and Cinnamon will enhance milk supply, as well as be restorative and reviving for the mother. Caraway and Fenugreek seeds aid milk production as well and to boost the baby’s immune system the mother could also include Garlic, Dill and Borage in her diet. If baby develops colic, Fennel tea can relieve it - just a teaspoon or two of cool tea will save many tears and tiring nights. There are many, many other herbs which could be discussed here but space does not permit. Contact a medical herbalist or please call in to An Bhean Feasa for further advice. Terri Conroy The contents of this article are for information only and should not replace the advice you can obtain from a medical practitioner.
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Hypnotised and Mesmerised! While sifting through various news items recently, I became of aware of a new therapy being practised here in Clifden which I thought might be worth a try in breaking a nasty habit of mine. Patricia Canavan has been practising hypnotherapy at the Clifden Holistic Centre in An Bhean Fheasa Health Shop for some time now, so after calling her to enquire, I decided to undergo the treatment in an attempt to stop biting my nails. I have bitten my nails and fingertips for as long as I can remember, and no amount of paint-on solutions or scolding from others has ever made me stop successfully before. It is a rotten habit that is really not very ladylike or attractive and one that I would really like to stop for good, but I was pretty sceptical as to whether my compulsion could really be banished by a treatment like this. Nonetheless I decided to put my faith in the idea, as I believe a positive attitude always helps in opening your mind to new options. In researching the subject I have found that there is an abundance of evidence that psychological and physiological changes can be produced by hypnotism, and that such changes can be of great service in the treatment of patients. The American Medical Association recognises hypnosis as an orthodox medical treatment. As far back as 1892, the British Medical Association reported that they were “satisfied of the genuineness of the hypnotic state”. Hypnotherapy is based on the premise that the mind and body do not work in isolation. It is a state of relaxation and concentration at one with the state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is similar to daydreaming in factyou are totally conscious and aware of your surroundings. You are open to the power of suggestion but practitioners insist that the patient cannot be induced to do anything against their will. Before the actual process of hypnotism began, Patricia asked me a number of questions ranging from what I expected it to feel like to whether I was confident it would work. To be honest I expected it to feel like being under anaesthetic or something similar; I did not expect to be conscious throughout and remember everything. I instantly felt at ease as Patricia explained everything in detail and was extremely approachable and helpful. She also seemed calmly confident that the treatment would work, which is really reassuring if you are feeling sceptical or doubtful. She began by performing a couple of relaxation and suggestibility tests to determine how open I was to being hypnotised. To my surprise, as I have always considered myself as a bit of a control freak, she informed me that I was highly suggestible and would be open to a deep level of hypnosis. On lying down, Patricia talked me through a range of relaxation techniques. The level of relaxation I felt after a few minutes of this was truly unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Patricia explained that because people often feel so normal and conscious throughout the process that afterwards they don’t really believe that they were under, when in fact they definitely were. At one point during the hypnosis, Patricia explained that she would touch my shoulder and ask me to open my eyes, which I would not be able to do. She emphasised that this would not be frightening or uncomfortable, just a part of the process, perhaps to test the level of the hypnotic state. Sure enough, when prompted I found that I really could not seem to open my eyes, even though I felt completely aware of what was going on, and while strange it was not scary or weird. She then went through some visualisations and suggestions that she had prepared specially for my case, all of
April 3, 2008
which seemed relevant and sensible. The entire consultation and process took about one hour, and afterwards Patricia informed me that one session was all that was required in a case like mine. I was a little surprised by this as I had expected it would take a lot more than that to break the habit of a lifetime. Patricia asked me to wait a couple of days to see how it was going and she would then call me to check up and see if any further treatment was necessary. I left the room feeling relaxed, confident and curious as to how this was going to play itself out. While I was constantly aware of it later that night, I somehow resisted the urge to nibble. A few days later while distracted by work I absent-mindedly chewed a nail off. Disappointed I called Patricia to discuss my “relapse” but she assured me that it would easily be sorted by another shorter session where she would refresh the triggers in place, and add a couple of stronger reinforcing measures. After the second session I have, to date, still resisted the urge to bite. It’s quite hard to put into words-my hands often feel twitchy but I just seem to forget about it in a few seconds. It is certainly a strange sort of feeling to not really know why you just don’t seem to want to do something anymore. As with any bad habit, I am reluctant to say I am completely free of it, but this is the longest time I have ever gone without biting my nails, so that has got to mean something! Hypnotherapy has been used to treat a vast array of problems, from overcoming phobias, stammering, snoring and has great success rates in helping weight loss and quitting smoking. The Irish Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy claim an 80% success rate in treating clients for smoking, and a recent research project in the U.K. found that 92% of those who had attended a Hypnotherapist would recommend the experience to others. I would include myself in that conclusion. Anyone interested in getting rid of a nuisance in his or her life should seriously consider this treatment. There is absolutely nothing to be nervous or wary of and the success rate really is impressive. For further details on whether this treatment can help you, contact Patricia Canavan on (087) 9276743. Catherine Pryce
Healthy Skin? Not so healthy with all those chemicals... Did you know that we absorb 60% of what we apply to our skin every day? Did you know that on average we use between 10 and 20 different products on our skin everyday? Did you know that if your wear lipstick every day you will ingest 2 full tubes per year? And most importantly, do you know the research findings coming to light about some of the chemicals found in our favourite cosmetics, shampoos and deodorants? TV documentaries like Channel 4’s “How Toxic are you?” and countless articles recently written in the national media have highlighted the research that is now becoming available to us consumers, that certain chemicals found in our skincare products can do more harm than good. So what to do? The fastest growing sector in the beauty industry, the natural/organic sector offers great skin, hair and body care products without the chemicals. Often the added bonus is that the manufacturers are ethically and environmentally driven too, which means no testing on animals, recyclable packaging and fair trade ingredients.
Skin Care Clinic An Bhean Feasa is hosting a fun, girl’s day of beauty complete with free expert advice and free samples. If you are not sure yet why natural skin, body and hair care with pure, organic ingredients is best for your looks and your health, call in to An Bhean Feasa on Thursday 11 April and speak to the experts. If you have any skin problems or you are not sure which product would suit you best; or if you need advice on hair care and hair colouring, the experts are here to help. Representatives from the leading natural, organic, skin, body and hair companies such as Burt’s Bees, Weleda, Logona and Jason will be in An Bhean Feasa looking forward to talking to you. Come along and enjoy a fun girl’s day out, with a free cup of herbal tea, free samples, free confidential advice.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
What’s the deal with...
