Connemara View July 2008

In The View Summer Events Calendar & Kids Summer Fun Guide Starts on Page 21 Celeb Spotting in Connemara Page 28 Alcock & Brown Air Show Page 8 WIORA NORA 2008 Pages 16 and 46 Ladies Day Fashions Page 26 Ballyconneely NS wins AIB €10,000 Page 3 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Guide Pages 32 and 33 Roundstone Show Queen Pages 47 and 48

The Connemara View Is Electrified!

Flashy cars turn heads on a regular basis. Well, there will be a more than a few turning as we will be cruising the highways and byways in Connemara’s first completely electric car! Prepare to stare as the Connemara View Eco-Mobile glides by. In last month’s issue we described the GreenAer REVAi Electric Car, and July sees our car making its debut in Connemara.

The most obvious benefit of owning an electric car is the environmental aspect. By using one you are guaranteed to cut your personal carbon footprint by at least 60%, contributing to better air quality. Running costs like tax and insurance are dramatically reduced, and the exorbitant price of petrol will no longer concern you! So give us a wave or a beep if you see us, and to find out more about these motors for yourself check out www.greenaer.ie.

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July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Ballyconneely NS wins AIB €10,000 The Ballyconneely Natinoal School’s ‘Sensory Integration Room Project’ has topped the local vote in AIB’s Better Ireland Programme and has received a donation of €10,000 from the AIB branch in Clifden. The donation will allow the group to develop a sensory integration room for the needs of the disabled pupils in the Ballyconneely National School.

The project is part of the National School, which is a small rural, two-teacher school. The school has a high number of pupils with very significant special needs and the sensory integration room will help these children with disabilities. This will help them to learn how to communicate using all five of their senses. The room will contain equipment that challenges and stimulates the disabled child’s senses and communication skills using water, music, sand and lights. The development of the room will impact on 46 children who use the school and will also be accessible outside school hours for the needs of other special needs training courses, visiting health professionals and other disability groups in the local community.

There were 547 shortlisted groups involved in the voting stage across the country.

185 groups nationwide have each won €10,000, and all shortlisted groups will receive the proceeds of their text vote (less VAT and operator charges).

Declan Maher, Branch Manager, AIB Clifden, said: “We would like to congratulate Ballyconneely for their success in the public text vote competition in Clifden and the surrounding area and extend our thanks to all those who voted and helped out during the voting stage of the Programme. We’re looking forward to seeing the development of Ballyconneely’s sensory integration room, and with it the development and improvement in the lives of local children with disabilities. We had a fantastic response to the voting stage of the Programme with 308,011 votes received nation-wide. The success is primarily due to the enthusiasm and energy that all the groups put into campaigning at a local level. ” The AIB Better Ireland Programme received almost 1,300 applications for funding across the country. Applications ranged from a wide variety of groups including homework clubs, teen clubs, autistic services, community crèches, schools and colleges as well as drug and alcohol services for children.

Photo: AIB Clifden Staff members, Declan Maher and Ann Marie Walsh present the 10,000 cheque to a jubilant Ballyconneely Natonal School.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

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Clifden Town Development Plan In a recent conversation with a member of Galway County Council staff, I was informed that the elusive Clifden Town Plan would be published within the next two weeks.

I was then advised to contact another member of staff who would be able to give more precise details in relation to the actual date of publication.

However, and what’s new about this, I was then informed by this other member of staff that they knew nothing about it and furthermore could not give dates for viewing until the document was actually in their hands.

It since transpires that the actual plan is going through the final process of correction and should be available in early July…2008.

The Plan will be then available for public inspection and comment.

According to Maire McGrath of Galway County Council, the entire process from first public viewing to adoption of the plan should take no longer than 35 weeks.

She outlined the process as follows: • 6 weeks on public display on the internet and at Clifden Library and Clifden Council Offices.

• 6 weeks for submissions to be viewed.

• 6 weeks while Councillors view and adopt or reject submissions which is then presented to full Council Meeting.

• 4 weeks on public display where amendments may be viewed.

• 4 weeks when submissions to amendments ONLY can be made.

• And finally a further 6 week period where the amendments are adopted or rejected by Councillors and then the entire plan is up for adoption at a Council meeting.

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We had been informed at the public meeting held at the Station House Hotel in early 2007 that the contributions from the floor would be collated and returned to us.

This has not happened, perhaps they forgot!

One can only live in anticipation that the many worthwhile contributions that were aired on the night will have been taken heed of and not forgotten!

The Games People Cannot Play As far back as January 1996, Galway County Council has acknowledged the existence of a Play Area at the housing estate in Tullyvoheen.

In a letter sent to Galway County Council in June 2004, the Secretary of the now defunct Tullyvoheen Residents Association, outlined that “On January 9th 1996, the residents were promised by Galway County Council (we have it in writing) that work on the play area would go ahead that summer if the residents allowed for 24 houses to go ahead. These houses were built but the play area was forgotten about.”

To date, over 12 years later, the ‘Play Area’ is still not in use for the over 100 young children resident in Tullyvoheen.

Ms. Olive DeLappe pointed out that there is a growing need for such a facility at Tullyvoheen, “with increased traffic in the area it has become more and more dangerous for young children to play on the street”.

“The need for a safe, secure and enclosed play area for the growing number children in our estate has become a greater necessity,” she added.

A concerned parent, who didn’t wish to be named, asked, “What will it take for the County Council to act on this matter? Are we waiting for an accident to happen or some serious injury to a child before the council will have this area opened for use by our children?”

Currently, there is a notice pertaining to a cordoned off area at Tullyvoheen, which indicates that since October 8th 2007 work is in progress and is to be completed within 52 weeks.

The Connemara View has asked for clarification and comment from local council engineer, Mr. T.J. Redmond.

Mr. Redmond has helpfully referred us to the Housing

July 3, 2008

Section of Galway County Council outlining that “I do not know the answers to your questions below as this project is being dealt with by the Housing Section in County Hall.”

We have forwarded our queries outlined as follows to the relevant section asking for clarification.

• The nature of the work being carried out at the location.

• When will this work be concluded?

• On conclusion of the site work, will the play area be opened to the more than 100 children resident in Tullyvoheen?

It is interesting to note that in the County Galway Local Authorities “Social Inclusion Strategy 2006-2009”, the concept of sustainable communities includes the provision of play facilities for children, particularly in housing estates provided by the local authority. While one accepts that this is an aspiration it would be hoped that the realisation of this “good practice” would not be long in coming to fruition.

Upon receipt of comments from Galway County Council we will inform you. At the time of going to press no reply had been received.

School Dental Service Has No Teeth There is still no School Dental Service available to the children of North West Connemara according to Fionnuala O’Shaughnessy, Chairperson of Scoil Mhuire Parents Association. “The last dental surgeon was in place in 2005” she outlined.

“In the last 3 years” she added, “no service has been provided through the school. Those in the junior classes have never been seen, while those in 4th, 5th and 6th classes haven’t been seen in 3 years.”

She further explained that “Once having left 6th class, these children are no longer entitled to the service”.

The lack of such a service has a detrimental impact on the well being of the children in the area. The disorders associated with dental decay are well documented and in many cases can be prevented by early diagnosis. However, the only service available to children in this area is an emergency facility, in Galway, when pain is present. continued on page 39

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

REGIONAL NEWS

New ‘Old’ Pub Opens In Cashel!

The much-anticipated opening of the JJ O’ Loughlin’s Bar, at the Zetland Hotel in Cashel has now become a reality.

New Zetland owner Colm Redmond is proud to announce that as of Thursday July 3rd, the bar will be open to the public from 7pm onwards. Ongoing work will be taking place in the bar over the next few months but for now, the taps are ready to go and the high stools are ready and waiting for customers. As Colm says “the people wanted the bar open, so we are giving the people what they want!” JJ O’Loughlin’s will be a traditional country bar, and will begin serving food from Monday July 14th onwards also.

The bar is sure to be welcomed by the people of Cashel, and is a much-needed boost to the options for socializing in the area. So drop into JJ O Loughlin’s at the Zetland for a pint of plain or a whiskey, and enjoy Cashel’s new ‘old’ pub for yourself.

Connemara Marketing Launch

Failte Ireland West will launch their new Connemara Marketing Campaign on Monday 7th July at 7.00pm at the Station House Theatre, Clifden. The initiative is a collaboration between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and will be launched by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, TD.

New Rural Recreations Facilities Launched

Three fantastic new facilities in the Oughterard area were officially launched by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív on Monday June 30th. The Derroura Mountain Bike Trail, the Lackvrea Boardwalk and the New Village Looped Walks were all officially launched and opened and these fantastic new facilities are now open to be used by the public and visitors, free of charge. These three projects are part of the larger development of recreational trails and infrastructure in Galway and Mayo, which has been jointly funded, at over €800,000, by Coillte and Fáilte Ireland under the last National Development Plan.

Derroura is one of the first mountain bike trail networks in the country and has been designed by one of the world’s leading trail designers, Dafydd Davis from Wales. At over 14 kilometres in length, it provides a challenging, rewarding and environmentally sustainable off-road cycling experience to local people and to a growing number of recreational visitors to Conamara and the West of Ireland.

When a section of the Western Way became unsafe, Coillte took the initiative and offered to re-route the Way through its land. As a result of this initiative, the Lackavrea Board Walk has been in developed to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of the Way. At a remarkable 4.5 kilometres long, it is the longest boardwalk in Ireland and environmentally sensitive materials were used in its construction. The New Village loop walks will enhance walking in the Oughterard area for both local people, who use it daily as a popular walking area, and tourists who pass by on the Western Way. Photo below: Minister Eamón Ó Cúiv, TD, David Gunning, CEO Coillte and Gary Costelloe, local mountain biker at launch of Coillte’s Derroura Mountain Bike Trail.

Charity Car Wash

A Fundraising Car Wash Event will take place at the Clifden Fire Station on the Galway Road on Saturday July 12th from 12-4 p.m. A Car Wash will cost €5 with all proceeds going to the Clifden Playgroup. All other donations will be gratefully received and we hope to see a good turnout to support this invaluable local cause.

Thanks to the Clifden Fire Brigade for the use of the station and we hope to see you all there to get your cars washed for charity.

Funding for Salmon Fishing

Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd is inviting applications from individuals and community organisations seeking development funding from the 2008 Salmon Hardship Fund (Community Support Scheme).

Grant assistance is targeted at the development of additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity.

The scheme is available to those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery in Galway. Whilst focused primarily on the end of drift netting, the scheme will also address those areas where other mixed stock fishing activities are affected (draft, snap, loop, bag and trap).

Development funding can be provided for a range of activities including training, diversification into non-salmon fishing activity, enterprise development, education and employment preparation, selected community initiatives, etc. The scheme is not directed at commercial salmon fishing holders who have availed of payments from the Salmon Hardship Scheme.

Two Public Information Meetings to outline the programme and the eligibility criteria will be held on the following dates: Friday 18th July, Clifden Station Hotel, Clifden, at 7.30pm and Tuesday 22nd July, BIM Office, New Docks, Galway City, at 7.30pm Further programme details are application forms are available directly from: Frank Keane, Rural Resource Officer, Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway. Tel No. 091 844335 or fkeane@grd.ie.

Clifden Lifeboat 10k Run

Entry to the Clifden Lifeboat 10k Run, which will take place on Sunday 14th September, is now open. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate, as well as teams. There are three ways to enter: log on to www.runireland.com and follow the link for Clifden Lifeboat 10k, e-mail Laurence at clifden10k@yahoo. ie for an application form or text or phone 085 1764380.

Thirteen years of local radio

Connemara Community Radio celebrates its 13th birthday on Saturday the 5th of July with live broadcasting from 11 am to 9pm. Tune in to 87.8 & 106.1 fm and maybe phone in with a request on 095-41616 New volunteers are always welcome to add to our schedule, which covers a mix of talk and discussion, sports, local reports, traditional and contemporary music and much more.

If you are interested please call the station on 095 41616 and tune in on Saturday the 5th to help us celebrate our 13th year.

Toddling for Charity

There will be a fundraising kids event entitled “Toddle in the National Park” taking place on July 19th from 11am onwards. All funds raised will go to Barnardos Childrens Charity. All are welcome for what should be a fun family event while helping children in need at the same time. Sponsorship cards from can be obtained from toddle@barnardos. ie and donations on the day will also be accepted.

Renvyle Animal Rescue Fundraiser

A sale in aid of Renvyle Animal Rescue will be held in the Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on Sunday August 3rd from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a great selection of delicious home baking, plants, arts and crafts, curios, bric a brac, jewellery, books, toys, DVD’s, clothes and more. We hope to see you there and thanks to all for supporting this local effort.

Judy Lawrence

Dun Gibbons News

The Dun Gibbons Residents Committee has been meeting regularly to discuss and arrange ongoing projects and aims.

Forum Letterfrack has loaned 10 sewing machines in order for the residents to participate in Sewing Classes, which will begin on July 15th. The VEC has also acquired funding for computer courses at the VEC, which will also start in July.

The courses agreed on cover Basic Computer Skills, Basic Irish, Adobe Photo Shop, and Women’s Health. continued on next page

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

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REGIONAL NEWS

Dun Gibbons News continued

Many of the girls at Dun Gibbons have signed up for Dance Classes at Clann Resource centre in Oughterard. The jewellery and childminding classes, which have already been going on, were very popular and well received. The committee is pursuing and seeking funding for some children’s activities, and many of the kids have signed up for the GAA Cul Camps taking place in the next month.

The current English teacher is on holidays until September but Steven Ward of Clifden has kindly volunteered to help those who already have basic English throughout the summer.

The management and staff of Dun Gibbons have attended Anti Racism training by the NCCRI. This was after Sam and Beatrice of the Resident’s Committee attended a conference by SONAS, where they obtained the book ‘Training for people who work with asylum seekers’. Some day trips have been arranged to places like Westport and Castlebar, Connemara National Park and some local beaches and all residents have signed up which is very encouraging.

The Community courses taught by Cliona are coming to an end after a successful six week run of an hour and a half twice a week. Cliona will now undertake training of the committee members for a group skills course and conflict resolution.

Future projects involve the provision of driving lessons to the residents. There are also plans to undertake a FETAC course at Connemara Community Radio and details of this are currently being figured out and discussed with Pat Walshe and the resident’s committee members.

Cliona and Jipe Kelly of Integrating Ireland have been working on setting up the constitution, mission and vision of the Committee, and will begin the process of opening an account to facilitate the funding applications.

The next two meetings of the Resident’s Committee Support Group have been arranged as the 21st of July at 11 am at Dun Gibbons, and August 25th, also at 11 am. Anyone interested in volunteering or perhaps becoming involved in the committee is welcome to attend. The residents committee would benefit greatly from the addition of some local people, to help with local knowledge and ease the integration process in doing so.

Beatrice Mbogo

Social Inclusion Unit & Guide

Galway County Council launched its Social Inclusion Unit and new publication ‘Your Guide to Our Services’ on Monday June 16th in Aras an Chontae.

The launch was hosted by the Mayor of the County, Cllr.

Sean Canney, and the County Manager Martina Moloney.

This was Mayor Cllr. Sean Canney’s last official function before handing over his chain of office. The launch was a resounding success with people from all over the County in attendance.

The Mayor Cllr. Sean Canney stated that the Guide ‘is a very informative and useful document that will be of great benefit to our citizens and community groups. It is easy to read and understand and it comprehensively lists the range of services that are offered by County Galway Local Authorities. I am particularly pleased that for each service listed, there is a brief easy to read description and direct contact details for the person dealing with the services-i.e. direct telephone number, email and website address for further information’.

Caitriona McQuillan, Social Inclusion Officer for Galway County Council stated that ‘the purpose of the Guide is to give our customers quick and easy access to the wide range of services provided by Galway County Council’. The Guide is available free of charge by contacting the Social Inclusion Unit on (091) 746866 / (091) 746871 and is available on www.galway.ie.

GMIT Letterfrack Students of Excellence

Six students from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) Letterfrack are through to the 2008 National Skills Competition in Cabinetmaking.

The 2nd and 3rd year students are studying towards a BSc degree in Furniture Design and Manufacture, and BSc degree in Design and Technology at the Letterfrack campus.

They are Sean Costello, from Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo; Shane Griffin, Ennis, Co. Clare; Ian McDermott, Tullamore, Co.

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Offaly; Daniel McNamara, Westport, Co. Mayo; Stephen Richardson, Blackrock, Co. Dublin; and Daniel Wright, Cloonloo, Co. Sligo.

The 2008 National Skills Competition in Cabinetmaking will run over four days from 16th to 19th June in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education. This year GMIT Letterfrack has six representatives out of a total of nine finalists. All nine finalists have been chosen through a national preliminary entrance competition.

Anthony Clare, Co-ordinator for the GMIT Letterfrack team, says: “The competition is extremely intensive and tests the contestants not just in terms of their skill and competence but also in stamina. A technical working drawing of a piece is all the students have to go by. They are not allowed to communicate with other contestants or their mentors at all during the competition. The piece to be made is generally very complex and incorporates traditional cabinetmaking features including the use of traditional joints such as mortise and tenon and dovetails, as well as drawers, doors and hinging techniques.”

Last year’s winner of the competition, GMIT Letterfrack graduate PJ Murphy from Ardrahan, Co. Galway, was selected for the Irish team that went on to represent Ireland in the 39th World Skills Competition in Shizuoka, Japan.

He came seventh in the competition in cabinetmaking. The World Skills Competition is held every two years and will take place in Canada in 2009.

Students from GMIT Letterfrack have performed exceptionally well in national competitions this year. Connor Trawinski from Westport and Cian Kilfeather from Sligo also came first and second respectively in the Habitat/House & Home Young Designer of the Year Competition out of more than 180 entrants.

GMIT Letterfrack offers programmes in furniture design and manufacture, production and technology, restoration and conservation and also a teacher-training programme for teachers of second level technology subjects. For further information log on to www.letterfrack.net or www.gmit.ie or email letterfrack@gmit.ie Photos: Back (l-r): Anthony Clare, Lecturer and programme co-ordinator, Shane Griffin, Ennis, Co Clare, Ian McDermot, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Sean Costello, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, Daniel Wright, Clonloo, Co Sligo, and Paul Leamy, Lecturer. Front l-r: Steven Richardson, Blackrock, Co Dublin, and Daniel McNamara, Westport, Co Mayo. Letterfrack lecturer Anthony Clare, last year’s National Skillls Winner (Cabinet making) GMIT Letterfrack graduate Patrick J Murphy from Ardrahan, and Dermot O’Donovan, Acting Head of Centre, GMIT Letterfrack.

Eco-Concession for Visitors

Visitors travelling to the Celtic Gardens at Brigit’s Garden in Roscahill this summer by public transport or bicycle will qualify for an ‘Eco-concession’ under a new initiative announced recently.

“The eco-concession is one of a number of initiatives we are introducing to reduce our carbon footprint” explained

July 3, 2008

Jenny Beale, founder of Brigit’s Garden. “Transport accounts for about a quarter of Ireland’s greenhouse gases, so we want to reward tourists that choose low-carbon forms of transport.

Ireland’s unspoiled natural beauty and green image are very important to visitors, so it is vital that everyone involved in tourism becomes more active in preserving our environment.

A survey in 2006 showed that as many as 75 percent of overseas visitors agreed with the statement that ‘Ireland is a clean and environmentally green destination”.

The eco-concession scheme at Brigit’s Garden supports Fáilte Ireland’s current Environmental Action Plan, which aims to promote good environmental practice within the tourism sector. ‘Fáilte Ireland fully supports this innovative initiative’. says Ciara O’Mahony, Regional Development Tourism Officer for Co. Galway. ‘As part of our national strategy, we encourage all tourism businesses to look at ways of becoming more environmentally friendly and have a range of initiatives in place to assist the tourism industry with this’.

At Brigit’s Garden the Celtic-inspired seasonal gardens and the surrounding woodlands and meadows are managed to promote biodiversity, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy and learn about the heritage of the West of Ireland in a beautiful and tranquil setting. In addition to it’s role as a leading tourist attraction, Brigit’s Garden is a not-for-profit educational project and has introduced a number of other sustainability initiatives. These include a reed-bed effluent treatment system, switching to a renewable electricity supply and running courses on environmental subjects as part of their adult education programme.

Racing Fun for Charity

If you’re planning on enjoying the Galway Races this year, why not help out local heart charity Croí at the same time, who have just announced details of their Race Evening event at the Galway Races on Friday, August 1st.

Described as “the ultimate racing experience”, the Croí event will take place on the top level of the new Killanin Stand. On offer, is a luxury hospitality package which includes VIP Admission, Champagne Reception, a 4-course meal with wine, private bar and tote facilities and all of this in the luxurious Hurdle Suite, which offers panoramic views of live racing. A special feature of the Croí Race Evening is free entry to the Croí Super Prize Sweepstake on the Feature Race of the evening.

Prizes on offer include: a 3-night 4-star Getaway Break to Barcelona, a break-away shopping spree to include overnight at the Sheraton Hotel with a €500 shopping voucher for the new Athlone Towncentre, a weekend at the luxurious Lough Rynn Castle, and tickets to every day of the Galway Races 2009, plus lots more.

Tickets to the Croí event are €250 each and can be purchased individually or in private tables. The event is very generously supported by Tom Hogan Motors, Abbott Vascular, Febvre, Galway Race Committee and Lydon House.

All proceeds from this event directly support the fight against heart disease. So for the perfect opportunity to entertain family, colleagues or friends at Ireland’s No.1 Racing Festival, call Seóna at Croí now on 091-544310 or log-on to www.croi.ie

Locals Climb for Focus Ireland

Two local men are planning to put their hiking boots on as they prepare for the Focus Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge, taking place from the 12th to the 14th of September. Pat Dowd of D & N Autostore, and Seamus Nee of Clifden Tool and Plant Hire, both in Clifden Business Centre are taking on the challenge of climbing Ireland’s four highest mountains in three days. Seamus, Pat and their team need to raise a minimum of €4,500 and climb Carrauntoohil (Kerry),Mweelrea (Mayo),Slieve Donard (Down) and Lugnaquilla (Wicklow) as part of the challenge, which benefits Focus Ireland, which helps homeless people to find accommodation. Focus Ireland provides an excellent service in helping to improve the situations of homeless people through quality services, research, and advocacy.

If you would like to sponsor Pat or Seamus, call into D & N Autostore or Clifden Tool and Plant Hire at the Clifden Business Centre for more details.

Send in your news, views & photos to news@connemaraview.com

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Clifden

Lidl Planning Approved

Lidl Ireland has been granted planning permission to build a store at a site on the Galway Road, opposite the Clifden Supply Centre. This is the second discount supermarket operator to have been granted planning permission in the town, as Aldi Ireland were granted permission to build a store on the opposite side of the road at a site also in Tullyvoheen.

Both supermarkets had applied for planning permission prior to these applications, but withdrew, as there were queries over traffic management and other issues. It would appear that those concerns have now been dealt with and resolved as both stores now have permission to build.

Back in February of this year, the Connemara View conducted a straw poll among business owners in the town centre to gauge how the arrival of discount retailers would affect the town. An overwhelming 86% of those asked said they would be in favour of such stores opening. Reasons given ranged from better value on grocery products, alcohol and electrical goods to the creation of employment in the area. There may be mixed feelings in some quarters however as there were local objections to the initial application by Aldi.

The construction and opening of these two stores could dramatically change the business face of Clifden, potentially attracting shoppers from all over the region to the town.

RNLI News

The West Coast Championships were held in Clifden Bay from 18th to 21st of June and were run by the local sailing club. With in excess of 30 sailing boats in the bay and racing every day for four days there was always the possibility that the RNLI would be needed and as things turned out, we were!

On Thursday 19th a 33ft yacht with 9 sailors on board suffered a broken mast and an engine failure. Our crew went to the aid of the damaged yacht and escorted them to their mooring in Clifden Bay. Happily all aboard were safe and unhurt.

Saturday the 21st June was an excellent day for sailing. The wind increased steadily in the early afternoon and one of the participating yachts needed to be towed in to the bay by the Atlantic 75 Lifeboat.

The D class boat was also launched and provided escort to the towing boat. Writing from personal experience of that day, even though I did not require assistance, it was very re-assuring to have those Orange Lifeboats buzzing around keeping a close eye on things.

Early on Sunday 22nd June the RNLI were called out to check on those sailors who had stayed on their boats. Wind Force 7 to 8 and heavy swells coming straight in Clifden Bay were causing worry to those on shore. In the course of inspecting all the yachts one boat was found to have suffered serious damage and had to move to a more sheltered anchorage. When this had been done the Lifeboat returned to station.

Quite a number of our crew was involved over the course of the three services.

Among them were the following: Bernard Whelan, Roger Snow, Colin Snow, Barry Ward, Neil Gallery, Conor McEvaddy, James Mullen, Sinead O Sullivan, Daniel Whelan, Michael Mulkerrins, David Griffin, Frank Acton, John Mullen, Joe Acton and Robert King, so many thanks to all for their help and assistance.

Donal O Scanaill

Local RNLI Volunteers honoured A special Awards cer-

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

emony was held in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin recently to honour the volunteer work of the men and women who give up so much of their time to support the RNLI in Ireland.

Lavinia Joyce of Clifden was awarded a bronze badge for her outstanding work as the Branch Chairman for the past 9 years. The award was given to her in thanks for her dedication and support, which is greatly appreciated by the RNLI. Ruth Cully of the Clifden/Connemara Branch was also awarded a Bronze Badge for her work as Box Secretary for the past 8 years. Lavinia Joyce collected the award on her behalf.

A supporter Award was also presented to the Clifden RNLI Appeal Committee and Chairman Jackie O Grady for their fantastic achievement of raising over €65,000 to pay for a new D Class lifeboat for Clifden.

Well done to all the local branch members on their awards.

Without their hard work and commitment, the Clifden RNLI lifeboat would not be the excellent asset to the community.

Ann Marie Bennett Photos: Lavinia Joyce receives her award from Terry Johnson, Deputy Chairman of the RNLI. Ruth Cully accepts her award from Tony Hiney of the RNLI. Chairman Jackie O Grady accepts the award on behalf of the Clifden Lifeboat Appeal Committee from Tony Hiney.

All Weather Pitch at Ball Alley

Clifden Playground Committee is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its application for funding to build a new All Weather pitch in the town. The location of the pitch is right beside the playground, on the site of the existing tennis court. The committee’s spokesperson, Declan Maher, advises that Galway County Council, through its Recreation & Amenity Framework, has awarded a grant of €70,400 to the project. This grant represents 75% of the total cost of the project, and is the maximum available under the scheme.

We understand that the Council’s Recreation & Amenity Framework is essentially funded by planning contributions paid by builders and developers in the area. The project will cost €94,000 to complete and the balance of the funding, about €24,000, will be raised locally by the Playground Committee.

Declan told the Connemara View “We are thrilled with the support shown by Galway County Council in providing first class playing facilities for the children of Clifden and the surrounding area.

This follows on from the €90,000 grants provided in 2007 towards the €120,000 cost of our new playground. Our new All Weather pitch will have a synthetic grass surface marked out for soccer and basketball. It will be surrounded by 3-meter fencing and will also have low level floodlighting to allow use during winter evenings. The pitch will open daily to the general public, but we also invite use by local clubs and groups.” Any club or group interested in using the facility should contact Declan.

On the issue of the playground, it is disappointing to report that it has been subjected to some vandalism recently. We would ask anyone who sees people damaging our childrens play facilities to report it to a member of the committee or the Garda. The funds to repair the damage are not available so it is our children who will miss out if we cannot stop these thugs.

CARS

05 Peugeot 206,5dr. H/B. 1124cc, 51k, Blue 04 Skoda Octavia, 1.9 T RED Dl. 6 Speed, 130BHp. 91k, Black 04 Toyota Corolla. S/L. 65k, Met Blue 04 Rover 45 IES, 1.4 Petrol, 5df. H/B, 48k Black 04 Nissan Almera, 1.5 Petrol, 5dr, H/B, 26k miles. Blue 04 Vauxhall Astra Club Twinport. 1.6 Petrol. 5dr. H/B, 40k, Gold 03 Renault Scenic. 1.4 Petrol, 5dr, 57k, Blue 03 VW Bora S TDI, 1.9TD RED I, 4dr, S/L, 72K, Red 03 Opel Zafira Comfort, 2.0L Diesel, 5dr, 102k, Silver 03 Ford Fusion LX, 1.4 Diesel. 5dr, H/B. 80k, Silver 03 Toyota Landcruiser. LWB, 100K, Grey Met. 02 Toyota Camry, 2.4 VVTI, 4dr, S/L, 97k Silver 02 VW Passat.Comfortline 1.9 T RED Dl, S/L. 107K, Gold 02 Landrover Freelander 1951cc TD, 144k Blue 02 Mercedes C220 Classic CDI, 2148cc, S/L, 80k Blue 01 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2.0L TD, 138k, Silver 01 Mitsubishi Carisma, 5dr. H/B, 1.6 Petrol, 85k, Silver 01 Audi A6, 4dr, S/L, 1.8 Turbo, Alloys, A/C. Grey Met 00 Renault Megane RXI, 1.4 Petrol, 5dr, H/B, 66k, Grey 00 Peugeot 306,1.9 Diesel, 5dr, H/B. 115k, Blue

00 Seat Ibiza Stella, 1.4 Petrol. H/B, 108k, Black 00 Mazda 323F LX, 5dr, H/B,1.3, 135k, Blue 00 Opel Corsa VIVA XE. 1.0L Petrol, 5dr, 58k, Red 00 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Petrol. 5dr, H/B. 54k, Black 99 Ford Mondeo LX, 1.6 Petrol, 5dr, H/B, 130k, Silver 99 Nissan Almera S, 1.4 Petrol, S/L 138k. Red 98 VW Polo Classic, 1.4 Petrol, 4dr, S/L, 87k. Red 97 Opel Corsa ECO, 1.2 Petrol, 5dr, H/B, 100k, Red 97 VW Golf, 1.4 Petrol, 2 years NCT, Red 95 Mitsubishi Spacewagon 2.0L Mint Condition, 135k, Blue

VANS & COMMERCIALS 05 Ford Transit Connect 2.0 L, TD, 40K. Red 04 Toyota Landcruiser SWB, 4x4, 54k, Silver 04 Ford Transit Minibus, White 04 Citroen Dispatch, 2.0L HDI, 58k. White 04 Citroen Berlingo 600 LX 90k, White 04 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, 2.5TD, 100k, Green 03 Vauxhall Combo, 1.7TD, 69k, Red 02 Isuzu NPR Truck with Tipper, 75k. White/Red 00 Isuzu Trooper, SWB, 3.0 L. Gold Met 99 VW Transporter, 2.4 Diesel, LWB, 109k, Green

If you have a particular make/model in mind, I can arrange to have that car or van in stock within days! All cars and vans will be tested and guaranteed. Financing Available.

