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connemaraJOURNAL
theSeptember 2014Issue 25
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FROM learning to fly like Fidget Feet, en-joying toe-tapping music, opening yourmind with readings and theatre perform-ances, to laughing out loud at comedy, the37th Clifden Arts Festival promises anevent to excite all tastes.
Running from September 18-28 and withan unrivalled line up of music, theatre, lit-erature and art exhibitions, visitors to the10-day festival will see a wide array of tal-ents, including musical performances fromJimmy McCarthy (September 18), MícheálÓ Súílleabháin and Mel Mercier (Septem-ber 19), Rob Strong (September 19), TheWest Ocean String Quartet with Eimear
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Róisín and Grace King (Clifden) at the launch of the 37th ClifdenArts Festival, which starts next week PHOTO: ANDREW DOWNES
Large crowds expected in Clifden for 37th year of community festivalthat boasts something ‘to excite all tastes’
2NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2014
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NewsGlassilaun WaterSports dayLarge crowd at annual CARI fundraiser – page 4Crowning the Connemara ManGlamorous charity bash nets €10,000 – page 5The forgotten famine Conference to explore the legacy of Tuke ‘assistedemigration scheme’ – page 6
Culture Night 2014Oughterard events – page 9Sea WeekPresident Higgins to officially openLetterfrack festival – page 11Proudly present-ing... Clifden screenings of An Bronntanas – page 14
September meditationsDeborah Watkins finds the promise of renewal inthe changing season, while Cliodhna Prendergastmakes the most of the blackberry bounty – page 18Healing herbsDr Nick Kats returns with a look at three powerfullocal herbs – page 19
PLUS... all our regular arts, health and sports features, bringing you the best of Connemara
Arts and Features
News in briefl A ‘FLOWER essenceworkshop’ takes place inBallyconneely thisSaturday (September 13)from 11am to around3.30pm. Find out how tomake a flower essence,and how they work.Participants should bringa clear glass bowl (notPyrex). The workshopcosts €40 per person,including lunchrefreshments during day.Spaces are limited sobooking essential on 0863781306.
l PARENT and childsinging classes with SrKarol return nextMonday (September 15).This class is for parentsand children aged threeand under, and isdesigned to set childrenon the path to music asearly as possible. Theclasses take place in theMusic Room, KylemoreAbbey, from 11am eachMonday and cost €5 per30 minute class. Contact Sr Karol [email protected] for further details
l THE Clifdenbreastfeeding group isback after its summerbreak, offering mum-to-mum chats and supportin the Station HouseHotel every second andfourth Tuesday from11am-12.30pm. The nextmeeting is on Tuesday,September 23.
l THE Clifden Lifeboat10k takes place thisSunday, September 14.The course starts inClifden and takesparticipants up the SkyRoad before finishing inthe Square in Clifden.Organised as afundraiser for theClifden RNLI, the eventis suitable for runnersand walkers. For moreinformation seewww.clifden10k.com
NUI Galway researchershave asked the public tohelp in a quest to find outmore about our elusiveand unique Irish stoat.
Despite being an im-portant element of Irishbiodiversity and a pro-tected species, relativelylittle is known about theIrish stoat. Currently,there is no population es-timate available and thereis a real need for informa-tion on their distribution,ecology and habitat re-quirements.
The project is beingconducted by NUI Gal-way PhD student LauraO’Flynn and Lecturer inZoology, Dr Colin Law-ton. A key element oftheir research incorpo-rates the use of ‘citizenscience’, which is an op-portunity for members ofthe public to pass on theirsightings and experiencesof the animal.
Dr Lawton explains
how the public can help:‘We are hoping individu-als all over the countrywill contribute to thisvital conservation re-search. Stoats are about afoot long, with orange-brown fur and oftentheir most recognis-able trait is their quickbounding movementwhen running andhunting.
‘Any information onthe locations wherestoats have been seen,the habitats they mostfrequently use or anyinsights into their be-haviour will be ofgreat use to the re-search team.’
One of Ireland’s truenative species, theIrish stoat has beenpresent on the islandsince before the lastIce Age. It is quite dis-tinct from stoat speciesfound in Britain andfurther afield.
Dr Lawton added:‘We have had great
success using CitizenScience in the past to de-termine the most up-to-date ranges of grey andred squirrels in Ireland,and in tracking down thedormouse, a new mam-
mal species to the coun-try.
‘Now we hope to findout what we can aboutone of our true nativespecies, the Irish stoat,and see if they are in need
of any conservationhelp, or indeed if theyare causing any prob-lems to farmers orgamekeepers.’
Stoats are predatorsand belong to theweasel family, themustelids. While thereare no weasels in Ire-land, other mustelidsfound here includebadgers, otters andpine martens.
l There are a num-ber of ways in whichyou can submit infor-mation to the project:by email at [email protected],by phone on 091492903 or 0860660208, or on Face-book at the Irish StoatProject www.face-book.com/irishstoat
‘Spotted a stoat? Wewant to know about it!’
Research is underway to establish details about the population and distribution ofstoats in Ireland
A stoat photographedin the Renvyle area
by Dermot Breen
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4NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2014
IN early August, members of Clifden-based Wednesday Ladies Group(WLG) met with Jacinta Murphy fromFéileacáin – the Stillbirth and NeonatalDeath Association of Ireland – to pres-ent 28 hand-crocheted blankets madeby the group.
Féileacáin offer support to anyoneaffected by the death of a baby during
pregnancy or shortly after. Part of thissupport is the provision of a memorybox that includes two blankets.
Bereaved parents are offered these boxes through all the maternityhospitals in the country.
l For more information onFéileacáin see www.feileacain.ie orcall 085 2496464
Clifden Station HouseS u p p o r t i n g a n d S p o n s o r i n g F e s t i v a l M o n t h i n C l i f d e n
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AUGUST 10 saw anothergreat turnout for Water-Sports Day on Glassilaunbeach, with around 700people attending the an-nual fundraiser Childrenat Risk Ireland (CARI).
Organiser PatriciaKeane said: ‘This yearwe had a lot of teenagersattending, trying out thekayaks and having a go atscuba diving, whileyounger children flockedto the pony rides, bouncycastle and slide.
‘All ages enjoyed theboat rides and as alwaysthere plenty of refresh-ments on offer to keephunger pangs at bay andenergy levels high for theday.
‘This event is run vol-
untarily and prior to theday many people donateto its success – with shopsgive prizes for the chil-dren, butchers donatingsausages for the barbecue,and wonderful prizes forthe ever-popular sand cas-
tle competition.‘Many people help in
the build up to the day,getting all in order andrunning a very successfulcolouring competition inup to 50 primary schoolsthroughout the west.’
Raising awareness onthe issue of child sexualabuse, all money (less ex-penses) is sent to CARI,helping to provide coun-selling for children whohave been abused and fortheir affected family
members. To date WaterSports
Day has raised approxi-mately €55,000, and thisyear approximately€5,000 was taken in onthe day
Ms Keane added:
‘2015 will be a big yearfor all involved as wewill be celebrating 20years of WaterSports Day– plans are afoot alreadyto pull out all the stopsand make it one to re-member!’
Donation to bereaved parents group
Something for all ages at Watersports DayPHOTOS: AOIFE HERRIOTT
News in briefl THE second annualCorribdale Duathlontakes place this Saturday(September 13) inOughterard. TheDuathlon is part ofongoing fundraisingefforts for the CorribdaleProject, a sportingcomplex planned forOughterard. Sign on isfrom 8am at theOughterard BoxingClub, and the eventbegins at 10am. Seepage 24 for full details.
l CLIFDEN Librarywill play host to anexhibition of handcrochet – entitled‘Hooked on Crochet’ –in October. Opening onOctober 3, the exhibitioncontains a variety of ofcrochet pieces by PeggyMannion and theCrochet Club.
l THE Roundstone All Ireland SupremeChampion ofChampions Pony Showtakes place this Sunday(September 14). A greatday out for all thefamily, the show starts at10am.
Clifden Community Arts Festival– pages 12-13
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MARTIN Vincent Man-nion was crowned the‘Connemara Man’ at a glit-tering charity fundraiserheld in Clifden last month.
Martin representedNaomh Feichin GAAClub in the competition,following weeks of votingby text and a flurry of ac-tivity on the night itself.
Billed as an evening of‘fashion, fun and cock-tails’, it was all in aid ofchildren’s charity, To Rus-sia With Love. Founded in1998 by Debbie Deegan,the charity has transformedthe lives of more than5,000 abandoned and or-phaned Russian children.
This has been a chal-lenging year for the char-ity, as it struggles to makeends meet and continue itswork in Russia.
Ms Deegan said: ‘Wehave hundreds of childrenunder our wings and everydonation is very precious.Now, more than ever be-fore, we need the supportof the public to ensure thatwe can continue improv-ing the lives of the aban-doned and orphanedchildren.’
Following the EastMeets West event, a dona-tion of more than €10,000will be made to the charity.
Paying tribute to thedays and weeks of plan-ning that went into theevent, Ms Deegan said:‘When I saw the energy
[last month], saw the “for-midable four” – Sharon,Michele, Treena andMandy – planning, noth-ing surprised me.
‘The musicians, the doc-tor, the models, the makeup and hair, the lighting,Oliver’s music, the do-nated raffle prizes, the auc-tion prizes and all theothers that gave so gener-ously; the work that wentinto the dressing of themarquee, the ticket buyers,
John Sweeney’s kindness,the photographers, theendless details that no oneelse sees, all the otherhelpers running like madthings, and finally themen.....
‘I can only say Con-nemara men are specialmen – in many ways –[with] hearts of gold, bod-ies of Gods, suits fromHehirs, muscles from thegym, and personalitiesthat you just have to love.
‘These men are one ofthe rarest species on earth.I am amazed to this daythat David Attenboroughhas not done a full-lengthdocumentary on them.
‘Rare, hard to catch,don’t text back! Dry wit,warm smiles, low on theromance but high on theadorability factor.
‘Wild men, but like thescenery, unrivalled any-where.
‘I watched them greet
the children from our or-phanage like they weretheir own family... and thenbravely strut their stuff forthose very children.
‘You have no idea howmuch you have all donefor our organisation, andfor me personally.
‘You will get hundredsof our children through along harsh winter. Thankyou all so much.’
l To donate, visitwww.torussiawithlove.ie
THE fundraising which washeld for Sophie Knight onJune 14 was a huge success.
Sophie is an eight-year-old girl [from Clifden] whosuffers from a rare braintumour, and it has beendecided by Sophie’s specialistthat she travel to France fortreatment.
We would like to express ahuge thank you to all whogave so generously of theirtime and energies inorganising and supportingthis event.
We encounteredtremendous generosity fromthe business community inthe area and also the manyindividuals who gave sowillingly. Your support ismuch appreciated and we canassure you that all moneyraised will be managed tothe best of our ability.
It is testament to the hardwork put in, and to thegenerosity of the local andwider community, friends,neighbours and relationsthat the total amount raisedas of August 26 is €24,164.
The money is held in theBank of Ireland, Clifden, inthe Sophie Knight Fund andwill be used to fund Sophie’strip to France for treatment;carer relief; travel expensesfor hospital appointmentsand any ongoing necessaryexpenses/equipment Sophiemay need in the comingyears as a result of hercondition.
We would like to wishSophie all the best and hopethat her treatment in Francehas a positive outcome.
Once again, thanks foryour support.
THE SOPHIE KNIGHTTRUST FUND COMMITTEE
Sophie Knightfundraising‘Connemara Man’ crowned at
East Meets West courtyard bash
‘Your generositywill get hundredsof our childrenthrough theharsh winter inRussia. Thankyou all so much’
– Debbie Deegan,founder,
To Russia With Love
We know howimportant it is for
you to have asafe, secure placefor your savings.
And when it comesto borrowing forthe small and bigthings in life, wehave never beenmore in tune with
our members.
Loans are subject to approval. Terms andconditions apply. Credit Unions in the
Republic of Ireland are regulated by theCentral Bank of Ireland.
Call Cashel-Connemara Credit Union today on (095) 21101 / 31128
Mandy Gabriel, Treena Sweeney, Martin V Mannion (‘Connemara Man ‘),Debbie Deegan, Sharon Griffin and Michelle Hehir Aebhin and Vera Sheridan
Gertrude Rufai
Olwyn Whelan
Ciara McDonagh andAmelia Whelan Pauline Petit and Hannah O’SullivanSinead McGuirk and Debbie Deegan (centre)
PHOTOS: EMMA O’SULLIVAN / TOM BRODERICK
TBTB
Beat the back to school blues – with blackberries! – Breaking Eggs, page 18
6NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2014
Sinead O’FlahertyCertified Public Accountant
T: 083-1551059 E: [email protected] Connemara Way, Westport Road, Clifden
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A FRAGMENT of anearly christian periodquern stone was foundby Corrib Cruises co-owner David Luskinand American AirForce Colonel TimDeGavre.
The artefact – whichcould date from the 5thcentury AD – wasfound on the LoughCorrib island ofInchagoill.