Bad Manners? As I reversed out of a parking space on Market St in Clifden recently, I had an experience which pushed me to the limits of my patience and self-control, probably as it is far from the first time this has happened to me. As usual, I indicated out and had a good look around, and seeing a car a couple of hundred yards down the street I figured I had plenty of time to reverse out and take off safely. This was not what the driver behind had in mind though, as she accelerated in an attempt to get past without letting me out. Impatient and downright rude, she then angled the car in an attempt to squeeze past me. Since I was already out on the road, and was turning the wheel to take off well before she screeched to a halt mere inches behind me, she had no choice but to wait her turn. Her reaction was then to blast the horn and grimace repeatedly, having worked herself into a temper. She had pretty much worked me into a temper too, and in the split second when I was deciding whether or not to get out and have a few words with her, I took a deep breath and made the choice to forget it and move on. The reason I chose to just move on was entirely personal. While it saddens me that general manners seem to be on the verge of disappearing, I have found that reacting angrily only invokes anger in return and can make an already unpleasant situation potentially disastrous. I don’t want to be involved in a “road rage” incident, but I also don’t want to swallow and just accept every bit of rudeness that I witness. While it may seem trivial to some, bad manners and irrational rudeness seem to be everywhere in Irish society
these days. How many times have you opened a door of a shop to leave only for someone entering to barge their way past while you hold the door without so much as a backwards glance? How many times have you been told the price of your purchase as “€9:50” and had your change plonked in front of you without a hint of a “please” or “thank you”? As a bartender for many years, I would estimate that 70% of customers would order “two pints and a gin and tonic”, often shouting from the other end of the bar if you were already busy and would only offer a thanks if it was said to them first. If you decided to request a please or thank you, you would be met with an expression of confusion mostly, coupled with a “what’s your problem?” type of response, as if you were the one making an impolite demand. At a concert in Dublin recently I had the misfortune of sitting beside two extremely drunk middle aged men who drank heavily, chatted loudly and laughed and jeered through the entire first half of the acoustic gig. During the interval, I approached the two guys and politely, with no hint of animosity asked them if they would mind quietening down for the rest of the gig. A number of others turned in their seats to also ask. The response I received went something like this “Get a f*****g life-I paid the same f*****g money as you for my ticket so I’ll talk as much as I like, so f**k off and mind your own business”. Not wanting to cause a scene I returned to my seat for the second half, where the two men made faces at my friend and I, then carried on worse than before. They were eventually removed by security but not before ruining the entire gig for us with their pig-like obnoxious behaviour and spoiling the atmosphere of the whole night. These guys were well-dressed businessmen, wearing wedding rings and quite possibly fathers; what wonderful role models for their families. While many of us could relate a litany of rude offences perpetrated against us, we must also examine ourselves. In
most instances where I have been rude or unmannerly, whether intentional or not, it was either pointed out to me or I realised it myself; in either case I was instantly embarrassed or ashamed and resolved to really try to avoid repeating the act or gesture ever again. There is no doubt in my mind that instilling manners in children is a parent’s responsibility and it is crucial to lead by example, but as adults it is entirely up to us to check our behaviour and try to be considerate of others. On a national level, many tourists express disappointment in online forums at the lack of manners they frequently encounter on trips to Ireland. We may well be in danger of losing our image as the land of “a thousand welcomes” with anger, stress and impatience replacing courtesy and kindness. It is a situation that can only improve when we really look at ourselves and be aware of our behaviour towards others. Rudeness can be contagious, but so can laughter and I know which emotion I would rather experience. So let’s leave “Bad Manners” to the 80’s Ska band, and try to make the world a nicer place in our own small ways. Catherine Pryce
Delia Joyce Celebrates 103rd Birthday Congratulations to Delia Bridget Joyce of Barnanoraun who celebrated her amazing 103rd birthday on April 3rd at Fatima Hospital Clifden. She is pictured here with the hospital’s caring staff. Photo (l-r) Bernie Coyne, Teresa Mitchell, Tommy Kenny, Peter Carey, Ellen Conneely, Suby Kochumann, Paula Conneely, Deirdre Holmes, Sharon O Hagan, Cathy Joyce, Frances Coyne. Seated: Dr John Casey and Ann Folan.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
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Hasta La (Microsoft) Vista, Baby! I have been asked a number of questions over the past few weeks, and so I am going to start this month by trying to answer some of these. The first of these questions concerns the recent storm. A number of people were concerned that the plants were going to die or else find it difficult to put on more growth this year. Obviously, plants would prefer to have ideal conditions at all times but this seldom if ever happens. In my garden a number of plants look really sick. Roses which had put on plenty of growth over the past few weeks look particularly bad. It seems like the new growth has been shrivelled. I normally leave this as it is, and the new growth will break through in the not to distant future. Only if the branch is broken or damaged in some way would I cut it off. I try and cut this a few inches below the damage and cut at an angle allowing moisture to run off the plant and hopefully prevent rot setting in. You will often hear advice which suggests washing the leaves of salt by turning a hose on them. This might be some use immediately after the storm but if the leaves have gone black or brown, it is almost certainly to late to do much. Most plants should recover fairly well, and if one or two do not, it is possible that they were weak and not very healthy in the first place. I would be more concerned by wind rock than the salt or wind damage. Plants can literally be rocked to death. Often the damage is not visible until the plant dies. Check all tall shrubs, herbaceous plants and small or newly planted trees. Firm up the earth around them if they seem loose, or if you can see gaps between the plant and the soil. I find it a waste of time doing much clearing of small branches, and twigs from the paths and grass until the worst of the stormy weather has passed. Hopefully the wind will have gone by now and I can get into the garden and tidy up. It is time to think about sowing vegetables. Onions, potatoes and cabbage can now be planted while other crops like carrots and parsnips, beans and peas could be left for a while. My herbs are all doing well at the moment, with mint, chives, rosemary and marjoram well advanced and being used in the kitchen. I have been asked for advice on creating a wild flower garden. I am not sure if the person wanted a wildflower meadow or borders planted with wild flowers. A meadow is planted very similar to planting a lawn. Most of the work is in the preparation. You need to get rid of annual and deep rooted weeds like docks, couch
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grass, nettles and brambles, although I like to keep some nettles in a corner as they attract butterflies and are great in cooking. You can use what ever method you like for removing the weeds but as I don’t use chemicals, I find if you cover the area with black plastic and or old carpet and leave for a few months you should get a fairly clear piece of ground. Do not work the ground if it is very wet as this can lead to damage later. Rake the soil to remove the weeds and large stones. Wild flower seed mixtures can be bought from many garden outlets or check on line for suppliers. There are many mixtures available but I like ones with a certain amount of grass, as it looks more natural. Follow the planting instructions for each mix, but I find that it is worth planting from now until early June and again after the summer. It will often take them a while to settle in. I cut my wild flower patch in the middle of July and leave the grass on the ground for a few days in dry weather. This allows seeds to fall to the ground. I like to cut a tidy piece of grass around the patch so that it is obvious that you are deliberately letting that section grow wild, rather than forgetting to cut the area. If you want to create a wild flower border, there are a whole range of grasses and plants which will be the same as our native plants or very similar. Simply plant these out as normal, allowing them to be a little informal. If you are fortunate enough to have wild plants growing in you garden, these can be divided and moved to the new border. Don’t dig up wild plants in their natural setting, and if you are dividing plants from your own property leave some in their natural habitat. Often the wild plants will not thrive in good soil or away from certain conditions. As with any plant be aware of their likes and dislikes. Damp loving plants should not be put in dry areas, nor shade plants in full sun. If you have space, it is nice to plant some native trees in these borders as well as this will give a more natural look to the arrangement. Start thinking about window boxes, tubs, baskets and containers, but don’t be hasty planting them or putting them out into position, as we can still expect cold frosty weather. I often plant them up now but keep them protected for a few more weeks. It is worth getting as many fiddly jobs done now before the real gardening season starts. I will be planting sweet pea shortly for summer flowering. These like deep pots and I find cream cartons or cut off milk cartons ideal as you can plant one seed in each and they will have developed good roots by the time they are planted. Happy Gardening. Breandan O Scanaill
Back in November last we ‘celebrated’ the first birthday of the launch of Microsoft’s latest operating system, Vista. So, how have things shaped up with the new kind on the block? The most asked question regarding Windows Vista is “WHY?”. After the success of Windows XP, just as we are all getting used to all of its features, they go and launch Vista. And the launch went ahead without many software manufacturers ready with new driver software for sundry products. Still, if you want to stay in the PC game, you will have to bite the bullet and upgrade sometime – Microsoft is just too big to ignore. We techies are anxiously awaiting the release of Vista Service Pack 1, which is expected to have a load of fixes and various other goodies. Vista has several new features and enhancements. However, just like any other computer software, it is prone to various problems and errors. And although Vista is a new operating system, it is not resistant to malware infections. Therefore, like its predecessors, you need to install antivirus and antispyware utilities that will help you keep your Vista PC free from virus, spyware, and adware infections. You must get antivirus and antispyware utilities that are compatible with the Vista operating system. Configure these utilities to regularly update their definitions and schedule them to periodically scan your PC for infections.
Regularly Update Your PC with the Latest Security Releases and Software Patches No operating system, application, or device driver is foolproof. Each has vulnerabilities that can be misused by malware developers and hackers to gain access to your PC and perform malicious operations on it. Apple computers suffer far less than PCs, mainly due to the minimal market penetration – hackers just can’t be bothered to spend time infecting so few machines. Anyway, to inhibit the spread of malware, software manufacturers regularly release security updates to patch up any lapses discovered in their products. So, to keep your PC healthy,
April 3, 2008
you must keep it up-to-date with the latest patches and service packs released by the manufacturers of the software products installed on your Vista PC. Be sure to enable the Windows Vista Automatic Update feature. This way, your operating system will automatically check the Microsoft website for the latest updates and install them on your PC.
Maintain an Error-Free Registry Just like the earlier versions of Microsoft operating systems, Vista also stores all its hardware and software configuration information, user preferences, and system setup information in the Windows registry. When you work on your PC many registry keys and values are added, removed and accessed from the registry. Many of these registry entries stay behind even when they are no longer required. Over time, your registry gets filled up with loads of unwanted information that may eventually corrupt and fragment the registry. Because a damaged registry may generate frequent system errors and cause system freezes and crashes, it is important to regularly scan and repair the registry. To do this, you may opt to use a registry cleaner tool that is compatible with the Vista operating system. Most of the registry cleaner tools are user-friendly and can be easily used to scan your registry and remove any unwanted information from it.
Use System Maintenance and Repair Utilities in Vista Regularly Vista also comes equipped with tools that help you perform preventive maintenance and system repair. For instance, you can use the Disk Cleanup utility to scan and remove unwanted files and applications from your PC. You may also use the Disk Defragmenter utility to defrag your hard disk to make the files contiguous, and as a result, improve system performance. Additionally, you should use the System Restore tool to take regular “snapshots” of your system files and the registry. In the event of a problem, you can use the System Restore tool to repair your Vista PC by restoring your PC to the last known working condition. So, to keep your Windows Vista PC free from problems, perform regular antivirus, antispyware, and registry scans. Additionally, keep your PC up-to-date with the latest software updates and regularly use system maintenance utilities included in Vista to maintain an error-free computer. John Claró operates Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions from the Square, Clifden. Call him on 095 22194 for all computer-related issues.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Seal Release A Great Splash On March 9th, two rescued seals, Alexis and Maggie, were released on Roundstone’s Dogs Bay with a huge crowd to send them off and wish them well. The Irish Seal Sanctuary crew brought the seals from Dublin where they had been cared for since they were found over the Christmas. The Roundstone Youth Club formed a “guard of honour” of about five hundred yards down to the sea so as not to let the crowd get too close. The two boxes with the seals were tipped onto the beach. Alexis scampered towards the seas and straight into the waves with barely a wave goodbye. Maggie seemed reluctant to venture into the very cold water. She made a few half-hearted attempts and then headed back to
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
the crowd. Eventually, she daintily ‘took the plunge’ and her pretty head could be seen bobbing out to sea. Nicky Griffin and, mother, Margaret Barlow, who had found Alexis, watched and waited to see that she was safely on her way.