Kylemore Service Station Kylemore, Renvyle

Sales & Service 24 Hour Recovery Service Panel Beating Service Contact David on 095 41147 or 087 2333115 Fax No: 095 41858 July 3, 2008

PAGE 7

Alcock & Brown Air Show

The Fun Was Up in the Air The first ever Alcock & Brown Air Show , co-ordinated by the Clifden Chamber of Commerce, saw the blue skies of Ballyconneely play host to a variety aeronautical machines on Sunday the 15th of June.

The Air Show was the pinnacle of a weekend to commemorate the 1919 Alcock & Brown flight, as well as, the 2005 re-enactment by Rebholtz & Forster. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív launched the festivities on Friday 13th in Foyle’s Hotel. Saturday saw a guided walk by Michael Gibbons and lectures by Robert Jocelyn, Jenny Moseley and Agnes Aylward and a screening of the documentary “A Flight from History-The Return of the Vimy” by Hal McNall.

Thousands watched the flights of fancy over the commonage in Aillebrack on a breezy but bright sunny afternoon. The contrast of the red and yellow of the Bucker Jungmann against the deep blue sky was a wonderful sight performing a number of impressive swirls, dips and manoeuvres. The single seat Yakovlev Yak-50 acrobatic aircraft, a twice World Aerobatic Champion, demonstarted its speed and agility. Four Air Corps Pilatus pc-9m’s flew in formation at great speed.

The Agusta Westland 139 helicopter also drew great attention, which is one of the Air Corps newest additions. The helicopter could be examined on the ground and observed taking off and performing a number of manoeuvres.

There was also an army ground display and a couple of Army tanks parked up, and an assortment of gliders and light aircrafts to be viewed on the ground.

This inaugural exhibition had fewer multi-plane displays than other shows like the Salthill Air Show, but was a

PAGE 8

great achievement and success. Parking facilities and accessibility were well run and efficient and many families and visitors turned out to enjoy the first event of this kind in Connemara. There was a little confusion expressed, however, as the signs indicated the “Clifden Air Show”, when the events actually took place in Ballyconneely.

Nonetheless the first Alcock & Brown Air Show was a very enjoyable day out for the family and set the stage for the event to go from strength to strength in the coming years. The events of the day also served as a fitting reminder of and tribute to Connemara’s aviation history, and the historic landing of Alcock and Brown 89 years ago.

Photos clockwise from top: The Bucker Jungmann German training aircraft, which was used in World War II. The Air Corps Casa cn 234 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The Air Corps Agusta Westland approaches the speaker tower during its display. The impressive Air Corps Pilatus pc-9m’s flying in formation. The Irish Coast guard Sikorsky S-61, which is optimised for over water operations performing a winch rescue display. Some of the light aircraft that could be seen on the ground and in flight throughout the day. The Agusta Westland 139 Air Corps helicopter about to take off with the Casa cn 234 overhead. Yellowplane: The Yak 52 in flight in the blue sky of Ballyconneely.

Air Show volunteers Niall Staunton, Josh Stoney, Ryan Hehir, Charles O’Donoghue & Caragh Hehir Photos courtesy of Gina Pryce, the Clifden Chamber of Commerce & staff.

July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Chamber News Clifden Chamber of Commerce held their first ever Alcock & Brown Commemorative Weekend from 13th-15th June last. The weekend was

opened by Minister Éamon Ó’Cuív in Foyles Hotel on the Friday & Saturday saw a wonderful series of lectures & documentaries by Robert Jocelyn, Jenny Moseley, Agnes Aylward of the Irish Newfoundland Partnership & Hal & Maureen McNal in the Station House Theatre.

We were delighted with our successful, inaugural Alcock & Brown Air Show that was held on the Sunday. A beautiful day, happy crowds and exciting entertainment ensured a memorable fun filled day.

Our hard working committee of Declan Mannion, Gerard King, Michael King, Paul Mannion, Conor McEvaddy, Aidan O’Halloran, Brian Hehir & Michele Hehir would like to extend their gratitude to the numerous volunteers that assisted on the day that contributed to the smooth running of the event. The Clifden Gardai, in particular Superintendent Tony O’Donnell and Sergeant Ailish Hynes were of huge assistance in the planning of the day as was the advice from Galway Airport, and in particular, our Flight Director, Tony Gibson. The goodwill from landowners and locals made for a very rewarding day. The takings on the day were donated back to local schools Aillebrack, Ballyconneely and the Playschool in the form of €1,000 donations to each school.

On Wednesday, the 17th June, Clifden

Chamber of Commerce, together with Galway Chamber of Commerce hosted an Enterprise Seminar in the Clifden Station House. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, Galway City and County Enterprise Board, Udaras, Fas, Westbic, Revenue On Line, Bank Of Ireland & Ulster Bank gave important advice and innovative suggestions for new and existing businesses. Local entrepeneurs Martin Walsh, Dan O’Hara Heritage Centre; Brendan Madden, GPA Solutions and Graham Roberts, Connemara Smokehouse (see photo) gave excellent presentations on their experiences, which was followed by a lively question and answer session. It was a very informative and entertaining evening.

Donations to the Ballyconneely Schools As a result of the Alcock and Brown Air Show and Commemorative Weekend, the Clifden Chamber of Commerce made three individual donations of €1000 to the local schools in the Ballyconneely area.

Photos: Aillebrack National School receiving a €1,000 donation from Clifden Chamber of Commerce; Ballyconneely Playschool receiving a €1,000 donation from Clifden Chamber of Commerce; Ballyconneely N. S. receiving their cheque. Photos courtesy of the Clifden Chamber of Commerce.

Poetry by Pupils Pictured are the students of 3rd class in Scoil Mhuire Clifden with Ms. Louise Roche, their teacher,as they presented their poetry book to Paul of Clifden Library. The book of original poetry written by the students, will be on display in the Library all summer. A message from the 3rd class students: “Please go to the library and read all summer. The library is free to children and there are plenty of brilliant books to read.”

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

PAGE 9

Clifden

Library News

Alcock & Brown The Alcock & Brown exhibition will remain on show in the Library for the summer months. This exhibition is part of the heritage series of exhibitions hosted by the library to highlight Clifden’s history and heritage.

Team Read The Beijing Olympics is the inspiration for this year’s Summer reading challenge. The Team Read. Children complete the challenge by reading six or more books and visiting the library at least three times during the school holidays. They will get a certificate celebrating their achievement at the end of summer party. As usual there will be prizes for book reports and/or pictures and drawings. It’s all about enjoying and reading lots of great books about sport. The team read is open to all children from 4 to 12 years old and runs from July to end of August. It’s free and it’s fun! Check out your local library for more information.

Opening Hours Mon & Wed: 2.30-6pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Tues, Thurs & Sat: 10.30-1pm & 2.30-6pm; Fri: 10.30-1pm, 2.30-6pm & 6.30-8.30pm.

Phone Paul /Bernie 095-21092.

Photo Competition Clifden, Letterfrack and Roundstone Libraries are holding a fabulous competition this summer for junior library members up to the age of 12yrs. Children are asked to take of photograph of ‘‘summer in Connemara’’. Each library will select a winner and there will also be a fantastic prize for one overall winner. Collect an entry form and details from your local library and get out there and take some photos!

special interest activities. Here is the overview of those activities in July.

Every Monday morning, we remember the past and reminisce about joyful and seasonable events and differences between now and days past. In the afternoon, Elisabeth works individually with a resident.

Every Tuesday morning, the residents do exercises with the clients of Criost Linn starting at 11.30 until 12.15. In the afternoon, we have the Questions and Answer Quiz; please, do come and test your knowledge.

As usual, on Wednesday morning, we have the arts session with our residential artist and you are most welcome to participate.

Most Thursday mornings we have the Rosary at 11.00 followed by Mass at 11.30 with Father Tony Neville. We invite you to participate in our spiritual session in the afternoon.

Every Friday morning there are gentle exercises from 11.00-12.00 followed by the Rosary in the Oratory. In the afternoon, we have an activity involving nature, which depending on the weather; we have indoors or in the garden. Speaking of the garden, the cabbages are growing fast and the potatoes look very promising.

On most Saturday’s residents play Bingo.

You are very welcome to visit St. Anne’s at any time. Sundays the residents and staff have a sing-song and some music whenever possible.

Marian Hanrahan, Director of Nursing

Ballyconneely

K’nex Challenge Winners

PAGE 10

Carna

Moyrus NS School Closes

Moyrus National School, which opened in 1894, has sadly closed its doors as the continual population decline in the area takes its toll on community facilities. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív attended and spoke at an evening of song, music and dancing and memories on Saturday June 21st. He expressed that while it was always sad to see a school close its doors, he hoped that the school would be used for community purposes in the future, and that the contribution of the school should be remembered.

Local statistics have shown a 53% drop in numbers of pupils attending the local National Schools in Cill Chiarain and Carna since 1990. The lowest ever intake of pupils is expected this year in First Year in Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara also.

Cashel

Cashel N.S.

St. Anne’s CNU

On the 3rd of June, four relatives of residents attended an information evening about the National Quality Standards for Residential Care settings for Older People in Ireland. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published these standards in 2008. They protect the rights of residents in care. It is very important that the care those residents receive, protects and allows residents to lead as full a life as possible in a caring and respectful environment.

Up to now, there was no inspection in any of the HSE residential units. That is changing.

Over time, the Social Services Inspectorate within HIQA will use the standards to inspect and report on the quality of St. Anne’s.

The inspections will happen in all services whether run by the HSE, private providers, or voluntary organisations. Registration is only available to those who meet the standards. Only services in the register may provide residential services to older people.

There are 32 standards and they are grouped in seven sections, which cover: 1. The rights of residents. 2. Protection of residents. 3. Health and social care needs.4.

Quality of life. 5. Staffing. 6. The care environment. 7. Management and governance.

There is a summary of the standards available in the information stand in St. Anne’s. More information is also available on the Internet at www.hiqa.ie or from the HIQA office, Social Services Inspectorate, Third Floor, Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2.

The standards include social, leisure and

great new childrens playground for Camus in the past few months. Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs has sanctioned an additional grant of €6030 to Coiste Pháirc Spraoi Chamais, to enable them to further develop a playground beside the community centre. This brings to €62,030 the total funding from the Department for this project.

The minister said, “Facilities of this sort are vital for all Gaeltacht communities and I hope that the local community will benefit from the playground.”

The new playground was officially opened by the Minister on May 18th and a great afternoon was organised by Coiste Pobail Chamuis to celebrate this great new asset in the area.

Pupils from the local primary schools participated and did very well in the Knex Challenge Regional finals, which took place at GMIT on June 3rd. Dillon King and Niall McCann won the team challenge in Ballyconneely National School, and Dylan O’Neill and Gary Connolly won the Aillebrack National School team challenge. Both teams then qualified to go on to the regional final in GMIT, so well done to them on their achievements and on doing so well in what was a fun and competitive event.

Photos: (l-r) Dylan O Neill and Gary Connolly of Aillebrack N.S. with their Knex certificates. Dillon King and Niall McCann at the Knex Challenge Regional finals.

Hello again! Wow the time flew by. Here’s the news from Cashel School.

On the 14th of May, Michael Moylan, a historian, came to our school and talked to us about The Vikings and The 1916 Rising.

Michael was very funny and we enjoyed his presentation. He brought in clothes, hats, weapons, cooking tools and household objects. Children from the class would be asked to come up to him and assume characters such as a Viking boy or Girl, Countess Markievic and other people.We all enjoyed the day of History!

The Connemara Radio recently set up a small radio stand in the doctors’ office in Cashel Community centre. A few pupils attended the event. The day was very enjoyable.

Many people told stories, sang songs and played instruments.

The fleadh in Letterfrack was on a few weeks ago. A few of our students from 5th and 6th class entered the Letterfrack Fleadh.

All the students came back to school with great victories with 2nd and 3rd place medals. Lorraine Cunningham came 2nd in the under twelve’s, Michael Cunningham came 2nd in the under sixteen’s and John Joyce came 3rd in the under sixteen’s.

The Scríobh Leabhar Competition was on the 5th of June. Each child wrote a book in Irish. All the pupils entered the competition and 8 pupils from our school won. The prizes were presented by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and there were over 145 children at the event held in the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway.

A child from every class in their school won a medal and a certificate. Here are the winners:Rachel Bodkin: Junior Infants, Laura Flaherty: Senior Infants, Stella Hosier: 2nd class, Shane O’Malley: 2nd class, Rachel McDonagh: 3rd class, Roma Joyce: 4th class, Lorraine Cunningham: 5th class, Daniel O’Malley: 6th class.

‘Writers in Residence’ is a programme that our school participated in. Geraldine Mills, a poet, came to our school for seven weeks and helped us with creative writing. We all had great fun in the class and made some very funny stories. It was great! Summer is on the way and you will hear from us all again next year.

That’s pretty much everything from Cashel N.S. for now!

Roma, Caoimhe and Sarah.

Cashel hosts radio show

The Letterfrack based Connemara Community Radio recently held an outside broadcast with members of the Cashel area at the local Community Centre. The programme was presented by Bernard Lee and his guests included Robert Jocelyn speaking about the ongoing development of Wallaces Quay in Lettercamps, Sean Brennan who spoke about the 40th anniversary of Cashel Connemara Credit Union,and Brian Cunningham who discussed his role in teaching Sean Nós dancing in a number of local national schools .

A special guest on the night was Colm Redmond, a native of Wexford, who is the new owner of the highly renowned Zetland Hotel. He spoke about his plans to re-open the public bar in the hotel, which has been closed since 1989. This was welcome news to the local community, which has lost local services such as Post Office, Grocery shop, and Pub in the past two years, and all wish him well with his future plans at the hotel.

The music entertainment on the show was provided by pupils from St Teresa’s National School who played a number of tunes on both accordion and tin whistle.

Photo below: (l-r): Michael Cunningham, John Joyce, Christopher Joyce, Alan Joyce, Colm Redmond, Caomha Dunne, Deirdre Joyce, Tomas Joyce, Lorraine Cunningham, Brian Cunningham, Cillian Dunne, Bernard Lee.

Camus

Funding for Playground

There is more good news for the fundraising committee who achieved a

July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Cashel continued

Moyrus School 7-a-Side

The Scoil Bríde National School in Moyrus recently held a 7-a-side Gaelic football tournament in Carna as part of a number of activities to mark the upcoming closure of the school due to declining numbers. The new Moyrus school had been opened since 1959 but with the three remaining pupils leaving this year the building is now set to close its doors for the last time. The football tournament included teams of past pupils from Cashel, Carna, Ardmore, Cill Chiarian, Mynish, and Moyrus. After an entertaining series of matches the teams from Cashel and Carna national schools contested the final.

The Cashel team was managed on the day by county star Niall Coyne. The team featured his brother Conor, former Galway player Michael Cloherty and his father Paraic Cloherty, and two sets of brothers Sean and Francis Nee and Bernard and Conal Lee, and Brian Joyce and David Joyce.

The family connections were also evident on the Carna team also which was managed by Johnny Lydon and included his sons Colm and Cathal, as well as Intermediate players Seamus Cloherty and John Flaherty.

The younger Carna team proved too strong on the day and ran out worthy winners despite a gallant effort from their opponents.

Bernard Lee

Photos: Above - Back (l-r): Niall Coyne (manager), Conal Lee, Francis Nee, and David Joyce. Front (l-r); Bernard Lee, Paraic Cloherty, Conor Coyne, Sean Nee, Michael Cloherty (missing from picture is Brian Joyce).

The Carna N.S. past Pupils winning 7 a side football team.

Bottom: A group of men and women participated in a F.A.I. Kick Start 1 soccer coaching course in Letterfracki with former Galway United manager Tony Mannion and former player Johnny Morris Burke.

The aim of the course was to help parents, teachers and coaches with various methods

of teaching kids in the 6-9 year’s age group.

Following the success of this inital course it is hoped a follow up course will take place later in the year.

Alan Joyce, a sixth class pupil in St Teresa’s National School Cashel, was the overall winner of the Roundstone fun organised by Youth In Action. The event was held recently in glorious sunshine and with a large participation of children and parents who enjoyed the many activities which were arranged on the day.

Cleggan/Claddaghduff

No Claddaghduff Show 2008

At a recent meeting of Claddaghduff Show committee, the difficult decision was made that there will be no show this year. A number of committee members wished to resign and despite numerous appeals etc, not enough replacements could be found. The suitability of the field was also discussed as so many

complaints were received last year. The show has been growing steadily over recent years with entries almost doubling in number. It is hoped that the committee can work with the committee, who are putting football pitches etc behind Claddaghduff Hall and that the show could be run there in the future.

It is intended to call a public meeting towards the end of this year with a view to forming a committee, if this can be done then 2009 will see the 21st Claddaghduff Show. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sweeney family and each and every person who has helped us at Claddaghduff Show over the years. If anyone feels

that they would be able to help in the future please would they let John Noel Mullen or Mary Sweeney know.

Cathriona O Toole

Festival of the Sea

There will be plenty of activity at Claddaghduff Hall over the summer months, as this great facility is being used to its full potential by the community. The “Festival of the Sea will take place from the 1st to the 4th of August, and highlights will include workshops, exhibitions and a mini marathon.

On Friday August 1st there will be an exhibition of underwater photography by Mark N Thomas featuring images of examples of some of the abundant sea life around Aughris. Dave Hogan will also deliver a talk on “The life of St Coman” at the Cleggan Community Centre, and there will be basket making, Irish dancing and much more. Two children’s Camps will also be run in the Hall, details of which can be found in our Kids Calendar on Page 23.

There will be a Festival Programme out in the near future which will be distributed in local outlets so keep an eye out for that and posters to keep up with all that’s going on.

For more information on events throughout the Festival of the Sea or at Claddaghduff Hall, contact Laurence Conneely at (095) 44916 or Terry Minogue at (095) 44002.

pionships. After Inis Mór –who were unable to host the event due to lack of accommodation, Inisbofin was next in the ascendancy.

The event will take place on the 12th and 13th of this coming September.

Peadar King To Launch Album

Peadar King of Inishbofin is to launch his debut album on the 18th of July in Cuba, Galway. The album titled “The Nature of Flaws”, features all original material, with aspects of the many musical genres that shape his style. Folk, Jazz, Blues, Country and rock all come together, with apt lyrics to produce a polished yet earthy sound. A nationwide tour will follow its release.

Leenane

Creeragh Church Organ

A family who visited from Dublin has kindly donated a fully functional church organ to parish priest Fr. Gerry Burns for Creeragh church. The uniquely designed church is well attended and regularly visited by passers-by but has never had an organ before. The organ is now in place and was gratefully received from the Weldon family

by Fr. Burns and the whole parish.

Leitir Móir

Knex Challenge Regional Finals

Inishbofin

Cliff and pier project complete

Islanders can breathe a sigh of relief and fresh air free of cement dust as the Cliff and Pier work finally comes to an end. The work, although much needed, caused significant hindrance to the lives of islanders throughout the past two and a half years. The coast road along the white beacon tower (which has had a new leading light fitted) has been re-opened and now the roads of the island can all be used once again. Grass now grows in between the mesh where the cliffs are buttressed. The issue, which now needs to be addressed, is that of the state of our roads after so long suffering the weight of heavy plant machinery.

The shelter now provided though by the New Pier will be invaluable during our harsh winters. Remarkable changes in our habitat have come about within such a short time, relatively speaking, and hopefully they will be part of the foundation for a sustainable future for Inishbofin.

Film Course continues for Summer

Kieran Concannon will run a continuation of his film-making course throughout the summer. The Course aims to produce a short film project,the theme of which will be decided by the selected group.

Dates will be decided in the near future.

Places are limited so people interested should contact Peadar King at the community centre (095-45861)as soon as possible to reserve a place.

Leitir Móir 1(l-r) Seán McDonagh and Kevin Connolly, Drim National School Leitir Mór, taking part in the Knex Challenge Regional Finals at the Galway Education Centre, Wellpark.

2 (l-r) Conor Ó Dubháin and Rumhann De Búrca, Scoil Náisiunta Colmcille Leitir Mór, taking part in the Knex Challenge Regional Finals at the Galway Education Centre, Wellpark.

All Ireland Inter Island Championship

After much deliberation by our Aran counterparts it has been decided to host the All- Ireland Inter Island Football Championships here on Inishbofin. Initially it was to be held on Bear Island, however their new football pitch has not been completed and unfortunately would not be ready for this year’s Cham-

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

PAGE 11

Mol an Óige Concert-a great success

Letterfrack

The annual Mol an Óige concert was held on Saturday 21st in the Church of Ireland Clifden. A great night of

Letterfrack Library News

Letterfrack library is offering regular supervised children’s activities throughout the summer consisting of reading, writing and drawing every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Letterfrack Library open times: Tues & Thurs 5.30 – 7.30pm; Wed &Fri 2-4pm; Saturday 11 – 1pm. For more details or information phone Sigi at 095- 41660.

There is also a fabulous competition this summer for junior library members up to the age of 12yrs. Children are asked to take of photograph of ‘‘Summer in Connemara’’. Each library will select a winner and there will also be a fantastic prize for one overall winner. Collect an entry form and details from your local library and get out there and take some photos!

Letterfrack NS

Graduation Ceremony

The sixth class say goodbye at a lovely graduation ceremony at the school. Mass with Fr. Gerry Burns, presentation of certificates and gifts. The evening finished with a cup of tea for parents and lots of goodies for the graduates.

music, song and dance attended by a fine enthusiastic crowd who gave the young entertainers great support and encouragement. Over 50 young singers, dancers and musicians from all over Conamara entertained the crowds for two fun packed hours and €960 was raised on the night for the Clifden Lifeboat. Anne Marie Bennett from the fundraising committee thanked the young people for their effort and congratulated them on the lovely entertainment they provided on the night.

The night was indeed a splendid occasion show casing the work of music teachers - Marie Walsh, Liz Kane, Eibhlin Ni Mhaille, Yvonne Kane and Mary Finn. Everybody at the concert commented on the high standard of performance and were generous in their praise for the five teachers and their pupils.

Photo Above: (l-r) Eibhlin Ni Mhaille, Yvonne Kane, Liz Kane, Marie Walsh Photo Right: Ann Marie Bennett representing Clifden Lifeboat with some of the young players from the Mol an Oige concert.

Oughterard

Show Society Goes to the Dogs

Oughterard Show Society has teamed up with Ardrahan Show Society and The Connemara Performance Pony Association for a ‘Night at the Dogs Fundraiser’ to be held at the Galway Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 5th July at 8.00 p.m.

The three groups need to sell 720 tickets with various combinations of the six trap numbers. If the number sequence on the ticket matches the result of the feature race on the night, the holder scoops the first prize of €1500. In addition, there are five opportunities to win €100 by way of a draw of counterfoils entered in a lucky dip.

Tickets costing €20 and including admission as well as

Maam

EASA in Letterfrack

European Architecture Students Assembly {EASA} will take place from 12th until 24th of August in Letterfrack.

This International event is now in its 28th year and the first time it has ever been held in Ireland. EASA will attract over 45 nationalities to Letterfrack from as far west as El Salvador and as far east as Azerbaijan. The assembly is being voluntarily organised by a group of bright young Irish architecture students with the intention of promoting the advancement of Irish architecture. The Department of Rural Affairs & Galway Enterprise Board are supporting the event.

The European Architecture Students Assembly (EASA) is a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge for European students of architecture, young designers and artists; its main focus each year is the Summer Assembly, in which 400 artists, architecture students and designers gather to live and work together over a two week period. In order to expose participants to the cultural and environmental development of Ireland in the last decade, the conference will start with three days in Dublin before traversing the country and arriving in Letterfrack where the participants will live and work for 12 days. Here, the various nationalities will partake in workshops involving creating installations in and around Letterfrack. Members of the public are invited to come along to the evening activities including lectures, music and dance. Several high profile architects working in the west of Ireland will be speaking at the event, including architect’s of the award winning Letterfrack Furniture College, Sheila O’Donnell & John Tuomey. An exhibition of the results from the workshops will open at the college on Sunday 25th of August.

If anyone in the local area is interested in attending some of the events during the assembly on helping out in general please visit our website www.easa008.ie or contact our press office 01-2838881.

PAGE 1 2

Members of Kilkenny and Galway Heritage Councils visited Maam on Friday June 6th. Over 20 people arrived by coach at Ionad Pobail an Mháma at 3:30 p.m., accompanied

by Bríd Higgins, Acting Heritage Officer, Galway County Council and Michael Starret of Kilkenny.

Members of Maam Women’s Group welcomed the group and told them about the voluntary groups in Maam- Coiste Forbatha an Mháma, Maam Women’s Group, Maam Children’s Playscheme and Joyce Country Echo.

They also heard about the Maam time capsule. Many people donated photographs, letters, coins, toys, prayers and more for the Time Capsule, which was buried in 2001 and will be dug up in 2050.

The visiting group then walked part of the Tiernakill Road (North), which is the Golden Mile of Maam 2006, and were very impressed by the various activities going on in the area.

In the evening, 90 people went to dinner in the Connemara Coast Hotel in Furbo, and were entertained by music and dancing by the Cunningham family from Cashel Pictured below at the Galway and Kilkenny Heritage Council Dinner at the Connemara Coast Hotel on June 6th are l-r: Rosemary Hanley, Jack Hanley, David Dunford of the Kilkenny Heritage Council, Seán Kyne, Deputy Mayor of County Galway and Patricia Kirwan Doyle.

News and photo by Rosemary Hanley

July 3, 2008

the race card for the night, are available from Oughterard Show Society Committee members or by telephoning 086 1517289 / 086 3981572.

The 46th Oughterard Show takes place this year on 30th and 31st of August. Saturday’s programme is devoted to performance ponies with up to fifteen pony rider combinations again coming from the UK. The Show Schedule is already with the printers and will be circulated following the official launch by Ronnie O’Gorman of the Galway Advertiser at 9.00 p.m.on Friday 18th July in the Connemara Gateway Hotel, Oughterard. The schedule and entry forms will also be available on the website www.oughterardshow.com.

A show office has also been opened in the town centre.

This is above Faherty’s Pub on Camp Street and correspondence or general enquiries may be directed to the Secretary, Oughterard Show Society, Camp Street, Oughterard. The e-mail address is oughshowsociety@eircom.net.

Leslie Lyons PRO Oughterard Show Photo shows the launch of a joint Ardrahan/ Connemara Performance Pony Association /Oughterard Show fundraising dog night launch at Bradley’s Pub, Labane on Sunday June 8th, with the winning dog on the left! (l-r): David Devane (Sec. Ardrahan Show); Bernadette Whelan; Paddy O’Grady (Bradley’s Pub); Pat Whelan (Chairman Ardrahan Show); Tommy Keane; Frances Whelan (Ardrahan Show Queen); Paraic Flanagan: Mary Leonard: Nicholas Byrne (CPP & Oughterard Show); Martin Sweeney; Leslie Lyons (Chairman Performance Section Oughterard Show).

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Derryglen School Celebrates the Past & the Future

Scoil Muire, Doireglinne has just completed and officially opened a brand new extension. As the building dates from 1959, it was decided to combine the official opening with a 50-year celebration.

On Saturday 14th June at 2.p.m. the opening of the new school extension and the 50th year celebration took place in Scoil Mhuire Doireglinne. David Collins, the chairperson of the Board of Management began by welcoming everyone.

Fr. Jimmy Walsh then celebrated mass and the Rev Malachy Hallinan, Vicar general, blessed the building. Speeches were made by David Collins, Principal Sinead Ni Chadhain and Minister Éamon Ó’Cuív. Mrs Sarah O’Toole and Mrs Margaret Geoghegan then cut the ribbon. Former Principal Mary Kyne had the honour of unveiling the plaque. To mark the day’s events and the milestone in the school’s history, Fr

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Jimmy Walsh and Ruth O’Toole, the oldest pupil currently on the role, planted a tree. Current pupils Martina McDonagh and Sinead Goggin also buried a time capsule.

The parents provided refreshments. A slide show and film, depicting school life in Scoil Muire in 1959 and today, was shown. Old photographs and an art project done by the children of Scoil Muire as well as artefacts associated with the school were also on display. The annual school magazine, “Flashpoint “ was on sale and a great fun fete was organised by the parents.

Later that evening there was a social gathering to mark the occasion at The Connemara Gateway hotel, Oughterard, which was a great end to the day for all involved.

Photos from Clockwise from Top Left: : Mary Kyne, former principal unveiling the plaque.

The cutting of the ribbon at the official opening celebrations.

Tess O’Toole, who enrolled in 1959 with Joseph Edwards, the current youngest pupil.

Fr Jimmy Walsh and Ruth O’Toole and the children planting the tree.

Sinead Ni Chadhain (Principal) with Fran McDriscoll.

Four generations of the Geoghegan family who attended the school, Dennis, Margaret, Jennifer Tierney (nee Geoghegan) with her son Adam and Gerry Geoghegan. Photos by Tom Broderick

July 3, 2008

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Oughterard continued

Principal Retires

A presentation was made to Principal Mrs. Mary Gannon, on Tuesday 22nd June at the end of year Mass in Tully N.S., Renvyle.

Mary retires on 31st August 2008 after 46 years of service, all of which were spent at Tully NS. Staff, Board of Management and all past and present students wish her the very best on her retirement. May she enjoy many happy and restful years with her family and friends.

Photos: The youngest child Emma Coyne makes a presentation to Mrs. Gannon. Mary cuts her retirement cake.