David spotted thequern stone – a handmill for grinding corn –in early August andreported the discoveryto the NationalMuseum, who sent DrMaeve Sikora toinvestigate.
l Pictured: Eva,William, Fiona, Davidand baby John Luskinwith Dr Maeve Sikora(photo: Tom Broderick)
News in briefl SHARON Shannonwill play a gig at theConnemara Golf Club onSunday next (September14). Tickets cost €15 andinclude a barbecue at7.30pm. Call (095)23502 for tickets.
l THE Inishbofin SetDancing and Tradweekend takes placefrom September 26 – 28.Building on the successof the past four years, thefestival aims to givenovices and ‘rusty’ setdancers alike theconfidence to show offtheir skills by the end ofthe weekend. For further information seewww.inishbofin.com
l ALSO on the horizonfor Inishbofin is the BiaBofinne ‘Taste ofInishbofin’ festival. Heldover the first weekend ofOctober, Bia Bofinnecelebrates all thingslocal – with a focus ontraditional food, arts andcrafts from the island.
l THE LeenaneAutumnal Festival takesplace over the weekendof September 27-28.Based on – andincorporating – many ofthe traditional elementsfrom the bygoneLeenane Pattern Day, anexciting line up ofevents is currently beingplanned, including thecountry market andcookery demonstrations.See www.leenane-festival.com for details.
BETWEEN 1882 and1884, more than 3,000emigrants left Connemarafor destinations in Canadaand the USA. Their pas-sage was paid for by acharitable organisation setup by Englishman, JamesHack Tuke, and was aidedby government funds.
The benefits of thescheme were expected tobe twofold: assistingthose anxious to emigratewould release land thatwould, in turn, createmore economical hold-ings for those who re-mained.
The scheme was at firstlauded by all, but as eco-nomic conditions began toimprove, it attracted oppo-sition from both Irishpoliticians and theCatholic Church. It wasbrought to a close in 1884.
The Tuke Assisted Em-igration Scheme, as it be-came known, is thesubject of a booklet enti-
tled Mr Tuke’s Fund:Connemara Emigra-tion in the 1880s, tobe launched at the Sta-tion House Theatrenext Wednesday (Sep-tember 17) at 4pm aspart of Clifden’s ArtsWeek celebrations.
The publicationcontains a number ofarticles from expertson the topics of emi-gration, James HackTuke and Connemara,and is well illustratedwith maps andpoignant photographsfrom the period.
The Tuke scheme isalso the topic of an im-portant conference to beheld at the Clifden Sta-tion House Theatre fromOctober 31-November 1.Speakers at the confer-ence include ProfGearóid Ó Tuathaigh(Professor Emeritus inHistory at NUI, Galway),Prof Christine Kinealy(Director of Ireland’sGreat Hunger Institute,Quinnipiac University,USA), Dr Gerard Moran(Emeritus in History atNUI, Maynooth) and his-torian Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill.
The conference willenhance our understand-ing of life in Connemarain the 1880s – a time inour history which is oftenreferred to as the ‘forgot-
ten famine’.This is the latest proj-
ect of the ‘Clifden 2012Committee’, whose aimis to create an awarenessof our shared local his-tory in the area and to un-derstand the hardshipsand experiences the emi-grants endured duringthis period.
There will be an online database of the de-tails of the emigrantswho left the Clifden andConnemara area, whichwill be searchable by thepublic for free. This willbe an interactive databaseand the committee hopesin time that local familieswill engage with the trac-ing of what became ofnot only the families thatleft, but also of relations
that stayed behind.All are invited to
the book launch ofSeptember 17 andtickets for the confer-ence, which cost €25including lunch andrefreshments, areavailable online atw w w. c l i f d e n h e r -itage.org, the ClifdenStation House Hotelreception and LoveConnemara on Mar-ket Street, Clifden.
l Although thecommittee work in avolunteer capacitythey are indebted tothe ongoing financial
support of Forum Con-nemara and to KarenMannion and MelissaWallace for their support.
Our Galway CountyCouncil Heritage officerMarie Mannion has beena driving force behind theproject from the start.The Tukes conferencehas received generoussupport from GalwayCounty Council.
Finally, our thanks tothe Connemara Chamberof Commerce and Presi-dent Chris Shanahan fortheir support of this proj-ect.
Clifden 2012 Committee:Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill,
Breandan O'Scanaill,Shane Joyce,
Declan Mannion,Catherine Jennings
Tuke, emigration andthe ‘forgotten famine’
5th century artefactfound on Inchagoill
Aerial and satellite installations
Sky Road, Clifden087-6687468
095-21827
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CLIFDEN athlete Molly Boote has beenblazing a trail on the triathlon scene, inher first year competing – and at just nineyears of age! Molly became interested intriathlons in 2013, having watched herfather compete, and became a member ofTriathlon Ireland. The distances for juniortriathletes (aged 7-9) are usually a 100mswim, 2km cycle and 800 metre run.Since her first triathlon in July 2013, theBMS Youth Championship, in Loughrea,Molly has competed in a number ofcompetitions, including the GalwayAquathon andBSM NationalYouth Champi -onships – both ofwhich she won,with the latterearning her the titleof National YouthChampion 2014 (7-9 age group) –one to watch forthe future!
AN Oughterard man and his wifeare celebrating after winning abrand new Toyota AYGO.
Francis O’Reilly, from Fahy,Rosscahill, won the car – withfree fuel for a year – after takingpart in the Topaz ‘Play or Park’customer loyalty game. Once herecovered from the shock, Fran-cis, who is originally from Sligo,offered the car to his wife Vita.
‘I couldn’t believe it when I gotthe call,’ Mr O’Reilly explained.‘I was dumbfounded. I think I
said “Are you for real? I’ve neverwon anything like this.”
‘And when she said I’ll callyou back with the details in a dayor so I was thinking did I justdream that? It was only todaywhen we were presented with thecar that it really sank in. I’ll giveit to Vita. She needs it!’
Vita added: ‘At the moment Ihave a 16-year-old car which isfalling to pieces. It has just failedits NCT for the third time so thishas come at just the right time!’
8NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2014
A PROGRAMME made on thelife and work of Connemara artistPadraic Reaney has been selectedby Aer Lingus to be part of theirtransatlantic in-flight programmefor August-Septem-ber.
The programme,which screened onTG4 last year, wasfilmed in Padraic’sstudio in Moy-cullen.
One of the proj-ects discussed byinterviewer TristanRosenstock was ap o e t r y - s h e e t ,started by the artisttwo years ago. Thisproject consists of a poem pennedby his late father Micheál Ó
Ráighne (who was himself a well-known poet), that is accompaniedby an illustration from Pádraic.
Pádraic was born in Carraroe in1952. He studiedFine Art at Gal-way, RegionalTechnical Collegeand has been afull-time artistsince leaving col-lege. He paintedfor several years inGalway, laterbuilding a studioin Moycullen.
He has exhibitedextensively acrossIreland, Scotlandand Wales and his work is in pub-
lic and private collections aroundthe world.
l Pictured: All IrelandDuet champions atFleadh Cheoil nahÉireann, which tookplace in Sligo lastmonth, were Nada NíChuirrín (Renvyle) onconcertina and OrlaLeavy (Carna) on fid-dle. Nada also placedsecond in ‘Whistle, 12-15 yrs’.
/connemarajournal @ConnemaraJ
Artist’s documentary takesflight aboard Aer Lingus!
Molly’s making waveson the triathlon scene
Audio archive looks at political legacies
Surprise car win is ‘perfecttiming’ for Oughterard couple
THE innovative audio his-tory project launched in2012 by John O’Malley, ofBallyconneely, has nowbeen expanded to includethe history of local politicalfamilies.
The new section of theConnemara GAA website –which combines written his-tory with archive photo-
graphs and first-person nar-ratives about Gaelic footballin days gone by – deals withthe life and legacy of keypolitical figures in Con-nemara’s history.
The audio tracks available online so far in-clude: a segment on theJoyce family, delivered byPK Joyce; an insight into
the Welby family, presentedby councillor ThomasWelby; presentations byEamon O Cuiv, Padraic Mc-Cormack and SeanO’Neachtain; Eamon My-lotte on the Mongan/ Mc-Donagh/Mylotte families;and a presentation on theBartley family, with a focuson former government min-
ister Gerald, delivered byRichard Bartley.
As with the ConnemaraGAA website, access to thearchive is free and newaudio will be added to theonline database as it is madeavailable.
l For more, seewww.connemaragaa.com/political
l CONGRATULATIONSto Thomas Stuffle, ofCladdaghduff, and AnnaDros, who were marriedin Poland on July 19
l SHANNON Biondi,from Oughterard, wascalled to the Bar in July.The newly qualifiedbarrister will begindevilling in the CriminalCourts next month.
9NEWSJOURNAL
theconnemara
C O N N E M A R A
D O R O T H Y C R O S S
J O E B O S K E T H E W O R K S
Hardback SpecialLimited Edition ofOne Hundred Copies120 pages, full colour including:
An etching, numbered, signedand dated by Joe Boske,a DVD of a short film onthe artist by Barry Ryan, a CD of original musiccomposed by Joe Boske.
Hardback Edition €100PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2014
HAVEYOUBOOKED?JoeBOSKETHE WORKSDorothyCROSS
CONNEMARADorothy is an artist of international repute.
She works with diverse media which includesvideo, photography and sculpture.
Connemara is now home to Cork-bornDorothy Cross and is the source of material
and inspiration for much of her recent work.
The book was made in conjunction with her showConnemara at Turner Contemporary, Margate, England,
in October 2013 and RHA, Dublin in February 2014.
Joe is one of Ireland’s most recognisablevisual artists. He has created an enviablelibrary of images through his paintings,posters, album covers and book illustrations.
While Joe has had his work included in manypublications, this is the first book dedicated whollyto work he created over his 45 years in Ireland.
Softback Edition 120 pages, full colour €20PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2014
Artisan House is a publishing company based in Letterfrack specialising in beautifully illustrated high-quality books
and bespoke publications on a richly diverse range of subjects.Food and lifestyle, photography and the visual arts,
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JOE BOSKE THE WORKS
S P E C I A L L I M I T E D E D I T I O N O F O N E H U N D R E D
l Powers, the iconic Oughterard pub previouslyowned by Mike Power, is undergoing a completerefurbishment by its new owner. The thatch roofis being restored to its former glory by thatcherSuzanne Bojkovsky and Peter Compton.
l The Ladies Day fundraiser in aid of the GalwayHospice, which took place at the Boat Inn,Oughterard, raised a total of €5,679. Pictured: thecheque presentation, with organisers MariaCahill, Nuala Joyce, Margaret McDonagh, MariGallagher (Hospice), John McDonagh, LucyWalsh, and Mary Thornton (Hospice).
COMMUNITY artsgroup uachtarARTS havelined up a varied pro-gramme of events withsomething for everyoneto enjoy for this year’sculture night in Oughter-ard, which takes place onSeptember 19.
This year there is afocus on music, musi-cians and the musicalheritage of the area.
The day begins with a‘Cultured Coffee Morn-ing’ featuring localwriter, musician andwriting tutor PeteMullineaux reading hispoems and singing songs.
To participate justbring along a poem, songor recitation – or simplycome along and listen.
The uachtarARTSGallery (beside thethatch) will feature the6x4 exhibition of post-card-sized mixed mediaworks by uachtarARTSartists and friends.
‘Museum on the Street’is a music-related art andheritage trail, curated byKathleen Furey, and dis-played in windowsaround town, while theBoat Inn is the venue forvarious free drop-inworkshops and events.
Caroline McFaddenwill host a ‘Move to the
Music’ workshop, offer-ing you the chance todance and ‘free yourspirit’, while Denis Ge-oghegan and PatrickConneely will lead acommunity sing-alongcelebrating the life offolk icon Pete Seeger.
A series of craft work-shops continue the musi-
cal theme, with classes inmaking ocarinas – an ancient wind instrument –wind chimes, shakers,music makers and pom-poms. There are limitedplaces available on the‘Shakers and Music Mak-ers’ class, so pre-bookingis advised. There is noneed to book for the other
classes, and parents areencouraged to drop inwith a child and take partin the crafting fun.
Following the successof last year’s open mic,the event is returning tothe Boat Inn again thisyear, with the Beat Cluboffering the opportunityto showcase your talent.Sign up on 086 8190908.
A packed programmeis rounded off with anopen trad session at theBoat Inn featuring Gerry,Saidhbh and friends. Allwelcome to come along,join in, sing a song, orplay a tune.
l All events are free.For more information, tosign up for the open micor to book a place on theShakers and MusicMakers workshop, call087 2446542.
l For full line up andthe start times of allevents see www.face-book.com/uachtarARTS
Culture Night shines alight on musical heritage
PHOTOS: TOM BRODERICK
10NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2014
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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AN BRONNTANAS(The Gift)
AN BRONNTANAS(The Gift)
NOW SHOWING ATTHE STATION HOUSE THEATRE,
CLIFDEN7.30PMWEDNESDAY 10TH –TUESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
THERE can be no doubtabout the cultural valueof festivals to Con-nemara – but what abouttheir economic value?
We may be about tofind out, with the an-nouncement ahead of thisyear’s Clifden Arts Festi-val that Forum Con-nemara has provided theorganisers with fundingto conduct an economicimpact study.
Festival SecretaryKaren Mannion said:‘From talking to localbusinesses, we know thatthe festival is an impor-tant economic boost to-wards the end of the maintourist season.
‘This year, by under-taking independent re-search we will be able toquantify that economicimpact. This will be agreat help to the festivalin planning future festi-vals and in applying forfunding and sponsorship.’
Raising sponsorshipand funding is an impor-tant component of man-aging all arts festivalsaround Ireland but therehas been significant pres-sure on the budgets offunders and sponsorsbudgets in recent years.
The study will includevisitor surveys, analysisof ticket sales and inter-views with businessesand tourism providers inand around Clifden.
Bane Mullarkey, a Gal-way-based tourism mar-keting consultancy, areundertaking the study onbehalf of the festival.
Ms Mannion added:‘The cooperation andviews of local businessesare vital to the success ofthe study and anyonewho is interested can con-tact the researchersthrough a dedicated emailaddress: [email protected]’
Large crowd for GlynskPier fishing competitionTHE Glynsk fishing competition, which tookplace on August 23, was a great success. A largecrowd waited on the pier for all the fishermen toreturn after the day’s competition, andrefreshments were served followed by a greatnight in Glynsk House, where prizes werepresented and entertainment was provided by theSlyne Heads. All photos: Maureen Folan
Paul Joyce, Eoin McDonagh and Jack DwvauwchelleJennifer Fitzpatrick receiving the Ladies Prize from John McDonagh
John McDonagh (right) presenting the winning cup to EamonMannion (Roundstone) and his crew
In pictures: Conradh na Gaeilge summer camps
Children from Moycullen at Conradh na Gaeilge’s Campa Samhradh
Children from Killanin and Oughterard who attended Conradh naGaeilge’s Campa Samhradh in Oughterard National School. Conradh naGaeilge organises a series of Irish language summer camps for childrenevery year. The camps offer a wide range of activities, including sport,music, singing, drama, art and nature, with all activities through themedium of Irish. For further details on upcoming camps and activities seewww.cnag.ie or www.arasnangael.ie
Ní Ráighne Opticians, Clifden, is now offeringretinal imaging as part of the comprehensive eyeexaminations it provides.
Retinal imaging uses a state-of-the art digitalretinal camera to capture photographic images ofthe back of your eyes.
Optometrist Ailbhe Ní Ráighne explained: ‘This technique is one of the most accurate andadvanced waysof screening formany differenteye diseases, asit allows us toinspect the retinain far moredetail comparedto conventionalmethods whichwere previously relied on.
‘The detection of certain such conditions –including glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension and age-related macular degeneration, to name but a few –can be made easily and earlier, thus limiting anyunnecessary loss of vision.
‘The optometrist takes time to show and explainthe images taken of the back of your eyes to you, aswe feel this will give you a better understanding ofthe health of your eyes.
The images taken are stored and can be recalled [ata later date], enabling the optometrist to comparethese from one visit to the next and allowing eventhe most subtle changes to be detected, aiding inearly diagnosis.
‘The procedure only takes a few minutes and itfeels just like having your photo taken.’
l Call Ní Ráighne Opticians, Bridge Street,Clifden on (095) 30995 to book an appointment
A closer look at eye healthwith state-of-the-art camera
What’s thevalue of a festival?
11NEWSJOURNAL
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Caremark Galway Gray Office Park
Galway Retail ParkHeadford Road
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ONE of the highlights oflast month’s pony showin Clifden was a gradua-tion ceremony for thenewly-qualified Thera-peutic Riding coaches,who received their cer-tificates from Jill Carey,CEO of Festina Lente.
The ceremony repre-sented the successfulconclusion of a joint ini-tiative by the CPBS andPaving the Way, a sup-port group for peoplewith disabilities and theirfamilies in Connemara.
Following the presen-tation of the certificatesand crystal bowls do-nated by Galway Crystal,the large crowd in atten-
ADVERTISING FEATURE
PRESIDENT Michael D. Higginswill officially open the ConamaraSea Week Festival on October 17as part of theaward-winn ingConamara Envi-ronmental Educa-tion & CulturalCentre’s 30th birth-day celebrations.
President Hig-gins will alsolaunch ‘The Letter-frack Poetry Trail’,which consists ofnine specially-com-missioned poemson plaques – withthree plaques in theNational Park,three in the Con-nemara West Cen-tre and three aroundthe village of Let-
terfrack. The work of some of Ire-land’s most eminent poets – in-cluding Paula Mehan, Louis
dePaor, Mary O’-Malley, JoanMcBreen, EvaBourke, Theo Dor-gan, Rita Ann Hig-gins, MichaelGorman and MoyaCannon – are in-cluded in the trail,exploring the im-portance of place inour lives.
This is a family-friendly festival,most events are freeand some – such asthe book fair, musicand dance work-shops, kite flyingand mini-boat re-gatta – are focused
on children and family.As always, the festival is
wrapped in the very best of Irishmusic with some of Ireland’sfinest players coming west –players such as Mairtin O’Con-nor, Seamus O’Dowd, CathalHayden, David Power, Cara O’Sullivan, Kieran Summers,Donal Clancy, Sean Tyrell, Con-nor Keane, Geraldine O’Grady,Don Stiffe, Una Keogh,
Josephine Marsh and Mick Kin-sella joining some of Conamara’sfinest – The Kane Sisters, MarieWalsh, Johnny Connolly, TheHernon Family, Gearoid De-vaney, Johnny O’Halloran,Nathan Pilatzke and Mary Berginto mention but a few.
l For further information see www.ceecc.org, [email protected] or call 085 1154629
KAVANAGH’S SuperValu,Clifden, last month continuedits fundraising campaign forCancer Care West with a carwash at the store on FridayAugust 22, raising €321.
The arts and craft fair will
take place on Sunday October26 from 12-4pm in the oldSuperValu store. Tables for theevent are €20.
Nicola O’Malley, HR managerat the store, said: ‘Almost all ta-bles are now booked, so if you
would like to take part call intothe store and speak to Peggy orcall (095) 21182.’
Refreshments will be servedon the day and a raffle will alsotake place.
There is a bingo fundraiser in
Claddaghduff Hall this Sunday(September 14) at 9pm.
Ms O’Malley added: ‘Manythanks again to everyone thathas helped promote, donate andgiven their time for theseevents.’
SuperValu continues Cancer Care West fundraising
Coaches mark qualification at pony show
President to openSea Week festival
Kite flying on the greenin Letterfrack
The popular mini-boat regatta returns again this year
Andy O’Donoghue (President, CPBS), Mairéad McDonagh (courseparticipant), Margaret Walsh (course participant), Siobhán Cazabon(course participant), Cathy Keane (Forum Connemara), Jill Carey (CEOFestina Lente), Nicola Musgrave (Therapeutic Riding Committee), MaryWard (course participant), Jean Mullan (Therapeutic Riding Committee),Jacqueline Boulger (course participant), Deirdre Holmes (courseparticipant), John Coyne (CEO Forum Connemara)
dance was treated to ashort demonstration oftherapeutic riding.
Two volunteers, KeithO’Malley and CiaranCoohill – mounted onConnemara poniesBerberis and Joy – wereput through their paces
and demonstrated some ofthe benefits of therapeuticriding in calming agitatedbehaviour and improvingco-ordination and balance.
The programme wassupported by Forum andfunded through theLeader programme.
connemaraJ O U R N A L O N L I N Ew w w . c o n n e m a r a j o u r n a l . i e
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A COMMUNITY ChristianChurch ‘Kids Club’ has justbeen launched in Moycullen,catering for all childrenbetween the age of sevenand 12.
Stephen Walton, one ofthe organisers, said: ‘Thepurpose of our kids club is tomake learning about Jesusfun. Every week we will play games, give out prizes,sing songs, and mostimportantly interact withthe Bible.
‘Don’t worry, we won'tkeep you in the dark aboutwhat your children arelearning. It is important tous that as parents you areinvolved and informed as towhat is being taught.
‘The parent/childrelationship is the mostimportant relationship inthe development of a child[and] if you are concernedabout what we believe feelfree visit our website andlearn more about ourbeliefs.
‘We take the safety ofyour child seriously and soall of our leaders are Gardavetted and we have a childprotection policy in place,
which is available onrequest.’
The club is open to allchildren between the age ofseven and 12, and meetsevery Wednesday from6.30pm-7.45pm in ÁrasUilinn, Moycullen.
Mr Walton added: ‘If youare Catholic, Atheist, Hindu,Muslim or you just don'tknow, your child will bewelcome here!
‘There is absolutely nocost to you, the parents. Thisis something we want to dofor you, your children, andthe community.
‘It is our joy and privilegeto be able to offer this toyou free of charge.
‘You can sign up yourchild on the night they firstattend.
‘We ask that a parent orguardian sign them up atleast the first night, andthat whoever drops them offpicks them up unlessotherwise arranged. Thishelps us to make sure yourchildren are secure.’
l For further informationcall 086 7371443, [email protected] or seewww.ccgalway.com
Community Churchlaunches Kids Club
PHOTOS: AOIFE HERRIOTT
Ticket OfficeTo book tickets: Call the
Festival Box Office on 087-3315009 or (091) 442730;
email [email protected]
or visit the Arts Week Caravanon Market Street
Pipers Union formed in 2013 when long-time musical associates DavidPower and Ciarán Somers asked their old friend Dónal Clancy to join themin concert. What started out as a collaboration of two separate acts quicklyevolved into a tight-knit trio, incorporating traditional and contemporarystyles to deliver rousing ballads, soft love songs, lively dance tunes andhaunting airs. (September 20, 10pm, Mullarkeys Bar)
Heard first and encouraged byMicheal O’Domhnaill of the Bothy Band, the legendary Jimmy Crowley andStokers Lodge set out to bring an entirely Cork accent to the music – and toavoid in, Jimmy’s words, sounding like anybody else. Their earlier albums, theBoys of Fairhill and Camphouse Ballads are considered classics ofthe folk era. (September 22, Station House Theatre, 10pm, €12)
There are certain masterpieces that everyone should hear. John Wilson’sphenomenally popular Essential Classics series ‒ as the name suggests ‒assembles the very greatest and most famous of these works for yourenjoyment. Making the cut for this performance is Tchaikovsky’s unfailinglypopular Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture. Other highlights include Bruch’sViolin Concerto No. 1, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Berlioz’s HungarianMarch. (September 26, 8pm, €20, West Connemara Leisure Centre)
Poet Joan McBreen, composer GlenAustin and the RTÉ ConTempo Quartetreleased a new album, The Mountain Ash inConnemara, in May. The album is a combinationof music and poetry readings that draw from fourcollections of McBreen’s poems and from new work,and the music includes anumber of originalcompositions by GlenAustin, together with hisnew arrangements of sometraditional Irish airs. Ashowcase performance ofthe album, featuring Glenand ConTempo, takes placeon September 23 at 1pm inthe Church of Ireland.
12FEATURES
N E W
D a i l y l u n c h s p e c i a l s √ € 7
Quinn (September 21), The VoiceSquad and the Henry Girls (Septem-ber 20), Jimmy Crowley and StokersLodge (September 22), Mike Denver(September 24), The CatherineHunka Trio (September 25), and theRTÉ Concert Orchestra (September26).
Druid Theatre Company returnswith ‘Bailegangaire’ (September23/24) while the Nuala’s bring thelaughs (September 25).
Many literary greats and long-timefriends of the festival will be in atten-dance, including Nuala Ní Dhomh-naill (September 21), Paul Durcan(September 19.) and Niall Williams(September 20).
A public interview with poet, nov-elist, biographer, critic, commentatorand arts activist Anthony Cronin willtake place with Des Lally (September20), and there will be a screening ofLiving in a Coded Land, the latestfilm from acclaimed documentarymaker Pat Collins (September 22).
Film director Art Ó Briain, will of-
ficially launch ‘Thexhibition by Joe Bland’s most recogn(September 20), wreturns for its’ fourt‘Reading and Singiwith Des KavaMullineux presentrecitations about hgreyhounds (23 Se
Aerial PerformFidget Feet, fresh fCosta Rica and Aopen aerial workshduff (September 2ground performa(September 26) – a40 feet above the g
Children and adlight in street perforobats, jugglers, facdancers and music
As always, the loat the heart of the formances and wplace throughout compassing all elethe schools prograspire, educate and
SEPTEMBER 2014
l from page 1
WELCTO YOUR
CéiliúradhInto the WestFurther developing thefestival’s policy ofcelebrating the visualarts, this year’sexhibition presents aselection of works fromthe Patrick J Murphy and Antoinette Murphyprivate collection. Patrick has played a major role inthe appreciation and revitalisation of Irish art. He hashad an active role in the founding and developmentof ROSC, an organisation he has chaired since 1980,and has also given long-standing service to the ArtsCouncil of Ireland – being elected to the council in1981 and appointed chairman in 2000. The selectedworks from Pat and Antoinette’s collection includesearly oil paintings by Grace and Paul Henry;‘Tropical Landscape’ by the Malaysian/Chinese artistDr Jolly Koh; and two screens by Andy Warhol.(Opening Wednesday September 17, 6pm, by SarahGlennie, Director of IMMA, Festival Gallery, oldSuperValu building)
Official opening
RTÉ Concert Orchestra
The Mountain Ash in Connemara
Jimmy Crowleyand Stokers Lodge
Reading and Singing in the Bookies
Living in a Coded Land
Bill Whelan, renowned musician,composer, producer and a greatfriend of the festival, will do thehonours at the official opening ofthis year’s festival. The wholecommunity is welcome to attendthis great evening of song, musicand dance, which will also feature‘West Coast’ – an arrangement ofIrish music, song and dance from the multi-awardwinning West Coast Group and West Coast Ceili Bandarranged by their teacher Marie Walshe. (September18, 7pm, West Connemara Leisure Centre)
Now in its fourth year, this unique event attracts anaudience in excess of what a bookies might expecton Grand National Day! Des Kavanagh and PeteMullineux compere and local and national talentpresent poems, songs, recitations about horses,ponies and greyhounds. Des’s poems have beenpublished in many magazines and anthologies, whilePete is a poet, singer/songwriter and playwright withextensive writing credits on stage and screen.(September 23, 6pm, Paddy Power’s)
Living in a Coded Land is the latest film fromacclaimed documentary maker Pat Collins, whoseprevious works include Tim Robinson: Connemaraand John McGahern: a Private World. This poeticand imaginative essay makes unexpected linksbetween events and locations, history andcontemporary life. Making extensive use ofarchives, the film seeks to explore the more elusivelayers of meaning that make up this country. PatCollins is an IFTA award-winning director withmore than 25 documentaries and films to his credit.(September 22, 12pm, €5, Station House Theatre)
Pipers Union
Connemara Community Radio will be on air throughout the festival,bringing you the best in live performances, news,
interviews, previewsand reviews on87.8FM and106.1FM
Both Mícheál Ó Súílleabháin(piano and harpsichord, pictured)and Mel Mercier (percussion) hadstrong connections with SeanO’Riada– Mícheál being a studentof his in UCC’s music faculty,while Mel’s father was Seán’sbodhrán player in CeoltoiriChualainn. In this tributeconcert they revisit manyaspects of O’Riada’s centralinfluence on Irish music tradition. Many pieces popularised by him formparts of the programme for this performance, as well as stories and poemsinspired by him. (September 19, St Joseph’s Court, 8pm €20)
Vertical Man:O’Riada Remembered
The great Jimmy McCarthy, one of Ireland’sgreatest singer/songwriters and the man behind suchuniversal classics as Ride On, Neidin, Bright BlueRose and The Voyage and so many others, brings hisspectacular back catalogue to the intimate setting ofthe Station House Theatre. (September 18, StationHouse Theatre, 9pm, €20)
Ireland’s most popularcountry singer MikeDenver, fresh fromhis sell out tourearlier this year,brings the best of his
12 hit albums and seven best-selling DVDs for a special ArtsFestival performance that’s notto be missed. (September 24,9pm, West Connemara LeisureCentre, €20)
The Voice Squad – Phil Callery, Fran McPhail andGerry Cullen – blend their three distinct voices andfine arrangements to make them one of the mostdistinctive, unaccompanied singing groups of ourtime. They are joined in this Arts Festivalperformance by the Henry Girls – Karen, Laura andJoleen McLaughlin (pictured) – whose latest CD,Louder Than Words, was released in the US a coupleof months ago, earning them massive critical acclaim.(September 20, Station House Theatre, 8pm, €20)
Reading with internationally-acclaimed poet PaulDurcan, who is also renowned as a stirring reader ofhis work. Paul’s first book was Endsville, co-writtenwith Brian Lynch and his latest, of many highlyacclaimed collections, is Praise in which I Live andMove and Have my Being. Paul is a member ofAosdana and the winner of many awards includingthe Patrick Kavanagh and Whitbread Poetry awards.(September 19, Station House Theatre, 5.30pm, €10)
Des Lally interviews poet, critic and journalistAnthony Cronin, the author of a number of proseworks including biographies of Flann O’Brien andSamuel Beckett, as well as the classic memoir, Deadas Doornails. His new collection is a shiningdemonstration of the unique place he occupies amongIrish poets. (September 20, Station House --,2.30pm – Music with Liz and Yvonne Kane)
‘The countryside produced a fewsensations in the last couple ofyears, but my grand plan: I’ll
show them what canhappen at the dark of
night in a field. I’ll cometo grips with my life.’
Mommo tells, over and over again, a story she never finishes. It relates howthe town of Bochtán came to be known as Baileganagaire, the town
without laughter. Her granddaughter Mary ministers to her side,while dreaming of leaving forever, and Dolly counts down thedays before her husband returns from England, determined,
this time, to be ready for him. First premiered by Druid in 1985, TomMurphy’s Bailegangaire is considered one of the crowning
achievements of Irish drama, casting an unyielding but tender light ona trinity of women’s lives from a dark time. (September 23/24, 7pm,€20, Clifden Town Hall)
13FEATURES
e Works’ book andBoske, one of Ire-isable visual artists
while the Arts Trailth year. Don’t missing in the Bookies’anagh and Peteting poems, songs,horses, ponies andeptember).mance Companyfrom performing in
Australia, will holdhops in Claddagh-21) and a Show-ance in Clifdenall while suspendedground! dults alike will de-ormances, with ac-ce painters, singers,(September 27).
ocal schools will befestival, with per-
workshops takingthe ten days. En-
ements of the arts,amme aims to in-d encourage local
students in appreciating the arts The finale parade takes place on
September 27, transporting locals andvisitors into the world of imaginationwith dance, music, fire and magnifi-cent costumes as theatre companyLuXe pass through Clifden like a fa-miliar constellation marking thechanging seasons.
Fidget Feet will take to the skiesagain, with extracts from their twomassive outdoor works, ‘Firebirds’and ‘Wired & Free’.
Brendan Flynn, artistic director ofClifden Arts Week, told the Journal:‘Clifden Arts Week has grown to be-come an eagerly anticipated event,which brings a wonderful air of ex-citement to Clifden and the surround-ing area every autumn.
‘We have one of the most excitingline ups this year – it really grows inexcitement each year and we’re look-ing forward to welcoming peopleback to Clifden!’
l For programme details and tick-ets see www.clifdenartsweek.ie,www.facebook/ClifdenArtsFestival orfollow on Twitter @clifdenartsweek
JOURNALtheconnemara
COME FESTIVAL Jimmy McCarthy
Paul Durcan
Reading: Nuala Ní Dhomhnailland Moya Cannon
Public Interview with Anthony Cronin
The Voice Squad/Henry Girls
Mike Denver
Druid presentBailegangaire
Arts on AirTwo Aosdána members present a poetry reading inthe intimate surrounding of the Station HouseTheatre. Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill is one of the mostprominent and important poets writing in Irish today.Irish themes, including language, are central to herpoetry and range from ancient myths to small detailsof contemporary living. Moya Cannon, a greatfriend of the festival, has published many collectionsincluding Hands (2011) and Carrying the Songs(2007). (September 21, 5pm, Station House Theatre,€10)
BRIDGE STREET, CLIFDENTEL: 095 30995
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‘BRINGING it all back home’ ishow Galway-based film directorTom Collins described showing thefeature film An Bronntanas (TheGift) at the Station House in Clif-den from September 10 to 16.
‘We really wanted to open thetheatrical run of the film in Gal-way, and this showing is a great op-portunity to see the west up on thebig screen,’ said Collins.
An Bronntanas is a contempo-rary thriller set against the back-ground of a local independentlifeboat crew working off the coastof Conamara.
The rescue crew receive a dis-tress call on a stormy night. Theygo on ‘a shout’ to discover a fish-ing boat, its only passenger a deadwoman and its cargo of over a mil-lion euro worth of drugs.
The crew then faces a moraldilemma – bring the woman onshore and hand the drugs to the au-thorities; or leave the body, sell thedrugs and save their struggling vil-lage.
It’s a decision that will changetheir lives forever.
Producer, Ciarán Ó Cofaigh, co-founder and managing director ofproduction company ROSG, haswon many awards and nominationsfor his work both at home and abroad, and An Bronntanasfollows the feature film Cré Na Cille and the supernatural
thriller Na Cloigne.‘A lot of local people worked on
the film during the 43-day shoot,and now they can come along andenjoy seeing their hard work on thebig screen’.
Cinematographer Cian deBuitléir had the responsibility toget the sea rescue scenes just right.
‘They were very importantscenes’, said award-winning deBuitléir.
‘We built the boats locally andwe spent days filming the majorrescue.
‘It’s very important that the filmis shown where it was shot.’
Collins added: ‘I hope a lot offriends take the chance and come
to see us and themselves on screenat the Station House on September10. I showed my last big film,Kings, there in 2008 and think theStation House is a great place tosee a film.’
Among the cast are local actorDara Devaney (Na Cloigne), Amer-ican-based actor John Finn (ColdCase, Homeland, Glory) and OwenMcDonnell (Single Handed).
l An Bronntanas is at the StationHouse Theatre from tonight(Wednesday) to Tuesday, Septem-ber 16. Members of the cast andcrew will attend the screening of the film on Saturday September13 to present the film and meet the audience
14FEATURES
SEPTEMBER 2014
Is it better to give, or deceive?
Contemporary Connemara Artisan House adds two more titles to its growing range of art books this month with a new edition of Dorothy Cross’sConnemara, and a retrospective of the works of Joe Boske. Both will be launched as part of the Clifden Arts Festival
Joe Boske is one ofIreland’s foremostvisual artists. As JoeBoske: The Worksbeautifullydemonstrates, he hasalready given us alegacy of imagesthrough his artwork,posters, record covers,book illustrations,cartoons, poetry andmusic.
A native of Germany,Joe came to Ireland in1969. From that timehe immersed himself inthe culture of Irelandand of the West inparticular; itstraditional music,people and landscape.
He became quicklyinvolved in theemerging arts scene,and Joe’s uniqueposters alone are anexpression of the west’sartistic developmentover the past 45 years.
The observations andthe iconic imagesdemonstrate anextraordinaryrepresentation of thewestern seaboard inparticular and records,in a highly visual andalways memorable andquirky manner,
Connemara, by DorothyCross, was initiallydeveloped to coincidewith her Connemaraexhibition, which tookplace in TurnerContemporary inMargate, UK, last Januaryand subsequently in theRHA Dublin.
The work representedin the book was createdduring the 12 years Crosshas lived in Connemara.Most, but not all, of it isspecifically to do withthe place but, as Crossnotes, her work isn’tabout the moreconventional classical
notion of Connemara. ‘I don’t do that, I don’t
paint landscapes, andquite deliberately so. Iprefer the thingsthemselves, often foundon the shore, washed up,broken or dead,photographed, or perhapscast from life.’
l The softbackedition of Connemarawill be launched onSeptember 26 at theClifden Arts Festival.The launch will beperformed by artcollector Patrick JMurphy in the FestivalGallery at 5pm
individuals, events andfanciful notions.
Mary Ruddy,editorial director ofArtisan House, said:‘Artisan House is veryproud to bring out abook wholly dedicatedto the work of JoeBoske.
‘The variety andrange of work includedin this publication willbe a surprise even tothose who believe theyalready know Joe’swork and manytalents.’
l The book andexhibition opening willbe launched by film-maker Art Ó Briain atClifden Arts Festival onSaturday, September20.
l Softback edition:€20; Special limitedhardback edition (100
copies) €100. Thelimited edition includesa signed, numberedand dated etching byJoe Boske, a DVD of ashort film on the artist,Strike While the Irony isHot by Barry Ryan andCD Amara, containing
Joe Boske musicalcompositions played by some ofIreland’s leadingtraditional musicians.Available fromwww.artisanhouse.ie,galleries and selectedbookshops
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The deadline for
advertisingand
submitting articles
is September 29
16NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2014
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COMPUTER SKILLS (Beginner to Advanced)
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THE Connemara Pony Festivaltook place in Clifden lastmonth, with visitors from allover the world travelling toConnemara to experience thisunique event.
The festival opened withthe crowning of ShannonNeedham, from Cleggan, asthe Connemara Pony ShowQueen. Shannon was spon-sored by SuperValu in Clifden,and the marquee at the Sta-tion House courtyard was filledto capacity with spectators.
On Monday morning twobuses departed the Show-grounds, destined for Rosmuc.Visitors were welcomed bypony breeders at studs fromRosmuc to Carraroe and an in-formative and interesting daywas enjoyed by all.
Delegates from the daugh-ter societies of the CPBS met inthe Station House Hotel onTuesday morn-ing to discussbreeding issuesand to plan forthe future. TheAbbeyglen Cas-tle Hotel hostedan Internationalreception onT u e s d a yevening, wherethe Michael J.O’Malley awardwas presentedto Gisela Helin,from Sweden(accepted on herbehalf by Madeline Beckman).
In the spirit of Michael J.O’Malley and to commemo-rate the initiative and passiondisplayed in his pioneeringvisit to Olympia with two Con-nemara ponies, an annualaward is given to an interna-tional owner or breeder whohas selflessly promoted theConnemara pony during theirlifetime.
The Irish Connemara GreenHunter competition for four-year-old Connemara ponieson Wednesday morning waswon by Susan Gageby Den-ham’s pony, BertraghboyBeau Geste, ridden by Alicia
Devlin Byrne. Frances Corless owned the
winner of the family workinghunter pony, The CaherviewBoy, ridden by Anna Corless.
The three-year-old winnerof the loose jumping final wasMount Ross Sprinter, ownedby Peter Tonery.
On Wednesday afternoon10 locals graduated from theTherapeutic Riding CoachingProgramme (see page 11), fol-lowed by a demonstration bythe newly qualified coaches.
Twenty two in-hand andten ridden classes for Con-nemara ponies took place onThursday. The Supreme Cham-pion was awarded to Glencar-rig Knight, who earlier wonthe four-to-six-year-old stal-lion class for the third consec-utive year. Glencarrig Knightis owned and bred by CiaranCurran from Moycullen. He
also sired thewinner of thejunior cham-pion, CastleDiceman, ownedby MichaelO’Toole fromClifden.
Reserve Jun-ior Championwent to CaillinConneely’s year-ling filly Letter-dyfe Síofra.
The winner ofthe Championfoal was Gurteen
Jennifer, owned by CathalMullen, and also sired by Glen-carrig Knight. In reserve stoodMartin Keaney’s colt foal Mur-vey Dexter.
Reserve Supreme championof the show was Fiona andTomás Grimes’ Carrowkeel Star,winner of the six- and seven-year-old mare class.
In the ridden ring the rid-den championship went toCarrowkeel Jack, owned byRuth Good and ridden byHeather Murray. Reservechampion was ClaremountLad, owned by Gill and Char-lotte Glynn and ridden by LucyGlynn.
Clifden In pictures: Oughterard Agricultural Show
Louisburgh ShowMinister Simon Coveneywith Show QueenShannon Needham
Champion of the horse section was Kiltulla Diamond,owned by Tom Newell from Claregalway
Thomas Walsh from Leam,Oughterard, winner of the Texel ewe any age class
Clodagh O’Toole on Joyton Regal Princess, with her mother
Eadbha Joyce with Ginger Lady and her dad, Roger
Eimar McNamara with Purple Destiny
Sheila Brogan and her cousinMillie Kelehan, who won theyoung handler class
Christopher Healy, winner, and Marie Jennings, runner up in theTexel lamb female class
Fiona Faherty (judge, Fusion Fashions), best dressed teen Jasmine Fleming, bestdressed lady Demelza Gibbons, maid of the show Katie Geoghegan, best dressedsenior Lucy Walsh and Fiona NÌ Fhlahartha (judge, TG4)
Overall champion and winner of the Power's Quarry International ridden registered Connemara performancepony championship final was Valaire Crawford on Ardfry Jade (left); reserve champion was Alicia Devlin-Byrne
PHOTOS: TOM BRODERICKP
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Pictured: Seán Conneely from Glenbricken, Clifden, with his grandaughter Sarah andGlenellen’s Fancy – his champion mare at theLouisburgh Horse and Pony Show
Clifden MartGalway road clifden
Friday sept 12 cattle (1pm) & sheep sale (4pm)
Friday sept 19 cattle (1pm) & sheep sale (4pm)
Friday sept 26 cattle Show (1pm) &
sheep sale (4pm)
Friday Oct 3Weanling Show & Sale (1pm)
Cattle sales every Friday thereafter
All enquires regarding bookings , transport etc, tel 095 21861
or mobile 087 2485422
17NEWSJOURNAL
theconnemara
ClegganBeach Riding Centre
Beach Treks & Riding Lessons Phone: 083-3888135 or (095) 44746
Email: [email protected]
WEST VETWestern Veterinary Clinic
Galway RoadClifden, Co. Galway
Jens WernerPhone: 095-22209Emergencies: 087-9179248 (24hr)
Business Hours: Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat: 10.00-12.30
Katie Geoghegan fromOughterard was selected asthe winner of the best dressedlady completion by judge Ma-rietta Doran and received a€500 Dubarry voucher tospend in Millars, Clifden.
Runner up was Debbie Nick-son from the UK, who won a€250 voucher for the WhyteHouse boutique in Westport,Co. Mayo. Second runner-up
was Kathleen Keane fromMoycullen who won a New-bridge Pearl necklace andbracelet from the Celtic Shopin Clifden.
George Ledwith was thewinner of a Jack Murphywaxed jacket from Hehirs ofClifden when judged the moststylish gentleman.
The Working Hunter Cham-pionship on Friday was won by
Claire Crawford’s Ardfry Jaderidden by Pataire Crawford.Avril Kelly’s pony DunranKatie Sue ridden by LucindaKelly stood reserve.
Blackwood Ferando ownedby Claire Devlin Byrne and rid-den by Alicia Devlin Byrne wasthe winner of the Clifden HighPerformance final.
The Puissance competitonalways attracts a huge numberof spectators and this year wasno different. The €1,000 prizefund was shared by Eric Walsh’sCarnabay Mirah, ridden by Jus-tine O’Hara, and Mary Doyle’sDoire Mhainaigh Earl, riddenby Christine Molloy.
Spectators were not disap-pointed when both poniescleared an amazing 1m 60cm.
The show concluded with aparade of champions aroundthe town of Clifden.
l Full results can be down-loaded from www.cpbs.ie
draws international audience
Christmas advertisingpackages are now available!
Call (095) 30707
connemaraJOURNAL
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All courses are accredited to QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) formally FETAC
Contact Sorcha O’Toole, Further Education Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway Telephone (095) 41302 Twitter and Facebook — VTOSletterfrack
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme
VTOS Programmes on offer in Letterfrack
l Flexible full-time educationl Education and training skills for people returning to full-time education l Preparing people to go to paid employment or further their education
l You need to be over 21 years oldl You need to be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment for six months
VTOS Letterfrack Phone: 095-41302 Fax: 095-41303 Email: [email protected]
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BTEI Clifden & Letterfrack Phone: 095-41302 Fax: 095-41303 Email: [email protected]
Our next Open Day is THIS FRIDAY (September 12) in Clifden from 10am - 3pm
FETAC Level 4 & 5 Business Administration
FETAC Level 5 Computer Aided Design
FETAC Level 5 General Studies
FETAC Level 4l Hotel Front Office
l Horticulturel Information and
Communication l Technology Skills
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and Education l Business with Tourism
l Agriculture
HETAC Level 6l Higher Certificate:
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Back to Education Initiative Programmes on offer in Letterfrack and Clifden
Best dressed lady winner,Katie Geoghegan
Junior Champion: Michael O'Toole's Castle Diceman, byGlencarrig Knight
High Performance Champion Blackwood Fernando, ridden by Alicia Devlin-Byrne
Ciarán Curran's stallion Glencarrig Knight was crowned supreme champion of the show
Laura Higgins and ‘Tyson‘
John Canavan from Moycullen
Handling at a show for the first timewas 10-year-old Ciara Heanue fromClifden with Crossowen Joy
Cillian Curran from Letterfrackon board Southeast Starlight
Mary Gibbons, Ardbear, whowon five firsts, one secondand one third, and wasawarded two cups for herhome made cakes Heather Murray Good on the ridden champion Carrowkeel
Jack, pictured with Andy O'Donoghue, President of the CPBS,Chris Shanahan and Ruth Good
PHOTO: SIOBHAN ENGLISH
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PHOTOS: ANDREW DOWNES (UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE)
18FEATURES
Summer is over – bright pinkheathers have dulled and roadsidemontbretia looks a little batteredafter recent rain but there is alushness still to the land and theevenings hold on to the light. It isnot uncommon to view Septemberas a time of endings; the end ofsummer, the end of the holidays,time to weed out plant pots orfinish a garden project before thecold weather sets in.
I’ve always thought ofSeptember as a time of beginnings– the start of a new school year,time to investigate a new course ofstudy perhaps or take up someexercise. The month of Septemberseems to me to hold a promise ofnewness and renewal in a moredefinitive way than the beginningof the calendar year. I loved thesmell of new books and pencils asa child and I looked forward topacking my bag for the return toschool – I was especially thrilledif I had some new art supplies or ifI’d been successful in obtaining amuch coveted fluffy pencil casefrom the local newsagents!
It is the landscape that remindsme that there are no beginnings orendings. I love to watch the landat this time of year in an effort tograsp those imperceptiblechanges, the quiet movementfrom heathery sweet colourinto the deep golden hues ofAutumn. It is almostimpossible to capture thetransformation as grasses andplants evolve so fluently andso exquisitely, yet we see themonce they are changed. Ashumans we like tocompartmentalise our livesinto tidy segments – and ofcourse we need this in order tomanage our activities – but Ifind it oddly comforting torealise that there are no divisions,only the quiet reassuring passageof time. Ideally, this can prompt usinto action to make the most ofeach day, but it can also allow us
to realise the importance andsignificance of smaller momentsas we salute another Septemberand endeavour to make our ownimprint on the world.
l Original paintings available atthe Lavelle Art Gallery, Clifden(www.lavelleartgallery.ie )l Read more from Deborah’s blog atwww.deborahwatkinspaintings.com
September: beginnings and endings
‘Sheep in Errislannan’ by Marianne Chayet
‘Maam Cross Landscape withSheep’ by Alan Kenny
‘Kaleidoscope of Autumn’ by DianaPivovarova
Before September is out I would like to mention the work of theDillisk Food Project in
Connemara this summer. Dillisk was a project headed up by
Katie Sanderson, previously of projectssuch as Living Dinners and the Harecafé, and Jasper O’Connor, previously ofArdBia and Nimmos.
With the help of a host of fantasticfriends they established a little pop uprestaurant, buried deep in Aughrisbeg,Cleggan. The building, a convertedboat shed, was transformed into abeautifully rustic communal dinningspace where you could meet newpeople and taste new things.
Dillisk revealed a wonderful sensefor natural aesthetics, from the sign atthe top of the road down to a lavenderloo that had the best ‘view from a loo’in Ireland. It’s not often you find suchinnovation and creativity under oneroof, and in one of the most stunninglybeautiful spots in the west of Ireland.
They set out to ‘plant,pickle and pick’ their
way through thesummer to bring us
a tasting menu with the flavours ofour land and sea. They brought usflavours of Connemara in all its wildsimplicity.
Thank you, Dillisk, for bringingsuch an experience to our table andour pallets with native food. Wesalute you.
And on that note, here’s a simple‘Hedge School Galette’ of wildblackberries and autumn apples(hedge school because the children
have to collect the blackberries fromthe hedgerow themselves).
The weights for the filling are notspecific because it depends on whatyou have managed to pick! I usedeating apples that were quite tartbecause, although not yet quite ripe,the kids just couldn’t leave them onthe tree any longer. Cooking appleswould work just as well, as will pears– simply adjust the sugar to taste.
Pastry375g organic plain flour, plus extrafor dusting 75g icing sugar, sifted 190g butter, cut into small cubes Seeds from ½ a vanilla pod or twodrops of vanilla essence1 free-range egg, beaten A drop of water
Rub the butter into the flour until itresembles breadcrumbs.
Add the icing sugar and combine.Then add the vanilla and the egg.
Mix to combine and add a drop ofwater, just enough to bring ittogether.
Turn out on to a floured surface,
bring it together into a ball and thenpress down to flatten into a circle.This allows it to cool quicker andmakes it easier to roll later.
Cover with cling film and chill forone hour. Because this is a free formgalette it really needs this hourchilling to be robust enough to holdall the ingredients in.
Preheat the oven to 200C
FillingMeanwhile use the ingredients youhave to do the rest. I used about:5 apples3-4 good handfuls of blackberriesSugar (vanilla if you have it) willdepend on your apples, but I usedabout 80g in total with tart apples Have a lemon to hand in case it endsup being too sweetAn egg and a drop of milk for eggswash are also needed to brush onbefore the oven
Peel and cut some of the apples,three or so, into small cubes and placein a pot with one handful ofblackberries. Cover with a light layerof sugar – about 50g.
Put the pot onthe heat, add thevanilla, bring to asimmer and cover forabout 3-4 minutes.
Tastes for sweetness,add a little more sugar ifnecessary and a squeeze of lemonif too sweet.
If you have used cooking applesthey will fall apart nicely but eatingapples might need to be mashed upa bit. The result should be a roughcompote.
Allow this to cool completely.When the pastry has chilled and
the compote cooled completely, line abaking sheet with baking parchment.
Peel and slice the rest of theapples quite thinly. (Move on withthe rest quickly before the pastrygets too warm)
Roll out the pastry to the thickerside of 1mm and trim the edges –mine was about 50cm in diameter.
Roll the circle onto the rolling pinand let it down on the baking sheet– an overhang is okay at this point.
Spread the compote out in a circle,leaving about 10cm of pastry around
the outside to fold over the top.Arrange the sliced apples on top
and then add the rest of theblackberries. Sprinkle with sugar,about 20g.
Fold in the sides of the pastry – itwill overlap a little in places, that’sokay.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkleagain with a little sugar, about 10g,all over.
Place in the oven at 200C forabout 30 minutes or until goldenbrown and firm.
Serve warm with a dollop of icecream to ease the pain of homework!
It is delicious cold too.l For more, visit
www.breakingeggs.com,www.facebook.com/BreakingEggs,or follow on Twitter @Cliodhnaof
Take the children back to hedge school!
‘BRINGING FOOD AND COOKING TO THE NEXT GENERATION IN A HEALTHY, FUN AND INFORMATIVE WAY’
SEPTEMBER 2014
Cliodhna Prendergast makes the most of the blackberry crop nestled in the hedgerows
Letterfrack Education CentreOpportunities for Young School leavers
Entry requirement
• Between 16 -20 years • Have left school
The Letterfrack Education centre will help you to
• Progression to further education, • Crèche facilitates
Courses offered
• Safe Pass • Career guidance
• Counselling
Time, or rather alack of it, is thenumber one rea-son people tell me
they do not exercise.Ironically, time is exactlywhat is being sacrificedevery time we fail tomake time to exercise andeat healthily.
I accept that a modernlifestyle is pretty hecticand we all are trying tojuggle the pressures ofliving day-to-day, but Ido not accept that the firstthing to neglect is yourhealth and fitness.
If you fail to addressyour unhealthy habits,your body will eventuallybreak down. Then youralready-hectic life be-comes unworkable andthe whole system col-lapses.
This month is aboutmaking time to exercise.Stop the excuses! Thereis always that little voicein your head telling youto take the easy route. Ithas an impressive rangeof excuses, all lined upready to get out of anysituation. And guess whatits number one excuse is?You’ve got it: ‘You don’thave the time, you’re justtoo busy’.
Now stop and take alook in the mirror. It isthis little voice that hasguided you to end uplooking at the person yousee looking back at you.Are you going to con-tinue taking that advice?
Squeezing in just a fewminutes a day of physicalactivity a day has hugebenefits to your health. Ina recent study it wasfound that even 15 min-utes a day could reducethe risk of prematuredeath by 14% and in-crease life expectancy bythree years.
Also, remember that‘working out’ does nothave to happen in thegym, or last for an hour.Short ten minute burstsof exercise, accumulatedover the course of a day,
can add up to big fitnessand health gains.
The following are afew guidelines to helpyou on your way.