April 3, 2008
The Irish Seal Sanctuary’s brief is to “provide shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for rescued marine wildlife in difficulty around Ireland’s coast.” More information on the programme can be found at www.irishsealsanctuary.ie. Donations are accepted.
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CONSUMER WATCHDOG: Consumer Rights To Complain Consumer Rights, Have I None!? Recently I had the experience of having to make a complaint on behalf of a friend who was being given the run around. The experience was eye opening, infuriating, and downright time consuming until I found out about consumer rights! To outline the case briefly: A white goods item was purchased and delivered to the household. Upon unpacking, it was discovered that the door of the appliance would not open. Contact was made with the manufacturer initially, who offered to send a service engineer to sort out the problem but failed to turn up! The customer then contacted the seller of the item only to be given the same number (manufacturers contact details), only to be let down again. As you can imagine the anger at having purchased a brand new but faulty machine was gradually increasing, particularly, with no sign of redress. A call to the National Consumer Agency at 1890 432 432 (www.consumerconnect.ie) very quickly identified the consumers rights with regard to this situation. Fresh from the traps and armed with knowledge, a calm and friendly yet firm demeanour and enough time to be persistent, we went to face the challenge. Calmly outlining the situation again and seeking an amicable agreement and only once referring to consumer rights which, by the way, we were immediately told (by the company) that we were misinformed of and also that our complaint lay with the manufacturer. Hogwash, we jokingly explained, the contract was with the seller for a brand new machine that was unused, unopened… and in fact was unopenable!!! Knowing the game was up and with goodwill, the seller made redress by arranging to replace the machine. Relief all round- or was it? Lo and behold, a few days later the ‘new’ replacement machine arrives…damaged! More calls, more apologies and finally an agreement to refund, but not without a trip to the metropolis. More expense than the reduced price was worth. Certainly, the experience of dealing with this particular major chain would not curry favour. A new machine had to be purchased elsewhere which also included free delivery, a major saving as it turned out. Surprise, surprise…a salutary lesson learned and maybe by shopping as locally as possible you might save more than just a fortune in the long term! Throughout this episode however, it struck me just how ill informed I was in relation to consumer rights and that perhaps I wasn’t the only one! John Durning
Below is a guide to your consumer rights. Source: www.consumerconnect.ie
What are my rights? At some stage in our lives, most of us will find ourselves with a complaint about unsatisfactory goods or services. Some people find it easy to complain. For those who don’t, this report informs you of your rights and gives tips on how to assert your rights as a consumer. Complaining can be time-consuming and frustrating. If something you have bought turns out to be faulty or a service you have paid for is unsatisfactory, what will you do? In many cases, people are reluctant to complain. This may be because they are not sure of their rights, or they think it simply isn’t worth the hassle, or because they expect the retailer or trader concerned to fob them off with an excuse. But if, for example, you have paid for goods in a shop, you have a contract with the retailer. If the goods are faulty or unfit for use, the retailer has broken his side of the contract and you are entitled to reject the goods but the retailer is entitled to attempt a repair as long as repair is “as permanent”. Before complaining, ensure you know where you stand legally
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but do not be too quick to quote your legal rights. Sometimes the light friendly touch will work better. You should always complain as soon as possible after the problem is discovered. If you do not act within a reasonable time, it may appear that you have accepted the goods, defect and all. In this case, you may lose your right to reject the goods completely and seek a full refund. You may only be entitled to a partial refund or a repair. There is no obligation on you to physically return faulty goods to the retailer. However, it is advisable to bring them back as soon as you discover a defect. If the goods are too heavy or awkward to transport, write to the shop manager to say you are dissatisfied with the product and ask him to arrange to collect it. Alternatively, you could offer to return goods by post if the shop agrees to refund the postage.
How to Complain If you return to a shop with a faulty or unsatisfactory product, ask for the manager. In a large store or supermarket, ask for the department manager or customer services desk. Shop assistants are not always authorised to deal with complaints, especially if you want a refund. Also, asking for a person in authority shows you mean business. If the manager is “in a meeting” or “away”, insist that someone else must have been left in charge and ask to see that person instead. If this fails, make an appointment to call back and see the manager. If you are dissatisfied with the response you receive at a customer services desk, you can ask to speak to the manager. Do not accept the excuse that customer complaints have to be dealt with by specific personnel - remember, the manager is in charge of the whole store. Once you are speaking to someone in authority, be polite but firm. Do not lose your temper, swear, shout or make threats. If you remain reasonable, the chances are the person you are dealing with will too. Explain the problem and say what you want the shop to do to rectify the matter. Decide what you want if you are entitled to a full refund, a replacement or a repair. Are you prepared to accept a credit note or an exchange?
Retailers’ Responses If you are returning a faulty product, do not automatically assume you will have to do battle to obtain your rights. In most cases, retailers are happy to refund or exchange faulty goods. But it is impossible to predict how all retailers will react. Here are some possible responses and advice on how you should deal with them: It’s not our fault. Write to the manufacturer. This response is very common, but it is wrong. Your contract is with the retailer, not the manufacturer. Remind the retailer that he is legally responsible for rectifying your problem under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980. If he wants to contact the manufacturer later, that is his prerogative but it has nothing to do with you. We’ll exchange the product. If you are happy with a replacement product, take it. If not, remember you are not legally obliged to accept an exchange. We’ll give you a credit note. A credit note is a voucher for the same amount you paid for the product, which can be spent in the store or in others in the same chain. If goods are defective, you do not have to accept a credit note - you are entitled to a refund. If you do accept a credit note, check if there is a time limit on using it. We’ll repair it free of charge. If goods are not of merchantable quality, you do not have to accept a repair. You can insist on a refund or a replacement. Get it fixed under the manufacturer’s guarantee. You do not have to accept this advice. Remind the retailer that your contract is with him, not the manufacturer. A guarantee is an added protection. It gives you the choice of having the goods fixed by the manufacturer under the guarantee or taking up the dispute with the retailer. A guarantee does not replace your legal rights in any way. In some cases, using your guarantee may be the best option for convenience. For example, if you buy a hi-fi system and one switch is faulty, it might be easier to get the manufacturer to repair the switch under the guarantee, rather than expect the retailer to give you all your money back. If you decide to have the product repaired under the manufacturer’s guarantee, ask the
April 3, 2008
shop to lend you a replacement while yours is being repaired. The shop does not have to agree, but it may do it out of goodwill. Also, tell the shop (in writing) that you have decided to use the manufacturer’s guarantee, but you reserve your statutory rights to a refund from the shop if the problem is not settled satisfactorily by the manufacturer. We can’t give refunds or exchanges without a receipt. The main purpose of a receipt is to prove you bought goods from a particular store, so it is reasonable for a retailer to check that he sold you the goods before he rectifies your complaint. If you do not have a receipt, you may have another proof of purchase such as a cheque stub or credit card voucher. A particular trader’s name may be on the product, or an assistant may remember you. If you cannot find any proof of purchase, your case is considerably weakened. The best advice is to keep as many receipts as possible, especially for expensive goods. Write the name of the shop and the item purchased on the receipt. Also, if a store replaces goods for you, remember to ask for the receipt back with the new goods. We don’t give refunds. Stores cannot simply say they do not give refunds. Under the Sale of Goods Act, you are entitled to a refund, a replacement or a repair if a product is not of merchantable quality, fit for its purpose or as described. A retailer cannot take away those rights. It’s your fault. The product wasn’t made for that purpose. Goods should be fit for their normal purpose, so don’t be fobbed off with the excuse that you have not used the product properly. If the product you purchase does not do the job it is normally used to do, it is not fit for its purpose. We don’t give refunds or exchanges on sale goods. Do not accept this excuse. If goods are defective, your rights are the same under the Sale of Goods Act whether you paid the full price or a sale price. This is the case as long as you did not know about any defects at the time of purchase. However, if the goods are sold as seconds or shop-soiled, you cannot expect the same standard as in new perfect goods.