News from and for the youth of Oughterard

Summer camps: Ógras will run two weeks of Irish-language camps from 7-11 July and 14-18 July. The camps will run from 10-2pm, for children 6-12 years old, and will cost €40 per week. Ring Treasa on 552504.

Clann Resource Centre will be holding two weeks of dance camps for girls 10-13 years old and 13-16 years old, from 11-15 August and from 18-22 August. Learn bellydancing, jazz dance, line dancing, salsa, and hip hop! The camps will run from 10-3pm, and cost €65 per week; concessions are available. Contact Clann on 557633.

Clann will also hold an Art and Craft camp from 11-15 August, from 10-1pm, for ages 8-12 years. Contact Clann on 557633. €35 per child; concessions are available.

Oughterard Ógras Club:The Ógras Club received awards for poetry and art in NUIG’s Bank of Ireland Theatre on 15th June. The Club will run two weeks of summer camps, from 7-11 July and 14-18 July, for the very low price of €40 per week. Ring Treasa on 552504 for more details.

Oughterard Club4U: Members of the Club4U will be attending the Young Decision-Makers’ Conference in Croke Park in Dublin on 4th July. The youth and adult committee members will be getting training in early September, and hope to run an event shortly afterwards.

We are still seeking adults who would like to work with a club of teens (15-18 years old) to do projects, take trips, run discos, and generally enjoy and develop themselves. The youth of Oughterard need adults to support them in positive activities!! Please, if you can spare a couple of hours every few weeks, call in to Kerry E’lyn for a chat about joining the Oughterard Club4U. Youth democracy group: The youth democracy group which is emerging from February’s Comhairle na nÓg will be doing a workshop on voter awareness in Brigit’s Garden on 24th June. The group will take a trip to Portumna’s new youth café, and go kayaking, in August, and a trip to the Galway County Council’s County Hall is being planned as well. If you’re interested in getting involved in the group, contact Clann.

Radio documentary on racism: A group of young people from Oughterard met over several weeks with a group of youth from Youth Work Ireland’s SPARK (Support Project for Adolescent Refugee Kids) project to work on an innovative project. The Oughterard youth, all of whom are white, and the SPARK youth, all of whom are black, met with the Galway One World Centre to undergo anti-racism training and discuss the issue of racism. They then worked with Connemara Community Radio to record a radio documentary on their own perceptions and thoughts about racism. The finished documentary was aired on Connemara Community Radio on 3rd June.

Spraoi, the Oughterard Youth Circus, launched in Oughterard on Thursday 5th June with a creative performance in the Community Centre, which was received well by young and old. Youth: want to learn and perform circus skills?

Adults: want to help kids grow and develop through circus?

Contact us!

Oughterard Youth Arts Festival: 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!!

Planning will begin in August.

The Girls’ Group, just for 1st and 2nd year girls, will be starting up again in September; it will be a space for girls to get together on their own terms. Contact Kerry E’lyn for more info.

The Oughterard Youth Café is still looking for 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. Drop in to Clann to discuss it! All volunteers working with young people will be required to sign up to Clann’s child protection policy.

Kerry E’lyn Larkin

Renvyle Peninsula Mobile Playbus

There is currently a Mobile Playbus at the playschool building in Tully, which caters for children aged 3-6 years from 10:30 am to 1:30pm daily. The bus will be in Tully until Friday July 11th.

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WaterSports Day Colouring Competition

This year WaterSports Day in aid of ISPCC/Childline will be held on Glassilaun Beach, Renvyle, Co. Galway on Sunday August 10th. This is our 14th. year of WaterSports Day which has proven to be a wonderful day out for all ages, and to date has raised over €30,000 for children in need.

Every spring, WaterSports Day Posters which will be used to advertise the day are distributed throughout the area to National Schools. Children participate by colouring posters.

There is a winning poster from every school participating and an overall winner from over 20 schools. Prizes consist of free entry for a family of 6 to WaterSports Day and 6 free activities on the day such as Scubadiving, Kayaking, Pony Rides or Boat Rides. These prizes are awarded to the winner from each School. The overall winner also receives a WaterSports Day Medal and a voucher for €20 for a video store in their own area.

Listed below are the winners of the Water Sports Day 2008 Colouring competition:The overall winner from over 20 schools participating this year was Bairre Ó Lochtnain from Gaelscoil na Cruaiche in Westport, Co. Mayo.

Winners

Gaelscoil na Cruaiche:Bairre Ó Lochtnain, Cornamona National School: Mary Sommerville, Lettergesh National School: Kate Faherty, Clonbur National School: Shauna Moran. Tully National School: Katie Fitzpatrick, Tiernakill National School: Lena Ní Loideain, Eagle’s Nest National School: Caitlin Salmon, Leenane National School: Stephen Wade, Cashel National School: Shane O’Malley, Ballyconneely National School: Shannon Nee, Aillebrack National School: Eimer Roche, Kingstown National School: Evan Mannion, Roundstone National School: Clara King, Clifden National School: Dina Chuguriansky, Cleggan National School: Aisling Sealy Phelan, Claddaghduff National School: Nathan DeLappe, Holy Trinity, Westport: Hazel Moran,Scoil Phadraigh, Westport: Emily Brady, Scoil Chuinín Naofa, Oughterard: Daniel Kenny. Scoil an Clochair, Oughterard: Ellen Claire Maloney.

Our thanks to Anne Inglebach who designs our poster and judges the competition faithfully every year. Thanks also to all teachers and others who help us with organising the competition and for their patience with us in this. A big thank you to all children who participate and help in any way including Letterfrack National School who do a lot of work, also any schools not listed who may have been late getting posters in to us. If any school still has posters please ring us at 095.41024 to arrange collection, we can still issue a school winner and we will use the posters in August.

Patricia Keane

Roundstone Library

Roundstone,Clifden and Letterfrack Libraries are holding a fabulous competition this summer for junior library members up to the age of 12yrs. Children are asked to take of photograph of ‘‘summer in Connemara’’. Each library will select a winner and there will also be a fantastic prize for one overall winner. Collect an entry form and details from your local library and get out there and take some photos!

Call into Roundstone library on Saturday mornings and sign up for some great holiday reading fun or maybe find out about the Team Read Challenge which involves reading six or more books and visiting your local library at least three

July 3, 2008

times during the school summer holidays.

Roundstone Library open times: Wed & Fri 3 – 5pm; Thurs 5.30 -8pm; Sat 11 – 1.30pm.For more information phone Caroline at 095-35518.

Roundstone News from Richard de Stacpoole

It’s been busy lately, what with the 60th birthday party, and various other revelries, a quick trip to Paris, and fund raising.

The artists in residence have arrived to stay with me for the next two weeks, in preparation for the opening night of the Arts week. So talking about fundraising, first off, I would really like to thank everybody who came to our 60th for the extraordinary generosity of donations for the Defibrillator, I know Ann has probably thanked everybody, now its my turn, so thanks everybody can’t wait for the 70th bash, Ha! Ha! We might go for an Ambulance next!

Church Boiler

Father McCarthy showed me the boiler that heats the church- trust me has seen better days, with more patches on it, than a patch work quilt! A new one is definitely needed as soon as possible, so here’s a note for the diary. A sale of work will be held on the 13th July after Mass, being organised by Nora King, from Wit’s End and other ladies of the village.

The venue for the sale is outside the Community Hall where tables will be erected by the flagpoles weather permitting, otherwise in the Community Hall.

If anybody has any unwanted gifts, pot plants, cakes, clothes of good quality, books, jewellery, bric a brac etc, please donate. There will also be a super raffle on the day, I gather with some very nice prizes. So if anybody has any thing to donate of good quality, and I have to stress the items must be of good quality, you can drop the items to Eileen or Nora at Wit’s End. There are also other names as drop off points on the posters, which are around the village.

Roundstone Library

Roundstone,Clifden and Letterfrack Libraries are holding a fabulous competition this summer for junior library members up to the age of 12yrs. Children are asked to take of photograph of ‘‘summer in Connemara’’. Each library will select a winner and there will also be a fantastic prize for one overall winner. Collect an entry form and details from your local library and get out there and take some photos!

Call into Roundstone library on Saturday mornings and sign up for some great holiday reading fun or maybe find out about the Team Read Challenge which involves reading six or more books and visiting your local library at least three times during the school summer holidays.

Roundstone Library open times: Wed & Fri 3 – 5pm; Thurs 5.30 -8pm; Sat 11 – 1.30pm.For more information phone Caroline at 095-35518.

Roundstone Village

There have been some changes in the village. For the first time, yellow lines appeared through out with yellow boxes at the top of the old quay near O’Dowds and outside Ferrons petrol pumps.

There are some mixed feelings in the village about these lines. Most of our traffic jams occur during the day with either deliveries or traffic going through to the beaches and on Sunday at Mass time. We will await and see the outcome.

Dogs Bay Beach has won the GCC Green Award for being one of the best-kept beaches in Ireland. Richard and friend’s monthly clean up and the clear water are the main factors in securing this award, which is a fantastic achievement.

Continued on next page

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Roundstone continued

Roundstone.

Rather a nice little story here-Kevin Dooley rescued a lame female pheasant, and put it into an old deep freeze, which had a bit of grain in it, and left it there overnight. The next morning to his surprise an egg had been laid. Thinking quickly, he released her, then her mate suddenly appeared, and the good news is, she has laid a few more close by and is in the process of hatching them out.

Our congratulations to Diarmuid & Cynthia Vaughan who are the proud parents of a little boy called Jack born last week.

Births

Pheasants

Style Shoot

A fashion shoot took place in Roundstone recently. Anthony Ryan of Ryan’s Shop Galway took a group of models to the village to take part in this fashion shoot, with the Harbour and the Twelve Bens in the background. Later they went to Errisbeg House for some garden shots. Rosie Mannion from Rosie’s hair salon did the hair and make up. This photo shoot was all to do with this years Galway races and their promotion and advertisement.

Post Office

The Roundstone Post Office, which has been contracted out to Michael Reynolds of Ferron’s Shop, comes up for renewal in August. Hopefully it will remain on but there is always the fear of closing. So the question we should be asking ourselves is do we use it enough? There are so many different ways to use it now, to pay bills like telephone, ESB, Barna Waste and much more, transferring money to somebody abroad if need to in a hurry etc. Next time you are in the post office ask Collette about the different facilities available, and to ensure that your local post office stays in

Condolences

The death of Dermot McEvilly took place recently.

Dermot and his wife Kay ran Cashel House for the past 40 years. Dermot’s death is a big loss to the hotel industry and the community in general.

He was always a great friend to Roundstone.

Our sympathies go to his wife Kay, daughter Lucy his sons Frank & Brian, daughter-in-law Ruth and two grand daughters Sahara & Clair. May he rest in peace.

Arts Week

Arts Week kicked off with the opening night last Friday with an exhibition of the new works from the residency, which was held here at Errisbeg for the last two weeks. Joe Boske opened the Arts Week, a very humble crowd, but nice support.

On the same evening we showed the play “Last Train to Holyhead” in fact we showed it for a second time the following day, I was surprised just how good it was, very cleverly NO portrayed. Then there was a session in Eldon’s 155 81% from various visitors, a superb first day.

122 51% Then the next day, for the children we had 59 56% the net fishing competition, down at Erval374 51% lagh, which was won by Sara Devane with six 56 58% different types of species. Then all the troops 407 65% then came back to Errisbeg House for a BBQ, following that Carol Reynolds showed all the 125 54% moths that were collected from the night before.

493 60% 32 different types of moths were collected, the 80 75% kids loved it, my thanks to Carol and Melinda.

173 63% Then a reading with Des Lally on literature re78 58% 181 76% 482 47% 69 57% 59 46% 93 62% 130 65% 111 48% 58 74% 57 54% 40 73% Pictured above is An Taoiseach Brian Cowen 117 72% with Paul and Brian Hughes of Clifden, and 75 57% below, speaking to the crowd in Oughterard.

47 62% The Taoiseach’s visit was well received, but 74 84% failed to convince Connemara voters to accept the Lisbon Treaty, which was 36 56% emphatically defeated in the region.

38 48% 138 64% 93 73% 168 57% 48 64% 138 64% 56 70% 577 47% 225 53% 149 42% 407 65% 268 64% 82 60% 183 67% 90 50% 117 66%

Lisbon Treaty Results

Polling Booth An Ard Mhóir SN An Nhuaile Beag/Boleybeg SN An Chaiseal An Chlochán NS/Clifden An Chloch Bhreac An Cheathru Rua An Fhairche SN/Clonbur NS An Spideal An Tuairini SN An Tulach NS An Turlach Beag SN Ballyconneely NS Bearna NS Camus Cárna SN Claddaghduff Hall Cloch na Rón/Roundstone Corr na Mona Cleggan NS Cunga SN Doire Glinne SN Eagle's Nest Renvyle Halla Tir na Ciille Inishbofin SN Kingstown NS, Clifden Leamhchoill SN Leenane NS Leitir Moir SN Lettergesh NS Letterfrack NS Leitir Meallain SN Leitir Moir SN Loch Con Aortha Maigh Cuillinn SN Na Forbacha Oughterard Comm Centre Ros a Mhil Sn Sailearna Sraith Salach SN/Recess NS Tir an Fhia Sn Tulaigh Mhic Aodhain Tully NS

YES 37 19% 119 49% 46 44% 358 49% 40 42% 222 35% 107 46% 334 40% 27 25% 100 37% 57 42% 56 24% 543 53% 52 43% 68 54% 56 38% 70 35% 120 52% 20 26% 48 46% 15 27% 46 28% 57 43% 29 38% 14 16% 28 44% 42 53% 76 36% 35 27% 128 43% 27 36% 76 36% 24 30% 645 53% 202 47% 204 58% 222 35% 152 36% 54 40% 90 33% 90 50% 61 34%

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

lating to the Ballinahinch, and Connemara, actually relating to Des, our congratulations goes to him, as he has just got his degree in History and Literature, and is now going for his masters.

The last event of the day was the very successful history evening of the Connemara boats, this enacted out through the art of conversation, with the historian Kathleen Villiers Tuthill, and the very eloquent Donal Green who is a boat builder from Carna. It was enhanced by the music from Fiachra O’Regan, with his pipes, Kathleen Loughnane on the Harp and Mary Staunton on the accordion.

My thanks again to Lynn Hill and Family for opening their house for this event, and a very successful one at that.

The Sunday we were blessed with sun shine, for the kids Disco, always goes down very well, with Shane Broughal with his guitar on the streets and finally in the King’s Gallery, the opening of Yvonne’s new works,of which 25% will go toward the Defibrillator.

The next highlight of the Arts Festival will be on next Saturday July 5th. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s famous prima donna Margaret Burke Sheridan, who died in 1958 the Roundstone Arts Festival will host an evening featuring her life and music presented by her biographer. The author Anne Chambers will also present an exhibition of the operatic and personal memorabilia of the famous soprano, including some of her fabulous operatic costumes.

We will be having a reception with food in my own home for this what promises to be an extraordinary evening; one would call it a “Soiree”.

Days Filming in Roundstone

Thursday 26th we had a visit from Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson shooting scenes here in Roundstone for the new movie called Marley and Me, pity they were not here longer. However, they then went on to shoot in Clifden on the Sky Road, then going on to Finny and the Inagh Valley.

As another little promotion for Roundstone Emma Ridge was interviewed on 2fm by DJ Rick O’Shea on the film shooting-just a thought maybe Emma should be made another PRO for the RDC! However Owen Wilson did come back to the village in a big black Mercedes, and purchased some literature from Penny Perrick’s bookshop!

Richard de Stacpoole

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West Coast Championships 2008 WIORA & NORA The usually calm Clifden Boat Club was once again stretched to its limits this summer, when fifty yachts descended upon it for a week of exhilarating and exciting racing.

As this was the second consecutive year that Clifden Boat Club has hosted this prestigious event, the dedicated organising team were well prepared for all aspects of it. The week kicked off with 16 yachts and crews arriving into Clifden Bay on Saturday the 14th with the finish of the ‘100 mile O’ Sullivan Marine’ race which started in Tralee Bay on Friday night. Galway Bay sailing club also held their annual ‘Round Aran’ race and continued on to Clifden after. With yachts arriving from Tralee, Foynes, Kilrush, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Howth yachts clubs, Clifden bay was quickly transformed into a buzzing hub of excitement.

This year the gods of weather were behaving themselves, and allowed a complete series of races for the first time in quite a number of years. With Mediterranean-like weather conditions, spirits were high and the usually long winded coastal race was a joy to sail, with yachts racing around the picturesque and breathtaking Croagh and High islands. A key player in the huge success of the event was the renowned Race officer, Alan Crosbie. With Alan once again at the helm of the race committee, the courses were set with his usual precision and clarity.

Each evening, after very enjoyable racing, the competitors filtered into the bars and restaurants of Clifden, enjoying great food, fun and a warm welcome from the locals. Our condolences go to Galway Bay Sailing clubs Martin Breen and his crew with their aptly named yacht ‘That’s life’, who had the unfortunate experience of losing their mast on day two of the event.

An array of prizes were provided for the four classes over the four days of the event with a separate award given for the ‘OSM 100 Mile’ race on Thursday and another award for N.O.R.A. on Friday evening. The grand finale was held in Clifden Station House, the title sponsors, on Saturday night. After everyone had eaten their fill of delicious food, the final prize-giving commenced.

Prizes were presented for first, second and third for the overalls in each class and for both handicap sys-

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July 3, 2008

tems, IRC and ECHO. For the production boats, there was the added incentive with X-Yacht, Sigma and Beneteau putting up cups for the best performing boats in these categories. The West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association presented four impressive perpetual cups to the class winners. In Class 1, a well-known Mayo yacht ‘Roxanne’ skippered by Robin Smith took the cup. In Class 2, a newcomer to West Coast Championships from Sligo Yacht Club, ‘Ruthless’.

In class 3, last years overall winner, Vince Gaffney’s ‘Alliance’ from Howth Yacht Club came out on top. In the White sails class, Brian O’ Sullivan and his crew from Tralee Bay Sailing Club ‘Navillus 2’ took the overall cup. And finally, the overall winner of the event went to a yacht that is fast becoming ‘the one to watch’, West Coast Champion for 2007, successfully defending the title, Vince Gaffney and his dedicated crew on yacht ‘Alliance’.

We will all be looking forward to 2009, when the event will return to Tralee Bay Sailing Club and will coincide with the I.C.R.A. (Irish Cruiser Racing Association) Nationals. This will be a first for the West coast and will certainly be an event ni which to be involved.

Bobbi O Regan The 2008 WIORA NORA was hosted by Clifden Boat Club, Sponsored by the Station House.

See Page 46 for more WIORA photos

CONNEMARA SportsView

National Schools GAA Football Finals The National Schools Football finals took place recently in Oughterard on Thursday June 26th.

Pictured are some of the participating and winning teams on the day in which all the National Schools in the region did themselves proud.

Photos from top (l-r): The Lettergesh/Inishbofin Captain receives his trophy. Oughterard NS Champions. Derryglin N.S Boys Champions.

Tully Boys N.S Champions.

Ballyconneely N.S Girls Team.

Leenane Boys Champions Team.

Killanin “A” N.S Champions.

Oughterard NS and Killanin NS who shared the cup after extra time failed to separate them.

The Lettergesh/Inishbofin team.

Camus/Gort Mór Girls N.S Champions. Photos courtesy of Tony O’Hehir

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

PAG E 17

GAA Clifden U-12’s to Play Croker

The Clifden Juvenile GAA Club representing Clifden, Ballyconneely, Aillebrack, Kingstown, Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Roundstone and Inishbofin has been chosen as one of 3 Clubs from the whole of Co. Galway to represent the county at an U-12 9-a-side competition tournament to be held in Croke Park on the 17th July 2008.

Clifden is the only non-senior club in the County to be chosen. A total of 10 clubs were chosen from the provinces of Connacht. The children will be traveling with some of their parents and trainers Terence Sweeney, Ann Mitchell, Nicola Walsh and Conal Joyce.

This is a great achievement by the Club and a huge honour for the Club, and is due

to the hard work of Paul Fitzpatrick and indeed the whole committee. The other two Clubs chosen in County Galway were Killererin, the home club of Padraic Joyce the Galway Full Forward and Former Captain of the All Ireland Rules Team, and Caherlistrane.

The emphasis of the trip will be on a day of fun for the children and a great sporting achievement, as they enjoy this amazing opportunity to play in the world class arena of Croke Park.

GAA Golf Am-Am

A Naomh Feichin GAA Club Golf AmAm will take place at Connemara Golf Club on July 25th.

Entry is €140 per team of 4, of any combination. Maximum Handicaps: Men-24, Ladies-28.

Lots of great prizes to be won. To book

a place or for more details contact the Golf Club at (095) 23502 The Naomh Feichin June Members Draw Winners are as follows: €100 Peter Smyth, Connemara Golf Club €100, Declan Maher €100.

Naomh Feichin Report

Clifden GAA side had a successful start to the month of June with the Intermediates gaining two vital league points for a 1-11 to 0-12 win over Michael Breathnachs on June 7th. The following day Sunday June 8th, the Juniors beat local rivals Renvyle in Tullycross in the Junior C League, also taking two points with a 3-10 to 2-11 win.

A one point defeat followed on June 14th when Clifden Played Na Piarsaigh in group 2 of the West Junior C league with a scoreline of 2-9 to 1-11.

Clifden also went out of the Claregalway Hotel Intermediate Football Championship after being defeated by Glenamaddy in Clonbur on Sunday June 22nd. Glenamaddy had a good lead at half time of 1-12 to 0-2 and they kept the scores coming to eventually win by the comfortable margin of 1-20 to 1-3. The next stage of the Championship will see the losers of the winners group, meet the winners of the losers group.

Galway Minor Defeat

The Galway Minor reigning champions lost their chance at another title when they lost to Roscommon in Tuam on Saturday June 28th after extra time. Going into the second half with a one-point lead, Galway once managed a five-point lead. Roscommon crept up to make it level for full time, and in injury time, they prevailed with a final score of 1-12 to 0-14. Oughterard’s JJ Greaney was red-carded in extra time and Clifden’s Tiernan O’ Halloran also lined out for Galway, in this narrow and unfortunate defeat.

Naomh Feichin Juvenile GAA

The Clifden Naomh Feichin Juvenile GAA Club football teams were in action in Spiddal recently, where the U 10’s A and B teams and U 8’s also played. For some of the kids it was the first game they had ever played and they did extremely well, with the A and B teams both recording wins, and the new players of the U 8’s managed a draw.

Photos from top: Naomh Feichin U 8’s side.

Naomh Feichin U 10’s B team. Naomh Feichins U 10’s A team.

Photos courtesy of Ann Mitchell.

GAA Scoreboard

04/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Barna 2-7 0-5 Oughterard 07/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Intermediate League Clifden 1-11 0-12 Michael Breathnachs Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Na Piarsaigh 1-10 1-9 Carraroe 08/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Aran Islands 3-21 0-3 Lettermore Motorpark.ie West Junior C League Group 2 Na Piarsaigh 2-10 1-8 Carna Cashel Renvyle 2-11 3-10 Clifden Aran Islands 1-12 0-9 Carraroe 13/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior A League

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July 3, 2008

Moycullen 0-0 1-0 Aran Islands Barna 0-7 0-16 Salthill-Knocknacarra 14/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior A League St Colmans - - Oughterard Conceded by Oughterard Renvyle 1-8 0-9 An Cheathru Rua Motorpark.ie West Junior C League Group 2 Na Piarsaigh 2-9 1-11 Clifden 15/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior C League Group 2 An Cheathru Rua 0-9 2-8 Lettermore 21/06/08 Claregalway Hotel Senior Football Championship Michael Breathnachs 0-8 0-7 Annaghdown Claregalway Hotel Intermediate Football Championship Oughterard 0-6 1-7 Clonbur Kilconly 2-8 0-11 St Michaels Carna Cashel 1-6 1-5 St James Oranmore-Maree - - Corofin Not Played Lettermore 0-9 0-7 Dunmore McHales 22/06/08 Claregalway Hotel Intermediate Football Championship Caherlistrane 0-12 1-8 Michael Breathnachs Glenamaddy 1-20 1-3 Clifden Annaghdown 0-11 1-12 Williamstown Motorpark.ie West Junior A League Renvyle 1-19 2-14 Moycullen Oughterard 1-9 1-7 Lettermore St Colmans 2-15 1-6 Na Piarsaigh Salthill-Knocknacarra 0-10 1-9 Spiddal Motorpark.ie West Junior B League Killanin 1-9 2-7 Spiddal St James 2-8 1-9 Ballinderreen St Michaels - - Kinvara-Conceded by Kinvara Carna Cashel - - Fr Griffins Eire Óg-Conceded by Fr Griffins Eire Óg 25/06/08 Super Valu West Minor B Championship Barna 4-12 2-5 Renvyle 27/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior C League Na Piarsaigh 1-6 1-16 Renvyle Lettermore 1-9 0-12 Aran Islands Carna Cashel 0-13 2-6 Clifden 29/06/08 Motorpark.ie West Junior A Championship Lettermore 0-3 1-15 Oughterard Motorpark.ie West Intermediate League Lettermore 0-12 0-13 St Michaels St James 0-12 1-12 Carna Cashel

Send in your news, views & photos to news@ connemaraview.com

Connemara SportsView

Tag Rugby on Omey Beach Wet, Sandy..and Very Competitive

was a great success. So congratulations to all who won, hard luck to those who lost, and well done to all who took part in Connemara Tag Rugby 2008.

Photos: Griffins Bar Tag Rugby Team, eventual winner of Group One. John O Brien in full flight against the Pier Bar opposition. The Mannion’s Bar Tag Rugby Team, who were defeated by Griffin’s in the Group One Final. The Pier Bar Tag Rugby Team.

The IRFU in association with Connemara RFC staged a day of Tag rugby competition on Omey Strand on Saturday June 21st, sponsored by Budweiser. While the weather was fairly unpleasant, it didn’t seem to bother the participants too much and they all contributed to a very entertaining and fun day of Tag Rugby. Three separate leagues of mixed social teams were played out and each yielded deserving winners, with some very close and exciting games.

Group One was keenly contested between the teams from Mannion’s Bar and Griffin’s with Griffin’s ending up winning the final. Group Two was won by “The Fear” and the “Rooskey Gang” won Group Three.

Later that evening, the torrential rain meant that the outdoor gig on the Square had to be called off, but unlike the E.U. and the Lisbon Treaty, this time there was a “Plan B”! A huge crowd gathered in Mullarkey’s where there was a presentation of trophies to the winning teams followed by a night of great craic and excellent music by Michael Carey and co.

The atmosphere both on the beach and on the night was electric, and it is safe to say that this year’s Tag Rugby event, co-ordinated by Kevin Keogh and the Connemara Rugby Club

Pony News

Connemara Pony Loose Jumping Competition

The annual Connemara Pony loose jumping final will take place on Wednesday 20th August 2008 at the Showgrounds, Clifden, Co. Galway, commencing at 2pm. The competition is open to all 3 year old registered Connemara Ponies. Qualifiers will take place during July. An attractive prize fund of €1100 is on offer for the final. The winner will also receive a Galway Crystal vase and a perpetual trophy. Closing date for entries is Friday 11th July 2008. For entry forms please contact the Secretary on 095 21863.

Connemara Pony Working Hunter Competition

Following on the success of last year’s Connemara Pony Working Hunter Competition, the CPBS is running the competition again on Friday 22nd August 2008 at the Showgrounds, Clifden, Co. Galway commencing at 10.00am. Classes will cater for all levels of ponies and riders. The competition takes place on the day after the famous Connemara Pony Show and is sure to attract a large crowd. This year will see the inclusion of a Family Working Hunter Connemara Pony, where ponies will be required to jump an inviting course of fences to encourage younger riders to complete the course. Entries are now being taken and the closing date for entries is Friday 11th July. Schedules and entry forms are available from the Secretary on 095 21863.

Supreme Champion at Galway County Show, Village Heather by Boden Park Finnard, dam Village Girl with owner Padraic Hynes and the John Brennan Memorial Trophy. The Galway County Show was held in Clarenbridge on 14th and 15th of June.

Connemara SportsView

July 3, 2008

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Mary Mooney (23) Galway & Mary O’Reilly (12) 36pts Last 6.

20/06/08 18 Holes Stroke. Lady Captain’s Day (Bernie Ward) 1st Ann Murphy (26) Oughterard 74nett (back9).2nd Sally Higgins (25) Dun Laoghaire 70nett. Gross Mary O’Reilly (12) Connemara 86 gross.3rd Kay O’Loughlin (22) Castlerea 71nett. 4th Jan Poynton (17) Rathfarnham 71nett. 5th Grace Mullally (34) Connemara 73nett. Past Captains Julie Donnellan (17) Connemara 75nett. Front Nine Ita Doyle (29) Galway 32.5 nett. Back Nine Tricia Willder (23) Connemara 36.5nett.Nearest the Pin

Connemara Golf Results Mens Results

08/06/08 18 Holes Single Stableford 1st:Jack Cosgrove (13) 43pts 2nd: Niall King (8) 39Pts (b9) Gross: Rory Sweeney (5) 34Pts 3rd: Seamus Cryan (21) 39pts (b9) CSS 36pts 15/06/08 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford Sponsor: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel 1st:Rory Sweeney (5) 42Pts 2nd: Sean O’Coisdealbha (19)39 pts Gross: David Stapleton (1) 36pts 3rd:John R King (17) 39pts Member CSS:36Pts Visitor CSS: 35Pts 16/06/08 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford, Sponsor: C & C Wholesale. 1st: Tony Hegarty (6)39 pts; 2nd: Joe King (10) 38pts; Gross: Rory Sweeney (4) 32pts; 3rd: John Lynch (14) 37pts (b9); CSS-35 17/06/08 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford; Sponsor: Golfstyle,Galway; 1st:Darren Reynolds (13) 33 pts (b9); 2nd:Kenneth Coyne (18) 33pts (b9); Gross:Kenny Fahy (1) 28pts; 3rd:John Rabbitt (18) 33pts; CSS-32pts 18/06/08 Open 18 Holes Single Stableford;Sponsor: Renvyle House Hotel; 1st: Eric Prestage (14) 39pts (b9); 2nd:Simon Heaslip (14) 39 pts; Gross: Mark O’Malley (5)30pts; 3rd : Tony Daly (16)36 pts (b9); CSS-35Pts 21/06/08 Open 4 Ball Betterball Stableford; Sponsor: Clifden Supply Centre; 1st: Ger Lynch (4)/Julian Jeffries (21) 44pts; 2nd: Joe Kiernen (20)/Brian Knott (10) 40Pts; 3rd: Sean Devaney (11)/ Alan Muddiman (18) 37Pts(b9) 29/06/08 18 Holes Stroke 1st:Paddy Flaherty (7) 68 net 2nd: Kenneth Coyne (18) 71(b9) net Gross: Rory Sweeney (4) 79 gross 3rd: Pascal O Toole (21) 71 net 4th: John McDonagh (16) 74 nett CSS 73

Ladies Results

01/06/08 18 Holes Four Ball Betterball, Sponsored by Grace Mullally (34) & Deirdre Murphy (27) 42pts,2nd Mary Reilly (13) & Deirdre Murphy (16) 41pts 3rd Mary Geoghegan (27) Gort & Maureen Brenhan (18) Gort 39pts.

02/06/08 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by 1st Detta Doyle (23) Galway 41pts b9.2nd Therese O’Buachalla (15) 41pts Gross Bryde Glynn (11) Galway 27 Gross pts. 3rd Geraldine O’Flaherty (22) Galway 39pts.

08/06/08 18 Holes Stableford,Sponsored by Tricia Willder.1st Deirdre Murphy (16) 38pts. 2nd Pat Dooley (22) Galway 38pts (last3). Gross Julie Donnellan (17) 24pts. 3rd Agnes Stokes (22) 38pts (last6). CSS 37pts.

15/06/08 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Abbyglen Castle Hotel. 1st Carmel Howard (28) Galway 41pts. 2nd Deirdre Murphy (15) Connemara 39pts. Gross Mary O’Reilly (12) Connemara 24pts.3rd Rhona Nolan (23) Royal Tara 38pts. CSS 72 (36pts) 16/06/08 18 Holes Open Stableford, 1st Maureen Brennan (18) Gort b9, 2nd Monica Dukes (28) Castle 38pts.Gross Maria Magee (10) 21 Gross pts. 3rd Patricia Tanning (22) Castle 36pts last 6. CSS 72.

17/06/08 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Golf Style (Galway).

1st Olive Whelan (21) Slade Valley 36pts.2nd Dorreen Patterson (20)Rathfarnham 35pts Back 9.Gross Karen Cox (11)Westport 24 Gross pts.3rd Jean Denningan (20) Co Longford 35pts. CSS 72 18/06/08 18 Holes Stableford. Sponsored by Renvyle House Hotel.

1st Annette Dunne (23) Delgany G.C 37pts (back9) .2nd Fran Feighery (19) Woodstock G.C 37pts. Gross Maria McGee Muskerry G.C 23 gross pts.3rd Una Delaney (15) Dundalk G.C 35pts. CSS 33pts R/O (Visitors) 36pts (Home) 19/06/08 18 Holes Stableford, Sponsored by Finlater Grant. 1st Deirde Murphy(15) 36pts back nine.2nd Olive Whelan (21) Slade Valley. Gross Margaret Lavelle (10) Athenry 25 Gross 3rd Maread O’Shaughnessy (24) Galway 35pts. CSS (Visitors) 75 R/O 33pts, CSS (Home) 72 36pts. 9 Hole Stroke Competition Marian Delaney (30) 34nett.

20/06/08 18 Holes Stableford. Sponsored by AIB Clifden . 1st Trisha Taylor (20) Shannon, 40pts, 2nd Ann Murphy (27) Oughterard, 38pts, Tara de Courcey (7) Connemara 27pts Gross 3rd D. Prunty (16) Bray 37pts. CSS 72 (36pts) 21/06/08. 4 Ball Betterball. Sponsored by Clifden Supply Centre .

1st Agnes Stokes Connemara & M McElroy.2nd Tara deCourcy (7) Connemara & Emma Deverys (17) Tullamore 36pts Back9.

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18/06/08 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Sponsor: McCanns SuperValu Moycullen. C.S.S. 74 1st Kate Staunton (35) 38pts, 2nd Niamh Keogh (15) 37pts, Gross: Rita Jordan (14) 19pts, 3rd Pauline Deacy (36) 36pts, Category 0 – 20 1st Ursula Hernon (16) 31pts (B9), 2nd Grace Morris (16) 31pts, Category 1 – 28 1st Maureen Corcoran (21) 35pts (B9), 2nd Maura Ann Quigley (24) 35pts,Category 29 – 36 1st Kathleen Burke (32) 33pts, 2nd Deirdre Morahan (32) 32pts.

25/06/08 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Sponsor: Hair Republic/Olive Breen. C.S.S. 74 1st Martina Duggan (26) 37pts, 2nd Monica Power (20) 33pts (B9), Gross: Rita Jordan (14) 19pts, 3rd Ursula Hernon (16) 33pts, Category 0 – 20 1st Grace Morris (16) 31pts (B9), 2nd Valerie Heery (20) 31pts. Category 1 – 28 1st Monique Bolger (27) 32pts, 2nd Mai Faherty (26) 31pts, Category 29 – 36 1st Ann Lee (32) 32pts, 2nd Cathy McGoldrick (36) 31pts.

28/06/08 18 Hole Husband and Wife Competition. Sponsors: Moycullen Meats. 1st Tommy and Mary Bohan 63 Nett. 2nd Joe Joe and Mai Faherty 70 Nett. 3rd Larry and Josephine Joyce 71 Nett. Guests Alice and Ted Murphy 72 Nett.

28/06/08 18 Hole Mixed Scotch Foursome Competition. Sponsored by the Ladies Club. 1st Noel McEvilly and Bridget Walsh 67 Nett. 2nd Pat McEvilly and Martina Duggan 68.5 Nett and 3rd M. Glynn and M. Tarney (Athenry Golf Club) 68.5 Nett.

29/06/08 18 Hole Competition sponsored by Jaycee Printers. 1st John Carr (11) 40 pts. 2nd Brian Langan (14) 38 pts. Gross: Michael Darcy (Snr.) (5) 32 Gross pts. 3rd David Faherty (18) 37 pts (21B9, 14B9). Cat. A (0-11) 1st Ciaran O’Flatharta (10) 36 pts. 2nd Bill Rafferty (9) 35 pts (19B9). Cat B (12-16) 1st Joe Donnelly (14) 37 pts. 2nd Ciaran Murphy (13) 36 pts (19B9).

Cat C(17+) 1st Tom Molloy (18) 37 pts (18B9) 2nd Christy Smyth (18) 37 pts (15B9). CSS 35 pts.

Photos below: Jeffrey Lee,Winner of the Medal Competition.is pictured with the Captain Pat McEvilly and the Secretary of the Men’s Club, Jones Ferris on June 8th.

Captain, Pat McEvilly with 18 Hole Competition winner Mairtin O’Cearra on June 15th. l-r): Tom Cunningham, Jaycee Printers, Captain Pat McEvilly and winner, John Carr on Sunday June 29th.

Margaret Lavelle (10) Athenry 202cm. Longest Drive Breda Barry (14) Galway. 36 Club Helen Griffin. Juniors Mixed Greg O’ Reilly.

Photos: The Connemara Ladies Golf team has qualified for the Quarterfinals of the Junior Foursomes. The team is Julie Donnellan & Treasa Uí Chartuir, Evelyn King (Team Captain) & Carmel Gaughan, Bridie Connelly & Tricia Wilder. Others who have helped us get this far are Deirdre Murphy, Phill Hamell & Maureen Brenhan.

Photo l:r: Bridie Conneely, Evelyn King (Team Captain), Treasa Uí Chartuir, Julie Donnellan, Tricia Wilder and Carmel Gaughan.

Photo 2: Back l-r: Catherine Pryce, Bernie Ward. Front l-r: Bridie Conneely, Tricia Wilder.

Oughterard Golf Results

08/06/08 Sponsor: Terrance & Siobhan Monaghan. 1st Jeffrey Lee (13) 62 pts. 2nd John Carr (12) 65 pts. Gross: Michael Darcy Snr. (5) 72 Gross (35B9). 3rd Brian McGoldrick (23) 66 pts. Cat A (0-11) 1st Michael Darcy Jnr. (5) 67 pts. 2nd David Nash (5) 68 (32.5B9) Cat. B (12-18) 1st John G. Walsh (16) 68 pts 2nd Pat Kelly (15) 69 pts (33.5B9) Cat C (19+) 1st Eugene Hanley (21) 66 pts. 2nd Pakie Kellegher (21) 69 pts. CSS 70 04/06/2008 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Sponsor: Wrapsody, Moycullen. C.S.S. 73. 1st Maureen Corcoran (24) 34pts (B9), 2nd Mai Faherty (27) 34pts, Gross: Grace Morris (15) 15 Gross, 3rd Alice Naughton (33) 33pts, Category 0 – 20 1st Catherine Hosty (20) 26pts, 2nd Margaret O’ Neill (20) 25pts, Category 1 – 28 1st Cait Kelly (26) 33pts (B9), 2nd Phil Kavanagh (22) 33pts, Category 29 – 36 1st Mary Mylotte (29) 32pts (B9) 2nd Deirdre Morahan (32) 32pts.

11/06/2008 O’ Brien Cup Ladies 18 Hole Stroke C.S.S. 73 1st Niamh O’ Dwyer (31) 69 (B9), 2nd Marie McAlinney (32) 69 (B9), Gross: Maire Ni Mhaile (15) 88 Gross, 3rd Clare O’ Keane (36) 69. Category 0 – 20 1st Bridget Walsh (17) 76 (B9), 2nd Niamh Keogh (15) 76. Category 1 – 28 1st Maureen Corcoran (24) 70, 2nd Phil Kavanagh (22) 72. Category 29 – 36 1st Brenda Derham (35) 74, 2nd Pauline Deacy (36) 75.

15/06/08 18 Hole Competition. Sponsor: Electronics Concept Limited (Finian Carney). 1st Mairtin O’Cearra (6) 42 pts. 2nd Hugh Walsh (4) 41 pts. Gross: Michael Darcy Snr. (5) 35 Gross pts. 3rd Tim Mullins (8) 40 pts (21B9). Cat A (0-11) 1ST Aidan Grimes (5) 39 pts (20B9, 7B3F9) 2nd Gerry Burke (8) 39 pts (20B9, 5B3F9). Cat B (12-16) 1st Brian Langan (15) 40 pts (20B9) 2nd Michael Concannon (13) 40 PTS (18B9) Cat C (17+) 1st Colm Boyd (17) 40 pts (18B9) 2nd James O’Dea (20) 37 pts. CSS36pts

July 3, 2008

Connemara SportsView

July July 5th Johnny McEvoy 8.30pm. Station House Theatre.

July 6th Remembering Ireland through Film 8.30 pm.

Station House Theatre.

July 6th Maam Cross Pony Show, Maam Cross.

July 7th GAA Cul Camp, Carna/Cashel.

July 7th GAA Cul Camp, Oughterard.

July 9th Remembering Ireland through Music 9pm Station House Theatre.

July 9th ‘Connemara in Prehistory:The first 5000 years’ Michael Gibbons National Park, 8 pm.

July 10th Deadline for Entries for the Clifden Pony Show Domestic Arts.

July 11th Brian Kennedy 9pm €37.50 Station House Theatre.

July 12th The Miami Showband Reunion Concert. 9pm. €30 Station House Theatre.

July 13th Roundstone Pony Show, Farrell’s Field, Roundstone.

July 13th Art Exhibition Opening at Stronach Art Gallery, Oughterard.

July 13th Remembering Ireland through Film-Hands TV series, 8:30pm €7.50, Station House Theatre July 14th GAA Cul Camp, Clifden.

July 14th to 18th FAI Soccer camps, Oughterard July 14th-18th Activity Summer Camp, Claddaghduff Hall.

July 16th ‘A landscape of names: The Place names of Connemara’ Liam Aspell. National Park 8 p.m.

July 16th Galway Hooker Sailing Race/MacDaras Day, Carna.

July 16th Remembering Ireland through Music. Station House Theatre 8:30pm.

July 17th Sex and the City Special Connemara Opening Night, Station House Theatre 7:30pm.

July 18th Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ €15, 8.30pm. Station House Theatre.

July 19th Luke Kelly A tribute to A Folk Legend-featuring Chris Kavanagh. 9pm, €20, Station House Theatre.

July 19th to 20th Roundstone Regatta, Roundstone July 20th Ballyconneely Pony Show, Ballyconneely.

July 21st to 25th Ceol na Mara, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack.

July 21st-25th Summer Camp for 3-6 year olds, Claddaghduff Hall.

July 23rd ‘Shipwrecks-voices from the deep:The work of the State Underwater Archaeology Unit’ Connie Kelleher, National Park 8pm.

July 25th to 27th Western Veteran & Vintage Rally Galway/Connemara.

July 27th Sea Angling Competiton, Cashel.

July 30th ‘Tiger Tales’ Colin Stafford Johnson National Park 8pm.

August 4th All Ireland Dog Show, Roundstone.

August 4th Omey Races, Claddaghduff.

August 6th Mamean Pilgrimage, Maam .

August 6th ‘What do we know about Whales & Dolphins in Irish Waters?’ Simon Berrow. National Park 8 pm August 9th Tour De Bog, Roundstone.

August 9th Bagatelle in Concert 9pm, Station House Theatre.

August 10th Annual Water Sports Day, Glassilaun, Renvyle.

August 13th ‘The King of the crows-Ireland’s red billed chough’, Mike Trewby. National Park 8 p.m.

August 14th-17th Roundstone SummerFest, Roundstone.

August 16th Clifden Regatta, Clifden Boat Club.

August 17th Clifden Show Queen Selection, Clifden.

August 18th CPBS Pony Herd Visit, Clifden.

August 18th-22nd FAI Soccer Camp, Tullycross.

August 20th ‘Bat Research and Conservation in Ireland over Three Centuries’ Conor Kelleher National Park 8 pm.

August 20th CPBS Performance Day, Clifden.

August 20th Connemara Pony Loose Jumping Final, Clifden Showgrounds. 2pm.

August 21st Clifden Pony Show, Clifden Showgrounds.

August 21st Clifden Show Domestic Arts Exhibition, Clifden Showgrounds.

August 22nd Connemara Pony Working Hunter Competition. Clifden Showgrounds. 10am.

August 22nd Pony Sales, The Mart, Clifden.

August 23rd to 24th Oughterard Show, Oughterard.

August 25th Roundstone Community Games, Roundstone.

August 27th ‘Connemara Gardening throughout the Centuries’ Breandan O’Scanaill National Park 8 pm.

Farrell’s Field, Roundstone.

September 18th-28th Clifden Arts Week, Clifden.

Weekly Events Tuesday Irish Night Seisiún at the Teach Ceoil, Tully, 9pm.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Irish Night, Clifden Town Hall. 8pm.

Tuesdays Tegolin’s Tales Theatre Company, Roundstone Community Hall, Lower Hall 7:30pm Wednesdays, Introductory classes in Sean Nós Dancing 7pm, Teach Ceoil, Tully.

Wednesdays Irish Night, Roundstone Community Centre.

8:30pm.

Wednesdays Irish Night, Paddy Coyne’s, Tullycross.

Thursdays Tegolin’s Tales Theatre Company, Teach Ceoil, Tully 7pm.

“Music at the Crossroads”, every Wednesday and Sunday at 9pm until August 20th, €20/15 seniors. Station House Theatre.

Saturdays at noon, Kids Club at the Station House Theatre.

Open Daily Connemara National Park, Admission Free- Weekly Speaker series at the National Park, see details in above monthly calendar.

If you have a Summer Event which you would like listed in the next issue, please email news@connemaraview.com, drop it in the Paper Shop, Main St., Clifden, or post to Connemara View Newspaper, Clifden, Co. Galway.

September September 12th-13th All Ireland Inter Island Football Championships, Inishbofin.

September 13th-14th Clifden Open Boat Competition, Clifden.

September 14th RNLI 10k Run/Walk, Clifden.

September 14th Supreme Champion of Champions Connemara Pony Show,

August August 1st “Stags and Hens”, a play by Willie Russell.

8:30pm. €17.50/€15 seniors, Station House Theatre.

August 1st to 4th Feile an Doilin/Regatta-Maritime Festival, Carraroe.

August 3rd The legendary Bosco with The Lambert Puppet Theatre, shows at 2pm & 4pm, Station House.

August 3rd Cashel Pony Show, Cashel.

August 3rd Errismore Races, Ballyconneely.

August 3rd Oughterard Regatta, Oughterard.

August 3rd The Three Tenors 9pm. Station House Theatre.

August 4th Power Soccer, West Connemara Leisure

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

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Summer Fun for Kids

Fishing Trips

Every year when school ends, a few days of freedom pass before the complaints of “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do around here” begin. So in order to relieve some of that boredom for local kids and visiting ones alike, we have compiled a quick guide to some fun summer activities available all over Connemara.

Many boat trips will also offer fishing with local boats available in Clifden, Cleggan and Letterfrack available for charter. These would be suitable for older kids and are often very popular with the boys!

These include boats owned by John Ryan in Clifden, 095 21069, Micheal O Conghaile in Rossaveal, 091 572613, John Brittain, Clifden, 095 21073, Shane Bisgood, Renvyle, 095 44738,Johnny King Cleggan, 095 44649 and Pat Conneely, Roundstone 095 35952.

If you fancy some trout, check out Molloy’s Boat Hire in Baurisheen, Oughterard. Expert fisherman Kevin Molloy has a sixth sense for finding where the fish are. Contact Kevin for hourly or daily rates on 091 552006/ 087 960 4170.

Pony Trekking A guided trip on horseback is a great way to spend a summer’s day and there are plenty of great locations around in which to do this.

Brook’s Manor in Errislannan offers riding lessons and trekking on Connemara ponies by the hour each morning from Monday to Friday. Check out www.errislannanmanor. com or call (095) 21134.

Diamonds Equestrian Centre of Renvyle offers half and full day rides through beach, mountain and bogland. Go to www.diamonds-of-renvyle.com or call Breege at (095) 43486 for more details.

If you’re in the Ballyconneely area, The Point Pony Trekking Centre by Keeraunmore beach is the place for you. Call (095) 23685 for details.

If riding on the beach appeals, Cleggan Riding School will be a hit, as their three-hour trek across Omey beach to the island is a huge favourite. Check out www.clegganridingcentre.com or call (095) 44746.

Water Fun Ocean’s Alive is a great exhibition and exploration of Connemara’s maritime history on the Renvyle peninsula.

With an aquarium, audiovisual displays, sealife exhibits, pet corner and picnic and play areas there is a whole lot of fun to be had here. So drop by or call (095) 43911 for details.

Western Exposure Sea Safari offers sea trips that can be tailor made to suit any requirements. Birdwatchers, sealwatchers, whalewatchers or dolphin watchers would love a day out on this tour. Call (095) 41132 to arrange a trip.

Connemara Boat Cruises in Letterfrack,will allow you to discover the local history, culture and heritage of the sea and country life aboard Ireland’s only glass bottomed boat. Call (095) 43473 for more details Fax: +353 (0)95 43911 Tickets from Ocean & Country Museum @ Derryinver and from Avoca Handweavers @ Letterfrack Pier Sea Angling Killary Cruises operate stunning tours of the Killary, Ireland’s only fjord. Check out www.killarycruises.com for sailing times and details or call (091) 566736.

Sailing Courses are now taking place at the Clifden Boat Club, starting every Monday up until August 25th. There is a great range of boats available for use and places are filling up fast as usual. The cost for a non member child is €250, to book call Andrew on 087 2272133

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Learning and Fun Connemara National Park has lots on offer to entertain kids this summer as always.

A programme of kids activities strictly for 5-12 year olds takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11.00am-1.00pm Please bring boots and rainwear to be prepared for all conditions and adults must stay with children.

The park is open daily through July and August from 9:30 to 6:30 Glengowla Mines just outside Oughterard is Ireland’s only historic Show Mine. You can explore the mine, visit the blacksmith’s shop and even try your hand at gold panning.

Go to www.glengowla.goegi.com or call 091 552360 Dan O Hara’s Heritage Centre in Derrylea is home to Dan’s cottage and farm, which has been restored and illustrates life in Connemara before the famine. Animals on the farm include Connemara ponies, donkeys, cattle and sheep.

The adjoining restaurant is family friendly and childrens meals start at €4 including a free drink. Call 095 21808 or check out www.connemaraheritage.com The Leenane Sheep & Wool Centre have a great variety of all different breeds of sheep and lots of interesting demonstrations and activities. Watch a trained collie gathering sheep, visit the museum and see how wool is made and enjoy drinks and homemade food here also. Stop off in Leenane and say hi to all the friendly and unusual sheep.

Sports GAA Cúl Camps GAA Summer Cúl Camps will take place at the venues listed below. The camps are for boys and girls aged between 6 and 13 years of age.

Carna/Caiseal July 7th-11th, contact Noel O Guairm 087 9878010 Oughterard July 7th to 11th, contact Richie Lee 085 7615421 Clifden GAA Grounds between July 14th and 18th, contact

July 3, 2008

Paul Fitzpatrick on (095) 21631.

Renvyle/Tully July 21st-25th, contact Ollie Faherty 086 4094315 Power Soccer An afternoon Power Soccer Camp will be held at West Connemara Leisure Centre on August 4th. The camps are open to boys and girls aged 3 to 15 years and the emphasis is on a fun physical day of activity. For more details check out www.powersoccer.ie or call 091-865350 Soccer Camps FAI Soccer Camps take place at the following venues and dates: Oughterard, Corribdale Grounds, 14th-18th July. Booking closes July 7th.

Tullycross, West Coast United, 18th-22nd August. Booking closes August 11th To book a place call 1890 653 653 or go to www.summersoccerschools.ie Mountain Biking Derroura Mountain Bike Trail, in between Maam Cross and Oughterard has just recently been officially opened. It is a spectacular single-track trail, and has many stretches on wooden bridges 1.8m wide. and sharp twists and turns that can be testing at speed, but if you go slow is manageable by most cyclists. There is a reasonable amount of climbing so a level of fitness is advised.

Summer Camps Oughterard Ógras will run two weeks of Irish-language camps from 7-11 July and 14-18 July. The camps will run from 10-2pm, for children 6-12 years old, and will cost €40 per week. Ring Treasa on 552504.

Claddaghduff Hall will be the venue for two different summer camps in July. From the 14th-18th July, Margaret Moroney will be running a fun activity based summer camp between the hours of 10am and 3pm. There are limited places left so call (095) 41389 to book a place.

From July 21st to 25th, Kathleen DeCourcey will be running a camp for kids aged between 3 and 6 years old from 12-3pm. Call Kathleen at (095) 41064 for details or to book a place.

Station House Kids Club and Cinema There is a Saturday Kids Club event at 12 noon weekly.

Bosco and with The Lambert puppet Theatre will be visiting on Sunday August 3rd with performance at 2 and 4pm.

Tegolin Knowland is the host of our Drama workshops in our theatre. Summer kids movies include the likes of WALL.E, Kung Fu Panda and The Dark Knight, the new Batman Movie. For details call (095) 30303 or log on to www.stationhousetheatre.com .

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July/Early August Highlights Féile Mhic Dara July 12th, 13th and 16th, Carna Féile Mhic Dara is held annually on the 16th of July at Mace in Carna. The long tradition of pilgrimage is still in existence today and people travel from far and near to pay homage to this Patron Saint of Carna. St. Mac Dara built a church on Cruach na Cara an island off the coast of Carna in the 7th century B.C. St. Mac Dara’s Day begins with mass on the island. From this focal point the great panoramic views of the Twelve Bens and the surrounding islands can be seen.

Mass is on the island at 12 noon and boats leave the pier at Mace, Carna, to ferry passengers across the short stretch to the island at 10 a.m.

On returning to the mainland, perhaps after enjoying a picnic there, the sailing gets underway. For further details contact Mary O Donnell at (095) 32523.

Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show 13th July The 3rd Annual Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show 2008 takes place on Sunday, July 13th at the Farrell’s Field Showgrounds. The main event, the Connemara Pony Show, will consist of 20 in-hand classes showcasing all ages and varieties of Connemara Pony. A Dog Show and Sheep Show will also take place at the stunning Farrell’s Field ensuring that there will be plenty of different attractions on show for all. In addition to the show classes, there will be a variety of food vendors, sales stands and other features also on site. For more details go to www.roundstoneevents.com or call Paddy “Yank” McDonagh on 086 3469372.

Cashel Pony Show 18th July The annual Cashel Pony Show takes place on Sunday, 3rd August, with many in-hand Connemara Pony classes. There are also various riding classes, for example, registered Connemara Pony-riders under 16 years of age, registered Connemara Pony with rider of any age; lead rein class for children under 12 years of age and the Champion Ridden pony. There will also be a Dog Show commencing at 2 p.m. where entries will be taken on the field from 12.00 noon on the day of the Show for various classes. Entries for the Pony show close on 18th July 2008. For further details or information contact Mairtín Nee on (087) 2226688.

Roundstone Regatta 19th-20th July 2008 The historic, prestigious and ever popular Roundstone Regatta will take place this year on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of July. Roundstone Harbour will once again be full of the majestic sails of Galway hookers, alongside traditional Irish boats of all shapes and sizes, full of locals and visitors alike.

Competitors travel annually from Mayo, Donegal, Clare, Kerry and of course from all over Connemara, and visiting onlookers may even participate as well.

In addition to all the events on the water there will be plenty of fun and entertainment on land in the village also, with lots of music, dancing and children’s entertainment to ensure that a great time will be had by all during the course of the two-day festival.

For more information on classes, races or events contact Michael King on 087 673 8198 or check out www.roundstoneregatta.com

Ballyconneely Pony Show 20th July The annual Ballyconneely Pony Show takes place this year on Sunday the 20th of July. Last year’s show saw the second highest number

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

of entries after the Clifden Show and another great turnout is expected again for 2008 as the show takes place for its 27th year. All of the usual classes and events will feature, from the ever-popular Dog Show to the Craft Show and fairground rides. For further details on the Ballyconneely Pony Show, contact Noel Sweeney on (087) 667 4804.

WestRun Vintage Motor Rally 25th-27th July

Field Showgrounds on the day also, from merchandise stands to free care and training advice for dog owners.

This will be a must see event for all dog lovers this summer, and the fun atmosphere and location ensures a great day out will be had by all. Dogs can be registered and entered in classes on the day or registration information is also available at www.roundstoneevents.com.

The Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Club of Galway will make it’s 31st annual summer run also known as “West Run” from the 25th to the 27th of July. The weekend will be kicked off on Friday 25th at from 2-6 p.m. where the static display and registration of cars will take place at the Spanish Arch, Galway.

Saturday July 26th will see the beautiful classic and vintage cars begin their tour of Connemara, where the convoy of classic motors will as always draw plenty of interest and admiring glances from passers by.

The cars will travel the following route: Salthill-Barna-Spiddal-Inverin-Costello-Screeb-KillkieranCarna-Glinsk-Cashel-Roundstone-Ballyconneely-Clifden.

There will then be a Static Display in Clifden from arrival to about 5.30pm.

Later that evening will see a Gala Dinner Dance and prizegiving at 9p.m. at the Station House Hotel, Clifden.

On Sunday July 27th, the convoy of cars will leave the Station House Hotel and begin the route back to Galway, which is as follows: Sky Road-Moyard-Letterfrack-Kylemore Abbey-LeenaneMaam Valley-Maam Cross-Oughterard-Galway.

To find out more about events, see photos of previous year’s events or the Western Veteran & Vintage Car Club check out www.wvvmc.com.

Féile an Doilín August 1st-4th Féile an Dóilín is the West of Ireland’s premier maritime festival, taking place annually on the shores of Galway Bay, in the Gaeltacht village of An Cheathrú Rua, Connemara.

The festival revolves around the ancient and beautiful Galway Hooker boats. Highlights include the Giant of Greatman’s bay capture and parade, and the worlds slowest bike race at 9p.m. on Friday August 1st as well as a live gig by Kíla at 10p. m. at Óstán an Dóilín.

Sunday sees the Galway Hooker regatta, air and sea rescue displays and prize giving for the weekend’s events. Many events are subject to weather conditions and anyone who wishes to board a boat must bring and wear a lifejacket. For a full schedule check out www.doilin.com.

Oughterard Regatta 2nd-3rd August 2008 The annual Oughterard Regatta takes place this year at Baurisheen Bay on the 2nd and 3rd of August.

There will be many competitive and fun water events such as boat and currach races, senior and junior, and a varied amount of shore events such as Tug of War, Penalty Shoot Out, Fly Casting, Guess the Weight, Throwing the Sheaf and a Bouncing Castle. There will also be Irish dancing displays and music by DJ Aidan Kenny to end up the weekend’s programme of events on the Sunday evening. As well as all the boat racing Oughterard will be alive and full of fun for all the family at the start of August this year.

All Ireland Open Dog Show 4th August The 2nd Annual All Ireland Open Dog Show sponsored by the Western Veterinary Clinic takes place on Monday, August 4th, with classes starting at 12p.m. sharp. Last year, the first year of the event, all shapes and sizes of dogs from all over the country took part, from Great Danes to Dachshunds and Spaniels to Sheepdogs. There are a total of 20 classes catering to every type of dog and this show is open to all dogs, the only requirement being that all dogs must be vaccinated and kept on leads at all times.

As well as the Dog Show classes, there will be a wide range of other attractions at the Farrell’s

July 3, 2008

PAGE 23

The History

Connemara Art & Drama Academy

The inspiration for the building of the Teach Ceoil came from the building of the thatched cottages in Tullycross in the early 1970’s. It was built in the style of the old country kitchen with an open fireplace and crane, and creating an atmosphere and intimacy associated with the country house dances. The Teach Ceoil first opened its doors to the public in July 1977. Since then it has functioned as a cultural and community arts centre where courses and workshops in Irish music, song and dance have been held as well as a performance area for a wide range of artistic endeavours.

Groups from Norway, Sweden, Germany, France and other European cultures have been showcased in the Teach Ceoil while Irish groups and artists such as Stocktons’ Wing, Dervish, Dolores Keane, Niall Tóibín and the late Eamon Kelly have all performed there. Since opening in 1977 the Teach Ceoil has proven to be an ideal venue for Seisiún, a nationwide Summer programme of Irish traditional music, song and dance under the aegis of Comhaltas Ceoltoírí Éireann.

Originally developed and managed by Connemara West, the Teach Ceoil has been extensively upgraded in recent months with new lighting, audio and projection equipment and will in the future continue to function as a community arts centre and performance area with a seating capacity of around 120. Some wonderful memories are contained within the walls of the Teach Ceoil of late nights and early mornings filled with the very best of Irish traditional music, song and dance.

Drama & Art Workshops with Tegolin Knowland & Martina Curley-Coyne Drama & Art Workshop: Suitable for children aged 4 to 10 years with a creative interest in art and all aspects of theatre and the stage.

Prepare to be brought on a memorable journey meeting and exploring colourful characters along the way through Art, Drama, Song, Dance, and a whole lot more. The children will participate in a fun filled, interactive non-pressurised workshop where their imagination will be encouraged and nourished through the creative world of the arts.

The workshops will include Theatre Games and Exercises, Improvisation, Role Play, Creating Characters, Mime & Rhyme, Painting and Textiles but most importantly having lots of fun and much more.

CADA implements a comprehensive Child Protection Policy in line with national best practice.

An Introduction to Sean Nós Dancing Emma O Sullivan was crowned Connacht Senior Sean Nós Dancing Champion in July 2007 and has been a star performer in Seisíun in recent years. This year Emma has organised a series of introductory classes in Sean Nós Dancing on Wednesday evenings at 7p.m. in the Teach Ceoil. Here beginners will be introduced to the basic steps and later they can build on this foundation by adding new steps to their repertoire. This is how all the great Sean Nós Dancers begin. The classes will be a fun experience and should be very attractive to locals and visitors alike. Emma can be contacted on 086-252-0672.

The Teach Ceoil is a Connemara West project.

Seisíun 2008 opens on Tuesday 8th July and continues on each Tuesday evening until 19th August.

PAGE 24

Tegolin’s Tales Theatre Tegolin’s Tales Theatre Company is based in Renvyle, Connemara specialising in bringing theatre to children. Tegolin has enchanted audiences all over Ireland and England with her unique way of acting out stories both traditional and original using specially designed masks to bring the many various characters to life. This summer she will be performing her Fairy Tale Plays in The Teach Ceoil, Renvyle (Thursdays 7.00pm) and Lower Hall Roundstone (Tuesdays 7.30pm).

The plays include many Celtic Stories ---‘Tom Connors Cat’, ‘The Fox’, Fionn McCumhaill and The Dark Pool’ ‘The Leprechaun’ and many more.

RTE Nationwide have also done a special feature on Tegolin’s very popular work.

After one play a child was heard to say “Daddy, can we take that lady home so that I can have stories and fun every night.”

You can also see also Tegolin performing plays of local historic interest at the Irish Nights in Paddy Coyne’s Pub on Wednesday night….a great family night out.

What is Seisíun?

The Renvyle Seisíun Group first came together in June 1974. The members of that original group were Johnny Mark Coyne ( Fiddle), John Gerard Walsh

July 3, 2008

(Accordion), Jarlath Hession (Banjo), Charlie O’Malley (Accordion and Tin Whistle), Phil Coyne (Flute and Singer), Christina O’Malley (Traditional Dancer), Nora Hynes (Traditional Dancer and Singer), Mary Mc Donnell (Dancer), Mary Quinn (Dancer) and Michael O’Neill (Producer).

Since then, many members have come and gone, but the 2008 Group of 26 musicians, singers and dancers is the largest assembled to date. Seisíun began in the Marian Hall in Tullycross but with the construction of the purpose built Teach Ceoil in Tully in 1977 by Connemara West, the show moved and has been located there since.

Designed in the style of an old country kitchen, the Teach Ceoil has proven to be an ideal home for Seisíun with its warm and intimate atmosphere. A new lighting, sound and projection system has been added for this summer season and audiences will experience the stunning beauty of the North Connemara landscape as an opener to the show.

Over the years audiences have included many of the leading lights in Irish Traditional Music, Song and Dance as well as Irish and International Politicians including members of the Kennedy Family from the United States. In the past 20 years, the group has toured in France, the U.K. and the U.S.A. as well as recording three albums of Irish Traditional music and song.

The native music, song and dance are to be found in every corner of the land. Sometimes a little help is needed to find the discreet and intimate settings where time stands still and the performers while away the hours with exhilarating musicmaking and where the visitor is always welcome.

With the ever-increasing popularity of Irish music and dancing internationally, thousands of visitors to Ireland are now seeking out these unique artforms. In recent years, visitors have become increasingly more discerning in their quest to find authentic traditional entertainment and frequently express disappointment at not being able to discover the music venues – “The Hidden Ireland”.

Seisíun will help to make their task easier and contribute towards presenting Ireland as an “Island of Music”.

Seisíun begins at 9 pm on Tuesdays during July and August. The first part of the show is a formal stage presentation of music, song and dance which lasts for about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Following a fifteen minute interval when the chairs are moved back, members of the audience take to the floor to learn an Irish dance or to contribute a song or a tune. By eleven thirty the evening draws to a close and after chatting with the audience and renewing old acquaintances, the members of the group withdraw to the kitchen for a well earned cup of tea. Visitors from countries around the globe make their way back to their accommodation with jigs and reels still ringing in their ears.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Scenes from the Teach Ceoil’s 30 Years

Photos from top (l-r): Renvyle Seisiún members perform at the end of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Grand Rapids, Michigan 1990.

A scene from Tegolin’s Tales.

The Bo Junior Fiddlers from Norway.

Renvyle Seisiún Group on Stage in the Irish Centre,

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Camden Town, London 1989.

Children from the Drama and Art Class.

Singers Frank Coyne and Maria Sheridan.

Seisiún Dancers line up for the finale.

Ashling, Brian & Irene Cunningham doing the Brush Dance.

Connacht Sean Nós Champions – Emma O’Sullivan

July 3, 2008

(Senior), Michael Cunningham (Under 16) and Breandán Hernon (Under 12).

Children in the Drama Class perform in the Teach Ceoil.

Seisiún Musicians in full flight.

Fiddlers Brigid Kane, Hannah Mamalis, Carla Domoney and Jessica Ridge.

PAGE 25

TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY ARCHITECT

CATERING

AUTOMOTIVE

HEADSTONES

PHOTOGRAPHERS HOUSEHOLD

BUILDING SERVICES & CARPENTRY

SAND

STEELWORKS

PETS

TO Advertise CALL 095-22888 PAGE 26

July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

CLASSIFIED ADS Properties 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.

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.

Apartment to let, Clifden: 2 bedroom, modern bright fully furnished. Mid-June for long term rental, references required. Contact Connie on (086) 1659065.

Items for Sale or Rent For sale: Stanley Deluxe 90 Oil Range. Brown in colour, in perfect working order, heats radiators, hot water/cooking.

Phone (095) 21319 or 086 1639720.

Connemara Bouncing Castles for hire for all occasions, supplied with rain covers, delivered, erected and collected.

095 21219 Mobile Home for Sale: 30x10 in lovely condition. 086-0860593.

Prefab Horse Stables for Sale (see photo): Delivered to your door. Two or four horse stable available. Call for appt to see on site. 086346-9372.

Animals/Pets Attention all pet owners!! Wide selection of dog/cat accessories, premium pet foods, professional advice on

Connemara West Community Creche wishes to recruit a full-time

CHILDCARE MANAGER The childcare manager will be responsible for the day-today management of our new purpose built childcare centre at Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. The position entails the management and motivation of staff, liaising with parents and the management committee and the overseeing of the development of services at the facility.

The applicant should have experience in a supervisory or management role and a relevant 3rd level qualification is desirable.

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.

Mare Scanning service now available at Western Veterinary Clinic. Ring the office on 095 22209 for an appointment.

It’s Better To Neuter! Neutering is far better for your pet’s health, whether male or female. The good news is that you could be eligible to have your dog or bitch neutered for only €20.00! Phone Dog’s Trust Ltd. on 1890 946 336.

Are you feeding stray cats? Feeding is not enough! Cats are very successful breeders, and one or two cats can soon turn into a whole colony. So, don’t delay! Help fight the problem of stray cats: phone 01 4163030 to find out if you are eligible for a ‘Blue Cross’ Cat Neutering Voucher.

Is your cat or dog overweight? Did you know that OBESITY in pets can cause serious health problems? Western Veterinary Clinic, Clifden, offers a FREE ‘weight-watcher’s’ programme for pets. Ring WestVet on 095 22209 for an appointment.

Dog Needs A Home: My name is Meg. I am looking for a loving home as I have been badly treated. I am a Tan and White Female Jack Russell with lots of bounce! I like being with people and get lonely on my own. I dislike cats! To find out more about me please contact Clifden Animal Rescue on 086-3589415.

Employment Employment Wanted: 44-yr. old man with catering experience seeks full or part-time employment. Clean licence. Anything considered. 087-067-5049.

Services Website design, development and maintenance, professional layout including navigation system, photos, text and logo, tailor made graphic design, flash animations, search engine submission, domain registration and web hosting. Visit cuanmaradesign.com. Email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com or phone 086 0791918.

Facepainting, balloon modelling, dance and games for parties and other events. Tel. Mary (086) 9481511 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 Rd, Clifden, and can be contacted on 095 22000 & 087 1301100. New Opening Hours! Thursday 7pm-8pm & Friday 10:30am3:30pm. Information is also available online at www. citizensinformation.ie and LoCall 1890 777 121.

HAIR & BEAUTY

PLANT HIRE

Application form and job description available from: Connemara West Community Creche, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway Tel: 095-41047 E-mail: connwest@iol.ie Closing date for applications: Friday 18th July 2008

WEDDING SERVICES

This Childcare project is funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan, 2007-2013

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

PAGE 27

Connemara Celebrity Connections Whether you’ve noticed or not, Connemara has been a bit of a hotbed of celebrity spo ing in the past month.

The news that Hollywood superstars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson were shooting a movie in Connemara spread like wildfire, as national media descended on Connemara in an a empt to get a glimpse of these two megastars on the set of the upcoming movie “Marley and Me”, a big screen adaptation of the best-selling book.

Well, here at the Connemara View we managed to get our very own exclusive shot of the A-list pair shooting a scene in Roundstone Village last week! All the national radio stations were keeping tabs on their movements during their brief stay in the area, where the pair stayed in the fabulous Ballynahinch Castle.

Owen Wilson was also spo ed having a traditional Irish dinner in Mannion’s Bar on Market St, Clifden. So who knows, maybe they liked it so much we’ll see them again!

Meanwhile another huge star on the Hollywood scene, Jorge Garcia aka “Hurley” in the smash hit TV series Lost, is reported to have spent part of his Irish trip staying at the truly unique Quay House in Clifden. Over the years, Jorge has appeared in hit TV shows like Becker and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but it is his performance as the comic relief hit Hurley that has made him a household name, and a favourite of Lost fans.

The annual Galway Film Fleadh is this year paying a special tribute to our legendary actor with local connections, Peter O Toole. Peter’s daughter, Kate, is Chair of the commi ee for the Fleadh (shown here with Fleadh Programmer Felim MacDermo ) and the pair of stage and screen stars will be high profile guests of the festival. (See next page for details of Peter’s public interview as part of the Fleadh.)

And last but certainly not least….readers of an issue a couple of months back may remember our feature on Neal McDonough, actor brother of Connemara View Editor Ellen, on his hit TV series “Tin Man”.Well, it turns out that even bigger things are on the horizon, as we have confirmation that Neal has landed a new role in what is possibly the biggest US TV import this side of the water.

Neal’s next appearance on our screens will be as a newcomer to a very famous lane…yep, it’s Desperate Housewives! Neal will join the madness and mania of Wisteria Lane as a white-collar new neighbour who may indulge in some romance with vamp Edie, played by Nicolle e Sheridan. This latest role is a fantastic coup for Neal who has just finished the upcoming “Street Fighter” film.

So stay tuned to check out Connemara’s very own connection with Wisteria Lane on your screens in the new season!

Jennifer & Own photo courtesy of “Paparazzi Paddy”. Kate’OToole photo courtesy of galwaynews.ie. Jorge Garcia photo from starpulse.com.

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July 3, 2008

Connemara ArtsView

Bofin Singer’s Debut Album

this remarkable man, and will doubtless be great entertainment too. The interview will then be followed by a screening of the classic and hilarious Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell.

Film lovers will once again descend on Galway for the prestigious Fleadh, which once again offers a fantastic programme of screenings and events. For bookings, daily schedules and more check out www.galwayfilmfleadh.com.

Peadar King, a native of Inishbofin, is a singer and guitarist who has been writing original music for many years now. With the release of his new album “The Nature of Flaws”, he has turned a corner in his musical

career. Hailing from a highly musical family, he was steeped in traditional music whilst young, and though retaining this within his music, he chooses to mix a wide range of musical styles.

Folk, Blues, Jazz, Rock and country all figure on this, his debut album. Lyrically challenging and broadly melodic, the music speaks for itself. Featured on the Album are a host of contemporary Irish Artists. Orla Gibbons lends her superb vocal talents, Ray Hahessy plays rhythm and lead guitar throughout, Mike Curran plays bass Guitar, Leroy Smith features on Drums.

Tom Portman features on Dobro, Niall Teague features on piano, Eibhin Craddock plays drums throughout the album, Werner Gladh features on the violin, and Catherine O’Sullivan features on the saxophone.

“The Nature of Flaws” is out July 18th when it will be launched at Cuba Live, Galway and dates in Mullarkeys are also upcoming, keep an eye on posters for details. The album will also be available from independent record stores like Redlight Records in Galway and some local retail outlets.

More than one string to their bows

The future for string players is looking exciting. Is Connemara leading a new movement to unite Traditional and Classical music? Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Bill Whelan (of Riverdance) should have chosen to have a home here. Perhaps it is the very diversity of residents and visitors to the area that keep its music

tradition alive well and above all, varied.

Cor na nÓg, the youth choir based in Tully Cross Church, have always encouraged their members instrumental skills. They raised funds to purchase a cello and viola, as well as percussion instruments to enhance their concerts. This has led several smaller groups forming to accompany the choir, combining forces with local traditional musicians for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Confirmation etc. The choir rehearses every Tuesday evening, at 7pm in the Church (starting September).

“Fiddlesticks”, the group of fiddlers who started playing together whilst at Letterfrack National School, taught by Liz Kane, are regularly to be seen at festivals around Connemara and are currently recording an album. At the same time, two of them, Jessica Ridge and

Connemara ArtsView

A Unique Family Show Hannah Mamalis from Kylemore Abbey Secondary School, have joined forces with Brian Hogan on guitar, and Aine Hannigan, cello, from Clifden School to form a string ensemble playing chamber music from Corelli to Coldplay, Beethoven to Blur. The group meets every Thursday evening at 8pm in Tully National School, taught by Shona O’Flaherty.

Triúr Conamara is a newly formed trio consisting of flute, violin and cello playing Palm Court music with a modern twist. The individual musicians have extremely varied backgrounds in jazz, country, classical and traditional, which has influenced their eclectic choice of repertoire. They are keen to encourage this crossfertilisation of styles, and would be interested to hear from other instrumentalists eager to play with different groups.

This summer sees the first ‘Summer School for Strings’ (Ceol na Mara) taking place in Connemara West, Letterfrack. This weeklong intensive course is run by several well-known players from Irish Orchestras, including Dr. Geraldine O’Grady and Oonagh Keogh. The course (21st - 25th July) includes master classes and individual tuition in both chamber music and Irish Traditional Music.

The school also caters for beginners who want to learn and have fun, where reading music is not essential.

Anyone interested in any of these events should contact the numbers below. Take down the old fiddle from the attic, rosin up your bow and discover the fun of group music making.

Eithne Hannigan Contacts: Cor na nÓg - Maria 095-43075 / 086-3774237 Shona O’Flaherty - 095-43609 / 086-1093668 Triúr Conamara - Eithne 095-43928 / 0877684921 Ceol na Mara - Oonagh Keogh - 086-2668428 Photos: ‘Fiddlesticks’ (l-r): Hannah Mamalis, Jessica Ridge, Brian Hogan. (missing from photo is Áine Hannigan-Dunkley). ‘Triúr Conamara’ (l-r): Shona O’Flaherty, Fionnuala Hannigan-Dunkley, Eithne Hannigan.

Film Fleadh Honours O’Toole

Clifden local Kate O Toole is once again the Chair of the Committee for the Galway Film Fleadh, now in its 20th year taking place between the 8th and 13th of July. Her father, legendary thespian Peter O Toole is the subject of the Irish tribute and the Fleadh will screen a selection of his films including Jeffery Bernard is Unwell, Rogue Male and Goodbye Mr Chips. Peter O’ Toole will also take part in a public interview at the Town Hall Main Theatre, on Sunday July 13th at 2 p.m. which will give a wonderful insight into the life of

July 3, 2008

The Station House Theatre was the venue for a unique family show last Saturday night the 28th June, when the multi talented Corbett girls Mary, Stephanie (21) and Olivia (15) put on a great night’s entertainment for locals and tourists alike. Mary produced the entire show herself, joined by Aodán McGlynn as Musical Director.

The first half of the show comprised of the Corbett girls singing some lovely old Irish ballads interspersed with favourites from musicals. The Clancy sisters from Furbo, Grace (11) and Davina (13) gave a stunning display of Irish Dancing. Well-known comedian Frank forde from Castlebar entertained the audience with his usual great wit and fun.

In the 2nd half of the show, the Corbett girls

launched into a number of classic favourites from musicals.

Olivia stole the show with songs like “The Glory of Love” and “I could have danced all night”. Stephanie’s rendition of “All that jazz” held the audience spellbound. The Clancy sisters were joined on stage by local Champion dancer Niamh McDermott (15) from Kylemore to the delight of the audience, and Frank Forde returned to make sure the audience were in fits of laughter.

Although Mary and her daughters have performed in many separate shows, this was the first time they have performed together in public, which was a very special occasion. This was also Mary’s first production and she now plans to take the show to the Town Hall Theatre in Galway.

Photo: The entire cast of the “Corbett Girls Show”.(l-r) Davina Clancy, Grace Clancy, Frank Forde, Mary CorbettJoyce (Producer), Olivia Corbett-Joyce, Niamh McDermott, Stephanie Corbett-Joyce and Aodán McGlynn (Musical Director).

Page 29

Independent Booksellers Week July 1st -8th July

In an age when creeping globalisation makes a street in the west of Ireland look like any other, it is reassuring to see some retailers are happy to retain their independence. As part of Independent Booksellers Week Village Bookshop in Moycullen is taking part with in-store events and competitions. Tickets to events are free and available at Village Bookshop, Moycullen.

Wednesday July 2nd, 11am: Mad Science Party-A whimsical introduction to the weird world of science for children 8 years and older.

Thursday July 3rd 5pm “Once upon a time” Interactive storytelling for children 4-7.

They have also planned three competitions: Children’s Book Quiz , Adult’s Book Quiz and a Design Competition for artists of all ages where you design a Gift Card suitable for a bookshop with great prizes to be won. Pick up Entry Forms at Village Bookshop, Moycullen.

Summertime Blues - Book Review

It’s been a subdued sort of summer so far. Any days that have been spent down at the beach have involved bracing walks to minimise the wind-chill factor. Huddling behind the rocks with three jumpers on has been a more common experience than regretting you didn’t bring the parasol. And yes, that healthy glow across the cheeks is windburn. I remember several years ago extolling the language, the depth, the breadth and, yes, the sheer length of ‘A Suitable Boy’ Vikram Seth’s beautifully written portmanteau of a novel-all two thousand words of it. What enhanced those scorching days, when every moment out of the shade required industrial strength sunscreen, would this year require waterproofs, a cosy armchair and a different kind of literature.

I scanned the shelves for suitable reading material.

In between moving the buckets placed to catch the leaks, and throwing away the salads leaves in favour of meaty stews, I was drawn towards short and shortish stories. They are not easy things to write. Beloved of ‘would-be’ writers (wannabes who have mistakenly thought that middle-distance running is ‘easier’ than marathons) their very succinctness requires a confident and practised writer. It was therefore no surprise when I looked through my list of recommendations to find that every single short stories collection I had chosen was written by an old-timer whose novels I had also read and enjoyed.

First up are three collections of short stories from the wonderful E. Annie Proulx (‘The Shipping News’, ‘Brokeback Mountain’ etc). Her love of the great outdoors (Wyoming and Texas especially), combined with her affection for those people who live on and from the earth, lends an intimacy that has the reader spellbound. ‘Heart Songs’ celebrates the lives of those who hunt, shoot and fish for survival with humour and warmth. Her later collections of short stories (‘Close Range’, ‘Bed Dirt’ - Wyoming Tales 1 and 2 - and ‘That Old Ace in the Hole’) are a delight to read and demonstrate Proulx’s sheer skill when telling a story. Her economy with words is as terse and spare as the dirtpoor farmers, ranchers, drinkers and gamblers who inhabit her tales.

Hanging out with lowlife is fun with such a witty guide.

Almost ten years

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ago, I came across Emma O’ Donoghue who had contributed a chapter for Dermot Bolger’s literary project ‘Ladies Night at Finbarr’s Hotel’, alongside Maeve Binchy, Clare Boylan, Kate O’Riordan et al. An Irish writer now living in Canada, she has written novels as well as editing and compiling books of literary history.

Her latest collection of stories is entitled ‘Touchy Subjects’. Loosely subdivided into sections called Babies, Domesticity, Strangers, Desire and Death. These twenty tales are neat examples of what the short story form does best-reveal bigger truths through the minutiae of ‘normal’ everyday existence. O’Donoghue’s interest in human interaction, be it physical or intellectual, sexual or platonic-is infectious and I broke my own rule for choosing short stories in the first place and read the entire book at one sitting.

Finally, I picked up Irvine Welsh (‘Trainspotting’, ‘The Acid House’ etc.)’s book entitled, ‘If you liked school, you love work’. I had just finished his ‘The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs’, that I had enjoyed, but thought the joke went on too long. However, I admire Welsh’s writing enough to want more, and a new collection of five novellas looked just the ticket. It is slick, funny, highly energetic and unquestionably a must for all fans. Not for the faint hearted, it will come as no surprise that it is sexy/smutty (delete as you wish) funny, vulgar and very witty. Welsh’s ear for conversation and idiomatic language is first class, and this book contains all the quirky delight in the peculiarity of humankind that made him famous. It’ll make you blush, even in the shade.

Eithne Hannigan

Mission work begins at Castlekerke Extract from Miriam Moffitt’s forthcoming book, Soupers and Jumpers, Protestant missions in Connemara, to be launched in

September 2008.

The year 1846 saw the start of Protestant missionary work began at Castlekerke, near the hill of Doon on the north shore of Lough Corrib. This area was particularly badly hit by the Famine and most of the population, mostly Roman Catholics, relied on relief distributed in mission schools at Drumsnauv, Farnaught, Cornamona, Glan, Lyons, Kilmilkin and Cappaunalaurabaun.

The mission undoubtedly achieved great successes among the Catholic population, aided by copious supplies of mission relief. Paul Cullen, later Cardinal of Ireland, informed Rome that 140 of 150 families in the

July 3, 2008

Glan district of the mission ‘perverted’.

The English supporters were told that those who attended the mission’s schools and services were devout converts. Patrick MacDonagh of Glan promised in 1851 that he would do his best ‘to lay the saving truths of the Gospel before my Roman Catholic fellow-countrymen, and to expose the blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceits, of the Church of Rome. So help me God’.

Most converts reverted to Catholicism once times improved and after the Catholic Church mounted an aggressive campaign against the mission. Patrick Sullivan of Oughterard ‘repented’ in 1852 for having ‘abandoned the Roman Catholic faith … being paid five shillings a month as a Bible reader’.

A Novel Irish Lesson

“Na Comharsana Nua”by Éamonn Ó Loingsigh is a new novel for learners of Irish, published by Cló IarChonnachta.

Liam and Siobhán Ó Maoilmhín are the central characters in this novel, a young couple who have just moved back to their home town of Galway after spending several years working in America. Delighted to be home, they settle into their new lives in the suburbs relatively easily and all seems to be going well until their new neighbours, Learaí and Deborah Ó Dúill, move in.

Initially, it seems that the couples will become friends and they spend lots of time together, going out for drinks and meals. Slowly but surely, however, Liam and Siobhán begin to have doubts about their affluent new neighbours. How have they become so wealthy? Who are all the mysterious visitors coming to their house every day? What is behind the string of accidents, threats and problems that the Ó Maoilmhíns have experienced since their new neighbours moved in?

This light and funny novel is written in fairly simple Irish and includes a glossary of difficult words at the back. “Na Comharsana Nua” was awarded first prize in the Oireachtas Literary Competition for reading material for learners in 2007. Éamonn Ó Loingsigh is originally from Dublin and has been living in Galway for many years now. He is a secondary school teacher and teaches in St Jarlath’s College in Tuam. His previous publications include the plays for teenagers Pádraicín is Ainm Dom, Jackie Mo Dheartháir, Ionsaí and Níl Aon Dul ón gCinniúint, all published by Cló Iar-Chonnachta. “Na Comharsana Nua” is on sale in bookshops and from www.cic.ie.

Connemara ArtsView

Roundstone Arts Week Continues July 4th

6.30pm:WorkShop for children from 4 yrs to 12 yrs with adults from the Seal Sanctuary, Dublin, Community Hall.

July 5th

10am: sharp: Archaeological Field Trip with Michael Gibbons exploring 5,000 years of Connemara History.

Inishnee, Coffee break at the Zetland Hotel, then on to High Cashel. €20 a head. Please book in advance on 095 35834.

12.30pm: Sandcastle competition on Dogs Bay, with a story of their creation. Weather Permitting.

3.30pm: Children’s Treasure Hunt rendezvous by the Flag Poles, opposite the Roundstone Hotel .

4.30pm: Music Outdoors.

6.30pm Slide show and talk on Seals.

9pm: A discussion of the biography “La Sheridan; Adorable Diva” written by Anne Chambers on Irelands most Famous Prima Donna, Margaret Burke Sheridan (1889 – 1958) Errisbeg house, with a reception and light food. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s famous prima donna Margaret Burke Sheridan, who died in 1958, the Roundstone Arts Festival will host an evening featuring her life and music presented by her biographer, the author Anne Chambers. Anne will also present an exhibition of the operatic and personal memorabilia of the famous soprano, including some of her fabulous operatic costumes.

10p.m: Traditional Music.

July 6th

12.45pm: Showing of “Na Sioga augus an greasaí” “The Elves and the Shoe Maker” a family orientated show. Community Hall.

2.30 p.m.: Flower arranging with Richard Haslam, in the gardens of Errisbeg House, flower arrangements to be auctioned off towards the Defibrillator.

2.30pm: Clay Pigeon Shoot, up on the Show Grounds.

Single down the line and doubles down the line and spring and Teal. The Joe Conneely Memorial Perpetual Challenge cup. €20 per Gun, Three rounds of five.

4.30pm: Music in the streets, with a parade with the children, with costumes designed by Lorraine Mannion of Murvey.

6.30pm: Display of work shop efforts and Prize giving, Eldon’s Hotel.

7.30pm: Reading. With Mary Banotti “There’s something about Mary” Wine Reception at the Roundstone House Hotel.

9pm: History of whisky with Seamus Lowry and tasting. Eldon’s Hotel.

10pm: Traditional Music, with John Joe Ford & Mike Fahy, sponsored by Eldon’s Hotel.

Ceol Theatre

Ceol Theatre will be doing another 8 week Performing Arts Class. This class will be open to adults and children and will focus on the TV / Film industry that is developing in Connemara. It will be a training course on what do and expect if you are part of a film.

There will be a movie made as part of the course that will be shown at the end. When dates and locations

Connemara ArtsView

have been confirmed it will be posted.

We will also be doing an Irish Musical Review Night in August for the bank holiday. See posters for details and let us know if you would like to be a part of the show.

If you would like to be a part of any Ceol Theatre production please contact John @ 087 750 4697.

‘Sex’ & Cosmopolitons

On Thursday July 17th, the Clifden Station House Theatre will be hosting a ‘Sex and the City’ Special Connemara Opening Night. A glamourous Cosmopolitan Reception will kick off the evening at 7.30pm.

The movie starts 8pm.

A special prize for the ‘Best Turned Out Man’ on the evening will be awarded.

Summer at The House

This summer, the Station House Theatre features some of the biggest names in the Irish entertainment industry.

Saturday July 5th sees one of Ireland’s best loved balladeers Johnny McEvoy come to Clifden, where he will perform many of his classic songs.

He will also perform “Heart with no Companion” the single from his upcoming album, which will be released later this year. This is a great opportunity to spend an evening with a truly great singer, performing now for over four decades. Doors are at 8.30pm. and tickets are € 22.50/17.50 seniors.

Friday July 11th sees Brian Kennedy back by popular demand, where the gifted vocalist will perform a number of his hits, both old and new. Show is at 9:30pm and tickets are €37.50.

The legendary Miami Showband will perform on July 12th in a Reunion Special. No other band in the world has the pedigree or history of The Miami Showband.

Undoubtedly it has achieved mythical status and its musicians indelibly written into music and social folklore. During the 60s and 70s, hundreds of thousands of adoring fans packed dance halls and concert venues throughout Ireland, the UK and the USA to catch a glimpse of and listen to the band.

In 2005, during The Miami Showband 30th Anniversary Concert, Des, Stephen, Ray and Paul once again performed together and such was the clamour for a reunion that it simply had to happen. The Miami Showband is back - the massively talented Gerry Brown and Johnny Fean along with Des Lee, Stephen Travers, Ray Millar and Paul Ashford. It has taken three years to achieve but now the legend is once more a reality! Don’t miss this opportunity to relive the music and the atmosphere of one of the country’s greatest musical legacies.

The show starts at 9pm and tickets are €30.

A tribute to another legend, Luke Kelly, takes place on Saturday July 19th. Chris Kavanagh and The Patriots have been performing their tribute to Luke Kelly for many years and have been the first to tribute Luke.

They bring the entire atmosphere of the great Dubliners concerts to the live show. Chris Kavanagh is the walking embodiment of Luke Kelly in gritty singing style and even looks. This is a fitting tribute to the great man and a must see experience for Luke and the Dubliners fans. Show starts at 9pm and tickets cost €20.

So it’s another great month for musical acts among many other events taking place at the Station House Theatre. For bookings or queries call (095) 30303 or go to www.stationhousetheatre.com.

July 3, 2008

Video Releases

There Will Be Blood

A brutal, bloody, and gripping saga of obsession, corruption, and poisonous greed; The Award Winning There Will Be Blood is a masterly, unwavering inspection of a consummately evil man whose trailblazing spirit is equalled only by his murderous ambition. Stars: Daniel Day Lewis & Paul Dano.

In Bruges

After a difficult job in London, 2 hitmen Ray and Ken, are ordered by their boss, Harry, to cool their heels in Bruges. When their stay in Bruges takes a turn for the worst, Ray and Ken realize Harry may have plans for them other than a simple vacation. Stars: Colin Farell, Brendan Gleeson & Ralph Fiennes.

The Bucket List

Edward is a corporate billionaire who is currently sharing a hospital room with blue-collar mechanic Carter. Though initially the pair seems to have nothing in common, conversation gradually reveals that both men have a long list of goals they wish to accomplish before they ‘kick the bucket’. But in order to live their lives to the absolute fullest Edward and Carter will have to make a break for it! Stars: Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman.

10,000BC

From Roland Emmerich, director of Independance Day and The Day After Tomorrow comes 10,000 BC, a sweeping odyssey into a mythical age of prophesies and gods, when spirits rule the land and mighty mammoths shake the earth. Stars: Steven Strait & Camillie Belle.

Son Of Rambow

Will, who isn’t allowed to watch TV or go to the movies, expresses himself through his drawings and illustrations until he finds himself caught up in the extraordinary world of Lee Carter, the school terror and crafter of bizarre home movies, who exposes him to a pirated copy of Rambo. Stars: Bill Milner & Will Poulter.

Monthly video release update courtesy of Video Vault, Main St., Clifden. 095-22033.

Page 31

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

More people than ever are getting interested in green ways to improve their health, care for the environment and generally make and keep the world a nice place to be. Here at the Connemara View we have decided to tackle the subject of household cleaning and cleaning products through a series of articles, and apply some cost saving, healthy, effective and safe methods to how we clean our households.

The products

The problem

The average Irish house has a cupboard full of chemicals and cleaners that would only have been seen in a chemistry lab 40 years ago. Chemical based cleaning products have received much attention in recent years due to the negative effects they can induce. In fact, some cleaners are among the most toxic products to be found in the home, and can be poisonous if ingested or harmful if inhaled or touched.

The most dangerous products are corrosive drain cleaners, oven cleaners and acidic toilet bowl cleaners. The corrosive chemicals contained in these can cause severe burns on skin and eyes, and if ingested on the throat and airways. Fumes from chemical ingredients like chlorine bleach and ammonia produce fumes that are highly irritating to eyes, nose throat and lungs and can be very dangerous for those with asthma, allergy, heart or lung problems.

There are also concerns about long term exposure to chemicals that may be carcinogenic.

Exposure to chemicals is an obvious safety and health hazard but many of us just don’t realise just how often and how thoughtlessly we expose ourselves and our families to them.

The fragrances added to many cleaners can cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation, headaches, and sneezing and watery eyes in allergy and asthma sufferers. Anyone who suffers from any of these complaints should have a good look at the products in their homes and try removing them from their day to day lives to see the effects for themselves.

Sinus and allergy related complaints are extremely common at this time of year and removing chemical products from your house and life is a frontline way to reduce the havoc they can wreak on your respiratory system.

Apart from personal safety, all of those chemicals that flow away down sinks and drains cause further reaching problems too. They are treated with sewage and other wastewater then discharged into nearby waterways. Considering the many water problems troubling Clifden Bay, it might be wise to think what we are adding to the problem with what we flush down out toilets sinks and drains.

Many chemicals also use petroleum-based chemicals, contributing to the depletion of this non-renewable resource. The plastic bottles used to package cleaning products also pose another problem in that they must be landfilled, incinerated or in not enough cases, recycled.

The solution

If you have already considered going green in your household cleaning, you will probably be aware that there is a wide range of

PAGE 32

naturally based products for your household available already. Brands like Ecover are available in almost all health shops and many supermarkets, but the price tags often put off those who are on a budget when it comes to the weekly shop.

So to make the process as cheap, easy and convenient as possible we have compiled a guide to how ordinary safe household items can be used as powerful and effective cleaning products.

Below is a list of natural household products and their many uses as cleaning products for use in your kitchen.

Vinegar Normal vinegar is one of the green cleaner’s best friends. It is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser and will amaze you when you see it’s full cleaning potential. The first approach is to make a general household cleaning spray by mixing a solution of equal amounts of lemon juice, vinegar and water. This is best used in a spray bottle decanter like conventional spray cleaners and can be used absolutely anywhere in the house and is 100% safe, natural and very effective. Always use distilled white vinegar Here are some more of the many ways it can be used: •To remove bad smells from any room or surface( except marble) •To clean windows, mirrors and glass. Best used with newspaper not cloth.

•To remove grease stains from walls •Added to laundry it will brighten clothes •Heated , it will remove chewing gum from a surface •It will also remove paint from glass when heated.

•It can remove limescale build up from your electric kettle. Fill kettle with 2/3 hot water and 1/3 brown vinegar in this case.

Leave to soak for an hour, empty kettle, and refill with normal water and boil. Pour the boiled water away and all the limescale will be gone!

•It removes mould and mildew from almost any surface including windows, tiles and dishes.

Lemons •Lemons are ideal for cleaning purposes as they are also antibacterial and antiseptic, and they naturally clean some of the toughest messes. Here are some uses for your kitchen: •Rub a lemon on wooden chopping board to get rid of smells of onion and garlic and disinfect any bacteria •Add half a lemon to a dishwasher load for sparkling spot free clean smelling dishes.

•Use neat lemon juice to clean sinks and taps and remove limescale build-up.

•Use as a natural air freshener by mixing juice with water in a spray bottle or placing half a lemon in a dish.

•Add to a washing load to brighten whites naturally and leave a fresh scent.

•Increase the effectiveness of your washing up liquid by adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to the water.

Tea Tree Oil •Use tea tree essential oil in warm/hot water (about 20 drops per litre) to clean almost anything. It has antiseptic germicidal, antibacterial and antiviral properties and can be used to wash walls, floors and to get rid of mould and mildew.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) •This can be used to great effect to clean many things as a natural deodoriser and

July 3, 2008

acid neutraliser and can be used instead of harsh abrasive cleaners.

•To absorb odours, place a box in the fridge, sprinkle on smelly carpets or upholstery, even use underneath cat litter.

•It cleans and polishes aluminium, chrome, jewellery, plastic, silver, stainless steel and tin.

Cornstarch/Cornflour •This can be used as a furniture polish, or can be sprinkled on carpet and hoovered up for a shampooed effect. It can also be used to starch clothes.

To find out how you can save time, money and care for the environment check out the first in our series of green cleaning articlesthe kitchen.

Kitchen Cleaning-Naturally

Here is a guide to how you can use some of the above ingredients in individual cases.

Oven Oven cleaning is one of the toughest cleaning jobs in any kitchen, thanks to burned on food and overspills. Conventional oven cleaners are a chemical disaster area but they continue to sell as people look for easier and quicker ways to clean the dreaded oven.

The best way to naturally clean your oven is to act fast, when the overspill has just happened. Here are some ideas: •Sprinkle a handful of salt over the spilled food. This will reduce smoke and will be much easier to clean when the oven has cooled.

•Combine baking soda with washing soda to make a powder that will remove the most stubborn stains with a little scrubbing.

•Combine equal amounts of vinegar with salt to make an abrasive yet safe powerful cleaner.

The gases and fumes that are emitted from oven cleaners are among the worst to be found in cleaning products so a natural alternative and a bit of elbow grease should really be considered.

Tiles •Use baking soda lightly sprinkled on a damp cloth to easily remove grease from tiles behind a hob •Clean greasy tiles using neat lemon juice Fridge/freezer Remove old food and let unit defrost completely. Vacuum off the back of the unit and the bottom panel under the doors to ensure the ventilation is working properly and to its full potential. You can speed up defrosting by placing pans of hot water inside.

•Glass shelves and plastic drawers can be easily wiped clean with a baking soda/water solution •For hardened on food a mesh citrus fruit bag can be used to scrub, as it won’t damage the finish like scourers.

•To tackle smells, put a few droplets of vanilla essence onto a piece of cotton wool and place in the middle of the fridge •A small box of baking soda left in the fridge can also eliminate unpleasant smells

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

G r e e n e r, C h e a p a n d S a f e r

Microwave •Put 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar in 2 cups of water in a microwave safe container large enough to hold 4 cups and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Wipe interior clean and repeat if necessary to remove more stubborn food splashes.

•Another handy tip is to put a damp cloth inside and microwave for 40 seconds. The steam from the cloth will loosen the grime and make it easier to clean.

Bins •A good helping of talcum powder or baking soda in the bottom of your kitchen bin will keep any nasty smells at bay.

Kettles Limescale build-up in kettles is a pet hate of many people and is a nasty surprise when you look inside the lid of one of the kitchen’s most used utensils. To remove this try: •Filling the kettle with 2/3 hot water and 1/3 brown vinegar, then leave to soak for about an hour. Pour mix away then fill and boil kettle normally and pour away contents away again-it will take the limescale with it.

•A great tip here is to use an oyster shell.

Boil the shell in order to remove any germs and sterilise it, then just pop it into the kettle and leave it there. The limescale will then actually attach itself to the shell and not the element!

Dishes and dishwasher Non- toxic washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets can be found in health food stores and some supermarkets.

•For hard water stains run a load of non-metal dishes with vinegar instead of detergent and place a half of a lemon in the cutlery tray.

•Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to your washing up water in the sink to increase its cleaning potential.

•Tea and coffee Sinks stains can be re•Stainless steel sinks moved from cups can be cleaned of by rubbing with limescale and mineither salt of baking soda on a damp cloth. eral build-ups by placing paper towels •A standard denture soaking tablet will also soaked in vinegar around the sink. Leave remove stubborn tea and coffee stains on it an hour or so and then buff with dry crockery. paper towels for a clean and shiny effect.

•Washing dishes in the sink saves money on •Limescale can also be removed by leaving both electricity and water and is much flat cola to sit in the sink for an hour a better for the environment accordingly. week.

Sheet1 Below please find how this compares to the prices of store bought multi-purpose cleaners.

•A sink can be shined by polishing with olive oil on a soft cloth •Stainless steel taps can be shined by rubbing with a cut lemon and buffed dry •You can prevent water deposit stains on taps by rubbing them with olive oil.

Blocked sinks/drains There are a couple of effective natural methods for clearing blocked drains.

•After clearing out any standing water, pour in one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of table salt and a half-cup of white vinegar. Let it work for 5 minutes then pour boiling water down the drain.

•Another alternative is to pour half a cup of baking soda down the plughole followed by a half cup of white vinegar and cover for a few minutes while it foams. Then pour down around 8 cups of boiling water or more.

It is important that these actions should be performed by themselves only, and certainly not after using any other commercial cleaner. Conventional sink and drain unblockers can be very chemically dangerous, and should be avoided if at all possible.

Tables/Worktops •Spray and clean with your homemade multipurpose eco-friendly cleaning spray of lemon juice/vinegar/water mix which will disinfect and clean thoroughly.

•Baby oil will polish and shine your kitchen

cabinets or wooden tabletop safely, smells lovely and does a great job without any harmful chemicals.

•Olive oil of any kind can be used to safely and effectively polish and shine table tops of kitchen furniture. Only a very small amount is needed on a dry cloth.

All of the natural cleaning ingredients mentioned can be used to great effect all over the house, not just in the kitchen. Watch out for next month’s follow-up on cleaning your bathroom the safe, cheap and environmentally friendly way.

Homemade Multipurpose Eco-friendly Cleaning Spray What you need: •A spray bottle (try to use a recycled one) •White vinegar (We used a 568ml bottle of Chef ’s DistilledVinegar: €1.60.)

•Lemon Juice (We used a 250ml bottle of SV Lemon Juice: €.99.)

•Water Combine 250ml of vinegar; 250ml of lemon juice and 250ml of water. Shake it and you are ready to go.

The cost: A 750ml of our Multipurpose Ecofriendly Cleaning Spray was created for €2.03 since a recycled bottle was used. Buying the ingredients in larger quantity units will decrease the cost.

Multipurpose Cleaning Spray Price Comparisons Homemade Eco-friendly Commercial Brands Homeware Plus Homeware Plus Sullivans Plus Lowest Price Sullivans Plus Highest Price SuperValu Lowest Price SuperValu Highest Price

Size

Price

Cost per 100ml

625ml 750ml 1ltr 1ltr 500ml 750ml

0.99 2.99 0.89 2.99 1.39 4.59

16c 40c 9c 30c 28c 61c

Ecover Brand An Bhean Feasa Connemara Hamper Sullivans

500ml 4.39 500ml 4.45 500ml 3.80

88c 89c 76c

Product

750ml 2.03

In-store price surveys conducted from June 17-19

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

23c

July 3, 2008

page 33

Are You Working on Something Crafty Domestic Arts Deadline July 10th

Regular readers of the Connemara View will know that we have been promoting and encouraging people to enter and participate in the Domestic Arts classes of the Clifden Pony Show, which takes place this year on Thursday August 21st.

The closing date for entries is Thursday July 10th, so hopefully plenty of you will have already decided what classes to enter, but for those of you who have not, there is still time!

Entries in the Garden and Farm Produce classes will also be accepted by the stewards in the display area between 9 and 10 a.m. on Show Day, but these classes may also be entered by completing an entry form and returning it to the office at the Clifden Showgrounds by post or in person.

In order to attract new entrants, the Connemara View is also sponsoring some cash prizes to people who have never taken part before.

€100 prize to a new entrant of Class 52: An article of crochet. €100 prize to a new entrant of Class 60: Framed photo taken by a new adult entrant, no larger than 10” by 14”. €50 prize to a new child entrant who has an entry in any class.

In a move that will be welcomed by all, the CPBS Show Committee have also decided to add cash prizes of €10 to the winner of each class in addition to the usual rosettes and the ICA cup.

So instead of wandering past the Domestic Arts stand this year and thinking it how it could look better, join in the fun and enter something. You might even win a cash prize! It is a traditional and enjoyable part of Show Day and should be supported by all that could take part.

An entry form is available from the June issue of Connemara View and also available online at www. connemara.com or by contacting the CPBS office at the Showgrounds in Clifden on (095) 21863.

Crackdown on Provisional Licences

This Government would be well advised to also concentrate on a whole host of other road safety issues that The CEO of the Road Safety Authority Noel Brett has would save far more lives. For instance the 10 year saga stated that he expects the country’s 335,000 learner drivers over speed cameras continues with Government claiming to comply with the new legislation that prohibits them the tendering process is ‘at an advanced stage’ for the past 6 from driving unaccompanied, although he admitted that months. The Department of Justice and the Department of the law had been ignored in the past on a serious level in Transport are failing to work together to deliver this vital the past. While it is understood that L plate drivers will piece of road safety infrastructure. not be specifically targeted by Gardai, learners or those on a Also the Government continues to put off any decision long term second or third provisional licence would be well on the legal drink drive limit. The recent revelations that advised to get the test out of the way as soon as possible to new Garda breathalyser equipment procurement will take avoid the repercussions if stopped. until the end of 2009 is highly convenient for a Government Clifden’s waiting list for the Driving Test is now an facing into difficult local and European elections. average of 10 weeks, and it has one of the highest pass The amount of lives saved by action on these two fronts, rates in the country at 60.8%. The waiting time has reduced speed and drink, far outweighs the benefits of the current dramatically, last year it took over 30 weeks for a test to focus of Government. happen from the time an application was registered. There Also the driving test system needs to be comprehensively are now plenty of experienced and accomplished driving reformed. At the moment a person’s chances of passing instructors operating in Connemara, so the race will be on their test can be increased or decreased depending on where for many drivers as they attempt to get their full licence you take the test and whether it is the RSA or the private before getting caught out. The new legislation has naturally company SGS carrying out the test. A more structured prompted much debate and discussion. The following is a approach to pre-test learning is needed and this should be statement made in the Dáil by Galway West T.D. Padraic taken into account as part of the driving test. The test should McCormack on the matter. be reformed to include the option of a longer test and/or continuous assessment so that its objective is to train people Statement by Padraic McCormack, T.D. to drive as a life skill and not just to pass the test.

The Government has botched the reform of the Figures provided by the RSA: provisional licence system from the very start but Fine Gael They have offered a total of 269,971 tests between 1 would advise no driver to break the law following June November 2007 and 14 June 2008 and that they are now 30th. The Gardai have stated that there will be no specific offering 12,600 tests per week. campaign to crack down on provisional drivers.

The RSA have capacity to offer a minimum of 270,000 tests in the remaining six months of this year although they claim this level is way in excess of likely demand and they will reduce capacity as required over the coming months.

The national average waiting time is now 7.7 weeks.

As at 31 May there are 335,828 drivers on car Cosgraves, Castlebar 129.90 130.90 learner permits. They will have end June figures from Department of Transport in early July and this Sweeney ESSO Clifden 134.90 144.90 figure will be further reduced by then.

At 31 May 2008 there were a total of 95,905 car Clifden Service Station 134.90 144.90 second learner permit holders. These are drivers who have either (a). moved from a first to a second Actons, Moyard 134.90 144.90 permit since 1 November 2007, (b). failed a driving test and remained on a second permit or (3). are Joyce's, Recess 134.90 144.90 holders of second learner permits who have not for a test. Any second learner permit holder Rogans, Renvyle 134.90 145.90 applied who applied has been offered a test and for current they can access a priority short notice Ferrons, Roundstone 135.90 148.90 applicants test. They will have updated figures for end June DOT by early July and this figure will have Maam Cross 135.90 149.90 from dropped further. Of the 120,000 drivers who were Kylemore Filling Station 136.90 145.90 on a second provisional licence at 31 October 2007 a total of 92,000 have applied for and received a Welbys, Oughterard 136.90 146.90 driving test. The remained have either not yet sought a test or will have moved on to a third provisional Phone Survey conducted 04/06/08. licence and been tested under that category.

Consumer Watchdog Petrol Survey

Service Station

PAGE 34

Petrol Diesel

July 3, 2008

June Planning Applications 081723 McHugh, Paul, Carrowroe, 03/06/08 To construct a dwellinghouse, waste water treatment system, percolation area, domestic garage and fuel store following the grant of Outline Pl. Ref. No. 07/1066 (Gross floor area 201.59 sqm) 081757 Lee, Pat, Carraroe North, 05/06/08 To construct a housing development, consisting of 11 no. detached houses, 28 no. semi detached houses, sewage treatment plant and all ancillary works (gross floor space 5536.6sqm) 081765 O’Neill, Winifred, Aillebrack, 05/06/08 For the demolition of an existing dwellinghouse, the construction of a new one, sewage treatment system including peat filtration system and percolation area and ancillary services (gross floor space 210sqm) 081774 Egan, Brian & Liz ,Aughrismore, 06/06/08 To construct a new extension, refurbish existing dwelling, retain revised rear elevation, retain existing boiler house, construct a Bord na Mona Treatment System and a new percolation area (Gross floor area 45 sqm) 081775 O’Connor, Vivienne, Bunowen, 06/06/08 To construct a new extension, refurbish existing dwelling,construct a Bord na Mona Treatment System and a new sand polishing filter percolation area (Gross floor area 105.5 sqm) 081784 Allen, David, Faul, 06/06/08, For an access road with alterations to existing entrance to service existing annexe building 081805 Nee, Martin, Lettergesh West, 10/06/08 For change of use of existing agricultural sheds to agricultural/aquaculture with minor changes to doors (gross floor space 98sqm) 081813 Costello, Martin, Inverin, 11/06/08 Le haghaidh teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras coireala dramhuisce (gross floor space 258.25sqm house, 60sqm garage) 081826 O’Confhaola, Maire & Padraic, Carraroe North, 12/06/08, Chun seomra staideir a chur lenar dteach conaithe (Gross floor area 27.93 sqm) 081843 Cowgill, Harry, Clifden, 12/06/08 To construct a domestic garage (Gross floor area 64.62 sqm) 081862 Centre Oughterard Ltd, Clann Resource, Cregg, 13/06/08 For change of use of existing dwelling house to resource centre building and all associated works (Gross floor area 276.5 sqm) 081882 Shally, Michael, Lettermore, 18/06/08, Chun teach conaithe, dabhach searachais agus coras eisilte meicniuil (Gross floor area 304.65 sqm) 081885 O Conchubhair, Ruaidhri, Lettermore, 18/06/08, Chun teach nua, garaiste nua agus coras searachais nua a thogail (Gross floor area 315 sqm) 081906 Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Department of Community, Cloon, 19/06/08, For the construction of a surface car park, thr relocation of the apron, the realignment of the access road and modifications to the boundary treatment at Clifden Airstrip which is under construction 081929 Snow, Bridget, Maum, 20/06/08, To retain existing art studio as constructed and for an extension to the art studio (gross floor space 57.9sqm retained, 21.3sqm extension) 081930 Clann Resource Centre Oughterard Ltd, Fough West, 20/06/08 For a change of use of previously approved (Pl. Ref. No. 01/4426) office to youth cafe and all associated works (gross floor space 74.1sqm) 081950 McNulty, Kevin & Jessica, Ballyconneely, 23/06/08, For the demolition of an existing dwellinghouse and two sheds, the construction of a new dwellinghouse, double garage and store, sewage aeration plant percolation area and ancillary services (Gross floor area 280 sqm) 081985 Hammond, Richard, Rosmuc, 26/06/08 Chun teach nua agus coras searachais a thogail (gross floor space 227sqm).

Source: www.galway.ie

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Health Problems & Natural Medicine

Herbs and Help for a Carefree Summer

Summer is a time that most of us welcome as we no longer have to shrink away from the cold and we can now stretch out and relax in the warmth of the longer days. Unfortunately, there are those poor people who suffer miserably from hay fever, although hopefully things will get better for them as June moves into July. There is a wide range of natural herbal and homeopathic remedies to try that can help relieve hay fever symptoms and which do not add any burden to your immune system. Try Luffa, Urtica or Euphrasia and Echinacea. You can also avoid histamine-laden foods such as peppers, tomatoes and aubergines and eat more strawberries, apples and onions.

It is now known that sunlight is very important because it produces Vitamin D in the body, which in turn keeps our bones strong and can help to relieve asthma symptoms. Vitamin D is particularly important for women (and for anyone who swills back carbonated drinks) because it works to prevent osteoporosis. However, as Aristotle said, moderation in all things so enjoy the sun sensibly. Do not lie out in the sun between the hours of 11 and 3 and use an organic sun protection cream such as those by Lavera or Sante to protect your delicate skin. Pay particular care in areas such as the nose, collar bone, shoulders and other areas that are not usually exposed to the elements very often. Skin cancer is becoming more common and most Irish people have white, Celtic skin that will not tan, it will burn! If you really want a tanned look, then try Lavera’s Self-Tan Lotion (a winner in Image Beauty Award).

Getting winter skin that has been hidden away under woollens ready to face the world again is a job for exfoliators and moisturisers. Natural bristle body brushes and loofahs will gently remove dead skin cells and improve lymphatic drainage making skin look more vibrant, soft and smooth.

Moisturise with a natural, organic lotion or body oil by a reputable company such as Logona, Lavera, Jason or Burt’s Bees, as they do not contain harmful parabens, chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

As the summer months continue, one problem that some people face is prickly heat, an unsightly rash that can cause discomfort and prevent a girl from wearing a cool summer outfit. Urtica is a herb that can reduce the rash and the itchiness and it is as well to start taking it as soon as possible as it cleanses the blood, removing toxins that flair up in warmer weather and cause that itch.

If you are going abroad on holiday and you are prone to picking up tummy bugs, make sure you travel with Higher Nature’s Probio Daily, a probiotic with a difference as it does not need to be refrigerated due to its unique shell, you can pop it into your luggage. It’s great if you should be inadvertently exposed to contaminated food and drink. Citricidal or Grapefruit Seed Extract is another excellent travelling companion as it can repel “visitors” or parasites and bacteria that you wouldn’t want to bring home with you. It can also be

used to cleanse water if it is contaminated as it has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It works exceptionally well in conjunction with Probio Daily. Another vital for the holiday first-aid kit is Calendula Lotion, an amazingly effective antiseptic and anti-bacterial herb which stimulates the immune system and which is ideal for cleaning wounds, stings, bites and is also soothing on sun-burned skin. Arnica in its homeopathic tablet form is another first aid remedy for bumps and bruises and is also available in cream and lotion form to apply topically. It should never be applied to broken skin though.

So this summer, be healthy, be beautiful and enjoy the long sunny days wherever you are. Please call in to An Bhean Feasa for more information on the above products and collect your Free Guide to a Healthy Summer with every purchase over €10.

Terri Conroy

Wh at do you do for Rosacea?

Rosacea is also known as acne rosacea. Let me describe it. It is acne that is in the central third of the face. Imagine lines vertically up and down from the eyes: the acne lies between these lines. It does not get pustular (pimples). Chronic rosacea can lead to a huge red nose. It happens in older people.

This differs from acne. Acne is all over the face, can be pustular, and is in younger people. Rosacea and acne are totally different in presentation, pathogenesis & treatment.

Rosacea is conventionally treated with antibiotics. Sometimes this helps, sometimes not. Long-term antibiotics can disrupt the symbiotic bacteria of the digestive tract, which can lead to problems with digestion & absorption of food.

Long term antibiotic use is one of the causes of rosacea.

What works for me is to address the digestion and any food intolerance. In other words, rosacea is a sign that there are problems with digestion and/or a food intolerance.

Digestive problems may be indicated by bloating, reflux, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, irregular stool, intestinal dysbiosis and hypoglycaemia. Other indications are lack of appetite, tired, sleepy or cold after eating, weakness of limbs/muscle. Although the symptoms are variable the underlying problem is a deficiency of digestion, primarily hypochlorohydria (stomach acid deficiency), pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal dysbiosis & hiatal hernia. I treat the digestive tract according to the presenting symptoms and in accordance with the patient’s willingness to follow my recommendations.

By food intolerance I mean a problem with a food group.

This might be wheat, dairy, sugars, etc. When a food group reacts poorly with the body it often does so usually by inhibiting or disrupting digestion. An example is celiac sprue, in which wheat and several other grains of the wheat family severely disrupt the small intestine, reducing it to an inert pipe incapable of absorbing nutrients. This is an extreme example of digestive weakness caused by intolerance of a food

group. This example is clinically understood by modern medicine. Unlike celiac sprue, most food intolerances do not fit within the framework of modern medical knowledge, and as such do not exist for the GP. I identify intolerances by asking questions about diet. The next step is to go off the suspected food group to see if there is any effect on the rosacea. This approach of addressing digestive deficiency and food intolerance is, in my experience, effective in the treatment of rosacea.

Nicolas Kats ND, LAc, practices in Clifden (086-3651590) and Galway (087-7714710). He uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet & supplements, massage & chiropractic, and physical medicine. Acupuncture is covered by VHI, Quinn Healthcare & VIVAS.

Baby Feeding Guide – Part Thr ee

The first birthday marks the point where a baby’s body is able to handle many of the foods that adults eat. This may happen late during a baby’s first year or early into the second year of life.

It is assumed, however, that toddlers at this point are receiving protein and vitamins from solid food sources. Infant formulas alone are unlikely to provide everything that a toddler needs for growth and development. So while the 12month point for eliminating formula may seem fairly arbitrary, it’s safe to say that it arises from the timing of what babies do on their own (wean) as well as the development of their bodies to take things beyond breast milk or formula. But like so many other things in parenting and paediatrics, we’ve got more wiggle room than you know.

You can, if your baby is not breast fed replace the formula with ordinary milk. About 500 cc a day is advisable. It is better not to exceed 800 cc a day to limit protein intake.

With the same idea in mind do not exceed 30g of meat+fish+egg per day.

Avoid fried food Add vegetable oils, preferably raw but also a small amount of butter.

All veg can be used apart from dried veg non mixed (after 18 months) All fruit are allowed Offer slow carbohydrates - cereals or starch veg , bread, Spuds etc - at each meal.

Avoid nibbling between meals.

Only offer pure water as a drink Limit sweets, biscuits, syrups and fizzy around 2 feeding needs and appetite may decrease: It’s the opposition stage (first teens!!!). Try to keep up the 4 meals softly and patiently.

Between one and three you must try to be adventurous with tastes and textures and flavours. You see after three sometimes, neophobia starts: fear of tasting new foods.

It never ends....

Dr. Sophie Faherty

Chernobyl Aid Ireland Cycle and Climb 2008

The annual Cycle and Climb Challenge in aid of Chernobyl Aid Ireland takes place this year on Sunday August 17th starting at 8 am from Oughterard. The route is as follows: Oughterard-Maam Cross-Maam-Leenane-Croagh Patrick. The group will then climb up and down Croagh Patrick and return to Oughterard via the same route. All proceeds raised will go to the improvement of an orphanage in Smorgon in North Western Belarus.

When we started work in July 2006 we set out to refurbish the 46 bedrooms, replace all the windows (over 300) and replace all the old light fittings with new energy efficient lights. To date we have replaced over half the windows, refurbished all but 8 of the bedrooms, and replaced

the roof on one wing costing €50,000 that was completed last October.

This year we aim to complete the remainder of the bedrooms and we will also have a new dentistry up and running by the end of September 2008. Rooms can be sponsored at €1,200 each or you may wish to join us on our Cycle and Climb on the 17th of August. Either way, your support would be greatly appreciated. Work is still ongoing in Grozova Orphanage with the refurbishment of classrooms at €2,000 each-4 of the classrooms are already completed with 6 more to go. We also send aid to the Abandoned Babies Home in Slutsk. The web address is

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

www.smorgonorphanage.com. If you would like to sponsor a bedroom or a classroom or join us on the Cycle and Climb, you may contact Dennis on 091 552279 or Gerry on 087 2672371 or e mail on gerry@profixdev.ie.

July 3, 2008

PAGE 35

PROPERTIES in CONNEMARA

Fountain Hill, Claddaghduff

Letterfrack

This three bed cottage sits on a large site with amazing views of Omey Beach, Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. The property is a traditional cottage located on a quiet cul de sac and just a five minute drive from Claddaghduff village. A rare gem indeed! Price: Offers on €540,000. Matt

O’Sullivan Auctioneers, The Square, Clifden. 095-21066 email: property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

6 Trident Holiday Village, Ballyconneely

This is a small well maintained holiday village in the popular tourist area of Ballyconneely. Located at Aillebrack No 6 is perfectly located being a short walk from the famous Connemara Golf Links and numerous white sand beaches.

The property is bright and spacious. The kitchen/living/dining area is open plan with a vaulted ceiling. Double doors lead to the patio area. There are three bedrooms with one ensuite. Bunowen Hill and Castle forms

No. 5 Keelkyle Cottages is part of a small high quality development of five houses situated just two minutes from G.M.I.T. campus. It is tastefully decorated and has gas central heating, phone & internet access points, solid timber and tiled floors throughout. No 5 is an end house and it enjoy’s a private garden to the rear of the property with side access. There is a communal garden area to the front and side of the house. There is a garden storage shed in the rear garden. The property offers excellent and spacious accommodation which comprises of three bedrooms (1 en-suite) with living / dining / kitchen, bathroom, utility and WC. There is an option to purchase all quality furniture & appliances (by separate negotiation). Asking Price €295,000. DNG Martin O’Connor Auctioneers & Valuers on 091 866708 or e-mail oughterard@dng.ie.

29 Cregg View, Oughterard

a beautiful backdrop. Asking Price €320,000. Sherry FitzGerald Kavanagh, Main Street, Clifden 095-21888 email:clifden@sfkavanagh.com www.sherryfitz.ie.

Cleggan

New and finished to a high specification. This semidetached, stone faced, two story house is the centre of Cleggan Village and adjacent to all amenities. Accommodation incl: Livingroom, Diningroom, Kitchen, Three Bedrooms, Study/Bedroom, Hallway, Bathroom, Utility, Toilet.

Private parking to the rear.

Asking Price €395,000.

Connemara Properties, Bridge St. Clifden. 095-21473. email: connprop@iol.ie. www.connemaraproperties.com.

Set in an exclusive development of detached and semi detached houses this is a property that will appeal to both homeowners and investors. The house is in excellent decorative order throughout and it comprises an entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, downstairs WC, utility, living room, 4 bedrooms ( 1 en-suite), and bathroom. Large garden to the rear of the house. OFCH. Guide price: Offers on €320,000. Michael O’Toole Auctioneers. Main St., Oughterard 091 557711 info@.michaelotoole.ie www.michaelotoole.ie.

Carrick West, Cornamona

A fine property, newly constructed, built to a very high

standard, on just under a ½ acre site within 300 meters of the centre of Cornamona Village. The property extends to approximately 1,700 sq. ft in total, comprising entrance hall, living room with superb mountain views, kitchen, utility, 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite), bathroom and shower room. The property has been designed to be accessible for a wheelchair and benefits from being light and airy. This is a very attractive property in a truly scenic location and would be perfect as either a family home or a no maintenance holiday home within easy reach of both Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. Offers on €360,000. Spencer Auctioneers, Main St., Oughterard, 091 552999 email: info@ spencerauctioneers.com www.spencerauctioneers.com.

PAGE 36

July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

The Connemara View Crossword No. 46 Across

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Across: 1. Staple student fare (5,5) 6. Lacking natural cover (4) 10. S.O.S is sent using this (5) 11. Type of water heater (9) 12. Bingo caller’s shout (4,4) 13. Strong alloy of iron and carbon (5) 15. German city on the river Rhine (7) 17. Gem-a relative of beryl (7) 19. Apiary or hairdo (7) 21. Pertaining to the stomach (7) 22. Consumed (5) 24. Small striped burrowing squirrel (8) 27. Method of starting motorcycle (4,5) 28. Governor (5) 29. Ascended for flower (4) 30. Ancient monument in South England (10)

9 One who presents a point in the middle of an entrance? (5) 10 Nothing casual about one having a shot at media reform. (5) 11 Can you get a clergyman’s shirt for a pound? (3) 12 Have some melon cocktail or other fruit…. (5) 13 …taken from one broken crate in nine. (9) 14 It’s the nearest thing you’ll find to a butcher’s hook in the press. (7) 15 See it as a sin involving those from the east. (6) 17 Despite being advised of the risk, wander about aimlessly. (6) 18 Can it make us state information about knockout, north or south? (6) 21 Though not knowing the words, sing along before our ending goes all funny. (6) 23 It thus can trouble a reliably constant character. (7) 27 Don’t get an amateur to write it on a machine… Get a model! (9) 29 Eastern city of protocol may be confused with the capital. (5) 30 Father leaves the bone for the bird. (3) 31 It’s real cool round White House without a single Bush in sight! (5) 32 Strain of flower found in the south of England? Right. (5)

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1 Shaking solid objects of fans’ worship. (5) 30 31 32 2 Beastly tale altogether or well-written classic? (6,4) 3 See GR&S on a children’s issue? (8) 4 Colours at the sight of one in trousers? (6) Down: 5 Fisher’s craft is a minor hit! (5) 1. Slight collision (4) Enter answers into draw of correct anwers for a voucher 6 They involve ladies’ principles. (6) 2. Breed of terrier (5,4) 7 Bill from Ireland goes astray in a foreign for Homeware Plus in Clifden by July 24th 3. Frock (5) country. (4) Winner Bogman 40 : Ann Keane, Cleggan. Connemara View 45 : Janice Walsh, Cleggan 4. Incident, or part of serial (7) 8 Heads, in the world of money, being strangely 5. Candidate (7) Answers to Bogman 40 & Connemara View 45 verbose. (7) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C R O 7. Nimble (5) 16 So thick ear turns out to be, not like a cauliL A N D S C A P E G N C C A N D Y F L O S S 9 A E A C G O 8. Disney cartoon character, flower, but like other edible greens. (9) R R O A A R N I C A A 10 R E P E L S C O R E C A R 19 Does Ken’s luck change when he finds more D.O.B. 09/06/1934 (6,4) F A N A T I C S O T R 11 P L A O N C than one joint in digital extension? (8) B W L S P U T R I D P 9. Capital of Belgium (8) 12 13 14 E Y E S I G H T E T H O 20 Hound and flog favourite? (7) F L E E C E I C O N O B 14. Ship designed to move 15 16 R N E R 22 After we hear you arrive, patio is redesigned E R A D I O A D A G I O A through floes (10) 17 C Y A N I D E R O O S T E until it’s perfect.

(6) S L N C E A 16. Famous overpriced stout! (8) 18 19 20 21 22 S G U R R 24 Though not very high on the Richter scale it T R A F F I C T H I N N E R C 23 18. Hormone, secreted in reC A S C A D O B S F D D E N H A N C E could turn the city right upside down! (6) 24 25 26 27 28 29 sponse to stress (9) L O N H N N P I S C E S U N C L E H 25 What goes round will come around in fancy 30 31 20. Hold spellbound, bewitch (7) S T A R F I S H W I M U L L L E C H E R E N T E R clever fashion! (5) 32 R I A U R L I 21. Sparkle in this singlet (7) A U N T I E S O H R 26 It takes quite a bit to have such a draw. (5) 33 A R E N 23. Small nails (5) T T G O R T H O D O X A R G E N T I N A 28 The weight of responsibility is upon you 34 T E T T D I N 25. The month to charm (5) C O H O R T M H E I and me? (4) 35 C E L E B R A T E H E E R E L E A S I N G E A R L 26. For nothing (4)

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July 3, 2008

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PAGE 37

The Cr ystal Ball In early July, in Connemara, the sun never gets far enough below the horizon for the sky to get really properly dark; twilight lasts almost all night. By the end of the month, the sky is reasonably dark between about 11:30pm and 3am.

On Friday July 4th, the Earth is at aphelion - its furthest distance from the Sun. We are about 3% further away from the Sun than we are at perihelion in early January. But the longer hours of sunlight, and the higher altitude of the Sun, more than make up for this.

New Moon is on Thursday July 3rd. The new crescent Moon should be visible in the north-west after sunset, any evening from Friday 4th onwards. It sets a little later each succeeding evening. Full Moon is on Friday July 18th, in Sagittarius. At Full, the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun; so it rises in the south-east at sunset, slides just above the southern horizon during the short summer night, and sets in the south-west at sunrise the following morning. The Moon is New again on Friday August 1st.

Constellation Map

Night Sky at 22:30 on July 14th, centred on Cleggan.

A Portrait of a Life

Renowned filmmaker Paul Watson is in Ireland looking for an Irish man to help him make a film about the celebration of life. He is looking for a man who has reached a good age and would like to share with Paul what he has learned, the life he has led, the family he has reared and the community he has lived in.

“I want to meet a man who has worked out a few secrets of life. A brave person, coming to terms with the end, the very thing we all know will happen to us.” And when he reaches his end, this man will be celebrated as the Irish still celebrate here in the West, waked at home with love and sadness, by his family, his neighbours and his friends. The whole community coming together to celebrate a life. In England you can die today, and be forgotten tomorrow. It’s just ‘Next, please!’ Here, more people are aware of the passing of that life. In Ireland, it means something, having being on this earth for a while.”

Paul Watson recently received a Bafta for his lifetime of work in making television programmes. He has been responsible for over 300 films in a career that has spanned 40 years. In the 1970’s a groundbreaking series “The Family”, in the eighties “The Fishing Party” and most recently “Rain in My Heart” are just some of his award winning films. Paul’s films are acclaimed for their honesty and beauty, he spends time with the people in his films, becomes involved in their lives and cares about what happens to them. He films by himself with a small camera, no fuss and no crew. He really wants to hear what people have to say.

PAGE 38

J U LY T A R O T R E A D I N G

Mercury is at its greatest elongation west of the Sun on July 1st, when it’s rising in the north-east about an hour before the Sun rises. But it won’t be easy to pick out this elusive little planet in the dawn sky.

Venus is now starting to emerge from behind the Sun, but it is still a very shy “Evening Star”, setting in the NW only half an hour after the Sun. Mars may still just be visible this month, low in the W immediately after sunset. Relative to the stars, the “Red Planet” is moving quite rapidly SE in Leo; it passes close to the planet Saturn, which appears much brighter than Mars. At the start of July, if you can find Saturn, then look for Mars to the right and a little lower down, about 4 degrees away. Each evening the two objects appear closer; on the evenings of July 9th and 10th, Mars is less than a degree away, almost directly below Saturn. On the evening of Sunday July 6th, the crescent Moon will be below Saturn and Mars, and a little further left. All three objects should fit into the same field of view, in a pair of binoculars.

Jupiter: The giant planet Jupiter is at opposition (to the Sun) on July 9th. So it is coming up in the SE at dusk, and setting in the SW at dawn. Even when it’s due S in the middle of the night, it’s not very high up: Jupiter is where the Sun was in January, in the far-southern constellation of Sagittarius. But it is easily the brightest star-like object in the night sky.

Saturn is low in the W sky at sunset, and sets an hour or two after the Sun. It is almost stationary in the constellation of Leo, about 6 degrees to the left of its brightest star Regulus; but Saturn appears significantly brighter than Regulus, and brighter also than the planet Mars, which this month moves from near Regulus, past Saturn and away to the E. Uranus:: My astrologer contacts inform me that Uranus is in retrograde this month. Not sure as to the significance of this, other than provoking much sniggering…

Meteors: There are various minor meteor-showers which are active in July, mainly with radiants in the CapricornusAquarius area. Towards the end of the month we may also start to see the first of the Perseids, which peak in midAugust. Look to the North-Northeast.

John Claro Paul is no stranger to death, his young son died at age 25 in 1991. Paul found himself inadvertently organising a form of a wake. He felt he needed to surround himself with people who knew his son, who could tell stories about him, who could help Paul begin to grieve. He realised he had been in denial about death. He feels that Irish people prepare for death all of their lives and celebrate the passing through the celebration of the life. It is this he hopes to explore in this next film. He would like to build a portrait of a man’s life as he is still living it and then come back to celebrate that life when he has passed and is being waked by his family, friends and community.

Paul will be working with Mayo based television producer Aideen Kane, if you are interested in further information please contact her at 086-831-5006 or 096 34919, email kaneaideen@gmail.com or write to Aideen at Carrowmore Lacken, Ballina, County Mayo.

July 3, 2008

Past Queen of Pentacles

Present 2 of Cups

By John Amenhauser

Future 2 of Pentacles

In the past you had invested in something that you felt was a worthy cause. Now you will be given an opportunity to make some type of business deal regarding that cause. Make sure all the paperwork is signed. In the future you will have to make a clear choice between 2 paths regarding this venture. Make sure you choose the right one.

J U LY R U N E S R E A D I N G

Even when everything seems to be moving too slowly for you, remember to take that time to think everything through carefully. It Action Challenge Overview is always a chalJoy Unknowable Strength lenge to trust fate (Wunjo) (Odin) (Uruz) or the heavens to provide help in our daily lives, do not give up faith in what you believe. When something is finished in our lives something new begins, there are never endings just fresh starts.

“The New Life Can Only Be Greater Then The Old”

J U LY H O R O S C O P E S

Aries (Mar 21 Apr 20) Aries it’s time for a holiday. Pack the bags and go somewhere in search of the real you. You have been feeling a little lost lately.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20) Your inner strength is feeling a bit drained and run down, not to worry, it’s still all there in a big reserve just waiting for when it’s really needed.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) OUCH! Someone is going to do you wrong this month, be ready for it and won’t hurt quit as bad (Sorry).

Cancer ( Jun 22 – Jul 22) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This is your month Cancer. You can do anything and do no wrong, get out there and celebrate life.

L eo ( Jul 23 – Aug 23) You are not opening yourself up to the truth of a current situation. You need to accept it so you can fix it and move on.

V irgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22) HUMM, someone is going be chasing after you this month, the compliments will fly enjoy it.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 23): LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! All we need is love. This month your life will be filled with it.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22): It’s going to be a bumpy month for you, not bad, just bumpy. Just let it all come and go with the flow.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21): Finances are going to be important for you this month. Keep an eye and them and help them to grow.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20) Something dark has been plaguing you recently. This is not an issue that you can ignore or escape so deal with it now.

Aquarius ( Jan 21 – Feb 19) Lady luck is on your side this month, so do what ever you like with this bit of news. Take a chance accept a dare.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) A bit of a windfall is coming your way this month, enjoy it and splurge on you.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

On the Lookout continued

One angry parent stated that the situation was “deplorable” and went on to add, “orthodontic treatment is a farce!”

“I have been advised by an HSE employee that my child’s orthodontic treatment cannot progress until she is 12 years old”. “However” she exclaimed “when I asked at what age would it be advisable to seek private treatment I was told to have her attend, privately, at the age of 8/9”.

“How ridiculous is that!?” she asked incredulously.

Furthermore, the parents of children who are covered under the medical card system are forced into having to pay for private treatment because the service is no longer available.

It’s a “Catch 22” situation for medical card holders.

The so called existence of a school service, although it is not in operation, means that medical card holders are not entitled to care from a private practitioner without paying and are then not entitled recoup these monies in full. Why? Because there is a School Dental Service in operation, well, in name at least!

In reply to a recently posed Dail question by Deputy Padraic McCormack, the HSE West acknowledged that “a limited service has been offered to this area by deploying a dentist from another location on occasional days to cover these clinics”.

Mr. Alex MacLean, A/General Manager, Galway P.C.C.C. (a division of HSE West) furthermore stated that “Such measures cannot replace the need for a full time dentist”.

It is stated that the permanent post had been offered to a dentist in mid 2007 and according to Mr. MacLean, “he declined the offer just before the embargo on appointments, in September 2007.”…. “No further offers could be progressed since then” Mr. MacLean concluded “We are awaiting clarification on a recent Human Resources circular to progress posts locally.

On receipt of this clarification and appropriate approval we will re-initiate the recruitment process for this post”.

Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO, HSE, at the launch of the HSE Annual Report on June 17th 2008 took the opportunity to re-emphasise that there was no recruitment embargo in the HSE. He said, “We are absolutely committed to getting better value for patients without compromising quality or access.

This is a completely different to a recruitment embargo. To continue to provide more care to more people, as we have been doing for the past two years, we must all deliver better value. This demands that we challenge everything we do, every post and every service we provide to make sure that they deliver the best possible value to patients and clients in terms of access and outcomes”.

Considering that the School Dental Scheme is not being offered to the hundreds of children in this area the question of “value to patients and clients in terms of access and outcomes” beggars even more questions.

When the quality of service is compromised and access denied, one has to wonder what value the Health Service places on the well being of the children it purports to serve.

The Connemara View has forwarded a number of queries to HSE West and just prior to going to press we received the following reply: “The post can be filled permanently. Interviews are being held on the 4th July next for the permanent filling of this post. Using existing staff, some service is being provided; the dentist visiting is advised to consider the priority list already in existence and emergencies/serious problems that arise.

The emergency/casual clinic at Shantalla Health Centre is available usually 5 days a week to all areas. The service is available for complaints of pain but also sepsis and trauma. Serious orodental problems may need admission to University College Hospital services, which are available out of hours.”

The children affected by the non-provision of a full School Dental Scheme and full time dentist in the North West Connemara area deserve better. Perhaps the upcoming interview process will provide a solution at last to this ongoing saga. It is long past time that this service was restored and no explanation or excuse is acceptable for such long-term neglect.

and National School students together with members of the wider community.

The allocation was based on a competitive process under the Council’s Recreation and Amenity Framework, which is funded through the Council’s Development Contribution Scheme. Two other allocations were made in the Connemara Electoral area.

The facility will be floodlit with appropriate fencing and surfacing to accommodate the playing of a number of games including football, soccer and rugby.

Roundstone Water Supply

The contentious connection between the Carna/Cill Chiarain Water Scheme and the Roundstone Water Scheme would appear to have received the nod of approval from Galway County Council.

The work is expected to commence on Monday July 7th.

The issue of sufficient water to supply all communities catered for under the extended scheme is still a cause for concern.

The Carna Community Forum has called for another lake to be added to the water sources before it is extended. They pointed out that there is reason to fear that the present lakes were incapable of supplying the estimated water needs of both Carna and Roundstone.

Galway County Council were unable to provide reliable data regarding the amount of water available or needed.

Cllr. Josie Conneely said that he expected the County Council to bring the third lake into the system.

Cllr. Tom Welby has been informed by Galway County Council that “the works to connect the Carna/ Cashel Regional Water Scheme to the Roundstone Water Supply will start in the next couple of weeks.” These works will allow the Council to replace the existing source for the Roundstone supply.

Oughterard Treatment Plant

In relation to the Oughterard Sewage Treatment plant, Galway County Council expect to respond to the recent queries from the Department of Environment in approximately two months. On being informed of this, Cllr. Tom Welby has stressed to Council officials the need to progress as quickly as possible on the scheme due to the deteriorating water quality in Lough Corrib.

School penny-pinching

According to Cllr. Thomas Welby, Galway County Council has allocated €200,000 towards the development of an All Weather Pitch in Oughterard. The proposed location is on lands adjacent to the rear of St. Paul’s Secondary School and if developed it is intended for use of both Secondary

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames has articulated the frustration felt by many schools in this area when it comes to a new penny pinching attitude, which has recently taken hold within the Department of Education and Science.

Having already seen the suspension of the Summer Works Scheme, the purpose of which is: “to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. Under the terms of the Scheme, school authorities are empowered to manage these works with guidance from and minimal interaction with the Department.” During the budget, Senator Healy Eames castigates the latest initiative from the Department.

In reply to a recent Parliamentary Question from Brian Hayes TD, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O’Keefe outlined that “In light of the many demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is necessary to prioritise all requests for expenditure to ensure maximum value for money for the taxpayer arising from such expenditure. As part of the administrative arrangements within the Planning and Building Unit of my Department, a small number of officials from within the Unit, review all expenditure requests in order to ensure the prudent management of the capital budget of my Department.”

“Up until recently” stated Senator Healy Eames, “minor works within a school, such as new doors or windows, could have proceeded on the basis of a Departmental Official giving approval. I understand from a recent reply given to my colleague Brian Hayes TD by the Minister for Education that his Department is now reviewing every item of expenditure over and above the basic running costs within a school. Up until recently, small items of expenditure were determined speedily, whereas now all expenditure items over €1,000 have to be decided by a special new committee.

“This means that instead of schools getting a quick decision in terms of basic or minor works, virtually all decisions of expenditure are either delayed or put on the long-finger because of this new measure.

From a local perspective, this news does not auger well for

Oughterard All Weather Pitch

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

the continued and essential maintenance that is required for the upkeep of the dilapidated Clifden Community School.

Considering that the much needed new school building has been put on hold and that the original building is in constant need of repair such bureaucratic fumbling can only add salt to an already festering wound.

Senator Healy Eames concluded her statement by announcing that “Given the abolition of the Summer Works Scheme for 2008 and this new approach to small scale works, the Minister for Education should recognise that this is now putting Galway schools in a very difficult position to get essential repair works carried out over the summer months.”

John Durning

Are you a traditional Irish family?

Are you proud of your strong family structure?

Do you have teenagers living at home?

Would you be prepared to show two British teenagers what life is like in your home?

The BBC is bringing two British teenagers to Ireland to live with a typical Irish family for 8-10 days as part of a new documentary series.

The goal is for the teenagers to experience first hand how different family units operate around the world; to expose them to different cultural values, expectations, rules, discipline, authority and attitudes to education.

The documentary is exploring different cultural approaches to parenting around the world. We have recently filmed two successful programmes for this series in India and Ghana, and are currently filming episodes in Alabama, USA and Jamaica.

We need to find a host family who represent traditional Irish values of discipline, self-respect, and personal responsibility and have strong work ethics. The family need to have teenagers of their own living in the household and the parents must be confident in imposing their parenting values on the British teenagers, who will generally come from a more relaxed and indulgent family environment with few boundaries and a misguided sense of discipline.

Importantly we do not want our British teenagers to be guests within the home, but to be treated as members of the family. They must be expected to follow the same rules, abide by the same routines, perform the same chores, attend the same school, and face the same consequences if they do not stick to the family rules. The British teenagers living expenses will be covered for the duration of the stay.

If you are interested in being a host family and would like to know more about the documentary then please contact me at the following email address: christaylor@twentytwenty.tv or call us on 00 44 207 284 2020.

In Memoriam-Air Accident at Minna on 5th July 2007

A First Anniversary and Remembrance Mass will be held in St Joseph’s Church, Clifden at 11 a.m. on Sunday July 6th.

We will always remember Paul McNamee of Loughrea and Matt Masterson from Terenure, Dublin who died tragically. May Paul and Matt rest in peace.

We also remember the injured- Martin Acton, Kevin Barry Snr, Kevin Barry Jnr, David Hennessy, Brian Hughes, Eugene Houlihan of Loughrea, and Alan Smyth of Dublin.

We also acknowledge and remember Kitty, Gillian and Vincent McNamee and Geraldine Coburn, Alan, Derek, Nicola and Carol Masterson.

The families are deeply grateful to the many friends who comforted them in their grief and helped at the scene, especially the Management Staff at Aer Arann.

DEATH NOTICES Niamh Coyne (nee Canning), Co. Kildare, Late of Renvyle, Co. Galway John Joe Thornton, Toorena, Renvyle Annie Keane, Leenane Tom McDonagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, formerly of Errislannan

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.

PAGE 39

New Organic Summer Market

Well the weather has been very kind to us over the past few months, plenty of sunshine making the flowers sparkle, they have bloomed better than usual but it seems that the display goes over fairly quickly. It will be interesting to see what this will do to next year’s growth. Of course this heat and sunshine has also brought its own problems.

Watering of containers is a daily task and cleaning up flowerbeds is not the easiest, as I don’t like disturbing soil when the weather is hot. The topsoil bakes hard and traps moisture below this level.

Opening the soil allows some of this trapped moisture to escape, I think it is best to avoid doing much more than clearing surface debris.

I am not in favour of watering the garden in general. Firstly it is a waste of water, especially if you use a hose and basically spray all around. Half of it is wasted so a watering can or some other container is

PAGE 40

easier as you can target the plants that need to be watered. Of course there are very elaborate and potentially expensive drip systems. These can be positioned all over the flowerbeds and will drip water at the base of the plants. I suppose if this is going to be a trend in climate change, that we have summers like this it might be worth exploring, but for now I would hold off.

Another thing about watering, try not to water plants when the sun is shining directly on them. Water droplets on the leaves act as magnifying glasses and intensify the heat of the sun, leading to burn marks on the plants. It is a good idea to water at evening or early morning. If we continue on with this type of weather start thinking about using wastewater, after washing up, showering or washing your teeth. I know it sounds a bit extreme, but as almost every part of Connemara has

The Clifden Station House will host an Organic Summer Market each Sunday from July 20th through to August 24th from 11am – 4pm.

This Market will be locally driven with producers and vendors, including some from further afield, located in the Courtyard of the Clifden Station House, to let you sample and purchase their produce each Sunday.

The high quality food and produce will include organic and home grown fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, jams, juices, olives and preserves, cakes and pastries galore, hand created soaps, gift cards and wooden delights.

Anyone interested in taking part in this Organic Summer market in the Courtyard of the Clifden Station House, must apply by forwarding details to kdempsey@clifdenstationhouse.com or phoning 087-925-4175. discovered over the past few year, the supply of water is no longer a given. We should start thinking of rain barrels and rain water tanks.

I have been asked a couple of questions over the past month, one about gooseberries and the second about Acers. I will look at the gooseberry question first.

The question concerned black spots on the leaves of the plant, which then spread to the fruit. It sounds like a fungus, which may be helped by the climate, as they like warm moist conditions without much air circulation. My first thought would be to pick off the damaged leaves and fruit and destroy them, if there is not much damage. Next it might be worth looking at the position of the plants. Have they become overgrown or enclosed by other plants so that the air can’t circulate freely?

Lastly there are a number of products on the market, which will target mildew and spots, so check with a chemist or garden shop. As with all these products, read the label carefully and follow the instructions.

What most people have asked me about is Acer japonicum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’, or the purple leaved Japanese Maple so beloved of rock gardeners, and anyone making a Japanese garden. This is a lovely plant but I find that it is not that happy in the west of Ireland, I think it needs shelter. If you have a patio or sheltered spot it is worth trying it but I have tried growing it a few times, in different places and found it a waste of time.

The Acer family is a large one and more often known as maples, there are no shortage of shrubby and tree size ones which I have grown and find great for colour. Acer platanoides, or Crimson king makes a fairly large tree with dark crimson, almost black leaves, this is stunning against a backdrop of other trees where the colour stands out against the green. It could also look good against a white wall. Although it has large leaves the sunlight filters through them and there is a great dappled effect.

Another favourite is Acer Pensylvanicum or snake bark maple. This one gives a multi season display, in spring there are almost pink leaves which turn to a lovely green during the summer and then to bright gold during the autumn. This also has the added bonus of interestingly striped bark, green and brown shot through with white and

July 3, 2008

almost red, giving it the snake like effect of its name. Acer Pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ is another favourite, this tree starts off with salmon pink leaves, which then turn yellow and then green, you also get a fairly good autumn colour.

The trees mentioned can grow up to about 15 m. One which I grow and is slightly smaller is Acer Ginnala or amur maple. This has small leaves, which are light green with slight blotching in white and red, and turn red in autumn. I have been told that this is a fairly tender tree, which doesn’t like cold weather, and I have found that the tips of the leaves and even branches go black if there is frost.

Of course this family also contains the common sycamore, which is not among my favourites but is a useful member of the family as it is very easy to grow and quite hardy, even in exposed areas. It is worth looking at this very extensive family if you are looking for good colour and shape for the garden, but do check out the requirements for position, as some are fussy.

I have built myself a number of boxes recently, which I am going to use as a small vegetable garden. I hope to have salad crops just outside the kitchen. The idea is fairly simple, a rectangular box shape made with timber. I have put small bits of timber underneath to raise them off the ground, a small layer of stone to act as drainage in the bottom. I then filled them with soil and planted a few different lettuces and radishes. I have also included a few herbs and a few flowers such as marigold and nasturtium, both of which are lovely in salads. I have debated adding either peas or beans, but I might see how this idea gets on first.

Don’t forget to deadhead your plants when they finish flowering, this is especially important in container-grown plants. This prolongs the flowering period and keeps the flowers looking healthier for longer.

Grass cutting is of course an ongoing task, the cut grass is great to spread under hedging or shrubs and around trees, as well as keeping down the weeds it will also conserve moisture. I also put a small amount of the grass clippings in the compost but find that it tends to sit there in a mass for a long time, so be careful with the amount you put in.

Happy gardening.

Breandan O Scanaill

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Nature’s Bounty

Organic Farming in Connemara Tucked away in Rossadillisk, Cleggan, Linda and Vincent Jagobin have been busy for the last three years building and cultivating a productive and attractive Jagur Organic Farm. Absolutely everything produced on the farm is completely organic, and on a recent visit I saw for myself just what is involved in running this kind of operation. The concept of organic farming is working in harmony with nature, and avoiding all chemical or artificial farming methods such as the use of pesticides, weedkillers and artificial fertilizers.

The result is delicious fresh natural food which Linda and Vincent sell in variety boxes, both at the Clifden Market on the Square every Friday, and through a local delivery system.