Wake up earlier:Sleep is definitely impor-tant to overall health andweight loss, but couldyou hit the sack just 30minutes earlier so youcan get up and exercisebefore your day starts?Honestly, how manytimes have you the bestintentions to exercise inthe evening only to seethose plans ruined bywork or family commit-ments? Even sleep inyour workout clothes toencourage you to get upout of bed.
Cut down on media:For a few days record theamount of time youspend on the internet,emailing, watching TV oron your phone. This isoften a big eye openerand people usually admitthey could sacrifice someof this time, especially inthe pursuit of betterhealth and fitness.
Be an ‘active TVwatcher’: It’s not realis-tic that we are nevergoing to watch TV or surfthe internet, but why notincorporate some exer-cise into this time. Dopress ups or squats dur-ing the advert breaks, ortry sitting on a stabilityball instead of the couch.Use your imagination. Itcan easily add up to your
daily exercise time pre-scription.
Try an active com-mute: Is it possible thatyou could walk or cycleto work from where youlive? If you have to com-mute via car, make apoint of parking furtheraway from work thanusual, allowing you to getexercise time. We are ob-sessed in this countrywith parking as close tothe front door as possible.Break this trend.
Make it part of yourroutine: One of the mainreasons we find it hard tofit in exercise is that weare not used to doing it.Start making some formof exercise – whether thatbe a walk or jog or cycle– part of the daily rou-tine. You want it to moveaway from the ‘willpower’ pile and into the‘habit’ section of yourday. This will take about28 days but it’s worthevery minute of it. Afterthis period of time exer-cise will be just part ofthe day, like washingyour teeth or having ashower. Well, I hopethese are part of yourdaily routine. If not I ad-vise you to add them tothe 28 day plan!
Say no! If you havegone through this list andstill cannot find a freeslot, then it’s time to lookat your priorities and re-sponsibilities.
Remember there isnothing wrong with say-ing no. We all have obli-gations to others, butdon’t forget about the ob-ligation you have toyourself to take care ofyour body and health.
This month is aboutfinding time to exercise.There are 1440 minutesin a day. Surely you canspare 30 of them to im-prove your health andwell being.
l As ever email me [email protected] if you have any ques-tions
19HEALTHJOURNAL
theconnemara
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Find your balance with Yang Style Tai chi classes
Beginner course starting Wed October 1st, 1pm-2pm
Town Hall, Clifden Tel Eileen Brady at 086-8533395
Find your balance with Yang Style Tai chi classes
Beginner course starting Wed October 1st, 1pm-2pm
Town Hall, Clifden Tel Eileen Brady at 086-8533395
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Nicolas Kats ND, Lic. Ac.
Herbs. Diet. Supplements.Acupuncture (VHI, VIVAS, BUPA)
Dooneen Clinic, Clifden086-3651590 (text only)[email protected]
The blossoms of meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria), a creamyspray, are now passing away forthe year.
Meadowsweet contains saly-cylic acid – in other words, aspirin.The name aspirin derives frommeadowsweet’s former name, Spi-raea. This tells how to use mead-owsweet: for hot conditions, likeinflammation or fever. The keynotehere is heat: redness, fever.
Meadowsweet contains mu-cilage, which soothes and moistensdry tissues. It has tannins, which insmall amounts gently constrictsand tonifies tissue.
A comparison of aspirin withmeadowsweet: Aspirin is a concen-trated anti-inflammatory, powerfuland effective. It has no other qual-ities. Meadowsweet is a muchmilder anti-inflammatory, plus ithas mucilage and tannins. The ef-fects of aspirin are simple andstraightforward. The effects ofmeadowsweet are gentle and com-plex. Aspirin has side effects;meadowsweet has none.
These three components – saly-cylic acid, mucilage and tannins –make meadowsweet particularlyappropriate for peptic ulcers, gas-tric reflux and damage to theesophagus from reflux.
The leaves and flowers are theparts used. Use the fresh flower tomake tea. To dry, pick the wholeplant, tie in small bundles and hangfrom the ceiling.
Lady’s mantle (Alchemillia vul-garis) is unusual in that dew on theleaves become like pearls. In Ire-land it grows in gardens, and it canescape and grow nearby.
Lady’s mantle is effective forslowing or stopping uterine bleed-ing. Postpartum bleeding, heavy
menses that can causeanemia. (If there isbleeding betweenmenses, see a gy-n e c o l o g i s t . )Other localherbs that stopbleeding –yarrow, shep-herd’s purse –are effective andcan be combined.
Lady’s mantle isan excellent all-around herb for men-strual and hormonalirregularity: PMS,heavy or scantymenses, cramp-ing withmenses, prob-lems with ovu-l a t i o n ,m e n a r c h e ,m e n o p a u s e .Yarrow is similar.Combine the twoherbs in equal parts.
The whole plant isused, including theroots. To use fresh,chop and steep.The herb can beair dried.
The elder-berry, elder, orelder flower(Sambucus nigra)is now coming intofruit. This is a finespray of tiny darkberries. It makes a terrificjam, and some like to eatthe berries raw.
Medically, the strongestpart of elderberry is theflower. This is used forcolds and flus. When
there are sudden chills, aswith exposure to wind
or rain, start elder-berry tea immedi-ately. Swollentonsils, sorethroat, clear orpurulent nasaldischarge, achi-ness, fever andother symptoms
of flu, are indica-tions for the use of
elder.The fresh or driedflower is good. It
can be bought atthe chemist,under the brandname Salus.
For colds andflus, sip the teaoften. Whentonsillitis or a
sore throat ispresent, mix in
honey – it is a goodantibacterial..
l I will be doinga one-hour herb
walk as part ofthe Clifden ArtsFestival onSunday, Sep-tember 21 at10am, meetingat the Church of
Ireland. All arewelcome.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]
No time to exercise?Stop kidding yourself!
Make the most of the healingpowers of these local herbs
Make exercisepart of yourdaily routine,or you’ll bemaking a GPappointmentinstead. ByAlan King
From top:Meadowsweet,lady’s mantle,elderberries
20FEATURES
SEPTEMBER 2014
This childcare project is funded by theIrish Government under the National
Development Plan 2007 - 2013
Tigh Na nÓg Community Crèche wish to form a panel of Childcare Workers for
positions which may arise in 2014/2015.(Childcare Workers to hold a minimum qualification of FETAC Level 5)
If you are interested in applying please send your CV to:
Miriam Lee, Manager, Tigh na nOg Community Crèche,Letterfrack, Co. Galway 095 41908
Closing date for applications Wednesday September 17, 2014
Connemara WestLetterfrack
Connemara Photographic
Society Competition‘ f a c e s ’
This month’s ConnemaraPhotographic Societycompetition explored thetheme ‘Faces’ – thewinners, clockwise fromtop left, are:
1st Sandra BeirneMolly2nd Aine HigginsCharlie Bear3rd Mark Furniss Himalayan Lad
l The theme forSeptember will be
‘Details’. For furtherinformation and
sumbission deadline, seewww.facebook.com/
connemaraphotosociety
l The ConnemaraPhotographic Society
would like to thankCharles at the Digital
Office, Clifden, forsponsoring the
1st prize of €20 worth of Kodak prints
I was employed when I hadmy first child and gotMaternity Benefit. I’mcurrently expecting mysecond child but I’m nowself-employed – am I still
entitled to Maternity Benefit?
Maternity Benefit is paid towomen who are on maternityleave from work and arecovered by social insurance(PRSI). This includes ClassS social insurance which ispaid by people who are
insurably self-employed. In this caseyou need to have one of the following:
• 52 weeks’ PRSI contributions paidat Class S in the relevant tax year. Forexample, if you are going on maternityleave in 2014, the relevant tax year is2012. Or
• 52 weeks’ PRSI contributions paidat Class S in the tax year immediatelybefore the relevant tax year. Or
• 52 weeks’ PRSI contributions paidat Class S in the tax year immediatelyfollowing the relevant tax year.
If you do not meet these conditions,you may be able to use your PRSIcontributions from your formeremployment to qualify.
PRSI Class S contributions for aparticular year are not awarded untilyou have paid the tax due for that year.Your income tax and PRSI liabilities
(primarily for the relevant tax year)must be paid to qualify for maternitybenefit.
Note that if you earn less than€5,000 in a tax year then you are notinsurably self-employed. But even ifyou are not sure if you have enoughearnings, you should always apply formaternity benefit to check whether youqualify.
If you apply before you go onmaternity leave but don’t have enoughearnings, you may qualify to havematernity benefit paid retrospectivelyif your earnings exceed the €5,000threshold when you return to work.
You should apply at least 12 weeksbefore you intend to go on maternityleave.
l Further information is availablefrom Clifden Citizens InformationService, which provides a free andconfidential service to the public. Tel:0761 07 7580 / 087 1301100 Email:[email protected]; 2nd Floor, CreditUnion, Clifden. Thursday 7pm – 8pm,Friday 10.30am – 3.30pm (call mobileoutside these hours and to confirmdates of Letterfrack Outreach Service).Information is also available online atcitizensinformation.ie and from theCitizens Information Phone Service,0761 07 4000
In August we have a spectacular annual event to lookforward to – the Perseids meteor shower – which isassociated with debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. The number of meteors visible to us (60 or more per hourat night) will reach its maximum on August 13.
The Perseids are so-called because the point fromwhich they appear, known as the radiant, lies in theconstellation Perseus.
The shower is visible from mid-July each year, with thepeak time in activity occurring between August 9 and 14,depending on the particular location of the stream. Themeteors can be seen all across the sky, but because ofthe specific path of Swift-Tuttle’s 130-year orbit, Perseidsare primarily visible in the northern hemisphere.
As with all meteor showers, the rate is greatest in thepre-dawn hours, since the side of the Earth nearest toturning towards the sun ‘scoops’ up more meteors as theEarth moves through space. Most Perseids disappearwhile at heights over 80 kilometres above our planet,and the dust seen in the cloud today is around athousand years old.
The Perseids shower has been observed for over 2,000years, with the earliest information on this event comingfrom the Far East. Some people of the Roman Catholic
with GERRIT NUCKTON
The Galway Astronomy Club will kick offits 2014-15 season of free ‘Back to Basics’workshops at NUI Galway on September 22with an evening lecture by BrianMcGabhann, entitled ‘A Guide to the Sunand Safe Solar Viewing’. This will befollowed by an October 20 event hosted byTom Frawley of the Galway Radio Club,entitled ‘Amateur Radio Astronomy’.
The Galway Astronomers welcome all tojoin their club and hold general meetingsmonthly at the Westwood House Hotel,while their free workshops take placemonthly at NUI Galway. For detailsregarding meeting times and events seewww.galwayastronomyclub.ie.
This month, Mercury is visible low inthe west after sunset all month and it is atgreatest elongation, 26 degrees east of theSun, on September 21, making for a betterchance to view it just as the Sun dropsbelow the horizon.
At the beginning of September, Venusrose in the east-northeast an hour beforethe Sun but this reduces to half an hour bymonth's end. Shining at magnitudenegative 3.9, it can be spotted inconstellation Leo, well down to the lowerleft of Jupiter in the pre-dawn sky.
The International Space Station(ISS) is sometimes visible over Connemaravia the naked eye before sunrise or after
sunset as a slow moving, bright white dot,crossing the sky in only two minutes or soas it zooms past (always to the south as itnever goes further north than 52 degreesof latitude – it’s at least 205 miles above ustravelling at an incredible rate of17,000mph). Visibility occurs before dawnand after dusk when the ISS is sunlit butthe ground and sky are dark, which istypically the case up to a few hours aftersunset or before sunrise. Because of thelarge size of its reflective surface area, theISS is always very bright, with anapproximate maximum brightness ofmagnitude −4 when overhead, similar toVenus. For the complete, exact details ofthe times of ISS (and other satellite)appearances above your location, seewww.heavens-above.com.
The Moon was full on September 9,reaches last quarter on September 16 andis new on the September 19.
Mars is low in the SW at sunset and setsa few hours later, moving eastwardsrelative to the stars from constellationLibra into Scorpius and ending the monthclose to the giant star Antares. Dimmingfrom +0.6 to +0.8 during the month, it isbest observed as darkness falls but, givenits low elevation, it is unlikely that anydetails will be seen on its salmon-pinksurface. On September 12 it will lie
halfway between Saturn and Antares andon September 17 will lie just half a degreeabove the second magnitude star DeltaScorpii.
Jupiter rises several hours beforesunrise in the east. At the start ofSeptember, it rose two and a half hoursbefore the Sun and this increases to fourand a half hours by month’s end. As theEarth’s orbit moves us closer towardsJupiter, the size of Jupiter's disk increasesslightly from 32.1 to 33.6 arc seconds soearly risers should be able to see theequatorial bands in the atmosphere andthe four Galilean moons as they quicklyorbit around the giant planet.
Saturn is high in the SW at sunset andsets several hours later. The ringed planetis now lying in the more southerly part ofthe ecliptic so its elevation does not getthat high when seen from our northernlatitudes. It is found in constellation Libra,moving slowly away from the wide doublestar Alpha Librae as it shines with amagnitude of +0.6. By month's end it willonly be at 10 degrees elevation at thistime, so this is our last chance to observe itfor a month or so as it passes behind theSun. The ring system, which has nowopened out to 23 degrees to the line ofsight, should still show nicely along withTitan, its largest satellite.
THE CONNEMARASKY AT NIGHT
with GERRIT NUCKTON
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Maternity benefit for the self-employed
QA
21A – Z DIRECTORYJOURNAL
theconnemara
Kevin Barry & Associates Receiving Farm Assist Payments or Area Aid? If you received a taxform lately it needs to be dealt with inside the next 30 days. Call1 800 476 984 for our FREE info leaflet on what to do.www.barryaccountants.ieGP Griffin & Co.Chartered Accountants/Registered Auditors/Forensic Accountants –Insolvency Practitioners/Personal Insolvency Practitioners (PIP).Authorised by the Insolvency Service of Ireland. Unit 2 KilraineyS.C., Moycullen, Co Galway. Tel: (091) 556492, Fax: (091) 555782. Mobile: 087 2451132 Email: [email protected], Lochrin & Company LtdChartered accountants. Contact us for all your business advisoryand tax planning needs. Tel: (095) 30030, Fax: (095) 30031;Email: [email protected] www.mannion-lochrin.comSinead O Flaherty – Certified Public Accountant5 Connemara Way, Westport Road, Clifden.Experienced accountant specialising in accounts preparation,Income Tax/VAT/PAYE/RCT Returns. Rental Income. ContactSinead at: 083-1551059 or Email [email protected]
Cleggan Beach Riding CentreBeach Treks & Riding Lessons - Phone: 083-3888135 or (095) 44746.Email: [email protected] – www.clegganridingcentre.comKillary Adventure Co. provides adventure activities andaccommodation for families, individuals and groups at our basein Leenane. We have now added Paintball to our list of over 20activities and recently launched our Wild Atlantic Way ActivityProgramme, with a set weekly schedule at competitive prices.Call us on 095 43411 to book or go to www.killaryadventure.comfor more information.
Martin Courcey Construction LtdNo job too big, no job too small. Member of CIF with fullinsurance. SEAI registered contractor for insulation grants.Knockbrack, Cleggan. Call 095 44606 or 086-8161885McDonnell ConstructionC.I.F. / C.I.R.I Registered – T: 087 9633 885 – E: [email protected] – Aughris, Cleggan, Co Galway. Enda O'Malley B.Eng C.Eng MIEI Chartered Engineer and Planning Consultant Providing aReliable, Friendly and Professional service nationwide: PlanningPermissions Applications, Legal Mapping, Site & BoundarySurveys, Structural Reports, Pre-Purchase Property Inspections,Civil Engineering Design, House Plans & Construction DetailDesign, Project Management, Cost Estimates, Land RegistryCompliant Maps, Certificates of Compliance with BuildingRegulations, Mortgage Supervision Certificates for Banks, Bill ofQuantities & Specifications, Insurance Reports for Storm andFlood Damage. Bunowen, Ballyconneely, Connemara, Co. Galway.Tel: (095) 23614, Fax:(095) 23544, Mob: 086-3567851, Email:[email protected]
Basmati Indian CuisineMarket Square, Clifden. Opening hours: 4.30pm-11pm. Sundaylunch, 1pm-4pm. Tel (095) 22619Lodge RestaurantOpen 8am-11pm daily. Letterfrack (095) 41222, www.lodge.ieOliver’s on Cleggan PierTraditional pub – breakfast, lunch and dinner – fresh localseafood is our speciality. Trad music session. (095) 44640,www.oliversonclegganpier.ie
Breakthrough Retreat‘I can help you to find your true self, your gifts, your skills and yourtalents, so that you can make a real difference in your businessand/or personal life ... helping you to free yourself from any‘negative baggage’ and empowering you to achieve this both easilyand effortlessly. Imagine discovering the key that unlocks your full
potential.’ – Carol Passemard. www.breakthroughretreat.com E:[email protected], T: 087 1413 026Clifden Community School – Further Education ProgrammeFull/Part-time Courses Certified by: FETAC, ECDL, Pitman/City andGuilds. Why not Up Skill With New Business Practice and SoftwareApplications Diploma? Open evening: Tuesdsay September 16th,5pm to 7pm. For further information and application forms call(095) 21184Community Christian Church, MoycullenAll children aged 7-12 are welcome to attend. Every Wednesday18.30-19.45, Áras Uilinn, Moycullen. Bible lesson, games, songs andfun! We encourage parent participation. www.ccgalway.com/kids-club – [email protected] – Stephen - 086 7371443Tai ChiFind your balance with Yang Style Tai chi classes. Beginner coursestarting Wednesday October 1st, 1pm-2pm.Town Hall, Clifden– TelEileen Brady at 086-8533395VTOS LetterfrackVocational Training Opportunities Scheme. Watch Out for ourOpen Days in 2014.Clifden – Deptember 12, 10am-3pm. ContactSorcha O’Toole on (095) 41302. See display advert on page ?? formore details.Yellow Door Expressive ArtsClasses in Oughterard and Clifden teaching ballet, modern danceand stage door courses: drama, dance and singing. Skills forstage, confidence for life. For more information seewww.yellowdoor.ie or call Elaine on [email protected] with AoifeYoga Classes – commencing Tuesday 9th of September, YellowDoor Studio, Clifden €120 for 10 weeks. 6.15pm Gentle Yoga(suitable for beginners) 8pm Continuation Class.Pregnancy Yoga Classes Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm Moyardcommencing 4th September €120 for 8 weeks. For moreinformation or to book your place phone Aoife Lydon 0868421400 or see www.yogawithaoife.comNeed help creating or editing your CV with a great coverletter to land that elusive job? Experienced word processorcan also quickly type and format your hand-written assignments.Please call (087) 693 9902 for help at very reasonable rates
Cashel-Connemara Credit Union LtdClifden Office 095 (21101); Cashel Office (095) 31128. Whateveryour needs, why not consider a Loan from your Credit Union –10% interest charged on the reducing balance. Loans areprotected under our Loan Protection Scheme at no extra cost tothe member. Your savings with the Credit Union are guaranteedunder the Government Guarantee Scheme up to €100,000
Bike Electric at All Things ConnemaraElectric and Hybrid Bike Hire and Tours. Making cycling lessstrenuous and more accessible to all. Open 7 Days a Week 9am till9pm. Market Street, Clifden, Connemara. 095 22630.www.bikeelectric.ie www.allthingsconnemara.comConnemara Adventure – Bike rental Hybrid Bikes & Carbon Race Bikes. We deliver and collect, andprovide your bike, helmet and visibility vest. Contact James Kane(Dawros, Letterfrack, Co. Galway) on 087 276 7518 or find us onFacebook
Clifden KennelsCounty Council Approved, purpose built Dog Boarding Kennel.Irish Boarding Kennel & Cattery Association of Irelandmember. Individual kennels with large enclosed free runningpaddock. Located just outside Clifden. Short and Longterm boarding available. Telephone: 087 281 7478 or email:[email protected]
LiveWire ElectricalDomestic wiring, emergency lighting certs, periodic inspectionreports for electrical installations (for fire officer or insurancecompanies), CCTV for cattle/sheep sheds (watch from thecomfort of your own home during lambing season), fire alarms,security lighting, Internet/Ethernet cabling. Replace existing
lighting with energy saving LED lighting. Saorview/satellitetelevision installation. Safe electric member (registered &insured). Tax clearance cert. Contact: Stephen on [email protected]
Connemara FloristYour local flower shop for all your floral needs; birthdays, thankyous, congratulations, anniversaries, new baby, weddings,funeral tributes, sympathy bouquets and much more. Allbudgets catered for. Clifden (095) [email protected] – Sister shop, Village Flowers, AnCearnóg Nua (beside SuperValu), Moycullen 091 [email protected]
Sweeney OilOrder your Sweeney Oil Fuel Card now! Call (095) 22636 or 1800555 999 – www.sweeneyoil.ie
Bernie’s Hairdressing SalonChurch Hill, Clifden – Ladies and Gents Salon. Open Monday-Saturday. Late opening Thursday and Friday by appointment.Cutting, Colour – 10mins permanent colour available.Conditioning body waves and root lifts. Tel: (095) 21135Curl Up and DyeHair and Beauty, Moycullen – Clifden Rd. We offer a range ofBeauty Services including Sun Beds, Spray Tan, Colours and Cuts.SUN BEDS SPECIAL OFFER 10 sessions for €50. Call Bridget on085-2711531. Open Thursday–Saturday.Pauline’s Hairdressing DesignMobile hair service. Full cut, colour and highlights service.Blowdry and mesh. Professionally qualified stylist. Clifden, Co Galway – servicing all of Connemara. Call Pauline on 087-1366538 or email [email protected]
Mongan MemorialsHeadstones – Sandblasting – Additional Names Engraved Stillon the Seafront on Derryinver Bay, right beside Ocean’s Alive.Open Monday to Saturday.Tel: (095) 43473 / 087-6461189 / 087-1307752
Acupuncture and Massage TherapyEthel Feneran, Dip. Ac, Lic. Ac, Cert. Nanjing, China. Recognisedby the World Health Organisation to be beneficial in thetreatment of: Back pain, Sciatica, Neck Pain, Headache &Migraine, Muscle & Joint Pain, Sinusitis & Allergic Rhinitis,Insomnia, Digestive & Bowel Disorders, Depression, Anxiety andStress, Gynecological Problems, Stroke-related complications.Dooneen Clinic, Clifden. 085 1737071Back Pain Specialists In Moycullen!Rolfing is a comprehensive treatment of deep tissuemanipulation and movement education. We specialise inreleasing chronically tightened muscles and mobilising stiff jointscausing pain and dysfunction. Effective for back/shoulder pain,sciatica, walking difficulty, fatigue. Get back into action afterinjury and surgery. Regain a pain free, flexible body. Experiencedcertified Rolfing practitioners, Susanne Keane, B.A., LSLT.Seamus Keane, M.A.,M.P.H. Quality treatment, clinicalknowledge, personal approach. Tel 091 555221, 087 2355749
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An annual subscription to our new, extended A-Z Directory now costs just
€120...and if that’s not enough, we’ll also
list your business details on our onlinedirectory FREE OF CHARGE
CALL (095) 30707 FOR DETAILS
Accountants
Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits
Cycling
Credit Unions
Building Services & Contractors
Dog Boarding Kennels
Cafés & Dining
Flowers
Hairdressing
Fuel
Classes, Courses & Talks
Headstone Services
Health & Wellbeing
Electricians
plus VAT
22A – Z DIRECTORY
SEPTEMBER 2014
Evergreen Keep your kids healthy as they prepare to go back to school – Seeadvert on page 10 for more. www.evergreen.ie Kinesiology Sessions for gentle, non-invasive treatment whichrebalances mind, body and soul. If you suffer with: Headaches,Digestive Complaints, Low Energy and Fatigue, Stress and Anxiety,Sleeping Difficulties, Food Sensitivity, Cholesterol, Weight Issues,Reading, Writing, Learning Difficulties – Kinesiology can help.Contact Terri on 086 3781306
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort Where Magic, Memorable Holidays Happen! ‘100 Best Places toStay in Ireland’ 2013 (McKennas’ Guides), ‘Best Customer Service inIreland’ (2013 RAI). Tel: 095 46100, Email: [email protected],www.renvyle.comStation House HotelCall us on 095-21699 for bookings or visitwww.clifdenstationhouse.com
Limelight StudioMake your company shine with a short professional film.Limelight Studio offers a large range of services covering theentire production process, from storyboarding and scripting yourvideo to developing a marketing strategy for a hot new viral hit.Visit our website for more details – www.limelightstudio.ie orcontact Barry Ryan on 085 2858111 – [email protected] Media ConnemaraOur mission is to help small businesses in the West develop anduse social media to target their markets and develop their brand.We understand that small businesses often don't have time towork on their social media. We are here to make it happen at anaffordable cost. [email protected] – 087 2819825 –Greenmount, Renvyle, Co. Galway www.socialmediagalway.com
Ní Ráighne OpticiansBack to school offer – Complete kids glasses for €69 or 2 pairs for€99. Up to 40% OFF Gant Frames – terms and conditions apply –see in store for details. Bridge Street, Clifden. Tel: (095) 30995.Email: [email protected]
Johnny CoynePainting and decorating – interior and exterior, timber floorssanded and varnished. Residential and commercial. Power-washing service. All areas of Connemara covered. Neat and tidyjob guaranteed. Competitive rates. References available. Alsooffering garden and lawn maintenance service. Contact JohnnyCoyne on 086-8570302 or (095) 43006
Connemara Bouncy CastlesBouncy Castles for hire for all occasions. With rain cover. Delivered,erected and collected. Call 095-21219
Love ConnemaraLOVE CONNEMARA is a new tourism company based inConnemara, offering visitors to Connemara the ability to createtheir own holiday and experience the real Connemara. Holiday home owners! Avail of international marketing experienceand maximise the occupancy of your holiday rental by listing withus today. Call into our office at Market Street, Clifden, or phone uson 095 – 30620. Email: [email protected] – Web:www.loveconnemara.com3-bedroom house near village of ClegganAll mod cons, fully furnished, all wooden floors. Careful tenantsappreciated. Rent negotiable. Contact 086 3438900
Mannion Quarry and Plant HireSuppliers of High Quality Stone Products & Construction PlantServices. Road & Site Development. Serving Connemara for over40 years. Lettershea, Clifden. [email protected]
Keane’s Computer ServicesConnemara area covered – computer and laptop repairs,smartphone and tablet repairs, website design. Collect, repair andreturn service. Onsite repairs also available. 085-7779018. www.keanescomputerservices.ie,[email protected] value broadband – 10 times faster than the rest – visitwww.lightnet.ie or call them on 091-395804 and get connected!Peter KeaneAerial and satellite installations. Saorview and Saorstat. Sky Road, Clifden. 087-6687468, 095-21827
O’Dalaigh JewellersCall in to see our new collections or make an appointment todiscuss a custom ring. Main Street, Clifden – Tel: (095) 22119 – email: [email protected]! By GumEco-chic Boutique stocking: childrenswear, womenswear, yarn,sweets and accessories. Looking for a gift for someone near or far?Why not buy an online gift card at ohhbygum.ie – The Courtyard,Station House, Clifden. Tel 095-21334.www.facebook.com/OhhByGumSeaside Nursery & Garden Centre, CladdaghduffAutumn sale: Trees 50% off, All shrubs 20% off, Hedging 10% off.Sale prices throughout September and while stocks last! Mondayto Saturday 10am to 5pm. M: 086-3391555 T: (095) 44687,www.seasidenursery.bizSuperValu Market Street, Clifden. Monday - Sunday. Underground carparkavailable. 095 21182.Viviana’s Italian BoutiqueFootwear, Fashions, Accessories, Jewellery, Gift Items and muchmore. Main Street, Clifden Tel 095 30751
Caremark GalwayCaremark is currently recruiting for Care and Support Workersthroughout county Galway, particularly in the Connemara area. Ifyou are interested in flexible hours with competitive rates, contactus today. For further information call 091-771704 or email a copyof your CV to [email protected] West, LetterfrackTigh Na nÓg Community Crèche wish to form a panel of ChildcareWorkers for positions which may arise in 2014/2015. (ChildcareWorkers to hold a minimum qualification of FETAC Level 5). If youare interested in applying please send your CV to: Miriam Lee,Manager, Tigh na nOg Community Crèche, Letterfrack, Co. Galway– (095) 41908. Closing date for applications is WednesdaySeptember 17, 2014Mannion’s Bar is looking for friendly, hardworking staff to jointheir successful team. Applicants must be available to workbeyond the summer season and bar, restaurant or kitchenexperience is required. Please forward an up to date CV [email protected] or call in to Mannion’s Bar, Market Street,Clifden – (095) 21780
Connemara Taxi CompanyTelephone (095) 30000 Day or Night
West Coast Tree Surgery: Tree pruning, crown reductions, treeremoval, hedge cutting & chipping. Tree surveys and tree reportscarried out. Est 1998. Contact Alan Linnane on 086-2848340 or095 43018
West VetGalway Road, Clifden, 095-22209. Emergencies: 087-9179248(24hr) Business Hours: Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30, Sat: 10.00-12.30
Martin CaseyWindow fitting and maintenance. uPVC, aluminium windows anddoors. 087-2766924
Opticians
Painting & Decorating
Photographers
Sand, Gravel & Topsoil
Shopping
Window fitters
Taxis
Situations Vacant
Tree Surgeons
Vets
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Satellite, Internet & Computers
Marketing & Media
Hotels
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Property
Oughterard,Co [email protected]
Tom Broderick Photographer
Padraic LydenPHOTOGRAPHY
Letterfrack, Connemara – [email protected]
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THE 4th annualChonamara 10k racetakes place this year inCarna on Saturday,October 11, at 4pm.The race starts andfinishes at Carna BayHotel and takesrunners on a scenicroute into MynishIsland, and returningthrough Carna village.
Organised byConnemara clubTrísport, the event isopen to runners,joggers and walkersand online entry isavailable atwww.activeglobal.com/running/carna-ireland/conamara-10k-2014
The race will bechipped timed and AIcertified and allrunners will receive afree race t-shirt.Registration is alsopossible on the day atCarna Bay Hotel from1-3pm. After the racethere will be prize-
giving andrefreshments for allrunners in the hotel,followed by atraditional musicsession and live musicthroughout the night.
l For furtherinformation seewww.trísport.ie,www.facebook.com/conamara10k or contact [email protected]
WITH the Clifden GAAPitch and groundsundergoing an upgrade– to include theconstruction of a meetingroom and tea/coffee area,fencing and pitch surfaceimprovements – most ofNaomh Feichin’s homegames are being playedin Letterfrack in thecoming months. Trainingwill eventually take placeon the rugby pitch sandarea or pitch when readyfor use.
The Minis Under 6s,Under 8s and Under 10shave recommenced theirblitz format games,travelling to Killaninand with Oughterard onthe horizon. Saturdaymorning 10am trainingcontinues unabated withthe dedicated coaches,while the GMT andPeter Lydon cups willsoon be scheduled – thehighlight of the localGAA calendar.
The Under 16s weresurprisingly defeated intheir Championshipopener againstLettermore inOughterard and now willbe aiming to makeamends in the Shieldcompetition.
The Under 12s areundefeated, with Renvylewithdrawing their teamfor this year and apulsating draw withLettermore on Sunday
(August 31), 4- 6 to 5- 3.On Sunday last(September 7) theydefeated Carna-Cashel byfive points (2-12 to 2-7).
The Under 13s finalwarm up match wasaway to Barna onSeptember 3 – withBarna coming out on top– before full scale battlecommences with gamesagainst MichealBreathnachs, Salthill B,Spiddal, St. Michael’sand Killanin.
The Under15s arepreparing for matchesnow too, with theiropener at home toKillanin on September12 in Letterfrack. Allsquads are seekingsilverware!
The most recentTrolley Dash raffle waswon by the EileenConneely, from HospitalRoad – sister of Martinawho won it the monthbefore!
The next raffle is atthe upcoming fashionshow, with the finalDash being sold leadinginto Christmas. Alldetails will be revealedcloser to the date.
The Juvenile clubAGM will be held inNovember and allparents of players areinvited to attend. Thedate and location will becirculated closer to thetime.
23SPORTSJOURNAL
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planned. People can reg-ister on line and get fur-ther information on theMoycullen Harvest Face-book page.
U16s: The U16 girlswill travel to the Kil-murry Ibrickane Club inCo. Clare to take part inthe U16 All Ireland Foot-ball seven-a-side compe-tition. We wish the girlsgood luck.
U14s: Our U14 girlswere unlucky to be beatenby Annaghdown on Au-gust 25, in the first roundof the Championship. TheMoycullen girls put up astrong challenge and onlytrailed by six at the break.Annaghdown piled on thepressure in the secondhalf, however, and wereconvincing winners.
U12s: The girls hadhome advantage when
they took on Ballinasloeon August 29, in the firstround of their Champi-onship. In a closely foughtcontest Maigh Cuilinn ledby 2-3 to 2-2 at half time.The local ladies upped thepressure in the second halfand finished with a com-prehensive win, 3-7 to 2-3. Both teams were treatedto refreshments in the clubhouse after the match.
U10s: The U10 squadtook part in their finalskills development day inthe Prairie on August 30.Despite the early start,the Moycullen girls werefull of vigour and theyput in some very impres-sive displays of football.
It was fantastic to seeour two teams of younggirls enjoying the gameswhile improving theirskills at the same time.Well done to all the girlsand to the coaches.
OUGHTERARD Rugby Clubheld their kids summer camp inmid August. Blessed with goodweather – they had to dodge theodd shower on one day – morethan 45 kids aged between 6-12(pictured) had a great, activeweek playing games like rugbyrounders and rugby Olympicswhile learning new skills andmaking new friends.
The rugby season has now started again, with themini and LEP sections training
on Saturday mornings at10.30am. The Juniors (over18s)train on Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 7.30pm. After a very successful
season last term, youths rugby
(born between 1998-2002) hasalso resumed training. Playersnew and old always welcome.Sundays 10.30am.
We always welcome newplayers and members, so if youwant to rekindle your playingcareer or are looking for a new,inclusive and friendly sport –either as an adult or child –come along.
l For further informationvisit www.orfc.ie or call 086-6043963
ORFC summer camp builds underage skills set
Blitzes in full swingfor Naomh Feichin
Fancy a10k aroundCarna Bay?
U12s make most of home advantage
ON a day where youwouldn’t put a dog out,the peloton at the Bog-man two-day cyclingevent – held over August30-31 – had to contendwith driving rain andstrong winds over atough 85km route.
The UCD team hadfirst to overcome thetwo-minute handicapthat was given to theJuniors and A3 riders,with Daire Feeley Dona-mon fourth overall, at47seconds was now vir-
tual leader on the road.The well-drilled UCD
worked like a pro team,with Richardson,McKenna and Brehenyall doing long stints atthe front to bring backthe handicap, and neu-tralising big attacks byRobin Kelly (Aquablue),Mark Shannon (VisitNenagh) and PadraigMarrey (Western Lakes)before finally reeling inthe Donamon Junior.
The tough weatherconditions and strong
wind played into theUCD squad’s hands andthey really put the hurton the peloton with15km to go on one of theopen, exposed sections –splitting the bunch.
From there to the fin-ish the UCD team con-trolled proceedingperfectly with Sean McKenna taking his secondwin of the weekend,beating Barry Meade(Cork) in the sprint.
Cassidy proved hewas the strongest when
placing fifth and his winin the TT showed he wasthe strongest rider andhad the strongest teamto back him up.
l Western Lakes CC& CEECC promoted theevent with JJ Flaherty asrace director. The racesponsors were MarreyBikes Ballinrobe, Ren-
vyle House Hotel,Rogan’s Gala (Tully),K2 Adventure Centre,The Lodge Letterfrackand Paddy Coyne’s(Tullycross). The organ-isers also extend theirthanks to race officialsBrian O’Loughlin, RayStaunton, and SeamusShorthall
UCD take Bogman title
Pictured (top): Maigh Cuilinn County players, Katie Carter (Minor AllIreland Champion) and Ailbhe Davoren (U16 Connacht Champion) areflanked by their teammates Roisin Buckley, Aisling Corcoran, GraceCummins, Aine Barber, Catherine Connaire, Laura Corcoran and JeanHynes after a training session in preparation for the upcoming Harvest Run;above: U10 girls enjoying the skills development games
l from page 24
l Galway senior football captain, Paul Conroy, in Páirc na bPiarsach,Ros Muc, training Na Piarsaigh Faoi 8 and Faoi 10
24SPORTS
Whencivres
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naytilauo qsonalit pers
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wayal 1800 555 9
99, Clifden 095 2
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JOURNALtheconnemara
Corribdale ‘lung burner’ fundraiser returnsADVENTURE RACING
THE second annual Cor-ribdale Duathlon willtake place this Saturday(September 13) inOughterard.
The Duathlon is part ofongoing fundraising ef-forts for the CorribdaleProject, a sporting com-plex planned forOughterard.
This event sees partic-ipants first complete a4km run before tacklinga 13km cycle, with a 2kmrun to finish.
While it is expectedthat many triathletes, cy-clists and runners willtake part, the event isopen to anyone whowould like to take on thechallenge.
The cost will be €25per person for individualentries, and €40 per twoperson relay team.
The run is a flat techni-cal course over 4km,which takes participantsalong the banks of theOwenriff river as it entersLough Corrib and backto Corribdale.
The 13km bike coursetakes place on the N59,
which takes participantson a wide flat road.
With only two inclineson the course, at the be-ginning and the end ofthe bike leg, fast timesare guaranteed!
The final run will belung burner, as it is only2km and again on a flatcourse – which allowsyou go flat out.
Sign on is from 8am atthe Oughterard BoxingClub, and the event be-gins at 10am.
l To enter, you willneed a roadworthy bikeand helmet. A teamrelay option is available,with teams of two al-lowed, and TrishaStreiloff of Thera Fit-ness will be offeringfree rub downs after atough day’s competi-tion. For more details,including a course map,see the CorribdaleDuathlon on Facebook,call 087 6873021 or reg-ister on runireland.com
l For more informa-tion on the CorribdaleProject see www.corrib-daletrails.webs.com/
Maura Hynes
PREPARATIONS are infull swing for the Moy-cullen 5K HarvestRun/Walk. The fundrais-ing event is in aid of theLadies Juvenile Footballclub, which caters for 120girls from 8 to 18.
The run, on SaturdaySeptember 27 at 4pm,will start at Pairc MaighCuilinn and will travel theloop through Leagaun, tofinish at the pitch.
The run will be chippedand timed and all ages arewelcome. There will beprizes for both ladies andmen and there will also bea team prize.
For those who mightfeel they are not fitenough to run they canwalk the course and ad-mire the scenery en route,while still supporting theclub.
A fun evening for allthe family, which will seesome old harvesting tradi-tions on display, is
LGFA
Are youready for the Harvest?
MORE than 1,600 hardy soulsentered the Gaelforce Westadventure race on Saturday last(August 16) – and despite thechallenging weather conditionsthere were a lot of smiling facesamong competitors as theycrossed the finish line in Westport.
This year’s race was won byDessie Duffy in an impressivetime of 3hrs 33mins and 34secs.Dessie previously took third placein the 2013 race. This year hereached the finish line almostseven minutes ahead of his nearestrival, Peter O’Farrell, whofinished in 3hrs 40mins and25secs.
Third place was a much closercall with Jerry O’Sullivanfinishing just two seconds behindin a time of 3hrs 40mins and27secs.
The first woman home wasMoire O’Sullivan, who was alsothe winner of this year’sGaelforce North in Donegal onJune 28. She crossed the line thistime in 4hrs 22mins and 43secs,more than five minutes ahead of
Emma Donlon – a regular on theGaelforce podium – who finishedin 4hrs 27mins and 59secs.
The third woman to cross theline was Paula Prendergast in 4hrs55mins and 27secs.
Mona Purcell, race director withrace organisers Gaelforce Events,said: ‘Now in its ninth year,Gaelforce West is still the oneadventure race that many people
want to complete. This year wesaw great spirit out on the courseamong competitors in conditionswhich were at times difficult.
‘We were also delighted withthe atmosphere at the finish line inWestport town centre where thesupport for the finishers wasfantastic.’
l For more from the event, seewww.connemarajournal.ie
Gaelforce posesepic challenge!
l turn to page 23
