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CONNEMARA’SFRONT PAGE
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connemaraJOURNAL
the
Your FREE community newspaper l arts l features l sports l listings
February 2014Issue 18
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THE future of the Irishlanguage in the Cona-mara Gaeltacht isunder huge pressureand the State is refus-ing to provide the serv-ices and supportsneeded to strengthenthe language.
This was the clearmessage coming fromthe public meeting or-ganised by Conradh naGaeilge on February 3in Seanscoil Sailearnain Indreabhán.
It was one of a seriesof countrywide meet-ings being organised inthe aftermath of thecrisis created by SeánÓ Cuirreáin’s an-nouncement that hewould be steppingdown from his positionas Irish language Om-budsman as a result ofthe lack of engagementhe has received fromthe Government.
Addressing the meet-ing, activist DonnchaÓ hÉalaithe gave avivid account of thedecline in the Irish language in the CoisFharraige area over the
Irish language‘under threatin Conamara’THE HEROES THAT SAVED
BOFIN’S NORTH BEACH‘The word went out, andeveryone turned up’ – islandresidents mobilise to rebuildbeach destroyed by storms
Tony KielyIn a remarkable display of communityspirit, the people of Inishbofin pulled to-gether last week and saved the island’sNorth Beach.
Volunteers gathered to carry out massiverepairs to the beach, following the destruc-tion caused by the recent series of storms.
The beach was split in two by the forceof the storms, and water from the sea waspouring through a wide trench into LoughBofin.
The island has been particularly hard hitby the storms, with significant damage toroads and the east pier, but locals prioritised
Pictured here are some of the Inishbofin volunteers who pulled together in a remarkableshow of community spirit to save the island’s North Beach
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FEBRUARY 2014
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NewsBreathe in the good news!Major jobs boost for Corr na Móna as e-cigarettemanufacturer moves in – page 4Bring Them Home campaignMinister tells Dáil that legislative change on deathcertificate rules is ‘at an advanced stage’ – page 4Meet the Coder crewComputer programming sessions draws in youngpeople in Clifden and Oughterard – page 7
Minister Coveney’s visitAs the council sets about pickingup the pieces from the recentstorms, we look at the impact of adevastating month of weather – pages 8-9
Meditations on the humble hawthorn treeDeborah Watkins’ blog – page 15Connemara Photographic Society: Two months
of winners, exploring‘Night’ and ‘Stormyweather’ – page 14
PLUS... all our regular arts,health and sports features,
bringing you the best ofConnemara
Enda O'Malley B.Eng MIEIEngineering, Planning & Project Management Consultant
Bunowen,Ballyconneely,Connemara,Co. Galway
Tel: (095) 23614Fax: (095) 23544
Mob: 086 3567851Email: [email protected]
Arts and Features
News in briefl THE Connemara Loopwill hold a networkingevent tomorrow(Thursday, February 13)at Ellis Hall, Letterfrack,from 11am-1pm. Theevent aims to build linksbetween businesses in thearea, and to plan astrategy for attractingvisitors to Connemara inthe coming months.Entry is free forConnemara Loopmembers, and €10 fornon-members with abusiness along theConnemara Loop.
l THE next meeting ofthe Clifden &Connemara HeritageSociety takes placetonight (WednesdayFebruary 12) in theStation House Hotel at8pm. The main speakerwill be Dr Paul Naessensfrom NUI Galway, whowill talk on the role ofthe O’Flahertys in thedevelopment of NavalPower in High-MedievalIreland 1100-1350.
l A ‘FRUGAL andThrifty Workshop’ willbe held in An BheanFeasa, Clifden, thisSunday (February 16) at12pm, where you canlearn to make your ownlaundry and washing upliquid, soap, herbalremedies for all thefamily, natural cleansersand more. Call in to AnBhean Feasa to reserveyour place – earlybooking advised asplaces are strictlylimited. Tickets cost €10.
Town SquareClifdenCo. Galway(095) 21880
Staff WantedWe are currently recruitingchefs, cooks, receptionists, waiting staff, housekeeping
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Please send C.V. by email to [email protected] or by post to the Hotel address
www.alcockandbrownhotel.com
MOYCULLEN nativeRyan Croker, 25, is in aserious condition in anAustralian hospital aftersustaining a spinal injuryduring an accident lastmonth.
The ‘Ryan CrokerBenefit Fund’ has nowbeen set up to raise fundsto support the family and
bring Ryan home whenhe is fit to travel. Ryanwas an active member ofthe Maigh Cuilinn Hurl-ing Club and his familyare heavily involved withthe GAA and the commu-nity in the Moycullen. Aseries of fundraisingevents are planned for thecoming weeks, and dona-
tion envelopes and col-lection boxes will be dis-tributed aroundMoycullen and the Con-nemara area. Donationscan also be made atwww.idonate.ie – for ac-count details and regularupdates on fundraisingevents, see www.face-book.com/RyanCroker25
Ryan Croker fund launched in Moycullen
THE English author NeilGaiman famously saidthat a town is not a townwithout a bookstore. ‘Itmay call itself a town,’ hecontinued, ‘but unless it’sgot a bookstore it knowsit’s not fooling a soul.’
Clifden, of course, hasa bookstore – and what’smore, it’s an independentbookstore, which issomething of a raritythese days. Better yet,it’s the best independentbookstore in Ireland –and that’s official.
The ClifdenBookshop, owned andoperated by NicoleShanahan and MáireO’Halloran since 1997,was named Bord GáisEnergy IndependentBookshop of the Year2013 at an event inDublin in December.
The bookshop wasnominated by loyalcustomers, and after
being named Connachtfinalist for theprestigious award, waschosen as Bookshop ofthe Year at the IrishBook Awards.
Máire said: ‘The
accolade and awardnot only acknowledgesthe Clifden Bookshop’sachievement, but helpsto highlight bookshopsand the role they play inIreland today. It also
promotes Clifden,Connemara and the west of Ireland – andand proves yet again thatClifden and its nichebusinesses are wellworth a visit.’
Bookshop’s award ‘helpspromote all of Connemara’
Tony Kiely
Nicole Shanahan and Máire O’Halloran being presented with their Bord Gáis Energy Independent Bookshop of the Year 2013 by Dave Kirwan,Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy
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“Just wanted to let you know...after years of pain youwere the one who rid me of it. Since I visited you the
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News in briefl FRIDAY February 14promises to be a veryspecial night inCladdaghduff Hall. Aspart of the continuingcelebration of the 50thanniversary ofCladdaghduff NationalSchool, a concert withCantairí Chonamara andthe children of theschool will be held at7.30pm. The concert willfeature the adult choir,the children’s choir,musical recitals by someof the children and anexhibition of sean nósdancing. All donationsreceived on the night gotoward school funds andsupporting CantairíChonamara.
l RENVYLE Cat andDog Rescue will hold afundraising sale in EllisHall, Letterfrack, thisSunday (February 16)from 10am-3pm, withbric-a-brac, toys, books,clothes and merchandisefrom the charity all onoffer. Donations for the sale can be made on Saturday from 11am-1pm.
l A ‘MONSTER Bingo’will be being held in theOughterard CommunityCentre on Sunday,February 16, at 3pmsharp as part of theOughterard ShowSociety’s fundraisingcampaign for 2014.Books are €12 each, and there are fantasticraffle prizes to be won.
l AN Bord Pleanála has approved thecompulsory purchaseorder for the N59 MaamCross to Oughterardupgrade. The N59Clifden to Maam Crossupgrade is scheduled tobe published in February2014. Construction ofonline section of N59Moycullen Bypass isscheduled to start later in 2014.
MARTY Walsh, the newly-electedMayor of Boston, is set to visit Carnain May this year.
The Mayor of County Galway,Councillor Liam Carroll, met withMayor Walsh after his inauguration inBoston on January 6. At the invitationof Mayor Carroll, Mayor Walsh –
whose parents emigrated from Carnain the 1950s – is expected to visitGalway and Connemara in May, wherethe two mayors will jointly lay thefoundation stone for the Emigrants’Commemorative Centre in Carna.
Construction of the centre isexpected to commence later this year.
Jobs boost forCorr na MónaROS Dumhach Cógaisíochta Teo(trading as Rossport Pharmaceutical)has announced it is to create 138 jobsat a new €5.2 million production sitein Corr na Móna, Co. Galway, with thesupport of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The new jobs will support thecompany’s operations across Irelandand Europe, where Rossport is alreadya leading producer and distributer ofNicofresh electronic cigarettes.
Recruitment for the jobs is alreadyunderway and a number of high-skilled posts are available, includinggraduate roles in quality assurance andregulatory control.
Steve Ó Cúláin, CEO of Údarás naGaeltachta, said the authority waspleased to be in a position to supportand facilitate the company’sdevelopment plans.
Mr Ó Cúláin said: ‘This company isalready well placed in the market, and
has grown from strength to strengthsince the business was established in2007. The employment opportunitiesthat this venture will generate arecrucial to Corr na Móna and thesurrounding Gaeltacht area.’
Deputy Mayor of County Galway,Councillor Eileen Mannion added:‘The addition of 138 jobs will have avery positive impact on the localcommunity and will help sustain localshops and services’.
Brian Geraghty and Tony Geraghty,of Rossport Pharmaceutical at thefacility in Corr na Móna
PHOTO: ANDREW DOWNES Minister movesto change deathcert legislationA LONG-AWAITED Billto allow the death of anIrish person abroad to beregistered in this countrylooks set to go before theDáil in April.
The ‘Help Bring ThemHome’ campaign – estab-lished in 2010 by Con-nemara native YvonneO’Reilly after her son,Keith, drowned in Amer-ica – received a signifi-cant boost this month withnews that the legislativechange they are seeking is‘at an advanced stage’.
Under the 2004 CivilRegistration Act, an Irishperson who dies while onholiday or a working visaabroad cannot have theirdeath registered in Ire-land except in limited cir-cumstances, including: ifthe deceased was a Gardaor soldier, or family mem-ber of a Garda or soldier,on duty overseas; or if thedeath took place on anIrish ship or plane, or aship or plane leaving ordestined for Ireland.
The proposed legisla-tive change will familiesof any Irish persons whodies while abroad to ob-tain an Irish death cert.
Deputy Seán Kyne,
who has supported thelong-running campaign,received assurances fromSocial Protection Minis-ter, Joan Burton, that theCivil RegistrationAmendment is on courseto be introduced by theend of April.
The Minister was re-sponding to Dáil ques-tions tabled by DeputyKyne on the issue.
Deputy Kyne said: ‘Iam pleased to hear thatthe legal obstacles havebeen overcome and thatthe Civil RegistrationAmendment Bill is beingdrafted by the Office ofthe Parliamentary Coun-sel for introduction there-after in the Dáil.
‘The delay in this leg-islation, as well as in theintroduction of the Gen-der Recognition Bill, isregrettable.
‘However, I believeMinister Burton is fully
committed to seeing theamendments enacted andin ensuring that thechanges which will be ofbenefit to people acrossthe country are put inplace.
Speaking to the Jour-nal in December 2012,Ms O’Reilly said: ‘With-out a record of Keith’sdeath here in Ireland, itwill forever feel asthough a piece of him re-mains stranded across avast ocean, miles fromfamily, miles from home.His future [relations] willfind nothing of his pass-ing in any Irish documen-tation – it will be as if hesimply vanished.’
Deputy Kyne added:‘The issue of families ob-taining death certificatesin cases where relativeshave died suddenly whileabroad is one which af-fects a number of fami-lies across Galway andthe country.
‘One constituent towhom I spoke, whosebrother died abroad, toldme that her parents wouldlike to have a death cer-tificate for him beforethey pass on, which forme puts this issue, andthe delay in addressing it,into context.’
THE Clifden Station House Hotel hasbeen named as a Top 10 winner in theFamily Hotel category in the 2014Travelers’ Choice awards, rankingtenth out of all hotels across Ireland.
The award winners were determinedbased on the reviews and opinions ofmillions of Trip Advisor travellersaround the globe.
Ronan Fahy, General Manager of
Clifden Station House Hotel, said: ‘Weare delighted to be chosen as number10 in Ireland for family holidays.
‘Our core focus is customer care,which really shows in receiving thisprestigious award.
‘The team in the Clifden StationHouse hotel look forward tocontinuing our customer focus into2014 and beyond.’
Station House in Traveler’s Choice Top 10
Tony Kiely
Boston Mayor plans to visit Carna in May
A L L L E V E L S C A T E R E D F O R
MOTHER’S CAMPAIGNTO ‘BRING THEM HOME’AWAITING DÁIL DEBATE
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Ann Marie Conroy
A BILL introduced in the Dáil lastmonth by Galway West TD SeánKyne may finally bring closure toIrish families who cannot registerthe death of a relative who dieswhile abroad
TD proposes overhaul oflaw so that deaths of Irish citizens abroad canbe registered at home
Aoife Ní Dhálaigh
The Journal reportedon the campaign in December 2012
WE’VE got the Wild At-lantic Way, we’re getting aGreenway, but there’s alsoa third way – and it’s blue.
Three locations inConnemara – Inishbofin,Mannin Bay and KillaryHarbour including Glasi-laun beach – have beenearmarked for a pilotscheme of five ‘Bluewaysites’ as part of a newBord Fáilte water sportsinitiative.
Details of the innova-tive scheme, which alsoincludes Louisbourg’sOld Head and Achill Is-land, were outlined at apublic meeting in ClifdenTown Hall on January 31.
A Blueway site is anarea that is ‘relativelysafe for a range of watersports activities, in abeautiful setting, withnearby support services’.
Humphrey Murphy, ofthe ILC, told the meeting:‘The Blueway is abouttaking advantage of thegrowing interest in adven-ture sports and races, andtapping into the potentialthat’s on our doorsteps.
‘It’s about offering safeopportunities to take partin water sports. One ofthe big challenges withwater sports is getting
people to take the firststep. There’s an issue ofthe individual’s experi-ence, perhaps a fear ofgetting involved, and alsothe cost of equipment.
‘So one focus of theBlueway is to lower thebar for taking that firststep – to get people whohave never been involvedin water sports to make itpart of their holiday ex-perience, and to encour-age local communities touse their local facilities.
‘We’re interested in involving those that arealready experienced, butthe big market is in get-
ting the novice to experi-ment – and encouragingvisitors to make our watersport facilities part oftheir holiday experience.’
The Blueway was de-scribed at the meeting asa ‘slow burn’ – somethingthat’s still at the ground-
work stage, and will takesome years to bear fruit.
The real selling pointof the scheme, especiallyin these times of auster-ity, is the relatively low
investment required toestablish the Blueway.
In effect, the Bluewayis a free trail for visitorsto explore, much like theWild Atlantic Way. Thefacilities are all in place –in the form of establishedkayaking and scuba div-
ing businesses, for exam-ple – so the Bluewayboils down to an imagina-tive exercise in brandingthe area and its facilities.
New signage will be
erected for the duration ofthe pilot scheme, provid-ing details of the trails andlocal service providers.The project will be pro-moted through a series of‘Blueway days’ in thecoming months, duringwhich service providerswill be on hand to guidelocals and visitors alikethrough their facilities.
If successful, ManninBay, Killary Harbour andInishbofin will becomeConnemara’s first Blue-way destinations, withmore to follow as thescheme is expanded – andin theory at least, all busi-
nesses in the area will ul-timately benefit, not justthose involved in watersports.
Mr Murphy added:‘The idea is that peoplewill come to visit Blue-way sites, but once there,they will be attracted outinto the local economy, tospend on accommoda-tion, restaurants andother local facilities.’
Connemara Chamberof Commerce PresidentChris Shanahan wel-comed the pilot scheme,noting that the area’swater sports facilities are‘vastly underutilised’.
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The third way: Connemara selected for pilot schemeThe third way: Connemara selected for pilot scheme
Tony Kiely
Wild AtlanticWay meetingFÁILTE Ireland is calling for localcommunities across Galway toget behind the Wild Atlantic Way,Ireland’s new tourism initiative.
The tourism authority isholding a series of communitymeetings in the coming weeks,including one at the StationHouse Hotel, Clifden, tonight(Wednesday) from 6pm-8pm. Ameeting will also be held tonightat the Connemara Coast Hotel,Furbo, from 6pm.
For further information visit www.failteireland.ie/wildatlanticway
Glasilaun Beach, pictured during last year’sWaterSports day – Blueway organisers hope
to include local marine-based festivals andevents in its programme of promoted events
PH
OT
O: A
OIF
E H
ER
RIO
TT
‘The Blueway is about tapping into thepotential that’s on our doorsteps’
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News in brief
l AIMEE Stanley andPatrick King, pictured,were crowned winnersof Strictly Connemara2013. The event, whichtook place in the StationHouse Hotel inDecember, was afundraiser for theGalway Rape CrisisCentre and local RNLI.
l A GARDAinvestigation waslaunched following thediscovery of humanremains in Tully. Thehuman skull was found atTully Pier on Saturday,January 31. A forensicexamination at UCHGindicates the skull datesfrom the 1930s.
l A MUM-TO-MUMbreastfeeding supportgroup has started inClifden, meeting everysecond Tuesday in theLibrary Bar, StationHouse Hotel, from11am-12.30pm. All thosebreastfeeding, orplanning to, are welcometo drop in for a chat.
l MOYCULLEN’Sweekly bingo sessionscontinue on Thursdaysfrom 8pm in The Forge.It is proposed to launch aJackpot soon.
l TAR Éis na GaoitheMóire, an exhibition ofnew photography byYvonne King, is at theClifden Library untilFebruary 28.
past 40 years. He wasalso critical of the delayin implementing a Stateresponse to the decline ofthe language, and out-lined the considerableamount of time it hadtaken to prepare the Gov-ernment’s 20-year-planfor the language – a planwhich Ó hÉalaitheclaimed was now worth-less and which, in hisview, would not be im-plemented by the Gov-ernment.
Noting that the meet-ing was being held in thesame building in whichthe Gaeltacht CivilRights movement was es-tablished in 1969, he saidthat it was now time forthe Conamara Gaeltachtcommunity to organise it-self so that the Irish lan-guage could survive as aviable community lan-guage.
Julian de Spáinn, Con-radh na Gaeilge GeneralSecretary, outlined thenational campaign beingorganised to ensure thatIrish language andGaeltacht communitiescould have their lan-guage rights recognisedby the State.
He said that the cam-paign would also focuson forcing the politicaland State system to de-clare publicly where theystood in regards the fu-ture of the language.
Mr de Spáinn said thatif the State does not be-lieve that the Irish lan-guage has any future itshould openly declare itsposition.
However, if it believesthat the language doeshave a future, Mr deSpáinn continued, theyhave to back up that be-lief with proper supportfor the language and theGaeltacht.
When the meeting wasopened to the floor, numerous examples weregiven showing a lack ofbasic State services beingprovided through Irish,including doctors andnurses attendingGaeltacht schools with-out the ability to speakIrish to young school-children.
Several complaintswere also made in con-nection with the Depart-ment of Education and its
inability to provide sup-port for Gaeltachtschools, and a call wasmade for the setting up ofa Gaeltacht Board of Ed-ucation.
The Department of theGaeltacht also cameunder attack for its with-drawal of funding for Ea-graíocht na ScoileannaGaeltachta, the organisa-tion coordinating thework of Gaeltacht pri-mary and secondaryschools.
It was claimed that as aresult of this withdrawalof funding, Gaeltachtschools would no longerhave representation on arange of State boards.
The lack of progress onthe implementation of theGovernment’s 20-year-plan was also attacked,and the plan itself wascriticised as being toovague and without properfocus.
A call was made for thescrapping of the plan, andits replacement by aworkable documentwhich would deal specif-
ically and quickly withthe problems facing theGaeltacht and the Irishlanguage.
The meeting concludedwith arrangements beingmade to support Lá Mórna Gaeilge, the demon-stration supporting theIrish language being or-ganised in Dublin thisSaturday (February 15,see above).
‘The future of the Irish language in Conamara is under huge pressure’
ALMOST a year after aland slippage sawweight restrictionsimposed on a stretch ofroad in Lettergesh West,Galway County Councilhas outlined plans tocarry out repair works,writes Tony Kiely.
The works, details ofwhich went on display on January 10,propose ‘the construction of 330metres of road, with 5.5m widecarriageway complete with drainage,new roadside boundaries, landscaping,associated accommodation works andrelocation of existing services,
including septic tanksand water services’.
The road, which runsadjacent to a sheer cliff-like drop down to sealevel, has had a three-tonne weight restrictionimposed by the Councilsince March 2013,prohibiting heavy
vehicles – including school buses andfarm machinery – from using it.
l The plans are on public display inÁras an Chontae, Prospect Hill.Submissions may be made in writing toÁras an Chontae, Prospect Hill,Galway not later than Friday March 6
Council outlines Lettergesh repairs
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Donncha Ó hÉalaithe Julian de Spáinn
l Tá busanna á eagrú ó Chonamara agus ó chathair na Gaillimhechun daoine a thabhairt go Baile Átha Cliath don mhórshiúl Lá Mórna Gaeilge – Siúl ar son do Chearta, ócáid a bheidh ar siúl ar DéSathairn 15 Feabhra.
Tá an mórshiúl á eagrú mar chuid d’fheachtas cearta atábunaithe mar thoradh ar an ngéarchéim a cruthaíodh nuair ad’fhógair An Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, go mbeadh séag éirí as oifig de bharr na heaspa éisteachta atá faighte aige ónRialtas. Cuirfear tús leis an mórshiúl Lá Mór na Gaeilge – Siúl arson do Chearta ag 2.00i.n. agus an slua ag fágáil Cearnóg Parnellag 2.00i.n. agus iad ag tabhairt aghaidhe ar lár na cathrach.
Fágfaidh bus Chonamara carrchlós Mhuintearas, Tír an Fhia, ag8.45r.n. agus stopfaidh sé ag Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua ag9.00r.n. agus ag Seanscoil Sailearna, Indreabhán ag 9.15r.n. Isféidir stopadh sa Spidéal, sna Forbacha agus i mBearna más gá.Seol teachtaireacht chuig [email protected]ó téacs chuig 087 3382885 le háit/áiteanna a chur in áirithe.
Fágfaidh bus na cathrach an Ardeaglais ag 10.00r.n. agus isféidir suíochán a chur in áirithe ach glaoch a chur ar 091 567824.
Cuirfear críoch leis an mórshiúl le slogadh ollmhór, áit a ndéan-far ceiliúradh ar bheocht agus ar shaibhreas na Gaeilge le ceol-choirm ó Seo Linn agus baill den ghrúpa Kíla agus Na Firéin.
Leenane’s Sea Garden declared open!– Diary, page 13
7NEWSJOURNAL
theconnemara
LOCAL children are‘coding up a storm’ at thenew CoderDojo Con-nemara, at the ClifdenTown Hall.
This new club is part ofthe global CoderDojo vol-unteer network, spanning22 countries, that teachesyoung people about com-puter programming.
CoderDojo Connemarais supported by severallocal individuals and or-ganisations. Leading thecreative learning environ-ment are Clifden business-women Suzann Schley(Schley Accounting) andEllen McDonough (Mc-Donough Business &Computer Services).
The idea was embracedby Marie Feeney fromthe Forum AdolescentSupport Project, who hascoordinated the use of theYouth Café venue, aswell as provided com-puter equipment andstaffing support to theproject.
Enda Broderick’s
Lighthouse Network hassupplied free broadband,installed by Peter Keane,for all the initiatives at theYouth Café.
The club will runthroughout the schoolyear on Wednesdayevenings. The session forprimary school students(who must be accompa-nied by a parent) is from
5pm to 6pm, and a ses-sion for secondary schoolstudents runs from6.30pm to 7.30pm.
It is recommended thatstudents bring their ownlaptop, if possible.
l For more informa-tion, contact Suzann on(095) 30584, Ellen on(095) 22888 or Marie on(095) 22175
GARDAÍ are stillappealing for witnesses tocome forward followingthe death of Thomas MacDonnacha, 19, in asingle-vehicle incident inthe Inagh Valley (R344)in the early hours ofFebruary 2.
Mr Mac Donnachadied when the vehicle inwhich he was apassenger left the road atabout 2am. He waspronounced dead at thescene, and was removedto University CollegeHospital Galway.
Five other people inthe vehicle were alsotaken to the UCHG andwere later discharged.
Mr Mac Donnacha,from Carraroe, was a
popular member of AnCheathrú Rua CLG.
A tribute posted to theFacebook page of AnCheathrú Rua CLG read:‘Ta gach duine i CLG anCheathrú Rua go mórfaoi bhrón mar gheall arbhás ár gcara ThomasMac Donnacha. B’fhearálainn agus imreoiriontach é Thomas agusaireoimid uainn go móré. Ba mhaith linn árgcomhbhrón a dhéanamhlena mháthair Nelly, aathair Terry agus a chuiddeartháireachaJohnathon, Steven agusChristopher. Ar dheis Dégo raibh a anam.’
l Witnesses cancontact Clifden Gardastation on (095) 22500.
THE funeral of ThomasKeaney, Ballyconneely,took place on January 17.
Mr Keaney, 23, died inPerth, Australia, onDecember 28 followingan attack in the city onDecember 17.
A large number of
fundraising events wereheld locally to help withthe cost of bringing MrKeaney home.
Mr Keaney, who issurvived by his parentsAnn and Tom, two sistersand brother, was laid torest in Gurteen cemetery.
Children crack code tofun programming skills
Gardaí investigatefatal road accident
Thomas Keaney laid to rest
LETTERFRACKLibrary has reopened tothe public, and newmembers are beingencouraged to join andhelp ensure the future ofthe facility.
The library offers agreat selection of fictionand non-fiction across arange of genresincluding fiction, crime,science fiction, historicalfiction, gardening,cookery, health, DIY andwoodcraft, and arts andcrafts.
There are also largeprint editions ofromance, westerns,crime and mysterybooks, as well as achildren’s section andinternet access.
Opening hours are:Tuesday, 2pm to 4.30pm;Wednesday, 11am to1.30pm; Thursday,5.30pm to 7.30pm;Friday, 3pm to 5pm.Annual membershipcosts €5 (adults) or €2(unemployed/students).Senior citizens andchildren can join for free.
Call forsupportfor library
Volunteers inOughterard
THE Oughterard CoderDojoclub are currently seekingadult volunteers to helpout with their group on aweekly basis.
The group meet once aweek for 90 minutes in theYouth Café and volunteershelp supervise the Caféduring the club while help-ing the young people withtheir projects.
Due to work and familycommittments, a numberof our CoderDojo volunteersare unable to assist withthe group this term, so newvolunteers are needed. It isnot essential that you haveadvanced computer skills,although an interest inhelping young people, pa-tience and a good sense offun are important.
For further informationemail [email protected]
Young members of CoderDojo Connemara at theYouth Café in Clifden Town Hall
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8NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
END OF SEASON
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COUNCILLOR Tom Welby hasexpressed ‘serious concerns’ in relationto the Building Control AmendmentRegulations 2013, which are to comeinto force on March 1.
The regulations deal with the designand construction of new dwellings,extensions to dwellings involving a totalfloor area no greater than 40 squaremetres, and Fire Safety Certificates.
Cllr Welby said: ‘These regulationswill introduce a huge amount ofcertification, all of which has to becertified between Chartered Architects,Engineers or Building Surveyors andbuilders listed by the ConstructionIndustry Federation (CIF).
‘It will also exclude a large numberof competent engineers and architectswho currently apply for planning, on
behalf of clients, and then supervise theconstruction to completion.’
The Department of the Environment,Community and Local Government hasinformed Cllr Welby it is theresponsibility of the CIF to compile thelist of ‘competent builders’, but thisprocess has not yet begun.
Cllr Welby added: ‘These regulationswill add costs to any new build andindustry figures consider it will end theprocess of a “self build” – a processthat has been the preferred option ofthe majority of home builders in ruralIreland for many decades.’
Cllr Welby has also raised the issueof the impact of the regulations onengineers and small builders andtradesmen, and their exclusion fromthe complete process.
THERE has been significant progresson the new secondary school buildingfor Clifden Community School, withthe project going to tender on theJanuary 15 and a scheduled return dateof February 24.
Local Fine Gael Councillor EileenMannion said that significant progresshas been made on the project since its
inclusion in the Stimulus Packageannounced by the government last June.
Cllr Mannion said: ‘I am delightedthat the project is now proceedingrapidly, and has now gone to tender.
‘The long wait for the new schoolbuilding for Clifden is coming to anend, and construction will hopefully beunderway in 2014.’
Cllr Welby raises concernsover new building regulations
‘Significant progress’ on schoolplan as project goes to tender
repairs to the North Beach – a rareexample of a sedimentary lagoonprotected by a stony beach.
Simon Murray, of the InishbofinDevelopment Company, said: ‘The beachwas busted open and the adjacent roadwas flooding twice a day – and we justthought: This can’t continue.
‘The word went out and everyoneturned up that could; every piece ofmachinery that could be used wastracked across to the site.
‘We had seven diggers, six dumpersand around 20 volunteers working tosave the beach in all weathers. These arelads that are busy with other jobs, andsome of them had farms they needed tokeep going – but they gave up their timefor the whole community.’
The major work to save the beachbegan on February 3, and as the Journalwas going to print two diggers were stillon site, completing the repairs. Islandresident Marie Coyne, from theInishbofin Heritage Museum, filmed andphotographed the repairs, and postedfootage to the museum’s Facebook page.
Mr Murray added: ‘I personally wantto thank everyone involved in saving thebeach. It was down to community spirit,and a willingness to fight back.
‘Through their efforts, they havesaved Galway County Council and thetaxpayer a vast amount of money.
‘We’ve done our part – now it’s up tothe council to do theirs and carry out theemergency repairs required on theisland’s roads and the east pier.
‘We desperately need the council tocome out and address these problemsnow, and they need to speed up thetendering process. After the first stormhit the council should have seen enoughto put the repairs out to tender.
‘In the days and weeks since then, thesituation has only gotten worse.
‘Through our tourist industry wegenerate a lot more tax revenue for theState than comes back here, so now it’stime for a bit of that revenue to comeback to Inishbofin and repair the damage.
‘Come what may, we will be openagain for business this April. We needpeople’s support now more than ever,and we are calling on the council to stepin and meet their responsibility to theisland.’
Islanders pull together to save beachl from page 1
THE Minister for Agri-culture, Food and the Ma-rine, Simon Coveney,visited Connemara onFriday last (February 7)to view the damagecaused by the recent ad-verse weather and storms.
The minister visitedthe prom and walkwaysin An Spidéal, Mhaíroisgraveyard in Baile nahAbhann, the causewayat Leitir Mór, the pier andbreakwater at Trá Bháinand the pier and a num-ber of roadways inRoundstone.
While in Roundstonethe minister also metwith local farmers andfishermen who lostequipment in the storms.
Councillors Seosamh
Ó Laoi and Eileen Man-nion and Deputy SeánKyne and Senator Hilde-garde Naughton accom-panied the Minister(pictured, above right).
Deputy Kyne said:‘I’m pleased that Minis-ter Coveney has beenable to visit the Con-nemara region to viewfor himself the damageand destruction causedby the series of stormsthat have hit the Westover recent weeks.
‘While I have con-tacted all of the relevantministers on a number ofoccasions now, with pho-tographs and representa-tions from local people,visiting the area bringshome the scale of thechallenge that faces us inrepairing and restoring
the infrastructure.’Galway County Coun-
cil has estimated that thestorm damage will cost€18.32 million in clean-up costs and repairs to in-frastructure.
The figure was pre-sented to the Connemaracouncillors at a meetingin January, and the coun-cil has made an interimsubmission to Govern-ment seeking funding todeal with the storm’s af-termath.
Cllr Mannion said:‘The figure of €18 mil-lion is a conservativeone, as the clean up oper-ation is still ongoing andmore investigation is re-quired to establish thefull extent of the damage.
‘While some damageis clearly visible, many
road foundations andstorm defenses have beenundermined and requirefurther investigation.’
Council workers arecontinuing with the cleanup operation, which is es-timated to have cost€500,000 to date. Thepriority at present is tocarry out temporaryworks on council roads toensure there is access toresidences. A full pro-gramme of works will bedrawn up by the councilover the next few weeks.
The storms, the first ofwhich battered the westcoast in early January,brought winds and seaswells not seen in livingmemory.
Roundstone and Bally-conneely were among theworst hit, with roads
Minister tours sites hit Tony Kiely
www.connemarajournal.ie
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The sea wall in Renvyle was washed awayCars were washed into the sea in Cleggan
Roads were ripped up in the Ballyconneely area
February 2
February 3 February 5
PHOTO: AOIFE HERRIOTT PHOTO: HEATHER GREER
Health centre planningpermission withdrawn
9NEWS
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PLANNING permission for theproposed new health centreon Inishbofin has been tem-porarily withdrawn by theHSE, pending an ‘appropriateassessment’ of the site, writesTony Kiely.
The decision to withdrawthe planning application –which had lapsed in Novem-ber, but was subject to an ap-plication for extension ofduration by HSE West – cameabout as a result of recentstorm damage on the island.
Fine Gael Deputy Seán Kynetold the Journal: ‘Given thestrength of the storms it is notsurprising that debris, includ-ing rocks, came very close tothe proposed site of the ex-tended health centre.
‘As a result, HSE West hasbeen advised by planningagents that an appropriate as-sessment is now required.Rather than waiting for this tobe confirmed, HSE West hassensibly decided to requestthis assessment which will ac-company the new application.
‘While it is thought that thefloor level of the proposed cen-tre is of adequate height, itmakes sense to conduct thisassessment in advance of pro-ceeding with the application.’
The delay will be seen as a
further setback by islanderswho have long campaignedfor a new health care centre.
Simon Murray, of the Inish-bofin Development Company,said: ‘If Galway County Councilhad completed the originalsea wall in front of the currenthealth centre – instead ofleaving a 20 metre gap wherethe beach runs up against clayon the side of the road – thisissue wouldn’t have arisen.
‘This delay is a further resultof the HSE’s inertia. If they hadavailed of the money availablewhen planning permissionwas originally granted in2008, they wouldn’t now bespending even more tax-payer’s money on an appropri-ate assessment of the site.’
Deputy Kyne raised the mat-ter in the Dáil last month. It wasconfirmed that the Departmentof Arts, Heritage and theGaeltacht would not be fundingthe project, and that as HSEWest would be the main health-care provider, it would be up toHSE to provide capital funding.
Deputy Kyne added: ‘TheHSE must ensure that fundingis forthcoming to replace theoutdated health centre on theisland and so better meet thehealthcare needs of the com-munity.’
washed away, homes cutoff and damage to severalgraveyards.
Four houses at the bot-tom of Roundstone vil-lage were flooded, aswell as a number of prop-erties on the old pier, al-though there was nostructural damage to thevillage itself.
Further north, the vil-lage of Cleggan saw carsswept into the sea, whileInishbofin was hit withdevastating winds andflooding that damagedroads and swept awayone of the island’s light-houses.
Cars, boats and pierswere also damaged.
There were also signif-icant power outagesacross the region, withlocalised flooding in low-
lying areas causing dam-age to homes and farm-ing land. The Connemaracoastline has also seenwidespread erosion, withbeaches and adjacentlands now requiringcostly repairs.
A second serious stormin January caused furtherdamage and effectivelywashed away the firstround of repairs carriedout by the council.
Cllr Mannion added:‘It is vital for our tourismindustry that the damageto amenities such asroads, beaches, car parksand playgrounds be re-paired as quickly as pos-sible.
‘Connemara is depend-ent on tourism and withthe launch of the WildAtlantic Way, Con-
nemara Greenway andBlueway pilot scheme, itis important that we sendout a clear message thatConnemara is open forbusiness.
Deputy Kyne added:‘Regrettably, the Minis-ter’s schedule precludedvisits to all areas affectedbut I’m confident theareas visited today haveassisted the minister inpreparing for Tuesday’scabinet meeting whichwill focus on the stormdamage with presenta-tions from both Environ-ment Minister, PhilHogan and OPW Minis-ter, Brian Hayes.’
l For full coverage ofthe storms, includingreader’s photos andvideos, see www.con-nemarajournal.ie
by devastating stormfrontslWHILE much of the focus in the coming months willunderstandably be on repairing local infrastructure, the storms havealso irreversibly changed the archaeology and geography of the area.
From disappearing sand dunes to damage to Bronze Age andearly Christian sites, the impact on the coastline has been immense.
But according to archaeologist Michael Gibbons, the stormsrevealed almost as much as they took away – with the samestorms that destroyed archaeological sites simultaneouslyrevealing new ones.
‘It’s like being given a large book that’s thousands of years old,’Michael told the Journal. ‘Some of the pages have been ripped out,but now we can see the pages behind it that were hidden until now.’
Some of this new archaeological material – including a 17th century harbour complex on Inishbofin and evidence of a7,000-year-old hunter-gatherer settlement near Carna – is beingdestroyed as quickly as it’s being revealed.
The issue now is time – and money. The nature of coastalarchaeological sites is that they are constantly under threat oferosion, and a number of sites revealed by the first storm weredestroyed by the second.
‘We ought to have a sampling programme in place to rescuethis new information,’ Michael said. ‘But our services have beengutted by cutbacks, so we simply don’t have the resources to carryout surveys.’
Inishbofin suffered unprecedented damage
Minister Simon Coveney was joined by Cllr EileenMannion, Sen Hildegarde Naughton and Seán KyneTD on a tour of some of the affected areas Cleggan Village was also briefly flooded
PHOTO: SHIRLEY QUINN MC DONNELL PHOTO: MARIE COYNE PHOTO: AOIFE HERRIOTT
Get back on track with your resolutions– Health, page 17
‘Skills for Work’ offer free courses
State intervention on broadband ‘crucial’ – Kyne
10NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Tel: 095 46100Email: [email protected]
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GREEN Earth Organics –the organic farm businessbased just outside Galwaycity and a popular fixtureat the weekly Moycullenmarket – has won€10,000 at the prestigiousSCCUL EnterpriseAwards.
The award was pre-sented at a ceremony andbusiness expo hosted byNUI Galway in the uni-versity’s Bailey AllenHall, on January 27.
From a humble veg boxscheme started in 2006,Green Earth Organics hasgrown in eight years toinclude nationwide deliv-ery of customised organicvegetable boxes, as wellas supplying the super-market sector in the West
and award-winning Gal-way restaurants such asthe Michelin-starredAniar.
Established in 2006,Green Earth Organics isthe brainchild of Kennethand Jenny Keavey, whorelocated from London totake over the farm thathad been in their familyfor three generations.
Kenneth was presentedwith his prize by MartinSisk, President of the IrishLeague of Credit Unions,and Padraig O’ Callaghan,Chairman of St.Columba’s Credit UnionGalway, which sponsoredthe winner’s prize.
Speaking at the event,Kenneth said that he washonoured and delighted
to receive the award: ‘In2005, I left my well-paidjob as a senior researchscientist working for abio tech company in theUK to come back to Gal-way to start Green EarthOrganics. My wife Jennyand I had a vision to de-velop an organic foodproduction and supplybusiness from the familyfarm. Over the six yearswe’ve worked hard andchanged our businessmodel by taking risks andlooking outside our cur-rent box.’
Moycullen Wood-works received a ‘One toWatch’ award, while aspecial merit prize waspresented to KillarySheep Farm.
Galway businessesscoop top awards
SKILLS for Work iscurrently offering freecourses in ‘basiceducation for workingand living’. The 12-week courses, whichrun for three hours perweek, cover areasincludingcommunicationthrough computers,
maths, and computersfor farmers. Aregistration day tookplace in MoycullenAdult Learning Centrelast month, butparticipants arewelcome to sign up onan ongoing basis.Courses run in Casla,Oughterard,
Moycullen and Clifden,and are open toapplicants with few orout-dated educationalqualifications and arein full or part-timeemployment. Forfurther [email protected]
THE ConnemaraCoast Hotel wasrecently presented witha gold star award inthe four-star hotelcategory by the IrishAccommodationServices Institute – thenational body thatrepresents the
accommodationindustry.
The ConnemaraCoast Hotel was theonly four star hotel inGalway to be awardedthe prestigious award,which it received for‘achieving excellence inaccommodation
services standards forthe quality, hygieneand cleanliness of itsbedrooms and publicareas’.
This is the fifth yearrunning the hotel’saccommodation teamhas received awardsfrom the IASI.
Gold star for Connemara Coast Hotel
CONNEMARA has been includedin a mapping project to identify theareas outside of cities and largetowns that will require Stateinvestment to provide high speedbroadband internet access forhouseholds and businesses.
Submissions to the Government’sBroadband Mapping project havenow been made by 23telecommunications operators.
Minister for Communications,Energy and Natural Resources, PatRabbitte, said that State aid for anyproject is subject to strict EUcriteria and that a formal
application, setting out the exactdetails of projects to be co-financed by the State, is required.
Fine Gael Deputy Seán Kynesaid: ‘It is very positive to hear thatthe mapping project hascommenced the analysis stage,where the Department isdetermining the areas which willrequire State aid. I’ve made anumber of representations on behalfof constituents to the Department.
‘The previous NationalBroadband Scheme omitted quite alarge portion of the county. Theexperience of householders and
businesses has proven these areasshould have been included.
‘Operators, such as Eircom,have informed me that many areasoutside [Galway] city will not beincluded in schemes such as their‘e-fibre’ plan because it iscommercially unviable to do so.
‘In this context, it is crucial thatthe State intervene and deal withthe market failure to ensure allareas of Galway receive highspeed broadband, which hasbecome essential for business, jobsand many day-to-day householdactivities.’
l THREE ‘campesinos’from OughterardExpress Hardwarestore recently raised€800 in aid of prostate cancer, in theMovember fundraisingdrive; pictured fromleft to right: DerekMolloy, John Morleyand Brendan Larkin
l THE Vaughanbrothers, Diarmuid,Jim and Brian, ofRoundstone HouseHotel along with MikeVallely, ran the BerlinMarathon inSeptember. Through avariety of fundraisingefforts the groupreaised €8,425 for theLauraLynn Children’sHospice.
PHOTO: TOM BRODERICK
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€15,700
We would like to wish all our Customers a MerryChristmas & Happy
New Year
News in briefl COUNCILLOR TomWelby has called onBord Iascaigh Mharaand Minister Coveney toimmediately withdrawproposals to locate afish farm one mile fromthe main beach in InisOirr ‘in light of thetremendous success ofthe islanders in winningthe international Livcom[Livable Community]Awards’. Cllr Welbysays the proposed fishfarm would negate thebenefits of winning theaward, as it would havea visual impact on thebeach, and uneaten fishfood and fish faeces –approximately 1,200tonnes in a 22-monthperiod – could have aserious effect on theisland. Cllr Welby alsocalled on candidates inthe upcoming localelections to clearlyoutline what their partypolicy is in relation tothe proposed fish farm.
l TOM Mongan ofLetterfrack will launchhis first book, A SongFor The Forest, inPaddy Coynes,Tullycross on SundayMarch 9 at 5pm. Thebook recalls Tom’s timeworking around Irelandin the 1960s as aforestry plough driver.
11NEWSJOURNAL
theconnemara
THE Clifden StationHouse Hotel is hostingthe fourth ConnemaraWalking Festival nextmonth, writes Tony Kiely.
The highly successfulevent, which attractsmore than 100 hill walk-ers and mountaineeringenthusiasts from all cor-ners of the island andacross Europe, is led bythe local archaeologistMichael Gibbons
The festival kicks offon Friday March 14 withan introductory talkhosted by Michael Gib-bons, exploring the richhistory of the Connemara‘Islands and Highlands’(Clifden Station HouseHotel, 8.30pm).
Saturday takes in a tripto Inishbofin to visit thebest-preserved 17th cen-tury fort and ancient har-bour on Ireland’s westcoast and explore abronze-age landscape‘complete with 4,000-year-old houses, cookingsites and ancient wallsemerging from the bog’.
The skies of Bofin be-long to choughs, corn-crakes and falcons and its
seas teem with fish lifewhich feed the island’slarge seal colony.
The Bofin trip offerseasy-to-moderate walk-ing along small roads,open bog and mountains,and sets off from the PierBar, Cleggan at 11am.
The final day of thefestival takes in ErrisbegHill and Inishnee Island.The walking is on roughground but your effortswill be rewarded withthree peaks to climb andhuge views.
To the Northwest liesHigh Island, with SlyneHead lighthouse to the farwest. The Twelve Bensmountains dominate theviews to the north, and to
the south lay an assort-ment of islands, includ-ing the famouspilgrimage island of St.Macdara.
A ‘relaxed hike’ on In-ishnee Island takes in a5,000-year-old forestdrowned by rising seas, aruined monastery andabandoned famine cot-tages. The walk will beon track and trail withpanoramic ocean andmountain views, is a rel-atively easy hike, andthere will be time for aswim for those so in-clined.
l For further informa-tion or to book, call (095)21699 or visit www.clif-denstationhouse.com
THE daffodils may justbe peeping their headsabove the ground, butit’s already time to startthinking about ournational holiday.
The St Patrick’s DayParade Committee of theClifden & DistrictCommunity Council isinviting schools,businesses, communitygroups and individualsfrom all areas toparticipate in the Clifdenparade on Monday,March 17 at 12.30pm.
This year’s paradepromises to be a day offun for all the family,with lots of additionalactivities on offer,including face painting,a children’s disco andplenty of surprise treats.
The 2014 parade alsosees the introduction ofa special prize categoryfor the Best DressedDancing Leprechaun.
A spokesman for thecommittee said: ‘Wehope to see lots ofdancing leprechauns ofall ages battle it out forthis prize and becrowned Connemara’sKing/Queen Leprechaun2014.’
The parade willcommence at 12.30pm,with groups to assemblealong the Galway Roadat 11.30am.
Stewards will be onhand along the route toensure a safe and well-marshalled parade.Participating groups andindividuals may enterany float or theme – sothe wilder theimagination the better.
There are a variety ofprize categories thisyear, including: best
overall (€100 prize andplaque); most topical(€100); best communityeffort (€100); mostcomical (€100); bestschool entry (€100); andmultiple schools runnerup prizes. Allparticipating childrenwill receive medals, andthere is also an audienceparticipation prize forthe ‘best dresseddancing leprechaun’(€100).
Every school thatparticipates in the paradewill receive a framedCertificate ofParticipation.
As in previous years,there will beentertainment on theTown Square prior to theparade, andentertainment willcontinue into theafternoon with song anddance provided by localmusicians and achildren’s disco.
l Groups planning toparticipate are asked tocomplete a registrationform, which can berequested by [email protected] or by calling 087-9017406
Patrick’s Day plans underway A three-day walking festival thathikes through history and heritage
BIKE ElectricConnemara, a foundermember of the ElectricEscapes Ireland (EEI)network, is one of fourcompanies invited byFáilte Ireland to attend theTelegraph OutdoorAdventure & Travel Showin London this week.
The company, based atAll Things Connemara,in Clifden, will beshowcasing its bike toursat the event andpromoting Connemara asone of the best cyclingdestinations in Europe.
Bike ElectricConnemara ownerJonathan Powell said:‘Electric bike hire andtours along both the WildAtlantic Way and furtherafield make Ireland anultimate destination forcycling. We hope toinspire both tourists andlocal communities aliketo discover our preciousand beautiful heritage’.
l For moreinformation, seewww.bikeelectric.ie
l See Sport, page 21
Londonpitch forbike tours
Revellers at last year’sClifden parade
12NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
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with Madam Margaret
HAVE YOUR PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE TOLD.GUIDANCE GIVEN IN ALL AREAS.
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Appearing at An Bhean Feasa, Clifden on Friday February 21 from 10am-6pmFor an appointment call: 087 3368052
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087-2766924
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Jens WernerPhone: 095-22209Emergencies: 087-9179248 (24hr)
Business Hours: Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat: 10.00-12.30
A VERY sincere thankyou from everyone in theSt Vincent de Paul,Connemara West, for allthe support we havereceived this year,particularly over theChristmas period.
The ConnemaraChamber of Commerceheld their annual fashionshow in the StationHouse Theatre and raised€4,000. Many thanks toeveryone involved, andparticularly thefundraising committee ofMichele Hehir, AmeliaWhelan, Siobhan Conneely, Gerry Gannon and Joe Lynch.
Christopher Shanahan,President of the ConnemaraChamber, presented the cheque to us on the opening day of the St. Vincent de Paul Shop inClifden (pictured).
The shop was officially openedby the Deputy Mayor of CountyGalway, Councillor EileenMannion. A large crowd gatheredfor the opening, getting things offto a wonderful start for the shop,which carried on throughout theweek. Many thanks to everyoneinvolved – those who donatedgoods, those who purchased,those who donated financially, thevolunteers who helped throughoutthe week, and to JJ and Cathriona
Mannion, who gave us the use oftheir premises.
The fundraising committee ofChrist Church held an auction toraise funds for Clifden ShelteredHousing, the St. Vincent de Pauland Christ Church – many thanksto them for their contribution.
The fifth class students of ScoilMhuire once again bakedChristmas cakes with theirteacher, Miss King. They raised€600 with a raffle in the schooland we raised a further €200 inthe shop with the cakes theydonated. It is very heart warmingfor us that local children are soenthusiastic about raising as muchas they can to help those in need.
Walsh’s Bakery and CoffeeShop raffled a hamper and raised
€322, while KevinGavin/Mannion’s Bar raised €150 with a walk on St. Stephen’sDay. Ben Crowe of ConnemaraBlue donated a percentage fromevery clock he sold, raising afurther €345.
Monies raised are used to helpthose most in need in theConnemara area, and is very muchappreciated by those who receiveit. Once again this year, everyonehas been so generous in so manydifferent ways, and for those whoare suffering hardship it iswonderful that there is so muchcommunity spirit and generosity.
Wishing everyone health,happiness and many blessings in2014, from all in the St. Vincentde Paul, Connemara.
THE new signposting onthe N59 provides clearand simple directions fortraffic, and is a hugeimprovement on thediverse range ofinformation that wasavailable previously.
No doubt there areoddities and some finetuning would make itbetter – and we wouldwelcome yoursuggestions on the point.
Galway County
Council would like tocontinue the process onthe regional roads andthis is a positiveapproach to helpingvisitors to find their wayaround the area safelyand successfully.
We would like yoursuggestions as to howthis can work, and whichdirections should begiven. Townlands couldbe identified, as couldbeaches, walks, scenic
locations and sportsfacilites. There is also aneed to identify where aroad is going, and topoint out the attractions,accommodation, andfood available along aroute, as well asupcoming events.
There is a lot to pointout and it needs to becoordinated so that theinformation does not getlost in the crowd.
The Connemara
Chamber of Commercewould like to hear yoursuggestions.
You can send them by post, email [email protected] come to our nextmeeting in the upstairsmeeting room in theTown Hall, Clifden, onFriday February 14 from6pm-7pm.
CHRIS SHANAHANPresident, Connemara
Chamber of Commerce
FIANNA Fáil last monthlaunched its alternativeCAP proposals, whichthe party describes as‘aimed at reinforcing thestrength of the familyfarm for the next decade’.
Party Spokespersonon Agriculture, ÉamonÓ Cuív – who spoke at ameeting on the subjectin Clifden Town Halllast week – said thepackage of proposals putforward by MinisterSimon Coveney is‘flawed and lacks bothobjectivity and fairness’.
Deputy Ó Cuív said:‘The CAP packagenegotiated by thegovernment isconsiderably smallerthan its predecessor. Thetotal funding availablefrom Europe under CAPhas been reduced – thisis of major significanceto Irish farming at a timeof rising input costs.
‘The Minister’spreoccupation during thenegotiations appears to
have been focussed onpreserving the interestsof a small number offarmers in receipt oflarge grants based onhistorical circumstances,rather than trying tosecure a package thatwould sustain as manyfamily farms as ispracticable, whichwould give all farmersthe opportunity toimprove their situation.
‘I also believe that inthe CAP negotiations,not enough emphasiswas placed on the needto ensure a fair price forfarmers from bothmultiples andprocessors. TheMinister’s recentnational proposalsreinforce this.
‘If we want to sustainfarming into the future,farmers must be able toreceive a fair price fortheir produce. This isparticularly importantfor highly productivefarmers.
‘The CAP agreementshould haveconsiderable social andeconomic implicationsmeaning the purpose offarming is to maintainthe family farm at theheart of Europeanfarming and to ensurethat all farmers, nomatter where they arefrom and irrespective ofthe size and type of land,would receive a fairreturn from agriculture.
‘Fianna Fáil believesthat the individualnational proposalsrepresent a realopportunity to put Irishagriculture on a soundfooting over the nextdecade.
‘Our proposals aremuch more equitableand are based on theprinciples of paymentcentred on currentcircumstances, equal payand equal obligation.’
l Fianna Fáil’s CAPPolicy Paper is availableat www.fiannafail.ie
FINE Gael Deputy Seán Kyne has welcomedcomments by the Minister for Transport,Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, saying thathe will consider the possibility of a grantscheme for capital expenditure onequipment for mountain rescue teams toassist in the vital services they provide.
Deputy Kyne said: ‘The 12 mountainrescue teams in this country, mainly staffedby volunteers, provide a crucial service topeople who find themselves in difficultsituations on mountainous terrain.
‘The Department of Transport fundscurrent expenditure to the tune of €186,000.However, the cost of running our mountainrescue teams continues to escalate as thegrowth in adventure related tourism isputting pressure on existing resources.
‘I asked Minister Varadkar, by way of anOral Parliamentary Question, to consider thepossibility of providing our mountain rescueteams with an additional capital grant toassist them with the upgrade of theirequipment and training for their volunteers.
‘Minister Varadkar has agreed to considerproviding a modest capital grant and hasrequested his Department to engage with
Mountain Rescue Ireland to determine howmuch funding is required and how this wouldbe used.’
In reference to the VAT charged onpurchase of rescue equipment, Cathal ÓConchúir, Sinn Féin Local Election candidatefor Galway City West, called for a VATexemption for all mountain rescue teams.
Mr Ó Conchúir said: ‘These [mountainrescue] teams literally save hundreds of liveseach year.
‘If we wish to develop tourism in the westwe need to expand and grow this aspect ofcultural tourism in a more sustainablemanner. However, if we can’t have aprofessional rescue service for theseactivities, this potential growth sector in ourlocal economy will be undeniably stunted.
‘Sinn Féin firmly believes that there is apublic interest in exempting all of the state’sMountain Rescue Teams from VAT because atthe moment these services are largelyfunded by voluntary donation.
‘The reality is that this exemption of VAT,while having little or no effect on the state’sfinances, would significantly ease the burdenon the rescue teams concerned.’
Local groups lead the way tosupport St Vincent de Paul
We want your direction on how to signpost local attractions
Ó Cuív puts forward CAP alternative
Calls for mountain rescue VAT exemption
Starting March 2014, the Journal will be launching its
summer advertising packages
Book your package today andSAVE UP TO 25%
on standard ratesCall (095) 30707 or email
[email protected] for details
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13DIARYJOURNAL
theconnemara
The next issue of the Connemara Journal will
be published on March 12
The deadline for advertising and submitting articles
is Friday February 28
To advertise, email [email protected]
or call 095-30707
Do you have a jobvacancy you wish to fill?
FORUM Connemara Ltdinvites you to use our
Employment, Education and Training
notice board in SuperValu Clifden.
This service displaysyour job vacancy for 2months and is free ofcharge to employers
in the region.
Please email your ad [email protected] or contact Anita on 095- 21741
Hello there!
Ellie-Mai was born onNovember 27 to proudparents Ciara Mitchelland Patrick McDonagh
Aoife Ní Dhálaigh, Tony Kiely and big sister Alice Wren, Mullaghgloss, welcomedcub reporter DearbhlaRowan on December 8
Kurt and Aoife Lydon,Moyard, along with bigbrother Marcus aredelighted to welcomeSiún, born January 5
TOP Oil Galway and Clifden have announcedtheir sponsorship of the Galway Bay Cycling Clubthree-day Mizen to Malin Challenge this MayBank Holiday weekend. Top Oil drivers StevenRima and Fergal Flynn are taking part in thisevent. All proceeds are being donated to CROÍ
A DOG adoption dayorganised by Camus-based dog charity Madratook place at Trusty PetPals, Briarhill BusinessPark, on January 25.
The event was anopportunity for thoseinterested in adopting adog to talk to the Madrateam and to meet someof the dogs and pups thatare currently looking for
their new homes.Madra spokeswoman
Eileen Keleghan said:‘We are still goingthrough the home checkprocess, but at themoment we estimate that15 dogs and pups foundtheir new homes thanksto the adoption day.
‘We also met anumber of people whocame along to discuss
their options, andalthough there may nothave been a dog suitablefor them on the day,many have had theirhome check done andwill be adopting whentheir ideal dog comesalong.’
Over the past twomonths, the charity hasbeen inundated withdogs and pups, and with
‘Heart-warming’ turn out at Madra’s dog adoption day
THERE was a great sense ofcommunity and celebration inLeenane National School onFriday December 6 as the SeaGarden Childcare facility had itsofficial opening.
The Sea Garden was adornedwith paper angels and stars andguests were treated to arendition of ‘Rattlin Bog’, ‘Maggyin the Woods’ and ‘Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star’, all sung bythe children and accompanied bypupils from the National Schoolon the bodhrán, fiddle, tinwhistle, banjo and the accordion.
For the opening, the childrenof the Sea Garden made acolourful paper chain to replacethe standard ribbon, and theyoungest child – Kitty RoseMurphy, aged just 2 ½ years – cutthe ribbon with a little help fromchildcare providers Philomena
Lydon and Aoife Hade.In attendance on the day were
Councillor Seán Ó Tuairisg,Deputy Mayor of County Galway,Eileen Mannion, Sean Kyne TDand Senator Fidelma HealyEames. The guests paid tribute tothe efforts of the community inbringing the Sea Garden intobeing, and commented on thevibrancy of the playschool andlocal community.
And with the addition ofbabies Mallidh Mc Loughlin andGwen Thompson within Leenanevillage in the last six months, itlooks like the Sea Garden will bebusy for some years to come.
l The Sea Garden offers bothfull, part time and after schoolchild care from age 2 years andup. For further details, call 087-3345101 or email [email protected]
A snip of the paper chain marksopening of Leenane Sea Garden
Retirees plan an exciting line up of events for 2014
CONNEMARA Chamber of Commerce PresidentChris Shanahan (right) presents Michael Burke(Kingstown) with a cheque for €15,000 followinghis Community Lotto win last month
Graduations
AN exciting programme of events has been drawn up for 2014 by the Moycullen Active RetirementAssociation (MARA), with highlights including athree-night trip to Belfast from March 30 to April 2.
The Association – which received a ‘RecognitionAward’ in the Age Friendly category at the 2013County Mayors Awards – was joined byrepresentatives from the Galway County PeopleTalkJury for a workshop in Moycullen on January 13.
The purpose of the Galway County PeopleTalk Juryis to rebuild trust in public life by giving the people asay in the reform of public services. The workshop sawmembers freely offering their views on what is goodand bad in the public service.
MARA’s AGM was held in December, and somenew members have come forward to fill officer postsand serve on the committee.
l MARA meets every Monday from 10.30am inÁrus Uilinn. New members welcome. For moreinformation call Susan on 087-7601128
Send your birth announcements, family news or graduation pictures to:
!
Clifden MartGalway road clifdenConnemara pony sale Saturday 22 february
Cattle sale Friday 7 march
Cattle sale Friday 21 march
Connemara pony sale Saturday 17
& Sunday 18 mayAll enquires tel (095) 21861
or 087 2485422
Mongan Memorials
Est. 1975
Headstones – SandblastingCleaning
Additional Names, etc
Showroom: (095) 43473Mobile: 087-1307752
087-6461189on the seafront at Derryinver
right beside Ocean’s Alive Visitor Centre
Open 7 Days a WeekOpen 7 Days a Week
Mongan Memorials
Est. 1975
Headstones – SandblastingCleaning
Additional Names, etc
Showroom: (095) 43473Mobile: 087-1307752
087-6461189on the seafront at Derryinver
right beside Ocean’s Alive Visitor Centre
connemaraJOURNAL
the
a slowdown in rehomingexperienced during theChristmas period therescue is packed tocapacity – and in need ofnew homes for a varietyof dogs of all shapes,sizes and ages.
Ms Keleghan added:‘The interest in the eventwas heart-warming. We
had so many peopleattend, and our fantasticteam of volunteers madesure that everything ransmoothly and that ourdogs were promoted topotential new owners.’
l For moreinformation on futureadoption days seewww.madra.ie
Donal Lydon, Carna, wasawarded a Bachelor ofBusiness in Recreation andLeisure certificate from theInstitute of Technology, Sligoon November 8
Joseph de Courcey, who wasrecently conferred with aPhD in Immunology at DCU, with his parents Leo and Angela
Dean Alyn Elcock, Cleggan,graduated from GMITNovember 14 with a 1:1Distinction in Bachelor ofScience in Construction,Economics and QuantitySurveying. Dean also gotStudent of The Year
14FEATURES
FEBRUARY 2014
December:1st – Tristan KellyNight Sky over Ballyconneely (right)Joint 2nd – Tristan Kelly Last Sliver of Light (below, left)Joint 2nd – Tristan Kelly Milky Way (below, centre)3rd Mark Furniss Roundstone at Night (below, right)
l For more information on the Connemara Photographic Society visit www.connemaraphotosociety.comor www.facebook.com/connemaraphotosocietyl The theme for February is‘Decay’. The closing date forentries is February 21
In pictures: ‘Night’Connemara Photographic Society’s monthly competition
In pictures:‘StormyWeather’
January:1st – Jody PollingtonInvisible Winds (above)2nd – Aoife Herriott The Sea Wall Renvyle,January 6 (left)3rd – BrendanMcGuiness Mutton Island during therecent storms (far left)
15FEATURESJOURNAL
theconnemara
January is over and withit, I hope, the storms,the rain and the, as yetto be activated, New
Year’s resolutions! Am I theonly one?
For some reason Januaryhas just been about gettingby. February, on the otherhand, is the start of all thingsnew! But as the gales stillhowl outside while I write,there is a call for comfortfood one last time before thefreshness of spring sets in.
My comfort food of themonth is a slowly roastedshoulder of pork.
It’s not a piece to havecarved beautifully at theSunday lunch table – it’smore a plate of messy, juicygoodness that will makeeveryone happy from theinside out.
It takes about seven hours,but after the initial 30-minutehigh roast you can forgetabout it, go out and comeback to a perfectly cooked
piece of juicy meat.The other greatthing about thisis that the
leftovers can be used for thepulled pork sandwiches thewhole world seems to betalking about of late.
Ingredients: Serves 6 witha bit left over for thepulled pork 2kg shoulder of pork (askthe butcher to score themeat for you)500mls water/pork/chickenstockRub: 2 tbsp of fennel seeds1½ tsp smoked paprika1tbsp Maldon salt1 tbsp dark brown sugar1 tsp black pepper, ground
MethodPreheat the oven to220C/gas 7
Put the fennel seeds on ahot pan and toss around fora minute or so. Then grindin a pestle and mortar(fennel is difficult to grindto a powder so it doesn’tmatter if it’s a bit rough).
To make the rub, simplymix the ground fennel seedswith the salt, sugar, pepperand smoked paprika.
Rub this right in to thescored skin and all over themeat.
Place the meat on aroasting tray, skin side up,and put in the preheatedoven for 30 minutes.
Turn the oven down to150C/gas 2. Cover the porkwith a double layer oftinfoil, creating a little tentwith the tinfoil to allow thesteam to circulate.
Cook the pork for afurther 6 hours.
Remove the pork andallow to rest for 30 minutes.
Turn the oven up to220C/gas 7, and remove thetinfoil.
Place, uncovered, in thehot oven again for 10 minutesfor the skin to crisp up.
Then make the gravy byremoving as much of the fatfrom the roasting tray aspossible, pouring the water/stock, and mixing in all thejuicy, sticky bits from thebottom of the tray.
Simmer for 1-2 minutesand strain before using.
Serve with the obligatoryroast potatoes and kale orpurple sprouting broccoli.
If there is any left over,break it up with two forks,chop in some of thecrackling, pour over theleftover gravy and leave inthe fridge for 24 hoursbefore reheating, using it ina wrap with some crispylettuce or in a roll withsome celeriac remoulade.Pickles would be good too.
A little extra, but so worthit – Celeriac Remoulade
Dressing: put 4 tbsp ofcrème fraiche in a bowlwith 1½ tsp of wholegrainmustard, grated zest andjuice of ½ lemon, some salt
and pepper and mix.(If you have it, a teaspoon
of grated horseradish in themix is good here too)
Peel one medium celeriacand cut into chunks andgrate in a blender or slicevery thinly (to matchsticks).
Add to the dressing asyou go to prevent it from
going brown. Mix theceleriac and dressing andallow to sit for at least 1hour for the flavours tomellow before using.
l For more, visitwww.breakingeggs.com,www.facebook.com/BreakingEggs, or folow onTwitter @Cliodhnaof
Mmmm... messy, juicy goodness
‘BRINGING FOOD AND COOKING TO THE NEXT GENERATION IN A HEALTHY, FUN AND INFORMATIVE WAY’
Winter windsprovide a perfectexcuse for thiscrackling goodcomfort food,writes CliodhnaPrendergast
Trees are few and far between here inConnemara and native woodland hasbecome one of our rarest naturalhabitats. Derryclare and Ballinahinch
are important exceptions but elsewhere treessurvive in much smaller groupings. Theshallow limestone soil is mostly home tofragmented scrub woodland made up of hazeland birch. Other native varieties include oak,alder and holly.
Hawthorn (sceach gheal) is my ownfavourite, perhaps because of its hardinessand its associations with folklore. The
Deborah Watkins looks at some of the traditions andsuperstitions associated with the hawthorn
hawthorn can be identified for most of theyear by its scrawny appearance, its sharpthorns and small serrated leaves. It oftendevelops with the prevailing wind and itstrunk and branches contort over time, lendingit an almost sculptural quality.
The wood itself is very hard but it is muchtoo small to be considered as a timber tree.Traditionally it has been used to make smallitems such as boxes and tool handles. It isalso a highly efficient fuel, makingthe hottest wood-fire known.
In May and early June, thehawthorn transforms itself with tiny
white flowers. Dressedfor brighter days, it is awelcome sight ofsummer in fields andhedgerows aroundIreland.
The hawthorn playsan important part in thefestival of Bealtaine(Mayday). People tierags or cloths on the treein order to make a wishand these hawthorns,often called ‘rag trees’are usually associatedwith holy wells.
This tree near Leenane(right) is adorned withrags and tokens but is
not associatedwith any well.
In laterfolklore, the treebecame a symbolof bad luck. Iremember myown grandmotherfrowned on theflowersespecially. Sheinstructed us not to take them indoorsunder anycircumstances,lest they brought
misfortune with them. Another old Irish custom says that if one of
your neighbours uses a hawthorn stick to herdcattle then he is up to no good!
Some still believe that the hawthorn ( alsoknown as the ‘fairy tree’) should not be cutdown because of its spiritual qualities andlinks to the fairy world.
Such a wealth of tradition around one smallspecies, an ordinary tree in many ways butone which has woven its way into the historyand lore of many.l You can see more of Deborah’s
photographs at www.deborahwatkinspaintings.com and read more aboutConnemara flowers at the ‘ConnemaraWildflower Diary’ at www.sealydesign.com
The life and loreof an ordinary tree
Hawthorn flowers (by Brigid Sealy)
Hawthorn near the Bog Road (by Deborah Watkins)
Hawthorn tree near Leenane (by Deborah Watkins)
I have to retire nextsummer when I reach theage of 65 but I have heard Iwon’t get a State pensionuntil I am 66. Is there
another social welfare payment thatI can get until then?
Yes, you can claim ajobseeker’s payment. If youhave enough social insurancecontributions you can getJobseeker’s Benefit (JB). If
you are claiming JB at the age of 65and have at least 156 PRSIcontributions, you can continue toreceive JB until your 66th birthday,even if your claim is due to end beforethat date. Otherwise you may apply forJobseeker’s Allowance, which is ameans-tested payment.
Before 2014, people aged 65 whoretired from work could apply for theState Pension (Transition). This hasnow been abolished (from January 1,2014). If you wish you can claim ajobseeker’s payment until you are aged66.
In general, to qualify for eitherJobseeker’s Benefit or Allowance youmust be genuinely seeking work and beavailable for full-time employment,and these conditions will continue toapply to older jobseekers.
However there are specialarrangements for jobseekers aged 62and over. You will no longer berequired to engage with employment,advice and training referral services
and your payment won’t be affected bynon-engagement with these services.
If you wish you can avail of a rangeof supports (for example, training oremployment support programmes) fromthe Department of Social Protection.
Most jobseekers aged 62 or over willbe placed on an annual signingarrangement with their local socialwelfare office or Intreo centre. Thismeans that they do not need to attendand sign on regularly.
Also, most of them will betransferred to Electronic Fund Transferpayments so payment can be madedirectly into their bank account.
Before you retire you can get furtherinformation about applying for ajobseeker’s payment from your localsocial welfare office or Intreo centre orfrom the Citizens Information Centre.
l Further information is availablefrom Clifden Citizens InformationService, which provides a free andconfidential service to the public. Tel: 087 1301100 & 076 107 7580Email: [email protected]: c/o 2nd Floor, Credit UnionBuilding, ClifdenOpening hours: Thursday 7pm-8pm, Friday 10.30am-3.30pm.Letterfrack Service 1.30pm-4.30pm,Tuesday February 25.
l Information is also availableonline at citizensinformation.ie
16FEATURES
FEBRUARY 2014
2013 was a distinct disappointment forsome astronomers who had hoped itwould be known as the ‘Year of theComet’, as Comet PANSTARRS wasrelatively dim approaching the Sun inNovember and then was disintegratedaltogether during its extremely close,1million km pass above the solarsurface.
However, already this year there isreason for optimism with the recentnews that the space probe Rosetta,originally launched several years ago,has been awakened by the EuropeanSpace Agency (ESA) and will rendezvouswith comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, a 2.5 mile-wide ball ofdirt and gas that orbits between Jupiterand Earth. Rosetta will attempt alanding on the comet’s surface – amove that has never been attemptedbefore by any probe.
The mission has been likened to thatof the action film Armageddon, inwhich Bruce Willis lands on an asteroidas part of a bid to save the world fromdestruction.
ESA project scientist Matt Taylor saidin a press statement: ‘It will be anamazing achievement for humanendeavour, an Armageddon type thing.We're not just landing on the Moon –we're dealing with something dynamicwhich is kicking off tonnes of dust andgas every minute.’
If all goes to plan, Rosetta will arriveat Churyumov-Gerasimenko in August,when it will study the plume of gasand water vapour that will boil off andtrail behind as the comet nears theSun.
If the chemical signature ofhydrogen matches that found in wateron Earth, it will strongly suggest thatcomets may have filled the oceanswhen they smashed into our planetbillions of years ago, soon after it wasformed.
The comets may also have deliveredsome of the key carbon-basedingredients for life, so the Rosettamission must be considered one of themore important ones in the history ofspace exploration.
Mercury, a very fast moving planetowing to its proximity to the Sun, can beviewed under the right conditions at thebeginning of February, seen very low inthe SW after sundown. It then is visiblein late February in the SE before sunrise.
Venus is low in the SE before sunrisefor the entire month of February. Agood pair of binoculars or a telescopewill show its phases.
The Moon reached First Quarter onFebruary 6 and is Full on February 15.On the night of February 19, it willmove to a few degrees of arc awayfrom Spica in the constellation Virgo.Spica, a blue giant star, is 260 lightyears away from us and the 15thbrightest star in the nighttime sky.
As Mars moves westwards across thesky, it rises mid-evening and is low inthe SW at sunrise. Its magnitude shinesat about +0.3 during the month whilstits angular size is roughly 8.8 arcseconds.
Jupiter, the Solar System’s largestplanet, can be seen high overhead atsunset and sets after midnight.Jupiter’s angular size remains at about46 arc seconds throughout the monthso a small telescope can see lots ofdetails, notably the Great Red Spotwhich has recently become moreprominent and will be seen as a largefeature in the South Equatorial Belt.
Saturn rises before midnight and ishigh in the SW at sunrise. Stationed inconstellation Libra, it is shining with amagnitude of +0.6 and its disk has adiameter of ~16 arc seconds.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
What can I claim while I waitto qualify for a State pension?
QA
THE CONNEMARASKY AT NIGHT
Computer generated model of the ESA’s Rosetta
THE Letterfrack FilmSociety is back againwith an excitingselection of films fromaround the world,screening everyTuesday fromFebruary 18 untilMarch 25.
First up is Wadjda,the story of a younggirl who desperatelywants a bicycle she hasseen for sale but lacksthe means to buy it.
Short Term 12(February 25) is thestory of Grace, thepassionate and toughsupervisor in a foster-care home who’s in lovewith her co-worker.
The Great Beauty(March 4) introducesus to Jep Gambardella,who spends hisbirthday reflectingupon a life of beautyand excess.
Caesar Must Die(March 11) offersgentle humour with anemotional punch asprisoners in a highsecurity prison preparefor a performance ofJulius Caesar.
Like Father Like Son(March 18) follows thestory of a successful
business man and hiswife who are facedwith life-changingdecisions ondiscovering theirbiological son wasswitched at birth withanother child.
Blancanieves (March25) is Snow White witha twist, and is set in1920s Seville in thecommunity of the city’sbullfighters.
l Films are screenedon Tuesdays at 8.30pmin the audio-visualtheatre in ConnemaraNational Park,Letterfrack, and non-members can pay atthe door. Tickets cost€6.50 (concession €5),and season tickets areavailable. For more informationsee www.letterfrackfilm.net
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17HEALTHJOURNAL
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For more information on courses, coaching & special offers Call: 087 141 3026
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Several peopleasked me towrite about theflu. So here
goes. The flu is a virus,not a bacteria.Antibiotics are forbacterial, not viral,infections. Naturalmedicine is very usefulfor flu prevention andtreatment. Here aresome tips.
Prevention: When thebug is going around,take care of yourself.Listen to your body. Iffeeling tired, slow downor stop. Tiredness meansvulnerability, and then itis very easy to catch theflu. Protect yourself.This is the one beststrategy for prevention.
To help withprevention, when thebug is going round andwhen tired, takecarrageen, two or threecups a day. Carrageenstrengthens the mucosallayer of the respiratorytract, and supportsenergy and the immunitysystem.
When down with theflu: Rest is essential.Rest protects energy andbuilds it up. Workingwith a flu makes it likelythe illness will be muchworse and last weekslonger.
Often there is noappetite. Pay attention tothis. No appetite meansthe body is not hungry –it does not want to eat. Itis busy dealing with theflu. So don’t eat. If youwant to eat, eat smallamounts of easilydigested food. Brothsand light soups are ideal.
When the appetitebegins to return, startwith broths. Small
amounts of chicken inbroth provide easilydigested protein andboosts yang (energy,warmth).
Lots of carrageenthroughout the flu isvery helpful. Add inhoney and fresh lemonjuice. If chilly, addginger or chili.
For herbs rich inbioflavonoids (related toVitamin C) whichsupport the immunitysystem, use elderberry,hawthorn.Immunostimulant herbsinclude echinacea,astragalus. Herbs tosupport the lungs includecoltsfoot, elecampane,osha. For the deep achingpains common in flu, useboneset. For fatigue, uselicorice, ginseng. Forchilliness, use ginger,cayenne. Takeabundantly in teaspoondoses during the flu.
Vitamin C in smalland frequent doses helpsimmunity. Large dosesof Vitamin C mostlypass through unused,hence small frequentdosing. Beta carotene,Vitamin E, zinc andbioflavonoids alsosupport immunity. Thechemist may offer somecombination of theabove supplements.
In Chinese medicine,the onset of the flu maybe Wind Invasion, eitherCold or Heat, or a mixof both. Wind Cold oftenstarts with exposure, forexample to rain or to thecutting east or southeastwind. Often the personknows the exact momentof cold wind invasion.Symptoms include chillywith little or no fever,runny nose, stiff or achy
nape of neck. Wind Heatsymptoms include fever,yellow or green mucusfrom the throat or nose,sweating, swollen lymphnodes and sore throatand tonsils. Both typesof Wind Invasions canprogress to Lung Heat –bronchitis or pneumonia.Acupuncture andcupping is appropriate.
A useful hometreatment is ‘wet socks’.This treatment comesfrom the 19th centuryspas and sanatoriums ofthe Alps. Put a pair ofcotton socks in icewater, wring out verytightly, and pull on.Immediately, pull overdry wool socks and gostraight to bed to sleep.The body will send heatdown to the feet to driveout the cold and to dryout the socks. ‘Wetsocks’ is effective foropening up circulation,for supporting theimmunity system, andfor stimulating thebody’s core of energy.Some people find itdeeply relaxing, oftenexperiencing the bestsleep they have had inyears. Do daily.
Please make a strongcommitment to usingmany of these steps. Thiswill drastically shortenthe time sick with theflu, by half or two thirds.Recovery will be farmore complete.
l Nicolas Kats ND,Lic Ac, is a USNaturopathic Doctor andlicenced acupuncturist.He practices at DooneenClinic, Clifden, and atHealth & Herbs,Galway. 086-3651590(text only),[email protected]
As we start anotheryear, likeclockwork theresolution stories
start to appear. ‘Make2014 your big year! Loseweight, get fit and giveup the cigarettes.’
And yet as theeconomics of gymmembership willillustrate, most peoplehonour New Year’sresolutions for a shorttime. In fact by now fourout of five people havesimply given up theirresolutions. It’s the NewYear alright, but it’s thesame old you.
Does that mean weshouldn’t even botherwith them? Not at all. Ilove the New Year for thevery reason that it inspiresus to do something. Thereis something fresh aboutthe New Year that givesus the stimulus to startsomething.
The problem is weusually set all or nothingNew Year’s goals that wecan’t possibly keep andfrankly don’t expectourselves to.
Most resolutions aregeneral, vague andunrealistic. We failbecause we alwaysexpected to. We live upto our expectation. Thisis what we do every year.Then we can pull out theold excuses of being toobusy, overwhelmed, ortoo tired to face thechallenge.
However let February2014 be the time youfinally draw up the list ofresolutions that you aregoing to keep. You owe itto that dreamer whowants so much for youevery December but getslost before the journeyeven gets started.
Don’t allow the cynicin you, which appears tobe part of our mind-set inrecent years, rise aboveyour aspiration this year.One thing cynicism is notis inspiring, and major
inspiration is what weneed.
A great start is bysetting resolutions, orany other goals, that aretangible, actionable, andpossible. Here’s how:
Keep your goals out ofreach, but not out ofsight. Set goals thatmatter to you. It‘s yourlist, not a generic list ofthings associated withgood health. What doyou need to focus on?
Every resolution youchoose should have aplan to accomplish it. Forexample, don’t just vowto give up cigarettes.Determine what stepsyou need to take.Research the availableoptions and choose thebest path for you.Education is always yourally in these decisions
Rather than making allor nothing resolutions,build in milestones. Forexample, instead ofattempting to hit the gymevery day, commit toexercising 2-3 times a
week and graduallyincreasing. Record andchart your progress.Stick it up somewherevisible and use it asencouragement
Believe in your ownability to change.Consider that everyday,people in the worst ofcircumstances decide tochange their lives – anddo. If they can, you can.Whatever has happenedin the past has no impacton what you can do withyour future.
No man is an island.Surround yourself with agreat team of positivepeople. Choose familyand friends who want
you to succeed. Therewill be difficult dayswhen you may fail buthaving the proper supportteam in place will allowyou get back on track.Remember, you haven’tfailed if you get up onemore time than you fall.
Plan for a great year.A person who wantssomething will find away; a person whodoesn’t will find anexcuse.
l Alan King is aQualified PersonalTrainer with theAustralian Institute ofFitness – contact him [email protected] for more details
Keep your goals out ofreach but not out of sight
From getting fit to quitting smoking, set realistic goals for 2014
Simple ways to sockit to the flu this winter
An Bhean FeasaHealth Shop
Bridge Street, Tel 095 30671
Irish Organic Veg Seeds Now in Stock
Grow your own and enjoy good food and good health
Nick Kats tackles that dreaded, lingering virus
Alan King
l Seven local piano students took part in a publicrecital entitled ‘Playtime – Help Our Notes MakeNotes!’, in aid of Kynsna Townships, SouthAfrica, at St Mary’s College Galway in December.Among the participants were Millicent MarinotWood, Alice Marinot Wood, Hilary Joyce, NiamhShanahan, Maeve Vaughan, Leah Dyck and AnnaShanahan.
After each performance, and to rapturous ap-plause, the young musicians were then asked tohang a star on a lighted tree as organiser YvonneBarry acclaimed ‘A Star is Born!’.The programme was widely varied and thor-oughly enjoyable – a delightful experience thatwill undoubtedly remain a treasured memory formany years to come.
l Twenty four young music students from aroundConnemara took part in the Local Centre RoyalIrish Academy of Music exams in November, sitting Elementary to Senior Grade Six.
This is the eighth year that exams have takenplace in the area, under the guidance of BredaO’Toole.
All candidates worked extremely hard to reachthe requirements of their respective grades. Thesyllabus includes three set pieces, a wide range ofscales, sight-reading, theory and a variety of auraland observation tests based on memory, rhythmand sight-singing.
Six students were awarded Distinctions (90% - 100%), 15 students achieved Honours(80% - 90%) and three received a Merit Award(75%-80%).
18FEATURES
FEBRUARY 2014
THIS quartet of extremely talentedmusicians played to a packed house on adark wintry night in January.
One of the most recognisable namesappearing was Hollywood actor BrendanGleeson, well known for his work in moviesincluding In Bruges, Michael Collins,Braveheart and Cold Mountain, in which heplayed the fiddle during his role. Gleeson isalso a talented mandolin player.
It was on the set of Cold Mountain thatGleeson hooked up with American DirkPowell through their love of traditionalmusic. Dirk Powell is considered one of theworld’s leading experts on traditionalAppalachian fiddle and banjo, and hisplaying can be heard on Riverdance ‘TheShow’. He has also worked on several moviesoundtracks, including Cold Mountain.
Francis Gaffney hails from Boyle, CoRoscommon, and is a talented guitarist andvocalist whose career has seen him workwith many great musicians including JohnCarty and Matt Molloy. Michael McGoldrickis a multi-instrumentalist who entertainedus on the flute, whistle, pipes and drums.
The stage set resembled a bar session,with the players sitting at a square tablewhich had several pints of stout upon it. Thefirst set started off with some bluegrass and
Cajun tunes, such as ‘Down the River We Go’and ‘Snake’. Powell displayed a fine vocaloffering on both of these numbers, andthen it was Gleeson’s turn – displaying anexpert hand on the mandolin – which wasfollowed by a Cajun song, sung in French,by Powell. ‘Ruby with the Eyes that Sparkle’was most entertaining, as was ‘The Cuckoo’– a song from the movie Cold Mountain.
After that, two of the Kane sisters tookcentre stage – one played the fiddle, theother played the box. Most of the audiencewere to be heard singing along to the tune‘The Two Sisters’, as this tune was dedicatedto them by the group.
The second half kicked off with a ballad,followed by a hornpipe in Irish traditionalstyle. After that there were many moreIrish traditional tunes played and moreguests were invited to join the group,including fiddle player John Carty and amarvellous step dancer. In the end therewere about a dozen musicians on stage,bringing the second set to a close with astanding ovation, and followed by anencore which had everybody’s feettapping.
The concert was a rare treat for thosewho love both the Bluegrass/Cajun andtraditional Irish music.
This talented foursome, which doesn’tseem to have a band name, have beentouring Ireland with Music Network – andit’s thanks once again to the Clifden ArtsSociety for bringing us such joy in themiddle of winter.
Maureen McNall
Powell and Gleeson provide winter warmer
FOLLOWING on fromits success last year,Clifden ComhaltasBranch is delighted toannounce that ClifdenComhaltas CelebritySean Nós will take placeon Friday March 14 inthe Clifden StationHouse Hotel at 9pm.
Sixteen localConnemara ‘celebrities’from a variety oforganisations and walksof life have beenselected and are going tolearn how to Sean Nósdance in the comingweeks. They willperform on the night andaudience voting willdecide the winner.
Admission costs €5and it’s €1 per vote onthe night. All fundsraised will go towardsClifden Comhaltasevents for 2014, whichincludes ClifdenTraditional MusicFestival (April 11 – 14).
The celebrities takingpart are: Julie Foyle andMaria Cribbins(SuperValu Clifden);Peter Carey (ClifdenHospital); AmandaBurke (Lowry’s Bar,Clifden); GráinneTaheny and Tommy
Burke (O’Malley’s Barand Restaurant,Clifden); DavidMcNamara (Clifden FireBrigade); Nikitta Davis(RNLI); Chris Holmes(Clifden GAA Club);Eamonn McLoughlin(Connemara CommunityRadio); Angela Clancy
(Clifden CommunitySchool); JohnMcDermott (ConnemaraGolf Club); NigelMurray (ConnemaraRugby Club); BrianHolmes (ClifdenComhaltas); CouncillorEileen Mannion; andTina Shannon (Oliver’s
Bar Cleggan); There will also be lots
of young sean nósdancers performing onthe night and localgroups of young andolder musicians willentertain.
A special performancefrom previous
contestants – especiallythe previous twowinners, Sean Heanueand Ann King – can beexpected on the night.
So mark your diaries –Friday March 14,8.30pm – ClifdenStation House Hotel.
l For further detailscall 086 4015342 or visitwww.clifdencomhaltas.com
Celebrities sign up forsean nós extravaganza
The 2013 Celebrity Sean Nós winner, Seán Heanue, and 2012 winner, AnnKing, performing together at last year’s event
February Music Session
A very successful ClifdenComhaltas January musicsession was held in Guy’sbar on Friday January 31.The announcement of theCelebrity Sean Nós namesadded greatly to thenight and over 30musicians singers anddancers performed. The February musicsession will be held in theCentral Bar on FridayFebruary 21. The YouthSession kicks off at8.15pm with the SeniorSession at 10pm. As usuala great night of music,song and dance isguaranteed andadmission is free. TheClifden GAA Club 50/50draw will also take place.
l Nada Ní Chuirrin, an All-Ireland Sean Nósdancing champion and musician from Letter-frack, had her ‘dream come true’ when she wasinvited to perform with Carlos Núñez,a renowned piper from Galicia in northern Spain,at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for the opening of theTemple Bar Trad Festival on January 22.
l Upstairs Downstairs Café in Clifden are hold-ing a cake sale and coffee morning this Sunday(February 16) from 11am – 1pm. All money raisedon the morning will help fund an upcoming tripby the Curley School of Irish Dancing to competein the World Championships in London in April.
In brief
REVIEW
THE duo of saxophonist Iain Ballamyand button accordionist StianCarstensen are ‘The Little Radio’,but there is nothing little abouttheir act – for their music andhumour filled not only the theatrebut the hearts and souls of theaudience.
Iain Ballamy has been a leadinglight on the UK and internationaljazz scene for many decades, and amajor figure in the contemporaryjazz orchestra Loose Tubes, as well asin his many other musical projects.
His tone may have been describedas Ben Webster-ish, but his verveand creativity are all of his own.
He teamed up with Kristiansen,who hails from Norway, about 15years ago after a jam session wherethe two musicians discovered thattheir sound was compatible.
Certainly, Cartensen can make theaccordion sing: never before have Iheard such a marvellous jazzperformance played on such aninstrument.
The interplay between the twoinstruments was magical and thetiming and was impeccable.
The Little Radio’s repertoire wasvaried and included elements of
folk, jazz and classical music. Their performance kicked off with
an Erik Satie tune, ‘Jitterbug’.Ballamy followed this with anemotional rendering of the greatjazz standard ‘Body and Soul’, afterwhich they broke into ‘TheTeddybear’s Picnic’ – which had allthe audience humming.
Then Carstensen sang a song, ‘I Love You So Much’, into which heinstilled lots of humour, creatingquite a stir in the audience.
After that we heard theWeill/Brecht classic ‘Mac The Knife’ ,which Ballamy movingly improvisedon. This was followed by a solo byCarstensen, which he called ‘LastTango in Paradise’.
Many more tunes followed,including: Whitney Houston’s ‘SavingAll My Love For You’, as well as aBrecht/Veill medley.
After a non-stop performance thatlasted well over 80 minutes, TheLittle Radio were given a standingovation.
They came back on stage and gavea fitting tribute to the last night oftheir Music Network Irish Tour with asoulful performance of ‘Danny Boy’to a rapt audience.
Maureen McNalll For Maureen McNall’s review of
the Galway Jazz Band, who playedClifden in December, seewww.connemarajournal.ie
Dirk Powell, MichaelMcGoldrick, Brendan Gleeson & Francis GaffneyClifden Station House
REVIEWThe Little RadioStation House Theatre
19A – Z DIRECTORYJOURNAL
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Mannion Quarry and Plant HireSuppliers of High Quality Stone Products & ConstructionPlant Services. Road & Site Development. ServingConnemara for over 40 years. Lettershea, Clifden. 095-21264. [email protected]
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An Bhean Feasa Health ShopEverything You Need for Health and Well-Being. BridgeStreet, Tel 095 30671Connemara FloristSend the gift of flowers this Valentine’s Day. ConnemaraFlorist 095 21565 www.connemaraflorist.ie. Village Flowers091 556513 www.villageflowersmoycullen.comGannon SportsSale now on – final reductions on many lines, with savingsof up to 25%. The Square, Clifden. Tel: (095) 22268; Email:
[email protected], www.gannons.ieOhh! By GumEco-chic Boutique stocking: childrenswear, womenswear,yarn, sweets and accessories. The Courtyard, Station House,Clifden. Tel 095-21334. www.ohhbygum.ie,www.facebook.com/OhhByGum. Open Mon - Sat 10am till 6pm and Sun 12noon till 4pm.Siopa TroscánAn Fuarán, Moycullen. See our display advert on page 7 forfull details of this month’s special offers.www.siopatroscan.ie – (091) 868992.SuperValuMarket Street, Clifden. Monday - Sunday. Underground carparkavailable. 095 21182. Open from 8am and until 10pm Fridays.The Art of BloomingOrder your Valentine’s Day bouquet today. All Valentine’s orderswill be entered in our special Valentine’s Day draw. Main Street,Moycullen Co Galway. 091-868807, 086-3608666.www.theartofblooming.ieViviana’s Italian BoutiqueFootwear, Fashions, Accessories, Jewellery, Gift Items andmuch more. Main Street, Clifden Tel 095 30751
Alcock & Brown HotelWe are currently recruiting chefs, cooks, receptionists,waiting staff, housekeeping staff and managers. Please sendC.V. by email to [email protected] or by postto the Hotel address (see display advert, page 2)
AAA Sky Taxis Eight-seater available – 085-1133033Connemara Taxi CompanyCars & 8-Seater Minibus available. Telephone (095) 30000Day or Night.
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20A – Z DIRECTORY
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Keep up to date with thenews that matters to you
FOR the past few yearsthe whizzing of bikechains has become afamiliar sound aroundthe roads of Connemara.
Rás Chonamarastarted out as a one-dayevent and built its statusup to a three-day, four-stage cycle race, withcyclists from all over thecountry entering the racein a bid to take home theGerry Clancy memorialcup.
It brought muchneeded bed nights to thearea over the Easterweekend, and the buzzand colour of the eventwould remind you of ascene from thecontinent – if it weren’tfor the rain and wind.Thankfully this wasn'tthe case every year.
Unfortunately due tolack of sponsorship overthe last few years theorganisers have had toreduce it to a one-dayevent. This means
valuable bed nights willbe lost.
This year, for the firsttime, the race is open toA4s, and the A3s andA2s will compete asnormal. Connacht isnow the only provincethat doesn’t have athree-day race over theEaster bank holidayweekend – making iteven more difficult forthe organisers to attractcyclists.
However theorganisers aredetermined not to let therace die out after thehard work that was putin by the late MickieKelly to get the event upand running, not just inConnemara but inConnacht.
Any sponsorship iswelcome, andguarantees yourcompany nameprominent exposure overthis busy weekend.
The organisers are
also hosting a sportif toraise funds for GalwayAutism Partnership andthe race itself onSaturday, April 19.
Commencing inOughterard village, theevent offers 100km and50km options.Registration is €25 andwill take place atFaherty’s Bar on thesquare at 8.30am, withcyclists setting off at10am. Proceeds will beshared between GalwayAutism Partnership andRás Chonamara. Contact Sean Clancy on087-6321167 or RonanO’Hollaran on 087- 6873021for details.
l The 9th annual RásChonamara takes placeon Sunday April 20.Registration can becompleted online atwww.raschonamara.ie.Contact Sean Clancy on087-6321167 [email protected] for further details
21SPORTSJOURNAL
theconnemara
CYCLINGIN BRIEF
CONNEMARA has beendescribed as one of themost distinct and dra-matic cycles routes in theworld by a leading UKcycling journalist.
The Cyclist magazinefeature on the 2013 Tourde Conamara event la-belled the west coast asone of the most beautifulplaces to cycle.
Previously the maga-zine included a majorfeature on cycling inConnemara with BernardHinault who was a guestof the Tour de Conamara.
Commenting on the
feature, event organiserPadraic Quinn said: ‘Despite the conditionson the day, the journalistPeter Stuart was taken bythe whole atmosphere ofthe event and the route,compared to any he hadbeen invited to across theUK.
‘He did some addi-tional cycling on the SkyRoad the following dayand was blown away bythe beauty of the area.
‘This type of profile forthe area is very timelywith the launch of theWild Atlantic Way and
the proposed Greenwayroutes that will place Gal-way as a major cyclingdestination.’
The 2013 event also at-tracted journalists fromFrance with the participa-tion of five-time Tour deFrance winner BernardHinaults covered in LeTelegramme newspaper.
The 2014 event takesplace on May 24, startingand finishing in Clifden,with a number of new ad-ditions to the event.
l Full event details arefeatured on www.tourde-conamara.com
Leading UK magazine hailsConnemara as cycling heaven
Registration now open for one-day Rás event
Connemara clubs off to a flyer THE competitive action has beencoming thick and fast for bothConamara Thiar and LetterfrackBadminton clubs since the start ofthe new year.
The Galway County BadmintonAssociation (GCBA) County Juve-nile Mixed Doubles Champi-onships are earmarked for Sunday,February 9 in Galway Lawn andTennis Club (GLTC) and ConamaraThiar will have the usual contingenton court. Daniel Warbout will part-ner Daisy O’Connell (GLTC) at U9level. Tadhg Gibbons and SineádDaly will join forces at U13 level,as will Jamie Pryce and Céiti Dalyat U15 level. The latter will alsocompete at U17 level with Letter-frack’s Daniel Pryce Williams whowas the only Galway player tocompete in the Irish U15 Champi-onships in Terenure, Dublin onFebruary 1. Daniel was recentlycrowned Connacht U15 DoublesChampion with Adam McAllister(Ballaghdereen BC) and he wasalso runner up in the Mixed Dou-bles final with Cliona McGowan(Grange BC). The Daly sisters cap-tured the GCBA County U15 GirlsDoubles title before Christmas andwere also victorious at the recentBallygar Singles Open at U13 andU15 levels, respectively.
Sinéad’s partnership with Oran-more’s Rhian Heery at U13 levelalso bore fruit in Ballina last monthwhen they added a provincial titleto their earlier county title.
Tadhg Gibbons also impressedin Ballina when he reached thesemi finals of the Boys U13 Dou-bles with Matthew McKiernan(Oranmore).
At representative level, SinéadDaly was a member of the ConnachtU13 team for last month’s South
West Challenge versus Cork andClare in UL, as was her sister Céitíat U15 level along with Letterfrack’sAmy Gannon and Daniel PryceWilliams. Luke Gannon and LiamPinigree’s 21-12, 10-21, 22-20 Dou-bles victory over the Munster num-ber one pairing of Cian O’Mahoneyand Sean Howard in the Connachtv Cork Under 17 clash was one ofthe highlights of a great day’s actionat the fabulous university venue.
Connacht will take on Kildareand Tipperary in the Annual Mid-west Challenge on Easter Monday,April 21. Luke and Amy Gannonhave both been selected for theConnacht U17 team for the upcom-ing interprovincial series against Ul-ster, Leinster and Munster on March15 in Baldoyle, Dublin, while Amyhas also been selected on the com-bined Munster/Connacht Team forthe upcoming Celtic U15 Challengev Leinster, Ulster and Lothian(Scotland) in Ennis on April 6. Shehas played all four provincial opensthis year at U13 level, reaching theConnacht Doubles Final withTerenure’s Julie Duggan and goingone better in the Munster Open withMarino’s Kim Feehily.
Jack Maher and Josh Pryce areboth sidelined with long-term kneeinjuries at the moment and every-one at the Conamara Thiar Clubwishes them a speedy recovery.
Letterfrack’s Division 4 team arepresently in pole position to reachthe county final after comprehen-sive victories over Ardrahan, NUIG,Claregalway, Oranmore and Furboin their opening series of matches.The sudden and unexpected upgrad-ing of Luke and Amy Gannon bythe Connacht Gradings Committeelast month means that this duo arenow no longer eligible to participatein the remainder of this league. TimWarbout and Daniel Pryce Williams
have joined the Letterfrack squadfor the remaining Division 4 fix-tures and the GCBA ExecutiveCommittee has given Letterfrackpermission to compete in the Divi-sion 3 League against Loughrea andGLTC in order to accommodate theaforementioned upgraded players.
The GCBA Adult Championshipfinals are taking place in GLTC onSunday, March 2 and a number ofLetterfrack players have qualified.Luke Gannon will partner ConorGraham (NUIG) in the Intermedi-ate A final against Odie O’Neill(GLTC) and Alan Gilmore (Clare-galway), while Paul Gannon andFeichin Walsh will face off againstClaregalway’s Cornelius Dhivakarand Garret Condon in the Interme-diate B and Junior A finals.
The West Connemara lads will behoping to emulate their recent suc-cess at the Connacht Junior Cham-pionships in Boyle on St Bridget’sDay where they overcame NUIG’sJohn Minogue and Brian Daniels ona scoreline of 10-21, 21-18, 21-15in a hard fought final. Amy and Col-lette Gannon take on NUIG’s Jen-nifer Coleman and Jennifer Hegartyin the Ladies Junior A final, andCollette and Paul Gannon will alsobe contesting two Mixed Doublesfinals at Junior A and IntermediateB level, the former against BrianDaniels (NUIG) and Jennifer Cole-man (NUIG) and the latter againstConor Graham (NUIG) and MarieReilly (Loughrea).
Meanwhile, at representativelevel, the Connacht Juvenile InterCounties and All Ireland AdultGraded Inter Counties Qualifier areboth down for decision on theweekend of March 22-23 and it re-mains to be seen if any ConamaraThiar and Letterfrack players willbe bestowed with the honour ofwearing the maroon and white.
BADMINTON
Paul Gannon
The Oughterard underage GAAawards took place in December –pictured here are the MVP andplayer of the year recipients andclub coaches and managers;pictured right: Justin Keogh ofKeogh’s Centra, presents sliotarsto Oughterard GAA’s SeamusO’Maille underage hurlers
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FEBRUARY 2014
Mini & Lep rugby:After a very busy fewweeks leading up toChristmas with blitzes atGalwegians, Corinthiansand Gort, the secondhalf of the season hasgot off to a slowerstart – not through anylack of enthusiasm fromplayers and coaches, butdue to the frustratinglywet and wild weather.
Blitzes at Tuam and ahome blitz hosting Gortand An Ghaeltacht havehad to be postponed.Indeed for the first timein the club’s existence,two consecutive weeksof training have had tobe called off.
All this means is thatyoung girls and boys in
the Mini and Lepssection are going to bevery busy training andplaying matches in thenext few weeks.
Even in the secondhalf of the season, weare still seeing new facescoming along – which isfantastic. So if youfancy giving rugby a go,head along to ORFC onSaturday mornings at10.30am for training orgo to www.orfc.ie forfurther details.
Youth U14 Section:Like the Minis, theyouths have had a veryfrustrating time of itsince Christmas.Waterlogged pitches andstormy conditions havemeant training sessionsand matches have been
limited. The single match
played in Januaryresulted in a hard-fought19-10 loss to aphysically larger, butless skilful, NUIG side.
If you are aged 12-13or know players whomay like to play 15-a-side rugby, contactNorman Deacy forfurther details regardingtraining times.
Junior Rugby: Up untilnow the weather hasn’theld back any ofORFC’s junior teams’matches.
Four games playedhave resulted in twowins and two losses.
A last-minute penalty lead to an 18-17loss to Ballinasloe,which was a real hardone to take, while a 3-13defeat to Buccaneers
meant points weredropped in two highlycontested and winnablematches.
A 26-5 home win overleague newcomersClaremorris and a 51-0away victory over city‘big boys’ Galwegianshave helped push ORFCup the league – intocontention for a top fourplayoff place at the endof the season.
New ORFC website:The redeveloped ORFCwebsite (www.orfc.ie)was recently launched.The website is now the‘hub of information’ forall club-related details.
HighlightingMini/Lep players of themonth, supplying up-to-the minute news,upcoming fixtures, latestresults, video highlights,displaying club
merchandise, and clubsupporters and sponsors,the website is a fantasticaddition to the club.
IRFU Draws: Manythanks to everyone whosupported the club bybuying tickets in therecent IRFU prizedraws. Unfortunately,the club, and indeed theWest, did not have anywinners.
RUGBY
Storms playhavoc withORFC fixtures
they duly reacted, send-ing wave after wave ofattack at the Connemararearguard. However, a lotof their back play wastelegraphed and the Monastery Fieldmen shrugged off their attempts.
A feature of Connemara’s play on arain-sodden Sunday afternoon was theirkicking for territory, an area in whichfirst centre David McDonagh excelled.Connemara’s next points had their gen-esis in one of the Roundstone man’s ac-curate, left-footed touch finders.
After winning their own line out,Boys Club attempted to run their wayout of their own half. However, thanksto some ferocious counter rucking, Con-nemara won a penalty at the ensuingbreakdown.
After missing his first attempt at goal,Shane Sweeney made amends with abeautifully-struck penalty from all of 35metres to stretch the visitors’ lead to 8-0.
The half time whistle sounded withConnemara protecting an 8-0 lead.
With little other choice, Boys Clubstarted the second half by blitzing theConnemara line, but time after time theirattempts met the same Black wall of re-sistance.
In the eyes of the referee, not all ofConnemara’s containment was on theright side of the law and he soon repri-manded the Blacks. Offside was the of-fence from which Boys Club profitedand registered their first points from thepenalty tee, making it 8-3, and now themomentum was definitely with thehosts.
With their tails up after registeringtheir first points, Boys Club pummeled
the Connemara line, but thesame resistance whichgreeted each of their attacksin the first half prevailed.The frustration amongst theBoys Club players at theirinability to break Con-
nemara down was palpable.The hosts’ frustrations were soon to be
compounded when, on a rare Con-nemara visit to the Boys Club 22 in thesecond half, the Blacks stretched theirlead even further.
Boys Club incurred the wrath of thereferee for the tackler not rolling awayand Shane Sweeney punished them withan academic penalty to take the scorelineto 11-3. Connemara’s ruthlessness whenpresented a chance was in stark contrastto the profligacy of Boys Club.
Another Connemara infringement atthe breakdown saw Boys Club add an-other penalty and further reduce theirdeficit, but their efforts were in vain asthe Blacks’ defence proved impregnable.The impressive Michael O’Toolethought he had added gloss to the victorylate on, only for his try to be disallowedfor double movement.
After an inconsistent start to the sea-son, a young Connemara team are be-ginning to show the consistency thatcoach Eddie Walsh craves.
l Connemara Blacks: 1: Eugene Con-roy; 2: Alan Pryce(c); 3: Kevin Barry; 4:Niall Staunton; 5: Martin Faherty; 6:Patrick Moran; 7: Kevin Keogh; 8: BarryGibbons; 9: Michael O’Toole; 10: ShaneSweeney; 11: Peter O’Toole; 12: DavidMcDonagh; 13: Richard Bourke; 14:Stephen Mullen; 15: Jack Vaughan; Re-placements: Ian Heanue, Colin Reilly,David McHugh, Mark Staunton, EddieWalsh
Connemara show consistencywith victory over Boys Club Blacks dominate against Westport
l from page 24
CONNEMARA put Westport tothe sword on January 12,producing a masterclass of backplay in a comprehensive 43 pointsto 3 victory at the MonasteryField, writes John O’Sullivan.
With both teams lurking aroundthe foot of the Connacht 1A leaguethis result could prove seminalcome the final totting up of points.Westport, including three formerConnemara players, MichaelRyder, Niall O’Malley, and KevinCorcoran, were looking to avengetheir home defeat at the hands ofthe Blacks earlier in the season.
Connemara, of course, arecoached by former Westportbacks coach, Eddie Walsh, whichadded spice to a vitally importantfixture for both teams.
However, the visitors couldn’thave wished for a worse start, asConnemara scored the game’sfirst try within a few minutes ofthe start. Patient and probing playby the Blacks’ loose forwards sawthem in an advanced position inWestport’s 22. After another set ofpick and goes from the hosts, theball was spread wide to lockMartin Faherty, who deftlyoffloaded for Kevin Keogh –playing in the unfamiliar positionof openside flanker – to touchdown.
A stalwart of the Clifden-basedside’s 12 years in the AIL,Keogh’s return to action halfwaythrough the season has proved tobe a catalyst for Connemara –offering much needed experienceto a young side.
Westport’s inauspicious start tothe game was compounded when,soon after restarting the game, they
conceded another try. This time,after a neat backs move instigatedby his brother and scrum half,Michael, form winger PeterO’Toole showed an evasive stepand pace down the left hand sideas he cantered in for Connemara’ssecond try, which fly half ShaneSweeney converted from an acuteangle. The game was barely 20minutes old and Westport were 12points in arrears.
The Mayo side’s reaction wasto play with abandon and, after abotched backs move from thevisitors, Connemara had anothertry. With Connemara’s rushdefence making space at apremium for Westport, a longlooping pass was intercepted byPeter O’Toole and the wingerturned on the acceleration for hissecond and Connemara’s third tryof the game.
Westport, to their credit,improved and they soon registeredpoints of their own as fly half,Matt Dempsey, slotted a penaltyafter Connemara went off theirfeet at the breakdown. Westport’spenalty was the last score of thefirst half and the Mayo men wereglad to be offered the sanctuary ofthe half time whistle.
With Connemara chasing a so-far elusive try bonus point andWestport looking for an avenueback into the game, the secondhalf saw both teams fullycommitted to attack. Westport, viatheir giant forwards, Chris Ryanand Liam Scahill, made a fewsignificant forays into Connemaraterritory, but Connemara’sdefence – which has kept fourshut-outs in their last five league
games – proved too strong.The game was becoming
increasingly fractious, whichsuited Connemara and their fleet-footed backs. The second half wasonly a couple of minutes oldwhen Connemara secured their trybonus point and ended the gameas a contest. Full back JackVaughan exploited a gapingchasm in the middle of Westport’sdefence, making all of 60 metreswith a mazy run before offloadingto Martin Faherty, who in turnoffloaded to flanker PatrickMoran to score. Shane Sweeneyslotted the conversion to stretchConnemara’s lead to 24-3.
With the result a forgoneconclusion, Westport lookedincreasingly jaded and gapsstarted to appear in their defence.The Blacks took full advantage,and after good work from hiscentre partner, David McDonagh,Richard Bourke showed histrademark pace around the outsideas he glided in for Connemara’sfifth try in the corner. Sweeney’sconversion attempt went narrowlywide to leave the score at 29-3.
From there on in, Connemaradominated proceedings, addingtwo further tries – one fromRichard Bourke and another,completing his hat trick, from PeterO’Toole, taking the score to 43-3.
Crucially for Connemara, notonly did they deny Westport alosing bonus point, they also addedtheir first try bonus of the season.
With the result a formailty,coach Eddie Walsh even allowedhimself a brief playing cameoagainst his former club, playingall of five minutes on the wing.
Matt Henderson
ORFC attack the line in the recent JLD2 victory over Galwegians.
DUE to the extreme weather con-ditions in January there was verylittle action on the pitch.
The first team got only one gameplayed but achieved a great resultin defeating Athenry 2-1 in akeenly-contested fixture in Letter-frack.
Lee Rima gave West Coast a firsthalf lead but Athenry foughtbravely to level matters mid-waythrough the second. Shane Lydonheaded a superb winner from aJamsie Salmon cross with 10 min-utes remaining.
This win put the Connemara ladsin a great position for promotionwith five games left to play. Thisseason the top three teams will jointhe Division 2 ranks, but WestCoast have the league title itself intheir sights. It looks likely that their
two head-to-head games againstcity rivals Renmore will decide thedestination of the title.
West Coast Stars of the futureWest Coast Utd are delighted withthe news that three of our playershave been selected to representGalway this season.
Charlie Concannon, from Inish-bofin, has been selected at Under12 level; Byron Lydon at Under 14and Nathan Leamy at Under 15.
This is a brilliant achievementfor the individual playersbut it’s also a massiveplus in that it shows thestructure and coaches inWest Coast are on a parwith any club.
We wish all threeevery success and hope-fully they will continue to de-velop as top players – which canonly benefit their club.
Former West Coast Utd playerNoel Varley has joined the new-look Galway FC panel in the Air-tricity League of Ireland.
This is an exciting developmentin senior football in Galway afterthe disastrous experiment with
Salthill and Mervue.Noel was always a top player for
West Coast, captaining them to anUnder 16 league title and playing apivotal role when West Coast wonthe Under 18 cup for the only time.
Hopefully Noel and his team-mates can get Galway FC back tothe Premier Division for the 2015season.
Fundraising: The West Coast Utdannual Christmas Race Night –now in its tenth year was again a
great success.We are delighted with the
response from individualsand businesses acrossWest Connemara.
Special thanks to GerryCoyne and staff in Paddy
Coyne’s for hosting theevent. We rely totally on money
generated locally to survive.Club membership is still avail-
able from any club officer for €30and we would encourage more tojoin and have their say about thefuture of football in our area.
Every club needs new ideas anda clean out now and again to keepthings fresh.
23SPORTSJOURNAL
theconnemara
OUGHTERARD BoxerKieran Molloy won Con-nacht Tribune Galwayboxer of the year for thesecond year running onJanuary 18, in recogni-tion of his achievement atthe Junior World Cham-pionships in Kiev lastsummer. The event wasattended by family,friends and coaches ofKieran, and guest speakeron the night was BillyWalsh, the high perform-ance coach for the Irishsenior team.
A team of Oughterardboxers also travelled toBallbriggan on the Janu-ary 25 to compete in theBracken Boxing ClubTournament.
In all, six boxers com-peted, with Shay Molloyand Cillian Tierney com-ing out victors on thenight. Kevin Fahy had anexhibition bout, with An-thony Curran also com-peting on the night.
Serena Cabry had herfirst competitive fight for
her club and foughtbravely but couldn’tovercome her strongeropponent. Dylan Murphyhad, without a doubt thefight of the night, withhim and his opponenthaving a battle royale andthe home crowd raisingto their feet in apprecia-tion. The decision went infavour of the home boxerBen McAleer.
The boxers are cur-rently training for the up-coming championships,and with the club havingAll Ireland success overthe last few years, will bestriving to get the boxers
to the National Stadiumin Dublin
Oughterard BoxingClub will host their an-nual tournament on Sat-urday March 15 inOughterard CommunityCentre, commencing at7.30pm. A great night’sboxing is in store and it’sa great event to celebratethe St. Patricks weekend,with boxers coming fromall over the country tocompete.
All support will begreatly welcome as this isone of the clubs mainmeans of fundraising forthe year.
Six Oughterard boxers take partin Bracken Club tournament
BOXINGSOCCER
West Coast senior teamclosing in on promotion
Joachim Lydon
Seán Clancy
CONGRATULATIONSto the first ever winnerof the Clifden YouthGAA Trolley DashDraw, SiobhanLaffey/Mullin.
Siobhan walked awaywith €430 worth ofgroceries after herfrantic three-minutedash aroundKavanagh’s SuperValu,Clifden.
As the Journal wentto press, the secondwinner, Dermot Laffey,was greasing histrolley wheels tocomplete his three-
minute Dash – best ofluck Dermot, andthanks again toSuperValu for theircontinued support.l Registration for Under16s, Under 14s, Under12s, Under 10s, Under8s and Under 6s willtake place tomorrow(Thursday, February 13)at the Station HouseHotel from 2pm to 7pm.
Forms are currentlyavailable from all thenational schools in theparish, from John Coyleat the secondary schools and from
Gannon Sports.All forms need to be
signed by a parent orguardian and by thechild, so please haveyour forms ready inadvance of theregistration day.
If you want a form e-mailed to you [email protected] Please ‘like’ ourFacebook page, ClifdenYouth GAA Club, andkeep up to date with allthat’s happening in 2014,including details ofwhere and when tickets
for the next NaomhFeichin trolley dash goon sale.
Pictured: SiobhanLaffey/Mullin with hertrolley dash haul
THE Gaelic footballseason ended for GMITLetterfrack on January29, when they weredefeated 2-9 to 2-7 by astrong Law School teamin Belfield UCD, writesJoachim Lydon.
The GMIT squad haveplayed 11 reallycompetitve matches thisseason, reaching an All-Ireland semi final in theleague before losing toUL in December.
Despite the smallnumbers in the college,about 30 of who playfootball, they continue tobe a match for mostteams on their day.
l The Letterfrackhurling team beatBlanchardstown 8-11 to1-5 on February 10 andwill now take on SligoInstitute today(Wednesday) in the nextround of theChampionship
GMIT footballers bow out after competitive season
GAA
Club’s fundraiser has anextra dash of excitement
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TeamRenmore
West CoastWest Utd
Galway Bohs
Played10111212
Points26252017
League Standing (top 4)
Kieran Molloy (centre) with his father, Stephen
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24SPORTS JOURNAL
theconnemara
Oughterard boxers preparefor Championship bouts See page 23See page 21
‘Cycling Heaven!’High praise for Tour
Blacks continue solid run of formAFTER a resounding 43-3 victory over Westport onJanuary 11, Connemaraconsolidated their goodform with a hard-fought11-6 victory over BoysClub at the Sportsgroundside pitch.
Twice victorious overConnemara this season,the Blacks exacted ameasure of revenge ontheir Galway City coun-terparts with a display ofdefensive solidity whichhas become a hallmark ofnew coach Eddie Walsh’stenure. Indeed, in five ofthe last six games Con-nemara have kept theiropponent try-less, and theone try they did concedein the last run of gamescame at the death againstCastlebar.
It is extremely encour-aging to see the Blacks, ayoung team relative totheir competitors in theConnacht Junior 1ALeague, having the abilityto vary their tactics suc-cessfully game fromgame. Last weekend’svictory over Westport wasbuilt on a foundation ofglistening attacking
rugby, whilst their tri-umph over Boys Clubwas testament to amiserly defence epito-mised by the industry ofAlan Pryce, the centreduo of David McDonaghand Richard Bourke andthe ever-improvingPatrick Moran.
Connemara started thegame brightly, no doubtbouyed by their seven-tryheist against Westport,and soon had the hosts onthe back foot.
Kevin Keogh, so oftena source of attacking im-petus for the Blacks, madea significant foray intoBoys Club territory be-fore, after a series of pa-tient and probing pick andgoes, Stephen Mullen be-came the benefactor of anoverlap and sauntered inunscathed for a deservingopening try of the game.
Shane Sweeney unfor-tunately couldn’t add theextra points but the largecontingent of Blacks’ fansat the game were suitablyenthused by their team’sstart – 5-0 to the visitors
The gauntlet was laiddown to Boys Club and
THE training and dedication of Naomh Feichin’sU14 players and coaches throughout last seasonpaid off spectacularly, and saw them secure theWest Board Championship title in impressivestyle, defeating Fr Griffins, Barna and Carna-Cashel, among others, along the way.
To mark this achievement, the club will be presenting medals to the squad in the Off The Square restaurant, Clifden, on FridayFebruary 21 at 7pm.
All are welcome, and refreshments will beprovided. The event is sponsored by PJ andMaureen Heffernan of Off The Square.
Celebrations planned for West Board champs
RUGBY
SOCCER
WEST Coast U13 (pictured)travelled to Headford on January11 to take on Moyne Villa.
In the final league game of theseason both teams werecompeting for the three points andthe Division 1 title. A thrillinggame of soccer resulted – and itwas a game that could have goneeither way.
Moyne Villa took their chancesand for West Coast it just wasn’ttheir day. Still, a very crediblesecond place in Division 1.
The whole squad should beproud of their achievements thisseason. Stand-out perfomances onthe day came from DylanO’Malley, Leigh Wallace O’Hora,Theo Joyce and Kevin Holmes.
l The U13s started theirDivision 1 Cup campaign with a
convincing 5-2 win againstOranmore B at Letterfrack onJanuary 18, with goals fromCharlie Concannon, DillonHolland, Kevin Holmes and twofrom Theo Joyce.
They now face Tuam Celtic inthe semi-final on February 22 inLetterfrack in a repeat of lastyear’s final.
l For more soccer news, seepage 23
West Coast U13s through to Cup semi-final
John O’Sullivan
Joachim Lydon
l turn to page 22