Considerable work was needed to get the venture off the ground and it often takes a few years before an organic farm becomes truly productive. The boggy soil of Connemara is reasonably suitable, but the land needs to be worked and prepared before it will yield good crops. Crop rotation is very important and manure is a must in order for a gardens potential to be reached. Vincent also explains that there is a bit of trial and error involved, not all plants will always thrive, so they figure out what grows well and work with what they have. Since they don’t spray potatoes, this is particularly relevant to growing them successfully. Weeding is also ever present, there are no shortcuts of pest sprays and slug pellets here, just plain old hard work!

The evidence of clever re-use and recycling is evident all around the farm. Old tyres serve as containers for all types of vegetables and more. Linda explains that they keep the soil warm and when stacked, act as windbreaks also. Old hessian backed carpets are used as underlay beneath plants, which eliminates some weeding, while doing no harm and proving useful beyond their original purpose. Glass, wood and more is all used to its full potential and nothing is wasted. Rainwater is collected and the farm supplies all its own water, from a pond onsite.

The Jagobins admit that there is certainly a lot of work involved in organic farming but that the satisfaction and achievement is more than worth it. They are part of a wider organic food community, which interchanges advice and tips, and regularly visit other similar ventures for ideas and to swap information. Some local restaurants, for example, Pangur Bán the only Connemara entry in the Bridgestone Guide this year, also use Jagur organic produce regularly.

As people become gradually more disillusioned with preserved and chemically treated fruits and vegetables, producers like the Jagobins are providing a safe, healthy and delicious alternative. A €20 box of fruit and veg would provide a small family with enough ingredients for meals for a week as well as plenty of fruit, and fresh herbs are often added in for no extra charge. All the usual suspects feature, from broccoli to beetroots, and there are also many unusual vegetables like kohlrabi, pakchoi and artichokes available regularly.

A full list of the produce can be obtained from Vincent and Linda at their market stall on Fridays on the Square in Clifden or by calling (095) 44855.

Catherine Pryce

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Asia on The Square

Anyone passing through the Square in Clifden lately will have noticed Mutiara,a new Asian restaurant that has opened. It has drawn much speculation and interest from onlookers and the public in general.

Many locals would know proprietors Andrew and Angeline Ong well since they have been living in Clifden since 1999and previously operated a restaurant on Church Hill before opening Jasmine Garden on Market Street in 2001.

Since Mutiara is run by Andrew and Angeline, there has been much speculation that Jasmine Garden was closing or relocating, but the Connemara View can put those rumours to bed, since both restaurants are definitely here to stay, which will please fans of Asian food. Contrary to popular belief, the Ongs have not left Clifden either, but they have been in Tralee where they opened another successful restaurant that was named Best Ethnic Restaurant in last year’s Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards.

Mutiara is a new business venture for the Ongs, offering an impressive and tantalising menu of Thai, Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. Head Chef Kevin Pun has experience of cooking in Thailand, Singapore and Japan and incorporates all the authentic flavours and styles of dishes from those styles of cooking. Mutiara is a different style of Asian food to what is available elsewhere in Clifden.

In general, the food is slightly spicier with more apparent flavours and influences than the traditional Chinese restaurant style. Andrew explains that lemongrass, basil, ginger and galangal join the traditional ingredients of garlic and onion that are used in much Chinese cooking in Mutiara’s style of fusion food.

In order to find out what these new flavours and tastes are all about, a panel of hungry tasters from the Connemara View visited Mutiara recently to try them out. What followed was nothing short of a gastronomic delight as each dish that arrived drew more and more praise and comment.

An appetizer platter was an instant hit-melt in the mouth chicken satay and Geow Grob, a Thai crispy won ton were very popular. The Siam Tuk Tuk rolls, which were minced chicken and king prawn in dried beancurd skin were extremely tasty and the meaty ribs were a triumph.

Duck spring rolls were stuffed with delicious shredded duck, carrot and leek and are a great version of a regular favourite. Gai Hoe Bai Tuey, marinated chicken pieces wrapped in pandan leaves, also disappeared quickly. We then managed to tackle a selection of the main courses on offer and the variety of taste and style was fantastic.

Stir fried fillet beef in a special Thai sauce was delicious and the subtle flavours make for an overall great taste, without being overly hot or spicy or dominated by one particular flavour. All agreed that the Mutiara special ribs were excellent-very meaty and substantial, and crispy and moist all at the same time. There were two overwhelming favourites among the panel though. The Thai Green Chicken Curry was by all accounts exceptionally good. A classic Thai favourite, this is sure to become a favourite order for many, and the flavours of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal and chillies are subtle and satisfying. While it was too hard to choose any particular favourite, this writer found the Goong Pad Special dish to be out of this world. It is a dry dish which consists of juicy Tiger Prawns in batter stir fried with chillies, peppers, onions and chilli oil,

July 3, 2008

and was a hot favourite at the table. I usually play it straight and if I find a dish I love I will often stick to that, but with a menu as varied and tempting as this one I may have to be more adventurous!

All dishes from soups to curries and noodle dishes are guaranteed to be cooked to order so any requests or substitutions of ingredients can be accommodated, which is great for hesitant or picky eaters. The service is friendly, helpful and professional and all questions are met with good humour and plenty of helpful explanation of ingredients and flavours.

So there you have it. Jasmine Garden is going nowhere and Mutiara provides a new outlet for diners in Clifden who either already love Asian cuisine or want to find out if they do. If you’re a couch potato, drop in and pick up a takeaway menu and enjoy a fast delivery service at your leisure. There is also a lunch buffet available so there are plenty of reasons to try Mutiara, and our guess is that you won’t be disappointed.

Photos from top: Angeline and Andrew Ong of Mutiara restaurant. The Ong family. Kate O Toole and Joanna Galloway taste testing with Angeline and Andrew.

Catherine Pryce

page 41

Local Winning Entries of the Newstalk Sea Stallion Letter Competition Roche. She is kind and nice. My mum and dad’s name is Ancy George and George Matthew and I have two brothers, Jeffwin George and Atul George.

In our school we are growing potatoes to see who will have the biggest potato in the end.

I live in the West of Ireland. It’s a big difference between Ireland and India, like the people, the school, buildings, apartments, weather and the language.

My best friends are Niamh, Cora, Caroline and Serena.

Our school’s principal is Ms. Byrne.

I was born in 1998 on June 3rd.

We wonder what your life will be like in the future.

Susmi Ann George Third Class, Scoil Mhuire, Clifden, Co. Galway.

Two students of Scoil Mhuire Clifden and one from Scoil Mhuire Moycullen were winners of a fantastic competition held by Newstalk 106-108 fm recently. The children were asked to write a letter addressed to a child of their age living 250 years in the future in 2258 as part of the Sea Stallion Viking Ship letter writing competition. The winning letters were read out on air

by Sean Moncrieff on his show and then placed in a time capsule on the Viking Ship Sea Stallion, the biggest ever reconstructed Viking Ship in the world, which set sail from Custom House Quay Dublin to Roskilde, Denmark on Sunday June 29th. The time capsule will be opened in 2258.

Susmi Ann George of 3rd Class in Scoil Mhuire was the overall Junior winner and she beat thousands of students from schools all over the country to win. Muireann McGlynn, also of Clifden was a shortlisted Senior Winner as well as Conor Egan of Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen. Their winning letters were published on the Irish Times and Newstalk websites and the winners also received an OPW Family Heritage Card which gives unlimited access to the family to all Heritage Sites for a year.

The student’s winning letters are reproduced below, followed by the comments made by broadcaster Sean Moncrieff on reading them out on air.

Local Winning Entries of the Newstalk Sea Stallion Letter Competition Junior Category Overall Winner

My name is Susmi Ann George. I am nine years old while I am writing this. I am really excited to write this letter. I come from India. When I came to Ireland, I was happy but I had lots of problems. It was a time of big change in my life, leaving India.

When I came to Ireland, I joined a school called Scoil Mhuire. It’s a nice school and I have lots of friends but it’s a small school compared to the schools in India where I learned.

Terrible things happened in 2008 like in China an earthquake came and in Burma a cyclone came. Many thousands of people died and thousands were left homeless.

My favourite food is pizza. My favourite subject is Irish.

I live in a town called Clifden. My teacher’s name is Ms.

PAGE 42

“Susmi’s letter would be great for people in the future to read.

They will find out a bit about the different cultures that live in Ireland today and our own Irish culture. For a young child, Susmi is also well aware of the sad events that have happened this year in Burma and China.” Sean Moncrieff

Senior Winners

To my future friend, The name is Muireann McGlynn. I was born in the 20th century and live 8 years in the 21st century. To be exact I’m 11. Today we think we live in the lap of luxury. We may be foolish thinking that Ireland is the best it will ever be, or we may be completely right.

Today Ireland is freezing in winter and mild in summer.

But maybe because of global warming in 250 years Ireland might be roasting and Spain will be burnt black.

Today we have miniscule mobile phones.

Just dial the number of the mobile you’d like to reach and hey presto (!) the owner of the phone is speaking to you! But maybe in the future you just have to press a button and say “patch me through to central” and a hologram of the person is in front of you.

Today Ireland is part of an ever expanding Europe. Maybe Europe will be so massive by 2258 it will just be plain world.

A part of Ireland that gets everyone down is the weather.

Rain 24/7. Who knows (in 2258) Ireland might be sunny 24/7. Lucky you! Because of this we sometimes go abroad.

Next year I’m going to visit Disney World, the best theme park ever! Wow! This probably makes an archaeologist’s job easier. I once saw a show where all the clothes were magnetic. Hey! I bet that’s what you’ll wear.

The most important point about Ireland is the language.

Please don’t let it (have) died out. Slán mo chara.

Your pal from the past, Muireann Muireann McGlynn, 5th Class, Scoil Mhuire, Clifden, Galway.

“Muireann’s entry is really imaginative and she shows great concern for the world around her. I really enjoyed reading her letter, as I’m sure the children of 2258 will also!”

Sean Moncrieff.

Dear child of the future, Hi, my name is Conor Egan. This letter has been written in the year 2008 and if you are reading this in the year 2258 I am definitely dead by now. My life is good compared to some people but probably not half as good as yours. I would love it so much to hear about your life but today we are hearing about my life.

Well, I go to school five whole days a week from 9:00 to 2:30. There are five people in my family, my two sisters Grace and Eleanor and my Mum and Dad Anne and Seán. I also

July 3, 2008

have a dog. His name is Stanley. I play a lot of sports but my favourite is soccer a game that you use a ball and cannot touch the ball with your hands.

One of the main problems in the world right now is the shortage of oil. We use oil for cars, heating, and many other things. We also have a lot of technology. Children have a lot of electrical games like Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and Playstation. Most people these days live in two storey houses.

In 2008, the food is excellent and my favourite by far would have to be pizza. The main type of transport of course is a car and if you want to take a holiday your option is either a boat or a plane.

I’m sorry I cannot great you personally, for I am now dead.

Please always remember me by this letter.

Yours faithfully, Conor Egan Scoil Mhuire, 5th Class, Scoil Mhuire, Maigh Cuilinn, Co. Na Gaillimh. “ You could tell a lot of time and effort went into this letter. It was mounted on red card and had pictures of all of Conor’s favourite things. There was no doubt in our minds that this letter deserved to go into the time capsule and I’m sure the children of 2258 will really enjoy reading his letter and hearing about his life in 2008!” Sean Moncrieff.

Connemara View Newspaper 7,000 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara 095-22888/087-290-9351 news@ connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor & Features Writer: Catherine Pryce Rural & Political Affairs Columnist: John Durning Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph

Contributors: John Amenhauser, Anne Marie Bennett, Tom Broderick, John Claró, Terri Conroy, Richard de Stacpoole, Dr. Sophie Faherty, Giles Fraser, Joanna Galloway, Ancy George, Rosemary Hanley, Eithne Hannigan, Marian Hanrahan, Michele Hehir, Bernie Jeffries, Nick Kats, Irene King, Peadar King, Padraic Lyden, Declan Mannion, Iain McDonald, Beatrice Mbogo, Terry Minogue, Ann Mitchell, Kevin O’Connor, Tony O’Hehir, John O’Neill, Bobbi O’Regan, Breandan O’Scanaill, Donal O’ Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Papparazzi Paddy, Gina Pryce, Anne Schley, Declan Weir, Alex Xuereb

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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Know Your Rights Q: I am travelling in Europe this summer. Am I entitled to use public healthcare in other EU countries if I fall ill?

If you are visiting certain European countries and you become ill or get injured, the European Health Insurance Card allows you to access public healthcare services. It replaces the E111 form, which had previously been required. If you are going on a short stay to an EU country, an EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or to Switzerland, it is advisable to have the card to cover you and your family for public healthcare. Each person travelling will need a card. It is not required for a temporary visit to the UK if you can show that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland.

You can apply for the card online at www.ehic.ie if you already have a medical card, GP visit card or a Drugs Payment Scheme card. Otherwise you can download an application form from the website or get it from your Local Health Office. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.). You should apply for the card a month before travelling if possible. If there is not enough time to get the card before you travel, contact your Local Health Office to get a Temporary Replacement Certificate for each person travelling instead.

If you have a card that has expired, you can apply online to renew your card. You will require your existing card number. If you have changed your address or your name, you will need to contact your Local Health Office. If you have concerns about getting a renewed card in time, you can get a Temporary Replacement Certificate. You may also wish to consider taking out private travel insurance for some expenses that are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card. These may include the costs of repatriation home or the expenses of relatives who travel to you if you fall ill abroad. Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Centre, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Tel: 095 22000 or 087 1301100.Email: clifden.cic@comhairle.ie Address: c/o VEC, Statoil Apartments, Galway Road, Clifden Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 1890 777 121. Declan Weir, CIC

What’s the Deal... with Boozy Attitudes We’re at it again, going through the craven hand-wringing we regularly indulge in in Ireland, paying lip-service to trying to deal with alcohol, binge-drinking and the staggering statistics that show us outstripping all comers in Europe (and possibly the world) when it comes to boozing ourselves under the table, onto the A&E trolley and often, sadly, the cold mortuary slab. The others can’t touch us. When it comes to raising the elbow, we win hands down, a singularly difficult anatomical feat to accomplish with the traditionally jointed arm.

But Dermot Ahern’s double-speak with Myles Dungan on the Pat Kenny Show recently was an equally impressive feat of mental contortion. At one point he mentioned making sure that the alcohol in supermarkets would not be displayed ‘beside the fish fingers.’ I lost the rest of it, I’m afraid. I was too busy trying to focus the mental image of that: potential alcohol abuser (teenager) comes into supermarket, just for packet of fish fingers, then suddenly, as if from nowhere, the thought hits him/ her. ‘Well, what do you know! If that there, right beside me, isn’t a flagon of cheap cider and a couple of six packs of lager and a fifth of vodka and a couple of alcopop thingies on special offer, then I’m a Dutchman! Oh. I think I’ll buy some of those. Impulsively!’

How daft can you be, minister, with only one portfolio? But maybe I wrong Mr Ahern.

Perhaps his Alice-In-Wonderland scenario goes the other way: teenager goes into supermarket to buy fish fingers and a load of booze. But, on finding that the booze has been moved several steps away from the fish fingers, he/she decides that it’s too far to walk. So he/she instantly takes the pledge

Fake Traffic Gumming Up Net Many of you will have noticed that recently AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition launched version 8 of its popular product. It is still free for personal use, and has been very much improved so that it now incorporates an Anti-Spyware engine as well as its usual Anti-Virus feature. It also comes with Link Scanner, a new module that “surfs ahead” when you use a search engine to check out all of the resulting sites for lurking nasties. If you type a keyword into Google, for instance, it automatically visits each site that turns up on Google’s results page.

Over 20 million people use AVG. The trouble is that this new module is gumming up the Internet.

Yes, AVG’s LinkScanner is spewing fake traffic across the internet, messing up the log files and bandwidth budgets of web sites large and small. But there’s one thing it doesn’t mess with: search engine paid clicks.

That includes sites that appear as “sponsored links”, i.e., adverts. In scanning sponsored sites, AVG is careful to bypass the Google mechanism that records paid clicks. Rather than use Google’s hyperlink, it uses the site’s raw URL. But sponsored sites, like other sites that frequently turn up on search result pages, are still plagued by the fake traffic problem. When it scans, LinkScanner does its best to disguise itself as an actual user.

The average webmaster may have no idea the tool is skewing his traffic numbers, and in the long run, that too can damage a site’s bottom line. At the moment, webmasters can weed out this fake traffic by filtering a specific user agent from their log files: “Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1;1813).”

AVG insists this will not affect legitimate traffic.

for life, buys fish fingers only and saves him/ herself from a lifetime of ill-health, social deprivation, dependency, and an early, cirrhotic death. Minister, the sad reality is: if the booze and the fish fingers were too far apart, in the majority of cases, it’d be the fish fingers that would be left on the shelf.

There’s no chance of reform, given our present attitudes. Take the appallingly tragic incident of the Dundalk man convicted last week of stabbing to death his identical twin.

We were told that the twins were the best of friends always, that on the day of the tragedy they’d been in the flat of one of them, enjoying an afternoon together, drinking and watching TV. It wasn’t stated specifically that the drinking had a direct bearing on subsequent events but what’s with the: ‘enjoying an afternoon … drinking’? It’s almost as if it wouldn’t have been possible to have enjoyed an afternoon without drinking. The ruinous and ridiculous fallacy that alcohol is necessary in order for anyone to have a good time – even a pair of identical twin brothers – is never challenged or questioned in this country. A few weeks ago, Ryan Tubridy had a child psychologist on his morning show. One of the questions he asked was: ‘At what age should a child be introduced to alcohol?’ There followed a list of alternative suggestions, not one of which was that the child should first be informed that not taking alcohol at all was a perfectly acceptable choice to make, possibly even a wise one, and to point out examples of people who don’t drink and still seem to manage to have a good time, and to other examples of those whose good times are long since over, who have been ruined by the same drink.

And there were Ryan and the good doctor discussing the optimum age and way to wean children on to it. I wanted to call in to ask the learned doctor: ‘At what age should

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

The AVG LinkScanner may soon do away with that unique user agent. The chief concern is security, and they don’t want webmasters or malware writers gaming their scanner. In order to detect the really tricky malicious content, they need to look just like a browser driven by a human being, it can be argued.

That said, AVG has also promised to explore alternative solutions to the problem. A fix could arrive as early as this week. But there’s one problem the company can’t solve without bagging LinkScanner entirely. Some webmasters complain that the scanner forces them to pay for extra bandwidth. And this problem will only grow.

AVG’s anti-virus engine is used by a total of 70 million people worldwide, and 50 million have yet to install version 8, the version that comes with LinkScanner.

John Claró is an IT Professional operating Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions (www.twodogcomputers.com) from the Square, Clifden. Call him on 095 22194 for any and all computer-related issues.

the child be introduced to tobacco?’ but I didn’t want to be responsible for the first live broadcast of a child psychologist expiring noisily on the public airwaves from Acute Righteous Apoplexy.

Having accepted that large sections of the population will be pissed and footless at weekends, a nuisance to others, a danger themselves and to the community, and an enormous drain on resources, and being afraid to tackle the powerful drinks industry head on, we spend all our efforts cravenly trying to accommodate the unacceptable.

Have we enough gardaí on expensive overtime duty to look after the louts? Enough taxis to ferry them around? Firemen to cut them out of car-wrecks? Ambulances to whisk them off to hospitals? A&E staff to put them back together again while others with non-self-induced, ‘genuine’ illnesses sit and wait? And wait. …… And wait.

As a society, we need to put a positive spin on temperance or even abstinence, but to

July 3, 2008

do that we need courage and fresh thinking.

For example: what about judges discussing cases with defendants, (wo)man-to-(wo) man, and offering lighter sentences for alcohol-related convictions in return for a promise to totally give up alcohol for a specified period, the very substance, the defendant will no doubt have contended, that was the whole cause of his/her regrettable lapse? Or maybe offering greatly subsidised insurance premiums for non-drinking young drivers?

However, these would have to be carefully monitored and any breaking of promises given with cynical insincerity would have to bring down the mighty wrath of the law with at least double the original, nonmitigated, penalties. Wouldn’t a little lateral thinking like that be a start, anyway?

We need lots of fresh thinking on the whole disastrous problem, but moving the booze away from the fish fingers isn’t fresh thinking.

Maurice O’Scanaill, Clifden

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Photo corner

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Clockwise from top: Junior Cert Student of the Year. Pictured with her award is Chloe O’Malley who received the Junior Certificate Student of the Year Award 2008 at Clifden Community School. NUIG Graduate: Dr Emily O’Halloran MB BAO BCH. with her dad, Kevin and her brother Michael. Emily is a niece of Aidan O Halloran of Bank of Ireland Clifden. Corporate Evening at the Coast The Connemara Coast Hotel held a corporate evening on Wednesday May 28th, where new General Manager Ann Downey was welcomed and introduced. There were cocktails and canapes and entertainment was provided by the Galway Jazz Band. Photo: (l-r) Lidia of CPL Recruitment, Ann Downey, New General Manager of the Connemara Coast Hotel, Allison of CPL Recruitment.

Wedding Bells The wedding of Thomas Mitchell and Emily O Brien took place in England on the 30th of May last. Thomas is a son of Thomas and Geraldine Mitchell (nee King) of Calla, Ballyconneely. NUIG Graduates: Peadar O’Tuairisg MB BAO BCH of Cornamona. Poilín Breathnach of Cornamona who was awarded a Phd in Biochemistry. Photos by Tom Broderick. €5000 donation from Moycullen woman. Peggie Dunne of Moycullen recently set herself a personal challenge of completing a 75-mile cycle around Connemara in aid of Croí, with the aim of raising over €5,000 as a contribution to the fight against heart disease. On presenting a cheque to Croí in the total amount of €5,260, Peggie said, “From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank all those who recently sponsored me on the 75-mile Lough Corrib Challenge. Each and every one of you have been incredibly supportive and I thank you for helping me support this magnificent cause.” Photo shows l-r: Peggie Dunne of Moycullen presenting the proceeds of her fundraising to Alma O’Connell of Croí. Mini Marathon: Pictured are five ladies who recently took part in The Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin on June 1st where they raised money for Croí, the local heart charity of the West. From l-r: Bernie Leonard, Loughrea, Rachel Flannery, Woodford, Maureen King, Durrow, Connemara, Frances Logue, Donegal, and Sarah Flannery of Woodford.

July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Local Style for Ladies Day The secret to younger skin?

Ageing is a process that is not welcomed by anyone, but viewed as an inevitable and unfortunate part of life that everyone must go through. Popular culture does not help when it celebrates and glorifies youth in its media and promotes time-defying beauty as the ultimate goal that all must strive to achieve.

This craving for youth and beauty has led to a multi-billion dollar industry. There are thousands of products out there promoting this. Each claims to reduce wrinkles on your face as well as promising a smoother skin tone and a firmer texture. We think we have to purchase expensive brand names all in the €100-€200 price range rather than risk the cheaper less expensive brands in the fear that they may not do their job efficiently.

I am going to let you in on a little (way less expensive) secret that I have been researching since I came across this cream that I kept hearing about. Dare I say it...it is Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream.

In a survey conducted in September 2007 some top scientists, and not beauty industry promoters, did several tests on some of the top selling higher end brands in the €100-€200 range including some generic brands and this Oil of Olay cream came out far ahead of all brands.

The key reason this moisturiser is working so well is after 50 years of research they have managed to trick the skin on a cellular level into regenerating itself at a faster level. They also found that the skins stayed at a higher hydration level for a longer period of time, which helps protect it from damaging free radicals.

They also use ingredients to encourage new cell growth by gently stimulating the skin’s surface with fruit acid creams that are rich in alpha hydroxy acids such as malic acid from apples, and glycolic acid from the sugarcane.

This cream is one container only that can be used day and night on the jaw line, eye area and neck. It is aimed for the 35 to 60 year old age groups and I know for sure that it is flying off the shelves!

I decided to try and get my hands on this cream and had to get my mother to send some from Canada as it was not available here in Ireland at the time. I decided to call around and found that it was finally released 3 weeks ago exclusively to Boots until the end of June. You can ask for Jackie at Boots who I found very helpful or call the Oil of Olay customer care line at 1800 409 235. Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream will also be available at Clifden Pharmacy, Main St from Friday July 4th onwards, retailing at €45.

Isn’t it nice to finally find a secret potion that is a little more effective and a lot less expensive!

Joanna Galloway

It’s that time of year again, and whether rain or shine, fashion conscious ladies will always have a couple of reasons to get glammed up for a special occasion. What you might not know is that pretty much everything you might need can be bought right here in Clifden, from stunning headpieces and hats to stylish summer dresses, glamorous shoes and pretty wraps and bags.

For anyone looking for a Ladies Day outfit for the Galway races, or even for one of the many weddings of the summer, we have chosen a selection of fabulous outfits from Schu Concept and Fiocco’s of Bridge St, Clifden. Our three gorgeous models Aimee, Michelle and Eimear were styled and dressed from head to toe by Ann Marie of Schu Concept and Fiona of Fiocco’s and showcase some of the great ensembles that can be created and put together right here in Clifden.

As can be seen from our photos, stunning style at great prices can be found right here in Clifden for all special occasions this summer.

The staff of both shops are always happy to offer advice on co-ordinating outfits, and the range of wraps, heels bags, jewellery and more ensures that you will find that special something you’ve been looking for. Now all we need is the weather to make sure we look our best!

Photos (l-r): The girls are wearing three stunning summer special occasion outfits. Michelle wears: Dress by Maille at Fiocco’s, €59.95, Glitz Black Diamante Sandals, €45, Bag by Top Image, €39.95 and Hat, from a selection available for hire from Schu Concept. Eimear wears: Dress by FC Moda at Fiocco’s, €64.95, Glitz Black Diamante Sandals, €39.95, Glitz Black Clutch €29.95, Turquoise Wrap, €25, Feather Headpiece by Top Image at Schu Concept, €30. Aimee wears: Dress by KY Creation at Fioccos, Shoe and Bag Set by Gionni, €50, and hat from a selection for hire at Schu Concept.

Michelle wears: Dress by FC Moda at Fiocco’s, €54.95, Shoes by Krush, €39.95, bag by Top Image at Schu Concept, €29.95 and Top Image Headpiece from a huge selection available at Schu Concept, €75. Eimear wears: Dress by KY Creation at Fiocco’s, Glitz Black Sandals, €39.95, Top Image Headpiece, €59.95, Accessory Collection Black Wrap from a selection at Schu Concept, €29.

Aimee wears: Dress by FC Moda at Fiocco’s, €61.99, Shoes by Krush at Schu Concept, €39.95, bag by Top Image at Schu Concept €29.95, Headpiece by Top Image, €75.

Aimee wears: Dress by Maille at Fiocco’s, shoes by Glitz at Schu Concept, €39.95, Bag by Pulse at Schu Concept, €28 and Hat from a great selection available for hire at Schu Concept.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

page 45

WIORA/ NORA 2008- Action, drama and racing at its best.

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July 3, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Fun and Fashion at Roundstone Show Queen

A fabulous evening of glamour, fun and style took place on Friday June 20th in a special marquee in the grounds of Errisbeg House. The evening began with a glamorous Fashion Show, where local models wore a stunning array of style from Connemara boutiques. Clothes modelled came from The Design Platform, Millars, Hehirs, Fiocca, Passengar, and from Moycullen, Okinara,and special thanks must go to Carolanne Joyce and the models for their participation and great show. Siobhan Conneely of (Ciuin Health & Beauty) Clifden, and Rosie of Ladies & Gents Hair Salon, Roundstone, provided hair and make-up services which also looked great.

Then it was on to the main event-the selection of the Show Queen 2008, who was to win a beautiful custom made tiara by Síle McGee. The Judges of the event were Kate O Toole, Micheal Higgin and Gráinne of the website grainne@thesales.ie , and they were thorough and fair in their deliberations.

A great deal of work was involved in organizing this wonderful event so many thanks must go to the following people: Keith O Connor on sound and lighting, all of the models and all involved in the Fashion Show, Andrea Deacy and Suzann Schley, Ellen McDonough, Margaret (Canavan) Conneely, Ann Conneely, Richard De Stacpoole, Catherine Ferron, Mary (Mamie) McDonagh, ¼ Bottle Wine Company, Síle Magee, Geraldine King, all the young ticket sellers and anyone else we may have neglected to mention.

The eventual winner was Edel Dowd of Carna, who was sponsored by Paddy Feistí’s pub and Eatery of Recess. Edel is the daughter of Joe and Ann Dowd of Carna (see photo below, of Edel with Dad Joe and Donal Nee.) Edel recently celebrated her 18th birthday also and will perform the role of the Show Queen at the Roundstone Pony show on July 13th.

After the Queen selection, the crowd were further entertained with Irish Dancing and the crowning of “Show King” by popular vote, Patrick McDonagh who was crowned with a bowler hat!

Overall the event was a great success, thanks to the hard work and efforts of all involved, and the stage is now set for another great year of the Roundstone Pony Show.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

July 3, 2008

page 47

Edel Dowd from Carna Crowned Queen of the Roundstone Pony Show The annual Roundstone Pony Show Queen was selected at a glamorous ceremony on the evening of June 20th last, where 12 local girls were the candidates for the Roundstone Queen of the Show 2008. There was also a super stylish Fashion Show and great entertainment on the night as Edel Dowd of Carna, sponsored by Paddy Feistí’s of Recess was crowned this year’s winner and now advances to the Galway Rose competition next year. See Page 47 for more photos and a report.

PAGE 48

The contestants on the night were: Odille Lawson Keirns-Roundstone Musical Instruments Ltd. Roundstone.

Aisling Flaherty-Renew Health & Beauty Clinic, Station House, Clifden.

Franzi Lopez-O’Dowds Bar & Restaurant, Roundstone.

Priscilla Purtill-Coynes Pub, Kilkerrin.

Valerie Conroy-Zetland House Hotel, Cashel.

July 3, 2008

Katherine Sheerin-Eldons Hotel, Roundstone Michelle Acton-Ciuin Health & Beauty Salon, Clifden.

Lisa Coyne-Rosie Ladies & Mens Hair Salon, Roundstone.

Mary Walsh-Vaughans Hotel, Roundstone.

Nicole Heanue-Beola Crafts, Roundstone.

Martha Joyce-Cashel Connemara Pony Show.

Edel Dowd-Paddy Feistí Bar & Eatery, Recess (Winner 2008 Queen)

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER