June 2009 Connemara View

Community School Activists Pressure Minister CSI: Clifden achieved significant developments for Clifden Community School through “people power”.

A delegation from CSI Clifden met with Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe in Dáil Eireann on May 28th to express the widespread disappointment and concern over the recent decision not to progress plans for the building of a new community school for Connemara “for the foreseeable future”.

The Minister was informed of the annoyance of the community and that the formation of CSI: Clifden was to lobby and campaign on the single issue that the build project be included in the Department’s future building proposals. Minister O’Keeffe cited budgetary constraints as to why Scoil Phobail was not included in the 247 schools put forward to further planning last February.

He felt that priorities of those other schools were greater than those of Scoil Phobail.

The delegation made it known to the Ministers, Senator and civil servants present that what the group has learned since its formation in March in relation to the deteriorating condition of the school, along

with health and safety issues, was of great concern. Added to this, the important area of the welfare of the students and staff, along with students of the future, in a school “not fit for purpose” has to be taken into consideration. After outlining these points, Minister O’Keeffe was asked that, based on the issues raised, if Clifden Community School was not a priority, then one would be puzzled as to what would make it a priority?

Along with the points raised, together with the Minister’s review of the case prior to the meeting, he announced to the delegation that he will give approval to advance the priority of the new school building project. This has resulted in a shift in the band rating from 2.3 upwards to band rating 2.1. The increased priority now acknowledges that “There is a deficit of mainstream accommodation. This deficit constitutes a substantial and significant proportion of the schools accommodation needs”.

This is a significant step in progressing the project to its ultimate goal. This is a considerable development and is very positive.

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Photo: The C.S.I. Delegation that travelled to Dáil Eireann on May 28th. (L-r): Brendan Madden, P.K. Joyce, Br. James Mungovan, Bridie O’Neill and Simon Boote.

Rezoning Roulette The finalisation of the Clifden Town Plan was one of the main tasks of the full monthly meeting of the Galway County Council on May 25th. It proved to be a roller coaster ride which saw a number of the properties that had been voted to be rezoned knocked out, including properties owned by Cllr Josie Conneely of Ballyconneely.

As a point of review, the Town Plan sets the pace for how the area can be developed which impacts planning particularly. Last December, after an extensive process, the County Manager presented the “Draft Plan”.

Individuals and organisations then had the opportunity to make submissions to be considered, that are generally requests for rezoning, rewording of language in the plan, or clarifications/requests from other government bodies regarding infrastructure. These are reviewed by the County Manager and a

document with a pro or con recommendation is attached to these submissions. The 30 Councillors then get an opportunity to vote for or against each submission – which can override the recommendation - which they did in February. Numerous “against” recommendations turned into “for” votes from the Councillors. The submissions that were approved were then sent back to the public for comment. Those public responses were the subject of last week’s meeting.

The Ardbear/Faul Residents Association had filed an objection to stop the rezoning of Cllr. Josie Conneely’s property next to the Rock Glen Hotel from agricultural to low density housing. They asserted that this would cause traffic congestion, inappropriate development for the area and property devaluations.

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In The View

The Vimy Returns! Connemara Air Show...Page 2 West Coast Utd Win...Page 10 Events Calendar...Page 18 Clifden Community School Graduation...Page 30

Free Community Newspaper

REGIONAL Connemara Chamber News At a recent meeting of the Chamber, the members unanimously voted to change the name of the Chamber to Connemara Chamber of Commerce and to broaden its member base to include businesses throughout Connemara.

The Chamber feels this is a very positive move to create a powerful Connemara business organisation. If you are interested in joining the Chamber, please contact michele@ clifdenchamber.ie or call 087-052-0295 for more info.

Alcock & Brown 90th Anniversary Celebrations Plans for the Alcock & brown 90th Anniversary Celebration are moving ahead at a rapid pace, with our fundraiser ‘A Night At the Dogs’, taking place on Friday 5th June. Tickets cost €25, which covers entry into the greyhound stadium, food on the night and entry into a draw for €1,500.00, together with 5 lucky dip prizes of €100 each. Best of all is

the fact that you are contributing to a major free event in the area, which will bring many people and give our region a much needed boost for the season. Please play your part in community events and enjoy a fun night out in the process.

Please call 087-052-0295 to reserve your ticket. Return bus transport will be laid on.

The Alcock & Brown 90th Anniversary Celebrations will feature a wide range of activities, honouring the pioneering efforts of these brave airmen. The weekend will include lectures with Michael Gibbons, a fabulous exhibition by Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, walks on site & the book launch of ‘Yesterday We Were In America’ by Brendan Lynch.

The highlight of the weekend will be The Connemara Air Show, which will feature a wide range of display acts, from our Air Corps Casa and Pilatus formation to Team Guinot, the world’s only formation wingwalking team. Featured acts also include The Blades, UK’s most extreme formation aerobatic display team who featured on last week’s BBC1 show The Apprentice, Team Viper, Strikemaster Jet Display Team,

displays from Gerry Humphreys in his Vans RV-7 and Dave Bruton and Jimmy Griffin in the Bucker Jungmann.

Entertainment on site will be provided by the 4th Western Army Brass Band and the Air Corps Piper Band, together with Army Ground Display, which this year will be even bigger and better than ever.

The full programme of events can be found in our Souvenir Brochure now on sale in Super Valu, Clifden and on our dedicated website www.connemaarairshow.com. Strict traffic restrictions will apply in Clifden town centre on Saturday 13th June from 12noon-6pm.

Connemara Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome Vimy once again to Clifden, honouring both Alcock & Brown and Steve Fossett & Mark Rebholz who successfully re-created the historic, first-ever 1919 Transatlantic flight of John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown, landing their replica of the British pair’s Vickers Vimy biplane at the Connemara Golf Links on 3rd July, 2005. They followed the original route from Newfoundland, took 18 hours 15 minutes flying at low altitude all through the night, navigating by sextant, compass and chart and hand-flying the accurate replica of the WWI era bomber. At almost 70’ wingspan, the Vimy replica is the largest biplane flying today, as well as being the world’s largest home-built aircraft.

Weather and mechanics permitting, the Vimy will fly to Galway airport for the press launch of the weekend’s celebrations on June 12th and will appear at the Connemara Air Show on the afternoon of June 13th. Crewed by John Dodd and Clive Edwards, the Vimy is returning to Clifden to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Alcock & Brown flight. Jenny Moseley, the Atlantic flight’s crew chief will join the pilots in representing Brooklands Museum, who are now the proud owners of this replica.

The original Vimy was built at the Vickers factory at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey, which is now the home of Brooklands Museum. The replica Vimy is no stranger there, having taken off from Brooklands for two of her earlier re-enactment flights made in tribute to the airmen who pioneered long-distance flights from London to Australia and London to South Africa. The replica Vimy has flown more than 30,000 miles and has touched down in five continents along the way.

Rounding off the weekend will be the Anniversary Dinner in Clifden Station House. To book tickets, please contact 087-052-0295.

Westport Presentation Westport Town Planner, Simon Wall, a long time visitor to Connemara, recently gave a presentation on how Westport has developed in the last ten years to its recent status of Tidy Towns Winner yet again. Also present was Eimear Dolan, Community & Enterprise Administrative Officer from Galway County Council, who works closely with the Chamber on many different projects. The overall feedback from the evening stressed the importance of all the community groups working together towards common goals.

Station House Museum The Station House Museum looks forward to the Alcock and Brown celebrations in mid June. We invite those interested in this event to visit and view our tribute to the two famous airmen. Their story is depicted on boards and in framed reports from the local press of the time. Life size figures of the two men stand beside a case containing Arthur Brown’s flying boots and torch. The latest publication concerning the flight ‘Yesterday we were in America’ by Brendan Lynch will also be on sale, as will relevant post and letter cards.

Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society The Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society will hold a meeting on Wednesday June 17th at the Station House Hotel. The meeting will look at the plan for a Genealogical Seminar which we hope to organise as part of Clifden 2012 and also look at the idea of a photographic exhibition in Heritage Week this year.

The main speaker on the night will be Anthony Previté, who will talk about the early Christian sites in Connemara.

Last year Anthony published a book looking at these sites, telling their story in a simple but fascinating way. His book has opened up these sites to ordinary people, but also has something for the experts. In addition to the well known church sites, his book explores the lesser known ones.

This should be a fascinating talk, as Anthony is a great speaker and has a deep knowledge of the subject. The starting time for this meeting is 8pm and all are welcome to attend.

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June 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Connemara View Newspaper

June 2009

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REGIONAL Green Schools News Students from Green Schools all over Ireland took part in activities for ‘National Walk to School Week’ (18th – 22nd May) to show their support for a greener, healthier environment by encouraging pupils, parents and teachers to walk to school wherever possible.

Eagle’s Nest N.S. Eagle’s nest N.S Renvyle kicked off the week with a talk by Sandra Flavin, GreenSchool’s Education Officer on the impact of climate change on Irish biodiversity and how sustainable travel options can make a difference to biodiversity conservation. The school also launched a Walk around Ireland resource to help monitor walking to school and participated in the National WoW Day on 20th May by using its ‘walking buses’ to travel to school. A bicycle maintenance workshop also took place.

St Annin’s N.S. Roscahill Also as part of ‘National Walk to School Week’ students of St Annin’s N.S. Roscahill spent a day recording the amount of traffic passing the school and the speed of the traffic to highlight that as their school is located on the busy N59 they have no school speed limit sign at present - the speed limit is 100k per hour. The school is working towards its Green Flag for travel and therefore raising awareness about the safety on the road outside. 34 students carried out the survey to determine the volume of traffic passing the school, the occupancy rate of vehicles and to measure the speed of passing cars.

Kingstown N.S. Pupils from Kingstown N.S. recently attended an award ceremony in Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, hosted by An Taisce. They were there to receive their third Green Flag.

This green flag was in recognition for their efforts in water conservation in the school.

Six schools in West Galway are participating in An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel Programme, making them among the first schools across the country to tackle the issue of school travel. Sandra Flavin, GreenSchools Travel Development Officer in the West Galway region commented, “It is very encouraging that rural Galway schools

are engaging in the Green-Schools Travel Programme and raising awareness about sustainable travel options to school and road safety around their schools. These are the important first steps in finding long-term sustainable solutions for school travel such walking, carpooling and park n’stride.”

Photos below left: Top -Students of Roscahill N.S. conducting a traffic and speed survey outside their school. Bottom: Students of Kingstown N.S. receiving their third Green Flag with SNA Olive Carty and representatives of Galway Co. Co. and An Taisce.

LEADER Launched The LEADER programme was officially launched in the North West Connemara area at Peacocke’s in Maam Cross on Friday May 29th by Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. Mary Gannon, chairperson of FORUM Connemara Ltd. welcomed all to the launch and acknowledged the support and work of

a great many individuals and groups over the years that were involved in attracting and securing this funding for the Connemara area.

Minister O Cuív then spoke and urged all groups and individuals with suitable ideas to fully utilise the programme, in order for the Connemara area to maximise the potential afforded to it by LEADER and FORUM. The current LEADER programme is the third in a series of the very successful panEuropean rural development initiative. According to Johnny Coyne, CEO of FORUM Connemara Ltd., the Rural Development Strategy devised by FORUM “is a robust, imaginative and innovative strategy, embedded in the culture, resources, strengths and needs of Connemara. There is no doubt that the catchment area covered by FORUM faces many challenges and obstacles in terms of realising sustainable development objectives over the coming seven years.” Further information and expression of interest/application forms on the LEADER Programme are available on www.forumconnemara.ie or alternatively, contact Karen Mannion or Joe Conaty at the FORUM office at 095-41116.

Photo: Minister Éamon Ó Cuív with (l-r) LEADER staff members Melissa Wallace, Joe Conaty and Karen Mannion.

Spay Week Ireland 2009 June 7th-13th is Spay Week Ireland 2009, where animal owners are reminded of the importance of spaying pets and animals with the aim of reducing Ireland’s toll of unwanted cats and dogs that are destroyed each year in Irish pounds.

A positive downward trend has seen the average daily number of dogs destroyed in Ireland decrease from 40 to 27.58 in two years, but this is still significantly higher than the U.K. and an unsatisfactory number according to the Spay week Ireland Committee. Spay Week 2009 is

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Rezoning Roulette Continued from page 1 The Manager’s report recommended that it stay agricultural. Cllr Seamus Walsh of Oughterard offered a fervent speech to his fellow councillors (minus Cllr Conneely since he had to leave chambers as he had personal involvement) that a property with a hotel and ten houses should not be zoned agricultural. He elaborated that it was no place for cattle and sheep and instead advocated a marina. The Council voted against the rezoning - four in favour and ten against with two abstentions.

Cllr Walsh was more successful with his argument for the rezoning of a property beside the bridge and waterfall on the Ballyconneely Road leaving Clifden. A property with one dwelling currently, the zoning was recommended as Recreation and Amenity by the Manager with an interest to making a small town park. The submission had been to rezone to Town Centre. Cllr Walsh’s argument was that that a property with a house on it should not be made Recreational/ Amenity. The rezoning to Town Centre was approved by the councillors with Cllr Conneely once again not in chambers because of personal interest. Cllr Thomas Welby of Oughterard spoke and voted against the rezoning.

The last of the rezoning submissions encompassed 138 letters which had been sent in by individuals from Clifden. Each letter was exactly the same and were represented in the meeting as being supportive of all of the rezonings from the February meeting. The synopsis of the letter in the Manager’s report stated: • “Lands zoned for residential use are almost entirely located on the northern fringe of the town in an area of poor ground conditions and with no access roads or services.

These lands will be extremely costly to develop and they are unlikely to become available for development for some time due to lack of access and services” • “Furthermore, the concentration of virtually all residential lands in this area provides no choice for people who wish to live in the town etc.”

• “The existing zoned lands do not provide adequate choice for low density residential developments in certain areas.”

• They “go some way towards providing alternatives for those who wish to live in the town but to date have not been able to secure a site.”

The first problem with these identical submissions was that they addressed all of the

CSI: Clifden continued from page 1

rezoning amendments under one umbrella after one of the properties had already been voted against, the Arbear/Faul submission.

Secondly, the issue of environmental impact on a few of the sites opened the door; according to Director of Services for Planning, Paul Ridge; for the entire Clifden Town Plan to be thrown out due to the potential triggering of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Basically, there were enough rezoning amendments in sensitive environmental areas that the burden to assess them all would create such delay to the implementation of the plan that it would be scrapped in its entirety.

Mayor Peter Feeney and Planning Director Paul Ridge seemed unsure on how to progress since: • A vote in favour of the submissions could trigger the SEA and possibly result in starting from the beginning with the Clifden Town Plan • A vote against would nullify all of the rezoning amendments from the process, even those which had received a positive recommendation in the Managers Report.

Cllr Welby suggested that each property be looked at individually. It was then agreed that properties that might cause an SEA would be removed from the submission.

The meeting had already gone on for over four and a half hours and the chamber was now two-thirds empty since councillors from around the county had already left. However, the remaining councillors held the quorum and persevered. Among the properties that were removed and therefore did not receive rezoning were Martin Acton’s submission for low density housing next to the sewerage treatment plant; and Cllr Conneely’s property in Killymongaun adjoining the Owenglin River which he sought to rezone from agricultural to residential. (Cllr Conneely again excused himself ). It is worthy of note that Connemara Cllr Connie Ni Flahertha abstained on every vote throughout the day.

The minutes of the meeting will be available in the near future at www.galway.ie.

Sidebar

The Manager’s report contained a list of names and addresses of the 138 people who had submitted the exact same letter. Since then, I have spoken with a good few people on that list. They were universally quite surprised, and many upset, that their letter had been used as support for all the rezoning amendments. Each said that they had signed it to support one or two properties but not every one.

Ellen McDonough

It proves that the campaign undertaken has been worthwhile to date. What has been done in the past few months has generated public awareness and this has been made known to our councillors and politicians.

Going forward in getting the school to planning is now the task on hand. This can only be achieved by increasing the interest of the local and wider community by showing how serious our focus is. Your help is needed to get the message across. Please support our campaign by attending our meetings which

will continue throughout the summer months.

CSI Clifden wish to acknowledge those who travelled to Dublin, all involved in the organising of the 3000+ petition signatures and those who designed the visual aides for the Dail meeting. CSI Clifden thanks Cllr.

Josie Conneely and Frank Fahy TD who arranged and attended the meeting with Minister O’Keefe. Thanks also to Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames, Padraig McCormack T.D. and representatives for Minister Éamon Ó’Cuív T.D. who were also present.

CSI: Clifden Committee

supported by the Veterinary Ireland Companion Animal Society and the nternational dog welfare charity Dogs Trust which since launching its nationwide subsidized neutering scheme in 2006 has played a significant

role in reducing Ireland’s unwanted dog population. Dogs Trust can be contacted on 1890 946 336 and more information on Spay Week can be obtained from your nearest veterinary clinic.

June 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Omey Am-Am A Fundraising Am-Am in aid of the Omey Union of Parishes (Church of Ireland) will take place at Connemara Golf Club on Sunday June 7th. Teams of four will compete for the best two scores per hole, and prizes include: a night away at a destination golf resort, prizes for the mens only and ladies only teams, nearest the pin and longest drive for ladies and men, and a mystery prize attached to the Wales Open. Cost is €50 per head, which includes a three course meal either before or after playing. All are invited to take part and more details can be obtained from (095) 23502.

Connemara ‘Get Out There’ Hub Connemara is one of four areas being piloted by Fáilte Ireland as a ‘Get Out There’ hub charter initiative. The charter initiative is designed to develop a wide range of outdoor products, services and events in these areas and through these, win new and additional business for the region. The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with accommodation (Fáilte Ireland registered and approved only), activity, and food and beverage providers in these areas, and will demonstrate that participating premises are appropriately informed about the regions outdoor opportunities and will welcome and engage with visitors and encourage them to move around the region. To begin, Fáilte Ireland West is delivering a series of briefings, training and courses in the four hub locations, aimed at all members of the community who come in contact with visitors, to assist them with developing the skills and knowledge they need to enhance the visitor’s activity holiday experience in the West of Ireland.

Further training will follow, following the busy season, in the autumn period.

The first of these training and briefing events in the Connemara area will take place at the Station House Hotel in Clifden on Monday June 15th from 6-9pm. Anyone in the community, whether or not directly involved in tourism, is welcome to attend, from hotels and guest houses to restaurants, publicans, retail businesses and transport services. For more information, contact Fáilte Ireland West at (091) 537700.

Archbishop Abuse Apology In the aftermath of the Ryan Report by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, Archbishop of Tuam, Dr. Michael Neary issued a statement of apology to the victims of abuse by members of the clergy at institutional schools.

The statement was then read by Parish Priests at masses across the diocese. Describing the report as making sad and disturbing reading the Bishop said “I apologise unreservedly, on behalf of the Church, for our failure to protect children. As Archbishop of Tuam I am particularly ashamed of the abuse that occurred in Letterfrack and Clifden. I ask forgiveness of those who suffered”. He continued “It is good that this report offers the opportunity to many to have their story heard and believed. In this way I hope and pray that healing may come about. It is absolutely necessary for the recommendations of the Ryan Report to be implemented”.

Acknowledging that “it is most disturbing to hear the stories of personal pain and the indignity inflicted on the most vulnerable children in our society”, he expressed that the Archdiocese of Tuam is fully committed to implementing best practice in terms of safeguarding those children who are in the pastoral care of the Church, and anyone with a concern should act without delay.

RNLI News In the last report to the Connemara View, we had remarked on how little activity there had been for our Lifeboat Crews. All of that has changed since the sad events of April 21st and the tragedy in the Omey/Claddaghduff area.

There have been no fewer than five services since the beginning of May. The first service took place in the Renvyle area and involved windsurfers and a kayak (canoe) getting into difficulty. The D Class lifeboat was used in this service.

Next service was to the aid of a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) that had broken down SE of Inishbofin. When the Atlantic 75 Lifeboat arrived on scene the engine had been re-started so the Crew escorted the RIB into Cleggan.

On Saturday 16th May a very vigilant member of the public noticed a yacht drifting in Clifden Bay and heading in the direction of Faul Point. Both Lifeboats were launched in response to the callout and with the Owner aboard the yacht was moored in safety once again.

Renvyle Beach was the scene of the next service. The local Coast Guard were alerted to a dinghy being in some dif-

Connemara View Newspaper

ficulty in the area and requested Clifden Lifeboat to assist.

Once again both boats were launched.

The D class escorted the two occupants to shore. The Atlantic 75 was stood down and returned to Clifden Bay. On Tuesday 26th May, another yacht broke her mooring rope and went ashore on the North side of Clifden Bay where she did some damage to her hull before being towed to safety by members of the Crew. Well done to all the Personnel of Clifden Lifeboat Station.

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter was here recently to carry out an exercise with our local Crew. During the upcoming Clifden Air Show it is hoped to stage demonstration of how the Helicopter and Lifeboat can work together in a rescue situation. Weather permitting that and many other events on the day will be well worth seeing!

Donal O Scanaill, LPO.

Clifden Pony Show Domestic Arts It is once again the time of year to begin preparing entries for the Domestic Arts Competition at the Clifden Pony Show. The 2008 Show saw a great increase in the number of entries to the classes and the variety of garden produce, home baking and homemade crafts was impressive and extensive, and attracted much attention throughout the day.

Entry Forms for this year’s Domestic Arts competition are now available from the CPBS Office at the Showgrounds in Clifden and by calling (095) 21863. Entry Forms, which contain the full list of classes available and all the necessary information, can also be downloaded and printed from the Connemara View website www.connemaraview.com.

Entries are €3 per class and entry into 5 classes or more gains free admission for one person to the Showgrounds on the day. Awards will be made at the sole discretion of the judges. The closing date for completed entry forms is Friday July 10th, so get your entry form now and be part of the great buzz that surrounds the Domestic Arts display at the Showgrounds on Show Day every year.

Mobile Citizen’s Information Service A Mobile Unit of the Citizen’s Information service will service the North West Connemara area on the following dates in June. Monday 22nd June: Roundstone: 11:30am12:30pm. Recess: 1pm2pm. Leenane: 3pm-4pm.

Tuesday 23rd June: Clifden: 10am-1pm. Letterfrack: 2pm-4:30pm.

In the past twelve years, Clifden Citizens Information Centre has answered more than 9,500 questions on everything from Social Welfare entitlements to how to complete a Medical Card Application Form.

The free and confidential service is delivered by people who receive training and support from the Citizens Information Board, the National Agency responsible for information, advice & advocacy. There is no need to make an appointment. Our philosophy is that you have the Right to Know, and we will help you find out.

