Connemara View August 2008

In The View All-Ireland Dog Show Page 3 Naomh Feichin at Croker Page 12 Pony Season Champs Page 16 Summer Events Calendar Page 19 Ryan Tubridy Interview Page 25 Eco-Cleaning Part 2 Page 28 Consumer WatchDog Page 31 Electric Cars That Zoom Page 32 Kids View Page 38

Care Comes First as St. Anne’s Situation Stabilises

There may be some relief at the news that St Anne’s CNU admitted a new patient in the last week of July. This reverses the trend of beds becoming vacant in recent times, yet not being filled.

This is a positive development as considerable controversy has surrounded the rumoured closure of more beds at the facility, and at times the future of the hospital itself was brought into question. At present, 25 of the 34 beds available are in use. Seven are closed until further notice due to budgetary constraints, leaving two beds, which could potentially be filled with the resolution of some current staffing issues.

Two nurses, whose contracts were due to end within the next year, have decided to move to permanent positions offered elsewhere in the county. To add to this, the contracts of two more nurses, due for renewals in August were then also terminated, which elicited a strong response from SIPTU.

On July 22nd, Mr Paul Gavan, SIPTU’s organiser in Connemara said “The nurses at St Anne’s have written to their Manager expressing their belief that terminating contracts for these two nurses will compromise patient care and safety. The most concerning aspect of these cutbacks is that elderly patients-some of whom have been resident in St Anne’s for years-may be forced to move to private facilities as a result of these planned cutbacks”.

Mr Gavan subsequently spoke on Keith Finnegan’s Galway Bay FM Radio Show and after multi-party assistance from local Councillors, TDs, and Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, a solution to this current issue was reached. The two nurses whose contracts were not to be renewed will now continue to work at St Anne’s while 1.5 permanent positions are being advertised.

The news that efforts are being genuinely made to accommodate those on the waiting list for the facility will be welcomed.

Due to extensive upgrading of the facility in recent years, patients receive the very best care available from a dedicated and hardworking staff, as anyone who has cause to visit the hospital will know.

Speaking of her father, Henk Berings (76), Monique Bauvet of Clifden said how delighted she was that he was in St. Anne’s. “He came here from Holland in 1978 and worked hard, but with advanced Alzheimer’s he needs total care and he only understands Dutch now. In St. Anne’s, not only are the staff so caring and professional, but more importantly, the activities organiser, Elizabeth, is fluent in Dutch and this is a great help to his peace of mind”.

The efforts of management, the local authority and local politicians to ensure that this community facility will continue to provide it’s excellent level of care are to be much appreciated.

This latest development certainly represents a step in the right direction. Catherine Pryce

Vintage Motoring The weekend of July 26th and 27th saw the highways and byways of Connemara take a step back in time, as a fleet of over 100 vintage cars undertook their annual weekend tour of the area. Westrun 2008 is the annual tour of Connemara by members of the Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Club, which is now in its 30th year of existence and is one of the largest clubs of its kind in the country.

The beautiful convoy began on Friday afternoon with a display of the cars at the Salthill Hotel in Galway and a pre-rally reception. The cars then set off on Saturday morning, taking the coast road from Galway through south Connemara, up through Roundstone and Ballyconneely before converging on Clifden where they could be seen all over the town for the weekend.

The Station House was the venue for a static display with live music entertainment and dancing on Saturday evening followed by a dinner dance and prizegiving ceremony later that night. Ernst Wijnekus, Honorary President, thanked the WVVMC members, participants, drivers and all involved in the organisation of the event, which was once again a great success. He also thanked the Station House for their hospitality, the CPBS for making the Showgrounds available for parking and Clifden’s Paddy Pryce for contributing to the success and enjoyment of the weekend.

Sunday morning saw the fleet of vintage motors head back towards Galway, with some taking the Sky Road and North Connemara route and others heading directly towards Oughterard. The Oughterard Community Council organised the display at the Square, Main Street and Camp Street. Large crowds gathered to enjoy the spectacle and the festive atmosphere. Other events included live traditional music, face painting for children and a French market at the car park of the Community Centre. There was also a Summer Fair at the church grounds with a barbecue, locally produced confectionery and light refreshments, with proceeds in aid of Oughterard Tidy Towns.

The weather was mostly kind to the rally, with many open top cars to be seen. As always, the Westrun provided

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a great spectacle and attraction, and has become a firm favourite in the calendar of summer events in Connemara.

Photos: A century of cars on the Sky Road. John Malone from Galway with his 1930’s Rolls Royce. A 1953 MGTD on the Salmon Weir Bridge at the Salt Lake. A vintage hearse.

Anna and Brian McHugo at the vintage rally. Photos by Gina Pryce and Tom Broderick.

August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Tail Wagging Thrills for Canine Champs in Roundstone The 2nd annual All Ireland Open Dog Show was once again a day to remember at Farrell’s Field in Roundstone as over 750 people flocked to the Showgrounds on Monday August 4th, the finest day of the Bank Holiday weekend.

A total of 283 dogs took part in the Show, an increase of almost 50% on last year, which proves the demand for and interest in an event of this type.

The entire Show was sponsored by Western Veterinary Clinic of Clifden, and the standard and quality of prizes on offer was second to none. Winners and runners up alike received doggy beds, wooden plaques, high quality ribbon rosettes, and bags of Hill’s Science Plan Dog Food. All dogs taking part received sashes and medals too, proving that all dogs are special and ensuring that no one was left out of the fun!

The eventual Champion was “Flaherty”, a Bull Mastiff owned by Robert Kirwan of Ennis who received a 15 kilo bag of Hill’s Science Plan Food as well as earlier prizes as Class Winner. Reserve Champion was David Connaughton with “Caine” a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who received a 7.5 kilo bag of food to add to his Terrier Class prizes.

The classes featured all sizes, shapes and breeds of dog and there was a great diversity represented across all classes from the tiniest Miniature Dachshund to the towering Great Danes. The atmosphere was above all friendly and fun as spectators admired each other’s pets and enjoyed the family themed event.

The high quality glossy catalogue also proved popular with the punters, containing lots of helpful doggy information and tips, and a great selection of photos of last year’s winners.

Roundstone Events Committee Chairman Paddy ‘Yank’ McDonough would like to sincerely thank all those who attended with their dogs, all the hardworking Committee members, Alex Xuereb of WestVet as Main Sponsor and all the businesses of the area that sponsored classes. Tom Broderick was also on hand to take photos of all the prize-winning pooches. An event like this is only made possible by all the volunteering and work of all involved and they can take credit for another great Show. The success of the 2008 Show bodes well for the future of dog showing in Connemara and shows that our four legged friends and faithful companions are well suited to taking centre stage at their very own dedicated Show.

Photos from top: Supreme Champion , “ Flaherty “, a bull mastiff with his owner Robert Kirwan , WestVet’s Maurice Scanaill, and “ Caine “, a Staffordshire bullterrier ,with his owner David Connaughton. Susan Ebrill with “Bosun”, who came 1st in the retriever class. Simon Boote received 1st and 2nd with his prize pointers. Siobhan King’s bulldog, Casey, who placed first in Fancy Dress and 2nd in the Utility Dog category. Paddy Joe Lydon’s terrier from Letterfrack camed 1st in his class. Liz Broderick and Paul Stewart from Oughterard with Show Committee Members, Mary Banotti and Richard de Stacpoole.

Photos by Tom Broderick.

(086-886-1052.)

For a full list of winners, sponsors and more photos, go to www.roundstoneevents.com.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

August 7, 2008

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REGIONAL BreastCheck in Connemara The National Cancer Screening Service is delighted to announce that BreastCheck-the National Breast Screening Programme, will provide women living in Connemara with free breast x-rays from 11th August 2008.

The Government-funded screening service is offered to women aged between 50 and 64 and BreastCheck urges all invited women to attend their appointment.

BreastCheck provides free breast screening to women aged 50-64 on a two yearly cycle. Women living in Connemara will be screened at the BreastCheck Western Unit located on the campus of University College

Hospital Galway. A BreastCheck x-ray is a simple procedure that takes approximately half an hour. The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer. The vast majority of women screened are found to be perfectly healthy with less than one per cent diagnosed with cancer.

Mr. Tony O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of BreastCheck, encourages all women contacted by BreastCheck to attend. “It is important that women take this valuable opportunity to look after their health. Many women living in Connemara and surrounding areas have already been contacted and we encourage everyone invited to attend their appointment.”

BreastCheck recommends that all women aged 50-64 make sure their name is on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or visiting www.breastcheck.ie.

For women with intellectual disabilities, BreastCheck has developed an illustrated information guide about breast screening to help women understand for themselves what is involved in a BreastCheck appointment. ‘A Guide to Breast Screening’ also includes a section Information for Carers, Family, Friends and Medical Guardians of Care for those who care for women and includes necessary information on BreastCheck and what participation in screening requires. The manual is available from BreastCheck, and any questions or queries can be dealt with by calling the BreastCheck Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

National Park Moves The offices of the Connemara National Park have relocated to a new address in Clifden, as part of Clifden Court, on Market Lane. The new address is National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Clifden Court, Market Lane, Clifden, Co. Galway.

The new contact numbers are as follows: Phone- (095) 60900, Fax- (095) 60912 and Email- cnp@environ.ie Please note that Visitor Services and associated activities are not affected by this move. The Visitor Centre can be contacted on (095) 41323.

Access Course for Mature Students in Clifden NUI Galway is now running an Access Course for Mature Students in Clifden.

Students are selected on the basis of socioeconomic status and academic potential.

The purpose of the Access Course is to give an alternative opportunity of entering NUI Galway to students, who for financial or related reasons may not be able to directly enter third level. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for this course.

The course is offered on a part-time basis (2 nights per week for 28 weeks) and will be run over the academic year 2008/2009.

Students who successfully complete the course will be admitted to degree programmes in The Arts, Commerce, Celtic Studies, Law or Science/Engineering in September 2009. Financial assistance will be provided by the University to support participants on the Access Course, and for those who are admitted to the degree courses, contingent on funding.

Please ask for an application form from the co-ordinator Alma Clancy on 087 799 8675 or by e-mailing cillchiarain@eircom.net.

Marketing Connemara At an event at the Station House Theatre in Clifden on July 7th, Minister Eamon O’Cuiv officially launched Fáilte Ireland West’s new marketing initiative which aims to heighten awareness of the Connemara region for holidays both in the home and overseas markets, and to drive overnight business to the Connemara region.

In a joint funding partnership between Fáilte Ireland, the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and tourism interests in Connemara, the new campaign includes a new brochure in English, French and as Gaeilge, a new web site (www. discoverireland.ie/connemara), and a radio and press advertising campaign in the Irish market.

A new identity has been created for the Connemara brand. The new logo displays the name Connemara with a symbol incorporating five different elements

that one would associate with the region including mountains, the Connemara pony and the Sean Nós style of dancing. The

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strapline ‘Wild at Heart’ appears underneath and a version as gaeilge, ‘Fiáin go Smior,’ is also in use.

Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, is enthusiastic about the project, commenting ‘With challenging times ahead for the international economy, it is essential that Irish tourism, like other sectors of the Irish economy, plays to its strengths and makes the most of its opportunities. This project - an innovative and well designed marketing campaign promoting a first class product - is exactly the sort of response that will enable Ireland, and in particular Rural Ireland, to benefit from the opportunities that will arise in this changing environment.’

Brian Quinn, Acting General Manager of Fáilte Ireland West, adds ‘With this campaign we wanted to bring together the different tourism marketing groups in Connemara and present a united approach in the marketplace with significant investment behind it. We are confident that this will make a real and positive difference in terms of tourism numbers to the region over the life of the initiative’.

Photos (l-r): Paul Hughes, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel; Wilson Bird, GM, Clifden Stationhouse Hotel; Brian Quinn, Acting GM, Failte Ireland West; Aidan Grimes, GM, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens.

Patrick O’Flaherty, GM, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel; Raymond J Rooney, Chairman, Failte Ireland West; Ciara O’Mahony, Regional Tourism Development Officer, Failte Ireland West; John Coyle, Renvyle House Hotel.

Festivals Grants The closing dates for the Arts Council’s Small Festivals Scheme for 2009 are: Round One of the scheme is available to festivals taking place on or before 30th June 2009. Closing date for receipt of applications for Round One is Friday 19th September 2008. If applicants are organising a series of events (e.g. concert series) taking place over the course of the year, i.e. continuing beyond 30th June, they should apply under Round One. Round Two Closing Date: Festivals and Events taking place in the second half of 2009, i.e. after 1st July 2009, should apply under Round Two of the scheme. The closing date for Round Two is to be confirmed (early to mid February – tentative date).

The application form and guidance notes for this scheme are available through our online site http:// applications.artscouncil. ie/smallfestivals or you can request a hard copy form by calling Regina O’ Shea with full postal details on telephone +353 1 618 0260 or by email to smallfestivals@artscouncil.ie.

First time applicants to the scheme are advised to contact Úna McCarthy, Head of Festivals and Events, prior to submitting an application; telephone +353 1 6180272 or by emailing to firsttime@artscouncil.ie.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Depression AWAREness Living with depression and elation course The AWARE organisation is holding a six-week course for people who directly experience depression, which aims to help people develop coping skills to stay well.

The course begins on Monday 15th September and continues for six consecutive Mondays from 6.30-8.30 p.m.

The venue is the new Clifden Town Hall meeting room (upstairs West Wing). Places are limited. For more information, contact Margaret Sheehan on 095-21741 or call into the FORUM offices in the Boys Old School in Clifden.

Among the subjects to be covered: Stress management and relaxation; Moods, foods and exercise; Communication; Positive esteem; Personal responsibility and dysfunctional thinking.

AWARE was founded in 1985 to provide emotional support and information to those who experience depression and their families. AWARE also seeks to create an increased awareness of the nature, extent and consequences of depressive illness.

The group for this area was set up with the help of FORUM. It has been given quite a lot of publicity, but unfortunately has been very slow to get going. This is understandable, as it’s a very big step for those suffering from depression to take, to pluck up the courage to attend. Yes, unfortunately there is still a stigma attached to suffering from depression, but the AWARE groups are working very hard to break down that stigma. We in AWARE would like to assure people that the group is based on total confidentiality and is non-judgemental. People are accepted as they are and respected.

The group hold their meeting on a monthly basis on the first Thursday night of each month at 8.00pm in FORUM Ellis Hall Letterfrack. They are taking a break for the summer and meetings will resume on the 1st Thursday in September. If anybody reading this feels they would be willing to go forward and be trained as a facilitator they should contact Margaret on 095 21741 for further information as we could do with more facilitators coming on board.

Aware also provide a Lo Call Helpline 1890 303 302 which is a listening service available at Lo Call rates seven days a week from 10am to 10pm weekdays, and until 1am at weekends. Also check out www.aware.ie.

Dun Gibbons News New website!

The DGRC (Dun Gibbons Resident’s Committee) is delighted to announce that the residents of the centre now have their very own website. The address is www.clifdenasc. blogspot.com . This excellent website is an online newsletter and also features photos, myths and facts about asylum, advice on legal and health matters, a contact list and support network, and much more.

Driving Lessons The number of people interested in getting driving lessons is very high and due to the cost restraints, we are currently unable to get the training. We are waiting for the approval for the funding applied for. Mary of VEC added that the residents could use the VEC centre to practice for the theory test by using the computers there.

Forum Donates I-Macs The DGRC were very pleased to announce that Cathy Keane at Forum had presented seven IMac computers and a Laser printer to the centre. The machines have been very well received by the residents. They are used to practice the new IT skills being learnt at the VEC. The DGRC also mentioned that the printer would need some servicing and supplies (paper and toner). Maria (VEC) offered to have a look at the printer and Cathy (Forum) offered paper. Cathy Keane also confirmed that the Clifden branch of Forum was working with the DGRC to supply activities for the children of the centre.

Volunteers to join the DGRC in the Committee The DGRC reiterated the need to have an outside person as part of the committee as the support network was ideal but would be ineffective if the residents were unhappy due to issues that were not being addressed. The DGRC is a group of 5 residents also going through the issues that the residents face. Dr Sophie (GP) has agreed to join the DGRC, Sean (RTE) would be interested in working with

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

the DGRC & Judy (RIS) agreed to join the committee.

Courses in place The support group was informed that three courses were currently running once a week and all were very well attended. The FETAC radio course is set to start in the winter.

Courses attended by Sam and Ola Ola (DGRC) informed the meeting about attending a one day Financial Management Course in Galway that would be helpful to fill successful funding applications. Sam also attended a one day website design course with Brendan Smith of DERI Galway and had spent the better part of the weekend setting up the Clifden Asylum Seeker Website. www.clifdenasc.blogspot.com. Everyone at the meeting had a chance to look at the website and ideas to improve it were welcomed.

Adopt a family Dr Sophie has tabled an idea to assist in the integration and also give an insight into the life of an asylum seeker. All those present agreed that it was a brilliant idea that could and should be implemented. The website would also act as a way into the life of the residents through facts, stories and pictures.

Date of next meeting of DGRC is 25th August 2008 at 11am at Dun Gibbons Inn.

Group Water Schemes Galway County Council have informed Cllr. Thomas Welby, Progressive Democrat Councillor for the Connemara Electoral Area, that they have requested the engineers dealing with the Dawros, Cashel and Letterard Group Water Schemes to prepare contract documents. Galway County Council are hoping to review and advertise these tenders as soon as possible as these schemes are been facilitated under the small extensions to the public mains.

These schemes will include approx. 10 km of piping and provide water to approx. 60 houses and it is hoped to complete most of the works in this calendar year.

Cllr Welby states “I am delighted that these schemes are progressing as they will provide treated water and continuity of supply to a large number of households in remote areas”.

organisation calls into question the Minister and the Government’s commitment to the Irish Language”.

“On a shoe string budget, this organisation has done so much to encourage parents with little Irish to use it and improve it. On a general level, it has provided venues for parents from rural and often isolated settings in Connemara to come together and share experiences through the medium of Irish leading to an overall improvement in their confidence and quality of life”.

“Indeed, the confidence gained by these parents as a result of attending the meetings/classes is immeasurable”, said Cllr Connolly. Most importantly it has not only encouraged those parents to bring their children up in Irish and to attend the Irish Nursery/Playgroups but also given the parents the confidence to continue themselves through the medium of Irish. To withdraw funding from such an organisation, which is to the fore in building peoples’ confidence in the use of the Irish Language, makes no sense”, she said.

As someone who has personally benefited from the organisation, she, along with poets Mary O’Malley and Rita Ann Higgins, has written to Minister Ó’Cuiv, asking him not to go ahead with this decision.

N59 at Roscahill Cllr. Thomas Welby is pleased to announce that tenders for work on the N59 at Roscahill have now been advertised.

It is hoped that the preferred tender will be finalised within a couple of weeks of the closing date and that work will begin shortly after that. ‘This is a very dangerous stretch of road and resurfacing and realignment needs to be carried out as a matter of urgency,’ said Cllr. Welby. ‘€1.5 million was allocated from the NRA in the current year for the completion of these works and this was the largest allocation for any works on the N59 in 2008.

Killary Loop Walk Funding The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, announced on July 18th that funding of up to €4,329,125 has been allocated under Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund to 27 tourism projects around the country.

In Co. Galway, funding has been given to Killary Harbour Coastal looped Walk. Grant aid of 75% of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €86,250, has been given towards the establishment of a Killary Harbour Costal Looped walk, beginning at Tullyconnor Bridge and extending to the trail head at the small quay at Rosroe. This is a low level route through spectacular scenery on mostly well established tracks and trails, and includes Ireland’s only natural fjord.

The route includes views of Killary Harbour, Mweelrea Mountains and the village of Leenane.

The focus of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which was launched in 2007, is on supporting local authorities and other key infrastructure providers to develop appropriate facilities for tourists. It targets facilities such as walking and cycling routes, jetties and moorings, angling stands, access paths to key areas of environmental and scenic interest, and signposting and orientation facilities in heritage and historic towns.

Funding withdrawn from “Neadu” Cllr Catherine Connolly has said the decision by Minister Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to withdraw funding from the organisation Neadu makes absolutely no sense. This is an organisation that has actively sought, through its various activities throughout Connemara, to promote both the love of and use of the Irish Language. These activities include parents’ groups, playgroups for children and Irish Language classes.

On a very small budget the organisation has achieved wonderful results. Cllr Connolly said she has met some of the mothers who have benefited from the parents’ groups and language classes and their anger and disappointment is palpable.

“The actual amount of money in question (approximately €70,000), is very small in the overall scheme of things” she said. “Moreover the withdrawal/reduction in funds to this

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originally turned down last year. The plans are for a threestorey office building.

Clifden

Irish Night Memorial A special Irish Night will take place at the Town Hall in Clifden on Tuesday August 26th remembering Noreen Mahon Mangan. As many will know, Noreen herself was a keen and excellent Irish dancer. All musicians and dancers are welcome, so come along and support this Irish night.

Entertainment begins at 9pm and a great night of music and dancing is guaranteed.

Credit Union Gets Planning

The Cashel-Connemara Credit Union was granted planning permission to rebuild their Clifden property after being

Lidl Move to Build

The German discount retailer Lidl is understood to be pricing contractors to begin work on the construction of their new store in Tullyvoheen on the South side of the road, between the ESB offices and P and B Pryce’s Shop. If work begins in the next month, the store could be open for business by early 2009.

Clifden Town Hall

ARC (Area Renewal Company) Clifden is the association responsible for the refurbishment and development of the Clifden Town Hall. It is a limited company and registered charity formed in 2006 to oversee the development and refurbishment of the Hall as a regional Arts and Culture centre.

Extensive work has been undertaken at the West wing of the Clifden Town Hall where a spacious meeting room, office, kitchen and toilet facilities are now complete. Some minor building works are outstanding on the lower floor but it is anticipated that this will be carried out over the summer and this space will then be used for group activities and in particular will provide a space for young people. ARC also hopes to be in a position to offer this facility to other community/voluntary groups in the area to hold their meetings.

The centre will be used by the group to plan the next phase of the town hall renovation project, with Yeats Architects supervising a tendering process, whereby builders will be asked to give estimated costs for the project. The project will involve the renovation of the existing body of the hall and the demolition and new build at the East end of the building. The group has also made an application to the Pobal community services programme to support the employment of a staff member who would co-ordinate activities from the office in the centre.

The committee would welcome all support for their Irish Nights’ programme over the summer as the funds generated

through this fund raising activity supports the progress of the project.

The committee would like to sincerely thank those local businesses that gave most generously to the local contribution fund. This money will continue to be used to match state funding in furthering the progress of the project.

Photo: Some of the ARC Committee Members in the Meeting Room of the West Wing of the Clifden Town Hall.

Back (l-r): Fr. James Ronayne, Eily Vaughan, Mary Hickey, Val Mahon. Front (l-r): Mary Kirby, Pat Walshe, Breda Coneys and Carmel Lyden.

minister and Council officials felt the delays were due to the significant back log of waste water plants awaiting approval throughout the country. The Clifden plan has been with the Dept of Environment since January and it still hasn’t been reviewed or approved by them. Minister O’Cuiv has promised to intervene and we should have news on the time frame planned for our new sewerage system and water supply system within the next month.

Other items discussed included the Town Development Plan, of which the draft plan should be ready for public viewing by September; and the N59, where the design plans will be approved by the end of this year with a clear 10year plan of action. The Chamber also discussed the various grants that have been applied for which would include a Connemara Pony Centre of Excellence and an Enterprise Development Centre. Both Minister O’Cuiv and Martina Moloney have agreed to help us with these projects through grants for feasibility studies, and possible land availability.

The Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge the support of Minister O’Cuiv, Cllr Josie Conneely, Cllr Sean Kyne and the Galway County Council in the many projects that the Chamber is working on. This meeting continues our agreed six monthly meetings with Galway County Council.

Clifden Chamber of Commerce was delighted to welcome The West Run Vintage Car Rally to Clifden on the 26th July.

The cars on display were truly spectacular and the loving care of the owners was evident on each car. The Chamber would like to acknowledge Paddy Pryce for his great work in bringing the West Run to Clifden, all the volunteers who gave of their time on the day, Clifden Station House for their support, and the Connemara Pony Breeders Society for the use of the Show Field for the parking and display of the cars.

The Chamber is now working on the Calendar of Events for 2009. A meeting is being planned for early September, where we would welcome all suggestions on working together for 2009 in Connemara. If you would like your Organisation’s details included in our Programme, or if you would like to be represented at this meeting, please contact Michele Hehir on 087 0520295 or email michele@clifdenchamber.ie.

The Chamber would like to remind all its members of the outstanding Marketing Fund requests. Particularly in today’s economic climate we need to increase our efforts to ensure Clifden and the surrounding area remains a key destination for holidaymakers. Without the continued support of the members there can be no collective effort by the Chamber to promote Clifden and create events to attract tourism. To this end, we are asking all businesses in the Clifden area to contribute towards the implementation of an effective marketing and promotion of Clifden fund.

Chamber News

Clifden Chamber met with Galway County Council this month. Those present were Minister Éamon Ó’Cuiv; Martina Moloney, County Manager; Evan Molloy, Galway County Council; Jim Cullen, Director of Service, Environment and Water Services Unit ; John Morgan, Director of Service, Roads and Transportation Unit; TJ Redmond, Galway County Council ; Cllr Josie Conneely and Cllr Sean Kyne. The chamber were represented by Gerard King, Declan Mannion and Michele Hehir.