Letter of complaint Where possible, the initial complaint about unsatisfactory goods should be made in person. A personal visit and a friendly chat with the retailer may succeed where a letter or phone call does not. If you do not get a satisfactory response, you may need to continue your complaint in writing. Letters of complaint should be divided into four main parts: • Give details of the product including price and date of purchase • Say what is wrong with the product • Remind the shop of its legal obligations under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 • Say you are cancelling your contract and tell the shop what you want it to do, for example, give you a refund. If you want the retailer to collect the goods, set a time limit for when you want it done. Enclose copies of relevant documents such as receipts or order forms (keep the originals). Address the letter to the correct person. If you have to, ring the store and ask for the manager’s name. This way you can be sure the right person is reading your letter. You should always keep copies of any letters you send regarding a complaint. They may be useful for future reference, or in case you need to take the complaint further, for example, to the shop’s head office, a solicitor or the Small Claims Procedure - see “Legal redress”. Also keep a record of any telephone conversations. If you talk to the shop manager or other staff members by telephone, make a note of what was said. Include the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
Deliveries Broken delivery appointments are a common cause of complaint. For example, you buy some furniture and arrange with the shop to have it delivered on a particular morning. You take time off work on the delivery day, but nobody appears. One way to give yourself some rights is to make time of the essence when you are buying the goods. When you make the initial contract with the shop, specify that they must be delivered on or by a certain date. continued on next page
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
CONSUMER WATCHDOG: Light Bulbs & Petrol
Changing Your Light Bulbs: CFL is the new twist Normal light bulbs as we know them are set to become a thing of the past, according to the Irish Government, as it plans to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs form January of next year. Illuminating our futures will be the job of Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) light bulbs which are more expensive but also last longer. They are estimated to last at least 8 times longer and use 80% less energy. The move has been broadly welcomed by organisations that deal with climate change such as GreenPeace. According to Environment Minister Mr John Gormley, the aim of the measure is to completely end the use of incandescent light bulbs across the country. Mr. Gormley said “By getting rid of these bulbs we will save 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year…their replacement with low-energy alternatives will save householders in the region of €185m a year in lower electricity bills”. Householders will be forced to switch to these new long-life low-energy bulbs in 12 months time. This might initially seem a problem for low-income households as energy efficient bulbs are a great deal more expensive initially but are proven to be cheaper in the long term. Replacing existing bulbs with energy efficient ones as they expire naturally would stagger the overall cost however. So from now on, it would be best to start gradually making the change. One effect may be that consumers may stockpile ordinary bulbs in advance of the legislation but the minister is adamant that the ban will proceed although there will be full consultation with all affected stockholders. The Government document “A Blueprint for Ireland’s Future 2007-2012” states that the Government intends to • Complete the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs in favour of more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce our carbon emissions and save on electricity costs. • Require the public sector to lead the way on energy efficiency with a mandatory programme of efficiency measures including the sole use of energy-efficient lighting and heating in offices, schools and
Your Consumer Rights continued Write this date on your receipt and on the order form in the shop. If the time or date is broken you can cancel the contract and claim back the money you have paid. Even if you have not done this, you are not expected to wait forever for delivery. If your goods do not arrive on the specified day, write to the shop immediately to inform the manager that unless he arranges delivery within a specified period of time, you will cancel the contract.
Online Just like buying from normal ‘bricks and mortar’ shops, if something goes wrong, first complain to whoever sold you the product, and with whom you have a legal contract. If you paid by credit card, and the goods never arrived, contact your credit card company. They may be able to intervene with the seller and resolve the dispute. The European Consumer Centre (ECC) may be able to help if you have a dispute with a retailer in the EU. Econsumer. gov may be able to assist if you have a problem with a retailer outside the EU. It is a worldwide venture to gather and share cross-border ecommerce complaints and provide information to consumers shopping online.
Mail order If you buy goods through mail order, your rights are the same as when buying from a shop. If goods are faulty, send a letter by recorded delivery to the firm before returning the goods. In the letter, describe the defect and say you are returning the goods within the next few days and would like the postage reimbursed. Say what you want the firm to do about the goods (refund, replace or repair). You should always keep a copy of the letter.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
CFL Light Bulbs Price Check Wattage/Output
Brand
Price
11watt/60 watt light 11watt/60 watt light 11watt/60 watt light 11watt/55 watt light 18watt/100 watt light 18watt/100 watt light 20watt/100watt 20/watt/100watt light 21watt/75watt light 24watt/120 watt light
Blackspur Philips Philips EcoPal Philips Philips Blackspur Philips Solus EcoPal
3.99 5.49 5.49 6.50 5.49 5.49 5.99 8.99 10.99 for 2 5.50
Location SuperValu Clifden Dunnes Stores Tesco P&B Pryces Dunnes Stores Tesco SuperValu Clifden SuperValu Clifden Tesco P&B Pryces
Survey conducted during March 2008 hospitals and other public buildings to produce 33% energy savings by 2020. • Require all street lighting and traffic lighting systems to be energy-efficient and replace inefficient systems. There is likely to be more opposition and debate on the issue in coming months, but this is an issue that the Government and the Environment Minister seem to be intent on introducing new legislation on. Catherine Pryce Photos left: Top - Blackspur 20 Watt CFL, Bottom - Philips 18 watt CFL.
Send in your news, views & photos to news@ connemaraview.com
Writing in advance covers you in case the company later claims that the defect was caused when you sent the goods back. Pack the goods carefully and send them also by recorded delivery.
Legal redress If you have a valid complaint about a faulty product and you cannot agree a solution with the retailer, the only option may be to seek legal advice. If your claim does not exceed €2,000, you can use the Small Claims Procedure. Lodging a claim costs €9.00 (this fee is nonrefundable) and you do not need a solicitor. Contact the Small Claims Registrar at your District Court or go online at www. smallclaims.ie. They will try to reach a satisfactory agreement between you and the retailer or service provider. If this cannot be achieved, he will bring the matter before the Court.
Points to remember 1. Complain to the right person: That is, to someone who is able to do something about your problem. Ask for the manager, or ask who you should complain to and contact them in person or by letter. 2. Give the retailer a reasonable chance to sort things out. This may save a lot of time, aggravation and money. 3. Don’t lose your temper, swear or get personal. Be polite but firm and confident. You want the shop to recognise how reasonable you are. 4. Know your rights. The basis of your complaint is that your legal rights have been infringed. 5. Complain in writing. Wherever practical, make your complaint in writing (preferably typed). Letters should be polite, business-like and reasonably formal. Keep a copy. 6. Keep all correspondence and other documents relating to the
April 3, 2008
Petrol Survey Service Station
Petrol Diesel
Cosgraves, Castlebar
116.90 118.90
Sweeneys, Moycullen
122.90 128.90
Statoil, Clifden
122.90 128.90
ESSO, Clifden
122.90 128.90
Actons, Moyard
122.90 128.90
Rogans, Renvyle
123.90 127.90
Welbys, Oughterard Kylemore Service Station Joyce's, Recess
123.90 128.90 123.90 128.90
Ferrons, Roundstone
125.90 129.90
Keoghs, Ballyconneely
126.90 128.90
124.90 128.90
Prices based on phone survey conducted 02/04/08
complaint. This includes receipts, letters to and from the shop, invoices, cheque stubs and estimates. 7. Add your problem to the Consumers’ Associations National Complaints Register. Your input will allow them identify areas of good, bad or non-existent customer service. Source: Consumers’ Association of Ireland
Associations That May Be of Help While this article is just a brief outline of your consumer rights and is only meant as an aid to redress, it should be noted that there are various agencies that can define your rights in greater details and on occasion can assist in giving guidance and advice. It should be noted that not all agencies offer a free service. Here is a list of some of the agencies who can help or will be able to refer you on to others in the pursuit of your rights. The National Consumer Agency, 4 Harcourt Rd., Dublin 2. Lo-Call 1890 432 432 www.consumerconnect.ie The Consumers’ Association of Ireland, 43-44 Chelmsford Rd., Ranelagh, Dublin 6. (01) 497 8600. www.consumerassociation.ie Clifden Citizen Information Centre, above Statoil, Clifden, Co. Galway. Tel: (095) 22000. Office Hours: Thurs: 7-8pm, Fri: 10am – 3.30pm. clifden.cic@citizensinformation.ie. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation. ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, LoCall 1890 777 121. Finally, it should be noted that most retailers and service providers are more than willing to assist in coming to an amicable agreement with their customers. It makes sense! Whatever you do, don’t lose the head! Lose the head and invariably you’ll lose the argument!
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Photo Corner Garda Retirement: A retirement party was held recently in Gaynor’s Bar, Leenane for Garda Seamus Kelly, shown here receiving a gift from Superintendent Tony O’Donoghue. Photo by Padraic Lyden. Wedding: Elizabeth Conroy, Dohulla,
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Ballyconneely and David Cosgrave of Cross, Co Mayo were married in Ballyconneely Church recently. The reception was held in The Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. Photo by Padraic Lyden. Dancing Champion: Emily Walsh, Portacarron, Oughterard was the winner
of four 1st’s at the Connaught Dancing Championships held recently in Ballinasloe. Emily is the granddaughter of the late Kathleen and Patrick Faherty of Tully Renvyle. New Arrival: Congratulations to Seán and Mairéad Heanue of Sky Road Clifden, on the birth of Niamh Colette, born on the 4th March and weighing 9lbs 1oz. Niamh is welcomed by her 3 brothers Michael, Gearóid and Ronán. 40th Anniversary: Jackie and Mike Armiger of Calla, Roundstone celebrating their 40th Wedding anniversary with neighbours.
April 3, 2008
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
FINANCIAL PLANNING April Spring Clean April is often seen as the month for Spring Cleaning. The winter is well behind us, and the sun’s rays at this time of year tend to hit the surfaces of our homes and businesses so as to maximise the appearance of dust (or does it just seem that way?). Businesses will know that there are two kinds of cleanliness and order which are important to their economic wellbeing. One it the cleanliness and appearance of their business premises and its environs and secondly, the general tidiness and order which they apply to their business records. Now these are two completely different sets of requirements, but a little elaboration on each will hopefully show how both are equally important in running a successful business and how all business owners can make a start on both fronts in April to improve business welfare by concentrating on cleanliness and order of both the internal workings and records of the business, and the external cleanliness of the business environment. In our line of work as accountants to many Connemara businesses, we see all kinds of record keeping from significant hoarders of all information, to those where records are at best somewhat incomplete. Now one thing is for certain; in all businesses we see, the more organisation and order a business places on its record keeping and retention, then the more successfully and profitable that business tends to be. This doesn’t mean that if you are an assiduous filer of records you will automatically be a success at business, but the ability to bring order to your affairs, know exactly where your business is and how it is performing are all key traits of successful people. And to know how well your business is running you need to have business records and accounts reasonably up to date and in order. Now there are very successful business people who do not follow this rule but they are the exception rather than the rule and their lack of order and discipline in record keeping is often compensated by an innate understanding of their business and a very astute finger being kept on the pulse of the business. Keeping good business records is not only good practice but it is also the
law. The revenue commissioners have set out minimum legal time limits as to how long business records should be retained and if you are a company there are also company law requirements as to the level of records any business is obliged to retain. Taxpayer’s statutory obligations Section 886 TCA 1997 imposes an obligation on taxpayers, to keep certain records. The definition of “records” is quite broad and includes accounts, books of account, documents and other data maintained manually or by electronic, photographic or other process, relating to: • All sums of money spent and received in the course of carrying on a trade, profession or other activity and the purpose of such receipts and expenditure, • All sales and purchases of goods and services where the carrying on of a trade profession or other activity involves the purchase or sale of goods or services, • The assets and liabilities of such trade, profession or other activity, • The acquisition and disposal of assets, which would be chargeable assets for capital gains tax purposes. • In addition to Section 886 TCA 1997, Section 16 VAT Act, 1972 also imposes an obligation on persons who are obliged under the VAT Act to operate VAT, to keep full and true records of all transactions which affect or may affect that person’s VAT liability. In addition to tax law, if a business is run as a company then there are further company law provisions in relation to the retention of records. • Section 202 Companies Act 1990 subsection (6) states that the books and records of the Company: “shall be at all reasonable times open to inspection by the directors such accounts and returns relating to the business dealt with in the books of account so kept as will disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of that business at intervals not exceeding 6 months and will enable to be prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts the company’s balance sheet, its profit and loss account or income and expenditure account and any document annexed to any of those documents giving information which is required by the said Acts”.
• Section 202 subsection (9) provides that “a record, being a book of account required by this section to be kept or an account or return referred to in subsection (6), shall be preserved by the company concerned for a period of at least 6 years after the latest date to which it relates.” So a business has two obligations to keep accurate and full records; one to the business owners to ensure that the business is being run well and efficiently and two to comply with tax and business law. However you should not in general be retaining business records from more than 6 years ago. This information is of little use now and can in most cases be legitimately destroyed so as to free up space in your office. However in the case of record destruction the first thing to do is catalogue in detail all the old records you intend to destroy. This catalogue should be reviewed in conjunction with your accountants/professional advisors prior to any decision to destroy the documents as there are certain records which should be kept more permanently, (like financial statements, fixed asset additions, long term leases, employment contracts, etc). There are a number of waste disposal companies who offer to confidentially shred and environmentally dispose of certain business records if required. On the cleanliness of their business and environs, most businesses in Connemara have a significant amount of their customers who are either directly or heavily dependant on tourism for their livelihood. Whilst we have a beautiful product in our local area it is most definitely not unspoilt. April in the Clifden area sees a big push by the local tidy towns committee to affect a significant cleanup of the local area, and it is a plan which all business communities and interests should support in their local area. The poor waste management practices of citizens in Connemara affect us all and ultimately the more litter we spread the poorer the perception of Connemara will be and the fewer tourists we will see spend time in our area. If the tourists don’t come, then all the good bookkeeping in the world won’t save the business performance caused by shooting ourselves in the foot by allowing our local areas to become litter blackspots. Declan Mannion can be contacted at Mannion Lochrin & Co, Chartered Accountants, Clifden, Co. Galway. Tel: 095 30030 Fax 095 30031. E-mail declan@mannion-lochrin.com
Planning Applications in March Know Your Rights Q: I have a medical card for myself and my family. Is the card valid for a certain period? Do I have to do anything to renew it? A medical card is usually issued for a period of one year and is then reviewed, although it may be issued for a longer period depending on your circumstances. You must still meet the eligibility requirements during this period so if, for example, your income or family circumstances change, you may no longer be eligible. The Health Service Executive (HSE) will usually ask you to confirm your circumstances each year by sending you a review form that you must fill in and return to your Local Health Office. It is important to return this form as otherwise your card may not be re-issued. The same process applies to the GP Visit Card. If you have dependent children who are covered on your medical card, they should apply to get their own card when they reach 16 years of age. If you don’t automatically receive a form to do this, you can obtain one from your Local Health Office. To ensure that there isn’t a gap in coverage, it is important to allow sufficient time so that the application can be processed before their 16th birthday. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Centre, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. We are in the VEC offices above the Statoil Garage, Galway Road Clifden, and can be contacted on 095 22000 & 087 1301100. New Opening Hours: Thursday 7pm-8pm & Friday 10:30am- 3:30pm Information is also available online at www.citizensin-
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
08578 Brian O’Malley, Lavinnia Bray, Beaghcauneen. 04/03/08; For construction of a dwelling house, garage and private wastewater treatment system. (gross floor space 250sqm house, 60sqm garage). 08638 Nee, Charles Glenbrickeen. 06/03/08; To construct dwelling house, septic tank, puriflo sewage treatment system and all ancillary site works and site services. (Gross floor area 220sqm). 08651 O Donnachadh, Sean Inverin. 07/03/08; Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail (Gross floor area 261sqm). 08684 Hotel & Estate, Ballynahinch Castle Ballynahinch. 11/03/08; To construct three individual self catering units for tourism related accommodation associated with Ballynhinch Castle Hotel and Estate, access road, wastewater treatment system and all ancillary works. (Gross floor area 1028sqm) The proposed development is located within the attendant grounds of a protected structure. 08685 Estate, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel Killeen. 11/03/08; To construct three individual self catering units for tourism related accommodation associated with Ballynahinch Castle Hotel and Estate, access road, wastewater treatment system and all ancillary works. (Gross floor area 780sqm) The proposed development is located within the attendant grounds of a protected structure. 08687 Diamond, Aidan Tullybeg. 11/03/08; To construct dwellinghouse, septic tank and percolation area. (Gross floor area 189.22sqm). 08732 Keane, Carol Dawros More. 14/03/08; To erect a dwelling and garage with a sewage treatment system with percolation area. (Gross floor area 200.04sqm). 08741 Naughton, Michael Inverin. 14/03/08; Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail. (Gross floor area 288sqm). 08746 Seoige, C Lettermore. 14/03/08; Chun sinead a chur as teach conaithe. (Gross floor area 182.7sqm). Continued on Page 36 formation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, LoCall 1890 777 121. Look out for the CIC Mobile Information Unit, coming to Connemara during week commencing 14th April.
April 3, 2008
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Save Money, Save Energy Building Energy Ratings (BER) explained With costs rising constantly, greater awareness of energy consumption at home is becoming more important. Right now, as much as 25% of the heat you’re paying for could be escaping through an uninsulated roof, 15% through single-glazed draughty windows and 35% through poorly insulated walls. In addition, €9 out of every €13 spent on open fire fuel is lost up the chimney. Recent Legislation (Buildings Controls Act 2007) requires the implementation of new Buildings Energy Ratings (BER) assessments. These have taken effect from 01 Jan 2008. BER certificates issued by registered assessors must now be submitted to planning authorities in the case of all new building planning applications and to prospective buyers/tenants in the future for all existing houses/apartments offered for sale or rent.
Sample Buildings Energy Ratings Certificate During the design stage of new properties, and by
carefully examining all the building elements (walls, floors, roofs, doors, windows) through a complete energy audit, significant energy savings can result. For an existing home or apartment a thorough energy survey can reveal areas for improvement which in many cases can be inexpensive to correct and deliver significant cost savings almost immediately. To obtain a Building Energy Rating, the specifications of the house if a new building, or building data from a survey of an existing dwelling, are examined. All standard building elements (walls, windows, roofs, floors, doors) dimensions are verified and their insulation or “u values” are calculated. Heating and lighting efficiencies, building orientation and sheltering/shading are also taken into consideration. This data is then processed by the Building Energy Assessors Dwelling Assessment procedures. These can also include data from building air tightness tests, which indicate how little or how much outside cold air enters the home, and thermographic image tests which can show irregular hot and cold spots around the building. Water and Space heating systems are also audited. While greater heating flexibility is available for a new build, inexpensive improvements to existing maintained heating systems can result in reduced annual operation costs. The use of solar energy, high efficiency boilers, air/ground/water heat pumps and heat recovery systems can all be factored in achieving a lower CO2 rating and consequently an improved energy rating for the building. The end result gives us the total CO2 emissions figure for the building per year. This also gives us the energy rating of the home and the certificate issued by the BER Assessor is very similar to the energy certificate seen on fridges, dishwashers, dryers, lighting. The BER Assessor can provide a provisional energy rating with an Advisory Report and following on from improvements made as a result of the initial energy audit, a full certificate can then be issued which is valid for 10 years from date of issue.
Energy Saving Measures Zero Cost Energy Saving Measures • Turn down thermostats • Use installed timers for hot water or space heating • Switch off lights/appliances completely when not in use • Fix leaking taps • Position fridges and freezers in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat • Always wash full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
Low Cost Energy Saving Measures • Insulate your hot water cylinder • Draught seal doors, windows and all other gaps • Improve heating and water controls • Install thermostatic radiator valves • Install high output low voltage bulbs • Fix/replace leaking taps • Fit lined curtains in living rooms • Maintain your hot water boiler • Medium Cost Energy Saving • Top up attic insulation to 300mm minimum • Consider ground floor insulation options (wood flooring)
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April 3, 2008
• Improve central heating controls • Install room thermostat in living room • Buy energy efficient appliances • Install a chimney closure unit
Long Term Energy Saving Measures These measures ideally considered when doing renovation/ replacement work: • Cavity wall insulation • Internal wall insulation • External wall insulation • Low-emissivity double/triple glazing • Solar water heating systems • Renewable energy sources (eg. Heat Pump) • Heat Recovery Ventilation system Gary Long is a Sustainable Energy Ireland registered BER Assessor with Allsave Energy Solutions, Oughterard. Tel. (087) 411 5746; email: gary@allsaveenergy.ie. Visit the firm’s website at www.allsaveenergy.ie
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com
Solar Water Heating Systems Heating water is the 2nd largest use of energy in typical households. Solar water heaters are quickly growing as the most cost effective way to generate hot water in Irish homes. In fact, one square metre of solar water heating panel on your roof receives the equivalent of more than 100 litres of oil in free solar energy in a year. This system is effective even when the sun is not shining, which of course is a concern in our Irish climate. A solar water heater not only converts direct sunlight but also indirect sunlight into heat, so it works even when the sky is overcast. It is true that there is less solar heat available during the winter, but a back-up heater will boost the water temperature. The result is 100% comfort at all times, with plenty of hot water for a fraction of the usual cost. You can also have oil or solid fuel as back up to boost your hot water supply, or you can have both. The two main items involved in solar water heating systems are storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two main types of solar water heating systems: active, which has circulating pumps and controls and passive, which doesn’t. Most solar water heaters need a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In 2-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In 1-tank systems, the back up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank. There are 2 main types of solar collectors or panels on the market here in Ireland, Flat Plate Collectors and Evacuated Tube Collectors. The main component of each is the absorber, which absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat. Evacuated tubes are more efficient than flat plate collectors; consequently they take up less space but are more expensive than flat plate. However, to produce a given amount of hot water, whether using flat plate or evaporated tubes, the installation costs will be roughly the same. These systems are designed to last many years with little maintenance required, so whether building, buying or renovating, why not take advantage of the huge savings you can make with this clean, abundant and environmentally friendly water heating system. Michael Carey For any further information or questions on Solar Water Heating Systems, contact Michael Carey at www. carey.ie , e-mail questions to admin@carey.ie or call 086 6039299.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
PROPERTIES in CONNEMARA Emlaghmore, Ballynahinch This three-bedroom cottage on 3.45 acres of land presents itself in superb condition. The cottage has recently been renovated and extended to include a quality fitted kitchen, solid oak flooring and oil fired central heating. Accommodation comprises entrance porch, living room, kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms. Decking to the rear and side of the property with pebbled stone driveway and numerous plants and shrubs have been planted to make this an ideal countryside retreat which is just five minutes from the world renowned Ballynahinch, Castle Hotel, and just a few miles drive from Clifden town and all its amenities. Price: €395,000. Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, The Square, Clifden. 095-21066 email: property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com
Magies Cottage, Faul Magies Cottage is a truly unique, charming and exceptionally well presented two bedroom home, located in Faul, Clifden within close proximity to Clifden town and walking distance to the renowned Rock Glen Hotel. Surrounded by mature gardens and sheltered by shrubbery and hedges it is an idyllic location, private setting with beautiful sea and country views overlooking Ardbear Bay. This two acre plot also includes an original stone cottage sited closer to the sea with potential for further development. Magies Cottage is your dream home in the capital of Connemara with easy access to fishing, Connemara Golf Club, hill walking, beautiful sandy beaches and Roundstone. Price Guide €750,000. O’Brien Auctioneers, Market Street, Clifden. 095 22386 info@obrien-auctioneers.com. www. obrien-auctioneers.com
“Cuilbeg Cottage”, Boolard, Clifden Attractive, secluded single storey cottage with a southerly aspect together with detached triple garage and stone
outbuilding standing on own grounds of 1 acre 2 roods and 30 perches (0.675 hectares). The original cottage is of rubble stone construction and this was added to circa 1970 by way of extension with a conventional building. The layout of the dwelling is of ‘step back’ design from west to east and this facilitates the views over Streamstown Bay. Accommodation include: Entrance hallway, Sitting room with open fire, Dining room, Kitchen, Study, Three bedrooms, Two Bathrooms and Utility. Asking Price €395k. Connemara Properties, Bridge St. Clifden. 095-21473. email: connprop@iol.ie. www.connemaraproperties.com
Annaghvann, Bealadangan This splendid four bedroom house is situated on large acre site in unique part of Connemara. The house enjoys superb views of the sea to the front while the mountains are to the north. The house with its own private driveway enjoys a very
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
exclusive setting on the waters edge. The property has a good selection of sheds and stables which are ideal for storage or for the keeping of a pony as there is a paddock to the side of the house. Nearby is the Connemara Isles Golf, The Hooker Bar, numerous public Quays, beaches and a whole lot of amenities for the outdoor and water enthusiast. The house is in very good order and on viewing, one will be impressed by its unique and unrivalled setting. Guide price €325,000. DNG Martin O’Connor Auctioneers & Valuers on 091 866708 or e-mail oughterard@dng.ie.
Magheramore, Oughterard Located approx.1½ mile off the main Galway Road this three bedroom cottage is set in a wonderful location. Whilst it needs some refurbishment, this cottage offers great potential subject to the necessary planning consents. Acc: Entrance Porch, sitting room, 3 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, & bathroom. Double garage. OFCH. An elevated garden to the front of the cottage with many mature shrubs. Viewing of this property is strongly advised to appreciate its fine setting and its convenience to the village. For Sale Freehold. Offers on €260,000. Michael O’Toole Auctioneers. Main St., Oughterard 091 557711 info@.michaelotoole.ie www. michaelotoole.ie
Roundstone Road, Clifden Beautifully located two and a half miles from Clifden on the scenic route to Roundstone. The property comprises of a traditional style cottage which has been tastefully renovated in the recent years. Centrally located, the town of Clifden, Roundstone and Ballyconneely villages are all easily accessible. Standing on two acres the grounds are bound by a winding river with uninterrupted views towards the impressive Twelve Bens. The property is set back from the road and approached by a winding driveway. The grounds have been left in their natural state and the river which bounds the site is an attractive feature. The house is entered into the living room /dining area. This is a bright room with a timber vaulted ceiling and large fireplace. There are three bedrooms off the living area and the kitchen and fully fitted bathroom. Offers on €400,000. Sherry FitzGerald Kavanagh, Main Street, Clifden 09521888 email:clifden@sfkavanagh.com www.sherryfitz.ie.
walling to the front and is hedged either side leading down to the rear. At the rear of the property there is a stable block / workshop, ample off road parking and additional paddocks equating to 2 acres. The land directly below the stable block is of good grazing quality. Currently it is split into two paddocks and contained within a mixture of post and wire / rail and stone walling perimeter fences which are in good condition and stockproof. Freehold for Sale. Offers on €550,000. Spencer Auctioneers, Main St., Oughterard, 091 552999 email: info@ spencerauctioneers.com www.spencerauctioneers.com.
Ross, Moyard In a stunning location overlooking Fahy Bay from a large site with mature woodland and gardens this property has probably one of the best locations in Connemara. The house, a 4 bedroomed bungalow, also has a separate 3 bedroomed apartment. It is approached by a tree lined avenue which gives direct access to the bay, a sheltered inlet ideal for mooring and water based activites. AMV €850,000. Joseph T. Joyce and Co. Estate Agents. The Square Clifden, Co. Galway 095 21014, joycejt@eircom.net. www.jtjoyce.ie.
Raha, Oughterard Built approximately 5 years ago and set in the ever popular area of Raha, close to Oughterard and Moycullen this deceptively spacious 4 bedroom luxury residence has lovely rural views from most rooms and is in turn key condition throughout. The property provides 2850 sq.ft of living accommodation and 4 good-sized bedrooms (3 en suite). The property is double glazed through out, has oil fired central heating and a solid fuelled stove in the kitchen / dining room. The property is set back from the road with stone
April 3, 2008
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c o n n e m a r a s ta r s Moon: New Moon occurs on Sunday April 6th. We could
Saturn is high in the southern sky at dusk, and doesn’t
in theory see the new crescent in the west after sunset that same day, given very good sky conditions; it should certainly be visible on any evening the following week. On each successive evening, it appears a little higher in the sky at sunset, and sets a little later, a little further round to the right. Full Moon occurs on Sunday April 20th. At this phase, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the east at sunset, shines all through the night, and sets in the west at sunrise the following morning. Then, as it wanes to gibbous again, it goes on rising later every evening, but continues to set just after sunrise. Mercury is at superior conjunction – behind the Sun – on April 16th. We won’t be able to see this elusive little planet at all this month. Venus is still some way to the west of the Sun, but it’s rising only a few minutes before sunrise, so we won’t be able to see our brilliant “Morning Star”. No fear, though, Jupiter will fill Venus’ shoes. Mars is well up in the south-western sky at dusk, and it doesn’t set in the north-west until the early hours of the morning. Relative to the stars, Mars is moving quite rapidly from right to left across the constellation of Gemini; it makes a triangle with the two bright “Twin” stars, above and to the left of it, and the shape of the triangle changes noticeably even from one night to the next. Mars is just a little brighter than the other two, and shines with a steadier light and a distinctly orange colour. On the evening of Friday April 11th, the waxing crescent Moon will appear to the lower left of Mars, about 5 degrees away. The following evening, the Moon will be exactly half-illuminated, lying to the upper left of Mars, almost in line with the Twin stars. Jupiter is now playing the role of “Morning Star”; it comes up in the south-east about three hours before sunrise. Although it’s not as brilliant as Venus, the giant planet still outshines any of the real stars. However, Jupiter is in the constellation of Sagittarius, moving only slowly eastwards; this is where the Sun is around mid-winter. So Jupiter remains low down, near the horizon, and it’s not easy to observe.
set until shortly before sunrise. It is in the constellation of Leo, moving very slowly north-westwards, close to the bright star Regulus; the two objects are less than 3 degrees apart all month. Saturn appears brighter than Regulus, and it shines with a steady, untwinkling light, slightly more creamy in colour than the blue-white star. Meteors: The Lyrid meteor-shower is active during the third week of April, peaking probably in the early hours of Tuesday April 22nd. The meteors seem to radiate outwards from a point in the constellation of Lyra, close to the bright star Vega, which is high in the south-east after midnight. Vega is, of course, one of the stars in the Summer Triangle. We might expect to see one Lyrid every 10 minutes or so, though there will be some interference from moonlight, with the Moon only a few days past Full. Meanwhile, sporadic (non-shower) meteors may be seen at any time, in any part of the sky. Aurora Borealis: A display of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is impossible to predict in advance; it’s triggered by activity on the Sun, which may or may not interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. It often begins as a faint greenish glow low on the northern horizon. This may brighten and rise higher in the sky, as an arc of green light; in a good display, the arc will develop vertical rays, which often show different colours, and which may eventually converge into a “corona” almost overhead. In a really spectacular event, the sky may be completely covered with auroral light, and the strongest activity may even be in the southern sky. The first week of March saw high solar activity, with the aurora being seen all over Scandinavia, the northern US and Canada.
Planning Applications in March Continued from page 33 08747 MacDonnacha, P Carrowroe South. 14/03/08; Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail. (Gross floor area Dwelling 232sqm Garage 54sqm). 08757 Hanrahan, Marian & Anthony, Salrock. 18/03/08; For the construction of a domestic garage, a sunroom and alterations to existing house. (Gross floor area 39.8sqm). 08758 Eagles Nest National School, Board of Management Cloonlooaun. 18/03/08; To construct a new building to contain a general purpose room, resource teaching room, computer room and toilets together with an outdoor sport area. (This is a modification to that previously granted under Pl. Ref. No. 07/134) (Gross floor area 180sqm). 08765 Heagney, Con Tully. 20/03/08; For the demolition of a ruinous shed and provision of a new residential unit, change of use/conversion and extension of existing outbuildings to two independent residential units to include provision of treatment plant to include mechanical aeration system and soil polishing unit, revisions to site entrance and all ancillary services including permission to connect the two existing houses to the proposed mechanical aeration system and soil polishing unit (gross floor space 258.7sqm). 08786 Savage, Peter Gowlan West. 20/03/08; To retain dwelling house and boundaries and permission to complete site works, to construct a new site entrance and upgrade my sewage treatment to a sewage treatment plant with percolation area on site. (Gross floor area 247sqm). 08787 Savage, Edel Gowlan West. 20/03/08; To construct a dwelling house, domestic garage and sewage treatment system. (Gross floor area 239sqm). 08792 O Flatharta, S Carraroe. 20/03/08; Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail. (Gross floor area 279sqm). 08809 Coyne, Noel Roundstone. 20/03/08; For (a) retention
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John Claró is a keen amateur astronomer operating Two Dog Computers & Business Solutions in The Square, Clifden, 095 22194.
The Crystal Ball
by John Amenhauser
A PRI L TA ROT REA DI NG
PAST: 7 of Pentacles
PRESENT: Judgement
FUTURE: The Emperor
With the 7 of Pentacles in the past position, you are being told that you have done enough work for now. Still maintain that work, but just bide your time for now. Judgement in the now position is letting you know that other people will be testing you to make sure that you are ready for what they have planned. The Emperor in the future position lets you know that you will weather all of these issues without fail and that you will achieve what you want.
A PRI L RUNES REA DI NG Fertility, New Beginnings, Ing, the Hero god: With this rune in the Action position you are being told to get in touch with your desires, the intuitive part of your nature. ACTION CHALLENGE OVERVIEW Possessions, Nourishment, Fertility Possessions Opening Cattle: This rune in the (Inguz) (Fehu) (Kano) reverse is telling you that frustration is the challenge that you will face soon. Do not let yourself be distracted. Opening, Fire, Torch: As the overview, this rune is providing clarity in a world full of seaming darkness. Find the light that gives meaning to your life and pursue it.
“Light Will Guide You”
A PRI L HOROSCOPES of dwelling house as constructed, (b) extension/alterations to existing dwelling house to include provision of 3 No. dormer windows in roof of front elevation, first floor window in front gable, and new sun room to side of existing dwelling, (c) construction of new shed/store, (d) all ancillary site works and site services (gross floor space 15.48s 259). 08822 Heanue, Sean & Mairead Cloghaunard. 25/03/08; For a 2 bedroom extension to existing dwelling house. (Gross floor area 38.09sqm). 08838 Larkin, Niall Mannin, Ballyconneely. 26/03/08; To construct a dwellinghouse, garage, treatment unit and polishing filter. (Gross floor area Dwelling 247.5sqm Garage 36.8sqm). 08849 Flaherty, Tommy Ardbear. 27/03/08; For (1) the proposed demolition of an existing dwellinghouse and garage, (2) the construction of a proposed new dwellinghouse and garage, (3) a proposed envirocare sewage treatment system. (gross floor space 396sqm). 08857 O’Malley, James Aillebrack. 27/03/08; For retention of dwelling house, previously granted under planning ref no. 49399 and domestic garage on revised site boundaries and all ancillary site works.(gross floor space 105.59sqm) 08870 Quirke, A. Carrowroe. 27/03/08; For construction of agricultural sheds and associated site works (gross floor space 576sqm). Source: www.galway.ie
Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com April 3, 2008
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Happy Birthday! Whatever you have on the go this month, it will happen. Make sure you plan out exactly what it is that you want to occur this month. Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20) It’s time to go on a little journey. There is something you need to find out and in order to discover it you will have to take a trip somewhere. Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) You are feeling a bit low on energy this month. Not to worry, it’s there when you need it, but do not over do yourself. Cancer ( Jun 22 – Jul 22) OK. So there is something that you really want and you are just going to go get it. Make sure that you are going after the right thing when you charge. Leo ( Jul 23 – Aug 23) Someone is going to give you just the right bit of news to make that financial benefit that you have been waiting on, listen close. Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) A dream that you have had for a while turns out to be the exact opposite of what you really did want. Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23) Not to worry, just because it does not feel like the right thing right now, it will all work out in the end. Keep the faith. Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22) This could turn out to be a very good month for you as long as you play your cards right. Do not over-react, which you are so often prone to do. Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) Even though you feel you have done enough right now, others don’t agree. You will have to work a bit harder to convince them. Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20) Things are very deep for you this month. You will experience something profound in your life. Make sure that you are ready for it. Aquarius ( Jan 21 – Feb 19) You just can’t seem to do the right thing this month. Even when you think you are doing the right thing, you still end up being wrong somehow. Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) Someone at work is jealous of you and is going to be saying some bad things about you. Don’t fret; the others know what is going on.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
More Scenes from Clifden’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Photos by Don Brown & Lol Hardiman
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
April 3, 2008
PAGE 37
TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY APPLIANCES
PLANT HIRE
PLUMBING & HEATING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
AUTOMOTIVE
CATERING PET SERVICES
TAXI
FURNITURE
WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY
HEADSTONES
Trades & Services Directory - Now with a FREE on-line listing! Business Card (85mm x 50mm): 3 months - €135 (€45/ad) 6 months - €255 (€42.50/ad) Annual contract (11 issues) - €440 (€40/ad) NEW: Half Business Card (85mm x 25mm): 3 months - €81 (€27/ad) 6 months - €153 (€25.50/ad) Annual contract (11 issues) - €264 (€24/ad) Prices exclude VAT. Add 30% for colour. PAGE 38
April 3, 2008
Advertise in the Trades & Services Directory by phoning 095-22888 or email advertising@connemaraview.com CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY SAND & GRAVEL
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Place your ad in the Trades & Services Directory in this new size which is half our business card size (85mm x 25mm) for as little as €24 per issue ex vat. Phone 095-22888 for more information.