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

Blue Flag Beaches Three Connemara beaches of a total of eight in Galway County have been awarded the Blue Flag international award for beach excellence operated in Ireland by An Taisce with support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. They are: Céibh an Spidéil, Spiddal, An Tra Mhór Coill Rua, Inverin and Trá an Dóilín, an Cheathru Rua.

June 2009

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Clifden

Sewerage Treatment According to Martina Connaughton of Galway County Council, the Design/ Build/Operate Contract Documents for the proposed treatment plant were submitted to the Department of Environment on 9th April. “To date we have not received any correspondence on these documents.

Submission of the Contract Documents for the sewer network upgrade has been delayed, but we hope to receive them from the consultants by 29th May. We would expect to have reviewed them and submit them to the Department by the end of June.”

The Connemara Chamber of Commerce have expressed disappointment with this update, especially as they had asked Minister Ó’ Cuív to arrange a meeting with Terry Allen of the Dept of Environment, in order to expedite the documents back to Galway County Council as quickly as possible. They will continue to pressure the Council to move on this matter of extreme urgency, and urge members to make strong representations to anyone looking for a vote on Friday 5th, on the necessity of the Clifden sewerage problem to be top of the agenda for new councillors.

Bridge Street Road Repair TJ Redmond, Clifden Local Area Engineer with Galway County Council, has indicated to the Connemara Chamber of Commerce that work on improving the surface of Bridge Street will start on 8th June.

Clifden Tidy Towns News On behalf of the Clifden Tidy Towns group and all its members, we would like to acknowledge the help and support of the people of Clifden Town, Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Clifden Town Lotto, Clifden Chamber of Commerce, Donal Nee and the FAS team, our local County Council staff, Tommy O’Sullivan and the Connemara View and its staff for all their help during our 2009 Tidy Towns Campaign.

A lot of hard work has been done by a small dedicated bunch of people that as of yet, can only been seen in small jobs undertaken around the town. We will have adjudicators around our town from early June on, so while the Tidy Towns will do as much litter lifting and other on-going beautification work as possible, we would ask one and all to also contribute by lifting any litter etc, whilst out walking, or report any serious littering to either ourselves or to Tommy O’Sullivan.

Remember a Tidy Town Award will bring extra tourism traffic and revenue to the town as well as enhance our own community spirit and environment. If you would like to be part of Clifden Tidy Towns you can contact our Secretary, Mary O’Donnell at cregghouse1@eircom.net. P.K. Joyce

Access Success The Access Group from Clifden finished up on Saturday May 23rd in NUI Galway with a workshop on careers. Some of the group who attended are pictured above. All 17 participants have now completed the Access course and will be able to start in college next September. The course was such a success this year that it is proposed to run it again next year. Anyone who is interested should get in touch with Alma Clancy on 087 799 8675 or Emer at 087 797 0715 to find out more.

Photo top (L-r): Simon Conneely, Patrick Mannion, Aisling Curran, Patricia

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O’Halloran, Shirley-Anne Ryan, Tutors Eimera O’Regan, Deirdre Kearney, Co-ordinator Alma Clancy, Jennifer Barry, Colm Ridge and Jason Clarke. Photo courtesy of Eimear O’Regan

Ballyconneely

Pony Show Fundraiser A Fundraising night in aid of the Ballyconneely Pony Show 2009 will take place at Ballyconneely Hall on Saturday July 11th when the Cunningham Family bring their acclaimed show “Fuaim na Chuinneaganai” to Ballyconneely for the first time. Special guests will join the show on the night and a fantastic night of the best Sean nos dance and song is promised. The show will start at 8:30pm, tickets are €25 and can be bought locally where the poster is displayed, or by calling Bridget on 095-23053.

Carna

Green Flag for Scoil Mhuire Scoil Mhuire Carna was awarded its first Green Flag as part of An Taisce’s Green Schools programme, supported by Galway County Council at a special ceremony in May. The programme is based on the practical implementation of waste management, anti-litter initiatives, energy conservation, water conservation and transport initiatives in schools. The process encourages pupils to identify important environmental issues and improve their local environment.

forward to our next two visits to Hungary and the Czech Republic.

School Tour On the 27th of May, we had our school tour. We joined up with Roundstone School and had a wonderful day. First, we went to the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway. We saw all the boats. Green Dragon was in the water and some of the team were on the boat. We called over to them from the other side of the dock and they waved back to us.

We went into ‘The Dome’ where we saw an audio-visual on the history of the race. We went to ‘The Ride’ and played a game called ‘The Grinder’, which gave us an idea of what it would be like in the race. We then went to the Galway Museum which displays aspects of Galway City’s culture and heritage such as the statue of Padraic Ó Conaire. We got a guided tour of the museum and we all found it very interesting. Our final stop was at Atlantaquaria, which is home to a variety of marine life. We saw a great variety of fish and we were even allowed to touch some of them. It was a very enjoyable day for all!

Roma, Cashel N.S.

Cashel

Comenius Visitors Welcomed From 11th-15th May, our Comenius visitors came to our school. There were 17 teachers and 2 pupils in total, from Denmark, Belgium, Hungary and the Czech Republic. They stayed with the teachers and some families. It was great to meet all the people from the different countries. Seán O Neachtain came to greet out visitors and

Photos: Retiring M.E.P. Sean O Neachtain took time to visit and speak to the students of Cashel N.S. recently during their Comenius visit, when he presented the school with some excellent maps and supplies, which were happily accepted by the students.

The Comenius group on their field trip to High Cashel with Michael Gibbons, and Cashel Comenius Co-Ordinator Cepta Stephens.

Claddaghduff

Show Date Change spoke about the importance of the Comenius project in linking us to our European neighbours. We held séan nós and Irish music workshops where our visitors learnt some séan nós steps and learnt a tune on the tin whistle. We had a céilí in the Cashel Hall.

Michael Gibbons gave a very interesting talk on the history and geography of the area and brought us on a walk up Cashel Hill. We brought our visitors on a tour of Connemara and visited Dan O’Hara’s, Ballynahinch Castle, Clifden, Kylemore Abbey and the National Park. It was a very exciting and remarkable week for our school and we look

At the committee meeting on Wednesday May 27th a decision was made to change the 2009 show from July 26th to Sunday August 9th.

There were a number of reasons for this decision being reached, the Midlands Connemara Pony Show, Tourmakeady Show and the Roundstone Regatta are all taking place on July 26th. As this will be the 21st Claddaghduff Show it was felt that a Sunday

June 2009

when no other show was being held would be more appropriate.

2009 will see the return of craft classes to the show, there will not be any ridden classes this year but there are two new In-Hand Classes, a Junior Handler class and an Over 20 Mare Class, there will also be the usual cattle classes, sheep classes and dog show.

Entry forms will be available shortly.

The committee would like to thank everyone who supported the recent race night, those who gave sponsorship, donated prizes and those who attended. A good night was had by all and much needed funds were raised. Cathriona O’Toole

Omey Island Tragedy A Benefit night will take place on Friday, July 3rd in the Clifden Station House Hotel.

Tickets are on sale now and are being sold door-to-door throughout Connemara. The fundraising group would like to thank all of the volunteers who came out to help in the Ballyconneely, Roundstone and Clifden areas. The next door-to-door area to be covered will be Letterfrack, Tully and Renvyle.

The meeting point is Tullycross Church on Friday, June 5th at 6:00pm. All volunteers welcome to join in.

The group will also be covering Leenane / Louisburg and South Connemara in early June. Anyone who would like to help organise door-to-door ticket sales in these areas please contact Leo deCourcey at 095-44392 or Laurence Conneely at (086) 853-0339.

Thank you in advance for your kind support.

Volvo Ocean Race Congratulations to Eamon Conneely, his wife Dolores and their family on their input and contribution into the Volvo Ocean Race and particularly their involvement with the Green Dragon Team! The Galway Stopover has to be one of the most successful events ever to be held in Galway and the West of Ireland. Eamon is a native of Patches, Claddaghduff and the local community in Cleggan and Claddaghduff are very proud of what he has achieved. Míle buíochas agus go raibh maith agat!

Badminton Club Claddaghduff Hall Badminton Club has been re-formed in recent weeks. Badminton for adults takes place in the hall on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00pm to 11:00pm and on Sunday mornings at 11:00am for children (from 7 years of age).

All welcome, no equipment needed just come along and have a game!

Garda Sergeant Retires Congratulations and best wishes to Sergeant Richard Conneely, An Garda Siochana, on his retirement from the force on May 29th, 2009. Richard, a native of Aughrismore, Cleggan became a member of An Garda Siochana in April 1977. Congratulations Richard and Geraldine and here’s to a happy and healthy retirement!

Photo: Garda Marley, Sergeant Richard Conneely, and Garda Sharkey.

Connemara View Newspaper

Inishbofin

Arts Festival

Claddaghduff Confirmation

The following children from Claddaghduff National School were confirmed by ArchBishop Michael Neary on May 9th in St. Joseph’s Church, Clifden. 6th Class: Roisin O’Malley, Kelsi Young and Nathan DeLappe. 5th Class: Lauren DeLappe, Sarah Dickinson, Aoife Doyle, Alice Hannon O’Toole, Ciara Hewitt, Chloe Wallace and Caylem Young. See photo above.

Bingo Bingo takes place in Claddaghduff Hall every Sunday evening at 8:30pm. Come along and try your luck!

Books - Bring & Buy Every Sunday morning at Claddaghduff Hall from 11:00am to 1:00pm – bring your used books and have a browse through the extensive collection of books available.

Community T’s Community T-shirts are now selling at Gannon Sports Clifden, O’Toole’s Foodstore in Cleggan, Sweeney’s Claddaghduff and at Claddaghduff Hall.

Dorothy Conneely

Claddaghduff School News There will be an enrolment meeting in the school on Thursday June 4th at 2pm for parents of children wishing to enroll for the next school year. Our congratulations to Roisin O’Malley in 6th class and Shannon Mulkerrin in Infants, who received commendations in the Texaco Art Competition. The school has also recently been awarded the Green Flag for our project on Energy Awareness.

Clonbur/Corr na Móna The new ‘Siúlóid Bhinn Shléibhe’ - Mount Gable Walking Trail in Corr na Móna and Clonbur, was officially opened by Minister Éamon Ó Cuiv, T.D. on Sunday 3rd May. The newly opened route was launched as a result of a joint effort by the committee of the Joyce Country Mount Gable Walk and the Zambian Housing Project.

The walk, developed by the local Community Development Co-Op C.D.S. Teo, was also supported through funding from Fáilte Ireland under the previous National Development Plan 2000-2006. Since its opening the walk route has proved immensely popular with locals and visitors alike and has become a very valuable attraction to the area.

Photo below: Minister Éamon Ó Cuív officially cuts the ribbon to open the ‘Siúlóid Bhinn Shléibhe’.

Well done to all concerned. This year’s festival was, like all the previous ones, brilliant! It had something for everyone. The opening

by Jackie O’Grady, music by Peadar King’s band, and cheese and wine by Olive Day all went down a treat. The Cunningham’s and Friends were outstanding, with such a great variety of talent. Of course we were all very proud to see Dessie and John O’Halloran taking part, but they better watch out as our Katie O’Halloran, Grainne Coyne and Muireann Lavelle could well be the next generation stars of the show!

Saturday was packed with activities and it was hard to decide what to go to! Overall all events were well attended.

The highlight of Saturday was Imelda May. Prior to her arrival a lot of people did not know much about her or her music, but both old and young were taken in by her superb talent, not to mention her down to earth personality. We hope she will return to Bofin again. Sunday again had a walk with Michael Gibbons and a knitting workshop with Anne and Niamh O Maille who were delighted the weather was so nice and had the class in the open air. John Spillane took center stage on the Sunday night and was really enjoyed by the audience. So the general view was that it had been an extremely and successful weekend. Well done to all involved and to all who subscribed to the festival, your continued support is much appreciated.

lap posed a serious challenge to the runners who had to climb the pound road to get to the finish on the new line.

Mary Day Lavelle

Kylemore

Day Retreat The next day retreat at Kylemore Abbey will take place on Saturday 13th June, beginning at 10.30 am and ending at 3.30 pm. Walk or take the shuttle bus to the Garden Tea House, where you will be very welcome.

Sr. Genevieve.

bring their projects to the stage of viability.

Citizen’s Information The Citizen’s Information Letterfrack Service will be available at Connemara West on Tuesday June 9th and Tuesday June 23rd from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call us on 087 130 1100 or drop in.

Letterfrack

Grant for Foscadh Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has announced a grant of €40,000 for Foscadh, Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway. Foscadh is a subsidiary of Connemara West and it is involved in a comprehensive development in Letterfrack that includes the development of playing pitches, social housing for the elderly and other social housing. When the development is complete, it will complement all of the other developments that have taken place in Letterfrack, including the development of the wood college there, tourism development, Connemara Community Radio etc. This grant of €40,000 is the final grant to be paid to Foscadh to enable them

Death We extend our very deepest sympathy to the brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, sisters in law, brothers in law and extended family on the sudden passing of John Lavelle. John will be sorely missed by young and old alike. He was a friend to so many.

John worked hard and always had a helping hand when it was needed. If John couldn’t do a person a good turn, he certainly would not do anyone wrong. He was such a kind and caring man, who never intruded on anyone else’s space. He was a keen gardener and turned many a sod in different gardens. May he rest in peace.

Croí Marathon The 4th annual Croi Inishbofin Half Marathon took place on the island on Saturday May 16th. Dermot Lowe, a Consultant Anesthetist from Galway, was the overall winner of the race, setting a new course record with a running time of 1:24:40. Over 80 participants from throughout Ireland and Europe successfully completed the challenging course of the Inishbofin Half-Marathon event and in doing so raised valuable funds for Croí, The West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation. Henry Kenny and Mairtín and Margaret Lavelle stepped out for Bofin with all the others, and the final

Connemara View Newspaper

June 2009

Page 7

Oughterard

Sewerage Progress

Letterfrack

25 Years of Craic and Ceol The 25th year of Bog Week, organized by the Conamara Environmental Educational & Cultural Centre, once again saw the village of Letterfrack and the Renvyle peninsula

Galway County Council have advertised for Consultants to draw up contract documents for the Design, Build and operate of a new Treatment Plant for Oughterard. The advertisement also includes the contract for a collection network to service the new plant. The advertisement for consultants has a closing date of June 22nd.

Welcoming the announcement, Independent Cllr. Thomas Welby said “it is now all the more critical that the local representatives will apply maximum pressure on both Galway County Council and Department officials to complete this essential infrastructure as quickly as possible”.

LEADER Information Night

transformed into a hive of cultural and community based activity and entertainment. Great weather greeted most of the outdoor events and every age group and taste was catered for over the course of the popular festival. Photo: CEECC’s Leo Hallissey at the opening of Bog Week 2009 with the Polka Dots band, who provided the musical entertainment.

Maam

Radio Broadcast Connemara Community Radio broadcast from Maam Community Centre on May 5th. People who took part in the programme included Mike Dolan and Dermot Birch of the Zambia Housing Project , Michael Laffey, Frank O’ Domhnaill, Bridget Ann O’ Malley, Mary McHugh, Rosemary Hanley, Rebecca Leavy and Patricia Lavelle.

Music was provided by Jackie Coyne on the accordion. Sarah Lydon, Ciara Hopkins, Grace Hickey and Máire Cáit Walsh from Cornamona School also sang and played a great selection of music for the broadcast.

Centenary Book The Parish of Kilbride Centenary Book has now been sent to the printers and will be available in the shops later this summer.

It contains history of the area, - the Churches, Schools, Graveyards, Community groups, interviews, poetry, etc.

Women’s Group The A.G.M. took place last month. 21 ladies including 4 members of the Maam Group went to visit The Dáil, The National Library, Museum and Art Gallery. With the assistance of Margaret Sheehan, Geraldine Kelly and FORUM, it turned out to be a fantastic networking event.

Annual Croí Cycle The Croí Cycle took place on Sunday, 24th May. The cyclists took a well earned break for refreshments at Ionad Pobail an Mhama. Every year this popular event takes place to raise funds for this worthy cause.

Zambia Housing Project Concert There will be a concert, (male voice choir), in aid of the Zambia Housing Project in Clonbur Church on Tuesday.

June 9th. All are welcome.

In association with the Oughterard Community Council, Forum Connemara Ltd. invites all interested in finding out more about LEADER funding to an information night in the Connemara Lake Hotel Tuesday, June 9th at 8pm.

For more information on FORUM and the LEADER programme go to http:// www.forumconnemara.ie, call Rural Development Officer Joe Conaty on (095)41116 or join us on the information night. Photo: , Patrick Faherty Theresa Tierney, and Carmel Geoghegan of Oughterard Community Council pictured with Minister Éamon Ó Cuív at the launch of the LEADER programme at Peacocke’s Hotel, Maam Cross on Friday May 29th.

Clann News Sales: A Cake Sale will be held on Sunday 21st June after 11.30 Mass in the National School. All donations of cakes, breads and jams can be dropped to Clann or to the school on the day before 12 noon. The next ‘Nearly New’ Sale will be on Monday, 22nd June, 10-4pm. All donations of household items, bric a brac, books etc are welcome. Goods can be dropped into Clann.

Girls group: The girls’ group’s mask project, depicting the positives and negatives of various drugs, has been shortlisted in the Súil Aniar competition, run by the Western Region Drugs Task Force! This means that they are in the running for prizes of between €1,000 and €6,000. The final judging will take place in September. Stop by Clann to see the masks!

Spraoi: Spraoi is looking for new members who want to learn to juggle, use devil sticks and diabolos, and so on! Spraoi is badly in need of a second adult (preferably a woman) to help run the youth circus. If you’re interested please contact Clann.

and a set of headphones. On his final day he was escorted by his sister Breege and brotherin-law Liam Diamond who walked with him from Leixlip to the GPO. His wife Sheila and daughter Patricia were among the many family members who greeted him on completion of his walk.

Daniel has recorded the memoirs of his extraordinary walk, detailing churches he visited, characters he met, history associated with the places he walked through and his thoughts on the whole process and plans to put them all together for a book in the near future. Photo courtesy of Priscilla Diamond

Connemara Lamb Pie As part of Bog Week 2009 the Connemara Lamb Pie was launched to a fantastic reception at Renvyle House Hotel on Bank Holiday Monday June 1st.

Award winning chef, Tim O’Sullivan, who last year created the sumptuous Connemara Mussel Pie, once again produced a range of varying pies which were judged by Michelin starred chefs Colin O’Daly and Gerry Galvin. Tim also launched his ‘Tim’s Kitchen’ range of home-made gourmet relishes, preserves and chutneys. All were invited to sample and discuss the pies in the sun drenched croquet lawn and it is planned that the winning creation will feature on Connemara menus, along with the mussel pie in the near future, as trademark Connemara dishes. Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden

RosMuc

Handball Success Gairmscoil na Piarsaigh, Ros Muc enjoyed success at the Connaught Secondary Schools Championship 2009 with the Under 17 Girls side defeating Sacred Heart Westport in the final with a score of 12-8.

The Under 15 Girls side also defeated Sacred Heart Westport in their competition with a score of 3-1.

Meanwhile, in the Under 17 Boys Final, Gairmscoil na Piarsaigh were runners-up to Galway Community College with a score of 34-28.

Photos: Gairmscoil na Piarsaigh Girls Senior Connacht Handball Champions 2009. Gairmscoil na Piarsaigh Boys Senior Connacht Runners Up 2009. Photos courtesy of Bernard Lee

Renvyle

Local man walks from Tully to Dublin!

Daniel Sammon from Tully is pictured standing at the grave of James Connolly in Arbour Hill Cemetery after Confirmation and Communion completing a walk from the door of his house in Tully, RenCongratulations to Ben Keane, Ciaran Tierney, Lena vyle to the door of the GPO in Dublin to commemorate the Lydon, Cliona Finnerty, Darerca Kane, Martin Joyce, Sean anniversary of the deaths of the 1916 Leaders.

McDonald and Steven Wade who were confirmed in KilmDaniel walked over 300 km in 8 days, walking for up to 10 ilkin Church, and to Adrian Kelly and Braden O’ Donoghue hours daily. He was met at Arbour Hill Church and Cemwho made their First Holy Communion. R. Hanley etry on Tuesday 12th May, the anniversary of the execution of James Connolly, by Monsignor Eoin Tyne, Head Chaplain with the Defence Forces and Cmdt Barry Carey O.C. at McKee Barracks. He then went on to the GPO where he was met and congratulated on his achievement by Minister Éamon O’Cuív as well as family and friends . The group went on to Madigan’s pub for some celebratory refreshments.

Daniel took the road less travMoycullen Pictured above are the Killannin Children’s Choir along with their elled, going through the towns and villages along the old route into conductor Alma Joyce who sang beautifully at the Holy Communion Ceremony Dublin, with just a walking stick which took place in mid-May in Killannin Church.

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June 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

RosMuc

School Grant Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has sanctioned a grant of €11,859 to enable Scoil Náisiúnta Bhriocáin, Ros Muc, to purchase computer benches, kitchen furniture and presses.

Pléaráca Teo and Muintearas organise events in the school and the local Irish language summer college also uses it.Announcing the grant, the Minister said that he is very happy that his Department can assist the school in this way.

He noted the great progress made by the school recently, with help from the Department of Education and Science.

Roundstone

Roundstone Rose Selection The Roundstone Connemara Pony Show, in association with the Western Alzheimer’s Foundation will hold the Roundstone Rose Selection at the Community Hall on Friday July 10th. Last year’s event was a fantastic success and the committee looks forward to a great night this year too, with the winner once again going forward to represent the area in the Galway Rose competition 2010. More details of will follow in the next issue of the Connemara View, and more details are available from Paddy McDonagh on 086-346-9372.

Deirdre’s Winning Streak!

Of course a recent highlight for Roundstone was Deirdre King’s appearance on RTE’s Winning Streak last Saturday May 30th. Deirdre is a daughter of Mary King, and I was very lucky to be invited by Mary to give support in Dublin.

We left Roundstone at 6.30 in the morning, stopped in Moate for breakfast, lunch in Donnybrook, then into the studios for the show, but first there was a wine and food reception- lucky for me I was not enamoured with the wine!

It was incredible-the excitement during the show as the vari-

supplied by Johnny King from Cleggan. This is of course, I am assuming, dependant on the catch and weather. This is a real bonus for us and the visitors. We are after all a fishing village and certainly this represents Roundstone. Just another idea, this could be the start of a country market, now there is a thought.

Births Our congratulations to James and Mairéaid Linnane of Cushatrower, who had their first child, a boy, also to Sharon nee Delapp a daughter and sister to little Sarah. So we wish long life to the new born.

Congratulations to Granny Ann Conneely, on her daughter Noleen and son-in-law Pat adding a sister to Maeve and Jack last Tuesday, named Erin, so we wish the parents and little Erin long life and happiness.

And also congrats to John Paul and Chrissie Ferron who have just had another baby, a little girl called Hannah. Congratulations to you both, and long life to little Hannah as well, golly, Grandparents Catherine and Michael are going to be kept busy!

Coffee Shop Dawn Mangan has taken over the Dalkey Design shop and has turned it into a very good coffee shop with all sorts of home made goodies. This shop is as sophisticated as the Dalkey Design shop but of course on a different level. We wish her and the business all the best.

First Holy Communion Congratulations to Allen Conneely, Mikey Ryan, Cathal O’Donnell, Dale Joyce and to Eamon Mongan on their First Holy Communion.I must say it’s always nice to witness something like this in this rather special time in their lives, the five lads were very eloquent in their prayers and the readings.

O’Dowd’s 5 Mile Road Race Another event we had in the village recently was a group from England known as the Southwell running club, led by John Cummins who is a regular visitor to Roundstone. As a fund raiser for the Roundstone playgroup the club arranged a five mile run departing from O’Dowd’s to Inishnee and back again. Within the group there was an international Moroccan runner, he was quite incredible he ran it in 29mins and 14 seconds. Naturally he was the first in. I’m also delighted to say there were some local runners, Jim and Brian Vaughan, Declan O’Connor. The event was sponsored by Nicky Griffin, O’Dowd’s, and when each runner came in they received a special T-shirt designed by Joe Boske.

Campaign Personalities Note: These photos are included because the individuals are national figures who showed up in Clifden and should not be construed as endorsements.

The Fianna Fail Leader often shows up to our region, but Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny has not been in town for a while. He stopped into Mannion’s Bar in Clifden on May 28th for a party rally in support of Eileen Mannion. Enda won over all age groups with his easy charm and humour. The event had a lovely old style grassroots feel about it particularly when Enda encouraged TD Padraic McCormack, Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames and FG candidates Eileen Mannion and Joseph Lee to hop onto a barstool in turn to do soapbox speeches for the crowd. Of course, he rounded off the circuit of speakers with a rally cry for the coming election. Photo: Enda gets a big smile from Katherine Mannion, daughter of Declan and Kiara.

Declan Ganley, the Leader of Libertas Party, has been scouring the countryside of the Northwest in his bid for MEP. He was in Clifden on May 31st. I thought I would peek in since he was the only candidate for the seat that had contacted the Connemara View to say he would be in town. I’ll admit that I was also very curious given the huge amount of positive and negative hype that surrounds him.

His American style of canvassing was nothing new to me – the big campaign bus with young campaigners giving out tshirts and mugs. However, this is not a regular occurrence in rural politics so I can see how some would think this is ‘slick’.

A big crowd listened to Declan’s call for a change in how European government is done and he responded fairly well to direct questioning on subjects of local interest. His points were clearly made, impassioned and logical. After a discussion about the pollution in Clifden Bay, he agreed to put the clean-up of the Bay in the Top 15 of his things to do when he gets elected and promised to come back for a swim soon. EM

French visitors

ous boxes and envelopes were opened, €6,000 here, €20,000 there! Anyway to cut a long story short, Deirdre came home with €74,500, she had the highest earning on the night, a nail biting experience, I must say. Deirdre was the epitome of coolness and elegance, truly a great representative for Roundstone, but let’s not also forget her followers from Roundstone, who were extrememely loud and enthusiastic!

Photo: Deirde King of Roundstone being presented with her winnings of €74,500 on RTE’s Winning Streak.

Tidy Towns The application for the Tidy Town competition has gone in. Adjudication for the competition starts sometime in June.

It is fantastic the amount of work from the FÁS lads and other volunteers, how well the village is beginning to look!

Still we cannot rest on our laurels, we have to keep at it. As part of the ongoing work from the Tidy Towns Committee, there was a meeting in the Community Hall recently with Karen Mannion from FORUM Connemara Ltd, explaining the rural Development LEADER programme with the various grants that are available. One of them is for conservation and upgrading of Rural Heritage, so we hope that with Karen’s help we can look at the old Presbyterian site which is up beside O’Dowd’s lane, next to the Protestant Church, and see if we can tidy it up and possibly create an archaeological and amenity park.

Fresh Fish Stall I am very glad to say that we have a fresh fish stall coming into Roundstone every Friday from 12am to 1.30 pm,

Connemara View Newspaper

The visit of 52 French visitors from Brittany was a great success; there were some fantastic musicians and singers and dancers amongst them that kept the village very much alive, and not to forget their B/Q’s, French cuisine, and of course some rather good wine, leave that to your imagination as to what unfolded!

Mayor’s Visit It being the 5th anniversary since the twinning of Roundstone with Noyelles Sous Lens, the Mayor of Noyelles and his entourage arrived in the village on Monday morning June 1st in Noel King’s Bentley. Actually poor Noel had to wait for them for a few hours, to pick them up at the quarry by Ballynahinch, as they were coming from Shannon. For some unknown reason they ended up in Carna! However thanks to Noel and his persistence, he eventually found them and was able to bring the elusive Mayor and his wife into the village, where they will remain with us for the next few days! There’s also twenty more from their village will make their presence felt here in Roundstone.

Richard de Stacpoole

June 2009

Page 9

West Coast bring First U-18 Cup to Connemara West Coast Utd. 1 Mervue Utd 1 West Coast 3-1 pens West Coast United were crowned Galway U-18 First Division Champions 2009 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out settled the cup final in Bohermore on May 24th. After losing the Connacht Shield final two weeks earlier to a strong Corofin Utd. side, the pressure was on to deliver some silverware in the final game of the current season. Injuries had taken their toll towards the end of the season and West Coast had to field without Brian Hogan, Cathal O’Neill and Eoghan Kilkenny, who were important players throughout the long campaign. The Cup final began with the Connemara lads playing with a stiffish breeze and they immediately began to control the game. Noel Varley, Eoin Gannon and Tommy Salmon were in charge in mid-field, and this gave West Coast a good attacking platform. Varley went close from a corner and striker Shane Lydon gave the Mervue defence a torrid time. West Coast hit the front on 20 minutes. A superb pass by Eoin Gannon sent Danny Sammon clear and he coolly slotted the ball past Mervue keeper Nigel Walsh for a priceless goal. Despite some more good attacking play from the Tullycross based side, the half ended 1-0 to West Coast. Mervue’s only attack of note in the opening half resulted in a goalmouth scramble with Alan O Malley and Cal Gray making great blocks.

Mervue dominated the early stages of the second half, but with the outstanding David Black at centre back and his partner Alan O’Malley never putting a foot wrong, West Coast started to control again. Wingbacks Ian Heanue and Cal Gray did trojan work, and vice-captain Niall Black tortured the city boys with his pace and skill. As the game entered the final 15 minutes

Page 10

Mervue were gifted an equaliser, after a defensive mixup following a harmless looking free-kick. One would have to have sympathy for keeper Peter Wallace who was magnificent throughout. West Coast picked up the pace for the last few minutes but couldn’t find a winner.

Extra time was very even and cautious; nobody wanted to make a mistake that would surely hand the game to the opposition.

And so it was on to the dreaded penalties to decide the cup final; Mervue won the toss and kicked first.

Ross Lynskey fired them ahead but it was to be their only success. David Black, Peter Wallace and Shane Lydon all netted seamlessly and the celebrations began!

Sean McGlynn from the Galway F.A. presented the First Division Cup to West Coast Utd. Captain Shane Lydon to the delight of the travelling supporters. Sean was full of praise for the young Connemara men and looks forward to seeing West Coast seniors back where they belong-in the high divisions of the Galway District League.

Team: Peter Wallace, Cal Gray, Ian Heanue, David Black, Alan O’Malley, Danny Sammon, Noel Varley,

June 2009

Eoin Gannon, Tommy Salmon, Niall Black, Shane Lydon. Res: Jack Vaughan for Heanue, Derek Heanue for Sammon. Not used: Simon Heanue Joyce, Brian Hogan, Cathal O Neill.

Photo above: West Coast United Galway U-18 First Division Champions 2009. Photo below: Captain Shane Lydon and team mates with the First Division Cup. Photos and report courtesy of Joachim Lydon

Connemara View Newspaper

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

RUGBY

Mannion’s AFC Edged in Cup Final

Connemara Rugby AGM

Football is very black and white when the season is finished.

Winners have got their silverware and have a fantastic summer (whatever the weather) and the others have a summer of pain and regret even if it’s sitting on a beach in the sunshine.

Mannion’s AFC managed to reach their first final this season after beating Kinvara in the semi final of the cup at the rugby pitch in Clifden. The performance was one of the best of the season, and the goals from Brian Flaherty, Mark Gannon, Dylan Wallace and Dermot Clancy matched the display. The defence was strong and tight and rarely looked like they would be broken, and Thomas Madden in goal was very worthy of his clean sheet. The midfield passed the ball very well and put numerous passes through the channels to create chance after chance. The closing down was especially good from attack to defence and is something which should always be a key component in any football team. You can practice your stepovers, flicks, tricks, volleys, headers and everything else all day long, but they are worthless if the opposition have the ball. So it was an evening to celebrate and to get ready for a big day out, but once you step off the pitch, football stops being so simple.

We had hoped to play our final at Terryland Park, the traditional home for all District League Cup Finals but this was going to be difficult due to the fact that Galway United and Mervue United both use the pitch for their league and cup matches this season. As secretary for the club, I put in a full page appeal with numerous examples of why playing the match at Terryland Park would be ‘such an occasion for our community, club and players’. The appeal was not successful and the one sentence written reply was a bit of an insult, but it was even more frustrating that the final needed to go ahead as soon as possible.

We agreed to scrap the neutral venue of Mervue United due to the fact that the Volvo Ocean Race Festival was starting that day and a trip to Galway was far enough for us to travel without crossing the city in heavy traffic. We settled to play it at our opponent’s home at Salthill Devon FC which does have the best pitches outside of Terryland.

Our last match in the league against Salthill Devon had finished 1-1 and we knew we were the better side that day, so were feeling confident of giving them another tough battle.

Due to the lateness of finding out that the fixture was going ahead, we ended up missing a couple of our players on the day, but one of the main achievements of our team this year is that the squad is very strong, and the ones that came in to the team played exceptionally well, due to them relishing their chance to play in a Cup Final.

The match was tight and we created plenty of chances against a team who finished top of the league, but on the day that was in it only one goal separated the teams, and it was a stunning strike from their left back which smashed into the top corner of our goal from about 30 yards. We had managed to score 10 goals in our 3 games in the run up to the final and in the end we just couldn’t add to that.

Talking to one of the Salthill players later in the week, he paid tribute to the way we had played as a team and couldn’t believe the commitments we had to make every week just to get to a match. He hoped that next year we’d make it again to a final and this time it would go ahead in Terryland, as Mannions AFC are definitely ready for it. Kevin Gavin Cup Final Line Up Thomas Madden, Daniel King, Cathal Mulkerrins, Sean Mitchell, Gerard Walsh, Gerard O’Toole, Shane Lydon, Mark Shanahan, Eoin O’Neill, Dylan Wallace, Brian Flaherty. Subs: Jonathan O’Malley, Sean Mullen, Rory Shanahan and Andrew Shanahan.

Tennis Competition Mannions AFC are running a summer tennis competition shortly open to males and females of all ages.

Anyone who is inter-

The AGM of the Connemara Rugby Football Club was held on Tuesday May 26th at the Station House Hotel.

Out-going President Charlie Bourke thanked everyone who helped the Club throughout the year and expressed that he had enjoyed his term as President. Incoming President Aidan O’Halloran said that he was looking forward to his term, and urged all in the community to get involved in any way possible as there is always plenty to do in the Club.

Connemara Rugby Football Club Officers for 2009/2010 President: Aidan O’Halloran. Vice President: Des Fogerty.

Hon. Secretary: Irene King. Asst Hon. Sec: James Staunton.

Hon. Treasurer: Mary Lydon. Asst. Hon. Treasurer: Chris Shanahan. Fixture Secretary: Gerry King. Membership Secretary: Joe O’Connell. P.R.O.: Pat Walsh.

Branch Delegates: Peter Smyth, Peter Keane, Des Fogerty, and Charlie Bourke. Child Welfare Officer: Irene King.

Youth Secretary: Sharon Duane. Youth Delegate: Gerry Delaney. Youth Chairman: Peter Keane. Hon. Medical Officer: Dr. John Casey. Pitch Committee Chairman: Tommy Coyne. Lotto Committee Chairman: Peter Keane. General Committee: Breda Coneys, Pat Shanahan, Rory O’Toole, Brendan Ridge, John Sheridan and P.J. Heffernan.

The Youth section had their end of season the previous week, and while we didn’t win any silverware we have a lot of good young lads coming through, and hopefully next season we will have something to show for their great efforts.

Peter Keane Six Nations Hardware in Clifden The Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown Shield were displayed at the Station House Hotel on Saturday May 16th when a large crowd of spectators turned out to see and have their photo taken with the long awaited silverware achieved by the Irish Rugby Squad in the 6 Nations Championship this year.

Photo top right: Peter Keane, Out-going Club President Charlie Bourke and Connemara Captain Bernard Keaney.

Connemara View Newspaper

June 2009

GAA

Cleggan N.S. Presentation Galway footballer Michael Meehan dropped into Cleggan N.S. recently when the school team was presented with their new kits by sponsor Brian Courcey. Photo courtesy of Chris Shanahan.

Renvyle U12s in Semi Finals Pictured below are the Renvyle GAA U12 team who qualified for the semi-finals of the Galway City League with coaches Ollie Faherty and Dave Regan. Photo courtesy of Joachim Lydon.

Page 11

Connemara Fun Runs The always well attended and very enjoyable Fun Runs were once again held in Cleggan, Roundstone and Letterfrack in May. All proceeds from the Cleggan / Claddaghduff, Roundstone and Letterfrack Bog Week Fun Run go into local youth action projects in North West Connemara.

Youth in Action would like to congratulate the winners and all who took part and supported all the events in the various locations. Space constraints do not allow for the

full list of winners to be listed here but the results of the Cleggan/Claddaghduff and Roundstone Fun Runs can be viewed online soon at www.connemaraview.com.

Photos: Margaret Moroney with the Overall Winner of the Fun Run James Salmon.

Margaret Moroney with the Fun Run Primary School Girls winner Ellen Ormsby.

Photos courtesy of Padraic Lyden The start line of the Cleggan/Claddaghduff Fun Run 2009. Some of the participants of the Roundstone Fun Run 2009. Photos courtesy of Marie Feeney

Oughterard 10k Run Saturday July 18th will see the return of a popular race event when runners gear up to take on the challenging 10k Run course around Oughterard. The main event, the Mick Molloy Classic, named after the renowned Oughterard athlete, starts at 5pm and there will be a kid’s fun run at 4pm, so there will be something for the whole family.

All levels of runners and walkers are invited to participate. You can sign up for the race at www.irishrunningtours.com/events and either pay online or print out the entry and

mail it in. Entry forms will also be available at local races taking place prior to this event, and you will also be able to pick them up off Christine at the Oughterard Tourism office.

The Connemara Lake Hotel has kindly offered their establishment for use as the race headquarters. Numbers and t-shirts may be picked up there before the race, and refreshments and some fun will take place there afterwards. Entry is €15 before July 13th, €20 on the day. Kid’s entry is €3. Entries close promptly at 4pm on the day and there are guaranteed t-shirts for all pre-registrants.

DARTS

CYCLING Bog Week Cycling Events The Conamara Bog Week Cycling Events of 2009 were a huge success, with great local support from John O’Halloran, many local volunteers and stewards, and Renvyle’s own John James Flaherty who organised the events, and participated in both the Bog Week Grand Prix on Saturday May 23rd and the Gogarty Cup on Sunday May 24th.

Competitors from various regional and national cycling clubs participated, with Daniel

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Kirwan of Usher IRC claiming first place in the 64k Grand Prix, sponsored by CEECC, Letterfrack in 1hr 35 mins. Sunday’s 80k Gogarty Cup, sponsored by Renvyle House Hotel and held in tough windy wet conditions was claimed by Padraig Marrey of Western Lakes Cycling Club in 2hrs 7mins.

Photos: John James Flaherty and Daniel Kirwan, Winner of the Bog Week Grand Prix 2009. John James Flaherty, Winner of the 2009 Gogarty Cup Padraig Marrey and CEECC’s Leo Hallissey. Cyclists prepare to undertake the Bog Week Grand Prix 2009 in Letterfrack village.

One of the world’s top ranked Darts players dropped in to play a number of exhibition matches at the Atlantic Bar, Clifden on Saturday May 23rd last. The event, arranged

by Dara Wallace of Clifden in conjunction with Grainne Mhaols’s Ladies GAA Club Darts Committee saw Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ Baxter play 16 exhibition matches against various Connemara darts players of all ages and levels. Ronnie Baxter, originally from Lancashire in the U.K. has been consistently in the top ranked Darts players in the world since the 1980’s, most recently reaching the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals this year.

Instantly on first name terms with all in attendance, Ronnie was good humoured and extremely entertaining while showcasing the throwing skills that keep him at the top of his game, and his easygoing attitude was much appreciated by the enthusiastic crowd.

Two Connemara players managed to beat Ronnie however to great applause, and they were Thomas Conneely and James Flaherty.

The ‘Celebrity’ Darts event was a great success and indications are that another event may follow next year, after the success

June 2009

of this first event of its kind in many years.

Photos: Thomas Conneely who beat Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ Baxter in an exhibition match on May 23rd. Ronnie Baxter presents an award to James Flaherty who defeated him in an exhibition match. Organiser Dara Wallace, Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ Baxter and West Galway Open Cup Winner 2009 Eamonn Mannion.

Jack Coyne/John Hynes Perpetual Cup Johnny Coyne presents the Jack Coyne/ John Hynes Perpetual Cup to 2009 winners Aidan Flaherty and Mark Fitzpatrick.

Connemara SportsView

Mannions Golf Society Saturday May 23rd saw Mannion’s Golf Society present their annual awards for the President’s Prize and Golfer of the Year to

Marie Bourke and John McDonagh respectively. Marie Bourke’s winning score was 37 points, with Johnny Fitzpatrick in second with 33 points and Marty Courcey third with 32 points. The Longest Drive competition was won by Dave Glynn, and Nearest to Pin was Oliver Mc Donagh.

Photos: Winner of the Mannion’s AFC President’s Prize 2009 Marie Bourke with (l-r) Paul Mannion, Francie Mannion, John McDonagh and Declan Mannion.Mgolf2: Francie Mannion presents John McDonagh with the award for Golfer of the Year 2009.

Connemara Golf 10/05/09 18 Holes Stroke. Sponsor: Cropcare. 1st: Deirdre Murphy(15) 36pts, 2nd:

May Connemara Pony Sales The sales kicked off on Saturday 16th May with ridden ponies, colts, geldings and stallions on offer. Regular attendee at the sales Bob Sweeney from Ballina purchased 48 ridden ponies, ranging in price from €2,000 to €5,200. All of these are destined for new homes overseas in the UK, Holland and Germany. Michael Houlihan from Clare fetched the top price of Saturday’s sale, €5200 for lot 55, a 4 year old gelding, broken and ridden,

by Leag. Another regular visitor to the sales, a buyer from the UK, purchased 9 ponies, all destined for production at his own yard.

Prices for colts were down on previous sales, with prices between €200 and €1000 for yearlings and 2 year old colts. Unbroken geldings ranged in price from €800 to €1800 depending on quality, colour and height.

There were a number of registered stallions entered in the sales but there was little demand for these.

Day 2 of the sales, Sunday the 17th of May, consisted of mares and fillies, with a small number of mares with foals at foot.

Quality was the order of the day and some nice prices were achieved for the ‘Cream of the Crop’. The top price of the day was €6000 which was paid for two separate lots,

Connemara SportsView

Kathleen Burke(25) 34pts, 3rd: Josephine O’Neill(28) 33pts; Mens Paddy Gannon(18) 67,Paddy Flaherty(6) 70, Billy Reilly(10)70.

17/05/09 18 Holes v Par, Sponsor: EJ Kings.

Ladies: 1st: Grace Mulally (28) Level.

2nd: Kathleen Wallace (31) 1 down.

Mens: 1st: Michael Kearney (15) 1 up, 2nd: Paddy Gannon(16) level, 3rd: Padraic O’Donoghue (17) level.

31/5/09 Open 4 Ball Betterball Stableford. Sponsor: Walsh’s Emporium. Ladies:1st: Maurethe Jackson(12) Karen Jackson(18) 41pts, 2nd: Mary Sandys (14) Liz Davidson(27) 39pts, 3rd: Deta Doyle (21) Mary Howley (24) 38pts (b6). Mens: 1st: Alan Mulholland (9) John Mulholland(15) 43pts, 2nd: Paddy Flaherty(5) Eddie Flaherty (17) 42pts, 3rd: Michael Galvin (3) Billy Glynn (9) 41pts (b9) 1/6/09 Open Singles Stableford. Sponsor: O’Dowd’s Bar & Restaurant. Ladies: 1st: Carisa Burgoyne (28) 41pts, 2nd: Anna Neary (17) 39pts. Gross: Maurethe Jackson (12) 22pts. 3rd: Mary Gannon (20) 38pts. Mens: 1st: Aidan Griffin(13) 41pts, 2nd: Dermot Powel l(10)38pts, Gross: Paddy Flaherty (5) 33pts, 3rd: Marty Courcey(17)38pts.

Oughterard Golf

13/05/09 Ladies 18 Hole Charity Open Day In Aid Of Autistic Children.

Sponsor: J.P. Keogh, Oughterard. C.S.S. 72.

1st Brona Mooney (36) 40pts, 2nd Carmel Morahan (36) 39pts, Gross: Anneta O’ Neill (10) 20 gross pts, 3rd Ann Daly (29) 37(B6) Category 0 – 20 1st Barbara Buckley (20) 33 (B9), 2nd Grace Morris (16) 33pts, Category 1 – 28 1st Ruth Cunningham (27) 37 (B9) 2nd Jodie Coughlan (23) 37pts,Category 29 – 36 1st Ann Lee (32) 36pts, 2nd Margaret Forde (35) 35pts.Nine Hole: (30) 14pts.

17/05/09 18 Hole Stableford Competition, sponsored by Jaycee Printers. 1st Rory Murphy (17) 43 pts.

2nd Richard O’Brien (19) 42 pts. Gross: Hugh Walsh (4) 34 Gross pts. 3rd Kevin O’Reilly (23) 41 pts. 4th Pat Kelly (14) 39 pts (20b9). 5th David Walsh (12) 39 pts (17b9). CSS: Non Counting.

19/05/09 Open Day Competition. 18 Hole Stableford 1st Jones Ferriss (7) 43pts, 2nd Niall Faherty (5) 40 pts, (21B9, 14B6) 3rd Dominick O’ Morain (13) 40 pts(21B9, 12B6) 4th Michael Joyce (17) 39pts (20B9).

10/05/09 18 Hole Stableford Competition, Sponsored by Finian Carney, Electronic Concepts, Oughterard.1st Robert Munroe (18) 45 pts. 2nd Rory Murphy (17) 44 pts (23b9). Gross Michael Darcy Snr. (4) 35 Gross Pts. 3rd Jimmy Carr (20) 44 pts (22b9). 4th John Carr (10) 39 pts (18b9).

5th Ciaran O’Flatharta (8) 39 pts (17B9).

12/05/09 Open Day Competition Hole Stableford. 1st Stephen Henriques (Gort) (9) 39 pts, 2nd Gerry Donnellan (Tuam) (12) 38 pts, 3rd Cathair Conneely (6) 37 pts(21B9) 4th Michael D’arcy ( J) (5) 37pts (17B9, 13B6) 5th Hugh Walsh (4) 37pts (17B9, 12B6) C.S.S 36 pts Home. 34 pts Away. lot 289 and lot 314. PJ Watson from Athlone purchased lot 314, a 3 year old class 1 mare by Monaghanstown Fionn while local man Padraic Hynes purchased lot 289, a 4 year old class 1 registered mare by Clonberne Boy. Both ponies may well be destined for the show ring.

Some other prices fetched on day 2 included €5,800 for lot 245, an 11 year old class 1 registered mare by Windy Boy, with a colt foal at foot; €4,700 for lot 235, a 3 year old registered mare by Ashfield Festy; €4,600 for lot 306, a 2 year old filly by Glendine Kestrel with well know showing bloodlines and €4,200 for lot 370, a 3 year old class 1 dun mare by Mattys Rock.

The next Catalogue sale of Connemara Ponies will take place in Clifden on Saturday the 22nd of August. This is the Saturday of Show Week and the sales have moved from their usual day of Friday (the day after the Pony Show) at the request of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society who are holding a Performance day in the Showgrounds with Working Hunter classes and dressage demonstration on the Friday. Entry forms for the August sale are now available. Contact Padraic at 095 21861 or via the website at www.connemaraponysales.com.

Padraic Heanue

24/05/09 18 Hole Medal Competition, sponsored by Billy Kyne.1st Ciaran Murphy (12) 66 Nett. 2nd Tim Horan (24) 68 Nett (33b9). Gross: Jones Ferriss (5) 76 Gross. 3rd Cyril Foye (12) 68 Nett (37b9).

4th Gerry Carroll (19) 69 Nett. 5th JJ Faherty (12) 70 Nett (103F9). CSS71.

26/05/09 Open Day Competition 18 Hole Stableford. 1st Francis O’ Flatherty (18) 44pts, 2nd Padraig Griffin (15) 40 pts, (23B9) 3rd Shaun Caldwell (17) 40 pts(21B9) 4th John O’ Connell (20) 39pts.

GREYHOUNDS Local Winner Greyhound: ‘Calla Princess’ owned and trained by Cáilín and Theresa Mitchell of Calla won the €20,000 Northwest Oaks Final in Lifford, Co. Donegal on Sunday the May 17th 2009 in a time of 28.74s, the fastest time on the night, by almost three lengths, and at a price of 12/1. Albert Longe and Sean Gavin travelled to Donegal with Calla Princess on the night. Pictured with Calla Princess here are (l-r): Guislaine, Adrian, Theresa and Cáilín Mitchell.

EQUESTRIAN Ruth Brennan from Moycullen and Emma O’Toole from Clifden are the new riders picked to join the Connemara Pony Quadrille. Ruth and Emma train at Cleggan Riding Stables and are both very successful show riders, both astride and side saddle. Emma had a very good year last year riding Taibshe na Mara and her dad Henry O Toole’s stallion Janus, and Ruth had some great wins on Draiocht na Mara and her own mare Scarlett, who is showing great potential as a dressage horse. The riders will join the group who will be trained by well known dressage judge and trainer Vida Tansey.

Photo: Ruth Brennan and Emma O Toole, the new members of the Connemara Pony Quadrille. Report and photo courtesy of Judy Cazabon.

June 2009

Page 13

Community Organisations Elm Tree Branching Out

Since moving out from its former location in the nearby, now condemned, industrial school premises and opening its doors in 2004, the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden has become a truly valuable community service and asset, combining high quality clinical assessment and treatment with a warm and positive multi-disciplinary approach towards mental health.

Elm Tree is a Day Support Centre, provided by the Connemara Sheltered Housing Association and managed

by HSE psychiatric services where clients, including those housed in the homes provided by the Connemara Sheltered Housing Association can access the clinical

treatment and assistance they may require, as well as many more complementary services. While attending the day centre, clients can avail of lessons and activities like home economics, horticulture, computer training, pottery, life coaching, and with the assistance of staff, improve literacy and numeracy and re-learn social and life skills that may have lapsed over time. At present, there are two full-time nurses, including Nurse Manager Michael Dolan, nine staff from a collaborative approach between the VEC and HSE, a psychotherapist, and auxiliary staff.

Approximately 55 people currently utilise the Elm Tree Centre with an average daily attendance of 33.

The catchment area of the service is from Maam Cross westwards, south to Carna and north to Leenane, encompassing a population of approximately 10,000 people.

All referrals must come through consultant psychiatrists, who hold clinics at the centre on a regular basis.

To date, the Connemara Sheltered Housing Association has also constructed properties for local use to the value of over €3 million. Sycamore House on Hospital Rd, Clifden has provided a home for eight full time residents and two respite clients since 2004, and is managed by qualified HSE professionals. In addition to this, there are eight apartments where clients of the Elm Tree Centre who are in housing need, but can self cater, reside; six in Clifden, between Willow House on Church Hill and Hazel House on Canon’s Lane, and two in Carna. Depending on the level of need, two minibuses are also available to transport clients to the Elm Tree Centre daily from Monday to Friday. Alongside the treatment and assessment provided by the HSE, the Elm Tree Centre and CSHA Ltd are also represented on the Clifden Mental Health Association, which includes members of the Elm Tree staff and the HSE. The voluntary aspect of these groups has been instrumental in achieving the current service, and to this end the Clifden Mental Health Association, affiliated with

Page 14

Mental Health Ireland, primarily focuses on fundraising and raising awareness of the need for and many benefits of promoting and positively dealing with mental health issues. Rev Anthony Previté, chairman of both CSHA Ltd and Clifden Mental Health Association, has been a driving force and actively involved in the development of these facilities for over fifteen years now, and points to the inclusiveness and generosity of many voluntary and fundraising efforts over the years, mentioning the annual coffee morning in Clifden Arts Weeks as one of the year’s highlights, in addition to various individual fundraising efforts. For example, readers may recall Hugh Musgrave of Cleggan’s parachute jump in September of last year, the very significant proceeds of which he very kindly donated to the M.H.A. Anthony’s primary motivation from the off, as he states, was to devote much attention, time and energy to “breaking down and removing any stigma or misconceptions around mental health issues”, and any individual who has encountered or availed of any services related to the Elm Tree Centre would likely attest to the sense of achievement and inclusiveness it has fostered in the wider community so successfully to date. According to Anthony a recent inspection by a representative of the Mental Health Commission concluded that this was a model for the country. The overwhelming atmosphere one encounters via the Elm Tree Centre is one of openness, warmth, approachability and positivity, and illustrates in the simplest terms how the needs within a community can be provided for by the community.

As well as being a Day Centre for HSE clients, some may not be aware that the Centre has, for some time now, been actively promoting its usage as a venue for various community and group meetings. For example, the centre is currently used out of hours for meetings by The Carer’s Group, ARCH Club, the I.C.A., Crochet lessons, Irish dancing and Al Anon amongst others. Dr Sophie Flaherty also holds a women’s clinic there 3 evenings a week from 4:30 pm.

Voluntary efforts are always more than welcomed by the staff of the Elm Tree Centre. A nationwide trend in recent times has seen many people who have become unemployed or had their working hours cut opting to become involved in local voluntary efforts. The Elm Tree Centre always welcomes anyone who might like to simply give some of their time to drop in, chat or socialise with clients who may need basic assistance with outings like shopping, going to the cinema, attending the Station House Gym etc.

All volunteers would be covered by the insurance of the M.H.A. and total flexibility is assured. Any queries relating to volunteering, fundraising or any aspect of the variety of services the Elm Tree Centre provides to the people of Connemara may be directed to Fergal Duffy at (095) 30930.

Catherine Pryce Photo: Some of the members of staff of the Elm Tree Day Support Centre, Clifden.

Intergenerational Wellbeing Day On Monday May 11th, Clúid Housing Association, in conjunction with Co Galway VEC, held a Health and Wellbeing Day St Josephs Court Clifden. The intergenerational

June 2009

activities also coincided with Bealtaine, a nationwide programme initiated by Age and Opportunity, to celebrate and encourage the activity and creativity of older people.

Youthreach, a training and education programme for early school leavers based in Letterfrack, have become linked with St Joseph’s Court, and have been using the newly opened Tír Na NÓg hairdressing salon as a training centre for their students. In these pleasant surroundings, students have just completed 2 year Fetac Level 5 modules in hairdressing theory and practice, and hairdressing science.

Their training certainly paid off on the day when residents were delighted to be models for the students and availed of all their new found skills in hairdressing. Residents were also treated to manicures, facials, gym and exercise in what was a great day for all involved. A very interesting workshop entitled ‘Your Health is your Wealth’ was also conducted by Eileen O’Connor and the day finished up with lunch and refreshments and everyone having a good go at some Sean Nós Dancing!

Kathleen Aspell Mortimer Sheltered Housing Officer Photo: Some of the residents, and staff of Clúid Housing association with some of the Youthreach students who were involved in a Health and Wellbeing Day of pampering activities on Monday May 11th.

Red Cross Branch for Clifden

A new Irish Red Cross branch for Clifden is planned to get underway this summer, according to Tim Clesham, Irish Red Cross Area Director of Units for Connemara.

The new Branch will build on the growth which the Irish Red Cross in Connemara has experienced in recent years. “The Irish Red Cross is well-known throughout Connemara for providing First Aid cover for events such as The Annual Clifden Pony Show, other local shows as well as cycle and football events.

We are keen to develop the many services and activities that we provide in addition to First Aid,” said Tim. Outlining that it’s not all serious First Aid activities, Tim said that young people can avail of many fun activities in the Irish Red Cross and that the organisation in Connemara is determined to get a vibrant Youth Group set-up.

The Irish Red Cross also provides many important services for all age groups and kinds of people. “ In Connemara the organisation has gone from having no presence at all to having three branches in Oughterard, Leenane and Clonbur in the last decade. The ambulance units are augmented by a Search and Rescue unit for Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. This is a declared resource to the Irish Coast Guard which is on 24/7 callout to an Garda Síochana and the Irish Coast Guard.

Defibrillator training is provided to local communities and public access defibs have been erected in Leenane, Maam, Clonbur, Cornamona, Cloughbrack, Clonbur, Cong, Cross and The Neale. Training was provided for a community groups in Clifden, Tourmakeady and Oughterard.

“Our ambulance units provide a vital back-up service to the HSE and Local First Responder Groups can be of great help to communities and their GP’s in isolated areas.

“Now we would like to develop beyond this and we are hoping to attract people who would like to help us bring our Therapeutic Hand Care services and Youthcare services to Connemara through our new branch in Clifden,” said Tim. Anyone who is interested in joining a branch of the Irish Red Cross in Clifden or elsewhere should contact Tim Clesham, Area Director of Units Connemara, on 087 2852746 or by email to ashfordsports@eircom.net. More information from www.redcross.ie.

Connemara View Newspaper

AA and Al-Anon Meetings Connemara AA and Al-Anon meetings: Al-Anon: Mondays, Elm Tree Centre (Day room), 8-9 pm. AA: Tuesdays, Old School, Recess, 8.30 pm. Wednesdays, Clifden Day Centre, (behind the hospital) 8.30 pm. Thursdays, Clifden Day Centre, 8.30 pm. Fridays, Ellis Hall, Letterfrack, 9pm.

Saturdays and Sundays, Clifden Day Centre 12 noon.

Antiques & Restorations

Prendergast Antiques. Lower Market St, Clifden. For that unique gift or special piece for your home why not peruse our extensive collection of antique furniture, silver, ceramics, collectibles, antique and reproduction glassware, prints, mirrors. Best prices, 32 county delivery, worldwide shipping, trade welcome. www.clifden.biz Phone 087-629-6195 anytime.

Automotive Omey Tyres Connemara’s 1st complete mobile tyre fitting centre. The Best Prices - Every Day – Guaranteed. 24 Hour - 7 Days. Call Out Service throughout Connemara.

March special offer available on Saturdays only: Wholesale pricing on the following tyre sizes – 175/70/135, 175/65/14 reinforced, 195/65/15. Call Daniel Ryan on 095-44979 or 087-244-5129.

D&N Auto Store. Suppliers of: Oils, parts, batteries, accessories, body kits, alloys, number plates. Now stocking tractor parts. Open 6 days 9am-6pm. Unit 4, Clifden Business Park. 095-30615. 087-274-4165.

Bicycles

Mannion’s Bikes. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21160. Adult and children’s bikes. Rentals.

Books & Periodicals

Clifden Bookshop offers a comprehensive range of titles with particular emphasis on local Connemara History, Irish literature, guide books, maps, best sellers, memoirs and book tokens. Also stockists of artist’s materials, cards & stationery. Provides ordering and mail-order service.

The Clifden Bookshop, Main St, Clifden. 095-22020. theclifdenbookshop@eircom.net.

King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Lotto.

Newspapers & magazines.

Summer Deck Offer: 100 sq. ft. deck including treated timber, railings and labour for €1200 inc vat. Also specialising in roofing, attic conversions and timber framing. Contact Pat O’Malley. Full service builder. C2.

Limited Co. North Star Builders. 087-228-3862 or 085-780-6351. northstarbuilders@live.ie.

Connemara Seamless Gutters. Suppliers of roof line cladding and guttering systems. Over 17 years experience. Aluminum, UPvc. Wide range of colours. Free quotations. 095-41180. Gerry: 086-103-1053. Peter: 085-760-4130.

Diamonds of Renvyle. General Merchants & Builders Providers. Animal Feedstuffs, Fencing, Gates, Wire, Fertilizer, Hay & Bedding. Blocks, Lintels, Cement, Pipes & much more. 095-43486.

Auro Natural Paints...let your house breathe again! Auro products contain no environmentally harmful additives

like petroleum based solvents. For more information about our extensive interior and exterior high grade paints and care products, call Matrix Custom Interiors on 091-39-57-07 or 086-366-5768.

Airflow Renewable Energy Solutions, Ballybrit, Galway.

091-76-47-61.www.airflowireland.ie. Daikin Air to Water Heat Pumps. Ground Source Geothermal Heat pumps. IVT Heat Recovery Ventilation. Solar Panels.

System Design & Project Support. Domestic & Commercial. SEI Approved. 3 year warranty.

Cut your oil bill by two-thirds with solar powered water heating. Call Michael Carey for a free no obligation quote. Testimonials from satisfied customers available.

SEI grants available. Carey Solar Powered Systems. Sky Rd. Clifden. 086-603-9299. www.careysolar.com.

Creative Wood Flooring & Fireplace Warehouse. Kilroe, Inverin, Co. Galway. Factory prices, nationwide delivery.

091-553-995. 087-285-3114. www.creativewarehouse.ie Painting and Decorating: Interior and Exterior, Timber floors sanded and varnished. Neat and tidy job guaran-

Connemara View Directory

June 2009

Building & Trade

teed. Also offering garden and lawn maintenance service.

Competitive rates. References available. Contact Johnny Coyne, Renvyle, 086-857-0302.

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Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants

Cleaning Service

Garden Teas in Toombeola at the Anglers Return. This summer, why not visit the beautiful natural gardens surrounding the big blue house overlooking the Ballynahinch River. Enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea in the garden if the weather is fine or by the log fire if not. (Weekends only) Please book ahead if possible. B& B also available; all home produce. 095- 31091. 087- 126-2667. www.anglersreturn.com.

Mutiara Asian Fusion Restaurant. The Square, Clifden.

095-22323. Thai, Malaysian, Chinese and our new Indian Cuisine. Open daily 5-11:30pm.

O’Dowd’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Roundstone Harbour.

Food served daily from 10am-9:30pm. Fresh seafood daily. 095-35809.

EJ King’s Bar and Restaurant. The Square, Clifden.

095-21330. Open 7 days a week. We cater for all kinds of parties. Special 2 course and 3 course meal offers available.

Live music every night including our Rock night every Friday. Great fun.

Griffins Bar. Main St, Clifden. Serving hot food Mon-Fri from noon to 5pm. Live music Saturday nights from 10:30pm by Michael Carey & friends. 095-21370.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Sky Road, Clifden. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Early booking is advisable. Tuesday night is Irish Night. Entertainment nightly. 095-21201. info@abbeyglen.ie. www.abbeyglen.ie.

Steam Café at the Station House Courtyard, Clifden.

Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Mouth watering selection of salads, sandwiches & desserts. All homemade. Java Republic coffees and teas. Dinner & desserts available to order for collection. 095-30600. Mon-Sat 10:30-5:30 Oliver’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant, Cleggan. Fresh seafood. Bar food served daily until 9pm. Restaurant open Friday to Sunday. Live music on Saturday nights.

095-44640.

AdvanceClean+. Property, Garden & outdoor maintenance services. 086 -8077-199. advancecleanplus@yahoo.ie.

Cards, Gifts & Flowers King’s Paper Shop. Main St, Clifden. 095-21119. Visit our new Card & Gift Gallery. Official opening Friday, July 3rd.

Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348.

Computers & IT Supplies

Two Dog Computer & Business Solutions. Website design services. Full computer repair services. 095-22194 or 086-404-3125. kennel@twodogcafe.ie Office Chat. Office supplies, digital cameras and printers, mobile phones. Vodafone, Meteor, 3 networks. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095-21911. sales@officechat.ie.

Driver Training

John Lyden – Clifden School of Motoring. Road Safety Authority and UK approved driving instructor. Lessons given in Toyota Yaris Diesel or an Automatic Car. For details and appointments ring 095-21170.

Employment

Qualified, experienced childminder available to mind children in own home. References available on request. Please contact Olive. 087-2605961. 09522842.

Project Support Coordinator for David’s Choice Project.

Ballyconneely, Clifden, Co. Galway. Salary Scale: €35,216 - €47,087 REF: 13/2009. See full ad on page 5.

Seamtress required for home decoration project. Contact Ellen on 087-290-9351.

Qualified Hairdresser for a Social Setting 1 Day per week Fully equipped Hairdressing Salon available on site.

Contact Kathleen on 095-30951 Pub staff required for busy Irish pub in Naples, Florida, U.S.A. For details contact Paddy Yank McDonagh 086-346-9372. Email: paddyyank@yahoo.com.

Entertainment / Sports / Arts

Art Classes. Would you like to learn watercolour painting? One to one and small group classes available. Take a one off class or several. I can also come to your small group. Patricia Morrison. Derrigimlagh, Ballyconneely.

087-656-9255.

Yellow Door Expressive Arts. Dance (ballet, creative, hiphop); Drama and Singing School. Trained and experienced teacher previously with Stagecoach and Gymboree worldwide companies in creative education. For ages 4 and up. Contact Elaine Enright on 085-154-4664 or laineyenright@gmail.com. View my webpage at www.yellowdoor.ie.

Cleggan Beach Riding Centre. Connemara’s Premier Beach Trekking Centre. Long & Short Beach Rides. Lessons for beginners to advanced for Children and Adults. Selection of Horses and Ponies to suit Adults and Children. www. clegganbeachridingcentre.com Tel: 095-44746 Email: jcaz@eircom.net.

Diamonds of Renvyle. Equestrian Centre and Connemara Pony Farm. Trekking Daily and Professional Horse Training. 095-43486.

Station House Theatre, Clifden. Check out our fantastic line-up of cinema and live acts. www.stationhousetheatre. com. info@stationhousetheatre.com 095-30303.

Video rental and purchase. Music. Video Games. Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. 095-22033

Food & Wine Ferguson Wines. Main Street, Clifden. 095- 22644. New Zealand Wine Tasting Friday 12th June, 4-6pm.

Des Moran Family Butchers. Main Street, Clifden. Home of the national award winning sausages, white pudding and black pudding. Catering to all of your meat and poultry needs.

Pangur Bán. Gourmet breads and more by Award winning Chef John Walsh. Visit our market stall in Clifden & Moycullen. Custom cookery courses available. 095-41243. pban@indigo.ie www.pangurban.com.

The Connemara Hamper. Lower Market St, Clifden. Large selection of Irish and European farmhouse cheeses. Organic wines, fruit and vegetables. Freshly baked breads and baguettes. Gourmet lunches and Illy coffee to go.

Open all year. Phone for opening hours. 095-21054.

Malone Meats. Lower Market St., Clifden. Stop in for quality and service from your local butcher. 095-21868.

Clip out this ad to receive 10% off your purchase.

Jagur Organic. Eat healthy and get your organic fruit and vegetables from your local organic grower at Friday markets in Clifden Square. Box delivery to your home available. Call Linda and Vincent 095-44855 or 087-691-0234.

Kavanagh’s SuperValu. The Square, Clifden. 095-21182.

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday/Saturday 8am-9pm.

Friday 8am-10pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays 8:30am9pm.

Clifden Fruit & Veg, Main Street, Clifden. Great prices every day on the best fruits and vegetables. Briquettes & coal. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm. 086-836-5864.

Garden/Trees/Shrubs

The Original Bagged Sand Supplier. 5% discount with this ad until the end of March if you buy 2 or more bags.

Stonetech, Clifden. Call Seamus on 087-668-7437.

Just need a bag or 2 of sand, gravel, decorative chippings or bark mulch? We are now supplying 25kg, 40kg and 500kg bags. Free delivery throughout Connemara. 095-43473. 087-130-7752.

086-199-1988. Mongan’s, Derryinver, Letterfrack.

Fashion

Catering

Schu Concept. Bridge St., Clifden. Shoes for women, men & children. Handbags. Hat rental. 095-30606.

Gerald Stanley & Son Ltd. Lower Market Street, Clifden, 095-21039. Now stocking Fit Flops.

Belle Blu. Market St., Clifden. Jewellery, fashion accessories, handbags, cosmetics. 095-21321. www.belleblu.com.

A la Carty Catering: For all your home catering needs contact Joe and Olive Carty. 095-22842. 087-260-5961. alacartycatering@gmail.com.

Cashel-Connemara Credit Union. Clifden Office at Unit 3, Tom Barry House 095-21101. Cashel Office 095-31128.

Page 16

Therese Thornton, Solicitor, Clifden, Co. Galway. Professional, comprehensive legal service at reasonable rates.

Call (087) 2625385 or email ThereseThornton@gmail. com for advice or a quote with no obligation.

Financial/Legal

June 2009

Connemara View Directory

Garden/Trees/Shrubs

Ní Ráighne Opticians. Bridge St., Clifden. 095-30995. Eye exams. €35. Medical cards and PRSI welcome. Wide selection of designer frames and sunglasses.

The Treatment Rooms at Abbeyglen Castle offering Hot Stone Massage, Luxury Yonka facials, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Zen Spa Pedicure/ manicure, waxing, California tanning. Non Residents welcome. Open 9-6 Monday to Saturday. Sunday 12 – 5. 095-21306.

Connemara Chiropractic Family Health Clinic. Bridge St, Clifden. 095-21376.

Home Furnishings

Health & Beauty One day workshop linking the Movement Practice of the 5 Rhythms® taught by Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig with the Making of Books taught by Jane Dunn. Sunday June 28th 10 to 5.30, Kylemore Pass Hotel. €80 for tuition and lunch. €40 deposit required. 095-34664. info@deorade. com, www.deorade.com.

Do you suffer from anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, digestive disorders, depression, headaches, lack of energy, ME, MS, muscle tension, stress? I f so, contact Lucy Lydon (BEHA Dip) on 087-757-9237. True Awakening Plexus Bio-Energy Therapy.

Clifden Outreach Service by Cancer Care West at the Clifden Health Centre opposite Clifden Hospital on the 4th Thursday of every month. Drop- in, information and support service. 091-545-000. www.cancercarewest.ie.

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 and physical level. Qualified Reiki/Seichem Master Practitioner, call Yvonne on 086-365-3266.

Nicolas Kats, ND, Lic. Ac., is a Naturopathic Doctor and a licensed acupuncturist. Nicolas integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, supplements, homeopathy and hydrotherapy. 087-7714710.

Clifden Holistic Centre. Kinesiology, Food Testing, Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Massage and Hypnotherapy at An Bhean Fheasa Health Shop, Lr Market St, Clifden.095 30671. Open Mon-Sat 9:30-6 p.m.

Homeware Plus & Shamrock Dry Cleaners. The Square, Clifden. Everything at discount prices! Household products and toiletries. Cards & gifts. Tools. 095-21348.

Creative Wood Flooring & Fireplace Warehouse. Kilroe, Inverin, Co. Galway. Factory prices, nationwide delivery.

091-553-995. 087-285-3114. www.creativewarehouse.ie Lydons Carpet & Furniture. Moycullen. 091-555-962.

Photography Services Photos Restored, Rescued & Reprinted. Have your photos digitally scanned, burned to cd, ready for print at Video Vault. Main St, Clifden. Call 095 22033.

Information Services & Media 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. Free and confidential service to the public. Galway Rd, Clifden. 095.22000 and 087-130-1100. Thurs 7pm-8pm. Friday 10:30am- 3:30pm.

Connemara Community Radio. Letterfrack. 095-41616.

Connemara View Newspaper. Clifden. 095-22888.

AWARE Depression Support Group meetings take place at the FORUM Office(upstairs), Ellis Hall, Letterfrack on the 1st Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact Margaret 095-21741 afternoons except Tuesday for more details.

Items for Sale or Rent

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

095 21219.

Office Supplies

Office supplies, digital cameras and printers, mobile phones.

Vodafone, Meteor, 3 networks. Galway Rd, Clifden.

095-21911. sales@officechat.ie.

Pets, Animals & Ponies

Connemara View Directory

June 2009

Properties Ballyconneely. 10 minutes from Clifden. 2 bedroomed house to rent long term. 087-742-7005 after 7pm.

Letterfrack Village - Retail Unit to let immediately (60m²), great location for passing trade. Further information from Joan 087-258-0086.

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Properties

TV/Satellite/Broadband

Clifden: 2-bedroomed apartment to let. Town centre. All mod cons. Spacious, modern and refurbished to a high standard. Responsible tenants sought. Available immediately. Contact 086-805-3760.

Clifden: Modern 2-bedroomed cottage. 5 minutes from town centre. Parking. Oil-fired central heating. Available immediately. Contact 086-805-3760.

Wireless broadband. Aerial and satellite installation and repair. Peter Keane, Clifden. 095-21827. 087-668-7468.

Lighthouse Networks provides a high quality broadband service throughout most of Connemara using the very latest wireless technologies. (Lo-Call) 076-6020502 or visit our web site at www.lightnet.ie.

Vehicles for Sale

05 Citreon Piscass. Lady driver. NCT until 04/2011. Very good condition. 085-278-1435.

Websites

Website Design: Creative, professional and affordable websites by Cuán Mara Design, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. For pricing and to view portfolio visit www.cuanmaradesign. com. For a competitive quote phone Caroline Herriott on 086-0791918 or email caroline@cuanmaradesign.com.

Summer Events Schedule June

5th - 7th Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge, Mweelrea Mountain.

7th Omey Am-am Fundraiser, Connemara Golf Club. Details: 095-23502.

9th Male Voice Choir Concert in aid of Zambian Housing Project, Clonbur Church.

12th-14th Alcock & Brown 90th Anniversary Air Show, Clifden.

See details on page 2.

13th Kylemore Abbey Day Retreat, Kylemore Abbey, 10:30am3:30pm.

15th Failte Ireland ‘Get Out There’ Hub Briefing Event, Station House Hotel 6-9pm. Details 091-537700.

13th-21st Connemara Championship Golf Links Open Week.

17th Clifden & Connemara Heritage Society talk by Anthony Previte, Station House Hotel, 8pm.

20th Comedian David O’Doherty, Station House Theatre, 9pm, €20, 095-30303.

20th Clifden Boat Club Sea Angling Competition, Clifden. Details: www.clifdenboatclub.com.

21st Clann Cake Sale, Oughterard NS after 11:30 mass.

21st Mol an Oige Concert, Church of Ireland, Clifden. 8pm.

22nd Nearly New Sale, Clann Resource Centre, Oughterard 10am-4pm.

June 27th-July 6th Roundstone Arts Week 2009. Details: www. roundstoneartsweek.net or 095-35834.

June 28th Movement Practice of the 5 Rhythms®/Making of Books course. Kylemore Pass Hotel. 095-34664.

July

Properties - BER Selling Your House or Renting Long-term? Then you must have a Building Energy Rating. Contact Oliver Coyne today! 095-35813. 086-238-4195. olivercoyne@gmail. com. Listed on the SEI Register of BER Assessors.

BER. Improve your home, selling or renting. Grants and advice for BER certificates, insulation, heating and boiler upgrades and solar panels. SEI registered. Contact Aodan 087-066-0755. Email: aodanmacdonncha@gmail.com.

Book now for your Building Energy Rating certificate which is compulsory for all homes for sale or rent from January 1st 2009. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER. BERs will be carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Call Sinead at Matt O’Sullivan Estate Agents on 095-21066 or e-mail property@mattosullivan.com www.mattosullivan.com.

Listing properties for long term rental.

Wedding Services Wedding Videography by Pat Coyne. 095-43756.

086-406-2394. email: fiddisco@mac.com. www.fiddisco. com. Phone for a Free Demo DVD. Hat Hire. Wedding headpieces, occasion shoes, bags, scarves & jewellery. Schu Concept. Bridge St., Clifden.

095-30606.

3rd Omey Island Tragedy Fundraiser Event. Station House Hotel.

5th Maam Cross Pony Show.

6th-10th Inishbofin Summer School 095-41034 www.ceecc.org.

8th Tommy Tiernan, Station House Theatre 8pm, €25 10th Closing Date for Clifden Pony Show Domestic Arts entries.

10th Roundstone Rose Selection, Community Hall, Roundstone.

Details Paddy McDonagh 086-346-9372.

11th Ballyconneely Show Fundraiser Concert starring The Cunningham Sound, Ballyconneely Hall, 8:30pm.

11th Volvic IRFU Tag Rugby, Omey Strand. www.tagrugby.ie.

11th The Three Tenors, Station House Theatre, 9pm, €35.

12th Roundstone Connemara Pony, Dog & Sheep Show, Farrell’s Field, Roundstone, 12 noon.

16th MacDara’s Day, Carna and Roundstone, Galway Hooker Racing.

18th-24th Ceol na Mara Summer School for strings, Connemara West, Letterfrack. Details: Oonagh Keogh 086-266-8428.

18th Mick Molloy Classic 10k run, Oughterard.

18th-19th Roundstone Regatta, Roundstone Harbour.

19th Ballyconneely Pony Show.

24th-26th, Feile an Mhama, Maam Valley 26th Claddaghduff Pony Show 24th-26th WestRun 2009. Annual Summer run of the Western Veteran & Vintage Motor Club Rally (WVVMC). Details: wwvmc.com.

31st-August 2nd Feile an Doilin August, Galway Hooker regatta and festival events. Details-www.doilin.com.

25th Omey Races, Claddaghduff.

Weekly Events

Clifden Irish Nights at Town Hall. 8pm, every Tuesday and Thursday from June 23rd to August 27th.

Roundstone Irish Nights, Community hall, 8pm Wednesdays weekly from July 1st-August 26th.

Irish Music sessions at the Teach Ceoil, Tully, Renvyle 8pm, weekly on Tuesdays from July 7th for 8 weeks.

Irish Nights, Dolphin Hotel, Inishbofin, Tuesday nights from July 21st-August 25th.

Connemara National Park. Letterfrack. Open daily.

Sand & Gravel

Just need a bag or 2 of sand, gravel, decorative chippings or bark mulch. We are now supplying 25kg, 40kg and 500kg bags. Free delivery throughout Connemara. 095-43473.

087-130-7752. 086-199-1988. Mongan’s, Derryinver, Letterfrack The Original Bagged Sand Supplier. 5% discount with this ad until the end of March if you buy 2 or more bags.

Stonetech, Clifden. Call Seamus on 087-668-7437.

Taxi Service

Page 18

June 2009

Connemara View Directory

The ‘Radio Gallery’

The Connemara Community Radio Art Competition was a resounding success with 105 entries from participants of all ages. Artists and Judges Clare Cashman and Vincent Murphy had quite a task in choosing winners from the very high standard of entries and the station was transformed into a “Radio Gallery”, as Vincent Murphy called it, where all the works could be viewed and admired. Vincent, who presented the prizes and performed the prize giving, explained that the judging process was based on form, content and originality and each piece had been assessed individually on these criteria.

The adult winner was Kathleen O’Brien from Derryherbert, who was congratulated on her work by Vincent and received as a prize a large oil painting of Connemara Golf Club, signed by Christy O’Connor Jnr. The children who participated in the ti competition c were responsible w for fo turning the walls of the raw dio d station into a riot of colour and a creativity, it and some great talent g and a originality could be seen c in their efforts.

Holly Coyne H was w the winner of o the Under 7 category, Niall Heagney N

Connemara ArtsView

won the 8-11 year old category and the 11-14 age group was won by Aisling Sealy-Phelan.

The junior contestants all received prizes of top quality art materials, sponsored by Cregal Art of Galway, to encourage them to further develop their talents. The enthusiasm and reaction to the competition by both the entrants and judges was acknowledged by Connemara Radio’s Bridie Cashin who was the instigator of the competition, which proved so popular that there may be an interest in making it a recurring event.

Photos: Kathleen O Brien, the winner of the Connemara Community Radio Art Competition with her painting. Aisling Sealy-Phelan, the winner of the 11-14 Category with Competition Judge and Artist Vincent Murphy.

A Labour of Love for 30 Years As Malachy Kearns marks thirty years of making bodhráns this year in Roundstone, he could be considered very well placed to have noticed many changes in the sociological and business landscape of Connemara in recent decades.

“Thirty years ago, when myself and Anne arrived here, people were running out of Connemara” Malachy recalls.

“An influential and very well known Irish family, the O’Flaherty’s y’s from New Orleans started buying from me back then, and that helped us establish a business which provided employment in the area. They were dark days back then - no jobs and no money”. As Ireland currently faces a mountain to climb in terms of overcoming the current recession and global downturn, Malachy is as concerned as anyone about what the future holds for the Irish craft industry, but as a creator of a uniquely Irish and artisan product, he may be better placed than many to ride out the slump.

Continued on next page

June 2009

Page 19

Malachy Bodhrán continued Over the years, Roundstone Music and Crafts went on to become one of Ireland’s best known craft businesses, and the rise of Malachy’s bodhráns has been well documented both nationally and internationally down through the years. Visitors to Roundstone Music and Crafts over the years have included Billy Connolly, Hilary Clinton, Bertie Ahern and many more as well as a regular stream of top class musicians seeking his wares. Who could forget that Malachy’s drums were used on the unforgettable night in the Eurovision when Riverdance put Ireland and its music and dancing on the map indelibly. His bodhráns are on the walls of the White House and have been presented to and purchased by countless heads of state and public figures down through the years. At various times down through the years he supplied the vast majority of musicians who play the bodhrán with their instruments, and indeed he is so synonymous with the instrument that many people often tend to refer to him simply as Malachy Bodhrán!

Reflecting on the boom years, Malachy questions the actual benefits of the Celtic Tiger or as he prefers to call it the “Celtic Con”. He laments the end results of what we are now left with-“no public toilets on the roads of the country and a government that tried to take from the elderly and vulnerable”, referring to the medical card withdrawal from the over 70’s in last year’s Budget. The “very challenging” business landscape in Connemara is of course a concern in current times. 95% of bodhráns now on the Irish market are produced in India and China, and Malachy indicates that the price of an average bodhrán now is 1/3 of what it was 30 years ago. Nonetheless, he is confident that the discerning European and American customer still wants to “see how a craft product is made, developed and played as well as just buying it. It’s an experience as much as a purchase”. As well as offering visitors the opportunity to see how a bodhrán is made and personalised for them, there are daily talks and demonstrations on the history, making, and playing of the instrument hourly.

Malachy also points out that up to 20% of Irish craft businesses have been completely taken over by wholesalers in recent years. While the wholesaling aspect of Roundstone Music and Crafts closed temporarily for three months this past winter, in line with a fall in demand as a result of world trends, it is currently in full production 6 days a week, with the business open 7 days, completely family run by Malachy and his wife Gifty. So with three decades already in the bag, Malachy Kearns is showing no signs of easing off on the business he has spent most of his life building.

When asked what he thought was ahead of him all those years ago, with a hearty laugh and a wry smile, Malachy remarks “If someone told me 30 years ago, that I would still be here, in one of the most beautiful places in the world by the Atlantic ocean, have seen myself on an Irish postage stamp, and be married to a Ghanaian woman-I’d have told them they were mad!”.

Roundstone Music and Crafts is open daily from 8am-7pm and more information can be found at www. bodhran.com.

Connemara Artlink

Works of Connemara art, while most truly seen firsthand, can now be seen on your screen, as a result of a new locally created online gallery titled “Connemara Artlink”. Letterfrack based web designer and artist

Caroline Herriot Herriot, has created and is now in the process of developing Connemara Artlink, an online gallery, through which artists living, working or creating in the area can display their works and be part of a collaborative approach to the huge range and diversity of

Page 20

artistic talent that permeates Connemara.

On Connemara Artlink, each artist has a profile of themselves, a gallery of their work with up to 12 images, and contact details for potential buyers. Caroline hopes that the site will become a valuable resource for the area and the artists involved, as well as an effective way for them to get their work online and visible to a wide audience. Artists who have their own websites can also link to them, helping to generate more traffic to those sites. The website has also been designed to attain a high search-engine ranking for relevant terms.

For example, it already has first positioning for keywords such as ‘connemara artists’, ‘connemara art’, ‘art in connemara’ etc. No commission applies to works sold through the site and there is no recurring membership fee. Caroline is currently inviting artists of all persuasions to join and exhibit in the Gallery and can be contacted at connemaraartlink@gmail.com The works of some Connemara artists are already online now, so to see for yourself, go to www.connemaraartlink.com.

Connemara Visual Artists

There may be an opportunity for artists in Connemara to link their websites to the Irish tourism site which is covered by Discover Ireland – West. For further information as it becomes available, please contact by email margaretirwin@eircom.net.

Inishlacken Workshop

The Inishlacken Project is offering places on a two day workshop on June 20th and 21st.

A walk and talk around the island will be conducted

by Michael Gibbons with workshops in drawing by Caroline Wright, oil and acrylic painting by Rosie McGurran and watercolors by Margaret Irwin. Transport to and from the island, bring a packed lunch and waterproof clothing. There is no charge but donations are welcome. Places are limited, for more details call Rosie McGurran at 087-679-9559.

Clifden Arts Society

Our next concert will take place in the Church of Ireland on Monday, June 8th and will feature a great friend of Clifden Arts Society, Spanish Guitar virtuoso Agustin Maruri. His concerts are always thrilling as he brings little known as well as familiar works to our attention. His playing is so easy but yet with an intensity and soul. If you need peace in your life, this concert is for you. The starting time is 8pm.

On 18th of June we will be treated to a piano recital by the exceptional Dmitry Bashkirov. He first achieved international fame in 1955 when he received the Grand Prix at the Marguerite Long Competition in Paris.

His performances have taken him all over the world and he has performed with orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony, the Orchestre de Paris and the Israel Philharmonic.

He became a professor at the Moscow Conservatory and some of his pupils have gone on to international careers including Nikolai Demidenko, and Valery Kuleshov.

He will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin. The concert takes place in the Church of Ireland and starts at 8pm. It should be an unmissable night.

Breandan O Scanaill.

Join Dusty Banjos for a Session

Cleggan will enjoy a weekend of Irish traditional music from June 26th to 28th, when popular Galway band Dusty Banjos visits to play a series of sessions in the local pubs.

Dusty Banjos have been on the go for seven years and have played extensively in Galway and around Ireland, as well as in Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Berlin and Prague. They have just recorded their first CD, “Live At The Crane”. Sessions are always open, and musicians, singers and dancers are always very welcome, including learners.

June 2009

Dustys will be playing in Newman’s on Friday 26th June, and Olivers on Saturday 27th . Sunday will also see an afternoon session in Veldon’s Letterfrack ,starting at 4pm. Local musicians are invited to come along and join in the craic! For further information, contact Mary (087-773-3804) or Heather (095-44845), or visit the Dusty Banjos website at www.dustybanjos.com.

Local Interest in RTE’s Seascapes Excerpts from the book ‘A Guide to Connemara’s Early Christian Sites’ by Connemara author Anthony Previte are currently featuring weekly on RTE Radio 1’s very popular Seascapes Programme, presented by RTE’s Marine Correspondant Tom McSweeney. The book is an account of twenty-five settlements of early Christian monks and eremitics who once populated Connemara’s ruggedly beautiful coast and islands, accompanied by many stunning photographs, many of which were taken by Anthony himself.

The book was first launched to great acclaim during Clifden Arts Week 2008. Published by the Oldchapel Press, ‘A Guide to Connemara’s Early Christian Sites’ is available at Clifden Bookshop and all good book stores and can also be purchased online. To hear the extracts on air, tune into Seascapes on Friday nights at 10.30 p.m and at 5.02 a.m. on RTÉ Radio 1. The programme is also available on the new DAB Online station, RTÉ Choice, on Wednesday mornings at 7.30 a.m. and Saturday lunchtimes at 12.30 p.m.

June DVD Releases

Seven Pounds From Gabriele Muccino, the Director of “The Pursuit Of Happyness” comes Seven Pounds. Will Smith stars as Ben, an IRS agent who is depressed and guilt-ridden about mistakes from his past. He sets out to make amends by helping seven strangers.

The Reader Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Berg re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

Slumdog Millionaire A Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers.

The Wrestler A drama which centres on retired professional wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson as he makes his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button stars Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button - a man born in his eighties who ages backwards!

The film follows Benjamin’s story, set in New Orleans, from the end of World War I in 1918, into the twenty-first century, following his journey that is as unusual as any man’s life can be.

Video releases courtesy of Video Vault, Main St., Clifden.

Connemara ArtsView

As one sails or motors into the wonderful harbour at Inishbofin, one or two things come to your notice. A white washed tower, the church, a few houses and then a substantial ruin, almost skull-like with windows for eye

as Cromwell’s fort. This fort or barracks measuring circa 120 by 80 feet has walls 6 feet thick. From these walls there are bastions, and also a semicircular tower.

The ruin is generally in good condition although some of the stonework has been removed.

The landward side of this barracks is most impressive, and the design of the structure can be seen to its best advantage. The whole structure is sited on a rocky headland which defends Bofin Harbour.

The battles leading up to the Commonwealth must have seemed millions

sockets, k t another th ffor a nose, and d lik like so many before, you will wonder what this structure is. Let me put you out of your misery. The ruins are those of a mid 17th century fortification, known

off miles il away to the h people l off InishI i h bofin, but as the saying goes, no man is an island. The same could be said for an island; the events of the outside world will have an effect. Bofin was crucial to

Book Review

Alcock & Brown before and after that triumphant day. Rather than looking at these heroes in the isolation of one event, the author gives us a perspective on how they fit into the world scene of World War I and the race towards aeronautical innovation.

There were many that hoped to claim the £10,000 prize for being the first to execute a non-stop transatlantic crossing which was sponsored

by Lord Northcliffe of London’s Daily Mail.

The top contenders and their special planes are portrayed and the competitiveness amongst that new breed of adventurers is tangible.

Brendan Lynch includes an interview with the late Steve Fossett which is particularly poignant. Thousands of us had congregated with anticipation at the Connemara Golf Course in Ballyconneely in 2005 to cheer in Steve and navigator Mark Rebholtz as they successfully re-enacted the flight in a replica Vickers Vimy in eighteen and a half hours.

“Yesterday We Were In America” excites the imagination and ignites the trailblazing spirit.

Ellen McDonough Note: Brendan Lynch will be launching “Yesterday We Were In America” on Saturday June 13th at 8pm in the Clifden Station House. The book is now available locally at the Clifden Bookshop.

Cromwell’s Fort, Inishbofin

Yesterday We Were In America

By Brendan Lynch The flight of the Vickers Vimy by Alcock & Brown is a story which astounded and fascinated the entire world in 1919. These two brave aviators were the first to fly an airplane across the Atlantic nonstop. It was an aeronautical accomplishment of huge importance. Ninety years later, we take such a trip for granted and probably give little or no thought to the risks that were taken or the brilliance of these pioneers.

Brendan Lynch’s new book, “Yesterday We Were In n America” captures the passion of conquering the new world in the sky and allows us to appreciate John Alcock and Arthur Whiten Brown in a manner that is intimate and compelling.

The sixteen hour and twelve minute flight from Newfoundland to the Derrygimbla Bog between Clifden and Ballyconneely was filled with peril and a wealth of natural and mechanical challenges. Brendan brings us into the cockpit to experience the flight with them. Even though the reader knows the outcome, you feel afraid for Alcock & Brown while admiring their calmness and determination in the face of fierce weather conditions.

The flight is the focal point of this well researched book but there is much more. We learn of the lives of

Connemara ArtsView

the hopes of the crown and the loyal citizens of Connemara and County Galway, even playing host to a small force of French soldiers in the early 1650’s.

Things didn’t go the way of the Royalists, and Inishbofin and most of County Galway had fallen into the hands of the Cromwellian troops by 1653. A few years later the barracks was built on the orders of the Commonwealth council. This had two purposes; first of all to guard the prisoners who were sent to the island, and to prevent the French or any other foreign power making use of the island as an attack base against Ireland.

The prisoners were mostly Catholic clergy, particularly priests. Some were left to live out their lives here while others awaited transportation to the West Indies. At the same time as these priests were awaiting exile, thousands of men, women and children were sent to the islands of the Caribbean to work on the sugar plantations.

During the early period of the persecutions, priests caught anywhere in Ireland by the Cromwellians were put to death, but due to pressure put on the Commonwealth parliament, this was changed, and a document of 1657 says, “Priests then in prisons in Dublin should be most safely disposed of on the isles of Aran, lying out thirty miles in the Atlantic opposite the entrance of the bay of Galway, and the island of Inishbofin off the coast of Connemara”. From a slightly later document, we learn that “cabbins

Communion & Confirmations Photos counter-clockwise from top left: Thomas Doherty pictured on his first Holy Communion Day on May 23rd, with his parents Oliver and Ann Doherty (nee Hannon) of Claddaghduff, and his sisters Olivia and Ella.

Alice Hannon O’Toole of Claddaghduff with Archbishop Michael Neary on her

June 2009

were ordered to be built for them on the island and the governor of Galway Col. Thomas Sadlier, was commissioned to allow them sixpence per diem for their support”. It was also stated in another document that “they were compelled to subsist on herbs and water.”

Life must have been very difficult for these men; some would have been living out in the wilds before their capture, and would have been suffering from exposure. The “cabbins”, of above would hardly give them much shelter, or warmth. Also they would have had little chance of befriending anyone on the island; it was a crime to be friends with a priest, so the locals would have kept their distance.

The force which lived at the barracks must have found it equally daunting, as they were in a hostile country among people who probably didn’t speak or understand their language. There would have been no love lost between the opposite sides but they were soldiers, used to being sent to strange places, without even questioning the orders.

Of course the Cromwell period came to an end and the fort went in and out of fashion, eventually being abandoned.

It is however quite surprising that it wasn’t destroyed, as Cromwell is such a hated figure in Irish history. The cut and worked stone would have made ideal stone for building, but very little has ever been removed by state or church.

Breandan O Scanaill Confirmation on May 9th.

Chloe Coyne of Letterfrack is pictured with P.P. Fr. Gerry Burns on her First Holy Communion Day on May 10th.Photos courtesy of Jacqueline Hannon Claire McNamara is pictured at the Quiet Man Bridge next to Leam Church, where she made her First Holy Communion on May 23rd. Photo courtesy of Conor McNamara

Page 21

Bogman 50

Bogman Across 9 Country character coming from the lower Ural Mountains area? (5) 10 Flattened by getting such extreme letters when in the red. (5) 11 Tune it so that it’s top class, right? (3) 12 A shopping precinct making a comeback – in the zoo! (5) 13 Story about Albert Richard Reynolds’ leaders being found in the local. (9) 14 Despite a car-crash and a boat-wreck, he still flies through the air with the greatest of ease. (7) 15 Sounds like France is wholly home in Italy - like little sibling and I! (6) 17 Only under pressure would one do a turn in a frock! (6) 18 Sorting through letters from Proust when in a state of advanced inebriation? (6) 21 Has part in clerical cover up. (6) 23 Squash leech on flying partly in formation. Sounds plain in Irish! (7) 27 Date Babel destroyed is open for discussion. (9) 29 Strangely, ovals can become rounds when fired at the same time! (5) 30 Have the big day on the little day? (3) 31 Get circular letter about SSIA providing a place of peace and tranquillity in a harsh world. (5) 32 One playing crooked roles in sport, but not at first. (5) Down 1 Fish with one insect? That would be extremely bright. (5) 2 Unravel a BBC murder by using your loaf just the tiniest bit. (10) 3 Incarcerated eventually for cooking the books? Or chicken in beer? (2,6) 4 Is the girl, at last, in her underwear? (6) 5 Blue lookout for half of Africa’s warrior tribe when they are surrounded. (5) 6 Are the highest principles found when it is about a business transaction? (6) 7 Organise personal transport at about eleven in Rome? (4)

Connemara Crossword 56

34. Vest (7) 35. Nattering (7) 36 Striker’s position on pitch (6,7) Down 2. Blood sucking fish (7) 3. Rowing blades (4) 4. Multiple car crash (4, 2) 5. Exertion (6) 6. Founder (4) 7. Pull back (7) 8. For out of this world T.V. reception (9, 4) 9. Breakfast favourite (9, 4) 14. Type of trout (7) 16. Indignation (5) 18. Reef material (5) 20. Obtained (3) 21. Yer woman (3)

May Winners Bogman 49 Shane Austin, Clifden Crossword 55 Christie Burton, Cleggan

24. Equilibrium, poise (7) 26. Type of dog (7) 27. Insect or popular auto model (6) 28. Cafe (6) 32. Coin aperture (4) 33. Large bay off Westport (4)

SUDOKU

Crossword Across 1. Not good if this is too high (5, 8) 10. High ranking navy man (7) 11. Zealot (7) 12. Be worthy of (4) 13. Hot foodstuff (5) 15. Molten Rock (4) 17. Touch lightly (3) 19. Depositing (6) 21. Outdoor bath (3, 3) 22. Sink (2, 5) 23. Pill (6) 25. Shake noisily (6) 27. Short for Robert (3) 29. Overcast (4) 30. Christian name of Formula One Champion (5) 31. Implore (4)

Enter crossword answers into a draw of correct answers for a voucher for Homeware Plus in Clifden by June 24th.

Page 22

June 2009

8 Countrymen in song? (7) 16 Might one attack the widely-held faith in well-stirred Cola’s tonic properties? (10) 19 Use a knife and fork unless it upsets them. (8) 20 Not in the spotlight, but having just a little publicity during performances by Harry Webb’s backing band? (7) 22 Make lace. Also decorate the person. (6) 24 It’s only right to stop about the line at Oval. (6) 25 Ship sinks into it beneath storm-tossed bay. (5) 26 At party ironic gift from spouse is given. (5) 28 Ladd is a dead man. (4)

What Do You Know? Quiz 9 No winner. Prize money now €20 for 12 correct answers for Quiz 9.

Quiz 9 Questions

Geography: What is the name of the plain that was once the chief industrial region of the USSR? History: The Brittanic and the Olympic were sisters to what?

Sport: How many times has the host nation won the football World Cup? Math: What number is an improper fraction always greater than?

Science: What is the only animal that cannot jump?

Cooking: The fear of having peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth is called what?

General Knowledge: If you walked one mile south, one mile west, and then one mile north, and ended up where you started, where would you be?

Politics: The shortest presidential inaugural address was delivered in which year? And by whom?

Music: What was the first song played on Radio One? Art: Which artist had Blue and Rose periods?

Entertainment: Who was the first American actor to be nominated for Emmy Awards for portraying the same character on 3 different shows?

Literature: From which French novelist is the term `sadism` derived?

Local Interest: Who were the only football team to beat the Republic of Ireland in their qualifying campaign for the 2002 World Cup Finals?

May Quiz Answers

Geography: Which country contains the largest number of active volcanoes. Answer: Indonesia http://www.quiz-zone. co.uk/questionsbycategory/Geography/40/answers.html.

History: Who appeared on a World War I recruitment poster above the words `Your country needs YOU`? Answer: Lord Kitchener. http://www.quiz-zone.co.uk/questionsbycategory/ History/20/answers.html.

Sport: To which animal is South African rugby union player Bryan Habana often compared? Answer: Cheetah. http://www. quiz-zone.co.uk/questionsbycategory/Sport/20/answers.html.

Math: Which weighs more a pound or gold or a pound of feathers? Answer: They both weigh the same. http://www. onlinemathlearning.com/math-riddles.html.

Science: Common, Water and Pygmy are types of which British mammal? Answer: Shrew. http://www.quiz-zone.co.uk/ questionsbycategory/Science%20and%20Nature/0/answers. html.

Cooking: Cocoa fat or sugar is called what in cooking terminology? Answer: Chocolate Bloom. http://homecooking. about.com/library/trivia/bltrivia1.htm?lastQuestion=2&answe rs=3&submit=Next+Question+%3E%3E&ccount=0.

Politics: What US President’s political slogan contained references to chickens and car garages? Answer: Herbert Hoover. http://www.usefultrivia.com/political_trivia/political_ trivia_004a.html.

Music: George Bernard Shaw`s play `Pygmalion` was adapted to become which musical? Answer: My Fair Lady. http://www. quiz-zone.co.uk/questionsbycategory/Music/20/answers. html.

Art: Which artist had Blue and Rose periods? Answer: Pablo Picasso. http://www.quiz-zone.co.uk/questionsbycategory/ Art%20and%20Literature/80/answers.html.

Entertainment: The Tardis is an object used in which famous TV show? Answer: Doctor Who. http://www.quiz-zone.co.uk/ questionsbycategory/TV%20and%20Films/0/answers.html.

Literature: In which famous novel would you find Ralph, Simon and Piggy? Answer: Lord of the Flies. http://www.quiz-zone. co.uk/questionsbycategory/Art%20and%20Literature/40/ answers.html.

Local Interest: What was the Roman name for Ireland? Answer: Hibernia. http://www.quiz-zone.co.uk/search_qs.php?search= ireland&start=&display=answers.

Connemara View Newspaper

There is an old garden saying which goes, “to keep a plant, you must give it away”. I know it seems strange, but it is true that by giving away cuttings of your plants you will keep the stock in better shape, and if anything should happen to your plant, you will be able to get replacements. This happened to me recently. Years ago I bought a beautiful Abutilon in Birr Castle. It had white flowers which started off blue in colour. It began life in one part of the garden; I took cuttings, and moved some of them to a new location, others I gave away. The original died but I had the new one.

I gave away more cuttings, then the second one died and I had none. I checked with a number of people but theirs had died as well.

However, someone recently told me about their plant which came from my original one, so I now have cuttings and hope to start again.

This leads into another aspect of gardening and that is the need to take cuttings, as some plants, especially tree mallow, and tree lupin give up the ghost after a few years. It is essential to keep new plants of these, and I would suggest that this could be done every year. There is no magic to taking cuttings; I break off a side shoot where it meets a bigger branch, make sure that there is a ‘heel’ on the shoot. Stick the cutting into a fairly deep pot of compost or even in the ground. Keep it watered if the weather is hot, it is also best to give it some shelter from both wind and sun.

Not all pieces will take, but some will.

By now the garden will be in the early to mid summer mode, most if not all of the spring flowers will have gone, and there will be a different palate of colours on offer. If you still have daffodil leaves which are green, leave them until they go brown, or until they die back. The bulb needs to take in the energy, provided by the sun on the green leaves, so they will be able to flower again next year. The old leaves will come away easily when they are fully withered; this is the same with bluebells, wild garlic and three cornered leek.

Watering is most important at this time of the year, especially any plants in containers, and any which have recently been planted.

Sometimes it can be awkward to get to some plants. Hanging baskets can be most difficult, but there are a number of products on the market which can help. Two of these are a long handled nozzle which attaches to a hose pipe, and a pulley on the chain which means that the basket can be lowered for ease of watering. It is also possible to add water retaining crystals to the compost which will help, although nothing other than constant watering really works one hundred percent.

I was recently asked about good shrubs for a garden near the sea. The person wanted something which would be fairly trouble free and give good colour during the summer when their family would be visiting.

I think that hydrangea would be a good solution, as it ticks most of the boxes. It is fairly hardy, even exposed to the sea. There are also a huge range of colours and styles available.

That being said, the mop head hydrangeas are probably the better choice if the garden is

Connemara View Newspaper

very exposed. They seem to be the most successful, although the lace caps also give good return.

There is a wide range of colours, but these are soil dependant and often they will change colour after you plant them. I know more than one person who expected their flowers to be the same colour as that on the label. On a number of occasions, I have transferred cuttings from one place to another, and have them change colour. I am not too worried about that as the flowers are so beautiful anyway.

The other good thing about hydrangeas is the variety of types, there is something for almost every situation, from the vigorous climbing varieties to the more robust mop heads and lace caps. There are also a few interesting varieties, such as those in the paniculuata, aspera, and serrata families. A little care is needed in selecting the best one for your garden.

I also had a question about plants suitable for an expanse of rock. I suggest that it is good to make a feature of the rock itself and perhaps leave most of it bare, but if there are cracks in the surface, it can work well if these were planted up with tiny plants which can spread fairly quickly. Some of the plants which are suitable for this situation would be: Aubretia. This is a very common plant and should grow well on the rock.

Arabis. This is similar to the above.

Saxifrage. There are many varieties and some of these are very spectacular; some have tiny flowers, while others have large showy blooms. These flowers are mostly spring flowering, but there is good leaf display.

For summer flowers I recommend the following.

Silene acaulis. This is a lovely pink cam-

June 2009

pion. It looks like a moss when there are no flowers, but is terrific when the flowers come out.

Thymus, or thyme. These provide great colour and scent and the leaves can be used in cooking.

Sedum. Another valuable plant for the rock garden and like Saxifrage comes in various forms.

Sempervivum, or houseleek. Easy to grow, they provide good colour both in the leaves which are succulent and in the flowers.

Golden marjoram, or even the green variety.

Lovely scent and flowers, and again great for cooking, especially with tomatoes.

Dianthus, or pinks. A number of good varieties for rock, including Pike’s Pink, Little Jock and La Bourboule. These give a great display and are highly scented.

Erigeron karvinskianus. Spreads well with various colours of flowers.

Lithodora diffusa, Heavenly Blue. If this takes it will be fantastic, especially in spring, or early summer. It can become fairly large and might need more space for its roots than can be provided by bare rock with small crevices.

Don’t forget to deadhead your flowers as soon as they have finished. This encourages repeat flowering and will extend the life of your plant. The Connemara Garden Club is organising a series of garden visits over the summer months, and encourages people to join them. Details from any member of the committee or contact me through the Connemara View.

Happy Gardening. Breandan O Scanaill

Page 23

Healthy Living Learning about Herbs Hayfever-Stop the suffering!

Do you feel grotty and worn out, as if your body is fighting something? Are your eyes and nose sore and red, maybe swollen? Perhaps your throat is sore too, and you feel as if you are wrapped in a damp blanket, unable to breathe properly, with a pressure headache in the sinuses? Some people also react to pollen on the skin with rashes and itchiness. If so you could be suffering from hay fever.

In the summer months plants and grasses begin to release their pollen, which can be carried for miles on the breeze.

There is nothing harmful or dangerous about this for the human being generally, but unfortunately for some people, an allergic reaction is experienced when the pollen enters the nasal passages.

This allergic reaction can be caused for a number of reasons.

1. The body’s immune system can become “confused” after long exposure to synthetic fragrances such as those in washing up liquid and household cleansers, (try natural alternatives); 2.The immune system is weakened by courses of antibiotics, pollution or deficient diet; or 3. The immune system is over enthusiastic and reacts extremely to non-harmful agents such as pollen. The body responds to the “attack” by releasing histamine, a chemical which causes the symptoms of sneezing, increased mucous in nose and eyes and inflammation of the sinuses.

The good news is that you can help your body deal with this allergy and stop suffering! There are a number of herbs and supplements that reduce the symptoms, (without suppressing them so that they come back even stronger) and that strengthen the immune system too. There are also simple dietary and lifestyle changes that can be made as well.

For example, dairy foods cause the body to increase mucous production so they are best reduced or avoided. Tomatoes, white fish, shell fish, pork, venison and eggs should also be avoided as they contain high levels of histamine. The lower the level of histamine in the body at this time of year, the better. Take a shower and wash your hair before going to bed to clear your person of any clinging pollen. Keep your bedroom windows closed during the day when pollen is released and hopefully you will be able to get a good night’s sleep.

Solgar’s Quercetin is a bioflavanoid found in berries, apples, onions and brassica vegetables. It inhibits the production of histamine and reduces the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, which cause all those nasty symptoms of runny eyes and nose and blocked sinuses. Vogel’s Luffa is an herbal complex which relieves hay fever symptoms and is available in tablet and tincture form and as a nasal spray.

This remedy is best taken one or two weeks before the hay fever season starts and can be used alongside pharmaceutical medication. In the long run, the need for pharmaceutical medication would be reduced and one could avoid the side effects. Luffa Complex desensitises, reduces inflammation in the bronchi, nose and larynx, and eases skin irritation.

A homeopathic remedy Heel’s Euphorbium is excellent for sinus problems and New Era’s Combination Tissue Salts are also fast working and offer great relief. They are safe to take as and when needed, have no side effects and help the body to cope by re balancing the body’s bio chemistry. There are plenty other products available in An Bhean Feasa which can stop summer time being miserable. Call in for advice.

Terri Conroy This column is for information only and does not replace your doctor’s advice.

Page 24

Health Problems & Natural Medicine I’ve had sciatica for 2 years.

Does acupuncture help?

Yes, acupuncture helps. First I need to describe the characteristic patterns of sciatica. This is pain running down the leg. Typically the pattern is from the buttock down the back of the thigh to the back of the knee. Sometimes it extends to the calf or foot. Less typically, the pain may be on the lateral or medial side of the thigh. There may be lower backache which may be central (along the vertebrae), unilateral, or bilateral. If a backache is present, it may happen at the same time as the sciatica. The pain may be sharp and shooting, or dull. It may be aggravated by movement. If coughing, or straining to expel a stool aggravates the pain, this suggests lumbar pathology.

The lower back is where the nerves that control the legs emerge from the spinal cord. The nerve most commonly affected by lower back pathology is the sciatic nerve. Other nerves affected by lower back problems are the obturator, the femoral, and the nerve to the piriformis muscle. Problems of the lower back are the commonest cause of sciatica.

If you have seen your GP, he probably will have ordered an X-ray or MRI of the lower back.

Other problems that can cause sciatica include kidney disease, or a tumour that compresses nerves, or obesity and pregnancy (increased belly weight pulls the lumbar vertebrae forwards), or insufficient water intake (dehydration causes disc shrinkage, with the result that the vertebrae can move closer, which can cause spinal nerve compression), or poor posture, or short leg (one leg shorter than the other,

which may be congenital, or due to a tilted pelvis). There are many causes of sciatica. It is important to figure out the cause.

The commonest cause of sciatica is problems of the lower back discs. I am going to assume that with your sciatica of 2 years, you have been to your GP, that he has ordered diagnostic imaging, and that a herniation of a lumbar disc was found.

Acupuncture relieves pain, with needles largely following the channel of pain down the leg. It helps to reduce muscle spasms in the lower back, and to stimulate circulation locally which will help disc regeneration. Herbs help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation, and improve disc pathology.

Specific exercises help sciatica and back pain, and promote healing of the herniated disc.

Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic, involves mobilization of the lumbar vertebrae, correction of pelvic tilt, and traction as appropriate. It can be combined with acupuncture. When there is pain in the centre of the buttock, the piriformis muscle may be involved. This should be massaged to reduce pain. Water intake may be important. If the urine is usually dark or strong smelling, drink more water. The posture needs checking. Natural medicine offers many ways to help sciatica. The appropriate choice of therapies depends on the understanding of the causes and the aggravators of sciatica.

Nicolas Kats ND, Lic. Ac, uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, spinal manipulation, diet and supplements. He practices in Clifden (095 30671 or 087 7714710) and Galway (091 583260). Acupuncture is partly covered by VHI, Quinn Healthcare and VIVAS.

Psychological Care in Cancer Treatment Many people get frightened when they hear the word ‘cancer’. It is often called the ‘BIG C’ because to most people the disease seems unmanageable and the treatment options appear frightening.

Help lies in the development of psycho-oncology. You may ask, what does psycho-oncology offer cancer patients and people affected by cancer? The beginnings of psycho-oncology date back to the mid 1970’s when the stigma around the word ‘cancer’ began to diminish and patients started to talk about their feelings, allowing the psychological aspects of the illness to be explored for the first time. A second stigma had also to be tackled which was, and is still to some extent the negative attitudes that can prevail around psychological difficulties even when they are associated with medical illness.

Since the mid 1970’s it has become possible to talk to patients about their diagnosis of cancer and the implications of this on their lives. This coincided with several other positive changes. There was an increasing awareness of the number of people who were successfully treated for cancer and who began to speak about their experiences. Another development was the advent of the ‘celebrity patient’ such as Betty Ford who allowed the media to report both the diagnosis and treatment of her cancer and finally the work of doctors like Dr Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, who broke down barriers in the late 1960’s when she began to explore quality of life issues for patients whose treatment had come to an end.

Her groundbreaking work forced society to acknowledge the fact that people can live very rich and rewarding lives even as they face life threatening illnesses.

The core of psycho-oncology addresses the mental distress that often accompanies a diagnosis of cancer. It includes the psychological, social and spiritual aspects and attempts to help the patient and people who care about the patient to manage and find meaning in the shock and intrusion of serious illness into their lives. It helps people to deal with the physical symptoms including those arising from treatment; it explores ways of coping including helping people realize their inner strengths; it provides support to carers of people with cancer, acknowledging their unique struggles; and also aims to help people develop a philosophical or spiritual belief that will support them on their journey through illness. The

June 2009

support offered is emotional and practical and reflects the individual patient’s unique story.

In Cancer Care West’s psychological and support services, we have found that there are three peaks in terms of when people seek support. These occur at initial diagnosis, when treatment finishes and people start to worry about recurrence and finally if the disease becomes progressive. Of course there are other times when people seek help such as telling their children about the illness or if their communication pattern with their partner becomes difficult.

Our aim is to support people at whatever stage in their in their illness they are at. Our support centre at 72 Seamus Quirke Road, Newcastle is a haven of peace and quiet whilst also being a hive of activity affording people the opportunity to avail of a variety of individual supports as well as participate in numerous workshops and courses which address different aspects of cancer care.

We provide a professional but informal atmosphere – the kettle is always on. People are welcome any time to chat, get information or take part in some of our activities at the centre, all of which are free of charge.

There are several topics related to the psychological aspects of cancer care which I will return to in future articles. For now, please feel free to use our services in the way that best suits you.

Dr Helen Greally, Director of Psychology and Support Services at Cancer Care West.

A drop in service of Cancer Care West is also now available at Clifden Health Centre on Hospital Road on the fourth Thursday of every month from 10am to 4pm. Cancer Care West operates from 72 Seamus Quirke Road, Newcastle, Galway and can be contacted on 091 540040.

Cancer Care West is a not for profit organisation, dedicated to supporting those whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Their essence is cancer patient care and all activities fit within this vision. Their aim is to enhance patient care and well being and to provide supports to cancer patients and their families during and after their treatment. Cancer Care West also provides cancer awareness and educational programmes and undertakes research on patient care.

Connemara View Newspaper

New Businesses

Stoneware at the Stone House An interesting new sign on the Westport Road just outside of Clifden has caught many eyes recently with its invitation to peruse Alan Gaillard Stoneware Pottery. The light and airy show room, part of “The Stone House” is an

and the accessibility and price ranges of the variety of stoneware products should appeal to many tastes.

Alan Gaillard Pottery is open during regular business hours and if the pottery showroom is unattended, a doorbell is provided. For more info call (095) 22786, e-mail mail@alangaillard.com or go to www.alangaillard.com.

A hidden haven of comfort

ideal backdrop for Alan Shattock’s unique and diverse range of stoneware, all created on site.

Alan’s middle (French) name, Gaillard, was originally used when training with his full time potter parents in Cornwall, Guernsey and Devon. When Alan first came to Ireland in the 1960’s he founded and was first Chairman of the Craft Potters Society of Ireland, now Ceramics Ireland, and exhibited in many CPSI exhibitions. Using all natural raw materials for his glazes, to his own and his late parent’s recipes, Alan is now reproducing many of his original domestic tableware forms in immensely strong reduction fired stoneware, in addition to his hand built one off lamps. While the stoneware might strike some as looking like pieces of art, Alan points out that all his tableware is totally oven proof and microwave and dishwasher safe. Using dolomite and iron glazes, peat ash greens and cobalt blues, he is currently experimenting with locally garnered yellow ochres and granite dust glazes to add a particularly Connemara feel to his work. Commissions and one off ceramics are also offered,

Financial Staying Afloat Navigating your business in turbulent economic seas This was the title of a talk I gave to businesses in the north Connemara area during Enterprise Week last month. It was part of a weeklong nationwide emphasis on issues facing SME (small and medium enterprises), and it was an opportune time for businesses facing into the new tourism season to review their business models. Adjustments made in advance of the new season could make the difference between survival and closure next winter. In recessionary times like we are now facing, simply surviving in business is the new benchmark of success.

It is an unfortunate fact that this year throughout Ireland, thousands of businesses will fail. In many cases this will happen despite these businesses having a sound customer base, having a good business idea, having hard working owners and staff, but the one common factor in all business failures is they will all have zero cash. And in any business there are many things you can do without, but cash isn’t one of them. Once you cannot pay your suppliers and wages on time, it is over and there is no way back.

So given that cash is critical to survival, what should businesses do to ensure that their cash flow can sustain the needs of the business for the coming year? Cash inflows, particularly in Connemara are seasonal, outflows are all year round. So one of the most important things to do is plan cash requirement for at least six months into the future. Most businesses have significant cash

Nestled at the foot of Derradda Hill is the sight of the Anglers Return B & B and Country House, Toombeola, overlooking the world famous Ballynahinch river. The 18th century house has been run as a guesthouse by Lynn Hill for over 3 decades now, and is also open to the public and all passersby as an idyllic venue in which to enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea and possibly a sweet treat. If weather permits, the secluded back yard and garden, full of aged trees, trailing flowers, stone walls and nooks and crannies is a charming and relaxing environment in which to sample Lynn’s homemade jams and jellies, all made from the fruits of the onsite orchard. All the homemade produce on offer is also organic where possible, and varies regularly. For cooler days or when warmth is needed, the open fire in the sitting room of the house also provides a cosy feeling with a great selection of books to peruse. The three acres of rambling natural gardens are also a pleasure to explore. The Angler’s Return is open for coffees and teas during normal daytime hours, booking is appreciated when possible, and all are welcome to experience and

explore the house and its surrounds.

Explore Clifden on foot Historical walking tours of Clifden are now offered on 6 days a week (except Mondays)

by Nathaniel Hebres, a Frenchman who has been based in Clifden for the past two years.

Intrigued by Clifden’s history, Nathaniel educated himself on the historical background of the locality and devised a guided walk during which he informs visitors about the town while simultaneously showing them the sights. Each tour takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and is given in both English and French, incorporating visits to the pier, the churches, the old graveyard, the train station, the old brewery, the old hydroelectric station and the old jail. Nathaniel also illustrates what the living conditions in times gone by were like in Clifden and Connemara. The meeting point is in front of The Outdoor Shop on Market St at 10am, 12am, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm, and no reservations are required. For more information contact Nathaniel on 085 789 1903.

Return to the roots of Irish Dance The teaching of traditional Irish dancing has returned to the North Connemara area with classes now being taught in Clifden and Ballyconneely by qualified and experienced teacher Irene Hennelly, who has roots in Ballyconneely. Irene has in the past, placed third in the Irish Dancing World Championships and performed and competed extensively both nationally and internationally. All steps from Beginners to Advanced will be taught, from jigs and reels to hornpipes and set dances.

Classes will be held in Ballyconneely Hall on Mondays from 4:30-5:45 and Clifden Town Hall on Mondays from 6:15-7:30 from June 8th. For info contact Irene on 087 773 8475.

about it, would tell her friends as a child that it would be a famous label one day! Sharon stocks a large range of organic and fair trade clothing products like Little Green Radicals kidswear, Junk De Luxe, a Danish menswear label, and even pants and socks made from bamboo which is not only eco friendly but odour resistant! She aims to stock as much locally produced creations as possible in addition to pieces sourced from all over the world. An assortment of fanciful fondants are available for ladies, for example, ‘What Katie Did’ a 40’s and 50’s inspired lingerie label, ‘Hug’, fair trade jersey tops, ‘Poppy Valentine’ which uses vintage fabrics and leathers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s to make dresses, skirts, tops and bags and many more inspiring designs and pieces. A sweet treat is provided by ‘Gummy, Gum Drop’ sweet shop corner behind the counter where you can buy a mixture of the 40 varieties of sweets from traditional old fashioned jars. Works by local artists are also on sale, and in the winter months Ohh! By Gum @ the Station House will be hosting knitting, jewellery making, felting and sewing workshops and evenings.

For more details contact Sharon at the shop on 086-025 9568 or e-mail ohhbygum@gmail. com. Pictured at the opening of Ohh by Gum! at the Station House on May30th were proprietor Sharon Griffin, Kevin Griffin, Triona and John Sweeney. Photo by Oliver Griffin

Ohh by Gum! A new shop has opened in the Station House Courtyard, with Clifden’s Sharon Griffin at the helm. The name comes from Sharon’s maiden name Gumley which she, when teased inflows over the summer that can mask an underlying problem. Big sales often mean big purchases and after the summer sales are over, big supplier bills remain. What is critical is that businesses identify cash pinch points early and get a solution in place.

What this means is prepare a cash flow forecast of all known movements and see where the cash balance may come under pressure. Once you have identified the potential cash pinch points, you need to put a plan in place to deal with them. If you have identified an issue, don’t bury your head in the sand and ignore it! Work with your banks and keep them informed of the issues so that they will be able to help you in your difficult times. If they are not going to be able to help you, at least you may have time to make core business decisions to avoid that cash pinch if possible.

A key point in surviving recessionary times is cost control. You must know your costs.It sounds strange but many businesses do not, at least fully, until their accountant discusses the accounts after the year end. This is too late to make decisions, particularly when most costs are probably incurred in the busy summer period. Reviewing costs in October is like closing the gate after the horse has bolted.

Another key piece of information is to know your industry benchmarks. How does your business compare to similar ones in Connemara or nationwide? It may identify areas of improvement which you may not have realised were there, and the changes may not be obvious. For instance, some aspects of your business may generate sales but at a prohibitive cost. For example, if you are

Connemara View Newspaper

a publican, does free music entertainment always add to the bottom line? It adds to sales, that’s for sure, but are you better off after all the bills are paid? Remember the business axiom “Turnover for vanity, profit for sanity”, so chasing turnover may actually be part of the problem.

Recession doesn’t mean there are no opportunities. Customer’s needs always change, and even more so in a recession. However, one of the fundamental tenets of business never changes; you must always “Give the customer what he wants”. So if your customer base is changing, so too must you if you are to continue to enjoy their support.

In a recession, value, quality, service and gratitude become increasingly more important and your business will need to take note of this change of emphasis in your customer base. The conspicuous consumption of 2007 is so over! Another business proverb is the definition of stupidity! i.e. “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result!” If you had a poor trading year in 2008 then something in your business model has stopped working. If you take the exact same approach in 2009 can you really expect the result to be different?

We have seen more tax increases in the last 12 months than we experienced in the previous 12 years. In the boom, taxes only went one way: down. Now all tax headings are on the increase. Taxation is a cost to your business, in just the same way as electricity or staff costs. However, it is often overlooked in cash budgeting exercises and in Ireland, taxes on business profits are collected primarily in November. Approximately 25% of all taxes come in during this month, which is well

June 2009

after the summer cash flow injection. Unfortunately, planning for this is concentrated around October. There are still many ways in which a business can organise itself, to either reduce the overall tax burden or to ease the cash flow requirement before November. As all businesses are different, generic advice is not always suitable, but if you are facing a big tax bill and are paying Income tax at the higher 41% plus levies, then speak to your accountant as to how things could be changed around to benefit you.

In SMEs the owner/manager is key. To a significant extent, the success or failure of the business is determined by the actions taken by the owner. In setting out a plan for business survival it is important to know yourself and believe in your business, but be realistic. For example, don’t plan to work 12 hour days if you realistically cannot deliver on that plan. All owners need to be prepared for harder work and lesser reward in the coming year or two. But do take some time to sit down and think about your business, where it has been, what has worked, what has not and where it is going. There is help available in this from County & City Enterprise boards, your bank and your professional advisors. Remember (and this is the last business axiom I will use): Those who fail to plan, plan to fail!

This column will be taking its usual summer break so may I wish you all a busy and prosperous summer season.

Declan Mannion is a Chartered Accountant with Mannion Lochrin & Co., Market Street, Clifden. Telephone 095-30030 Fax 095-30031 e-mail declan@mannion-lochrin.com. See our website www.mannion-lochrin.com.

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C o n s u m e r Watch dog : B r o a d b an d i n C on n emar a Broadband: What’s the Story ?

Currently one would get the impression that you get broadband, here and here and here, in your post box and any other obscure place you can think of. The reality is different however but it is getting better. One particular advertisement currently offers broadband everywhere you can think of but the fact is that ToGo is a NoGo around here, at present!

What Is Available ?

There are various methods to access broadband in the North West Connemara area: DSL: Service provided through your Eircom phone line and operated by a myriad of providers.

WiMax: Service provided through wireless radio waves using a dish/antenna attached to your home. Currently being rolled out by Lighthouse.

3G: Provided predominantly by mobile phone operators using a “Dongle”, which is a USB stick attached to your PC/ Laptop or can be accessed your mobile phone DSL: First, let’s look at the landline broadband service as operated through your Eircom installed phone line.

I am a recent recipient of this service and, as dial up customer prior to this, there is no way I would ever go back to that archaic and outmoded system. It took years to get this service, countless phone calls, transfers “to the person who knows more about the service”. All, to no avail.

I was on a carrier line which means, effectively, I shared a line with others even though I paid for a direct line when the house was built, but that’s another story.

Suffice to say that through good fortune and a very helpful local eircom technician I was able to get the service.

The good news is that this service, which has limited range of approximately 5km from, is currently being extended from Clifden to Leenane. Although no exact date has been given for the completion of the upgrade, it is hoped that this service will be operation as soon as possible.

Service: The service offers up to 3mb/sec which is fast

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enough to watch You Tube streaming without interruption.

The upload speed is approximately one tenth of the download speed which for business’s uploading large files including graphics might be a little on the slow side. Personally, I’m delighted with the service and have no complaints to date.

WiMax: This is the upgraded service of the WiFi system provided by Lighthouse Networks. They offer 2mb upload and download speed and has received nothing but high praise from all I spoke to.

Certainly my impression of the service was a positive one.

The only difference, from my point of view, was the upload speed in comparison with my own Eircom service. The WiMax upload service was much faster.

Lighthouse Networks are currently offering an upgrade to existing customers which will cost €200 for installation of the new service. However, according to Enda Broderick, CEO of Lighthouse Networks, if existing customers take out a 2 (two) year contract the installation will be free.

New customers will be charged the €200 installation plus one months payment in advance (€35). If you wish to connect other PCs or Laptops within your home you can purchase a router from a retail outlet or from the Lighthouse Networks agent.

The new service also will provide a portion of its capability to VOIP. This will allow you to make local, national and international calls through Blueface or Skype.

When asked about ‘blackspot’ areas Enda Corcoran stated that it was the companies policy to erect deflector systems where possible.

3G: At the present time there a number of mobile operators offering this service including 3 Ireland who have the contract to roll out a broadband service nationally. The operators we looked at were Meteor, O2, Vodafone and 3 Ireland: Meteor: Although advertisements would give the impression that this service is here, there and everywhere, it is not here!

The service currently works in Dublin and Cork city.

O2: This service is very difficult to access in this area with

very limited coverage. Might I also point out that calls regarding enquiries about the service were being charged at 31c per call. I’ll leave it up to yourself to decide on the value of that.

Vodafone: This provider offers both 3G service via a ‘dongle’ to your PC/Laptop and by using your existing phone line. A friend who has used the Vodafone dongle found it very good in Clifden itself but had issues with it at his home. “Pure useless” he said, for use at his home. The reason for this was a problem with ‘line of sight’ access. He found the signal was too slow for streaming but ok for email and sending small files. Vodafone were extremely helpful and offer a one week free trial to discover if the system operates for you.

3 Ireland: The new National Broadband Service is being operated by 3 Ireland. According to Robert Marshall, Corporate Affairs Manager, 3, the roll out is presently ongoing and 3 Ireland anticipate 100% accessibility by 2010. Office Chat in Clifden, kindly offered the temporary use of the 3 Ireland dongle for testing purposes. The results were mixed.

Firstly, my own PC decided to reject the stick and shut itself down! Then a laptop refused to accept it until the security network was shut down.

After closing the security, accessibility was available. Upon reactivating security the service worked well and was available in Clifden. However, the Sky Road turned out to be a ‘blackspot’ area.

Robert Marshall says that service is being rolled out through each electoral division. There is a 5% provision in every electoral division to allow access through satellite, where ‘blackspots’ have been identified.

The Clifden area together with Doonloughan and Bunowen are “going live” on June 23rd 2009. The 3 Ireland service is improving and their new ‘dongle’ has cleared up a previous blackspot in Clifden reported to us by a customer.

June 2009

Connemara View Newspaper

Conclusions The availability of a broadband service in this area is gradually improving and is welcome. Continued on next page

The service provided by Lighthouse Networks gets a major thumbs up from the existing customer base and Lighthouse are continuously improving and expanding their service.

3 Ireland’s coverage is getting better and they are continuing to expand and improve their service.

Eircom’s expansion of their DSL coverage should allow for greater access along the Clifden/ Leenane corridor.

Overall, broadband is becoming more accessible and with more competition in the market we should begin to see an improvement in service and a reduction in prices offered.

For a more detailed analysis of the types of service available in this region, check out John Claro’s article.

John Durning

Phoning through Your Internet At long last it appears that the internet connectivity solution that Connemara (and other parts of rural Ireland) has been waiting for is about to arrive: WiMAX which will give all of us high-speed access as well as a new, cheaper way to make telephone calls.

WiMAX is short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, and it also goes by the IEEE name 802.16.

WiMAX has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell phones have done to phone access. In the same way that many people have given up their “land lines” in favor of mobiles, WiMAX could replace cable and DSL services, providing universal Internet access just about anywhere you go. WiMAX will also be as painless as WiFi -- turning your computer on will automatically connect you to the closest available WiMAX antenna.

WiMAX Wireless Networks In practical terms, WiMAX would operate similar to WiFi but at higher speeds, over greater distances and for a greater number of users. WiMAX could potentially erase the suburban and rural blackout areas that currently have no broadband Internet access because phone and cable companies have not yet run the necessary wires to those remote locations.

WiMAX transmitting tower A WiMAX system consists of two parts: A WiMAX tower, similar in concept to a cell-phone tower - a single WiMAX tower can provide coverage to a very large area -- as big as 8,000 km2!

A WiMAX receiver - the receiver and antenna could be a small box or PCMCIA card, or they could be built into a laptop the way WiFi access is today.

A WiMAX tower station can connect directly to the Internet using a high-bandwidth, wired connection. It can also connect to another WiMAX tower using a line-ofsight, microwave link. This connection to a second tower (often referred to as a backhaul), along with the ability of a single tower to cover up to 3,000 square miles, is what allows WiMAX to provide coverage to remote rural areas.

What this points out is that WiMAX actually can provide two forms of wireless service: There is the non-line-of-sight, WiFi sort of service, where a small antenna on your computer connects to the tower. In this mode, WiMAX uses a lower frequency range -- 2 GHz to 11 GHz (similar to WiFi). Lower-wavelength transmissions are not as easily disrupted by physical obstructions -they are better able to diff ract, or bend, around obstacles.

There is line-of-sight service, where a fixed dish antenna points straight at the WiMAX tower from a rooftop or pole.

The line-of-sight connection is stronger and more stable, so it’s able to send a lot of data with fewer errors. Line-of-sight transmissions use higher frequencies, with ranges reaching a possible 66 GHz. At higher frequencies, there is less interference and lots more bandwidth.

WiFi-style access will be limited to a 4-to-6 mile radius (about 65 km2 of coverage, which is similar in range to a mobile phone cell). Through the stronger line-of-sight antennas,

the WiMAX transmitting station would send data to WiMAXenabled computers or routers set up within the transmitter’s 50km radius (9,300 km2 of coverage). This is what allows WiMAX to achieve its maximum range.

WiMAX Coverage and Speed Intel will provide their Centrino laptop processors as WiMAX enabled in the next two to three years, and other chip-makers will follow suit. This will go a long way toward making WiMAX a success. If everyone’s laptop already has it (which is predicted by 2010), it will be much less risky for companies to set up WiMAX base stations. Intel also announced that it would be partnering with a company called Clearwire to push WiMAX even further ahead.

WiMAX operates on the same general principles as WiFi -- it sends data from one computer to another via radio signals. A computer (either a desktop or a laptop) equipped with WiMAX would receive data from the WiMAX transmitting station, probably using encrypted data keys to prevent unauthorized users from stealing access.

The biggest difference isn’t speed; it’s distance. WiMAX outdistances WiFi by miles. WiFi’s range is about 30m. WiMAX will blanket a radius of 50 km with wireless access. The increased range is due to the frequencies used and the power of the transmitter.

Of course, at that distance, terrain, weather and large buildings will act to reduce the maximum range in some circumstances, but the potential is there to cover huge tracts of land.

WiMAX Technology at Home Here’s what would happen if you got WiMAX. An Internet service provider sets up a WiMAX base station 20 km from your home. You would buy a WiMAX-enabled computer or upgrade your old computer to add WiMAX capability. You would receive a special encryption code that would give you access to the base station. The base station would beam data from the Internet to your computer (at speeds potentially higher than today’s cable modems), for which you would pay the provider a monthly fee.

The cost for this service could be much lower than current highspeed Internet-subscription fees because the provider never had to run cables.

If you have a home network, things wouldn’t change much. The WiMAX base station would send data to a WiMAX-enabled router, which would then send the data to the different computers on your network. You could even combine WiFi with WiMAX by having the router send the data to the computers via WiFi.

Cheap Telephone Calls

Q: My employer has reduced my working hours, and I am having trouble paying my mortgage on my new lower wage. What can I do to keep my home?

The first thing to do is to talk to your lender as soon as possible. Don’t delay and allow arrears to build up.

Lenders want borrowers to continue their payments and are usually willing to negotiate revised payment arrangements for people in difficulty. They see repossession of your home as the last resort.

Under the Financial Regulator’s Consumer Protection Code, which applies to all home loan providers operating in Ireland, each lending agency must: • Contact you as soon as it becomes aware that your mortgage account is in arrears, even if the arrears are quite small.

• Have in place a procedure for handling accounts that are in arrears.

This means that your lender must agree a remedial action plan with you as soon as it detects arrears starting to emerge. It must try to help you to manage your financial commitments and not allow the situation to worsen. The Financial Regulator’s Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears requires lenders to wait at least 6 months from the time arrears arise before taking any legal action. In addition, both AIB and Bank of Ireland have agreed to delay court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing, provided the borrower continues to cooperate with the bank.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) www.mabs.ie is a free service to help you plan a budget and deal with debt. 091 569349 or locall 1890 283 438.

If you work less than 30 hours a week, you may be entitled to Mortgage Interest Supplement from your local Community Welfare Officer. (N.B. your spouse or partner’s working hours must also be less than 30 hours.)

You should also ensure that you are getting whatever amount of Mortgage Interest Relief you are entitled to. www.revenue.ie Declan Weir Further information is available from Clifden Citizens Information Centre, which provides a free and confidential service. 095 22000 & 087 1301100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie. VEC Office, Statoil Apartments, Galway Rd, Clifden. Open Thursday 7pm to 8pm & Friday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Phone service available outside those hours (087 1301100). www.citizensinformation.ie.

WiMAX doesn’t just pose a threat to providers of DSL, 3G satellite and cable-modem service. The WiMAX protocol is designed to accommodate several different methods of data transmission, one of which is Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP allows people to make local, long-distance and even international calls through a broadband Internet connection, bypassing phone companies entirely. If WiMAX-compatible computers become common, the use of VoIP could increase dramatically. Almost anyone with a laptop could make VoIP calls.

Here in Connemara, Lighthouse Networks (www.lightnet. ie) are rolling-out WiMAX, with packages providing both broadband and VOIP telephony. For the phone service, you will need to also sign-up with a provider such as Blueface (www.blueface.ie), who have a ‘middleware’ service that allows you to keep your existing telephone/mobile number and make calls using your WiMAX connection to other landlines and mobiles – all you will need is a VoIP telephone handset, which can be purchased from Two Dog Computers in Clifden and other outlets. And Eircom are trialling WiMAX again (for the 7th year running…) in places like Renvyle and Errislannan, and hopefully will provide much-needed competition in this incredibly important market. At last, a real breakthrough!!

John Claró is an I.T. Consultant with over 20 years international experience, operating Two Dog Computers in Clifden. Contact him on 095 22194 / 086 404 3125, or at kennel@twodogcomputers.com.

Have a Consumer Complaint? Let us know! Phone us at 095-22888 or email us at news@connemaraview.com Connemara View Newspaper

June 2009

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JUNE Horoscopes Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) There is something about yourself that you need to learn this month. Get advice from those you trust, but trust yourself first.

Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Listen to the little voices that are inside of you. They will try to tell you the right thing to do this month; don’t ignore your own advice.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Happy Birthday! You have a tough decision to make this month and you are having a lot of difficulty in deciding which way to go. Both will be ok but do not put it off too long.

Cancer ( Jun 22-Jul 22) The joys of family and friends are what will make your life extra special this month. Keep all those you love close to you.

Leo ( Jul 23-Aug 23) If there is a contract that you have not signed yet, make sure that you read it carefully, and get all of your needs in place as well.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 22) Some important news will come your way this month about your job or career. It is important that you act on this news.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 23) Take a little trip away from all the stress that is in your life right now, you deserve a weekend of peace and quiet.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Get things happening, set the plans in motion, and make arrangements to proceed. You need to start something now.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Don’t let what others think hold you back from doing what you want, or stop you from achieving your objectives.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20) Let your beliefs guide you to the right outcome and do not allow other influences to obscure the final goal.

Aquarius ( Jan 21-Feb 19) It’s time for a change and though you may not like the way the changes are introduced they will be good for you in the long run.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Try something completely new and different. Do not think about the outcome just give it a go.

JUNE Tarot The 5 of Swords tells you that although you won a victory in the past there was unfortunate consequences due to the triumph.

The Ace of Swords in the present lets you know that the goals and plans that you have will be lucky and that you should not worry.

The Queen of Pentacles in the future tells you to trust your instincts and let them guide you to the correct path.

JUNE runes The action is a gift that indicates a giving of yourself to allow another to give in return.

Freedom is the result of mutual giving. A transformation from night to day is the challenge that you face. This is also the cycle of things as they are meant to be, so allow them to proceed.

Flow is telling you not to reach to far or go beyond your own strength, let the wisdom you have obtained guide you to the warrior within.

“Operate within your own power”

Letters to the Editor Dear Madam, While on holiday recently in Connemara, my husband and I went to the Bank of Ireland branch in Clifden late one morning.

We wanted to obtain some Euros from our Sterling accounts with our UK bank debit cards.

Both of us are in our eighties and registered disabled. We were a little alarmed to see the long zig-zagging queue of customers before us. It had been the same the day before when we had to come away, not being able to stand for long.

This time I spoke to one of the staff by the name of Marianne. She was kindness itself, found us two chairs and told us that when the queue ended (doors shut at lunch time) she would see that the cashier came to us.

She then took our cards and details.

Later, she brought the Cashier with a PIN machine and, after giving proof of our

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identities, we were able to press in our PINS and get our Euros. All the staff were helpful and concerned, but in particular Marianne understood and made things easy for us. We would like to publicly thank her and the Bank of Ireland staff in Clifden.

Yours sincerely, Anne Lewis Smith, Newport, Pembrokeshire, U.K.

St Joseph’s Industrial School, Clifden Some time ago the Galway County Council offered our organisation the above named property so that we might develop a Special Needs Unit for children as well as Social Housing units. We were glad to accept and initiated plans for such a project.

That was until we were then halted by the other arm of the County Council who informed us that this was a Listed or Protected Structure which had to be preserved etc etc. This was spacially impossible as the building should be demolished in order

The Sun moves into Gemini on Thursday June 21st, reaching its most northerly point at 05:45 UT on that day, so June 21st is the Summer Solstice (the longest day).

Full Moon is on Sunday June 7th. The midsummer Full Moon lies opposite to the midsummer Sun: so it rises in the southeast at sunset, slides along the southern horizon during the short hours of darkness, and sets again at sunrise the next morning. Then, as it wanes gibbous over the following week, the Moon continues to rise in the late evening, but it sets later the next morning, as it moves northwards again. New Moon is at 19:35 UT on Monday June 22nd. The new crescent could be visible in the north-western sky at sunset any evening from Tuesday 23rd onwards. The Moon will be Full again on Tuesday July 7th.

Mercury is at its greatest elongation westwards from the Sun on June 13th, but it’s rising less than an hour before the Sun: we’re pretty unlikely to see this little planet at all this month.

Venus is rising an hour or two before the Sun, and we should be able to see the brilliant “Morning Star” very low in the east at dawn. Although it is so low in the twilight sky, Venus is so bright that it can be picked up easily in clear conditions.

On the morning of Friday June 19th, the real waning Moon will appear a hand’s breadth above Venus and slightly to the right; the next morning, the Moon will be a similar distance to the left of Venus, and slightly higher.

Mars is really close to Venus in this month’s Connemara skies. At the start of June, Mars is 5 degrees to the left of Venus; by the middle of the month, Mars is close to the upper left of Venus, with a gap of just 2 degrees. At the end of June, Mars is above Venus and a little to the right, but they are still only 3 degrees apart. So both planets will fit into the same field of view in a pair of binoculars, all month! But the Red Planet is far further away at present, so it looks much fainter, just like a dim yellowish dot: Venus is currently more than 100 times more brilliant than Mars.

Jupiter is rising in the south-east around midnight, and it’s well up in the southern sky at dawn. Relative to the stars, the giant planet is moving very slowly southwestwards in Capricornus. If you can find the three bright stars of the “Summer Triangle”, you will find Jupiter far below Deneb, the upper left-hand star in the Triangle. Although it’s so low down, Jupiter should still outshine any of the real

stars. Early on the morning of Saturday June 13th, our own waning Moon will be to the right of Jupiter, about 7 degrees away; the following morning, the Moon will be 6 degrees to the left of the planet.

Saturn is in the western sky at dusk, and doesn’t set until well after midnight. Relative to the stars it is moving slowly SE, in the constellation of Leo, well to the left of the bright star Regulus. Saturn appears brighter than Regulus, and it shines with a steady, untwinkling light, slightly creamier in colour than the blue-white star. In the telescope, Saturn’s rings form a very narrow oval, 40 arc-seconds wide but only 2 or 3 arc-seconds high. The disc of the planet itself is about 17 arc-seconds across, and may show some faint banding. Many of Saturn’s moons may also show up; the largest and brightest one is Titan. Titan will be about 3 arc-minutes west of Saturn around June 4th and 20th; immediately south of the planet around June 8th and 24th, 3 arc-minutes to the east around June 12th and 28th, and immediately north of the planet around June 16th. On the evening of Saturday June 27th, our own crescent Moon will appear below Saturn, 7 degrees away.

Meteors: Connemara has been described as “the last pool of darkness” in Western Europe because of its lack of light pollution.

Most clear nights we see the occasional meteor or “shooting-star”, as tiny specks of interplanetary debris burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. At certain times of the year, the Earth travels through a cloud of this dust, and we get a meteor-shower.

However, there are no significant meteorshowers in June, and it will be hard to see even sporadic meteors in the twilight sky.

Noctilucent Clouds: June is the best time of the year to see Noctilucent (“NightShining”) Clouds. These are beautiful, high-altitude clouds that form only occasionally and usually only for a few weeks around midsummer. Being so high up (over 80 km above the ground), NLCs are still in sunlight, even in the middle of the night. When ordinary clouds appear dark, or at best have a pink sunset glow, NLCs shine with a clear, blue-white light. They are formed of tiny ice-crystals, and they have a sharply-defined structure, quite unlike the fluffy texture of many low-altitude clouds made of water droplets. NLCs often exhibit a rippled pattern, like the marks left by waves on the beach. They are usually seen low in the northern sky.

In June, the best time to look for them is around 1 am.

John Claro

to properly provide the facilities intended.

Quite apart from that there is a dreadful stigma attached to this structure and no-one in the locality wanted such preservation. We were told this stigma could be transformed with careful design etc. What absolute rubbish! Such pedantic narrow-mindedness is quite mind-boggling and useless. Perhaps in the light of the appalling revelations now unfolded by the Ryan Report into Clerical Child Abuse some grains of sanity and decency might seep through such narrow bureaucratic local authority thinking. At present the building is a haven for drop-out, drug and vandalistic behaviour. Perhaps that is what the Protected Structure advocates wish to preserve. If so then heaven help

any person trying to move on in a civilised manner. This property should be used for the benefit of the community from which it came in the first place and not hung out to await some avaricious developer who agrees to ‘preserve it’.

Yours etc, Anthony M A Previté Connemara Sheltered Housing Association Ltd Elm Tree Centre, Clifden

June 2009

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

Connemara View Newspaper

Thank You

Remembrance

A Special Thank You

George O’Hare RIP

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all who supported the Benefit Night that was held for me recently.

Firstly, my sincere thanks go to the Committee who organised the event and John Sweeney for the use of the Station House Hotel. My thanks also go to the following people: the person who sponsored the printed ticket books, all those who sold tickets, all who donated items for the auction and the auctioneer on the night, and those who gave spot prizes for the raffle and who sold tickets on the night. There were also many local private donations as well as some from overseas which were sincerely appreciated.

A special word of thanks to the musicians who provided the music, to the MC on the night and all those people who contributed in so many different ways. For all of your support and good wishes I am truly grateful.

Chrissie Coohill

George O’Hare, Tank Road, Claddaghduff and late of Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Retired from Dublin Fire Service. Died May 18th, 2009 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Clifden. George suffered a long illness with great dignity, form and his own innate sense of humour. George is survived by his wife, Audrey, their son Arran (Wicklow) and their daughters Deirdre (O’Connor, Wexford) & Ann (Mulkerrin, Claddaghduff ), daughter in law, Trisha, sons in law Brendan and Patrick, grandchildren Jordan, Shannon, John & Tara, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.

Audrey and family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of Clifden Hospital who looked after George with expert and tender care during his final days. Also to the members of Dublin Fire Service who travelled down for the removal, funeral service and burial. Thank you for the kind and comforting words they spoke about George and for their expertise and gentleness in taking George to his final resting place. Thanks to the members of the local Clifden Fire Service who were also in attendance at the funeral service. Special thanks to Rev. Fr. Gerry Burns who attended to George at the hospital and also officiated at his removal and funeral mass. Thanks to Claddaghduff Church Choir for their beautiful music and hymns. Thank you to the gravediggers who prepared the grave so nicely. Special thanks to all of the good friends and neighbours who have been supportive to both George and Audrey during the past two years. Your kindness and support is very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who attended the funeral services, sent floral tributes and mass cards. Please accept this as acknowledgement as it would be impossible to thank everybody in person. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for you all.

Thank you to my customers I would like to thank all of the wonderful customers that I have had the pleasure to work with at Hedz in Clifden over the years.

I have left to open my own salon in Letterfrack which will be named “The Diamond Hair Studio”. It will be open at the end of June.

It was sad in many ways to leave the salon where I met so many of you over the years and I hope my departure last week has not caused any inconvenience.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Rose Coyne, 086-385-5120

Leenane Thank You The Leenane Development Association and the committee of the second successful Leenane Walking Festival would like to say a big thank you to all our guides, leaders and of course to the local farmers for all their continued support to help make this a great weekend in the wonderful West of Ireland.

Death Notices Theresa Joyce, Newcastle, Galway & formerly of Glann, Oughterard John Lavelle, Inishbofin George O’Hare, Greystones, Co. Wicklow & Claddaghduff, Galway Mary Shiels, Dawros & Blessington, Co. Wicklow 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.

The Connemara View now welcomes Acknowledgements & Remembrances.

Special offer June through October 2009: Price per word: €0.15 (normally €0.25). Photo: €5.

Connemara View Newspaper 7,000 copies distributed monthly throughout Connemara

095-22888/087-290-9351 086-400-6666 news@connemaraview.com www.connemaraview.com Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Ellen McDonough News Editor: Catherine Pryce Distribution Mgr: John Dunne Graphic Design/Layout: Marie-Noelle Biddulph Consumer Watchdog: John Durning Contributors: John Amenhauser, Tom Broderick, Olive Carty, Judy Cazabon, John Claró, Tim Clesham, Dorothy Conneely, Terri Conroy, Mary Day Lavelle, Richard de Stacpoole, Priscilla Diamond, Kay Diviney, Marie Feeney,Kevin Gavin, Dr. Helen Greally, Heather Greer, Leo Hallissey, Rosemary Hanley, Jacqueline Hannon, Padraic Heanue, Colleen Joyce, PK Joyce, Nick Kats, Peter Keane, Bernard Lee, Bridget Lee, Padraic Lyden, Joachim Lydon, Pat Lyne, Brendan Madden, Declan Mannion, Paul Mannion, Theresa McLoughlin, Conor McNamara, Guislaine Mitchell, Kevin O’Connor, John O’Neill, Eimear O’ Regan, Breandan O’Scanaill, Donal O’Scanaill, Maurice O’Scanaill, Cathriona O’Toole,Roma, Cashel NS, Chris Shanahan, Theresa Tierney, Danielle Wallace, Declan Weir, Jeremy Wilder, Tricia Wilder, Alex Xuereb.

Plus many local schools, groups & organisations.

Photography by staff unless credited otherwise.

NEXT ISSUE: Thursday, July 2nd Display Ad Reservation Deadline: Friday, June 19th News Deadline: Wednesday, June 24th Classified Ad Deadline: Friday, June 26th

Connemara View Newspaper

Connemara Community Radio Weekly Schedule

June 2009

Broadcasting 11 am to 9 pm each day on 87.8 FM & 106.1 FM Weather Forecast and Community Notices at 3 pm, 4 pm and 8 pm.

Sponsored by Broderick Electric, Sweeney Oil and Gannon Sports. * Indicates Sponors

Monday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Heather Heanue and Colleen Currran. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Hooked on Music with John Duane. *Clifden Chamber of Commerce. 6-7pm: Alternate Weeks - As Gaeilge with Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig OR Heyday with Sinead Mannion & Bobbi O Regan. 7-8pm: Talk Sportwith Vivian Cotter. 8pm: Roundstone Report with Richard de Stacpoole and Anne Conneely. 8.15-9pm: Ann’s Mixed Bag with Ann Conneely.

Tuesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cliona Sheehan. *Connemara View Newspaper. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Louisa Jack. 5.05-6pm: Jack’s Spot with Jack Tomlinson. 67pm: Live with John Dunne. 7-8pm: Community Matters with Pat O’Toole. *Tullycross and Cashel Credit Unions. 8pm: Cashel Report with Bernard Lee. 8.30-9pm: Classical Half Hour with Pat O’Toole.

Wednesday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Mary Roe. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Mickey Mac. 5.05-6pm: Double Trouble with Mickey Mac. Inishbofin Report returning soon. 6- 7pm: My Kind of Music with Martin Conroy. *ClifdenSupply Centre.7-8pm: Lift the Latch with Michael O’ Neill and Helen King. 8pm: Clifden Report with Breandan O’Scanaill. 8.15-9pm: Music with Pat Keaney.

Thursday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Cathy Keane and Brendan O’Malley. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Kathleen O’Brien. 5.05-6pm: Fáilte with Mary Corbett Joyce.

6- 7pm: Take it Easy with Michael O’Toole. 7-8pm: The Great Outdoors with Breandan O’Scanaill. *Acton Construction.8 pm: Cleggan Claddaghduff Report with Mary Gordon O’Toole. 8.15-9pm: Breandan O’Scanaill.

Friday: 11am-12 Noon: Magazine Programme with Samantha Heanue & Priscilla Diamond. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirínn. 5.05-6pm: The Friday Feeling with Margaret Sheehan. 6-7pm: Lyrical Allsorts with Linda O’Malley. 7-8pm: Injury Time with various presenters. *AIB Clifden. 8pm: Ballyconneely Report with John O’ Malley.

8.15-9pm: American Country with Brendan Ridge. *Alcock & Brown Hotel.

Saturday: 11am-12 Noon: Monkeying Around with

Heather Kearney. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast. 4-5pm: Gateway Hour with Tonya Ni Chuirrín. 5.05-6pm: Pretty Good Day so Far! with Sean Halpenny.

6- 7pm: Blue Highways with Lol Hardiman. 7-9 pm: Music Spectacular Alternate Weeks - Shelter from the Storm with Dave O’ Halloran or Coast to Coast with Paul Phelan.

Sunday: 10-11am: Sounds a Bit Irish with Eamonn McLoughlin. *Mulchrone Bros, Westport. .11am-12noon: Mass from Clifden. 12-4pm: Repeat of previous evenings broadcast.

4-5pm: Listen Here with Pete Ball. 5.05-6pm: Words & Music with Kathleen Faherty . 6- 7pm: Footappin’ Time with Tom Mongan. 7-8pm: Senior Side of the Street with Josephine De Courcey. *FORUM. 8pm: Ballinakill Report with Paddy Gannon. Insihbofin Report with Tommy Burke. 8.15-9pm: Decades of Hits with Michael Coyne.

Page 29

Clifden Community School Graduation 2009 The Clifden Community School Class of 2009 graduated at the West Connemara Sports & Leisure Centre on Friday May 22nd. Mass was celebrated by Canon James Ronayne and Fr. Gerry Burns with the school choir providing the music throughout. Year Head Tony Mullen then announced the graduates who received their certificates from local community development Director Michael O’Neill. Students received awards for contribution to School Life, Attendance, and achievements in Sports and Academics. Brian Hogan was chosen as Student of the year by the teaching staff and was presented with a top of the range laptop, sponsored by the Board of Management. Sarah Coohill was voted Student of the Year by her fellow students and received a prize sponsored by AIB, Clifden.

Photos from top clockwise: • Sarah Coohill, Claire Conneely, Sandra DeLappe and Ciara Sheridan.

• Jennifer Heffernan, Ellen Curley, Brian Hogan, Lisa McNamara, Ciara Mitchell and Nicole Murray.

• Stephen Smyth, Robert Flaherty, Ian O’Malley, Iarlaith Clancy, Robert Magda.

• Nicole Murray, Rosaleen Ward and Roisin O’Malley.

• Kane Fanning and Ellen King.

• Rosemary Doyle and Ciara Sheridan.

• Shane Lydon and Sarah Coohill who won the awards

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for achievements in Sports.

• Michael O’Neill, Br. James Mungovan, Sarah Coohill, Student of the Year as voted by her fellow students, and Year Head Tony Mullen.

• James O’Sullivan and Laurence Nee. • Kelly Needham, Shane Scullion, Noreen Needham.

June 2009

• Michael O’Neill, Br. James Mungovan, Dave Hogan, Student of the Year as chosen by the Teachers, Brian Hogan and Year Head Tony Mullen.

• Dylan Davis, Matthew Nee, Shane McGrath, David Ward, Lorraine Joyce, Anjan Mahat.

• Shane Lydon, Brian Canavan and Don Coyne.

Connemara View Newspaper

Photo Corner

FETAC Graduates: Pictured just below are the 16 students who all successfully completed and graduated from the Portobello Institute in May with FETAC Level 5 Qualification in Spe-

cial Needs Education. The group of graduates were: Joan Bell, Mary Canavan, Joan Conneely, Sharon Conneely (missing from photo),Celine Davis (missing from photo),Tara Flaherty, Brid Folan, Hilda Heanue, Zelda Holloway, Aideen Joyce, Lillian Little, Pauline Lydon, Dolores

McDonnell, Martina McDonagh, Joyce Sammon, Gemma Ward, Danielle Wallace (Tutor). Photo courtesy of Danielle Wallace Portobello Special Needs Graduates (l-r): Brid Folan from Carna, Gemma Ward from Clifden and Aideen Joyce of Maumfin. Photo courtesy of Colleen Joyce V.E.C. Award: Tracy Walsh of Derrylough, Letterfrack, pictured here with her father Michael, was the recipient of a Co. Galway V.E.C. ‘Excellence and Achievement’ Award, which she received at a ceremony in Athenry on May 20th. Tracy successfully completed two FETAC level 5 Awards in Business Studies and Hairdressing and is a student of the Letterfrack Youthreach Programme.

Photo courtesy of Theresa McLoughlin

A Mysterious Discovery from the Sea! On May 10th last, my two children, Luke and Alannah, my husband Joe and I went walking on Eyrephort beach.

While rambling across the rocky shore, we noticed a green glass bottle. Initially we were annoyed as we thought it was just someone’s rubbish. On closer inspection, we noticed that there was a cork in it. I picked up the bottle and we could clearly see that it contained pieces of paper. The kids were extremely excited as we had often talked about messages in bottles and buried treasure etc. We took the bottle home and managed to get all the pieces of paper out (6 in total) without damaging the bottle. One of the notes gave a phone number, and another gave an address. The notes were written on headed notepaper from a cruise company called ‘Celebrity Cruises’ from Miami, and one had the date April 30th 1999. I contacted the woman whose number I had and she was amazed that the bottle had reached shore and been discovered almost ten years to the day! Her name is Nan McConnaughey and she is from Denver, Colorado. She had been on a cruise with her friend Joe. The cruise had departed

from Fort Lauderdale and was bound for Venice. One of the evenings Nan, her friend and some of their fellow holiday makers decided (after some champagne) to write some messages, place them into the champagne bottle and throw them overboard. She said this was probably about three days into their six day crossing. Nan has been to Ireland before, and is now planning to join her daughter on a visit to Galway that she has planned for this year. We have been in regular email contact since, and hope to meet up when she visits here. I also wrote to the address that was included. The address was for a couple in Texas but as yet I have had no reply. However, fingers crossed, as they promised a cash reward to whoever found the bottle! Olive Carty

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Adrian Mitchell of Calla and Guislaine Vandezande who were married in May. Photo left.

Congratulations to Trevor Mongan and Rachel Foley who were married recently in the Church of Our Lady of the Wayside with reception after in Renvyle House Hotel.

Photo courtesy of Padraic Lyden.

Connemara View Newspaper

June 2009

Page 31

A PERSONAL MESSAGE Connemara needs a Councillor who will represent its people without fear or favour with conviction and determination. With your help and support, I will win this election.

I will have but one agenda and that will be to work hard and fairly for the benefit of all.

A vote for me is: A mandate to continue my work on planning, S.A.C. issues and roads, including the N59 better known as the “neglected 59�.

Representation to National and EU Government for more reasonable implementation of restricted regulations.

A relentless challenge to current Government about their mismanagement of the economy with all of its negative consequences to pensioners, the newly and long term unemployed, the low paid, the fishermen and small farmers facing grant reductions.

As a County Councillor, I commit to: Organising Clinics in your area on a regular basis.

Assisting you and local community and sporting organisations with your great voluntary work within your communities.

Working with parents and management of Clifden Community School to ensure that West Connemara students get a new school building.

Completing the necessary research on EU Directives and national legislation to protect your rights at council level.

I lost the election in 2004 by 48 votes - Your No. 1 will make the difference.

Vote No. 1 Eileen Mannion on the 5th June and continue your preferences for the other Fine Gael candidates.

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June 2009

Connemara View Newspaper