The water and sewerage issues were among the more serious items that were discussed. The Council updated the Chamber on the current status. A temporary treatment plant is still an option, given that the Dept of Environment still haven’t approved the full treatment plant plans. The tenders for the temporary works are all now back with the Council and should this plan proceed (it is not guaranteed), then work may commence early in 2009. The earliest date for this temporary plant to be treating Clifden’s wastewater would be autumn 2009. The Chamber again expressed its disappointment with what appears the slow pace of progress, but the

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Who’s the Birthday Boy? A couple of friends of the handsome gent above sent in this photo from overseas. They would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to this Clifden man, pictured with his racy sports car circa 1960. Any ideas on who this might be? Give us a shout on (095) 22888 or news@connemaraview.com to see if you’re right!

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Library News Readers of the Month June: Luke Kelly July: Amy Horan (see photos) Scoil Mhuire Poem The pupils of 3rd class Scoil Mhuire recently presented Clifden Library with a book of poems written by them during the school year. In the coming months I hope to include some of their brilliant work in the library news. The book of poems is available to see and read at the library.

The poems illustrate different forms of poetry e.g. ‘lunes’. A lune is a poem with 3 lines; the first line has 3 words; the second line 5 words and the third line 3 words.

“Rugby” by Fionn Heffernan I play it; It is a contact sport; It is fun.

Here is an example of a rhyming poem “I Am A Cat” by Niamh Black I am a cat And my name is Pat I am lovely and white But I have very bad eyesight I have fun In the sun I love to play in Spain Because there is no rain

I love to chase a little rat But some times he can be a brat Right now I live in Rome Where I am writing this poem.

Reading Challenge The summer reading challenge is now well under way; Clifden library has over 90 children taking part. They are reading some great books- the theme this year is sports and teams-writing book reports and doing projects based on this year’s Olympic games in Beijing, China.

The Connemara Libraries, Clifden, Letterfrack, Leenane and Roundstone, have teamed up to bring our younger members a fabulous summer competition. Just take a photo which you think shows ‘ Summer in Connemara’ and submit it to your local library together with the special entry form available at the library. Each library will select a winner, from which one overall winner will receive the top prize of a Digital camera. This prize is funded jointly by Galway County Libraries and funds from the Annual Youth in Action Fun Run. A special thanks to both our sponsors for this wonderful prize. Bernie Jeffries

Local Sports Clubs Grants Connemara Rugby Football club has received a grant of €50,000 from the Sports Capital Fund, run by the Department of Arts, Tourism and Sports. Naomh Feichin GAA Club Clifden also received funding of €20,000 under the programme.

Running for the RNLI Pictured is Gemma Ward of Clifden who raised €1049 for the RNLI and Clifden Lifeboat by running in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. It was the second time Gemma completed the Minin Marathon, having run in aid of Cancer Care West in 2004.

Letter to the Editor Concerned about My Future To whom it may concern, It was with wonder and concern that I received the rumour that the Saint Anne’s Nursing Home at Clifden was to partially close.

I just couldn’t believe it. I thought to myself, if anything it should be expanding. Aren’t we listening to the statistics every day that the population is getting older and it’s more beds in nursing homes we’ll need, not less.

I knew that eight beds were closed there but was assured that they would open again as soon as essential repairs had been completed. I understand that as yet they have not re-opened. This rumour stated that all the residents of the top floor were in danger of having to be moved from St. Anne’s to other accommodation.

Kingstown N.S. Graduation Sixth Class students of Kingstown National School who graduated in July 2008.

Photo (l-r): Back: Darren Burke, Evan Mannion, James O’Toole, Fionnuala Heaney (Principal), T.J. Berry, Sarah Pickard. Front: Kevin Mullen, Noel Leggett, Benny Corbett, Brian Coohill, Alan Conroy. Absent from photo is Jason Canavan.

The Clifden Branch of the RNLI are extremely grateful to Gemma for this amazing donation, which is a fantastic amount for one individual to have raised.

Where this new accommodation was to be, no one was quite certain as the next nearest public nursing home is St. Francis’s in Galway City. There are, of course, nursing homes in Moycullen and Carna, but these are private homes. Who or how would a person finance going to one of these?

I hope for our sake as a community, that the facility of Saint Anne’s Nursing Home will not be closing, either partially or fully. If it does, what hope for us is there in our old age. Where will we go when we need this facility? I always hoped that I would be able to live out my last days in comfort in Clifden where I lived all my life, and if it were necessary to avail of a nursing home, that St. Anne’s would be there for me.

We as a community cannot let this facility slip away from us.

I hope for all our sakes that the rumour has no real truth in it, but as with all rumours, there is never smoke without fire.

I hope that someone will be able to clarify this rumour for us and inform us as to whether it is true or false and how it started.

Yours concerned, Brigid O Neill, Clifden

Farewell to St. Anne’s Nurse St Anne’s C.N.U. Staff Nurse Ancy George was photographed recently with one of the home’s residents Peter Carroll. Ancy has been with the St Anne’s team for a while now but has been offered a permanent position at Merlin Park hospital, Galway. While the staff and residents of St Anne’s are sad to see her leave, they would like to wish Ancy the very best in her new job, and thank her for her work-she will be missed.

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Ballyconneely

Forum Summer Camp Pictured are some happy fun-loving kids who took part in the Forum Summer Camp in Ballyconneely recently. Photos: Abby McCarthy and Natasha Higgins. Fin CroxfordO’Rafferty. Natasha Higgins and Abby McCarthy with co-ordinator Dearbhla Flynn.

their cooperation and assistance on the night.

Photos: Paul Lee presents the Ladies Cup to Annie O’Carroll; Winning crew.

Zetland Pub Reopens

Carna The closure of the Carna Lighting Factory after 32 years in existence has dealt another blow to employment in the area. Four full time workers and one part time workes lost their jobs as a result of the closure. There is now only one company involved in industrial work on the Údarás na Gaeltachta estate in Carna.

Cashel

Sea Angling Competition

There was widespread celebration in Cashel with the opening of the public bar in the Zetland Hotel on 26th June. The new owner is Wexford native Colm Redmond and he decided to reopen the bar to facilitate the local people who have been without a local hostelry since the closure of Boulger’s Fireside Bar in October 2006. The new bar will be known as Johnny O’Loughlins and since mid July it has also been serving bar food and has enjoyed a steady trade in its first month .

Photos: Declan Ridge, Jacinta Coyne, Brendan Fallon and John Joyce at the opening of Johnny O’Loughlin’s pub in Cashel.

Table Quiz

The Annual Cashel Sea Anglers Fishing competition took place in beautiful weather conditions on Sunday 27th July. There was a good entry for this ever popular event with 15 crews participating, three to a boat, with the start at 10am and the weigh in at 5pm at Lettercamps Pier. The winning crew were Paraic Cloherty, Marty Keaney and Seamus Cloherty with an overall weight of 505.95 lbs and they were presented with the Johnny McDonagh Perpetual Cup by his nephew Sean McInerny. In second place was the crew of Conor Folan, Peter Conroy and Tommy Sullivan with 272.5 lbs and in third place were the crew of Francis Nee, Edward Folan and Brian Staunton with 331.95 lbs. In 4th place were the team of Michael Cunningham, Brian Cunningham and Michael Cunningham Junior with 318.70 lbs., and 5th place was Eugene O’Carroll, Annie O’Carroll and Mickey Mannion with 173.5 lbs.

In the other categories, the Ladies Cup was won by Annie O Carroll. The Species Prize went to the boat of Marty Keaney who had six species. The heaviest fish went to Paraic Cloherty with a 6lb 6 oz pollock and the U18 Prize went to Tommy Sullivan from Inishnee with Michael Cunningham Jnr in second place. Thanks to the Cashel Sea Anglers committee of Paul Lee, Eugene O’Carroll, Sean Brennan, Michael Moylan and Bernard Lee for organising the event, Phil Cloherty for recording the weights, Sean Nee and Mary Ellen McDonagh for assisting at the weigh-in area, Matt Casey and Patrick Lydon who were in charge of the safety boat for the day, all those who donated raffle prizes or money for the event and generally all who contributed in any way to making the event a huge success. The day was rounded off with music, dance and refreshments in the recently opened Johnny O’Loughlin’s Bar and the Angling committee would like to thank owner Colm Redmond and his staff for

A table quiz fundraiser for the CashelRecess Soccer Club was held in Johnny O’Loghlen’s Pub on July 25th. In all, 8 teams took part and after a keenly fought contest the winners were Joe Folan, Marie Keady, Stephen O’Toole and John Joyce with a winning score of 84 points. The runners up were the team of Michael Ward, Marie Ward, and Trevor Northage with a score of 79 points. The quiz organisers were Bernard Lee and JJ Sheehan and they would like to thank prize sponsors Colm Redmond, Tommy Joe Joyce grocers Recess and Brid Hopkins of Tigh Festys Recess. The quiz raised €280 for the club who would also like to thank all the participants for their support. Photo: Winning team in table quiz.

Youth in Action Photo: Group who attended Cashel Summer Camp organised by Youth In Action.

St Teresa’s NS.

Photo; parents with the 6th class pupils of St Teresas NS on their final school day News and photos courtesy of Bernard Lee

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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Cleggan/Claddaghduff Claddaghduff NS

2008 School Yearbook This year the students of the senior room at Claddaghduff National School took on a new project and created the 2008 School Yearbook. The yearbook turned out very well.

It is a lovely keepsake for the children and is full of happy memories, stories and pictures, as well as information on the various different events that took place in the 2007-2008 school year. There is also a fun crossword puzzle, word sleuth, nature quiz and sudoku to keep the brainpower going during the summer!

Hopefully next year, work on the yearbook project will begin a little earlier and the junior classes will get a chance to contribute also.

This year the staff and pupils are saying goodbye to Sarah, Eileen, Shannon, Erin, Laura, Lisa, Kevin, Cian, Ryan, Emmet, James and Danny. We wish you the very best in everything you do in the future. We will definitely miss you all.

Claddaghduff N.S. Parents Association

There will be a Summer Fete held at Claddaghduff Hall on Sunday, August 10th at 2:00pm. Great fun and games for all, Face Painting, Giant Cake Sale, Toys, Books, Crafts, Tombola, Bric-a-brac and lots of other attractions!! All proceeds are in aid of Claddaghduff N.S. so come along and join in the fun and show your support!

Dorothy Conneely

Foroige Grant

The Cleggan/Claddaghduff Foroige Club has received a grant of €2000 from the Sports Capital Programme run by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism.

Big Money Win!

Congratulations to Josie Coneys of Aughrisbeg, Cleggan,

Killannin The Launch of the Killannin Community Pitch Race Night was held on Thursday 31st July in the Galway Greyhound Track.

Pictured before the event are Sandra O’Connor, Christy Fahy, Mark Carr and Fr Martin Moran along with some enthusiastic local children and “Tess’s Little One”-a local greyhound. who won €24,500 on the National Lottery Big Money Game Show on Saturday July 19th. She is pictured here with Eddie Banville, Head of Marketing at the National Lottery and Big Money Show presenter Laura Woods. The winning ticket was bought from The Paper Shop, Clifden.

Leenane Planning Permission has been granted for the construction of a new bridge in Leenane and it is hoped that the new bridge could be built by the end of this year. A temporary bridge and traffic light system has been in place since the collapse of the bridge due to severe flooding and weather conditions last year. A permanent solution is welcomed and anticipated by the people of the area.

Letterfrack

Singing ‘n’ stringing Connemara West in Letterfrack was host to the Ceol na Mara summer school, which took place in their newly built crèche from July 21st-25th. Over thirty string players attended the five-day course which was organised by musicians from the Irish Chamber Orchestra and RTE Concert Orchestra among others. Masterminded by the violinist, Oonagh Keogh, the course was designed to introduce fiddle players (and violists and cellists) to the fun of ensemble playing. With the participants ranging from young beginners to teenagers already studying for their diplomas to older people who used to play and want to revise their (under-practised) skills, it was a highly enjoyable and hard-working week. Continued on next page

Toddle in the Park The Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos took place in the Connemara National Park on Saturday 19th of July.

The toddlers had lots of fun and €405 was raised for the charity.

Pictured (l-r) are toddlers Tiernan Walsh, Alannah O’Donoghue, Oscar Aspell, Aoife Keane, AvaDiane Forrester, Rebecca Mulkerrins, Leora and Abigail Morahan. Also pictured are Oscar’s brother and sister Niall and Ciara Aspell. Photo

by Caroline Herriott.

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Letterfrack

Singing ‘n’ stringing continued The tutors included Dr. Geraldine O’Grady with her husband Des Keogh, a familiar face for many years in Renvyle, and her sisters Sheila (string coach to the Irish National Youth Orchestra) and Eily (harpist, pianist). They were joined by Annette Cleary, cellist, and Oghran O’Casaide, known for both his traditional fiddle playing and his orchestral work. The line-up was completed by Mairead Ni Flahatha, from Carraroe, teaching Sean-Nos singing.

Throughout the week the pupils learned to improve their sight-reading, playing string quartet arrangements of music from cha-chas to ragtime, from Bach and Handel to Schubert and Faure. They had come from Dublin and Limerick and Waterford and all the places in-between and worked together to perform a final concert on the Friday evening.

The Teach Ceol was packed to enjoy some of the younger players switch between playing jigs and reels, to singing songs of the Sean-Nos tradition, to improvising their own composition on percussion. There was some superb playing from the teenagers who had all played in orchestras before, but rarely, if ever, in a small group. Even the “oldies” amazed themselves with how far they had come in four and a half days. Des Keogh compered the show with wit and charm, astonishing even his daughter by the fluency of his Irish!

Two weeks before this summer school, the Con Tempo Quartet from Galway had run a similar residential course in Kylemore Abbey. Their concert took place in the Gothic Church, and delighted many unsuspecting tourists who happened to visit the Abbey that lunchtime. Bell ringing alternated with cello ensembles, and string orchestras. No wonder the visitors were startled and appreciative in equal measure!

Ceol na Mara is intending to run another course next year. The value of this type of extra-curricula learning is incalculable. If you are a fiddler who plays entirely from ear, or a frustrated “if only I’d kept up my music” person with a instrument in the attic, then this might be just the spur to reignite your love of music-making.

Eithne Hannigan

EASA in Letterfrack

Starting on the 9th and through to the 24th of August, more than 400 students from more than 45 countries will be based in GMIT Letterfrack for the 28th European Architecture Students Assembly. The students will participate in a variety of workshops addressing the theme of ‘Adaptation,’ which aims to deal with the significant changes in Irish society over the last 20 years.

As part of this exciting assembly will be a significant program of lectures, screenings and exhibitions. The organizers of the assembly would like to take this opportunity to invite members of the public to attend the programme of events taking place in and around GMIT Letterfrack listed below. Public engagement is a critical aspect of the assembly and the organizing team welcomes all visitors to our events.

There may be a limit to places available, the organizers advise attendees to arrive early in order to avoid disappointment.

Visitors should note that times, dates and venues might be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.easa008.ie or contact the organizers directly at (086) 8859747.

Film Screening: ‘Kings’ Wed 13th August 16:30-18:00, AV Room, Connemara National Park. In conjunction with our Flux Culture workshop which aims to deal with issues of migration and its effects on the built environment, EASA Ireland will be screening this 2007 award-winning Irish film.

Lecture: Michael Gibbons Archaeologist Wed 13th August, 20:00-21:00, GMIT Letterfrack, Connemara. Local Archaeologist Michael Gibbons will give an in-depth lecture on the history, topography and archaeology of Connemara.

Lecture: O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects Thurs 14th August, 19:00-21:00, GMIT Letterfrack, Connemara. Leading Irish architects Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey, designers of the Letterfrack Furniture College, will discuss the college and present other recent projects and buildings.

Their practice has been selected for more than 50 national and international awards and commendations over the past 20 years and has been shortlisted as finalist for major European awards on several occasions.

Lecture: Andrew Griffin, JDS Architects Sat 16th August, 19:00-21:00, GMIT Letterfrack, Connemara. Julien DeSmedt Architects of Copenhagen, Brussels and Stockholm are a multi-disciplinary architecture and design practice working on a variety of scales from planning to furniture design projects. Young Dublin architect Andrew Griffin, partner in JDS, will present recent builds and projects from around the world.

Lecture: Richard Murphy Architects Mon 18th August, 14:00-16:00, GMIT Letterfrack, Connemara. Richard Murphy founded his practice in 1991. Its early reputation was built on highly crafted and innovative domestic work in the Edinburgh area. The practice has since won an unprecedented 15 RIBA Awards. Richard Murphy Architects have also completed several projects in the West of Ireland. As a student Richard Murphy organised the first EASA assembly in Liverpool in 1981. He now returns to the West of Ireland to visit EASA in its 28th year and present recent projects.

Lecture: Dominic Stevens Architect Tues 19th August, 19:00-21:00, GMIT Letterfrack, Connemara. Dominic Stevens is an internationally respected Irish architect and academic based in County Leitrim known for his studies and works on the Irish rural condition. Landscape, vernacular traditions and the rural economy all play a part in his distinctive architecture. He is well-known for his 2007 publication, ‘Rural,’ discussing the Irish home in the countryside and his ‘Fluidcity,’ contribution to the Venice Biennale in 2006. He will present recent projects, buildings and areas of investigation.

Workshop Tours Wed 20th August, 14:00-16:00, GMIT Letterfrack, Connemara. Members of the public are invited to visit Letterfrack and see first-hand and discuss the student workshops in progress including a number of ambitious built projects, small interventions and several artistic and theoretical groups.

EASA Final Exhibition Opening 23rd August, 15:00-20:00, GMIT @ Letterfrack, Connemara. The results of all the student workshops will be documented, assembled and exhibited in a final exhibition alongside the results of the EASA Student photography competition in Ellis Hall. Th exhibition will be on show at the campus until September 1st.

Maam

Golden Mile of Maam The Maam Women’s Group has entered the Tullaghy Road in the Golden Mile of Galway Competition 2008.

Every year community groups from all over County Galway choose a road in their area and enter it in the competition.

There are 5 Golden Mile awards which can be won each

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August 7, 2008

year: The mile showing best potential, best natural heritage mile, best built heritage mile, best litter free and safe mile, and the Tony Dervan, R.I.P., Award for Community Effort.

The Women’s Group won an award for the Curr Road in 2005, the Tiernakill Road (North) in 2006 and the Drimsnave Road in 2007. These miles were featured in the annual Golden Mile of Galway Calendar, which is produced every year by the Heritage Department of Galway County Council.

Joyce Country Echo

The community newsletter, Joyce Country Echo, (Summer issue), will be in shops in Joyce Country at the end of August. It contains local news, poetry, a competition and articles on sports, hill climbing, fund raising for charity and much more.

Mamean

The pilgrimage to Mamean took place on Sunday, 3rd of August. Stations of the Cross was followed by Mass at 3pm.

Father Miceal McGreil who is the Guardian of Mamean and Coiste Mamean have carried out improvements around the Church and the new stained glass windows have been installed. This work has been carried out by workers on the Rural Social Scheme.

Cemetery Mass

There will be a Mass in Breenane Cemetery on Friday, 8th August at 7pm. Breenane Graveyard and Ultagh Beaga Graveyard at Mounterowen are over 200 years old and date from Famine times.

Golf News

Congratulations to Terry Keenan, Maam, who won the (Peter Veldon) Captain’s Prize in the Connemara Golf Club on the 13th of July. Terry finished with a score of 104 to win by half a shot. This is the first time that the Captain’s Prize has come to Maam Valley.

21st Birthday

Congratulations and Happy 21st Birthday to Aoife Joyce, Curr, Maam who celebrates her birthday with a party for family and friends in Kilmilkin Bar on Friday, August 8th.

Sympathy

Deepest Sympathy to Ann Coyne, Carrowhakeen, Clonbur on the death of her husband, Miceal, formerly from Curr, Maam.

Deepest Sympathy to Brid and John Joe Hopkins on the death of their grand-niece, baby daughter of Maire Treasa and Paul Lydon, Cross.

Maam Cross Mart News

Maam Cross Mart, Connemara, is under new management and it is getting tremendous support from the Farmers of the region with a notable supply of stock coming from our near neighbours in Mayo. We at Maam Cross Mart are fully convinced that the stock being sold here has great potential for breeding or fattening.

Since re-opening the Mart on May 24th last the numbers of cattle and sheep being offered for sale are on a steady increase each week. The mart begins at 11am (sharp) each Saturday morning with the sale of sheep, followed afterwards by the cattle sale. Farmers can now book both cattle and sheep in on a Thursday night if they wish on a designated phone line 091-552254 from 4pm -8pm, thus reducing the scramble for pens on the morning of sale At a recent meeting with both farmers and buyers, the management of the mart have drawn up a Calendar of Special Sales for the remainder of 2008, in conjunction with our weekly sales. With the continued support of our Farmers and Buyers, we are sure these sales will be successful, and so enhance and highlight the standard of stock from this part of the Country. At this meeting sheep farmers were asked to pay special attention to the balanced penning of their sheep so as to offer all intending buyers the best possible choice.

It was also asked that all sheep be penned by 10am so as to give buyers an opportunity to select and handle what pens they would like to bid for. Continued on next page

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

Maam Cross

Mart News continued When asked about the future potential for farming in Connemara, Eoin Burke replied “it is up to every farmer to try and produce the best stock possible, and in order to do this and to tie in with the new regulations which are set to be introduced for breeding ewes in Connemara, it is vital that top quality Blackfaced Mountain Rams be maintained in the flock”. “Otherwise” he said, “we are set to lose a part of our identity”.

Eoin, who is a member of the well known Ti Bhurcha Family in Clonbur, along with his wife Brid, says they are committed to making this a success, and he assures all buyers and sellers attending the sale in Maam Cross that they will receive a “céad mile fáilte” on arrival.

The following are the special sale dates for August: Aug 17th: Connemara Pony sale, Catalogued and Passport required (Closing date for entries Aug 12th). Maam Cross, synonymous with the Connemara Pony, is looking forward to a very good quality sale.

Aug 30th: Special Store Lamb Sale. Again as our Buyers can verify, this type lamb, once dosed and introduced to green pastures has proven a very viable lamb.

For more information on sales or the Mart contact Eoin Burke on 087 7714555.

Oughterard

Grant for Oughterard AFC A grant of €80,000 from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism to Oughterard A.F.C. has been very well received. It is part of the Government’s Sports Capital Funding programme.

Roundstone

Roundstone Pony Show Rain before seven, fine by eleven… So the saying goes and as the morning of the Pony Show dawned and we looked out at the rain, I’m sure that many of us were offering it up with great optimism for the day ahead!

At the showground the team were putting the very last finishing touches for the day, to what must be the most spectacular and beautiful Pony Show venue in the world, where the noble Connemara Pony blends naturally into its surroundings of mountains, sea and bog, from whence it was first born.

You could sense too, the encouragement and passion of those involved with the first ever Pony Show in Roundstone back in 1924, echoing down the ages. By 9.45 all was ready for the 10.00 prompt start. We pride ourselves on our time keeping! The judges, Msr. Louis Philibert from France and Mrs. Olivia Haslett from England stepped into the ring to begin the judging and as they did so the heavens parted as the rain blew away.

The total number of entries this year was up by 10%. All classes were stronger than ever before, with entries from all over the country. One visitor from England commented on the very high standard of ponies entered and also on the size of the classes which are very much “recession hit” across the water. But it seems that not even the threat of recession here can part man and his passion for the Connemara Pony.

In the other rings we had the sheep judging with Michael Madighan and Roger Walsh, commentator Damien Connolly, Sir Roger Thompson was the Judge for the dogs, with Mary Banotti as commentator. All in all the ponies, sheep and the dogs drew a huge crowd. The ringsides were packed, it

was a real family day out with plenty for everyone to see and enjoy. Then the winners and the Supreme and Reserve Champions were paraded through the village, to end off a great day. I feel sure that Paddy the Yank would like to thank everybody who played a part in its preparation and to those who helped out on the day. It has to be said; the community in so many ways benefits from this extraordinary event, good job Paddy.

Church Repairs

On July 13th Nora King and her team had a sale of work to go towards the church repairs, they raised a staggering €4,380.03!

This will certainly put a smile on Father McCarthy’s face. Now there were 21 Raffle prizes, don’t worry not going through the whole lot, just the first three: the Brown envelope was won by Justin Dixon, the luxury Hamper, Shauna Lowry Prenga; a painting from Kings Gallery, Michael Sullivan, Innishnee. Nora particularly wanted me to thank everybody who made items and donated items for the sale. It’s wonderful how the community comes together when we have to fight for something, well done ladies.

Table Quiz

On Saturday July 26th, a table quiz was held in the Roundstone House Hotel, courtesy of Siobhan Vaughan and her family. In fact Siobhan arranged all the questions, and was very active to make sure that we had at least 17 tables. The questions were very good, but still required some careful thinking for the answers!

The idea of the quiz was to raise enough money for the Kids Community Games which is due to be held on the last Sunday of August, the 31st.The event was highly successful, and was, as always, good fun-the whole atmosphere was electrifying with all the outrageous banter. Johnny Sheehan over the years has paid out of his own pocket for the said games, so thank you everybody that supported the event and Johnny. There is now enough money in the kitty, without Johnny having to put monies out of his own pocket for the next community games.

The winning team was Michael Harty’s team, “Bring back the Baileys Cheese Cake” with 66 points, 2nd was our own Josephine Roaches Team “ The Ballyrubick Breaststrokers”. The losing team was the “Owen Chucks”, Maureen Cadmus, Imelda and Geraldine de Courcey, and Rose O’Reilly.

They were given a bottle of whisky (to drown their sorrows) and I think they won something for the best team title. All in all a cracker of a night-well done to all those in the Roundstone House Hotel. Great Craic.

Perhaps they might consider doing it again before the end of the season.

Defibrillator A public Meeting took place at the Roundstone House Hotel Tuesday 29th July at 9pm, for an update on the Village Defibrillator project, and to discuss CPR training and Defibrillator training. To date we have in the Defibrillator account with the post office the sum of €4,650, a little short of the target, but we will get there.

Roundstone Regatta

perimeter of my grounds. Now is the dilemma of how to bring them home, a nice little challenge; perhaps they will come home to roost on their own. There was supposed to be a bat walk here during this year’s arts week, but had to cancel that event since there were no bats, so fingers crossed for next year.

Stable Gallery

An exhibition of paintings by Fionntan Gogharty and Sea Oak Sculptures by Robert

The regatta was as always a great success.

An interesting little bit of information-the Under 14’s Two Oar was won by Alan Conneely and partner Cormac Mongan. It was Alan’s birthday, so therefore he was born on Regatta day 7 years ago, how very meaningful to have won his race with Cormac. In second place were Cian Conneely and Ian McDonagh, so well done lads from Roundstone.

Birthday Wishes

Ronan Creane and Shauna Lowry reached their 30th birthdays recently, so happy birthday guys, I am sure you celebrated the event in good style, in fact I know you did!

Errisbeg House Bats

I was telling you the story some months back of how I lost my bats from the house, owing to roof repairs last year. However, I was lent a bat detector from Melinda Swan and recently, walking around the grounds, I found them not so far away, still within the

Jocelyn are currently on show at Errisbeg House. We had a fantastic wine and food reception on Saturday August 2nd, which was opened by Mary Banotti and the exhibition is ongoing so please drop by to see these amazing works of art. Pictured are Robert Jocelyn, Mary Banotti and Fionntan Gogharty at the opening.

Richard de Stacpoole

Jamie Conneely Memorial Cup Pictured above are a group of local children who took part in the Jamie Conneely Memorial Cup at Gurteen recently.

Dogs Bay

At long last the huge pile of rubbish was taken off the beach on Dogs Bay on Friday 25th. My thanks to the beach committee and James Conneely in helping us to have access with a tractor and trailer to go directly on to the beach to load up the pile. Frank O’Donnell was at the helm of his tractor to help clear it and dump it at the Dogs Bay Car park and it took two hours in the early hours of the morning to complete the work.

My thanks to the Galway County Council, and our Community Warden Tommy Sullivan, to finally have it all taken away.

Hopefully another pile up on the beach of this level will never happen again and now that we have better access it will make life a lot easier to have regular clean ups.

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Naomh Feichin U 12’s-Victorious at Croker!

We set off on our adventure to the home of GAA at the very early time of 5 am, and arrived in Dublin at 10am. The weather didn’t let us down, with a great sunny day in Dublin. We began with a tour of the Stadium and then went for a meal. After that, the teams went into the dressing rooms to change and get ready, in the very same place where all the great teams and their players have done before.

Going into the tunnel and leading the teams onto the Croke Park pitch was something that none of us will ever forget. The cheers of all the parents and supporters that had travelled with us for this great day could be heard all around. The Naomh Feichin Under 12s have certainly done their club proud. The players and coaches had put in weeks of training in the GAA Go Games for this moment. We had a total of three matches

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August 7, 2008

to play and the talented and energetic Naomh Feichin sides won all three games. The club and players can hold their heads high with the outstanding performances and skills they displayed on the day. So look out for the future stars of Galway Football because after getting a taste of the big time, they all want to return to Croke Park as senior county players some day!

Ann Mitchell Photos: Team shown in their new jerseys sponsored by the Clifden Chamber of Commerce. Action shots: Christopher Reilly, Caherlistrane, Galway, in action against Emmet Madden, Clifden. Ryan Maher, Clifden, goes up against Rory Connellan, Caherlistrane, Galway. Photos courtesy of sportsfile.com.

Connemara SportsView

Clifden Cúl Camp Clifden GAA Juvenile Club hosted the annual VHI GAA Summer Cúl Camp at the Clifden GAA pitch from the 14th to the 18th of July.

Over 150 children participated in the Camp under the watchful eyes of Ian Thornton and his coaches.

Special thanks must go to Joe Lynch of Super Valu and James Sullivan of Sullivans, for providing refreshments for the children. Thanks to Richard Bartley for the use of his car and also to JJ Lambert.

Head Coach Ian Thornton said afterwards “The children were a credit to their parents and their schools”.

Galway footballers Niall Coyne and Gary Sice were kept busy signing autographs and coaching the children as well, so many thanks to those lads for coming along.

Last but not least, thanks to Wilson at the Station House Bar for providing after camp lunch for the coaches.

Once again the Summer Cúl Camp was a great success, thanks to the hard work of all the coaches and organizers involved, and the enthusiasm and energy of the kids who took part. We look forward to hosting the camp again in the future.

Photo above left: The Clifden GAA Cúl Camp Organisers and Coaches (L-r): Jimmy Gavin, Niall Coyne, Cathal Sweeney, Paul Fitzpatrick, Patrick Sweeney, Diarmuid Gavin, Ian Thornton, Amy Duggan, Emily Gibbons, Katie Coohill. Absent from photo: Ciaran Queally.

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Cúl Camp 2008 Oughterard A very successful Gaelic Football camp took place in the Corribdale grounds from 7th to the 11th July. The turnout was excellent with 63 kids taking part from age 7 to 12. Local GAA officer Ian Thornton and his fellow coaches provided an excellent programme of fun and games while improving the skills at the same time. The children all agreed it was great fun and received a full Cúl Camp set of gear and gear bag at the end of a very enjoyable week. Photo courtesy of Harry Walsh.

Hurling Camp The first ever Hurling Camp that was held recently in Clifden. 42 children took part from Clifden, Roundstone, Tullycross, Claddaghduff, Cleggan, and Ballyconneely. As the hurling officer for the year, Michael Gallagher will be going around to the Schools in September teaching and coaching hurling with the students. He will also be coming to the Clifden GAA Grounds in September to cater for secondary school students after school times.

Photos coutesy of Brian Lawless.

Conamara edged out in Junior Football Showdown Roscommon 2-18 Conamara 3-12 The ever impressive and hardworking Conamara ladies may have been narrowly defeated by Roscommon in a

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thrilling Connacht Junior Ladies football final, but can hold their heads high as they continue to excel as an inter-county force. To reach the final at the first time of asking is surely an outstanding achievement in itself, and the determined and inspired display that the Conamara side gave had Roscommon on the back foot at many times throughout the final. Last minute heartbreak is too often common in games like this, and Conamara were devastated by a lucky goal from Roscommon sub Emer Casey 3 minutes into injury time.

Conamara came to this final regarded as underdogs by many, but with a lead of 2-7 to 0-5 by the 17th minute this perception was quickly disappearing. Shaken by this Conamara surge, Roscommon brought on their big guns by bringing on a number of their first choice players and the Roscommon side began to clock up the scores, catching Conamara. Conamara continued to rally however, and it was a neck and neck encounter from there on in. By the 60th minute it looked as if a replay was on the cards. Roscommon sub Emer Casey shattered that hope when taking a free in the third minute of injury time, resulting in the goal that sealed the result.

While defeat is bitter, Conamara’s performance and grit throughout this competition have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, and can certainly compete with other junior

August 7, 2008

county sides. These players have proven beyond doubt their great ability and skill, and will surely continue to improve and excel in their intentions to join the National Ladies Football League. Paul Gannon Conamara would also like to acknowledge and thank their Official Sponsor, Gannon Sports, Clifden.

Photo(l-r): Back - Pól Ó Gionnáin (Bainisteoir), Ita Seoighe, Bronagh Ní Cheallaigh, Máire Caitlin Ní Chathasaigh, Bríd Nic Dhonnacha, Caroline Ní Loideáin, Gearóidín Ní Tháibhís, Aisling Ní Aodhagáin (Captain), Áine Breathnach, Muiréad Breathnach, Máire Ní Chlochartaigh, Sinéad Ní Aodhagáin (0-5), Deirdre Seoighe, Máire Ní Thuatháil (2-1), Róisín Ní Chnámhsaí (0-2), Val Ní Chaochlaoidh, Katie Ní Chóil. Middle - Aoife Ní Néill, Aisling Ní Fhlannacha, Karen Ní Chatháin, Vanessa Sumner, Philomena Ní Fhlatharta (Captaen 1-0) Orla Breathnach, Mairéad Ní Chadhain (0-3), Helen Ní Mhóráin, Lisa Ní Allúran, Catriona Ní Aodhagáin, Aoife Seoighe, Michelle Ní Dhroighneáin, Martina Ní Chuimín (Bainisteoir). Front -Máirín Ní Fhlatharta, Tine Ní Ógáin, Ríona Ní Tháibhís (Sonóg), Kim Young (0-1), Cora Ní Chonghaile, Fiona Ní Fhlatharta.

Photo courtesy of Paul Gannon

Connemara SportsView

Connemara Golf Results 06/07/08 18 Hole V Par. Sponsored by Dr Ciaran McLoughlin. 1st Irene Quinn (17) Dundalk 3up, 2nd Deirdre Murphy (15) Connemara 2up back 9,Gross Mary O’Reilly (12) Connemara 11down, 3rd Tricia Wilder (23) Connemara 2up. CSS level.

06/07/08 18 Holes V Par, Sponsor: Kitty O’Sheas Bar, 1st:Graham Roberts (18) 6up, 2nd:Dennis McDowell (19) 3up, Gross: Rory Sweeney (4) 2 down, 3rd:Pat Casey (15) 3up CSS – 1 down.

Mr. Peter Veldon 13/07/08 Captain’s Prize. 27 Holes Stroke.

1st: Terry Keenan (18) 104 net, 2nd: Feichin McDonagh (15) 104.5 net Gross: Alan King (11) 125 Gross 3rd: Sean Birmingham (19) 105.5 net 4th: Adam Conroy (18) 107 net 5th: Jonathan Boucher Hayes (18) 109 net 6th: Owen Bonner (12) 110 net Best 18 Holes Michael Fitzpatrick (19) 69 net.

Past Captain’s Hubert De Lappe (25) 112.5 net.

20/07/08 18 Holes Single Stableford , Sponsor Stanley’s, Clifden 1st: Pascal O’ Toole (20) 41pts, 2nd: Pat King(19) 40Pts, Gross: John McLaughlin(6) 31pts, 3rd: Brian Foley(9) 39Pts. CSS: 35Pts. 27/07/08 4 Ball Betterball Stableford, Sponsor: Foyles Hotel, 1st:Tadhg Berkery (28)/Colm Berkery (14) 44Pts2nd: Jim Williams (13)/Philip Walton (16) 43Pts 3rd: Michael Galvin (2)/Tim Hickey (14) 40pts (b9).

27/07/08 18 Holes 4 Ball Betterball, Sponsored by Barry Motors (Breda Barry). 1st Mary O’Reily (12) Connemara and Mary Mooney (23) Galway 39pts, 2nd Angela Scully (27) Blackbush & Ann Hanratty (29) Rathfarnham 38pts, 3rd Deirdre Murphy (14) and Julie Donnellan (17) Connemara 37pts b9.

20/07/08 18 Holes Stableford, sponsored by G Stanleys & Sons (Sheila Stanley) 1st Peggy Cowley (35) Connemara 34pts back 92nd Margaret Roche (29) Athenry 34pts last 6,Gross Teresa O’Buachalla (13) 21pts back 9, 3rd Marie Bourke (31) 34pts Connemara CSS 33pts.

02/08/08 18 Holes Singles Stableford, Sponsor: Gannon’s Sports, Clifden 1st:Patrick Togher (6) 37pts (b6), 2nd:Adrian Glynn (14) 37pts(b9), Gross: Rory Sweeney (5) 32pts, 3rd: Paul McNight (15) 37 pts CSS 35Pts 03/08/08 4 Ball Betterball Stableford, Sponsor: Oliver’s Bar, Cleggan, 1st: Joe Lavelle (16)/PJ Brennan (14) 43pts 2nd:Hilary Lawless (19)/Pat Murphy O’Connor (10)42 pts , 3rd: Paul O’Grady (10)/Patrick Waldron (8) 40 pts 02/08/08 18 Hole Stableford. Sponsored by Belle Blu (Clifden). 1st: Ann O’Donoghue (30) Galway, 2nd: Margaret Lavelle (11) Athenry 36pts (B9), Gross: Maurethe Jackson (12) Milltown 23pts, 3rd Marilyn Kelly (26) Galway36pts. CSS 72 (36pts).

03/08/08 18 Holes 4Ball Betterball. Sponsored by Agnes Stokes and Deirdre Murphy. 1st: Deirdre Murphy (14) & Bridie Conneely (22) Connemara 39pts. 2nd: Mary O’Reilly (12) and Marie Bourke (30) Connemara 37pts (B9). 3rd: Therese O’Buachalla (13) Old Conna and Maurethe Jackson (12) Milltown37pts.

Oughterard Golf Results 02/07/08 Ladies Open Day Competition: Lancome Breast Cancer. C.S.S. 73 1st Kay Hayes (29) 40pts, 2nd Mai Faherty (26) 39pts, Gross: Geraldine Neville (8) 24pts, 3rd Rosemary Mulholland (34) 39pts. Category 0 – 20 1st Maeve Brennan (14) 35pts, 2nd Grace Morris (16) 33pts,.

Category 1 – 28 1st Sheila Colgan (25) 38pts, 2nd Annette Harty (22) 36pts. Category 29 – 36 1st Kay McCarthy (32) 37pts (B9), 2nd Breege Meade (36) 37pts. Front Nine: Mairead O’ Shaughnessy 24pts, Back Nine: Mary Fleming 20pts.

06/07/08 18 Hole Competition 1st Michael O’Keane (8) 43 pts. 2nd Michael Darcy Snr. (4) 38 pts (19b9) Gross Richie McNamara (7) 29 Gross pts (15b9) 3rd Brian McGoldrick (22) 38 pts (16b9). Cat A (0-11) 1st Seán

Connemara SportsView

O’Reilly (6) 34 pts (16b9). Cat B (12-16) Tim Hernon (13) 34 pts (18b9. Cat C (17+) 1st Paddy O’Halloran(R) (18) 34 pts. CSS 33 pts.

09/07/2008 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Sponsor: Radharc Landscaping. C.S.S. 73. 1st Phil Kavanagh (22) 39pts, 2nd Bridget Walsh (18) 38pts, Gross: Niamh Keogh (14) 19pts, 3rd Patricia Lee (19) 36pts. Category 0 – 20:1st Ursula Hernon (16) 34pts, 2nd Valerie Heery (20) 30pts.

Category 1 – 28:1st Bridie Kennedy (22) 35pts, 2nd Cait Kelly (26) 34pts, Category 29 – 36 1st Ann Daly (29) 33pts, 2nd Mary B. Joyce (34) 33pts, Nine Hole: Nuala Walsh (34) 13pts.

13/07/08 Lady Captains Day (Barbara Richardson) CSS: 73.

1st Aine Bhreathnach (22) 67 pts, 2nd Martina Duggan (24) 69 pts. Gross: Mary Molloy (13) 87 pts. 3rd Noreen Hegarty (33) 73 (b9) 4th Alice Naughton (33) 73 Pts (b9) 5th Alice Murphy (26) 73 pts (b9) 6th Freda White (30) 73 pts (b9) 7th Kathleen Dolly (25) 73 (b9). Past Captains: Ursula Hernon (16) 74pts. Category 0-20:1st Grace Morris (16) 74pts. 2nd Phil Kavanagh (20) 75 pts (b6), 3rd Rita Jordan (14) 75 pts. Category 21-28 1st Shirley Angland (23) 74 (b9) 2nd Nora Angland (25) 74 pts 3rd Cait Kelly (26) 75 pts. Category 29-36 1st Eileen Dixon (29) 75pts (b9) 2nd Anne Downey (29) 75 (b9) 3rd Anne Walsh (36) 75 pts. Committee: Barbara Buckley (19) 78 pts. Veterans: Carmel Morahan (36) 81 pts. Nine Hole: Phil Plummer (36) 81 12 pts. Front Nine: Ann Kavanagh (28) 48 nett. Back Nine: Mary B Joyce (34) 53 Nett.

Mens 12 Hole: 1st Michael Lee (Bar) (14) 29 pts. 2nd Tom Durkin (18) 26 pts. 3rd Richard O’Brien (19) 25 pts (20b9). Lady Guests: 1st: Bernadette Costello (17) 33 pts. 2nd Kate O’Meara (11) 32 pts. Male Guest: 1st Pat McEvilly (10) 34 pts. 2nd Gerry Loughnane (19) 33 pts.

Secret Hole: Claire Keane.

15/07/08: Open Day Competition. 1st Eamonn Connelly (9) 40 pts (19b9). 2nd Seán Boyle, Claremorris (17) 40 pts (18b9) 3rd Vincent O’Sullivan (12) 39 pts. 4th Leslie Kearns (21) 38 pts (20b9, 16b6) 5th P. McDonnell, Ballinrobe (26) 38 pts (20b9, 14b6). CSS 36 pts.

16/07/2008 Ladies 18 Hole Stableford Sponsor: Tom Lydon. CSS 72. 1st Ann Lee (32) 35pts bk 9, 2nd Etta Ruane (26) 35pts bk 9, Gross: Laura Gore (16) 18pts, 3rd Ann Kavanagh (28) 35pts bk 9. Category 0 – 20 1st Barbara Buckley (19) 35pts, 2nd Ursula Hernon (16) 33pts bk 9. Category 1 – 28 1st Mai Faherty (24) 34pts bk 9, 2nd Peggy Blehein (24) 34pts. Category 29 – 36 1st Mary Buckley (30) 33pts bk 9, 2nd Mary McHugh (35) 33pts.

Nine Hole: Nuala Walsh (34) 13pts.

22/07/08 Open Day. 1st John Waters (17) 40 pts 2nd Seán McDonagh (13) 39 pts (20b9). 3rd Michael Joyce (K) (20) 39 pts.(19B9 13B6) 4th Norman Deacy (16) 39 pts (19b9, 12b6) 5th Diarmuid Cawley (11) 38 pts (17b9, 12b6). CSS 36 pts.

Ladies Results: 1st Rebecca Lee (35) 39pts, 2nd Bernie McEvoy (28) 38pts, 3rd Nuala Brangan (34) 37pts.CSS 72.

23/07/08 Ladies 18 Hole Stroke Competition: Captain’s Prize To Ladies. C.S.S. 72. 1st Elizabeth O’ Byrne (25) 68, 2nd Norah Lynch (24) 69, Gross: Rita Jordan (14) 85, 3rd Mary McHugo (35) 69, Category 0 – 20 1st Ann Casburn (19) 72(B9), 2nd Valerie Heery (20) 72, 3rd Máire Ni Mháile (15) 73, Category 1 – 28 1st Ann Faherty (23) 69, 2nd Kay Hayes (27) 71(B9), 3rd Mary Hobbs (25) 71,Category 29 – 36 1st Phil O’ Reilly (32) 69, 2nd Meabh Malone (30) 70, Maura Tonge (31) 71. Nine Hole: Sheila Morley (30) 37.

27/07/08 Results of Pat McEvilly ”Captains Day. 1st Niall Faherty (8) 168 Nett. 2nd Gerry O’Connor (14) 170 Nett.

1st Gross, Cathal Jordan (5) 185 Gross 2nd Gross Michael O’Keane (6) (37.0B9). 3rd Sean Coyne (17) 170.5 Nett (20.33B6) 4th James Geoghegan (15) 170.5 Nett (21B6) 5th Mike English (14) 172.0 (32.0 B9) 6th Ray Keleghan (12) 172.0 Nett (33.0, 20.0B6) 7th Michael H Walsh (12) 172.0 Nett (33.0, 23.0B6) 8th Sean O’Reilly (6) 173.0 Nett (34.0, 22.0B6) 9th James O’Dea (20) 173.0 Nett (34.0, 23.33B6) 10th Paddy O’Halloran (17) 173.5 (32.5B9) Past Captain: Frank Kyne (22) 176.0 Nett.

Veteran Prize: Tom Naughton (24) 175.0 Nett. Committee: John Waters (17) 174.5 Nett. 1st Qualifier: Liam O’Reilly (4) 67 Nett. 2nd Qualifier: Billy O’Boyle (11) 66 Nett. Guests: 1st Men John Deasey (20) 30 pts. 2nd Men Ritchie Lee (15) 27 pts (11B6) 3rd Men Larry Tighe (23) 27 pts (8B6) 1st Ladies: Bridget Walsh (17) 28 pts 2nd

August 7, 2008

Ladies: Carmel Morahan (36) 26 pts 3rd Ladies: Barbara Richardson (20) 23 pts.

Photo: (L-r) Jones Ferris, Mens Secretary, winner Niall Faherty and Captain Pat McEvilly.

03/08/08 18 Hole Competition Sponsor: Sutton Oil. 1st David Walsh (12) 42 pts. Cat A (0-10) 2nd Pat Browne (16) 40 pts. Gross: Michael Darcy (Snr.) (4) 34 Gross pts.

3rd Tom Hargrove (13) 39 pts. 1st Mairtin O’Cearra (5) 37 pts. 2nd Richard McNamara (7) 37 pts. Cat B (11-16) 1st Ciaran Murphy (13) 39 pts. 2nd Gerard Cox (11) 38 pts. Cat C (17+) 1st Richard O’Brien (19) 38 pts 2nd Noel Ruane (18) 35 Pts. CSS 36 pts.

Photo(L-r) Captain Pat McEvilly, Winner David Walsh and Men’s Club Secretary Jones Ferris.

04/08/08 18 Hole Open Day Competition. 1st Denis O’Mahaony (Balltbofey) (12) 41 pts. 2nd Michael Lalor (21) 39 pts. Gross: Sean O’Reilly (6) 30 Gross pts. 3rd Michael Welby (18) 38 pts (20B9) 4th Ciaran O’Flatharta (9) 38 pts 19B9, 15B6. 5th Jeff rey Lee (11) 38 pts 19B9, 12B6. CSS 35pts

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

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Pony Show Supreme Champions Photos from top right:

Maam Cross July 6th Supreme Champion at the Maam Cross Show, Village Heather by Boden Park Finnard, dam Village Girl with owner Padraic Hynes. Photo by staff.

Roundstone July 13th Padraic & Nicola Heanue’s 6 year old mare Grange Ruby Surf. Previously won in Clifden as a 2 year old and in the RDS last year. Was also reserve champion of champions in Roundstone last year. Bred by Maria Levinge and bought by Padraic and Nicola as a foal. Sire: Grange Bobbing Sparrow. Dam: Kilkerrin Surf. Padraic and Grange Ruby Surf pictured with Roundstone Pony Show Chairman Paddy “Yank” McDonagh and Show President John Luskin. Photo by Tom Broderick.

Ballyconneely July 20th Gearoid Curran’s April Rose, by Streamstown Larry- Errisbeg Dolly. Photo by Tom Broderick.

Cashel August 3rd Padraig & Nicola Heanue’s 7 year old mare Glencarrig Kim in her first show. She was bred

by Ciaran Curran of Moycullen and bought by Padraic and Nicola as a foal. Her dam is a Clifden winner and an RDS supreme Champion. Sire: Castlestrange Fionn. Dam: Glencroft Amy. Photo by Ruth Rogers

Dublin Horse Show Results August 6th Class 67: Registered Connemara Filly: 1st: Cashelbay Clancy, Barbara Fallon, Cashel Bay Connemara Pony Stud, Cashel. 3rd: Moorland Snowqueen, Cathy Snow-Coyne & Martin Coyne, Moorland Connemara Ponies, Letterfrack.

Class 68: Registered Connemara Filly: 1st: Glencarrig Rose, Gearoid Curran, Moycullen.

Class 69: Registered Connemara Filly: 3rd: Seód, Joe Mac Lochlainn, Moycullen.

Class 70: Registered Connemara Mare: 3rd: Village Linnett, Henry O’Toole, Clifden.

Class 71: Registered Connemara Stallion: 2nd: Lecarrow King, Padraic Hynes, Ballinafad.

Oughterard Show Launched The Oughterard Show was launched by Ronnie O’Gorman, founder and first editor of the Galway Advertiser and Chairman of Galway City Business Association, at a special function in the Connemara Gateway Hotel, Oughterard on Friday 18th July. Copies of this year’s schedule are now in circulation, while both schedule and application forms are also available on the show website: www.oughterardshow.com.

This year’s show, to be held on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August is now in its 46th year.

The first show held on Thursday 20th September 1962, was organised by a committee of business people and local residents on the instigation of the Oughterard Development Company Ltd. On that occasion, there were just 116 classes.

Things have changed from those early days and our show has now become a two-day event with more than twelve pony / rider combinations from England, Scotland and Wales competing in the Saturday International Connemara Pony Performance Championships for which there is a prize fund of €7,500. Generous sponsorship for six classes comes from Sport Horse Ireland through the Connemara Performance Pony Association. Several of the overseas visitors will also take part in the prestigious €3,500 Power’s Quarry International Competition on Sunday.

The Oughterard Show is the ideal place for a family day out. This year, the special attractions include a Vintage Display of tractors, cars, farm machinery and stationary engines; a Farmers’ Sheep Dog competition (Confined to Connemara); a Working Sheep Dog Demonstration; Art Exhibition; Bonny Baby Competition; Summer Style Teen Competition; Most Glamorous Granny Competition and, for the third year, the very popular Best Dressed Lady Competition with fantastic prizes for the first and second placed entrants.

A major highlight on Sunday will be the International Performance Registered Connemara Pony Championship, with sponsorship of €3,000 from local businessman, Michael Power. For those with an interest in horses, there is a 3 year old All Ireland Horse Championship with a prize fund of €3,500 sponsored

by Knockillaree Riding Centre and Stud as well as the FBD All Ireland Draught Foal Final.

For more information go to www.oughterardshow. com or email: oughshowsociety@eircom.net. Show Secretary’s Tel.: 086 1517289. Entries Saturday: 091 789828 / 087 2238153. Entries Sunday: 091 550779 / Fax: 091 550759. Leslie Lyons PRO Photos: Ronnie O’Gorman and Michael Hughes (National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association).

P.J.Burke (Chairman of Oughterard show society) and Leslie Lyons (Vice Chairman).

Photos by Tom Broderick

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August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA SportsView

Ballyconneely Riding Winners Pictured are the Champion and Reserve Champion of the Ridden classes at the Ballyconneely Show. Photos left from top: Champion was Grace Murphy and Reserve Champion was Catherine Gorton on her pony “Simply Red”. Photos below: Jackie Bolger and her daughter Eliosa. Deirdre Holmes and son Kevin Holmes, aged 7yrs, on his pony ‘Fuzzy Logic’, who came 2nd in the Lead Rein Class at the Ballyconneely Show on his first outing. Photos courtesy of Ruth Rogers, Tom Broderick and Gerry King.

Ballyconneely Cattle Winners Padraic Keane from Renvyle, Champion of the show in his class (Charolais bullock) at the Ballyconneely Show on July 20th pictured with judges Martin and Thomas Barrett.

Photos by Tom Broderick.

Kevin Clancy and Henry O’Toole (jnr) from Clifden with a Charolais cross calf which won Champion Calf of the Ballyconneely Show. Photo by Gina Pryce.

Ballyconneely Show Queen Pictured below are Show Queen Della Davis and Show Secretary Mary McNamara.

Ballyconneely Donkey Winner Pictured below is Gerry O’Reilly who won first prize in the donkey section with “ Tranquility “.

Photo by Tom Broderick

Roundstone Show Sheep Pictured left is Fintan Joyce who won the Sheep Shearing Contest. The adorable fellows above are the judges for the Sheep Classes, Padraic Hopkins and Eamon King.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

August 7, 2008

PAG E 17

West Coast Utd News West Coast United FAI Summer School West Coast United host the FAI Summer Soccer Schools at Tullycross from August 18th to 22nd. This is the 6th year that West Coast United will host the Soccer Camp and already we are showing record numbers. Any child wishing to enroll for the camp must do so before August 11th. The Camp is open to boys and girls aged between 7 and 15 and will take place at Tullycross, Renvyle. Bookings have to be made in advance, as we cannot accept under any circumstance, a booking on the morning of the camp. If you turn up with a child on the morning and have not registered, we will not be able to book your child in. You can book on line at www.fai.ie or phone 1890 653 653. Postal applications are available from local cocoordinator Joachim Lydon 086-4098814.

West Coast Utd Go to Barcelona West Coast United recently teamed up with Clifden Community School to organise an under 17 soccer trip to Barcelona. The party of 37 consisted of players, teachers and coaches.

The highlights of the trip were a tour at Barcelona’s famous Nou Camp stadium and a day’s thrills on the roller coasters in Portaventura. Planning is already under way for next year’s adventure, providing the effort expected is put in on the football pitch and at school. These trips are designed to reward honest effort at school and club level.

Oughterard Ladies Soccer Pictured are the Oughterard Ladies Soccer Team who were defeated 3-0 by Renmore in the First Division Cup Semi-Final on July 7th last. Oughterard Back (l-r): Caroline Jarman, Natalie Merrigan, Gwen Jarman, Lisa Clancy, Caroline Clancy, Lisa O’Halloran.

Front (l-r) Ciara McEvilly, Ellen Tuck, Nikki Jarman, Lisa O’Halloran and Ciara McGinn.

Photo above: Under 12 West Coast United team with manager Brendan Kane.

Photo below: Under 14 West Coast United team with manager Andy Mortimer.

Photos above: Under 17 Squad with coaches in Nou Camp Stadium Barcelona. Enjoying the beach life in Coast Del Mar.

“Paddlethon on the Killary”

West Coast Legends The West Coast Legends recently re-united to play a friendly against Westport FC. A barbecue in Paddy Coyne’s pub followed an enjoyable game. Many of the West Coast lads were members of the 1994 cup winning side, who were the first West Coast team to bring a county title to Connemara.

Photo: The West Coast United Legends team with Captain Paul Gannon.

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was held on Monday 4th August 2008 in aid of the Leenane/Maam Branch of the Irish Red Cross and Mayo Mountain Rescue.

Photo: Paddlers Greg Dyar and Fr. John Kenny. Photo courtesy of John Holmes.

August 7, 2008

Connemara SportsView

August August 9th Tour De Bog, Roundstone.

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

August 9th-24th EASA Architecture Assembly, Letterfrack. See P.10 for details.

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 16th The Wolfe Tones in Concert, Station House Theatre, €25, 8:30p.m.

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 22nd Comedian Dave Young, Station House Theatre, €20, 9pm.

August 23rd Frances Black in Concert, Station House Theatre, €33, 9pm.

August 25th Roundstone Community Games, Roundstone.

August 26th Special Irish Night in Memory of Noreen Mahon Mangan, Town Hall, Clifden 9pm.

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

August 30th & 31st Oughterard Show, see P. 16 for details.

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, Farrell’s Field, Roundstone.

September 15th AWARE Meeting “Living with depression and elation” Town Hall Clifden. 6.30 p.m-8.30 p.m.

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.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

August Highlights 46th Oughterard Show

The Oughterard Show takes place on the 30th and 31st of August this year and is now a two day event. As well as an extensive range of classes, attractions include a vintage display of tractors, cars, farm machinery and stationary engines, a Farmers’ Sheep Dog competition (confined to Connemara), and a Working Sheep Dog Demonstration. There will also be an Art Exhibition, Bonny Baby Competition, Summer Style Teen Competition, Most Glamorous Granny Competition and, for the third year, the very popular Best Dressed Lady Competition with fantastic prizes for the first and second placed entrants. For more details see Page 16 or go to www. oughterardshow.com.

Glassilaun WaterSports Day

Tremendously popular with old and young alike, WaterSports Day is held on Glassilaun Beach, Renvyle, Co. Galway, and it has proved itself to be a great success both as a fundraiser for I.S.P.C.C./Childline and as a wonderful day. The event has raised over €30,000 for I.S.P.C.C. since 1995 and all of this money goes to help abused and neglected children.

Many contribute to the success of this event before, after and on the day, and newcomers who wish to become involved are always welcome.

There is great value for money on WaterSports Day. Activities which include scuba diving, kayaking, boat and pony rides, can all be enjoyed for just €3 per adult or €2 per child/student. It is a unique opportunity to try out these activities for just a couple of euro.

Other activities for children include beach games, face painting, sandcastle competition, and bouncing castle and slide. For those of you who are feeling competitive, we have sheaf throwing and Tug O War. Join in or just relax and be entertained, we will even look after your lunchtime needs with our barbecue and refreshment stall.

Watersports Day is a great day out for families, or people of any age, and by supporting the day you are contributing to a very worthy cause. Known locally and far and wide as the event of the summer, pencil it into your diary now to ensure you don’t miss it! (Note: No hawkers, jet skis or quads are allowed.)

For information or queries call (095) 41024.

which is a festival of music, fun, laughter, activities and games for the young and the young-at-heart, which also doubles as a four day charity fundraiser for the RNLI. Highlights include “The Infamous Hole-in-one Competition”, pier-side barbecues, a comedy evening in Ryans, a vast selection of all kinds of live music and plenty of fun kid’s events, like treasure hunts and storytelling. One of the festivals highlights will surely be the selection of the Connemara Culchie Competition, where the winner will go forward to the All Ireland competition, so the contest will surely be taken very seriously! For a full schedule of events and much more check out www.roundstonesummerfest.com.

Clifden Regatta

The annual Clifden Regatta will see Clifden Bay full of sails and racing action once again on Saturday and Sunday the 16th and 17th of August. Depending on entries, there will be two classes of racing, with 2 races each day, including round the cans and laid windward / leeward courses. There will be one coastal race and it is also intended to hold 2 dinghy races on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be plenty of music, great food and craic at the Boat Club bar over the weekend, whether the sun shines or not, ensuring it will be well worth a spin or a walk down the Beach road. For details of races, check out www.clifdenboatclub.com.

Roundstone Summerfest

The hugely popular Roundstone SummerFest takes place this year from August 14th to 17th. This is the 7th year of the event

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

If you have an upcoming 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.

August 7, 2008

PAGE 19

8 4 t h C l i f d e n Po ny S h ow The 84th Clifden Connemara Pony Show was officially launched at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel with a wine reception on Monday July 21st. Elected representatives of Horse Sport Ireland, Galway Irish Crystal and John Sweeney of Sweeney Oil, Chamber of Commerce President Gerard King, and CPBS President Dermot Power, were joined by TV and Radio presenter Ryan Tubridy in launching this year’s show.

The development of an electronic database of registered Connemara ponies has been hailed as a triumph by all involved in the owning, breeding and showing of Connemara ponies. It will make information on sex, breeding, height and other characteristics on 30,000 ponies available and accessible to buyers, breeders and enthusiasts. The expansion of the database to include overseas ponies by early Autumn represents the ever increasing attractiveness and interest in the breed internationally.

The Show is estimated to attract in the region of 7,000 people to the area and the extension of the Show into a week long schedule of events will only futher boost this asset to Clifden.

Henry O Toole’s Castle Urchin, last year’s Supreme Champion was shown with foal at foot at the launch, and Ryan Tubridy later regaled the crowd with tales of his adventure with the O Toole family, their ponies and a quad bike he didn’t quite manage to master earlier that morning at Clifden Castle! (See photo above).

As always, he was generous with his praise for Connemara and its people, drew more than a few laughs, and wrapped it up with the fitting statement “The Tiger may have died, but the Connemara pony has thrived”. A fitting tribute indeed, and a welcome endorsement as the stage is now set for another great year for the

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August 7, 2008

Connemara pony, both at home and abroad.

The prestigious 84th Clifden Connemara Pony Show takes place this year on Thursday August 21st, as the highlight of a weeklong series of events during the Connemara Pony Festival.

Monday is Education Day, Tuesday is International Day, Wednesday is Performance day, and of course Thursday culminates in the biggest annual event in the world of Connemara ponies, the Clifden Pony Show. Friday will see 70 ponies compete in the Working Hunter competition at the Showgrounds, and a catalogue sale of 230 registered ponies will take place in Clifden Mart commencing at 10 am.

On Show Day, the usual extensive range of in hand classes will feature, as well as ridden and dressage classes, and plenty other attractions will feature at the Showgrounds in Clifden, such as the Domestic Arts section. Come rain or shine, Show Day in Clifden is always one of the biggest days of the year, with a buzz and atmosphere like no other. For more information on the show, go to www.cpbs.ie.

Photo by Andrew Downes

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

AUTOMOTIVE

TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY PETS

SAND & STONE

CATERING TAXI SERVICE

PLANT HIRE HEADSTONES WINDOWS

HOUSEHOLD

Advertise in the Trades & Services Directory Now with a FREE on-line listing!

Business Card (85mm x 50mm): 3 months - €135 (€45/ad) 6 months - €255 (€42.50/ad) Annual contract (11 issues) - €440 (€40/ad) NEW: Half Business Card (85mm x 25mm): 3 months - €81 (€27/ad) 6 months - €153 (€25.50/ad) Annual contract (11 issues) - €264 (€24/ad) Prices exclude VAT. Add 30% for colour.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

August 7, 2008

PAGE 21

CLASSIFIED ADS

watcher’s’ programme for pets. Ring WestVet on 095 22209 for an appointment.

Properties

Employment

Apartment to Let Clifden. Two bedroom, modern, bright.

Fully furnished. Available now for long rental. References required. Contact Connie on 086-165-9065.

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.

Beautician needed for three days a week on Thurs, Fri and Sat at the Hair & Beauty Gallery. Phone Joanna on 095-21901.

Language Teacher required for Training and Education programme to teach one of the following subjects: Spanish; French; German or Italian for 2 hours per week. A knowledge of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme and structure would be an advantage. Please forward letter of application and C.V. to Youthreach, Education of Centre, Letterfrack. County Galway.

Child Minder required to care for 2 young children in their home 5 days a week, must have own transport. Phone Karen on 086-8460009.

Experienced Office Person required for busy self catering agency. Excellent telephone manner, proficiency in Microsoft Office, ability to be flexible and work on own initiative, experience essential. For more info contact 095 44307 or 086-401-5342.

Part-time TEFL teacher required in Clifden. Minimum Relsa/Celta qualification required. Apply with CV to: Improve Your English, Above the Grove Medical Centre, Mill Street, Westport, Co. Mayo. Phone Muriel Barry @ 087 9130613 or email improveyourenglish@eircom.net.

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

Part Time Barber required. Experience necessary. Turk’s Barber Shop, Oughterard. Contact Remzi at 091 866669

Items for Sale or Rent 01 Suzuki MPV. Wine colour. 69,000 miles. NCT TAX. Very clean. 086-8510576.

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

095 21219.

Wedding Candelabrum for your church pews on your wedding day. Free-standing, 4 ft. tall. Cast iron. Glass chimneys included. Call Maureen on 087-770-8654.

Jane double buggy for sale. Excellent condition. Open to offers. 087-775-8579.

Italian Oak dining table and 6 chairs for sale. Must be seen. Offers to 087-770-8654.

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

086-346-9372.

Animals/Pets Attention all pet owners!! Wide selection of dog/cat accessories, premium pet foods, professional advice on nutrition, pet maintenance, radio fence pet containment systems, micro-chipping, cat boarding service, grooming and lots more at Western Veterinary clinic, Galway Road, Clifden. Tel 095 22209. Veterinary emergencies only, call 087-917-9248.

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-

PAGE 22

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Services Reiki/Seichem. Experience the calm and healing energies of this treatment, which is drug free and non-invasive.

These powerful energies can heal on a mental, emotional, spiritual & physical level. Qualified Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on (086) 3653266.

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 www.cuanmaradesign.com. Email: caroline@cuanmaradesign.com or phone: 086-079-1918.

Facepainting, balloon modelling, dance and games for parties and other events. Tel. Mary (086) 9481511.

Newman Property Maintenance & Building Services Residential & Commercial. Our Services Include: Decking, Attic Insulation, Flooring, Painting, Tiling, Carpentry, Fitted Kitchens, Built-in Wardrobes, Doors & Stairs Fitted, PVC Soffit and Fascia, Coving and Cornice, Tenancy Re-Lets, All General Household Repairs, Extensions and Renovations. Call now for a prompt and reliable service. Contact Paddy Newman. Over 25 Years Experience 095-44931. 086-316-5978.

August 7, 2008

WEDDING SERVICES

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Local Art at Brigit’s Garden

Local sculptor Alannah Robbins and Japanese artist Keiko Mukaide have become the first recipients of a new Award of Excellence at the Outside: Insight sculpture exhibition in Brigit’s Garden, Roscahill. Mukaide’s sculpture consists of stunning glass spheres wrapped in wire, while Robbins’ piece, ‘The Outsider’, is 10-foot high h structure of rhododendron rh branches. b The winners w were chosen ch by adjudicators c Cliodhna Cussen C from Dublin D and Megs Morley, M Public Arts A Officer with Galway G City Council, C and the awards a were presented se

by Tom Kenny of Kenny’s K Gallery.

G The sculptures in Outside: Insight are varisi ously engaging, o humorous, surprising h i i and d enjoyable, j b forming a trail through the Celtic-inspired gardens and woodlands at Brigit’s Garden. Many well-known artists including John Behan and Padraic Rainey are represented.

The public are invited to visit Outside: Insight and vote for their favourite sculpture. A second award worth €500 will be awarded in August to the creator of the most popular work. ‘The idea behind the Public Award is to encourage both adults and children to engage with and enjoy the sculptures’, explains Brigit’s Garden founder Jenny Beale. ‘The show is of a very high standard and appeals to all age groups, and we hope it will grow into an annual event’.

Outside: Insight is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily until 31st August. For further information phone 091 550905 or see www.brigitsgarden.ie.

“Connections”

This new group exhibition of art entitled “Connections” by Keelin Kennedy, Breda Lowth Kennedy and Nora Lowth, celebrates the artists’ connections to the landscape as well as their familial connections. The works include textiles, mixed media and pastels. This exhibition is to be officially opened on Thursday August 14th by Don Conroy at 8pm in the Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, and will run until the 21st of August.

Keelin Kennedy, a recent honours graduate in design in n textiles from G.M.I.T lives and works in Letterfrack, Connemara. Having lived here since she was two years old, she draws upon the

Connemara ArtsView

August 7, 2008

surrounding landscape for inspiration. Although colour has always played a significant role in her work, the tactile quality of textiles is also an important element and has always appealed to her.

Keelin’s mother Breda Lowth Kennedy has had numerous exhibitions and shows with her Batik work and she is now currently pursuing a BA in fine art in G.M.I.T. Although now living and working in Shrule, Co. Mayo, the Connemara landscape has had a significant influence in her life and this finds expression in her work.

Breda’s sister Nora Lowth attended the National College of Art and Design, Dublin in 1966 and has a varied career in fine art. Having sold works to private collectors in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the UK and Ireland she moved to Spain in 1996 where she lived and worked amidst the vibrant, strong and contrasting colours of the Mediterranean. In 2004 she returned to Arklow, Co. Wicklow, where the softer more subtle colours of the Irish seashore and landscape hold a compelling fascination for her.

To see this accomplished and fascinating family exhibition, stop in to the National Park between August 14th and 21st, or for more information on these artists and their work contact keelin.kennedy@gmail.com.

Roundstone Artist in Galway

Roundstone artist Kayley Rose is to have her third solo exhibition in a year at the Budding Cafe, 22 Sea Road in Galway. (091) 588821. Her art is in collections in Ireland and throughout the US. The p paintings focus o on the wild u untamed landsscape of Connem mara, juxtaposin ing a contrast o of textures in b both land and sk sky. “It is an h honouring of th the beauty that su survives as well as the beauty that is momentary and fleeting”. The exhibition hb off her h recent paintings can be seen and purchased at the Budding Café from mid-August onwards.

Bodhrans and Boxes Music at the Crossroads

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have great pleasure in announcing serious craic to be had every Wednesday and Sunday evening down at the Station House Theatre. Music at the Crossroads comprises bodhrans, flutes, fiddles, pipes, whistles, guitars, banjo, accordion, mandolin and dancers. The nine performers are astounding multi-instrumentalists who deliver a variety of musical styles with verve and enthusiasm. Banish all thoughts of a tired format and jaded musicians-“Music at the Crossroads” is delightfully energetic and avoids the usual “Oirish” clichés, by choosing a repertoire to please themselves rather than an abstract crowd.

The result is a highly professional production, which showcases the musicians and dancers as individuals as well as celebrating the Irish music of house dances and crossroad taverns.

Continued on next page

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Music at the Crossroads continued Among this troupe of superlative musicians, Michael McClintock deserves praise as Musical Director. Check out his fiddling, which is fast, furious and exceedingly accomplished. Marianne Knight was a delight throughout, executing jigs and reels on box (accordion) with a technique and musicality that would put other more famous players to shame. Her voice on “The Last of the Great Whales” held the audience spellbound. Diarmaid Hurley on bodhran came into his own during the second half with an instrumental percussion piece backed by Richard Neylon (taking a break from uilleann pipes and saxophone) on kit drums. Johnny Berrill and David Neylon (banjo and guitar) were superb, Lindsay Moynagh on harp and flute, together with Blaithnaid Folan and Fergal Costelloe (dancers) provided the icing on the cake.

I could say that the performers looked like refugees from a 1970’s soft porn movie, with their kipper ties, crimplene trousers and high heels, and that introductions and chats between numbers could have been sharper and wittier, but the truth is, “Music at the Crossroads” is a show that delivers fantastic music. There have been many precursors of this type of celebration of music and dance, and this particular evening was a charming as well as highly skilled trawl through Irish music and culture with helpful signposts indicating the multifarious means by which Irish tunes have infiltrated other cultures.

I was reminded of the Scottish fiddle player, Ally Bain’s wonderful TV programme about the progress of tunes against the Gulf Stream, from Ulster down the west coast of Ireland, across the Atlantic to Virginia and the Carolinas, and thence to Louisiana and Texas. This show gathers together Bluegrass, Gypsy, Blues, Country, Jazz and Traditional Irish. With seven excellent musicians, a host of instruments and a couple of dancers, Music at the Crossroads is clever and well constructed. What it lacks in originality is more than compensated for by the company’s talent and enthusiasm. On every Wednesday and Sunday in the Station House Theatre, at 8pm, I have no hesitation recommending this show as the highlight of a holiday and a guaranteed great evening.

Eithne Hannigan

Book Reviews

Beaches and Books

Half way through summer (given a rain storm or two) and it’s time to have a look at the books that have kept me going during those mini-tsunami moments when I’m contemplating going to live in the southern hemisphere. Then I remember it’s officially winter down there so I reach for another book and suddenly I’m halfway through the second chapter and hooked.

This is what kept me from boarding the first flight to the sunshine.

Deciding instead to go travelling from the comfort of my armchair, I open Frederick - “The Day of the Jackal”, “The Dogs of War”, “The Odessa File” – Forsyth’ latest novel, “The Afghan”. Forsyth is a master in the international thriller and turns his attentions to Al-Qaeda and the threat from the Middle East. With his usual skill, Forsyth places his protagonists- an ex-senior commander of the Taliban and an exSAS Serviceman, educated in Baghdad, now working

Page 24

fo the intelligence agencies for – in a fight to the death that m moves from Guantanamo B through secret offices Bay, in Whitehall to the mounta tains of Afghanistan. This n novel delivers on all fronts – a taut, well-drawn plot, ch characters with whom you ca empathise and a race can to the climax that shows F Forsyth at his tense best. A sc scary world viewed from th comfort of your sunthe lo lounger.

Next up is “Cinnamon K Kiss”

by Walter Mosley.

This is his penultimate book centreing on Easy Rawlins, his black, hard-drinking, Private Eye (anti-)hero.

Mosley is often compared to Raymond Chandler and there is more than a touch of Philip Marlowe’s sexy, sexist, liquor-loving investigator in Easy to make comparison’s inh evitable. This is the tenth book in the series, and is as tightly narrated (more echoes of Chandler) and suspenseful as ever.

Mosley creates real danger and, as always, his hero makes it through.

As his girlfriend says, d “Easy Rawlins, you could sleep with a girl named Typhoid an’ wake up with just sniffles.” This is crime writing at its sharpest, coloured by k man iin N k Mosley’s own experiences as a bl black New Y York, ”Stories and novels are entertainments that help us cope with the intense pressure mortality brings”.

“The Woman in the Fifth” by Douglas Kennedy is a strange, paranormal mystery. Don’t worry if you’ve n never heard of that genre o literature before – I of ju made it up! I usually just ru a mile from anything run r remotely “sci-fi”, but I h have a sneaky belief in g ghosts and a love of Paris (t “fifth” of the title is (the a area, or arrondissean m ment of the French c capital) and loved this p psychological mystery a Harry Ricks, a disas g graced academic from a s small and small-minded A American college, begins to suspect dark forces are a work to punish him for at misdeeds This is a thriller set where the hidden his misdeeds. world of the sub-conscious confronts the moral dilemmas of the conscious mind.

Kennedy writes modern dialogue that rings true and, unexpectedly – and to use a cliché - I couldn’t put the book down.

My favourite book of the summer so far though is yet another crime/mystery, with the great Sigmund Freud himself in a starring role, with Carl Jung as his sidekick. “The Interpretation of Murder” by Jed Rubenfeld is an accomplished historical thriller which succeeds on many

August 7, 2008

levels. Inspired by the fact that Freud made his one and only visit to America in 1909 to deliver a series of lectures at Clark University, Massachusetts, Rubenfeld has woven a complex story around the known facts of his trip. Historical figures mingle with invented characters as the science of psychology is employed (for the first time?) to solve a series of violent murders. I constantly had to put this book down in order to reacquaint myself with the intricacies of the plot, but the journey was well worth the effort. America in the early twentieth century is vividly recreated while the important tenets of Freudianism are examined at a layperson’s level. A truly great read.

Eithne Hannigan

Video Releases

27 Dresses: After serving as a bridesmaid 27 times, a young woman wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister’s side as her sibling marries the man she’s secretly in love with. Stars: Katherine Heigl Vantage Point: Thomas Barnes and Kent Taylor are two Secret Service agents assigned to protect President Ashton at a landmark summit on the global war on terror. When President Ashton is shot moments after his arrival in Spain, chaos ensues and disparate lives collide. In the crowd is Howard Lewis, an American tourist videotaping the historic event and Rex, an American TV news producer who is reporting on the conference. It’s only as we follow each person’s perspective of the same 15 minutes prior to and immediately after the shooting that the terrifying truth behind the assassination attempt is revealed. Stars: Forrest Whitaker, Dennis Quaid & William Hurt Lars & The Real Girl: After years of lonely solitude, Lars invites Bianca, a friend he met on the internet, to visit him in his home town. His family and friends are not only relieved but also excited to meet the girl who has brought Lars out of his shell! When Lars introduces Bianca to his brother Gus and his wife Karen they are stunned as Bianca turns out to be a life-size doll whom Lars is treating as a real person.

After consulting with the family doctor, Lars’ family and friends are instructed to go along with his delusion - resulting in an emotional journey for Lars and the people around him! Stars: Ryan Gosling & Emily Mortimer Meet The Spartans: From the creators of Scary Movie and Epic Movie comes Meet The Spartans.

The heroic Leonidas, armed with nothing by leather underwear and a cape, leads a ragtag group of 13 - count ‘em, 13 Spartans to defend their homeland against the invading Persians (whose ranks include Ghost Rider, Rocky Balboa, the Transformers, and a hunchbacked Paris Hilton).

Stars Sean Maguire & Carmen Electra Leatherheads: A romantic comedy set in the world of of 1920s football, where the owner of a professional team drafts a strait-laced college sensation, only to watch his new coach fall for his fiancée. Stars: George Clooney & Renee Zellwegger.

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

Connemara ArtsView

Interviewer becomes Interviewee!

Our intrepid cub reporter, Muireann McGlynn (age 12), caught up with celebrity visitor, Ryan Tubridy, in Clifden Square recently and recorded the following interview with him. She was delighted to hear that he began his broadcasting career also at 12 years of

age and that he had many other helpful pieces of advice for young people.

Did you always want to work as a broadcaster?

Ya, I think so, because when I started my job, when I wanted to get into the business, I was only twelve years old, like your age, and I wrote a letter to the Irish Times giving out about the fact that there were not enough films for people who were my age-12. So they published the letter saying it was from “Ryan Tubridy, in brackets, (age 12).”

Somebody from a children’s television programme on RTE, saw it and said, “Do you want to review some films for us?” and I said, ‘Ok ‘ and then I went on TV and reviewed them.

And I thought, ‘So I’ve got to see a film and I’m now sitting and talking to someone about it and I get paid-this is a job!’ And I thought, ‘Yep, that’s me, that’s what I want to do for a living!’ So I got hooked early on.

Who is the most famous person you’ve ever interviewed?

Former president of America, Bill Clinton was one, and the movie actor, Al Pacino, was another. They were two fascinating men. I am a big fan of Bill Clinton. I thought he was a great

Upcoming Events Ceol Theatre Ceol Theatre will be doing an Irish Musical Review Night on Friday, 15th August 2008 in EJ King’s from 8:30-10:30pm. €5 at the door. If you would like to be a part of this show or any of Ceol Theatre’s productions please contact John at 087-750-4697.

Writers on Radio Clifden Writers’ Group present Summer Reflections and Jazz Notes at 11.30 am for a week commencing Monday 4th August on Connemara Community Radio 87.8 FM and 106.1 FM.

Connemara ArtsView

president, very charismatic, and then Al Pacino’s one of my favourite actors. I get to met all these famous people every week, people that you see on TV or read about or see in a magazine, to actually get to meet them and interview them on TV! …famous like yourself?

Ah, ha, ha, well I don’t consider myself famous now, but there you are. It is very exciting, so it’s a great job. I can see why you’d want to do this job.

Do you consider yourself as a role model for younger people?

I… I don`t know about that! What I do know is that I love younger people.

I’ve a daughter who’s 9 and a daughter who’s 3 and I adore them both and I love going to schools. I go to schools a lot. I raise green flags in some schools-that sort of thing. I like hanging out with young people because as my favourite writer, Roald Dahl, always understood, young people are smart, clever and they’re the future and older people are pains in the neck! They are always giving out and always pointing and always waving fingers in faces. I prefer young people to older people.

So if I’m a role model, maybe, that’s curious to me. I wouldn’t follow all my examples though; I’ve got some very bad habits!

Do you prefer rural or urban living?

I like urban living during my working week, because it’s handy and R.T.E is near where I live. But at the same time I live near the sea ‘cause I love the sea. But I spend way too much time in Clifden and in Connemara because my head lies at home but my heart lies in the west of Ireland. So I come to Galway which is my favourite city. This is my part of the world for holidays, walking, fishing, seeing friends or family or whatever, …rural for most of it, but urban for some of it.

What mainly attracts you to Connemara?

The people for starters. I always get a very nice welcome here, a very warm welcome. People don’t bother me too much. They’re very pleasant and polite and a pleasure to deal with, like you.

I love the Abbey Glen. I love to play on the piano there. They’ve a nice pint of Guinness and the company is very good for a singsong. I don’t like a hotel or pub to be too stuffy. I like to be able to relax and enjoy myself and not have to be looking over my shoulder.

I love fishing and going to fish in Lough Corrib near Oughterard, and I love Galway. My favourite accent of all in this country is the Galway accent. Galway people have beautiful diction and they speak properly and well. They’re just friendly without being cocky.

Well like you, now, you’re a very sweet young person, you came up very polite, very kind, but you aren’t pushy. And that’s why I come back here. I always have a good time here. I’m always treated very well.

Do you pick the topics or people you interview?

No. I’ve a very good team of people who work alongside me. They’re called researchers and producers on the radio and on the television and their job is to come up with ideas. My contribution is the tone, the style of the interview,

whether it’s a bit of humour or it’s quite serious. So, I pick the tone and I’ll guide how the interview is going to go.

So for example, if you were me now, and, let’s say, your dad was your researcher, he’d have come up with questions and you would have said, ‘No that’s not the best question.’ and so, you’d pick other questions. You’d guide the interview and the same goes for your style and how you do it.

So, the key to a successful career, as my father said, is always to surround yourself with people who are better than you. That’s a great thing to do. I don’t know if you’ll find any of those, Muireann, but I’d recommend it.

If you could interview anyone about anything, present or past, home or abroad, who would it be and why?

I would love to interview President John Fitzgerald Kennedy of the United States of America, because he was the first Irish-American, Catholic president in American history just after the middle of the 20th century. It was a very interesting time. It was 1961 when he was inaugurated in Washington. It was a cold day in January, and he refused to wear a coat because he wanted to prove that he was a man in the cold. And he delivered his speech in that wonderful Boston accent, “Ask not what your country can do for you.” I think he’s fascinating, his wife was beautiful, and then of course, he died tragically. He was assassinated as a young man in 1963, in Dallas.

And also he was a friend of Frank Sinatra. I’d love to get him in as well. I love Frank Sinatra’s singing. I like that sort of singing. I like that period of history.

Do you support any charities? And why?

I do some charity work. I do some work with Crumlin Children’s Hospital. I go up there often because of the children, really. And I do other bits and pieces for people but only if I can be of any use. So rather than me donating loads of money to charity, I try to help them out by hosting an event or just showing up to something. So that’s what I do. So, yea, I do a little bit.

Have you ever been bullied at school?

No, I was never bullied at school because I was a smart-ass and the key to it was, I was always able to talk my way out of situations. I’ve always helped children to read. I’ve got this ‘code’ about reading, which is this: ‘If you read the books you get the words, If you get the words you get the brains, If you get the brains you get the job, If you get the job you get the money, If you get the money you get the stuff.’

So, books will give you words, which will feed your brains and will allow you to get out of tricky situations if you’re being bullied. And the other thing I will say to you is (that) anyone I know at school who was a bully ended up in a useless job, with no money, and no friends. So, for anyone who’s being bullied, it’s a tough time at the time, no nice words are going to help us. But you can rest assured, the guy doing the bullying

August 7, 2008

ends up unhappy. And the guy getting kicked around is ok, always, always.

What was your favourite subject at school?

English…of course English. I love words, crossword puzzles, I would read anything, the back of a cereal packet…

So it was always English. I did Latin at school and it was great because it helped to gain more words and to find out how words were born, where they came from and so on. English because I loved Shakespeare, I loved Patrick Kavanagh’s poems. I loved stories, like Orwell, or any Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton was great.

So, English.

Do you think you have achieved all your goals in life?

No! I haven’t. What I have achieved is, I’ve got a very, very exciting life. I’m presenting a radio programme, a TV programme and I adore my job. I would go mad if I had to work in a boring job, I’d absolutely go bonkers. So, I feel very lucky and I’ve achieved a lot in that sense and I love it. But I’ve lots more to learn and I’ll go to the grave learning. You know you can never know too much. I mean imagine! You’re not going to read every book and there’s information in every book, and so you’ll never know too much. But you can always be learning.

I’m always looking forward to another adventure. But currently the adventure I’m on right now is one of the most exciting I’ll ever have and I love it. I’m a very lucky man, a very lucky man!

Thank you Muireann, you’re brilliant.

Muireann McGlynn

Page 25

Health Problems & Natural Medicine

Herbs for Mood and the Emotions

The days are long gone since people thought that mind and body were separate to one another, and we now recognise that feelings or emotions can affect us on a physical level. For example, some one who receives a shock may say, “I got such a shock that my knees gave way” and someone who is looking forward to something with excitement may feel “butterflies” in the stomach.

In an angry rage, we might go red in the face because our blood pressure rises, and many people are unable to sleep if they are worrying about something or feeling anxious. Our emotions do affect us physiologically and as such, certainly if an emotion is held for a period of time, then the physiological effects of that emotion can cause problems in the physical body.

Fortunately, as ever, Nature is a great provider and there are herbs and flower essences that work on deep levels both mentally and emotionally.

Bach Flower Remedies are very potent and most well known would be the Rescue Remedy, which is a combination of several individual flower essences. Rescue Remedy is particularly useful for people in a state of shock-it can be administered as a first aid remedy. It is also useful for people who are troubled with nerves and anxiety relating to something specific such as an exam or driving test, as it restores the spirits and energises the whole body during an acute period of stress. There are 48 Bach Flower Remedies in all, each relating to very specific emotional states, which work by rebalancing a person towards the positive side of the particular emotion rather than the negative side.

Dr. Bach saw the negative conditions as “the true cause of illness and disease.” The flowers he used embody the positive state, causing a return to happiness and health. For example, if you are the sort of person who worries all the time, anticipating misfortune, Red Chestnut enables you to trust to life that everything will be fine. If you have a fear of something specific such as heights, animals, and you are nervous and shy, Mimulus can enable you to feel brave and capable. If you have the type of personality which is insistent, wilful and maybe over-enthusiastic about things becoming stressed, Vervain will bring quiet and tranquility.

Jan de Vries’s Flower Essences are similar, working along the same principles as Dr. Bach’s, but each one is a combination of flower essences designed to resolve a particular problem. Child Essence for example, can help hyperactivity, bed-wetting, poor sleeping patterns, tantrums and squabbling and adjusting to changes. This remedy has also been seen to be of use to children with Attention Deficit Disorder. The remedies work on a purely emotional level and the

benefit of this emotional support is then seen on a physical level. Dr. Bach Flower Remedies and the Jan de Vries Flower Essences are of great use when used in conjunction with herbal remedies as well.

There are also herbal remedies, which work on the physical body to reduce emotional and mental trauma. Avena Sativa is an herb, which can be used during long periods of stress, for nervous and mental exhaustion, and for withdrawal symptoms. So if you are trying to give up cigarettes or alcohol, Avena Sativa offers the mental and emotional support to combat the physical cravings of the body. It is an herb rich in the B vitamins and other nutrients vital for the well being of the nervous system. Ginsavena is a combination of Avena Sativa and Ginseng. The Ginseng supports the adrenal system during periods of stress and strengthens the immune system so that you are less likely to fall prey to colds and other ailments that can arise during periods of stress. It is of particular benefit to the bereaved and to those separating from a relationship as it combats grief and listlessness and energises as well as encouraging sleep and lifting mood.

Passiflora is another herb, which is of great importance for people who are suffering from mild depression and perhaps not sleeping properly. This herb is mildly sedative, hypotensive, antispasmodic and has pain relieving properties. The anti-spasmodic constituents relieve muscle tension, and as such it can relieve sleeplessness and physical pain.

Alkaloids present in the herb relax the mind, allowing contemplation without anxiety. As a sedative, it does not cause drowsiness or addiction and can safely be used with other medication, (although it is not recommended to be taken with anti-depressants or tranquilisers). Passiflora is regarded as a non-addictive minor tranquilliser, which can be useful where there is restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, depression and irritability.

Moods and emotions are important parts of what and who we are as people, and just because we cannot see a mood or an emotion, as we would a rash or a wound, it is important to acknowledge and treat them when they are negative to ensure good, balanced health. Call in to An Bhean Feasa if you need further help or information.

Terri Conroy

Q: Can you suggest anything for asthma? I’ve had it for 10 years. I use nebulizers a few times a week.

A: There are different types of asthma. Each type of asthma calls for a different approach. I don’t know which type you suffer from. Emotional stress, physical stress (sports), allergic, chemical (e.g.smoking),asthma due to bronchial infections, and hypersensitivity to cold-these are the more common types of asthma.

Nebulizers are valuable in that they can prevent the asthma attack from being severe or fatal. However, they do not ultimately resolve the problem. Nebulizers like hydrocortisone are based on steroids. Chronic steroid use can lead to many side effects, e.g. nervousness, hypertension, insomnia, immune suppression, acne, and osteoporosis.

I am not putting down steroid nebulizers. By

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

preventing severe asthma attacks they perform a critical service. I’m just saying there are limitations-that nebulizers don’t resolve the cause, and that there may be side effects. The pros of using nebulizers decisively outweigh the cons.

Can we do better? Yes. In my experience asthma is easily treated. Herbs are invaluable.

Since asthma involves smooth muscle spasms leading to closure of the bronchi, I use antispasmodics. Since phlegm may clog up the constricted bronchi, I may use herbs that clear the lungs of phlegm.Lung tonic herbs are invaluable.

Depending on the type of asthma I add other herbs: e.g., calming herbs if the asthma is due to emotional stress, immunosupportive herbs if the asthma is due to bronchial infections, warming herbs if the asthma is triggered by cold air, etc.

Acupuncture is valuable and generally follows the same principles used for herbs. Points are selected based on the picture. There are points to tonify the lungs, to clear lung heat (lung infection), to clear phlegm, to relax the muscle that is constricting the bronchi, to calm the spirit, to strengthen immunity, etc.

Diet may be important. The simplest tidbit I have to offer re asthma is to avoid all cow dairy products. This is because cow dairy tends to cause phlegm. An increase of phlegm in the bronchi can precipitate the asthma attack.

Sometimes cow dairy is the cause of the asthma.

In this case, dairy elimination is essential to obtain a cure.The restriction of cow dairy does not apply to dairy products from goats, sheep or other animals, or, of course, to rice or soy milk, etc. All of these are acceptable substitutes.

Supplements can also help. If the asthma is allergic, quercitin can help. NAC, or N acetyl cysteine is a useful mucolytic. Magnesium can reduce bronchospasm.

Shallow breathing and poor posture (neck and shoulders hunched forwards) contribute to asthma. If present, correction is needed.

I may do a gentle chiropractic to the upper thoracic vertebrae, as the nerves in this portion of the spinal column control the lungs. A nice sequence of treatment is massage and chiropractic to the upper thoracics, then acupuncture.

In general I am fairly confident of clearing up the asthma in 6 to 8 weeks, assuming commitment to the recommendations I make.

Nicolas Kats ND, Lic. Ac., uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, supplements, chiropractic.

His clinics are in Galway (091-583260) and Clifden (086-3651590). VHI, Quinn Healthcare and VIVAS cover acupuncture.

does not account for the impact of culture and other social influences and may ignore the variety of patient perspectives on the menopausal transition.

Some 19th Century physicians saw menopause as the ‘“Indian summer” of a woman’s life- a period of increased vigor, optimism, and even of physical beauty. A neutral, if not positive, view of menopause persisted in some medical texts until the 1940’s and 50’s.

Definitions of Menopause: Menopause is defined as the cessation of menses that occurs in the sixth decade (on average age 50 to 51 years). It is considered to be a crucial point of transition in the normal ageing of women, and it is associated with a marked decline in the number of eggs in the ovaries. As a result, ovarian oestrogen secretion declines and periods stop. Thus the woman cannot conceive anymore.

Perimenopause is defined as the two to eight years preceding menopause and the one-year after the last menstrual period. It is characterised by normal cycles interspersed with cycles without ovulation of varying length. As a result, menses become irregular, and heavy breakthrough bleeding can occur.

Thus, periods may become unpredictable in both timing and amount. In addition, some women begin to experience hot flushes and other symptoms, but the frequency of these symptoms is variable across cultures. (continued next page)

Menopause across time and cultures

Despite the fact that menopause is a natural event and not a disease,it is commonly treated as a disease by physicians and other health professionals,especially in Western countries.

In other cultures, however, women do not report severe symptoms of menopause and menopause is not managed medically. Relying solely on a medical perspective (or disease model) of menopause

August 7, 2008

PAGE 26

Anna’s Nail Bar

Busine s s Ac t i v i t y i n C l i f d e n and is certainly enthusiastic about the subject. So if your hands or feet are looking a bit shabby or in need of care,treat yourself to one of the many options available and see what it can do for you.

Gift Vouchers are also available, and can be ordered by phone and then posted to you.

Opening Hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, with late opening on Thursdays and Fridays until 8:30pm, by appointment only. Call in for a list of treatments or call (095) 30001 for appointments or advice on what is suitable for you, Anna will be happy to help.

while adding more exotic and unusual flowers now also. Floral tributes are a speciality and can be ordered to any specification based on personal preference, while grave-side plaques and ornaments are also available.

Arrangements, bouquets and more can suit any need, from high-end pieces to more casual and affordable options, and advice or suggestions will always be offered. In addition to all those sweet smelling stems, chocolates and greeting cards will also be in stock, making the Connemara Florist a one shop stop for that special something.

Bridge St of Clifden, has in the last month seen another new business open its doors- Anna’s Nail Bar. The Anna in question is Anna Carey, who has opened the area’s first beauty salon of its kind, a dedicated nail bar. Are there really that many things that can be done with nails, some might ask? Well the answer is “Yes” as it turns out, as Anna offers a wide range of treatments to improve the appearance and condition of your hands and feet.

A particularly impressive feature of this new beauty business is the “Whale Spa”De-Luxe Massage and Jacuzzi Spa Recliner Chair, which looks like the ultimate throne in which to relax while you’re being pampered. It features a vibrating chair with roller massage and a luxurious and relaxing jacuzzi style foot spa which will relieve tiredness and tension from your tired feet, leaving them ready to be pedicured to perfection.

The variety of nail treatments is as good as you would get in any city centre these days, from the standard File and Polish to the De Luxe Manicure and Pedicure, and Paraffin Wax Treatment to Gel Nails. A number of Package Deals are also available for special occasions or brides and offer a really special service to help you feel and look your best.

Anna has always had an interest in beauty therapies and nails in particular,so she undertook a specialist course in Manicure and Ciaté Gel Nail treatment at the beginning of the year at Associate Nails in Galway City.She is now using her skills and talent to ensure that customers have the very best modern Nail Care available on the market

The fragrant Connemara Florist of Main St Clifden has recently undergone a change of ownership, and is now managed and run by the O Sullivan sisters, Sorcha, Aveline and Sinead.

Sorcha explained that she has always had an interest in floristry and gardening and when the opportunity came up, they decided that this would be a great new venture to take on. Sorcha will primarily run the shop along with original staff Sally Madden and Alice Demarch, who will continue to provide the same friendly helpful service as before.

The Connemara Florist has always carried an excellent range of elegant and varied stems, greenery, plants and complementary products and will continue to do so,

Renew Beauty and Spa at the Station House has recently undergone an extensive upgrading and rejuvenation in order to carry on its already well established practice of providing cutting edge, luxury beauty and relaxation therapies. Rose and her staff have now returned to Renew’s original location in the Station House Leisure Centre, which has been redecorated and remodelled and will continue to look after the beauty and wellbeing needs of locals and visitors alike. Along with the Salon revamp, a selection of fabulous new treatments and packages are also now available, such as the La Stone Hot Stone and Cold Marble Massage Therapy.

Brides-to-be can avail of a range of treatments from the LuLur Indonesian Body Ritual range, incorporating hibiscus and jasmine body scrubs and a Cocoa Cream Body Smoothing Moisturizing Wrap, among many

(Menopause continued) Biocultural Definition A broader definition of menopause as a life-cycle change occurring at maturity, rather than the medico-cultural definition of menopause as oestrogen deficiency and cessation of menses, allows for consideration of the different factors that may influence reported menopausal symptoms. There is a wide range of menopausal symptoms and concepts that differ widely by culture.

For instance, many traditional huntergatherer societies do not report negative symptoms at menopause, a phenomenon typically attributed to a combination of a lot of pregnancies, long periods of breastfeeding, and associated freedom from socio-cultural customs and/or taboos associated with menstruation.

In a very interesting study from the international menopause society it was found that there is no word in the Mayan language (Yucatan, Mexico) to describe hot flushes.

There is also far fewer in Japan than in the West and a lot of traditional textbooks of traditional medicine in India and China do not refer to hot flushes. In Chinese philosophy this “midlife” is just part of life. There is no word for menopause, although Chinese medicine recognises the physical changes.

It is suggested that, because of their lifetime commitment to traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese women rarely suffer menopausal symptoms, even in the cities.

Chinese women accept the inevitability of ageing and understand that different behaviours are appropriate at different stages of the life cycle. Age, if accompanied by the appropriate social demeanour, earns respect from others in the community while freedom from menstruation is welcomed.

Indian medical systems have a holistic concept of the person, where mind and body are equally integral to overall health, and ill health is an expression of bodily imbalance.

Each individual symptom is treated to restore balance. Thus menopause is not isolated, identified and labelled within the Indian languages as an entity in and of itself.

The menopaused women’s higher status may be based on physiological changes, most notably the cessation of menstruation and the risk of childbirth, but these have a social meaning - allowing her freedom of movement or to pursue a religious life. The meanings of the passage relate to menstrual taboos, whether age is valued over youth, ‘reproductive importance’, and kinship connections that protect women through the life cycle. At midlife, assuming she has produced a son, she might become a mother-in-law, administrator of both the household and the family finances. The status of grandmother and/or her mature years confer freedom from unwanted reproduction and with it geographic and social mobility. She passes beyond the polluting taboos of menstruation

into the cleanliness, power, religious freedom and higher status of old age. Daughters-inlaw and others are now expected to listen to and support her. Researchers have found that menopause is eagerly anticipated and free from unpleasant symptoms in cultures in which women gain higher social status following menopause. Some cultures even hold ‘ageing’ ceremonies, after which the woman’s social and spiritual status may be changed.

Most of the women interviewed in China and India reported that their mothers passed through menopause in secrecy. This was also the case in Ireland until recently.

The silence surrounding discussions of the menopause in China and India does not necessarily reflect an absence of symptoms, as suggested by some of the anthropological literature and advocates of traditional medicine.

Social factors are sometimes more predictive than biologic factors of the presence or absence of menopausal symptoms. As an example, women who reported increased freedom, social status, and mobility after menopause were less likely to report negative symptoms. In the United States, fear of ageing and high socio-economic status is more frequently associated with negative menopausal symptoms. Caucasian women reported significantly more symptoms than other racial/ethnic groups. Some of the women interviewed also described experiencing ‘rage,’ which was identified by partici-

PAGE 27

New Faces at Connemara Florist

other divine treatments. A new facial skin scanner also highlights the parts of your skin that need particular care. Renew will continue to provide all its existing treatments as before, from traditional treatments like waxing and nails to an extensive range of massage options.

For more information, check out the website www.renewbeauty.com or call Renew on (095) 21881 for more information or an appointment.

Renew is Renewed!

August 7, 2008

pants as a bubbling up of indignation directed toward others—family members, coworkers, or friends. It was as if achieving menopause transported them into another phase of life, one in which the women fully expected to be treated better and were unwilling to settle for anything less. This rage is perhaps a “coming of age” and outgrowth of individual women’s life experiences rather than representative of culture. The western woman’s menopause is given its very substance and meaning by our society’s evaluation of ageing, medicine and choice.

Menopause is just a moment of our history like the rest -puberty, marriage, pregnancy, delivery, miscarriage, bereavement- an ordinary, common event. The real question is what do menopausal women want.

We now have women living their experience of menopause, men watching and medicine transforming it into disease, or to a lesser degree into a risk factor. Let us wait for women to speak and let us listen first to what they wish.

In the next issues I will review the bad symptoms, contraception and sexuality issues, medical screenings that should take place at this period of life, self help, traditional herbal remedies, diet and of course the debate on HRT. Dr Sophie Faherty Dr Sophie Faherty runs a private clinic at Dr Casey’s clinic in Clifden on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and all day Thursday.

095 21224/5 or 087 2226783.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

As part of our series on how to clean your home the natural, cheap and green way, this is our guide on how to get and keep your bathroom clean, sparkling and smelling fresh, without the need for bleach and chemical filled cleaning products. Bathroom products are some of the worst household offenders for chemicals and pollutants. Just think of all the bleach, toilet cleaners and air fresheners that are out there and bought in such huge quantities. Avoiding all those toxic chemicals means you won’t be fumigated while you work and will prevent all those awful ingredients from polluting the waste water system even more.

The efforts of one person can make a difference, and when you see how much money you’ve saved by not buying a huge range of expensive chemical cleaners, it will add to the satisfaction even more. Our staple natural cleaners of vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda can all be used to great effect in the bathroom and here are many other general helpful tips and suggestions.

Bathroom tips: Choose white or ivory bathroom fittings. They are easier to keep clean and don’t show water spots like coloured baths and sinks.

Don’t paint a bathroom green as it will make your skin tone appear different when you look in the mirror.

For walls, semi-gloss paint is easier to wash and wipe.

Porcelain fixtures are easier to maintain than fibreglass, synthetic or acrylic materials.

Taps without washers will be better quality and leak less..

Bath • The simplest and most obvious step is to rinse down the bath after every use to prevent grime build-up. Baths are also much easier to clean after they’ve just been used.

• Vinegar diluted with water can be used as a

Bathroom Cleaning-the Green and Safe Way spray cleaner. For baths, a mixture of 1:5 of vinegar to water is best.

• Watermark rings around the bathtub can be avoided by not using oily bath preparations.

• If there is a watermark ring, wipe with a wet sponge generously sprinkled with baking soda, rinse clean and wipe dry.

For a more stubborn stain use the same method but with vinegar.

Shower • Wipe glass shower doors with a sponge dampened with white vinegar to remove soap residue.

• A glass of white wine will also work as a great cleaner for shower doors. Applied with a cloth it will remove stains and limescale.

• The shower door track is often a nuisance to clean. Pour neat vinegar into the track, allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse out.

• The shower base can be cleaned with your

natural multipurpose spray of vinegar, lemon juice and water.

• Clogged showerheads can be dismantled then soaked in white vinegar to unblock and clean them. If you can’t remove the showerhead fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and tie with strong elastic around the showerhead. Overnight soaking is best but even a few hours will remove most deposits.

• Remove rust from showerheads by rubbing with a paste of lemon juice and salt, then rinse and dry.

Shower Curtains •Before hanging a shower curtain, soak it in a salt-water solution to prevent mildew.

•To remove mildew, wash in hot soapy water, rub with lemon juice and let it dry in the sun (if possible!)

Mirrors •The silvering behind a mirror can be damaged or removed by moisture. Always spray your cleaning cloth instead of spraying the mirror directly, and wipe quickly before any product can drip into the frame.

• Clean mirrors with shaving cream to stop them from fogging up. Spray it on and wipe it off with a paper towel. Repeat in a few weeks when the fog has comes back.

• Mirrors can be cleaned very well with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water, or one part lemon juice and one part water.

• Another cleaning mixture for mirrors is one and a half litres of warm water mixed with a cup of cornflour.

• A felt blackboard eraser will easily remove any streaks on a mirror.

Floors

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• Use a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar to a bucket of water as a general floor cleaner.

• Ceramic tiles can be cleaned with vinegar. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water with more vinegar for an extra dirty floor.

V inegar does not leave a smell when it dries.

• About 20 drops of Tea Tree Oil per litre of hot water makes a great floor cleaner for a bathroom as it is antibacterial and desinfects, and smells pleasant.

Finally comes the dreaded toilet, one of the least favourite cleaning jobs.

August 7, 2008

Toilets • Clean around toilet seat hinges, and bolt covers with a used toothbrush and clean the toilet last if you use the same cleaning towels for the entire bathroom.

• The toilet ring can be cleaned with average denture cleaning tablets. Add two tablets to the water in the bowl and leave overnight then scrub with toilet brush and flush.

• Use hot vinegar for hard water deposits in the toilet bowl. Empty the water from the bowl first. Add about 6 cups of hot vinegar and let it set for an hour (or overnight) before scrubbing. You can use less vinegar if you soak paper towels and put them directly over the ring.

• A pumice stone, normally used on your feet and available in most pharmacies, can be used to clean stains or to remove a ring in the toilet bowl. Leave the water in the bowl and be sure to keep the pumice stone wet while scrubbing.

• Clean your toilet by pouring a can of CocaCola in the bowl and letting it set for a few hours. Flush and watch as the stains disappear!

• Empty the toilet bowl of water, and pour in 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. They will react together to create a bubbling foam. Swish this foam around the entire bowl with a toilet brush.

Then pour in a pot of boiling water very slowly so that it will not go force the water out. Let this set for a half-hour, swish again, then flush.

Do not use any other bleaches or chemical cleaners at the same time, before or after any of these cleaning methods.

To conclude, bathrooms can smell quite unpleasant sometimes. There are many natural smells that are far nicer and kinder to you and the environment than aerosol air freshener sprays.

Air Fresheners • Scented Candles are widely available, atmospheric and reasonably priced if you shop around.

• Fragrance or perfume rings fit over a light bulb and are usually made of clay. The heat of the light bulb will send your favourite perfume or essential oil through the room.

You can also just dab a bit of your favourite oil onto the light bulb.

• A halved lemon or a saucer of vinegar left in a bathroom will dispel any bad odours.

• Finally keep a box of matches by the toilet and light a match for instant stink removal!

Try some of these natural inexpensive methods and see if you can be detached from your stash of Toilet Ducks, rim blocks and bleach sprays. Going green in your house and your cleaning will give you great satisfaction and will save money, the environment and possibly your health.

Catherine Pryce

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Being aware of your was te

Waste and rubbish disposal and management is a highly controversial and topical subject nowadays. Here in Connemara, the method of disposing of household and business waste has changed dramatically in recent years, since the landfill dump at Tullyvoheen in Clifden closed. While few would like to see a landfill dump in the town ever again, many are also disillusioned with paying significant amounts of money to dispose of their waste. However the vast majority of us are law-abiding citizens and will follow the guidelines for properly disposing of our waste, if for no other reason than a lack of alternatives. Unfortunately, there will always be those who will dump illegally to avoid paying the costs that most of us just accept. Some of you will recall the front-page photo on the Connemara View of huge amounts of rubbish that had been dumped over the cliffs in Bundowlish, Cleggan, earlier this year. To try and understand why someone would intentionally spoil a place of natural beauty is difficult to get your head around, but it still happens everyday.

The practice of burning rubbish has also increased along with the rise in cost of waste disposal charges. There is no doubt that many people see this as a harmless way of reducing the amount of waste they have to pay to get rid of, but this is not the case. Apart from polluting others gardens and washing lines with smoke, burning household waste releases toxic

chemicals, which are then inhaled by all nearby. For example, burning wood that is painted or treated with a preservative can be the cause of emitting very toxic fumes. The same is true when paper, which is plastic coated or contains certain inks, or glue used to bind pages together in book form, is burned, ie magazines, newspapers, junk mail etc. Plastic of any sort should not be burned under any circumstances. These pollutants can have profound long term health implications.

Tiny amounts of some pollutants emitted by the backyard burning of chlorinated products like certain types of plastics and solvents are sufficient to have undesirable health effects.

They can also contaminate our back-gardens when they precipitate out of the air and land on the ground.

So the best plan of action is to try to limit the amount of waste you produce in a household by thinking about what you buy first, and how you’re going to get rid of it. Apart from piling lots of stuff into those recyclable bags at €2:50 a pop, consider if what you are about to throw away can be re-used in any way. Plastic containers and bottles can be used for everything from growing seedlings in to animal feeding bowls, while torn or shredded newspaper can be put into compost, used to clean glass or as animal bedding. Plenty of great ideas and forums in which you can ask recycling questions

can be found at an excellent website www.recyclethis.co.uk.

Giving a few minutes thought to how you are going to dispose of your rubbish can have a number of effects. Firstly, and this should appeal to those who resent paying for their rubbish, the more you re-use, the less you will have to pay for the rest of your rubbish, as there will just be less of it.

Secondly, it will relieve some of the eco-guilt many of us feel, as we know we should be doing more to help the environment. The problem of waste is always going to be there.

We will always produce it, but individually we must take responsibility for our attitudes and get used to having to make a bit more effort. There simply is no other option.

Catherine Pryce (Below, litter in Clifden, behind Clúid.) Photo Adele Biddulph

How to get r id of rub bish in Connemara

Blue and clear transparent bin bags are sold in supermarkets, petrol stations and grocery shops in all villages and towns in Connemara. The recycling bags cost €2.50 each and are picked up every second week. The clear bags are for paper and cardboard waste, while the blue bags are for empty food tins plastic bottles and drinks cartons etc. A full list of what is acceptable for recycling is printed on the side of each bag. It is important that these guidelines are followed as the waste will just end up in landfill if it cannot be easily sorted at the recycling centre, in this case, Barna Waste on the Headford Road in Galway.

Non recyclable and food waste should be disposed of in the green Barna Waste bags, which cost €5 each. Green bags and recycling bags are picked up every alternate week. Recycling and normal waste wheelie bins are also available from Barna Waste.

It is recommended that you put out your rubbish or recycling bags the night before or very early on the morning of the pick up day to ensure their removal. But it is also important to ensure that you do not leave the rubbish out for an unreasonable length of time before the pick up as it will most likely be scavenged by cats and dogs and strewn everywhere, and the collectors will not remove waste in this state. Many people use wheelie bins for this reason as well as the volume of waste they hold.

In the case of visitors to the Connemara area, it is advisable to check with the owner of the property you are renting, regarding the relevant waste disposal times and days. The tendency to leave out rubbish at inappropriate times and days when leaving a rented holiday home has often led to litter and uncollected waste spoiling the area, so this must be avoided.

Recycling Centres

Galway County Council operates a Recycling Centre at the Galway Road Clifden. A list of services, items accepted and opening hours are listed below.

Clifden Recycling Centre Tel. /Fax 095-30958 Location : Galway Road, Clifden Opening Hours: Saturday and Monday from 8.30am to 4.30pm (closed Bank Holidays) The following items are accepted Free of Charge from the Domestic sector 1. Green, clear, and brown glass.

Collection schedule 2. Beverage cans.

Monday 3. Flat Glass.

Clifden, Kingstown, Riverside, 4. Electrical and Electronic Equipment..

Tullyvoheen, Ardbear, Fahy 5. Battery operated items.. and Westport Road.

6. Batteries.

Tuesday 7. Light bulbs.

8. Waste oil and oil filters.

Roundstone, Ballyconneely, Cashel.

9. Household Hazardous Waste, which is fully Wednesday labelled and readily identifiable.

Carna, Mweenish, Kilkerrin, Rosmuc, 10. Mobile phones.

Maam Cross, Camus, Recess.

11.Toner Cartridges.

Thursday 12. Clothes.

Moyard, Letterfrack, Tully, Tullycross, 13. Scrap Metal.

Cleggan, Claddaghduff.

Bottle Banks are also in place in various locations Friday throughout Connemara, as well as the Clifden Recycling Leenane, Maam, Cong, Centre. They are generally in car parks or areas around Clonbur, Cornamona. shops. If in further doubt please ring the recycling centre, For further enquiries or to order a ask at the site, or contact the Environment Section, Galwheelie bin call Barna Waste on way County Council at 091-509302) Catherine Pryce (091) 771619 or (0909) 673754.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

August 7, 2008

PAGE 29

What’s the Deal with… Garbage I arrived home on a rare fine summer’s evening recently, after being away for a couple of days, to be faced with an eyesore and instant mood dampener. As I parked the car, I noticed that the blue recycling rubbish bag I had put out two nights earlier had been shredded and the contents spilled and distributed all around the outside of my house.

Sighing, huffing, puffing and tutting, I busied myself with picking up the carefully washed tins, tetra pack cartons etc that I had put aside for recycling.

Mentally, I instantly began the blame game. Was it the binmen’s fault? Probably not. We all know they only take complete and intact bin bags. Therefore, the bag must have been targeted by a determined hungry cat, dog or rodent who fancied a chance at licking the insides of my meticulously clean recyclable items, on the off-chance of finding a food residue scrap. This, of course, would have made it my fault, as I must not have cleaned the appropriate items scrupulously enough. I then also began to question who else might have put the wrong stuff in the bag, but decided that going around accusing friends and family of sabotaging my green effort might seem a little over the top-even for me!

Having worked myself into quite a mood, I set off towards the shop to invest in another blue plastic recycling bag for the princely sum of €2.50. However, tired and fed up, I pondered whether it really was worth the hassle and effort that it was now asking of me. The temptation to just gather everything up and fling it into the main bin was certainly appealing, so I decided to think about it for a little while.

Recycling is now the norm and anyone who would admit to not doing it, would basically be seen as a social outcast of

and Guilt?

sorts. With considerable reform of waste management in recent years, recycling is now a crucial part of getting rid of rubbish. It costs more to dispose of landfill waste, so the idea is that you recycle more and spend less. While I appreciate that rubbish disposal companies like Barna Waste which services the Connemara area, are in business to make money, it bothers me slightly that we have to pay at all to dispose of our recyclable waste. If the government are serious about their quest to “Reduce, Re-use and Recycle” then why, on inspection, are there so many flaws in the ways we in Ireland deal with our waste issues?

“What flaws?” I hear you say. “Sure it takes me a couple of hours every week to sort out the bloody recycling. I’m doing the best I can”. So what happens when your best is not good enough? I’m sure I’m not alone in wondering if all the carefully prepared recyclable stuff I get rid of doesn’t just end up in landfill somewhere else, having made a bit of cash for a few parties along the way. The harsh reality of recycling in Ireland is that we export a staggering 83% of our recyclable waste. That’s right, all the stuff that we clap ourselves on the backs for getting rid of responsibly, ends up being dumped in another country. And guess where...the developing world.

Statistics from the EPA show that while much of our waste ends up in other EU countries, a good deal of it also ends up in the developing world, mainly China and India, having been re-routed via Rotterdam, Antwerp or Zeebruge. So we are effectively dumping what we don’t and won’t handle, in the backyards of the countries that need it least. On a trip to India a couple of years ago I watched as tiny children picked their way through vast wastelands of garbage to try to use or

Q: Am I entitled to a certain period of notice if I am let go from my job?

If you have been working for your employer for more than 13 weeks you are legally entitled to a minimum period of notice. You may be entitled to more notice than the minimum if this is specified in your contract of employment, but your contract cannot reduce your entitlement to less than the minimum. Your employer can only give you less than the minimum notice if you agree with this. You could, for instance, agree to accept payment in lieu of notice so that you are let go but are paid as if you had continued to work for the minimum period.

The amount of notice that you are entitled to by law, will depend on how long you have been working for your employer: 13 weeks to 2 years: 1 week’s notice, 2 to 5 years: 2 weeks, 5 to 10 years: 4 weeks, 10 to 15 years: 6 weeks, 15 years or more: 8 weeks.

If you do not receive your entitlement to notice, you may refer your case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal by completing Form T-1A. You can contact the Employment Appeals Tribunal at Davitt House, 65a Adelaide Road, Dublin 2,Tel: (01) 631 3006, Lo-call: 1890 220 222.

Your employer may dismiss you without notice in the case of serious misconduct. If you are unfairly dismissed you can bring your claim to a Rights Commissioner. You can contact the Rights Commissioner Service at the Labour Relations Commission, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Tel: (01) 613 6700, Lo-call: 1890 220 227. If you, or your employer, object to a Rights Commissioner hearing, the claim may be made directly to the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Centre, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Open Thursday 7-8pm, Friday 103:0 am-3: 30 pm.

Tel: 095-22000 & 087-130-1100. Email: clifden.cic@comhairle.ie. Address: c/o VEC, Statoil Apartments, Galway Road, Clifden. Citizens Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie & from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-Call 1890 777 121.

Letterfrack Information Service Please note that our service is now on Tuesdays. If you have any questions about Social Welfare, Housing, Consumer Affairs, Employment, Education or your rights and entitlements in general, contact us on 095-22000 or 087-1301100 or call in.

Time: 1:30-4:30pm. Venue: Connemara West. July / August 2008: Tuesday 8th & Tuesday 29th July, Tuesday 19th & Tuesday 26th August A wide range of application forms and booklets are available, including: Entitlements for People with Disabilities, One Parent Families Information Guide, Information for Regular Part Time Workers, Employment Rights Explained. Clifden Citizens Information Centre: Statoil Apartments, Galway Road, Clifden Open Thursday 7pm - 8pm, Friday 1030am - 330pm.Tel: 095-22000 or 087-1301100 / Email: clifden.cic@comhairle.ie / www.citizensinformation.ie.

PAGE 30

sell anything worth salvaging. Try imagining an Irish fiveyear-old sifting through a decaying rodent-infested landfill and see how it makes you feel.

The issue of guilt can certainly be applied to this matter.

Guilt means that there is a right and a wrong way for us to operate and there are standards of what is good and what is worthy of guilt. Everyone has an individual moral code and behaves accordingly. If we are satisfied that we are disposing of our waste responsibly on a personal level, that is, recycling, composting and re-using where possible, then we must look to those above us in the pecking order to ensure that they also are doing their best. The Government would have us believe that they are doing their best in the “Race against waste” but the facts are this: There are no significant facilities for reprocessing glass in the Republic. Most of it goes to Northern Ireland and the U.K. Prior to 2005, we processed 31% of our cardboard and paper. Following the closure of our only paper mill, that figure is now 2.6%, with 39% of it going to the U.K. and the rest goes to Asia.

Recyclable waste is often baled and mixed together inappropriately, making it unusable and it ends up in landfill.

Barna Waste had some of their waste returned to them in 2004 for this very reason.

We must all continue to re-use and recycle, that is a given.

However, we must also begin to face up to the reality of how we deal with our waste, not just as individuals, but as a nation. Knowing that you put out your carefully segregated waste for collection only for it to be dumped in another country is not great for the conscience, but for now we must each do what we can and raise awareness of the matter.

Incidentally, I went back and bought the blue bag in the end. As I said, we do what we can.

Catherine Pryce

Skype: Talk to your family online for free!

You might not be Skyping now but you want too.

With the price of long distance calls and plans, Skype has taken the internet by storm. It’s a technology that has recently become a big part of worldwide communication, in fact when I am in the States, it’s what I use to keep in contact with family in Ireland. The technology makes complete sense as it’s free to use on the Internet. Skype is just like making a phone call only you don’t have to dial the numbers you just type in user names instead.

Now I am sure you are asking... how do I get Skype on my computer? Well, here are the steps one needs to take to do so.

Firstly, the tools. Your current computer setup may already have a webcam and a microphone installed. If not, local computer supply shops in Clifden will have the items that you need. Headsets with microphones and stand-alone webcams are often packaged together.

Secondly, you will need to download the Skype software to your computer from the internet. Go to www.skype.com where you will see the option to download the program. Click on download and you will be brought to a new screen. On this screen, there will be a big, green, “Download Now” button. Click it and a new screen will pop up giving you the options: run, save, or cancel. Hit the run button and the downloading process will begin.

You might run into a pop up saying “The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?” Click run and this will continue the process. After the download has completed, a new screen will pop up, giving you the option to run or don’t run. Click on run. You then pick your language and read the license agreement and click the icon that confirms that you have read the license agreement, and click install. You now have Skype. Click start Skype and you are cruising on the internet communication highway. Fill out all the personal info and you are member of Skype. Enjoy.

The next step is calling your friends online. Once you have signed in, you will see a contacts file. In that file is the option to add contact. Type in the name or Skype name of your friend and their name will appear in your contacts. To call your friend, click on their name and then hit the green phone button. If your friend is there, they will hopefully pick up, unless they are screening your calls. Skype is really handy and easy to use once you get the hang of it, and it’s free.

It is also possible to use Skype to contact mobile phones and landlines. This involves getting Skype credits which can be done with PayPal. I hope everybody enjoys this new technology and that it proves to be helpful and beneficial to all.

Connor McDonough-Flynn

August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

LIDL, Galway

ALDI, Galway

Super Valu Moycullen

Sweeney, Moycullen

Esso/Gala, , Oughterard

Spar, Oughterard

Londis, Oughterard

Peacocke's, Maam Cross

Joyce's, Recess

Sweeneys, Clifden

Clifden Service Station

Sullivans, Clifden

SuperValu Clifden

McWilliams, Ballyconneely

Stores Surveyed Date of Survey

Keoghs, Ballyconneely

Tesco

Ferrons, Roundstone

Consumer WatchDog: Petrol & Market Basket

22/07/08 23/07/08 23/07/08 23/07/08 23/07/08 23/07/08 23/07/08 23/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08 29/07/08

Fresh Milk 1 Ltr (any brand)

1.12

1.29

1.30

1.15

1.12

1.25

1.30

1.29

1.30

1.35

1.24

Sliced Pan White 800g

0.65

2.00

1.95

1.79

0.65

1.89

1.85

1.79

1.99

2.00

a

a

(any brand)

1.30

1.28

1.12

0.87

1.19

1.95

1.05 1.25

1.25

1.50

0.65

0.60

0.95

1.58

1.59

1.09

1.09

1.58

1.29 1.16

1.68

1.15

X

1.35

1.49

2.20

1.90

1.58

1.09

1.11

Coca Cola Regular 2 Ltr Btl

1.99

2.40

2.39

2.25

1.99

2.25

2.29

2.49

2.59

2.40

2.19

1.69

2.30

2.85

1.99

X

1.99

Water – Still - 5ltr

1.99

2.99

2.99

2.50

2.55

2.79

2.55

2.57

2.89

X

2.55

X

1.99

2.49

1.99

X

X

Barrys Green Tea Bags 40pk 125g

1.75

1.99

1.65

X

1.84

1.70

1.69

1.99

1.76

X

1.69

1.95

1.70

2.00

1.84

X

X

Lyons Green Tea Bags 40pk 125g

1.88

1.99

1.89

1.59

1.88

X

1.83

1.75

X

X

1.69

1.79

1.65

1.59

1.88

X

X

Storebrand 80 Teabags 250g

0.79

X

X

X

0.99

1.99

1.59

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

0.99

1.39

0.79

b

Fresh Eggs Medium 6pk

(any brand)

(any brand)

John West Tuna Chunks In Brine 185g

1.39

1.99

2.29

1.69

1.49

X

1.87

X

1.65

X

1.99

1.89

1.90

1.19

1.49

X

X

Storebrand Tuna Chunks In Brine 185g

0.59

X

X

0.99

0.95

1.00

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

0.95

0.59

0.64

Granulated Sugar 1kg

0.85

1.49

1.25

1.15

0.85

1.20

0.89

1.20

1.29

1.60

1.45

1.25

1.30

1.50

0.85

X

0.85

0.35

2.20

1.45

0.99

0.94

0.79

0.99

X

1.39

1.75

1.65

1.48

1.75

1.89

0.35

X

0.99

Dry Spaghetti 500g

(any brand)

(any brand)

X=product not available or out of stock on date of survey a= large eggs b=200g

Price Checking Generates Savings With all the talk of recession we keep hearing about these days, more people are beginning to keep an eye on the varying prices of regular household purchases between shops. It is fairly obvious that larger supermarket retailers will have lower prices as a result of buying in bulk but that doesn’t mean that value can’t be found in smaller shops also.

Convenience and smaller shops may tend to be a little more expensive, and we expect this, but the differences in price for certain products may certainly raise a few eyebrows.

Consumer WatchDog is a guide for customers, who are entitled by law to see prices clearly labelled and priced when making purchases. This was not always the case as myself and Connor toured the area in the Connemara View REVAi Electric Car, but we did our very best to make sure that all prices are accurate and correct. Our Consumer WatchDog surveys are based on a sample of major supermarkets in the

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, As many will know, a Natural Heritage Area (designated

by Irish statute) in Laghtanabba, on the road to Cleggan, is currently being destroyed in order to build an Airport. An area known for its Neolithic monuments, it is said that a wooden monastery was sited there; the name translates as Cairn of the Abbots. Red deer chase one another here (or used to), rare bog plants abound. Bogs of this type are listed as endangered by the EU, and are one of the best habitats for carbon sequestration. When you dig them up, tons and tons of carbon is released.

You don’t have to be a genius to understand that this is possibly the most stupid time in recent history to undertake such a project. So why is it happening? Well, it seems that some wealthy, politically well-connected worthies reckon they need even more income. This trumps any calls for environmental responsibility, sustainability, and proper allocation of public money.

The pretext of only providing a service to Inishbofin, 7 miles away, is quite ridiculous. Two ferries ply this route daily. The island is already at capacity in summer. It is obvious that it will soon be used by rich Dubs in their little planes to pop into Connemara for a round of golf before flitting back home. The destruction of an NHA means no more red deer (they were the first to disappear), no otters, no red grouse.

It DOES mean air, traffic, light, noise, and water pollution.

You would think hoteliers would understand that visitors

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

region and shops in the Connemara area. It is not always possible to get to every shop in the area for every issue, so the omission or inclusion of a shop is incidental.

It is the most basic consumer right that the customer should know the price they are paying for an item, and whether it is a fair price, so that they can then make the decision to buy or not. As with our monthly petrol and diesel price survey, we will be continuing to compile price guides like this in the future. Catherine Pryce

Have a Consumer Complaint?

Let us know!

Phone us at 095-22888 or email us at news@connemaraview.com

Consumer Watchdog Petrol Survey Service Station

Petrol Diesel

Cosgraves, Castlebar Sweeney ESSO Clifden Clifden Service Station Actons, Moyard Rogans, Renvyle Welbys, Oughterard Joyce's, Recess Kylemore Filling Station Ferrons, Roundstone Maam Cross

1.25.9 1.27.9 1.27.9 1.27.9 1.30.9 1.31.9 1.31.9 1.32.9 1.36.9 1.36.9

come here for the unspoilt landscapes, the pristine nature. Not aircraft noise. Not tarmac.

At a time when hospitals and schools locally are having their funding cut, is it a good idea to spend over €5 million of OUR money on an airport? Our roads are a disgrace, rural broadband is very patchy at best, Clifden’s broadband MANS (Metropolitan Area Networks) promised by the government never happened, waste and water treatment is barely functional, the electricity grid is woefully inadequate, so they build an airport.

Do I hear folks saying ‘it’ll bring jobs, good for the area’?

Are these the jobs we want for our area: Bed-making and table-waiting? Baggage-handling? These are, of course, the type of jobs that our friends from Eastern Europe flock to, not locals. The money they earn is mostly repatriated to their home countries, contributing very little to our economy.

What Connemara needs is truly sustainable commerce, to wean itself off the unreliable and destructive tourist industry.

We deserve better than having to rely on visitors turning up and spending money here. Get it, politicos? Jobs created and sustained by our own tax money are not real jobs.

At a time when oil is going through the roof with no end in sight, is what we need another unsustainable, destructive, and redundant transport system? To be subsidised by the taxpayer? For the profits to go to the already wealthy?

Personally, I think not.

It’s just plane stupid.

In despair, John Claró, Cleggan

August 7, 2008

1.35.9 1.37.9 1.37.9 1.37.9 1.41.9 1.41.9 1.42.9 1.42.9 1.49.9 1.49.9

Phone Survey conducted 06/08/08.

DEATH NOTICES Margaret Garbrosky (from London, sister of Mickey Kane), Ardnagreevagh, Renvyle Annie King, Errislannan, Clifden Father Stephen Ludden, Clonbur John Molloy, Athry, Recess Phil Mortimer, Ballybane, Galway Martha Mullen (from USA), Sheeauns, Cleggan Thomas Roche, Fahy, Clifden Mai Tarpey (nee King), Market Street, Clifden Nora Christina Vaughan, Sean Scoil, Clifden Esther Whelan, Sky Road, Clifden 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 omissions.

PAGE 31

Electric Cars That Zoom. Really!

I am sure many readers have seen the electric car recently purchased by the Connemara View. This car led me to research the entire electric car industry, and I was surprised as to what I found. As you can probably imagine, the demand for electric cars is growing daily, right along with the growing prices of petrol. The need for a new way to travel is apparent and thankfully, the electric car industry has a plethora of options for the consumer.

Through my research, I realized how wide spread the electric car industry is and how far the technology has come. The different classes of cars were a promising aspect of the industry.You have performance cars that cost upwards of €250,000 and others that cost under €6,000. This allows the consumer to buy to their needs more easily.

I broke my research into three categories; high speed and high cost, high speed and medium cost, and low speed and low cost.

The high speed high cost vehicles were surprisingly enticing. They have the ability to reach speeds upwards of 150mph. The average speed was around 100-125mph.

These cars included: the Venturi Fetish (€273,000), Tesla Roadster (€68,500), CCC Tango T600 (€67,000), Mullen L1X75-GT (€78,500), LCC Roadster (€150,000), and the UEV Electrum Spyder (€44,000). The fastest of the group is the CCC Tango T600 with a top speed of over 150mph and it can reach 0-60 in less than 4 seconds. Mileage

is where you get your bang for your buck with these higher priced cars. The Tesla Roadster and the LCC Roadster are the only two vehicles that can travel over 200 miles before they need to be charged.

The other cars average between 80-150 miles before a recharge. All of these cars are two seaters and can all be charged through a house outlet, except for the Venturi Fetish.

The Fetish requires a more powerful outlet.

The high speed medium cost vehicles prove to have the most value for the price.

These included the Obivo o12 (€37,000), Obivo 828E (€30,750), Phoenix SUT (€29,800), Phoenix SUV (€34,000), and the ZAP Alias (€20,500). All of these vehicles can go over 100 miles per charge and the two Obivo can go as much as 240 miles.

The speeds of all the cars are relatively the

PAGE 32

same as well. The Obivos are at the top of the pack at 120mph and the others are just under at 100mph. All can be charged by 220 volt outlets and average two to five hours of charging time. The two Phoenix vehicles can hold 5 passengers, while the other vehicles are all two seaters. This

category I found to be the most practical for everyday usage, unfortunately all of these vehicles are found in North America and/ or Brazil. However, consumers are able to order them over the internet and plans for worldwide dealerships are in the works.

The low speed, low cost vehicle is where you will find the itty bitty cars. These vehicles are mainly for city or around town usage. The Modec Elec. Van (€25,700), ZENN NEV (€11,000), REVA G Wiz (€12,800), NICE Mega City Car (€6,270), Zebra Sedan (€7,340), Myers Motors NmG (€18,800), American Electric Kurrent (€6,100), DECC IT Sedan (€12,000), ElBil Norge Kewet Buddy (€17,500), and Fly Bo 6000/2 (€6,275). As you can see the prices are drastically less than the two prior categories, however, the performance and mileage are far less as well. These vehicles are for short distances, as they all average around 25-50 miles before a recharge is needed.

The speed of the vehicles is and average of 25-50 mph, which is a good around town speed, but not a speed for the highway.

These vehicles are perfect for what they are made for and the Connemara View mobile (a REVA) does a great job around Clifden and Connemara. Charging it is comparable to charging a mobile phone. The average charge time is 2-8 hours depending on how much battery has been used. All of the vehicles are primarily made to fit two adults comfortably; however the van and the sedans can fit four passengers. These vehicles are also found all over, some in the UK, Norway, Canada, India, and the US, so finding them is not as hard as the higher performance vehicles.

Currently in Ireland there are two low speed, low cost vehicles. The Connemara View’s REVA was purchased from GreenAer.ie (GreenAer.ie). Green Machines (Green Machines.com) also supplies Ireland with the NICE Mega City Car. Electric cars are obviously a logical means of travel, and like any other new technology, time is needed to master the art. I believe electric cars will prove to be extremely beneficial and save the consumer an arm and a leg in driving costs. The technology in a short time has led to some amazing vehicles. One lives in Connemara now, and I forsee many more in its future!

Connor McDonough-Flynn

The Diary of Connemara’s First Electric Car Exactly a century ago, Henry Ford introduced his Model T Ford to the world. It Sold for €950. (I won’t even try to equate that into the Euro value of today). His invention of a gas-powered mechanical vehicle soon relegated the horse drawn carriage to novelty status. Today in Ireland there are now more than 2 million cars, trucks and motorcycles on our roads.

I now have a sense of what Henry felt when he was tooling around in his black Model T. The amount of curiosity that Connemara’s first all-electric car has elicited is fantastic. Our new REVAi is certainly small, it takes up only half of the average parking space. It has been gliding soundlessly around Clifden and the region for a month now and it has stopped people in their tracks when they see it!

Certainly, part of the impact is that the car is wrapped with the Connemara View masthead along with adorable lambs and a foal sticking his head out the car window.

But setting that aside, the facial reactions as the car drives by appear to query “Is that a real car or a fancy quad bike?” or “That’s so cute, what is it?” When parked up, it merits a walk-around of interest by many and loads of questions if any of us are near the car.

I have been enthralled with the concept of having an electric car for years and after a month of ownership I am still thrilled to sit in it each time. It just feels so logical! The reason it is so suitable for the newspaper is that we just don’t go that far on an average day. Travelling the roads of Connemara rarely requires speeds over 50mph. However, it is not the most suitable vehicle for highway driving when speeds of 60mph are expected from the other drivers on the road, particularly the many no passing sections.

News Editor Catherine Pryce and myself have been all around the countryside in the REVAi and find that it is a comfortable drive. The seats are positioned higher than most cars so the visibility is great. Two people fit comfortably in the front. The fold-down back seat with seat belts is suitable for two children, the dog, golf clubs or the shopping.

It’s automatic, so there is no shifting clutches, just turning a knob into Reverse, Neutral, Forward or Boost. It is very easy to get the hang of quickly and is really peppy to drive. The Boost zooms it up hills with verve, though I do find that on a particularly long, steep hill the boost will lose its steam near the top. Pulling out onto the road is not in the least bit sluggish and it gets up to 40 very promptly.

The distance that the REVAi can go before needing a charge is the most important

consideration when travelling. The manual states that it can go up to 80km/50miles.

However, I feel this must have been calculated on flat distances, not the roller coaster that are our roads. In our “learn by doing” fashion, we have put the car to the test and find that going from Clifden to Roundstone and back uses three-quarters of the energy. We did plug in at the Roundstone Pony and Dog Shows, more for the practice than need. A Clifden to Maam Cross return trip required the need to plug in at Peacocke’s Hotel (which they kindly provided at no charge) while at the Maam Cross Pony Show. It will plug into any household plug and 2 hours gives an 80% charge.

The really good news is that in January, the lithium ion battery will be installed in our REVAi which will increase the charge range to 120km/75miles so we will be able to get to Galway City before needing a charge.

In cities that have adopted the electric car lifestyle, such as London and Paris, the infrastructure for charging is in place.

There are many convenient charge points at metered parking spots. The cost is minimal or nothing for charging since the positive environmental impact of people using these vehicles ultimately reduces other costs. At the moment, Ireland does not have charge points in place. GreenAer, who distributes the REVAi, and Green Machine companies are currently lobbying County Councils for these to be created. In the meantime, they have reached an agreement with Topaz Service Stations in Galway (formerly Statoil) to install paid charge points (€1/hour is the estimated cost).

The real upside is how much I am not spending on petrol! I estimate that it is costing me €5 per week to charge up our adorable vehicle. This is a saving of at least €40 per week at current costs on using my 1.8ltr petrol vehicle to go the same distances. On an annual basis, that is a €2,000 savings. Road tax is also much cheaper at a flat €100. Insurance is cheaper than what you would normally pay, but it is hard to factor the exact savings since the no claim bonus is on the petrol car which I have kept for long road trips. We are paying €400 a year for insurance on the REVAi as a company vehicle with two full-licence drivers. The car itself cost €12,800.

I feel like a revolutionary in our REVAi. It has no emissions so it is an environmental marvel, and I love beating the petrol pirates.

Ellen McDonough Photo: At their recent fundraiser, the Clifden Fire Brigade were keeping the REVAi clean. Yes, that’s Luke Carty in the driver’s seat with his sister, Allanah.

Photos from top: The Tesla; The Obivo.

August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

I have been asked about herbaceous borders and what are the best plants for them.

This is a tall order to fill, as I think that in gardening as in most things, it is to each his or her own. I think it is important to pick plants that you like, rather than something that someone else thinks you should like.

First of all we should look at the idea of a herbaceous border. These are usually long, rectangular beds, fronted by a lawn or pathway and backed by either a wall or hedge.

They can be either single or double, the doubles face each other across the intervening space. They became very popular during the 19th century, when labour was cheap and plentiful. They tended to go out of fashion after the First World War, and have only recently come back into fashion. Of course the less formal cottage style was easier to maintain and remained in vogue.

A ‘proper’ border would have a large selection of perennials. These are plants which, for the most part, die back above ground during the winter, while the roots will stay alive and

produce new growth the following year and for many years after. To me they are great value plants, normally easy to divide, so numerous plants can be produced over the years.

They also make the best plants for sharing with friends. Nowadays, there tends to be more of a mixture in borders, with shrubs, grasses, bulbs and annuals thrown together.

If you are starting off, look at where the border is going to be positioned-the sun or lack of it, type of soil and backdrop. There is a herbaceous border to suit almost every place. One of the fun aspects of planning a border is that you get to look at loads of books and pick your favourite plants. You should also visit gardens which have good borders, I would suggest that you visit Cashel House Hotel for a great relaxed mixed border. Don’t let its cottage feel fool you, there are some real gems within the planting scheme. For a more formal approach the double border at Kylemore Abbey Gardens can’t be beaten. Of course you should always look at the sides of the

roads here and see nature’s herbaceous border. As I always say, it is best to see gardens, which are closer to home, as the weather problems they have will be about the same as what you will have.

Having looked at the various options, draw up a plan. Roughly position the plants on paper, being aware that these plants tend to grow fairly large. It is a nice idea to repeat the planting scheme throughout the scheme, but not to stick too rigidly to the laws of height and colour. There should always be a bit of a surprise, so occasionally allow a higher plant to grow to the front, all but covering up the smaller plants.

Next most important job should be the preparation of the bed. Dig as deep as possible and remove all major weeds and stones.

Incorporate organic matters- I like to put seaweed as far down as possible, followed by garden compost and leaf mould. These additives I mix as much as possible with the soil, giving a good clean soil which is open enough to allow the roots make their way through the soil, into the deep rich earth.

With your drawn-up plan, make a wish list and then go off in search of the plants you are after. It is not always easy or even possible to get all the plants you want so be prepared to make sacrifices. If you have to change a few plants, for a short while, it is a good idea to put your plant in a fairly big pot, which you can bury in the ground. Then when your correct plant or plants arrive it is only a matter of digging up the plant, pot and all.

Of course this is not really the best time to actually plant up your border, I would prefer to carry out this task in late September or October or maybe in Spring, but this is the time to plan.

Some of my favourite plants for the border include Acanthus, a very showy plant, with big architectural leaves and tall spikes of flowers. Achillea, in the various colours make a great splash of colour, Camassia, which have large bulbs and increase in numbers every year, flower fairly early and have a great range of blue flowers. I worry about planting Crocosmia in the border, although they are spectacular they look so much like Montbretia that the real pest might sneak in uninvited and once in, its very hard to get rid of. Sidalcea is another favourite for the back of the border, Sedum is a great plant to have as you get great colour in the Autumn.

For the front of the border I like Erigeron, it flowers for months on end and looks good even when not in flower. Another favourite would be Alchemilla or Lady’s mantle. The

list could go on for ever and as I said at the start, you should pick your own favourites.

I prefer a mixed border, but I have seen some with very few plants which are designed for certain seasons or for a special effect. The most popular of these designs are for the white border. I like the idea but wonder if it wouldn’t become a little boring after a year or two. I suppose with my love of nature and things natural, I prefer to see things mixed.

I had an e-mail from a concerned reader recently, in connection with the piece I wrote about Gunnera recently, they wondered if we need to do something about the problem and what. As I mentioned at the time, the community in Leenane were beginning a process of eradication. Unfortunately the weather has not been suitable to spray, but they are still planning to go ahead. It will be interesting to see how this goes. I think we should do something in our area, starting off with cutting back any leaves we see growing, I know that this is very little, but at least it makes a start. There was a wonderful old man around Clifden a good many years ago, and every time he went for a walk he brought a secateurs with him, which he would use to cut back briars and other plants which were growing onto the road. This was the original ‘power of one’ that we hear so much about these days. We should also ask our councillors and politicians to insist that the road builders use local material. This problem may have to be brought to higher powers, but it wouldn’t take a genius to see that the present situation is not working. I heard recently of some one who had a very bad reaction to Gunnera when they got a small cut on their hand.

I am not sure if this is normal as you can react to almost any plant.

Take cuttings of spring flowering shrubs, once the flowers have gone, plant into the ground directly or into pots, they should take fairly easily. Don’t forget to water and keep shaded from full sun. Also gather seeds of spring flowers, columbine, sweet rocket, foxglove and blue bells. I cut the stalks with the seed heads and hang them upside down in a paper bag or large envelope so the seeds can fall out when ripe. It is lovely to give presents of seeds to friends and family.

Keep watering containers, deadheading flowers when they have finished, and cutting your grass, and remember to relax and enjoy your garden.

Breandan O Scanaill

From top, L-R: Acanthus, Achillea, Camassia, Sidalcea, Erigeron, Alchemilla

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August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

On the Grapevine…

Above all, serve and drink what you enjoy!

I sometimes wonder why wine drinking (or as I’m more aware of, buying) on occasion, causes stress. Somehow, I don’t think that many people feel under the same pressure when they go to their local butcher or green grocer to buy the basics for meals. If one loves pork and really doesn’t enjoy lamb (I know, that’s close to heresy in Connemara) it’s perfectly okay to say so. Why not with various wine? Is it because in Ireland, casual wine drinking is fairly recent? One thing is certain; wine is to be enjoyed and it’s possible, even preferable to imbibe a wide variety of types.

Now, back to the butcher and, in Clifden, we have the best. Most people don’t buy lamb chops for every day or for that matter beef fillet. This evening’s dinner may be lasagne, tomorrow’s shepherd’s pie, and mussels the following day, and maybe roast beef on Saturday evening. The ingredients for all of these have different costs and each meal is suitable for different occasions. It’s the same with wine; different bottles for different meals.

The simplest area of preference with wine is between red and white and I have a perception that much of that has to do with the serving temperature as much as the taste. Many people love the coolness of a glass of white wine; maybe try a Beaujolais or some Pinot Noirs which are suited to being lightly chilled to find out if, in fact, you like the taste of some red wines.

Earlier this summer I did two wine tastings, one with the Active Retirement Group and another with the I.C.A (Irish Countrywomen’s Association). We only sampled four wines; two red, two white, but one of the things that heartened me greatly, was, that everyone there had, and voiced, an opinion on what they liked and disliked. This, after all, is the most important factor in choosing a bottle of wine. Now, as with everything else we digest, there are numerous tastes that everyone enjoys and these vary from person to person. As a wine retailer, I’m continually looking for new, interesting, good value for money wines. I greatly depend on the feedback I get from my customers, and, I have a few who are willing to try all different types and let me know exactly what they think!

I have realised that if a customer tells me they like wine but know absolutely nothing about it, they all know exactly what they like or dislike but are intimidated and/or overwhelmed by the terminology involved. An example is someone who says they like Australian or Chilean Shiraz or Côtes du Rhone, sometimes likes Cabernet, but in general they don’t enjoy most French wines. I can then easily rule out certain wines but offer a wide selection of wines in every price range that they might enjoy. Also, all our tastes change with time, circumstances, season and occasion so the ideal wine for a picnic on the beach on a glorious sunny day (if there ever is one) is likely to be different to the best wine for a big roast dinner with all the trimmings. That doesn’t mean any food has to be served with a certain wine but it’s probably worth thinking of the wine as part of the trimmings of the meal.

So, this summer, above all, buy and drink wine that you enjoy. But keep an open mind, and, when given the opportunity, try unfamiliar types and tastes, keeping an open mind, and your enjoyment and knowledge of wine will be greatly enhanced.

Helen Ferguson

Dining Alfresco Even the simplest of meals takes on a magical dimension when eaten outdoors. A mere sandwich can taste wonderful outside, in fact one of my most memorable meals consisted of a freshly baked baguette and some oozing Brie, eaten on a freezing cold beach in the North of France!

Barbecuing is a relaxed and sociable way of entertaining friends. The main advantage of barbecuing is that everything can be prepared in advance, allowing the host to relax and enjoy themselves. It is a great way of getting everyone involved in the cooking process and it’s also a well-known fact that men love the “macho” element of barbecuing. Also, and most importantly, cleaning up is kept to a minimum!

Kebabs are a fun and easy way to cook on a barbecue. Simply soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning and assemble. Kebabs are a do-ahead delight, simply prepare and marinate overnight. Feel free to add mushrooms, peppers or cherry tomatoes, a great way for children to get the crucial “5 a day”. Take things one step further and use pitta breads or wraps as plates. Simply wrap up your meats and serve with sauce and salad.

Also thread your favourite fruit on to skewers for a yummy dessert.

Here are some of my favourite kebab recipes.

Serve with a green salad, some delicious new potatoes and you have a scrumptious meal in minutes.

Spiced Chicken Skewers Ingredients: 4 x 140g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons chilli flakes 6 crushed garlic cloves 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Mint leaves and lemon wedges to serve.

Chilli and Lime Beef Skewers Ingredients: 1 small red chilli chopped 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce 2 tablespoons Lime Juice 4 tablespoons of Peanut or Sesame oil 700g Rump Steak, cut into pieces

Method: Place chilli, fish sauce, lime juice and oil in bowl and stir to combine. Place steak in another bowl and pour over half of the lime marinade. Leave in fridge overnight. Thread onto skewers and char grill on BBQ for 3-4 minutes each side. Use remaining marinade to drizzle over cooked kebabs.

Lemongrass and Chilli Prawns Ingredients: 12 medium raw prawns 6 stalks lemongrass, trimmed Olive oil for brushing

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Chilli Dressing: 1 small red chilli chopped ¼ cup chopped coriander 1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar Lime wedges to serve.

Method: Place all Dressing ingredients in bowl and stir to combine. Thread 2 prawns onto each lemongrass stalks, brush with olive oil. Cook prawns for 3-4 minutes, serve with chilli dressing and wedges of lime.

August 7, 2008

Method: Place first 6 ingredients in bowl and allow to marinate overnight in fridge. Thread onto skewers and cook for 5 minutes on BBQ, turning once. Sprinkle with mint leaves and serve with lemon wedges.

Picnics are also a wonderful way of catching up with friends.The benefit of meeting in a neutral venue takes the pressure off one particular person. Simply invest in a nice picnic basket, some cosy blankets and pray for good weather!

Pick one of Connemara’s amazing beaches and pack up the hamper with some gourmet delights.

Some suggestions are: Freshly baked bread, a selection of cheeses, hams and cold meats, some olives and dips, some nice local seafood like Connemara SmokeHouse smoked salmon or tuna, and of course the “piece de resistance”, a yummy bottle of wine, prosecco or champagne!

So get out there some time soon and enjoy some outdoor dining in this beautiful part of the world we live in!

Claire Griffin

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

PROPERTIES in CONNEMARA No. 8 Darcy Court, Clifden This three bedroom property,which is finished to a very high standard,offers an ideal opportunity to purchase a prime residence in the centre of Clifden. This property has excellent investment potential and would make a wonderful rental property or family home.Offers on €330,000.Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers,The Square,Clifden.09521066 email: property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

Buninvhir, Derryrush Set in the heart of Connemara, Derryrush is located on the Coast Road between Galway City & Clifden, & within driving distance to the lovely fishing villages of Kilkerrin & Round-

stone. The property comprises of a traditional cottage which has been tastefully extended & renovated. Most rooms overlook the Invermore River which runs into Kilkerrin Bay just yards from the property.The property is accessed by a

wide hallway with an arched opening into the original living room with a large open fire. Another arch leads to the kitchen and dining room.

On this floor there are a further two bedrooms, one en-suite; study; and bathroom.The original stairs from the sitting area leads to two first floor bedrooms, a bathroom and w.c. Outside the grounds have been beautifully maintained and walled in local stone.There are a number of stone outbuildings currently used as a utility area and for storage. Subject to planning permission these buildings could be converted to other uses.

Price €555,000. Sherry FitzGerald Kavanagh, Main Street, Clifden 095-21888. email:clifden@sfkavanagh.com www.sherryfitz.ie.

No 7 Glynsk Cottages, Glynsk A modern and bright cottage in a very private setting overlooking Bertraboy Bay,The Twelve Bens and Roundstone. Accommodation incl: Entrance Porch, Open plan Living /Diningroom, Kitchen, 3 bedrooms (1 Ensuite), Bathroom & Utility.The beautiful mature garden to lake provides the ultimate in privacy with meanderOffers on ing walks and seating area. Price: NEED €395,000.

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

Planning Applications 082047 Zagorc, Tom & Ann Aillebrack, 01/07/08. For shed/store and all ancillary site works and site services. 082088 Griffin, David,Bunowen, 03/07/08. For the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage, septic tank, percolation area and all ancillary works.

082117 McWilliams, Leo Ballyconneely, 08/07/08. For a development comprising of 3 farm buildings consisting of a machine/hay store, horse stable and cattle shed including ancillary hard standing, compound and farm related facilities and for retention for the upgrading and widening of the existing farm access roads and the construction of a new farm access road.

082118 McWilliams, Leo, Ballyconneely, 08/07/08. For a development comprising of a single house dormer style and connection into previously approved sewerage treatment scheme (reg. ref: 05/776) Permission is also sought for retention for an entrance, gate and access road.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Lough Corrib, Co. Mayo Charming old fashioned cottage situated on the edge of Lough Corrib, Co. Mayo, close to Ashford Castle. With 2 bedrooms; this cottage has been recently renovated with a conservatory and all modern conveniences offering a delightful and unique location with panoramic views. Guide Price: €400,000.

Clifden Real Estate 095-30808 www.clifdenrealestate.com info@clifdenrealestate.com.

“Diamond View”, Shanaveag, Kylemore Quietly set in one of the loveliest areas of Connemara, between Kylemore Abbey & Gardens and the Renvyle Peninsular, this luxury residence, extending to 2400 sq.ft. has been created with much style and regardless of expense. Light filled reception halls lead into a superbly designed main living room with dining and kitchen areas.

2 ground floor bedrooms and a bathroom. Light and spacious upper floor with mezzanine study and 2 further ensuite bedrooms. Children’s play area, 0.5 acre of leisure and formal gardens.Truly a dream home ready to walk into! Offers on

082124 Conneely, Joe, Inishnee, 08/07/08. Chun teach conaithe dabhach searachais agus coras eisilteach puraflo a thogail.

082126 Ní Dhubhain, Bríd, Keeraunbeg Beg, 08/07/08. Chun athrú a dhéanamh ar an mbealach isteach chuig mo shuíomh, (2) méadú a dhéanamh ar an fhuinneog ag binn an teach gloine (3) fuinneog chiorclach a chur sa bhinn thiar den teach cónaí ceadaithe (PL Ref. No. 05/4766, cead garaisite dubailte ar chul an teach conaithe ceadaithe. 082129 Passemard, Paul, Clifden Demesne, 09/07/08. For 1 new window on the westerly elevation, additional velux roof lights, minor alterations to internal layout and retention of remaining house and external shed. 082138 King, Tomas, Knockbrack, 09/07/08.

To construct a dwelling house, garage and a proposed Kingspan Envirocare sewage treatment system. 082162 Curley, Martin & Mary, Streamstown, 11/07/08. To construct a dwelling house, domestic garage and septic tank.

082168 Breathnach, Thomas, Camus Oughter, 11/07/08. Chun teach conaithe, garaiste ag`zus coras searachais a thogail.

082169 Udaras na Gaeltachta, Tully, Inverin, 11/07/08. Chun gleasra coireala fuiolluisce a thogail, in ionad an chorais coireala munlaigh (Puraflo) ata ann faoi lathair, chun freastal ar an gnothai ar an Eastat Tionscail agus ar fhorbairti eile ar an Estat Tionscail sa todhchai, tithe na seanoiri, an t-ionad lae, an t-

August 7, 2008

€585,000. Spencer Auctioneers, Main St., Oughterard, 091-552999 email: info@spencerauctioneers.com www.spencerauctioneers.com.

7 Old Monastery Road, Roundstone Monastery Road in Roundstone village is small development of semi detached houses on a monastic site by the old harbour. The property is a corner site by the water and it enjoys spectacular views of the bay across to Inisnee and the Connemara mountains. Situated in a terrific scenic area this property is only a stroll from the village centre and all the amenities for which the area internationally famed for.The house is a three bedroomed property with living room, kitchen / dining room and bathroom.There is potential to extend into the rear garden and create further accommodation (subject to the necessary consents) ideally it would be suited to a conservatory off the kitchen which would give 180 degree views of the bay. Roundstone famed for its marvelous beaches and water activities is expected to have its new marina operational in the next year which will further add to the attractiveness of this development on the waters edge. €645,000. DNG Martin O’Connor Auctioneers & Valuers on 091 866708 or e-mail oughterard@dng.ie.

ionad slainte agus sciath-thithioct Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhise Slainte ag Tearmann Eanna agus dha theach comharsanach.

082174 O’Flatharta, Caoimhín, Carrowroe North, 11/07/08. Le h-aghaidh teach cónaithe, garáiste, córas séarchas le ait siolaithe. 082175 Scoil Naisiunta Naomh Chiaran, An Bord Bainistíochta, Kilkeiran, 11/07/08.

Chun an seoltán a leagadh agus seomra tuismitheoirí agus leabharlann a chur ina áit. 082177 Mullen, Pat, Erisbeg West, 11/07/08. For the construction of a new utility/storage shed.

082179 Lee, Pat, Carraroe North, 11/07/08. For the construction of a dwelling house and all ancillary works on site no. 7. 082207 O’Neill, Winifred, Aillebrack, 17/07/08. 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.

082224 Connemara Golf Club Ltd, Creggoduff, 17/07/08. For a proposed new treatment plant, percolation area, ancillary site works and revision to site boundaries granted under Pl. REf. No. 0422601. 082226 Thornton, Joseph, Derrigimlagh. 17/07/08.

For a change of house plans for dwelling house.

082251 O’Fatharta, P, Keeraun Beg, 18/07/08. Chun teach conaithe, garaiste agus coras searachais a thogail. 082252 O’Toole, T, Carna. 18/07/08 Chun athruithe ata deanta ar theach

conaithe Pl. Ref. 06/1684 & Pl. Ref. 00/3171 a choinneail.

082274 McFadden, Niall, Inishnee, 22/07/08. For retention of a) demolition of existing extensions and constructing a new extension slightly larger than the exempt development size with new stone cladding, new elevational treatment, new slate roof to cottage no. 1, on the south side of the development; (b) demolition of existing storage area extension to existing cottage and constructing new bathroom and entrance extension and new bay window to the rear and new stone cladding, new elevational treatment and new natural slate roof to cottage no. 2 on the north side of the development; (c) relocating the entrance to the site 35 metres to the south of the site with new stoen walls, piers, gates and access road.

082333 Mulkerrins, Michael, Aughrusmore, 25/07/08. For retention and completion of alterations/changes to house previously approved under Pl. Ref. No. 04/3331 with all ancillary site works and site services.

082335 O Flatharta, S Carrowroe North 25/07/08. Chun athrú a dhéanamh ar theorainn suíomh pl. ref. 08/792.

082347 Conroy, Patrick & Elaine, Bunowen, 25/07/08. To construct a new single storey dwelling, detached singley storey domestic garage and install a new proprietary waste water treatment system together with all associated site works, access road, services and landscaping.

PAGE 35

The Cr ystal Ball By John Amenhauser In mid-August, in Connemara the sky is reasonably dark between about 10:30 pm and 4 am.

The Moon is New on Friday August 1st. This occurs every month when the Moon lies in the same general direction as the Sun as seen from Earth. Usually the Moon passes a little above or below the Sun; this month, however, the Moon gets directly in front of the Sun, and we have a total eclipse of the Sun. The eclipse is only total as viewed from a narrow strip on the surface of the Earth; on this occasion, this runs through northern Canada, Greenland, northern Russia, Mongolia and China. From Connemara the eclipse is partial: about one-third of the Sun’s disc will be hidden.

This is not enough to make a noticeable difference to its brightness, and it is definitely NOT safe to look directly at the Sun. But if you have a safe way of viewing the Sun (preferably by projecting an image of it on to a screen) then you can watch the eclipse between about 9:25 and 11:10 a.m. on Friday August 1st.

Full Moon occurs on Saturday August 16th, and happens every month when the Moon lies in the opposite direction to the Sun, as seen from Earth. This month, however, the Moon passes through the edge of the shadow, and we have a partial eclipse of the Moon.

When the Moon rises in the east, about 8:30 pm on Saturday 16th, it will already be in the outer part of the Earth’s shadow (the penumbra). At 8:36 pm, the main shadow (the umbra) will start to touch the lower left

edge of the Moon. At maximum eclipse, around 10:10 pm, the lower 80% of the Moon will be dark. Then the shadow begins to move away to the right; the last trace leaves the lower right edge of the Moon at 11:44 pm. It will still be very slightly dimmed, until it finally leaves the penumbra at 00:55 am.

Mercury is setting just a few minutes after sunset. We won’t be able to see this elusive little planet at all this month.

Venus is also setting very shortly after sunset. But it is such a bright planet, that by the end of August it may just be worth starting to search for it. It will be very low in the West immediately after sunset; but it will need an unobstructed horizon and a very clear sky. We’ll get better views of Venus towards the end of this year.

Mars is yet another planet setting in the west very shortly after sunset. It’s much fainter than Venus – it’s fainter even than Mercury. We have very little chance of seeing the “Red Planet” for the rest of this year.

Jupiter - The one planet ideal for viewing this August is the giant planet Jupiter, which is low in the South at dusk; it sets in the SouthWest in the early hours of the morning. Relative to the stars, it’s currently moving very slowly westwards. Jupiter itself looks like a very bright, steady star, much brighter than any of the genuine stars in that part of the sky. Jupiter’s four major moons can often be seen even in a pair of binoculars, like tiny points of light on either side of the planet. The outermost one, Callisto, can sometimes be glimpsed with the naked eye, especially in twilight, when the light from the planet itself is not too dazzling. Callisto will appear furthest east of Jupiter around August 1st and 17th, and furthest west around the 9th and 25th.

Saturn - The ringed planet Saturn is one more planet which is setting in the west shortly after sunset, and won’t be visible this month. This means that four of the five naked-eye planets are closely grouped together this month – and we can’t see ‘em!

Meteors - August brings the well-known Perseid meteor-shower. Perseid meteors may be seen any time from late July to late August, but the peak this year is expected in the morning of Tuesday August 12th.

There should be good numbers of meteors all through the night of Monday 11th, perhaps increasing to as many as one Perseid every couple of minutes, towards dawn. They all seem to radiate from a point in the constellation of Perseus, which is well up in north-east during the evening, and high in the east by dawn. Unfortunately, the light of the gibbous Moon will interfere with our viewing, at least until it sets just before midnight.

John Claro

Give it a Lash!

Lashes are the big story of the season, where more is definitely more! At the most recent Fashion Week, the biggest names in fashion from Christian Dior to John Galliano styled their models in the most flamboyant of false eyelashes. False eyelashes were invented by the American film director DW Griffith while making his epic film “Intolerance” in 1916. He wanted his actress to have lashes that brushed her cheeks to make her eyes shine larger than life. A wigmaker wove hair through fine gauze, which was then gummed to the eyelids.

If you think false eyelashes are glamorous, wait until you see eyelash extensions. Just as the name implies, they’re a lot like hair extensions-but for the eyes! I first saw this process being done at the London Hair Show in 2005.It was brought over from Asia where this procedure originates. They add definition, volume and length to your

lashes. The lashes are made of a soft, curved synthetic material. Each individual extension is applied directly to an individual, natural lash, and one lash at a time. So it will take time and you should allow 2 hours for a full set. They are weightless, waterproof and flexible due to a medical grade, odourless and quick drying adhesive.

The eyelash grows for approximately 30 days and then rests for the rest of its life. An average life span of the eyelash is 3 months. This is why the extension can last only as long as the eyelash it’s attached to. You will need to have maintenance appointment every 3 weeks to add new ones. This is a costly procedure and the initial cost can average around €200. The prices vary of course and as usual seem to be the highest in the city centres. I feel you can have a good set, they really only last about 5 weeks before they can start to thin out. As this is a costly procedure I think they are best to have done for the special occasions. It is certainly becoming more popular however and I have seen some great eyelashes fluttering around town lately, so maybe consider trying them if you fancy the idea.

Joanna Galloway

Constellation Map

Connemara Night sky for August 15, 2230 hours, centred on Cleggan.

Style File

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August 7, 2008

AU G U S T TA RO T R E A D I N G

Past Wheel of Fortune

Present 5 of Cups

Future 6 of Pentacles

In the past you were uncertain about what to do so you just had a bit of blind faith and went with it or for it. In the present you are still sorting through it all and are not done yet. As a result you have hurt some people close to you on the way. In the future you must be careful about giving or receiving too much. Try to keep a balance at all times.

If the balance does go off you will be the loser either way.

AUGUST RUNES READING

The action is about getting rid of the old to make room for the new. It’s personal spring-cleaning time.

The challenge is growth itself, you can only grow slowly and only by shedding all resistance to change.

The overview is movement into the next or new phase Action Challenge Overview of your own life. You need to Separation Growth Movement undergo change in order to (Othila) (Berkana) (Ehwaz) meet this new growth.

“Share the Good Fortune”.

AUGUST HOROSCOPES Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Stop waiting for advice or even listening to it. This month you need to go with your own gut and do what you want to do.

Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) The celebration that is planned for this month is not going to go the way you expect it. There will be a twist that will cause complications, so be ready for it.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) To get what you want this month you are going to have to be a bit sneaky. Make sure you do not get caught out in the process.

Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) Love and lust are in the air, romance will bloom and love will charge on to the scene. Just sit back and let it all happen or get out there and make it happen, either way you can’t go wrong.

Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The only way you can relax and enjoy yourself this month is if you just let down those old barriers a little and let yourself have some fun. Go on-it’s your birthday after all!

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) The good old family life is just the treat for you this month. Take time out to stay home and do things with all of your family. They miss you.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) It’s a month for the arts and creativity, you need to do all those crafty things that are on the backburner, you know the ones that have been in the bag on the shelf or tucked away.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Not sure what to do? Then do a lot and just see which ones are right for you. Don’t just sit there; try it all and the right one will pop out.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) This is the perfect month to start something brand new. You will find that you can and will be able to do it, and in a remarkably short time frame.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) It’s time to take a close look at some of your old dreams or goals, fantasies, etc. They are all still there, alive in you, so maybe try for a few of them.

Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) You should be very careful with your finances this month. You have a strong desire to invest or try a scheme, put it off for another day. This is not the right time.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Bad dreams are keeping you up at night.

There is something you have left undone and it is consuming you.

Get it fixed and the nightmares will go away.

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

The Connemara View Crossword No. 47

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Across 1 It’s an insult, but not a very bad one. (6) 4 Dead cute, mixed-up, but well-read. (8) 9 Possibly has mat dust as one of the causes of this condition. (6) 10 Just the suit for the girl’s best friend? (8) 12 Have it all, e.g., mixed up with the law. (5) 13 There’s an ego-trip involved when the surgeon is doing his work. (9) 15 Put a foot back in the boat? (3) 16 You and I start to get tired. (5) 17 Plank doctor in a row? (6) 22 It’s hard to get a title amongst the Spanish. (6) 24 It’s not 12 Across and it doesn’t pay. (5) 27 It’s mined in Korea, in Morecambe and in Ballyporeen. (3) 28 Rendered footless? (9) 31 Tiler gets confused to a certain measure in the bar. (5) 32 Not a disease of gluttons. (8) 33 The game for Roland Garros. (6) 34 I pressed incorrectly to spread them out over a wide area. (8) 35 Just be there. That’s all. (6)

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Bogman 41 4

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Down

1. Feel pain, hurt (6) 4. Currently outrageous (8) 9. Flower dust (6) 10. Fertile, abundant (8) 12. Speed (5) 13. Political proclamation (9) 15. Maiden name (3) 16. Thoroughfares (5) 17. Ebb (6) 22. Could be stoned in this port (6) 24. Turning machine (5) 27. Paper glue (3) 28. Aussie first (9) 31. Bewilder, stun (5) 32. Hoodlum (8) 33. Preserve predicament (6) 34. Antiques, curios (8) 35. Greeny sort of power (6)

1. Blue transparent gemstone (8) 2. Hollywood idol (4,4) 3. Mid morning break (9) 5.Bird (5) 6. Rock face (5) 7. The finest will spread through (6) 8. Eight pints please (6) 11. Become visible (6) 14. Frozen water (3) 18. Truncheon (6) 19. Dog with spots (9) 20. Assailant (8) 21. Graveyard (8) 23. Label (3) 25. Pester this animal (6) 26. Angle (6) 29. Something inserted (5) 30. Peaceful ladies name (5)

34 35 1 Takes in the birds. (8) 2 Broken triangle, but a vital part of the whole thing. (8) Enter answers into draw of correct anwers for a voucher 3 See him begin to be a Sherpa. (9) for Homeware Plus in Clifden by August 27th.

5 Verdi is about to take to the road. (5) Winner Bogman40 :Emer O’Regan,Roundstone.ConnemaraView46 : Ann Osbourne,Askillaun,Co.Mayo 6 Mark will never finish the sentence. (5) Answers to Bogman 40 & Connemara View 46 7 Confused? Lost in the back of the mouth? How singular! (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 B A L D 8 Is there a plan in Forde’s ignorance? (6) I A G P S I M O B A K E D B E A N S 9 10 11 E R P O B G O D O N O R A I M E D A L B U 11 Not a top clue, this, to have on the chair. (6) M O R S E I M M E R S I O N O I A I A E L V 14 Bone that’s as thin as a hair? (3) 12 13 P R S S I U L A L E M O N N E C T A R I N E 18 What I might sing for interfering with my dole? (6) E Y E S D O W N S T E E L S A D T K L R 19 This is a very good clue! (9) 14 15 16 B D E S D C L O S E S T A S I A N S I 20 First in dance comes from far away? (8) E M E R A L D F O R E C O L O G N E 17 18 19 21 Put out a new CD or a film – and made E U U L D U W A R N E D D A K O T A 20 B E E H I V E G A S T R I C it f ree! (8) W R N I 21 22 23 24 R N N L E K 23 One of the top four in the pack. (3) H U M O U R S T A U N C H 25 26 C H I P M U N K I T C R C H L E A T E N 25 Direction of a scent? (6) 27 28 29 A E H S A A F K Y O T O A 26 Hardly suitable boats for choppy oceans? (6) P R O T O T Y P E K I C K S T A R T R U L E R P N P C M L K T 29 You won’t find the answer here! (5) 30 31 32 K S N E C I E E M U I G L O O E X E R T E 30 Uses broken siren to guide the horses. (5) R O S E S T O N E H E N G E

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CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

August 7, 2008

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PAGE 37

Kids View Hot mobiles

As I was searching for a new phone, due to recent destruction of my own, I decided to check some out on the internet. After searching hundreds upon hundreds of different brands and models, there were 2 that struck me the most. They were the Nokia 7373 and the Nokia 6600 slide.

Nokias are the best known and most popular models in Ireland and have a reputation for being well built and reliable. As all my previous phones were Nokia, I decided I wanted another Nokia phone, so I could keep my other one in case one should go missing. The main difference between them was colour and style.

The Nokia 6600 slide was only available in black, a colour that appeals to both girls and guys, and as you can guess from the name, is a slide phone, but the Nokia 7373 is what is called a swivel phone and can be chosen in black or pink. Another difference was the camera. The Nokia 7373 had a good, standard 2.0 mega pixel camera and the nokia 6600 slide had a 3.2 mega pixel camera. But the 6600 is larger and 6g heavier than the 7373.

On the battery side of things, the 7373 has up to 2 hours and 40 minutes talk time, which barely stands out with the 6600 sporting up to 4 hours talk time, plus video call. But with the 6600’s price at €250 it’s a fortune compared to the €80 that the 7373 is going for.

With the Nokia 6600 slide not even released yet, on bill pay or ready to go, it would probably be much easier to get your Nokia 7373 now, rather then wait till next year to get your 6600.

Adele Biddulph

PAGE 38

Book review

dream of, and the way you always find out exactly how the

The Nancy Drew Files Case 76: The Perfect Plot’ is a gripping mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat! It is one in a series of many books, but it doesn’t matter in which order you read them as each book is independent of the other books, with only our heroine Nancy Drew being common to them all. I particularly enjoyed this book because it doesn’t have just one mystery but three all entwined together! What with priceless missing gold figurines, a much sought after manuscript and to wrap it all off a thrilling murder, it’s just the thing for a rainy day and at only 150 pages it doesn’t drag on.

Nancy is a great character, a young, vivacious, amateur detective who always lands herself in the middle of a thrilling mystery, usually accompanied by either George Fayne or Bess Marvin, her best friends. Nancy is often underestimated by the police, but always shows them in the end.

A few things I enjoyed about this book are the page at the beginning where it lists the suspects and complications in the case, really adding to the detective theme. Nancy nearly always finds herself in an awkward position where she is close to losing her life and thinks of a clever way out that no one else would

character carried out his heinous crime. After all who hasn’t wanted to get away with murder at one point or another?

Small criticisms included, from the first moment of this mur-

der the perp is extremely obvious, which doesn’t give as much excitement as usual and there are parts, especially towards

the middle when you feel like skimming a page as it can become quite dull. Oftentimes Nancy

considers only one motive for each

person when there are many other possibilities, which I find is her one huge flaw.

Overall this book makes great

light reading as Nancy unravels

the mystery piece by piece and I would highly recommend it.

Don’t forget that ‘Nancy Drew: The Perfect Plot’ can be found in the Clifden Library along with many others of its series.

Muireann Mc Glynn

Jokes Q: What do you call the bad lion tamer?

A: Claude Bottom Q: Why did the pony cough?

A: He was a little hoarse!

Q: Why did the boy blush when he opened the fridge?

A: He saw the salad dressing!

Q. Did you hear about the man who was tap dancing?

A. He broke his ankle when he fell into the sink.

Q: What do you call a three-legged donkey?

A: A wonkey.

Q: What did the teddy bear say when he was offered dessert?

A: No thanks, I’m stuffed!

Source www.comedy-zone.net

August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

Celebs in the Connemara Scene As we all know by now, Connemara is a veritable hotbed of celebrity activity. So it’s no surprise that regular visitor to the area Ryan Tubridy, was snapped in the Abbeyglen recently with world famous singer Chris De Burgh and his beautiful wife, Diane.

John Wallace of Renvyle was seen sheltering from the rain with Hollywood superstar Jennifer Aniston on location during the filming of her latest movie “Marley and Me”. Jennifer and her co-star Owen Wilson shot a number of scenes around Connemara for the movie, in which John was employed as a driver. John described the star as extremely warm, friendly and down to earth and was very impressed with her easy going attitude and approachability.

In fact he describes her as being very similar to her iconic on-screen character of Rachel in Friends. Very few photos of the stars were obtained during their trip here, so John is certainly a lucky man to have got this great shot with one of the world’s biggest movie stars!

Local Authors Hit New York for Thrillerfest We arrive to a fanfare of police sirens and an intense gaggle of security men at the entrance of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in midtown Manhattan. As we descend from the taxi on to the red carpet, it slowly dawns on us that this welcoming committee is not for the Connemara contingent arriving to take part in Thrillerfest-the annual conference of international thriller writers. They’re here to greet Barack Obama who is about to make a speech in the ballroom.

Undaunted, we proceed to the welcoming reception. As the cocktails flow we find ourselves face-to-face with David Morell, the creator of Rambo and outgoing co-president of ITW (International Thriller Writers, Inc.). We chat with Raymond Benson, the chosen successor to Ian Fleming, author of the novels immortalising one James Bond. David Hewson, the English author of the Nic Costa series of novels set in Rome, also impresses us with his self-effacing, gentlemanly charm and wit.

So who are these intrepid travellers from Connemara? At his first ever writers’ conference is the multi-talented Maurice O’Scanaill, our local vet, who has also displayed his vocal talents in The Ceol Theatre production of My Fair Lady and in the bass section of Cantairi Chonamara. You may not know that some years back Random House published three of his books under the penname of Rory McCormac. His mission in New York is to find himself an agent to help him publish his latest work. Thrillerfest veteran Pat Mullan from Recess is also here. An ex-banker and published poet, he now has two international thrillers under his belt. His most recent work appeared in the anthology Dublin Noir and two new thrillers are currently under negotiation in a two-book deal.

Old friends and new mix and mingle.

In a corner we spy the rock star of thriller writers, Barry Eisler, with his flowing locks and designer jeans, holding court surrounded by a bevy of fawning women.

Barry’s Rain books featuring half-Japanese, half-American assassin John Rain, have been optioned for film by Barrie Osborne, Oscar winning producer of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

In the days that follow, all things related to the art of writing and selling books are debated, agents are wooed, books are autographed and change hands.

Banquet night rolls around-the grand

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER

finale, presided over this year by the quirky James Rollins, who turned Indiana Jones and The Kindgdom of the Crystal Skull into a novel. 2007 Thriller Master, James Patterson, presents the 2008 Award to Sandra Brown, author of 56 New York Times bestsellers. Of many speakers, the one that impressed the most was David Baldacci (author of Absolute Power, which translated into a gripping movie starring Clint Eastwood). He spoke movingly of his organisation dedicated to aiding millions of illiterate Americans and encouraging young people to take up the reading habit.

In a “Who’s Who” of outstanding writers who crossed our paths, those that stick in my mind are the following. Douglas Preston, whose latest non-fiction book ‘The Monster of Florence’ is my next read; cigar afficianado, Robert Liparulo, whom we never quite made it to dinner with; the affable JD (Dusty) Rhoades, a lawyer from Carthage, N. Carolina, who we were lucky enough to spend an evening with; and those gutsy women who hold their own in a male-dominated world: the larger-than-life Gayle Lynds and mother of five and author of many, Alison Brennan. Final word goes to Jason Pinter who was totally gobsmacked when Pat Mullan produced a full-page article and photo from the June 22nd edition of Ireland’s Sunday Business Post profiling Jason’s novel ‘The Mark’ which was recently optioned by Irish film production company, Treasure Films.

Thrills galore in the Big Apple! We look forward to relishing the fruit of the labours of these inspired writers in print and at the movies.

Jean Mullan Photo (l-r):Maurice O’Scanaill, Alex Xuereb, Raymond and Randi Benson, Pat and Jean Mullan.

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: Catherine Pryce Feature Writer: Connor McDonough-Flynn Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Contributors: John Amenhauser, Gareth Anthony, Tom Broderick, John Claró, Marie Connaughton, Dorothy Conneely, Terri Conroy, Richard de Stacpoole, Dr. Sophie Faherty, Helen Ferguson, Joanna Galloway, Paul Gannon, Sandy Glynn, Claire Griffin, Rosemary Hanley, Eithne Hannigan, Marian Hanrahan, Fionnuala Heaney, Michele Hehir, Caroline Herriot, Deirdre Holmes, John Holmes, Gerry King, Bernie Jeff ries, Nick Kats, Patricia Keane, Brian Lawless, Bernard Lee, Joachim Lydon, Leslie Lyons, Beatrice Mbogo, Brooke McDermott Aodan and Maree McGlynn, Muireann McGlynn, Mary McNamara, Ann Mitchell, Jean Mullan, Conor O Brien, Kevin O’Connor, John O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Gina Pryce, Ruth Rogers, Margaret Sheehan, John Wallace, Harry Walsh, Colin & June Webb, Declan Weir, Tricia Wilder.

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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August 7, 2008

PAGE 39

Cosmos and Class at the Station House!

The opening night of the Sex and the City movie saw a veritable invasion of extremely glamorous ladies converge on the Station House Complex on Thursday July 17th. The sold out screening was preceded by an amazing cocktail reception at Design Platform, where the stylish girls were served delicious Cosmopolitans by a couple of very handsome waiters, who certainly added a bit of spice to the evening!

The event was a huge hit, with almost everybody remarking that they hadn’t had as much fun in ages, and the appetite for more events of this kind was very apparent. Renew Beauty treated many ladies to complimentary manicures, and Belle Blu accessories were also to be found among the designer rails of Design Platform. There was a real sense that all that attended relished the opportunity to put on their most stylish clothes and glam it up, and in doing so showed that Connemara ladies can cut it with the best of them in the style stakes!

After the movie, which has been a huge hit worldwide, many of the ladies carried on the party in true “Sex and the City” style, and eventually left smiling and satisfied after what truly was a fabulous night in Clifden’s Station House.

Photos (Clockwise from top left): Bernie Davis, Hilda

PAGE 40

Heanue, Margaret Sheehan, Celine Davis, Joan Bell, Mary Davis and Rosaleen Coneys. Catríona Sweeney, Sharon Prendergast, Joan Walsh, Design Platform Manager Sharon Griffin, Michelle Barry-Hughes, Deirdre Holmes, Siobhán Stoney, Ciara Barry and Bríd Griffin. Helen Russell and Ann O Brien of Passenger Boutique.Maria Arnold, Áine ReynoldsKhouri, Ann Gardiner, Helena Farrissey, Ruth Walsh, Elizabeth McGowan and Patricia Gleeson. Patricia Flaherty & Catríona Sweeney with one of the hunky waiters.

August 7, 2008

CONNEMARA VIEW NEWSPAPER