CLASSIFIED ADS Information Services Does your partner? Call you names, constantly criticise you? Control your access to money/phone/car etc? Monitor your time, threaten you and the children? If so you may be in an abusive relationship. For free, friendly, confidential advice and support call D.V.R.@ 091-866-740. Clifden Citizens Information Centre provides a free and confidential service to the public. We are in the VEC offices above the Statoil Garage, Galway Road Clifden, and can be contacted on 095 22000 & 087 1301100. New Opening Hours! Thursday 7pm-8pm & Friday 10:30am3:30pm. Letterfrack Information service: 1:30-4:30 pm Monday 10th & 31st March. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, LoCall 1890 777 121.
Properties Tastefully decorated, 1 bedroom apartment to let. 5 minutes walk Clifden town centre. Washer/dryer and all mod cons provided. Private location, apartment is not part of complex. Only Bills – rent and electricity. 087 055-9279. For Rent: 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and rooms to let, 5 minutes walk from Clifden town centre, fully furnished. 095 44924 or 087 249 8097. Apartment for rent in Moyard. New kitchen, 2/3 bedrooms all en suite, separate private entrance, parking, call (087) 2880753 or (095) 41082. Apts for Rent: Market St., Clifden. Two newly refurbished two double bedroom apartments located in the town centre of Clifden. Available immediately from €600 per month. ERA John O’Brien Auctioneers. 095-22386. 4 Bedroom House for rent. 2-minute walk from town centre. Private Parking. All mod cons. Please call (086) 8270327. The Square, Clifden. For long or short term let, 1 and 2 bed luxury apartments with private parking. Very attractive terms. Joseph T. Joyce and Co. Estate Agents, The Square Clifden, Co. Galway (095) 21014. Commercial Premises to let, Clifden Town Well-appointed retail unit to let (840-sq. ft.). Prominent location. Includes office, storeroom and toilet. Ideal for shop or office use. Available immediately. Phone 086-8053760.
Items for Sale or Rent Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions have moved to new premises. You can find us in The Square, Clifden (next to Shamrock Drycleaners). Specialising in services for home, office and small business users. April Special: Second-user PCs for only €99 inc. monitor. Contact John on 095 22194. Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected. 095 21219.
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER
Top Quality Dry Silage/Hay For Sale for cattle/horses. Moycullen/Roscahill area. Tel (086) 8099674, evenings. Perle Caravan for sale Sleeps 4. Can be viewed at Errislannan Riding Centre. Could also be used as an extra room, storage space or base for trailer. €349. 095-21134 Guitar Effect Pedals for Sale: Electric Mistress phaser with power supply €90; Nobels CH-D Chorus pedal €80; Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor €65; Zoom GFX707 Multieffect €100. Phone John on 095 22194 or call into Two Dog Computers Clifden.
Pet Services Attention all pet owners!! Wide selection of dog/cat accessories, premium pet foods, professional advice on nutrition, pet maintenance, radio fence pet containment systems, micro-chipping, cat boarding service, grooming and lots more at Western Veterinary clinic, Galway Road, Clifden. Tel 095 22209. Veterinary emergencies only, call 087-917-9248. Have your pet dog or bitch neutered for only €20! Ring Dogs Trust on 1890 946 336 to see if you are eligible.
Travel Pilgrimage to Medugorje from Kilkieran, Connemara. 16th August €599 return from Knock or Medugorje 4 days, Makarska Riviera 3 days, €729. For further info call Mary O Toole on (095) 33512 or (087) 1343905.
Employment Recruiting Staff: Waitresses, Head of Restaurant, Receptionist, Bartenders. Experience preferred. Good rates of pay and flexible hours. Please contact Louise Dean on 09523120 or forward CVs to info@manninbayhotel.com. Sales Assistants Wanted for new shop opening in Clifden (early April), full and part time positions, must have fluent English and good communication skills. Send CV to kevinlfagan@eircom.net or etramdaka@gmail.com or phone (087) 2522304 or (086) 0518050.
Services Wedding Videography: From This Moment DVD Production Connemara’s Wedding Videography Specialists. Friendly, discreet, professional service, call us for demo Call Pat Coyne 095 4375 or 086 4062394, email fiddisco@mac.com or go to www.fiddisco.com. Newman Property Maintenance & Building Services Residential & Commercial. Our Services Include: Decking, Attic Insulation, Flooring, Painting, Tiling, Carpentry, Fitted Kitchens, Built-in Wardrobes, Doors & Stairs Fitted, PVC Soffit and Fascia, Coving and Cornice, Tenancy Re-Lets, Full Cleaning Service, All General Household Repairs, Extensions and Renovations. Call now for a prompt and reliable service.Contact Paddy Newman. Over 25 Years Experience 095-44931. 086316-5978.
April 3, 2008
Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Friday, April 18th Trades & Services Reservation Deadline: Friday, April 18th News Deadline: Wednesday, April 23rd Classified Ad Deadline: Friday, April 25th All Construction Trades: Plastering, painting, tiling, flooring, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, attic conversions. Contact Oisín on (087) 4118845 or Niall on (087) 1369151.
Health Reiki/Seichem. Experience the calm and healing energies of this treatment, which is drug free and non-invasive. These powerful energies can heal on a mental, emotional, spiritual & physical level. Qualified Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on (086) 3653266.
Lessons Wanna lay a beat down? Get drum lessons! Contact drummer Mike on (086) 3450394.
Connemara View Newspaper 7,000 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888/087-290-9351 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News & Features: Catherine Pryce Rural & Political Affairs Columnist: John Durning Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Contributors: John Amenhauser, Tom Broderick, Don Brown, Michael Carey, John Claró, Laurence Conneely, Terri Conroy, Paul Gannon, Leo Hallissey, Lol Hardiman, Ciaran Hickey, Laurence Hofman, Bernie Jeff ries, Peter Keane, Gary Long, Padraic Lyden, Declan Mannion, John O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Anne Steyaert, Declan Weir plus many local schools, groups & organisations. Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.
Send the Connemara View to friends & family: Annual Subscriptions - Ireland €36; Overseas €45.
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21-40 words -€10.0041-60 words - €15.00 additional words at 25 cents/ word. If you are giving it away - no charge. Post in with cheque or drop in the Paper Shop, Main Street, Clifden.
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The Paper Shop is Under New Local Management . . . b u t yo u’ l l e n j oy t h e s a m e f r i e n d l y l oc a l sta ff & e xten s ive s elec t io n o f p r od u cts
Fully stocked range of high quality greeting cards for every age or occasion imaginable. All your stationery needs, from pens to paper and photocopying. Sweets, soft drinks, ice creams and chocolates. Beautiful baby gifts for boys and girls, communion & wedding gifts, frames and more.
Loads of Magazine & Newspapers
Soft toys, gifts, souvenirs, ornaments & collectibles.
in stock which can also be ordered and reserved.
No extra charge for phone credit top-ups.
All National Lottery products plus pick your own Lotto numbers-not just QuickPick! PAGE 40
April 3, 2008
Main St., Clifden 095-21119 April Opening Hours Mon / Tues / Thur: 8am-6pm Sun: 8am-4pm Wed / Sat: 8am-8pm Fri: 8am-7:30pm
CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER