March 2014

Historic Win For Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Connacht Final

sport page 25

by Sheila Hession

We open as always with local group Compántas Lír and their

presentation of Eclipsed by Patricia Burke Brogan. Last year’s overall winners, Thurles Drama Group, return with A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller. There is a return of some of the classics, like John B Keane’s Big Maggie, and a brand new play, The Devil’s Céilí by Kevin McGahern and Philip Doherty. We also welcome groups who have not performed at Claregalway Drama Festival before, as well as local favourites Glenamaddy Players and DaDS from Dunmore. Our adjudicator this year is Mr Padraic McIntyre, from Bailieboro in Co. Cavan, actor, playwright and Artistic Director of Livin’ Dred Theatre

Company. He will be charged with the challenging task of picking the top actors, productions and plays from this year’s festival. We offer nine nights of excellent entertainment, a chance to take some time out from our busy lives and enjoy some fine drama and a chat with friends. Join us in the festival tent after the performance to discuss the play and enjoy a drink from the bar, or complimentary tea, coffee, sandwiches and delicious home baking! This year we are offering superb value on or season ticket, just €50 for nine nights of gripping drama. Nightly tickets are competitively priced at €10. Tickets are available on the door. Come along and enjoy a fantastic night out!

Programme overleaf →

Nuacht Chláir The free community-curated newsletter for Claregalway March 2014 | Vol.18 iSS.6

2014 Claregalway Festival of Drama

news page 4

Wonderful News for Tiny DancerLily–Mae

For more local news see www.claregalway.info

Móna’s Red Onion & Goats Cheese Quiche

features pageS 8–9

It’s that time of year again when Claregalway Community Centre is transformed into a theatre for the 32nd Annual Festival of Drama. This year we open on the 13th March and run right through to the 21st March inclusive.

Pictured is Tommy Moran erecting signs in Claregalway

2 An nuachtán pobail le haghaidh Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe

Claregalway Festival of Drama ProgrammeThurs 13th (Compántas Lir) Eclipsed by Patricia Burke Brogan Fri 14th (Skibbereen Theatre Co.) No Romance by Nancy Calvin Sat 15th (Bridge Drama Group) Big Maggie by John B Keane Sun 16th (CornMill Theatre Group) The Devil’s Céilí by PhilipMon 17th (Corofin Drama Group) The New Electric Ballroom by Enda WalshTues 18th (Glenamaddy Players) Agnes of God by John PielmeierWed 19th (DaDS) On Such As We by Billy RocheThurs 20th (Yellow Moon Theatre) Any Given Day by Linda McLFri 21st (Thurles Drama Group) A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir is the February winner of the All-Ireland Secondary Schools Challenge Cup on mathletes.ie. MaTHletes Challenge 2014 is a maths tournament for Ireland based on the Khan Academy approach to learning and teaching maths. Students compete online through the Khan Academy website. Students in the Schools Challenge can work on Khan Academy both during class time and at home after school. Teachers can assign practice problems, videos, and

mastery challenges that best fit the needs of their students and students can work at their own pace.The following students are listed in the Students Challenge Leaders in First year in Ireland: Roy Grealish, Emily Sheeran, Medeina Macenaite, Leanna Callannan, Fynn Duclaux Minister of State Ciaran Cannon will visit Coláiste Bhaile Chláir to present the cup on Friday 14th March.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Wins All-Ireland Secondary Schools Challenge Cup

www.claregalway.info 3

by Josette Farrell

Hello and welcome to the March issue of your local newsletter Nuacht Chláir. Spring is definitely in the air and with it brings renewed hope and energy. We can look forward to longer evenings and for all the gardeners out there you can take out the gardening tools as the weather is on the up—the temperature is rising! Signs are dotted all over the village letting us know about the very popular Drama Festival which draws a huge crowd every year. The first Festival of Drama in Claregalway opened on Sunday 21st of March 1982. It was held in the newly constructed Leisure Centre which has been home to the Festival ever since. The Centre was not much more than four walls and needed considerable work—including the construction of a stage and ancillary equipment and facilities to make it into a working theatre, capable of hosting eight nights of production. All the stops were pulled out and it was definitely a case of the show(s) must go on. The following year Claregalway formed their own drama group, which later became known as Compantás Lír, and is now well established in the amateur drama circuit, winning many awards over the years and continuing to go forward with amazing energy, creativity and enthusiasm—and we now see a third generation tread the boards. The drama group and the Drama Festival are often intertwined with the same dedicated people serving on both groups. The festival had its biggest challenge in 1989. That year it hosted the finals of the Confined section of the Irish Drama Festival. This entailed loosening the purse strings and putting the shoulder to the wheel. There were heavy investments, in both finance and time, into upgrading the facilities to meet this challenge. A new stage was built, as were toilets, showers and dressing rooms. With the huge level of commitment and hard work from the committee members over the years—along with vital support and sponsorship from the community—it is no wonder the festival develops with ever increasing standards. Go along and support them and enjoy the ambience of the local community centre which has been transformed into a mini-theatre. There are so many unused sites around Claregalway at the moment—wouldn’t it be great if a theatre could be utilized in one of them. The Central Tavern is one that springs to mind. This month we also bring you our contributors without whom Nuacht Chláir would not be possible to produce on a monthly basis. Your comments are much appreciated and articles welcome trí Ghaeilge are most welcome.

Until next time, Josette.

EditorialYou can submit stories & photos by posting to Nuacht Chláir, ‘Currach Ruadh,’ Creig Buí,Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe.

by emailing [email protected]

by phoning Josette on 086 391 3852 / 091 798 430

via our website www.claregalway.info

or via our facebook pagewww.facebook.com/claregalway.info

The Nuacht Chláir is an open access publication and we try to include everything that’s submitted, subject to the law of the land, and editorial judgement. This judgement is exercised by the volunteer production team in order to preserve balance in the newsletter. The views & opinions expressed in the articles are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the production team.

We are always on the lookout for new local contributors. If you would like to share some local news, photos, events or stories, just get in touch. We are also putting the finishing touches to our website www.claregalway.info. Here you can keep up to date with local news and events, read up on some the history of Claregalway, or check out our ever-expanding local business directory. If you have any suggestions for features we should include on the site, let us know. Finally, don’t forget to like our popular facebook page at facebook.com/claregalway.info where we share local news snippets and photos.


Lily–Mae Update— Wonderful News

The 4th of March 2014, the best day of our lives. Lily-Mae’s oncologist called to say her scans showed No Evidence of Disease! The chemo had worked. Cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin, carboplatin, vincristine, topotecan, doxorubicin, busulfan & melphalan were all pumped into our darling baby, repeatedly, to try and save her life. And they worked, they killed the monster that was trying to kill her. We struggle on a daily basis with worry as to how those drugs will hurt her in the long run. Infertility is just one of a terrifyingly long list of awful side effects that she could suffer. This day last year, we were ten months into this horrific journey and still had radiotherapy in London and six months of antibody in Crumlin ahead of us, but on the fourth of March, we felt she was winning the battle. The battle is still being fought, 70% of stage iV, high-risk neuroblastoma patients relapse. We have pinned every bit of hope we have on the DFMo trial in America and would travel to the moon and back every three months if it would save her life. Without your support, the trial in America would not be possible & we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To keep up to date with Lily–Mae’s progress, like the page www.facebook.com/asongforlilymae or visit the website www.thesunnimaetrust.ie.

Congratulations to Gerry Loughnane (above right) Cregboy, winner of the Accountant of the Year 2014 award, pictured at the aCCa Ireland President’s Dinner in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo, with aCCa Ireland President Diarmuid O’Donovan.

Pictured at the Irish Shows Association Annual Dinner which was held in Dundalk were: Standing L–R: John Fahy, Patrick Casserly, Jim Harrison, National President of the Irish Shows Association, Val Noone, Chairperson Claregalway Agricultural Show and Kieran Quinn, Vice Chairperson Claregalway Agricultural Show. Seated L–R: Carmel Casserly, Mary Quinn, Bernie Noone and Madge Fahy.

Thanks for all the good wishes for CDDCC at the Irish Healthcare Awards. We didn’t win the category but it was great to be a finalist. Here’s Geraldine, Tom, Patricia, Marie and Marie with Marty Whelan, host for the evening.


Claregalway Amenity Group To Take On Old Graveyard ConservationOriginally published in the March 2004 Nuacht Chláir

The remains consist of a long rectangular church, probably of medieval date, alongside the N17 at the bridge. When the church went out of use the interior was used as a burial ground. Now it too is no longer in use and has become neglected over the years. The last burial there was in the 1960s. As it presently stands, the church is in a dangerous structural condition, due mainly to a dense cover of ivy that has penetrated the existing walls, dislodged the masonry and broken up the mortar. The walls are weakening at the base and are in danger of falling. The burial ground is also in a much neglected condition. It is extensively overgrown with a variety of trees, shrubs and brambles. This old graveyard is situated in the heritage zone of Claregalway village. As can be seen from the 25.3 inch o.S. map (above), both the Franciscan Friary and the De Burgo castle are situated about 100m from it, across the Clare River. Also the well known Nine Arch Bridge is about 50m away, across the N17. Because of its location and the overgrown vegetation, the graveyard has a low profile and is known mainly to locals. Claregalway Amenity Group’s aims are threefold: to conserve the church (boundary) walls, to clear the vegetation, and to erect interpretative signs. The committee will ensure that the guidelines as contained in the booklet The Care and Conservation of Graveyards by the Heritage Service will be followed. Also we are fortunate that we will have the services of a conservationist architect who lives in the area and who has helped in the past with the restoration of the Nine Arch Bridge. While the immediate benefit will be to conserve the church walls, the longer term benefit will be to raise its visual impact and by complementing the other nearby historic structures will further raise the awareness of heritage in the village.

Ten Years Ago In ClaregalwaySnippets of local ‘news’ (now history), printed in Nuacht Chláir ten years ago.

Claregalway Amenity Group Past Projects—Provision of 30+ townland names in Claregalway and surrounding areas.

—Restoration of the three pumps in Claregalway, Montiagh and Cloon.

—Provision of bottle banks in Dunleavy’s car park.—Landscaping area adjacent to Claregalway NS including the erection of the Famine Stone.

—Planting of trees in area on main road.—Restoration of the Nine Arches in Claregalway.—Provision of Naíonra (Irish playschool) adjacent to Claregalway Leisure Centre.

—Initiated contact with gK Construction for tarmacadan of Leisure Centre.

—Erection of three Welcome to Claregalway stones on approach roads to Claregalway.

The Amenity Group have been offered a grant of €4,000 from the Heritage Council towards the cost of conservation of the old cemetery. The total cost we looked for was estimated to be €11,900, so a shortfall of €7,000 needs to be raised. This is where you the community come into the picture! We need help to raise the remainder. The Amenity Group have undertaken the above projects with committed volunteers and we now take this opportunity to appeal to all members of our community to become involved in building the Claregalway of the future. Contact any of the following for more info: Josette Farrell (Chairperson), Brendan Noonan (Secretary), Celia Lennon (Treasurer), Josie Concannon, Sean Harte, Rose Kavanagh, Vincent Lyons or Seamus O’Connell.


Local and experienced night time babysitter available. References on request. Own transport. Contact Julie–Ann on 085 7080214.

Local Notices

Walking Club meets every Sunday at the Arches Hotel at 10am and on Wednesdays meet at Claregalway Church at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For info contact Edel—085 102 0611.

Legion of Mary meeting every Monday from 7.15pm–8.15pm in Cairdeas. New members welcome.

The Claregalway & District Day Care Centre is now open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am–4pm (limited places on Tuesdays). For more information please drop in, contact 091 739 385, 086 445 8989, or visit our website www.claregalwaydaycarecentre.ie.

Claregalway Parent & Baby/Toddler Group meet every Wednesday from 10am–12 noon at Claregalway Community Centre. All welcome. Contact Yvonne 087 943 7410.

Ultra-Flex School of Dance classes in Disco-Freestyle, Street Dance and Musical theatre every Tuesday in the SMa House Claregalway. Classes range from 3–17 years old. Contact Emma on 085 2388 591 for specific class times or for more information.

Adult Music Classes, subject to demand, are being offered at Lackagh Village Centre on Button Accordion, Tin Whistle, Keyboard, Bodhrán & Céilí Drums from September. For further info please contact Padraig on 086 3166 972.

Claregalway/Carnmore Active Retirement meeting every Friday at 10.30am in Cairdeas. New members are always welcome.

Singing lessons with a fully qualified teacher available in Turloughmore. Beginners to professional; children and adults. Traditional, pop, folk and musical theatre included. Practical prep for Junior & Leaving music students. Call Siobhán on 087 852 7760.

Claregalway/Carnmore Senior Citizens Cards and bingo held every Monday night at 8pm in Cairdeas Parish Meeting Room.


St. Columba’s CREDIT UNIONLtd.

St. Columba’s CREDIT UNIONLtd.

Mervue Oranmore Renmore Claregalway

IMPROVING YOUR HOME?

Loans are subject to approval. Figures are for guidance only. Terms & Conditions apply. St. Columba’s Credit Union Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

8 The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway

This story & recipe is by local blogger and author Móna Wise, who regularly contributes to the Nuacht Chláir. For more of her stories & recipes, check out her popular food blog at www.WiseWords.ie.

As we enter into Spring and search for signs of it everywhere we go, the vegetable garden can be one of the best places to start. Small tips of green onions are already poking their heads through the soil inthe polytunnel and we can’t wait to start pulling them and adding them to our salads.

Flavoursome Quiche With A Tasty Twist

The word onion is derived from the Latin word unio, meaning single white pearl and these

gorgeous globes are amongst the most versatile of vegetables and an essential ingredient for gardeners or chefs alike. Planting onion seeds now can get you motivated to get more involved in a kitchen garden project this year as they produce quite a decent bounty from a small patch of land. Knowing how to use these hollow fleshy leaves with prominent bulbs takes quite a bit of trial and error, but they are the workhorse ingredient of many a soup, stew and sauce around the world. Caramelized, roasted, minced, raw or battered and fried, it will take you quite some time to grow weary of them. While many cooks feel onions should be relegated to a supporting role in culinary adventures we have yet to tire of this kitchen staple and like to give onions their time in the limelight once in a while. This recipe showcases the versatility of the onion by using it as the meat of the meal—a rich custardy quiche made with thick slices of soft and sautéed red onions. In our efforts to introduce (and keep) more vegetables rich in colour and flavour into our diets, we toss in a few red onions each week to the basket when at the market. Although excellent when used in a salad, these beautiful onions hold a fabulous texture when cooked and their flavour is delicious too, giving us a sticky caramelized taste.

Enjoy! Móna

by Móna Wise


Red Onion & Goats Cheese Quiche

Quiche can be tricky. Learning how to make a really simple savoury custard gives you freedom to liven up an ordinary cheese quiche with a multitude of ingredients. Using red onions adds a depth of flavour and texture that makes this much more than a lazy lunchtime treat and brings it to the forefront of your plate and palate.

What you needFor the pancake batter

6 eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, ½ a cup of cream

For the rest of the filling2 red onions1 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced1 Tbsp salt & black pepper

½ cup of goats cheese

For the crust1 pre-baked pastry crust to fit in a 9" pie pan

How to prepare itSlice the onions ⅜” thick and pre-cook them in oil and butter, making every effort to keep the slices in tact. Pre-bake the pastry crust and leave it off to the side while you prepare the custard filling. In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs and add in the milk and cream. Put cherry tomatoes and goat cheese into pastry crust and top with the red onion slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before pouring in the egg mixture. Bake at 175°C for 35–40 minutes. A quick shake of the pie dish to see if the middle has set up will ensure your quiche is cooked all the way through. Allow to cool for ten minutes before slicing into it or can be served cold from the fridge as a lunch snack too.


The CDDCC was pleased to welcome a group from the Claregalway Educate Together School on Monday 11th of March. They came along and sang a couple of songs for us in Irish, thank you all.

Pictured is Martin McCarthy of Claregalway Dental Surgery, receiving the Best Patient Care in Ireland at the Irish Dentistry Awards 2014 on Friday 7th of February in Dublin. Now in their third year, these prestigious Awards recognise and reward success in Dentistry across the entire island of Ireland. Claregalway Dental Surgery also won Best Practice Connaught at the ceremony.

Enjoy A Fresh Mouth With A Scale & PolishA Scale & Polish does exactly what it says on the cover. Arguably the most important treatment carried out in every dental surgery.

How can a procedure so simple be so essential?The answer is quite simple... prevention, prevention, prevention. Most of us welcome that fresh feeling after a scale and polish. Teeth feel smoother, breath fresher and the smile is brighter. Have a look in the mirror and see if your smile could be made a little brighter and fresher with a simple scale and polish next time your at the dentist.

Can my teeth be whitened?Above is one of the most frequently asked questions in the dental surgery. Whiter teeth. Everybody wants them. And why not? When it comes to first impressions, your smile says it all. Tooth whitening systems in dentistry are the kindest, simplest and most affordable way to enhance and rejuvenate your smile. Over years, tobacco, food, drinks such as tea and coffee can seriously darken and age the appearance of your teeth. Whitening treatments in dentistry are a safe way to remove staining. Custom fabricated trays are one of the simplest and most effective ways to whiten. This process allows excellent control over the degree of whitening desired. The only long term side effect—a beautiful smile. We are encouraging everyone to avail of their free dental check-up per year through their Medical Card and pRSi contributions. We are encouraging you to make an appointment come have your check-up with x-rays and discuss your dental needs without any extra fee on you.

Special offer to mark the Practice’s Awards success: Spring Special for the month of March Examination, Scale & Polish, including x-rays, for just €80 normal cost €120.

Children’s Offer: 3 for 2 & 2 for 1 on all Kid’s check-ups.

Find out more about these great offers, or about what else Claregalway Dental Surgery can do for you, call Clodagh on 091 798 333, visit www.claregalwaydentalsurgery.ie or like our page on Facebook.


Mass Time ChangePlease note that Thursday Mass will now be at 7.30pm. There is no morning Mass on Thursdays.

Don’t forget, you can tune in to 106.4FM to listen to Mass in Claregalway Church live every day.

BaptismsBaby Alfie ConneelyParents Greg & Bernadette

Baby Jack CasserlyParents Alan & Catherine

Baby OllerenshawParents Philip & Donna

Baby Róisín McGarryParents Martin & Deirdre

Baby Brandon Cunningham–O’DonoghueParents James & Caitriona

weddingRoisín Duggan, Montiagh & Seamus Geoghegan, Dunmore

funeralJames Moran, Cahergowan

Claregalway Church Sacrament TimesMassSunday 9am and 11am Monday 9:30am Tuesday 9:30am Wednesday 9:30am

Thursday 7:30pm Friday 9:30am Saturday 9:30amVigil (Saturday) 7.30pm

HolydaysVigil 7:30pm, Holyday 11am, First Friday 9:30am and 7:30pm

Sacrament of BaptismBaptismal preparation training night second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Cairdeas. Baptisms are celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at 12 noon and the third Saturday of the month at 4pm. Booking forms are available from the Parish Office.

Sacrament of MarriagePlease contact Parish Office for booking form.

DevotionsAdoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Wednesday 10am–6pmFirst Friday 6pm–7.30pm, Palm Sunday after 11am Mass to 4pm Feast of Christ the King after 11am–4pm.

NovenasOur Lady of Perpetual Help every Saturday at 9.30amIn preparation for the Feasts of St Patrick, Pentecost, Sacred Heart, Assumption, Immaculate Conception and Christmas, Novena to Padre Pio every Thursday evening at Mass.

Rosary—Daily before morning Mass.

Email [email protected] www.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.comRadio Mass fm106.4Facebook claregalwayparish


Bridge ColumnBe Alert for Slams

Both vulnerable, Dealer North

BiddingS W N EP P 2C P2D P 3NT P6NT P P P

East led the club 8 and South let his club J win the trick. She saw that a successful finesse in either Hearts or Diamonds would solve her problems (of getting to 12 tricks). Since she had very few entries to the South hand, she decided to play a small spade to the Ace and tckle the diamonds first, keeping the potential hear finesse until later. Accordingly, she led the diamond Queen, which held, followed by the diamond 5, drawing East’s King and thereafter a total of five diamond tricks. She could now count the club already won plus the Ace, three spades, five diamonds—totalling 10 tricks—and therefore needed two more; accordingly, she then led the Heart Jack and ran it, losing to the King in East’s hand. Slam made. However, at the club, a much more common (and prosaic) contract was 3NT, making loads of overtricks, with numerous players forgetting that 2C followed by 3NT promised at least 26 high card points, so they failed to raise the game to a slam.

South 8 5 3 J 10 9 A J 10 9 8 J

East 7 4 K 6 K 2 K 10 9 8 5 3 2

North A K Q A Q 5 4 3 Q 5 A Q 4West

J 10 9 6 2 8 7 2 7 6 5 7 6

Local Notices

St Jame’s Choir practice is on Tuesday nights at 8.15pm in Cairdeas. Singers, musicians and former choir members are invited. No previous experience or levels of musical ability are required to join, just a willingness to join with the group and attend the weekly practice which is about one hour. People must be over 18 years of age. It is always nice a hear a choir at weekend Masses. New members very welcome.

Singing lessons have now resumed in Lackagh, Turloughmore Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. Individual & group classes available for adults, teens and children of all levels and experience. Contact Siobhan Duggan on 087 852 7760.

Claregalway Parish is now on Facebook, with up to date news on the Parish. Why not like the page and share it with family and friends at home and especially abroad. 257 likes to date. Let’s aim for 300!

Appeal for leader of Junior Choir— It is hoped to resume the Junior Choir soon. If interested please call the Parish Office on 091 798 741.


Subject to sufficient numbers, Bridge lessons will be offered by the undersigned. Please contact me with ① your contact details and ② times that you are available.Brian Place: 798 857 or [email protected]

Bridge Lessons take place from9.30am to 10.30am each Friday in the Claregalway Hotel. For more information contact: [email protected].

Claregalway Study Centre takes place in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir after school. For info contact Josette at 086 391 3852 or 091 798 430.

Check out our new website www.claregalway.info and let us know what you think! We are busy updating the archives, adding new features and building our online directory of local businesses. You can keep up to date with local news and events in Claregalway at www.claregalway.info or at facebook.com/claregalway.info

Claregalway/Carnmore Community Text Alert

Claregalway/Carnmore Community Text Alert is now up and running. Anyone who notices suspicious activity can ring Mill Street Garda Station at 091 538 000. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your elderly neighbours over the winter months. All senior citizens are encouraged to keep a Bottle in the Fridge. This is where a written list of medications being taken is put in a bottle and kept in the fridge. In the event of an emergency the paramedics would retrieve the list to assist in initial treatment. Again thanks to all our community officers, all of you who signed up to the Text Alert, our local representatives, Local Garda Aidan O’Brien, Inspector Mick O’Dwyer, NightGuard our service provider and to the Aches Hotel for providing a venue to hold our meeting to get the system up and running. The community officer for your area is listed below. If you are interested in becoming a Community Officer or have any queries please email [email protected].

Community OfficersBallymurphy, Ballinacreg, Lydican, Lydican Wood, Lissarulla, Rock Road, Caherlea: Margaret O’Halloran, Martin Murphy, George Glynn, Liam Glynn, Sean Noone.

Lakeview, Gortatleva:Sean Duggan, Niall Devitt, Bridie O’Connell.

Rock Road, Rockmount, Cregboy:Martin Giles, Darragh Kirrane, Martin Kirrane, Catherine Connor.

Church View, Gleann Mhuiris, Cúirt na hAbhainn, Slí an Bhradáin: Michelle Grealish, Noelle Casey, Liam Goaley, Cathy Goaley.

Montiagh, Summerfield, Cahergowan, Clogher, Cloon: Jimmy Duggan, Margaret Moran, Michael Lenihan, Maura Doyle, Elaine Concannon, Marie Duggan.

Cloonbiggen, Waterdale, Gortadooey, Mullacutra:Paddy O’Connell.

Tuam Road, Kilcahill, Loughgeorge, Kiniska, Knockdoemore, Slievefinn, Rooaunmore: Kevin Langan, Catherine Dolan.

Crusheen and Kiltrogue: Malachy Noone and Michelle Allen.

Catherine Dolan (Chairperson)Kevin Langan (Vice Chairperson)Margaret O’Halloran (Secretary)Josette Farrell (pRo)Michelle Grealish (Treasurer)

Power Soccer recently started classes for kids in Claregalway Community Centre. For details visit powersoccer.ie or contact John on 0861956424.


Irish Shamrock For American PresidentHorkans Irish Shamrock is from the true Irish Shamrock species, Trifolium Dubium, and has been carefully grown here in the West of Ireland using our native Shamrock seed to produce a quality Irish Shamrock plant which can be worn proudly on st Patricks Day and planted in your garden to grow on for next year.

The name shamrock is derived from Irish seamróg, which is the diminutive version of the Irish word for clover (seamair) meaning simply little clover or young clover.

Horkans Irish Shamrock is a perennial plant which means it will grow in your garden in a pot or out in your garden soil for many years. True Irish shamrock is easy to grow but does require

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir student Christian Cotter had a great day out in Dublin at the start of March to celebrate his win in the MathsEyes project. His poster entitled Skelebob was highly commended in the U14 category, a category with only six finalists from the National entries. The MathsEyes initiative is in its second year and is run in conjunction with Ul and iT Tallaght during Maths Week. It encourages students to take a picture of something ordinary and highlight the maths in it. The Coláiste Bhaile Chláir students took part in the project during STeM lessons this year where they took photos of objects in the school and highlighted the maths they saw using software on their netbooks.

This is a great achievement for Christian who has shown himself to have real skill in iT programming and manipulation. His win is a great acknowledgement of his ability and he already has his sights set on a future in computing with programming computer games high on his list of possible careers!

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir student Christian Cotter had a great day out in Dublin at the start of March to celebrate his win in the Maths Eyes project. His poster entitled “Skelebob” was highly commended in the under14 category, a category with only 6 finalists from the National entries.

The MathsEyes initiative is in its second year and is run in conjunction with UL and IT Tallaght during Maths Week. It encourages students to take a picture of something ordinary and highlight the maths in it. The Coláiste Bhaile Chláir students took part in the project during STEM lessons this year where they took photos of objects in the school and highlighted the maths they saw using software on their netbooks. Christian expertly imported his photo into Geogebra, a free maths and graphics software used in maths teaching, and highlighted some geometric shapes he identified in the face of the classroom skeleton ‘Skelebob’. This is a great achievement for Christian who has shown himself to have real skill in IT programming and manipulation. His win is a great acknowledgement of his ability and he already has his sights set on a future in computing with programming computer games high on his list of possible careers!

Claregalway Student Awarded For Computing & Programming Skills

Christian expertly imported his photo into Geogebra, a free maths & graphics software used in maths teaching, and highlighted some geometric shapes he identified in the face of the classroom skeleton Skelebob.


Great Irish Event at Hughes SuperValu 14th & 15th of MarchThere are many local suppliers already stocking their products in Hughes SuperValu and next weekend, Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of March, in keeping with a tradition that began last year & proved to be a great success amongst Hughes lovely and loyal customers, they will host The Great Irish Event at Hughes SuperValu.

Over the weekend you will get to meet their local suppliers, sample some of their finest foods & enjoy lots of fun. Enjoyment promised for the adults & children alike, so come along & enjoy. Hourly/Daily Space to rent upstairs at HughesThere are four separate spaces of different sizes to rent on an Hourly/Daily basis at affordable prices. This space is an ideal location in central Claregalway and with ample Free parking. The space is ideal for (to name but a few): Classes (e.g) yoga, pilates, music, art, millinery, crochet, knitting, make up. Clubs (e.g) Camera clubs, Bridge Clubs, Reading Clubs.Clinics (e.g) Motivation, Slimming, Councelling, Allergy Testing, Bio Energy, Meetings (e.g) Interviews, groups, motivation, Fundraising (e.g) cake sales, Pop up Shops (e.g) Clothes sale, jewellery, books, bric a brac, millinery, art, cakes, health products.

RequirementsPublic Liability Insurance is a necessity. Payment will be required in advance to secure booking. Contact Valerie on 091 738 050 (Valerie works Tuesdays and Thursdays on this project from 9am to 2pm so please leave a voicemail message and she will get back to you). Check out our facebook page at: facebook.com/spacetorentupstairsathughes

regular watering during the growing months and especially in warm weather. Paraic Horkan from Horkans Garden & lifestyle centres (centres in Westport, Castlebar, Galway, Sligo, Cornelscourt, Wicklow) Presented an Irish crystal bowl of fresh Irish shamrock taken from this years crop to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny who travels this week to present our National symbol, the bowl of fresh west of ireland Shamrock to the American President Barack Obama on Friday, Horkans this year exported hundreds of Fresh Irish Shamrock plants all over the world to the Irish Diaspora, “Orders came in all over the world including Canada, Argentina, America, South Africa and most of Europe” “Our Irish grown Shamrock is unique as it is grown without the use of soil or compost and is grown in a special soil less gel which makes it suitable for exporting to all parts of the World.” Horkans Shamrock can be worn proudly on st Patricks day and then planted into a pot or into your garden to grow on for next year. Irish people all over the World just love our product.

Pictured is Paraic Horkan from Horkans Garden Centre presenting An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with some Irish shamrock.


The ceremony included a brief history of Lord Baden Powell, scout promises and prayers and a quick mention to the many famous people who had a scouting background—Nelson Mandela, twelve astronauts who landed on the moon, Bill Gates, Billy Connolly, David Attenborough just to mention a few. All new members and members who moved up a section this year were welcomed into the group by way of investiture. This was a proud moment when the Group Leader placed the group neckerchief around their neck and they all stated the scout promise together. To acknowledge all the hard work and effort each scout member put in throughout the year they were presented with their badges. These badges ranged from skills achieved such as backwoods, air, emergencies and hiking. Well done to all! We would like to thank all Scouters for their time and hard work throughout the year. We look forward to all the exciting events still to come!

Claregalway Scouts Celebrate Founders Day 22nd February

Written by the 12th Galway Claregalway Scouts

Claregalway Scout Group held a Founders Day celebration to mark both Lord Baden Powell (founder of the Scout movement) and his wife Olave (founder of the Girl Guide movement) birthday. Claregalway Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rovers, Scouters (leaders) and many proud parents took part on the day.

12th Galway Claregalway Scout Group is a very active group that has sections for all ages from six up. We welcome new and former members from Claregalway, Lackagh and surrounding parishes. Scouts (aged 12–15 years) meet Mondays at 7.45pm, Cubs (aged 9–11 years) meet Mondays at 6.30pm and Beavers (aged 6–8 years) meet Tuesdays at 6.30pm. We are now taking names for our waiting list for September 2014. If interested please contact Gillian Buckley (Group Leader) on 087 223 6982.


Nurturing Honesty

to grow. Gary kept checking his seed but nothing ever grew. Three more weeks went by, still nothing. Six months went by, still nothing. Gary didn’t say anything to his colleagues, he just kept watering and fertilising the soil. He so wanted the seed to grow. A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the Ceo for inspection. Gary told his wife that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. She told him to be honest about what happened. Gary felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the boardroom. When he arrived, he was amazed at the beauty and variety of plants grown by the other executives. Gary put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed. When the Ceo arrived, he greeted everyone. “My, what great plants and flowers you have grown,” said the Ceo. All of a sudden the Ceo spotted Gary at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered Gary to the front. When Gary got there, he told his story. The Ceo asked everyone to sit down except Gary. He looked at Gary and then announced to the young executives. “Behold your next Chief Executive Officer. His name is Gary.” Gary couldn’t believe it. “How could he be the new Ceo?” the others asked in bewilderment. Then the Ceo explained: “One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled sweets; they were dead—it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Gary, have brought me plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Gary was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer.”

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, always remember that if you plant honesty, you will reap trust, if you plant goodness, you will reap friends. If you plant humility, you will reap greatness. If you plant perseverance you will reap contentment. If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective. If you plant hard work, you will reap success/ If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.

Honesty is being frank, forthright and accurate in your dealings with others. It is being straightforward in revealing what you know or believe. It is being candid in giving out

information that is accurate and complete. Honesty is feeling that you have nothing to hide and that you can say what’s in

your heart. It is being comfortable in revealing what you know by being upfront and telling it like it is.

It’s being able to say how much you know and how much you don’t know, and includes always being able to say “I don’t know” when that is the case. Honesty has both a doing side and a knowing side. The doing side is being forthright in saying what you believe. The knowing side is recognising honesty, both in you and in others. It knows when someone is being honest with you. It also knows when you are being honest with yourself, so that you don’t delude yourself by refusing to see your own truth. A story I heard at a retreat might shine a little light on what I am trying to say.

The honest CeoA successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his directors, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives together. He said “It’s time for me to step down and choose the next Ceo. I have decided to choose one of you.” The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued, “I am going to give each one of you a seed today—one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next Ceo. One guy, named Gary, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife. She helped him get a pot and soil and he planted the seed. Every day he would water it and watch to see it if had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning

by Ronan Scully

So, be careful what you plant now; it determines who you will be in the future.


Telephone / Fax: 091 797 167Mobile: Frank 085 1266 133

Joe 087 629 2350 Email: [email protected]

www.kearneyfunerals.com

Leading Funeral Undertakers

for Claregalway and Lackagh

Lackagh, Turloughmore, Co. Galway

Sexually Transmitted Disease ScreningMany people who have an STI do not have any symptoms and therefore are unaware that they have one.

by Dr Melanie Burke, Turloughmore Health Centre

This article appears courtesy of Turloughmore Health Centre. To make an appointment, phone 091 797106 or email [email protected]

If you have had unprotected intercourse then you are at risk of STi’s. If left untreated some STi’s can cause long-term problems such as infertility. A simple swab can be used in STi tests for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Blood tests are used to check for HiV, Hepatitis B & C and Syphilis. If you test positive for an STi we can provide treatment, sometimes with medication and specialist referral if needed. It is advisable to have a regular sexual health check-up once you start having sex or change partners. This screening is available in General Practice. Usually both make and female doctors are available for consultation and the service is carried out in a confidential and non judgemental manner.


by John Duffy mpsi

Slapped cheek disease is normally a mild, short illness. However, the rash may appear to be quite dramatic. No treatment is usually needed. However, it can cause harm to an unborn baby so women who are pregnant and come into contact with people who have this illness need to seek medical advice.

Sometimes a more widespread faint rash appears on the body, arms, and legs. Occasionally, the rash on the face and body keeps fading and returning several times for up to several weeks. However, it is more common for the rash to come and go completely within a few days.

Other symptomsAlthough the rash can look quite dramatic, the illness itself is usually mild. You will usually not feel too ill. You may have a headache, sore throat, runny nose or mild temperature (fever) that last for a few days and occur around 7–10 days before the rash appears. Occasionally, mild pain and stiffness develop in one or more joints for a few days. This is more common in adults than in children.

You may have no symptomsAround one in four people who become infected with this germ (virus) do not develop any symptoms at all. Some people just have a fever and feel generally unwell, without any rashes.

Info on Slapped Cheek DiseaseJohn Duffy MpSi of Claregalway Pharmacy (091 799 754) has shared this information on slapped cheek disease. For more info, call in and speak with any member of staff.

Don’t forget to like Claregalway Pharmacy on facebook for regular updates!

What is slapped cheek disease?Slapped cheek disease is sometimes called fifth disease or erythema infectiosum. It is an infection caused by the parvovirus B19 virus. It is most commonly occurs in children aged 3–15 years, but anyone can be affected. It is infectious (can be passed on). The infectious period is for 4–20 days before the rash appears. By the time the rash develops, it is usually no longer infectious. Approximately 50–60% of people in the UK have had this infection in the past, usually without realising it. You only have slapped cheek disease only once in a lifetime. This is because you make antibodies during the infection which protect you from future infections with this same germ (virus).

What are the symptoms?Typically, the rash looks like a bright red scald on one or both cheeks. It looks as if the cheek(s) have been slapped. Sometimes there is just a blotchy redness on the face. The rash is painless.

Are there any tests?This condition is usually diagnosed by the appearance of the classical rash on your cheeks. A blood test is sometimes performed. This will show if you have the disease and can also show if you have had this disease in the past. If you have had the disease in the past (even if you had it without developing any symptoms) then you will be immune to it.

Are there any complications from slapped cheek disease?Usually not. Rarely, the aching joint symptoms last for some time after the other symptoms have gone.The only times the illness may become more serious are:• In children with some types of

hereditary anaemia such as sickle cell disease, beta-thalassaemia and hereditary spherocytosis. This germ (virus) can cause these types of anaemia to become suddenly much worse.

• In people with a weakened immune system. If you have leukaemia or cancer, have had an organ transplant or have HIV infection then you may develop a more serious illness with this infection.

What is the treatment?You do not usually need any treatment. If you have a headache, temperature (fever) or aches and pains then painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will help. Those people who develop complications (which is very rare) may require other treatment.

Can slapped cheek disease be prevented?There is no vaccine or treatment that prevents this infection. Frequent hand washing reduces the risk of this infection been transmitted to other people. There is no benefit of not going to school (or work) if you have this infection, as you are only infectious before you develop the rash.


F ork or rake over the soil and break up large clods of earth. Avoid treading on the soil. In mild weather

you can start to harden off hardier seedlings by moving them outside during the day. Don’t forget to bring them back in at night. Don’t be fooled by the slight warmth in the air—March can still bring occasional frosts which will cause havoc for some seedlings and plants, such as potato plants. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and cover new seeds with fleece if you think a frost is due. You can buy horticultural fleece in most garden centres.

Sowing Seeds Always check the individual details on seed packets—more often than not, the information on the back of a seed packet will tell you the vast majority of information you need to know about growing that particular vegetable. Sow indoors on a sunny windowsill or heated greenhouse: lettuce, aubergine, pepper, chilli-pepper, cucumbers, celery, celeriac, fennel, sweet corn, basil, leeks, summer cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsley, courgette,

Grow It Yourself March 2014 by Michael Kelly—GIY Ireland

March is officially the first month of spring. Hurrah! It is a key month in the food grower’s garden and the first of three exceptionally busy months for the giYer. Continue to prepare ground—there is still time to prepare a plot or make a raised bed to grow vegetables this summer. Remove the covering from covered beds that will need to be used for planting in March.

To do this March• Once you sow seeds you need to protect them from your

nemesis, the slug.• Start your daily slug patrols and lay beer traps.• Don’t let new-season weeds take over your plot—

now’s the time to get on top of them by hoeing.• Hoe your entire veggie patch once a week if possible.• Last chance to prune apple trees and perennial herb plants

like thyme and mint etc.• Top dress over-wintered crops such as onions, spring

cabbage etc.• Use good quality compost or well rotted chicken manure—

this will give the crops a good spring boost.

French beans. Sow outdoors or under cover: broad beans, red cabbage, carrots cauliflower, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, onions, leeks, turnip, peas, radishes, early lettuce, asparagus. It’s worth growing the following flowers because of the benefits they bring to your veggies: calendula (marigold), centaurea (cornflower) and nasturtium. These pretty annuals will help deter aphids and whitefly while attracting beneficial lacewings and ladybirds. Take the pain out of springtime sowing—consider a seed growing group with friends.

Planting OutHave you been chitting your spuds? Plant your first early seed potatoes, as soon as weather conditions allow. Paddy’s Day traditionally but wait until the soil is warm and weather has improved. Don’t worry if that’s not until April. Plant asparagus crowns, globe artichokes and Jerusalem Artichoke tubers.

Harvesting—what’s in season?March was officially called The Hungry Gap because of the dearth of fresh vegetables. The efficient giYer thumbs their nose at the notion of a hungry gap and this month is enjoying (from the ground and from storage) onions, leeks, parsnips, potatoes, some varieties of lettuce, mint, sprouting broccoli, kale, rhubarb, chard, the first of the spring cauliflowers and cabbage, and spinach (perpetual, spinach beet). Under cover in the polytunnel or greenhouse you could also be harvesting lettuce, rocket, cauliflower and carrots (ready now from late autumn planting).

© giY Ireland 2014—all rights reserved.

GIY is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to create a healthier, more sustainable world where people grow their own food. For more information check out their website www.giyireland.com.


Update from Local Councillor Jim Cuddy

Request for road improvementsFollowing on from my recent Notice of Motion to the Council at the January meeting I raised this matter again at the meeting of the Area Councillors with Council officials on February 18th. The reply received was that the Council were working on a design for the works that needed to be done in Claregalway and that no actual works would take place this year. Since then I have asked the acting Director of Services for Roads if he would at least provide a yellow box at the entrance to the Claregalway Hotal and the Riveroaks Estate. He has undertaken to have a look at the situation and to come back to me on this matter. In any new design for the roadworks in Claregalway village account will have to be taken for the necessity for a footbridge over the Clare River in Claregalway.

Draft Roads Programme for 2014Over the past year nearly every time I asked the Council to deal with particular road problems I was told that the Council had neither the money nor manpower to do such work. In early January of this year I submitted a list of fourteen roads in this electoral area to be included in the roads programme for this year, well in advance of the programme being drawn up. One got on the list and of the seven that Cllr Mc Donagh submitted, he got one on the list also. A discussion took place as to why the Oranmore Electoral Area was being allocated the least amount of funding for roads and the reply was that it was based on the length of mileage within the Electoral Area. The reason that I had nominated various roads for inclusion was debated as

was the damage that was being caused to vehicles. I objected to that method and insisted that it should be based on the volume of traffic instead, but I was told this is the system that is used. At the February meeting of the council held on February 24th, I once again raised this issue without success. At the end of a long discussion on the roads programme for the county the Mayor Cllr Carroll asked for a proposal to adopt the programme and it was then proposed and seconded. He then asked if this was agreed and I let it be known in no uncertain manner that I was not agreeing to the programme as outlined. The Mayor said that my comments would be noted. In relation to the Claregalway Relief Road, on which a considerable amount of time and money has been spent, neither the Department of Transport or the NRa have allocated any funding this year for progressing this road. Some people who in the past were very vocal on this issue seem to have lost interest. This is the first year since this project started that no money has been allocated. I have been assured that when the Gort–Tuam Motorway gets started that we may then get some progress with the Claregalway relief road.

Cregboy Road I am glad to be able to say that, after several requests to the Council, the hedges were cut in February. In the meantime another problem has arisen for the residents of Cregboy and that relates to low water pressure which I understand is being dealt with.

Flood relief worksThis is a matter that has been ongoing since November 2009 and in that time

Feel free to contact me any day or evening at 798 136 or mobile 087 636 0242 or you can email me at [email protected]

the only thing that has happened is the addition of an extra eye to the Claregalway Bridge, the new Bridge at Crusheen and two families have been relocated. This is very much appreciated. However there is a lot of work to be done by way of remedial works from the Corrib all the way up to Carnmore. The local opW, consultants and Galway Co Co have all sent in their reports to the opW Office in Dublin since last June. On February 28th a Government announcement was made that money was being provided to deal with the damage caused during the flooding and storm damage earlier this year in other parts of the county and that is welcomed. Our local TD Noel was supposed to meet with Mr Hayes to discuss the Claregalway and Carnmore flood relief funding on February 27th but this meeting was cancelled by Mr Hayes and no new date is set for it to take place. The whole decision process needs to be overhauled. If the Government can act to deal with storm and flooding that happened in January of this year, why can it not deal with problems going back to 2009 when they already have all the information required?

Cycle lane and unfinished workWhen the new footpaths were put in last summer from the N17 up as far as the Corporate Park, part of the work was to include a cycle lane on the wide footpath. I have been in touch with the Council to see when this is going to be done. Another issue is the unfinished work by the contractor in front of some of the houses on the N18 along these footpaths.

Jim


I’ll tell ye a tale of Ireland of oldFrom grandfather’s lips the story was told,

About a priest called Father Tim McNamaraWho tackled the devil at his parish, Kinvara.

Many were rumours reaching his earsAnd what he heard confirmed his fears,That the old boy had come out of Hell

And casting young maidens under his spell.

Harnessing his pony to a back to back trap,At times could be a stubborn chap,

Knowing full well there’d be hell to playWhen him and Satan met to parley.

Searching all over finally foundLucifer with girls all looking spellbound.

Alighting from the trap looking vexed and cross,Letting his pony McGrath nibble on grass.

The devil was handsome in a traveller’s way,Who knew well how to lead girls astray,

His charming looks could make them swoon And soon dancing to his satanic tune.

The priest said, “Lucifer, just a word or two”To which he replied, “Who the hell are you?”Thinking ‘twas the smell of sulphur he got,

For nobody then knew about pot!

Adding, you’re leading my flock from the straight and narrow,Said that feisty priest Father McNamara,And the devil replied sweet as can be –

“You’re got it all wrong, they come after me”.

Said the good priest, “All I need is proofThat you really have got a cloven hoof,So now dear devil off with your shoe

Then we’ll all know if it’s false or true”.

Beelzebub replied with a fiendish laugh,“Well if that’s all you want, I’ll do better than that,

Seeing ‘tis yourself I’ll take off the lotThen you can see all that I’ve got”.

Off went his coat in a wild frenzyAnd in a Flash next was his gansey,

That he was well built was plain to seeAs big and lusty as a man could be.

Now Tim and girls got nervous and perplexedAll thinking, what the hell next,

Shouting “stop Satan, there’s girls over there,Said Satan, “the devil a damn I care”.

Next they all saw the elusive proofAn unmistakable demonic shiny cow’s hoof.

And all the girls ran like bats out of hellWith the priest and trap following as well.

Around Galway, Satan was known far and wideAnd some used to say, called Willie McTigue,

That was once a Fusilier or GrenadierWho lost a leg in the cold Crimea.

When getting a new one to fill up his boot,Requested to have it shaped like a hoof.

He was good too at the tin whistleAnd quite a devil for girls who liked to listen.

This is a story of a Galway character of old,That around the hearth was told and retold,Who was said to be decent kind and civilYet when in the drink, was really a devil!

There are some grains of truth in this tale, As there was some wild talk that the Devil was seen in Kinvara around the Middle of the Nineteenth Century!

The Devil of Kinvaraby Edward Coppinger

Edward Coppinger, a native of Lackaghbeg, is well known for his excellent local poetry. He recently launched a book entitled The Poacher’s Son—Memories of Ireland and Other Poems. Edward has been a regular contributor to Nuacht Chláir for many years, and his book is on sale now for €14 including postage. Email [email protected] for info.


get encouraged to become healthier themselves. Now, thanks to Slim for Good, members will also be able to benefit their wider local community by raising funds for Voices for Downs Syndrome Galway. Cathy is also inviting other people in the local community to join Slimming World Oranmore’s slimmers in their fundraising bid. She says: “If you’ve struggled with your weight for a long time, then making that decision to take control and slim down can be a big one but hopefully knowing that every pound you lose will go towards helping our chosen charity will be a great incentive to make that step. And I would assure anyone who’s thinking about losing weight that Slimming World is the very best way to get started. Not only will you be able to follow a simple healthy eating plan that means you’ll never have to go hungry and be able to enjoy hundreds

of healthy foods like fruit and veg, potatoes, pasta, rice, lean meat, fish and more without weighing, counting and measuring, you’ll also get the best support to develop healthy habits for life and overcome any potential

Oranmore Slimmers Are Losing Weight For Good In More Ways Than One! A group of big-hearted slimmers from Oranmore are doing their bit for the local community and their own health by taking part in a sponsored slim to raise money for their chosen charity.

Members of the Oranmore Slimming World group, which is held every Thursday at The Maldron Hotel, Oranmore are taking part in a national Slim for Good campaign running across all 11,000 Slimming World groups in the UK and Ireland. The aim of the six-week drive, which kicked off on Thursday February 27th, is to help people to lose weight and improve their health while raising money for a good cause in their local area. The 100+ slimmers in the Oranmore group which just opened in late January of this year have chosen Voices for Downs Syndrome Galway as their charity of choice to fundraise for. Cathy Dillon, who runs the group and has lost two stone herself, says the Slim for Good campaign will give members of the group an added incentive to achieve their weight-loss dreams. She says: “New Year’s resolutions can often become a bit of a distant memory by late February and the motivation that you might have had at the start of January can begin to dip. If anyone’s feeling that way, I’m hoping getting sponsored to slim will give them the lift they need. When it’s a parent-led and non government-funded charity like Voices for Downs Syndrome Galway which is very close to our heart in Slimming World Oranmore, it’s even more of a push. “We know that making healthy lifestyle changes to the way you eat and your activity levels makes a big difference to you, including improving your health and confidence, but it also impacts on your family and friends too as they enjoy the ‘new you’ and often

pitfalls in your journey so you can lose weight and keep it off for good. So, by the end of the six-week campaign you could be nearly a stone lighter and on your way to a slimmer, happier, healthier you. Since commencing my group on January 23rd the weekly average weight loss has being 150lbs in our group, which is simply mind blowing. I could not be more proud of my members who have achieved this. This Thursday I will be announcing the annual “Biggest Loser”, and at present, it’s neck and neck between two members who have 1stone 5lbs lost each in just six weeks.” Anyone wanting to take part in the six-week Slim for Good campaign can do so any time from Thursday night March 6th. Sponsorship forms are available from the Oranmore Slimming World’s group, which is held at The Maldron Hotel, Oranmore every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

And as an added incentive to members joining the campaign, between 24th February and 15th March, new members who buy a six-week Countdown will pay just €50 (saving €22).

New members who buy a 12-week Countdown during the same period will get free membership and two free weeks included for €90 (saving €36). For more information about call Cathy Dillon on 086 833 4484 or like their facebook page at facebook.com/slimmingworldoranmore

24 The community-curated newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway www.selfhelpafrica.org

Up for the challenge?Come join us

[email protected] 677 8880

November 2014Run the race of your life, for their future

GREAT

RUN“It is the trip of a lifetime and an incredibly rewarding and wonderful experience.

The work that Self Help Africa do in Ethiopia is truly life giving and life changing” - Orla Curran, 2013 trip participant

2014

ETHIOPIAN


by Maurice Sheridan

Congratulations to the first year boys Gaelic Football team who have won their Connacht 1st Year league at their very first attempt. After a 100% record in the group stages and overcoming Carrick-on-Shannon in the semi-final, the boys team faced a tough task in the form of St. Attracta’s CS, Tubbercurry in the final. The match lived up to all expectations and was played in windy conditions at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Ballyhaunis. St Attracta’s raced into an early lead and displayed tremendous foot-balling abilities and mental sharpness to reach the half time break leading by a whopping 3–8 to 1–2, aided by a strong breeze. Following

History makers! The victorious Coláiste Bhaile Chláir squad after the presen-tation of the Connacht Schools first year trophy. Also in the picture are the coaches Mr G Callan and Mr M Sheridan.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir: C. Flaherty, J Hurney, (M Slevin h/t), S Mitchell, D Greenwood, J Glynn, L Thornton, D Hegarty, S Dennigan, D Prior, R Asgari (P Dolan 55 mins), H O’Gorman, D Walsh (c), P Donovan, D Mullen, D Whelan. Subs: S Lawless, R Murphy, C Finnerty, H Mulryan, D Costello, C Monaghan, P Coyne, R O’Sullivan, E Kilcoyne, J McCarthy, A Brennan, P Culkeen, J Commins, J Hickey, M O’Connell.

Historic Win for Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Connacht Schools FinalColáiSTe BHaile CHláiR 4–9ST aTTRaCTa’S TUBBeRCURRY 3–10

For more photos, check out our facebook page www.facebook.com/claregalway.info or see www.claregalway.info

Continued overleaf →


For more local sports updates, visit claregalway.info/sportor if you have stories or photos you’d like to share, email [email protected] or phone Josette on 086 391 3852.

Continued from page 25 →

a lackluster display in the first half, the Claregalway team were left with the daunting task of overturning a twelve point deficit in the remaining thirty minutes. However with a show of great determination and hunger the team bravely rose to the task. In a blistering twenty minute spell at the start of the second half, the Claregalway boys managed to draw level with their opponents—through some excellent score taking and constant pressure from the forward line. In the last ten minutes Clare-galway, who were now very much in the ascendancy, tagged on another two points and withstood a late attack to come out on top after a thrilling finale to a hard fought match, on a final scoreline of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir 4–9, St Attracta’s Tubbercurry 3–10. Captain Dylan Walsh, who scored 2–6, became the first of hopefully many Claregalway students to lift the trophy on behalf of his team. Best for Claregalway on the day were Conor Flaherty, who gave a top-class display in goal, Diarmuid Mullen and Ronan Asgari. Sean Mitchell was outstanding in defence and Jack Glynn gave an excellent display all through. Harry O’Gorman’s accuracy was vital as was the contribution of Patrick Donovan.The team received a rousing reception upon their return to Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, on a historic day for the school.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir First Year Girls Basketball Review

We started training early September and we put 100% effort in from the very beginning. We wanted to win of course, but have a lot of fun too and I think we have achieved that so far. We have played our first three games of the season and are happy to report that we remain undefeated. Our first game was against Dunmore and we won by the skin of our teeth. They were a strong opposition but we came out on top by just one point. After that we knew we needed to step up our game so we started to train harder, training during break on Thursdays. We were then ready for our next game, which we won against Holy Rosary Collage Mountbellew. Our success continued with a win in our final league game against Coláiste na Coiribe. We have a great panel of 22 girls most of whom have never played basketball before in their life so we are really happy with our progress. We are training harder than ever to be ready for the semi-finals. We have had a lot of encouragement from the school, and we want to do well not just for ourselves but for our school. Our coach Mr Broderick has had faith in us since the very beginning and has helped us to improve our basketball skills in a short space of time. Getting to the final and winning would be a great reward for all of our hard work. Regardless we have enjoyed ourselves throughout the year.

by Katelynn Roche (First Year Team Member)

Gaelic4Girls Coming To Claregalway-TurloughmoreClaregalway Ladies Gaelic Football club are delighted to announce details of an exciting new programme called Gaelic4Girls that is commencing on Saturday 22nd March. Gaelic4Girls is initially an eight week programme aimed at increasing participation in Ladies Gaelic Football. The programme targets girls aged between 8–12 years who are not currently registered with a Ladies Gaelic Football Club. Gaelic4Girls is focused on fun and participation, allowing girls to get an introduction to Ladies Gaelic Football in a non-competitive environment. It will be held in Knockdoemore every Saturday from 4pm, commencing on the 22nd March. On completion of the programme, participants are presented with certificates and t-shirts for their participation. Following the 8 weeks, the girls will be encouraged to register with our Ladies Football club, and those that do will be integrated into the existing teams. A Mini Blitz will also be held with another Gaelic4Girls site after the eight weeks and this is a major highlight of the programme. This is the first Gaelic4Girls programme to be held in the area and all girls from Claregalway-Turloughmore and the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend and learn the basic skills of Ladies Gaelic Football. This is a great way to make new friends and learn a new sport! The cost for the entire programme is only €8. For more information contact Jimmy Gavin 087 283 5847.


Well done to Orla Murphy, Ruth Horkan, Karen Dowd Eimile Gavin, Megan Glynn, Siobhan Gavin and Ciara Burke who all played in Galway Minors 9–18 to 3–6 win over Mayo in the opening round of the Connaught Championship. Galway play Leitrim next weekend in round two. Congrats to the Minor and Intermediate Ladies who received their Connaught and All-Ireland Medals at the Club Social in the Claregalway Hotel on Saturday night. U14 and U16 training in Claregalway on Wednesday evening at 7pm. The U16 County league begins in four weeks’ time on Wednesday 2nd April. The U14 League starts on Monday 21st April with the County Féile being held on the weekend of 12th 13th April. Junior Ladies

training resumes on next Saturday time and venue to be confirmed. The first round of the Junior League is due to be held on St Patricks weekend. Senior ladies Training returns on Friday evening in Claregalway at 8pm. Claregalway have drawn Kilmovee in

the opening round of the Connaught Club League. Juniors are due to play Craughwell in the opening game in Division 4 league at weekend. The Club in association with the Carers Association are selling St Patrick’s Day Badges in the local Shops please support. Hard Luck to Karen Dowd, Christina Hanley, Laura Field Aisling and Orla Murphy who played for Calasanctius College, Oranmore in their All-Ireland Camoige Schools Final last weekend. Best wishes to all our players playing for Presentation School Athenry in their All-Ireland semifinal in Birr on the 19th of March.

Claregalway Ladies gaa March 2014 UpdatesCongratulations to Claregalway Ladies Winners:Senior Ladies Player of Year Deirdre BrennanJunior ladies Player of Year Maria MoranYoung Ladies Player of Year Megan Glynn

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Students At All-Ireland Cross Country

Congratulations to the 13 athletes who qualified from a tough field in the South-Connacht Finals and represented Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Sligo at the Connacht Cross country finals they achieved excellent results.

Darren Costello and Aaron Brennan (pictured right) represented the school in the All- Irelands in Cork iT on Saturday the 8th of March. It was a huge achievement to reach the All-Irelands at their first attempt, well done.

Darren Costello and Aaron Brennan in the schools All-Ireland in Cork iT.


Six students from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir have made it through to present their project to a panel of judges at the Connaught eCo-Den on March 25th in the Claregalway Hotel. Their project involved the development and presentation of a peer environmental education programme and a game programmed using Scratch. This is an initiative open to young people (aged 10–18) from all over Ireland which recognises and rewards young

eCo-unesCo’s 2014 Young Environmentalist Awards (Yea) Programme

Schools EquestrianColáiste Bhaile Chláir took part in their first inter-schools show jumping competition at the weekend. The team of was made up of Áilidh Molloy, Niamh Moran, Rebecca Cormican and Chloe Hession. They gained valuable experience into the competitive scene and did their school proud. We look forward to lots of success and enjoyment in the future.

peoples’ efforts for carrying out environmental action projects. Raising environmental awareness not only in their communities but also amongst their peers in schools and local clubs is a huge factor in many of the Yea projects that are carried out. Best of Luck to Luke Adams, Saoirse McCarthy, Áilidh Molloy, Amy O’ Connell, Órlaith Roe and Jade Sweeney in the Dragons Den. Go n-eirí libh.

Boys Minor Team qualified for the Connacht Finals.

ECO-UNESCO’s 2014 Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) programme.

Six students from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir have made it through to panel of judges at the Connaught ECOTheir project involved the development and presentation of a peer environmprogramme and a game programmed using Scratch. This is an initiative open to young people (aged 10recognises and rewards young peoples’ efforts for carryingRaising environmental awareness not only in theirin schools and local clubs is a huge factor in many of the YEA projects that are carried out.

Best of Luck to Luke Adams, Saoirse McCarthy, Áilidh Molloy, Amy O' Connell, Órlaith Roe and Jade Sweeney in the dragons den. Go n

Schools Equestrian

Coláiste Bhaile Chlair took part in their first interThe team of was made up of Áilidh Molloy, Niamh Moran, Rebecca Cormican and They gained valuable experience into the competitive scene and did their school proud. We look forward to lots of success and enjoyment in the future.

Boys Minor Team qualified for the Connacht Finals.

2014 Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) programme.

Six students from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir have made it through to present their project to a panel of judges at the Connaught ECO-Den on March 25th in the Claregalway hotel, Galway. Their project involved the development and presentation of a peer environmental education programme and a game programmed using Scratch.

is an initiative open to young people (aged 10-18) from all over Ireland whichrecognises and rewards young peoples’ efforts for carrying out environmental action projects.

nmental awareness not only in their communities but also amongst their peers huge factor in many of the YEA projects that are carried out.

Best of Luck to Luke Adams, Saoirse McCarthy, Áilidh Molloy, Amy O' Connell, Órlaith Roe and Jade Sweeney in the dragons den. Go n-eirí libh.

Coláiste Bhaile Chlair took part in their first inter-schools show jumping competition at the weekend. The team of was made up of Áilidh Molloy, Niamh Moran, Rebecca Cormican and Chloe Hession. They gained valuable experience into the competitive scene and did their school proud. We look forward to lots of success and enjoyment in the future.

present their project to a Den on March 25th in the Claregalway hotel, Galway.

ental education

whichout environmental action projects.

communities but also amongst their peers huge factor in many of the YEA projects that are carried out.

Best of Luck to Luke Adams, Saoirse McCarthy, Áilidh Molloy, Amy O' Connell, Órlaith

schools show jumping competition at the weekend. Chloe Hession.

They gained valuable experience into the competitive scene and did their school proud. We look

Pictured above are the Boys Minor Team who qualified for the Connacht Finals

For more photos, check out our facebook page facebook.com/claregalway.info or visit www.claregalway.info or you can send your stories or photos to [email protected] or to Nuacht Chláir, ‘Currach Ruadh,’ Creig Buí, Baile Chláir. Alternatively, you can phone Josette on 086 391 3852.


This was the first round of the 2014 senior hurling league and both Killimordaly and Carnmore would want to get their league campaign of to a good start. It was Killimordaly who started brighter and took the lead with points by Brian Burke (free) and a second by James Daly. A nice move between Barry Hanley and Kevin Killilea saw Kevin score a brilliant point. Kegan Fox scored a great point from the half way line following a neat pass from Shane Quinn. Killimordaly scored the next two points. Then for Carnmore John Paul O’Connell took a quick free to Alan Traynor who scored a great point. But soon after, Killimordaly cancelled it out with a goal and it was 1–3 to 3 points to Killimordaly. Carnmore scored 2 points without reply, this was cancelled out by 3 points from Killimordaly. From a Carnmore puck out, Barry Hanley won the breaking ball and ran through the middle, before passing to Alan Traynor who scored a goal. It was now 1–5 to 1–6 to Killimordaly, before half time Killimordaly scored a goal and 4 points without reply so going in at the break it was Carnmore 1–9 Killimordaly 2–10. Killimordaly, with the wind behind them, started the second half brighter of the two teams with a quick point from play, but Carnmore quickly bounced back with a point from a free by Barry Hanley. That would be the only point Carnmore would get for the rest of the game as Killimordaly proved too strong and it finished with Killimordaly being the worthy winners.

Carnmore Hurling Club March Updates

Be in with a chance to get your Company name on the Carnmore Senior Jersey for 2014. Tickets for draw cost €100. €20 from every €100 collected will be distributed among the local Primary Schools to enhance their sporting facilities. Contact Kevin Shaughnessy on 086 354 2526 for further details.

For more check out the website at www.carnmore.net

Pictured are Eva Hughes and members of the Hughes SuperValu staff with comedian Maeve Higgins, promoting Forest Feast Mango—supplied on a Fairtrade basis by pReDa supported farmers. The photo was taken at pReDa’s recent Run for Freedom. The Forest Feast pReDa Mango products are on sale in Hughes SuperValu. Drop in today to pick some up!

Pictured are Jade Heery & Ailbhe Murphy, runners ups in Co Galway u10s girls doubles in handball, well done ladies!


Essential Local Contacts

Group Contact name Contact number

Carnmore National School John Reilly 091 798 718

Compántas Lir Drama Dermot Hession 085 711 4352

Conradh na Gaeilge Anna Glynn 091 798 351

Claregalway & District Day Care Centre Geraldine Carr 086 227 4139

Claregalway Cemetery Maintenance Malachy Noone 087 133 3711

Claregalway Cemetery Caretaker Seamus O’Connell 087 313 7282

Claregalway Educate Together N.S. Terri Claffey 091 798 356

Claregalway Folk Choir Anne Moylan 087 638 6626

Claregalway National School Carmel Burns 091 798 720

Claregalway Parish Office Teresa Payne 091 798 741

Claregalway Second Level School Paddy Tobin 087 782 5302

9 Arch Musical Society Annette Cavanagh 087 219 7772

Useful Local Websites

www.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.com

www.bawnmorens.ie

www.claregalway.info

www.carnmoreschool.scoilnet.ie

www.claregalwaybasketball.net

www.claregalwaygaa.net

www.claregalwayeducatetogether.blogspot.com

www.claregalwaycastle.com

www.colaistebhailechlair.com

www.compantaslir.ie

www.cregmorens.blog.com

www.facebook.com/claregalway.info

Our Local Sponsors

Arches Hotel, ClaregalwayClaregalway Dental Surgery Claregalway Medical Centre Claregalway PharmacyFlynn’s SuperValu, LackaghFrank Kearney Funeral DirectorsGeraldine O’Neill Glynn Solicitor Glynn’s Centra, CarnmoreHughes SuperValu, ClaregalwayNoel Grealish td, CarnmorePaul Nash TransportTurloughmore Medical Centre

The Nuacht Chláir is compiled & produced voluntarily each month, as a service to the community. We rely on the generous sponsorship we receive from local businesses to cover printing costs and maintaining our website www.claregalway.info. Please show your support for the Nuacht Chláir, and the businesses & people that help make it possible, by shopping locally whenever possible. If you’d like to become a Sponsor, get in touch.

You can submit stories & photos by posting them to Nuacht Chláir, ‘Currach Ruadh,’ Creig Buí,Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe.

by emailing them to [email protected]

or by phoning Josette 086 391 3852 / 091 798 430

Don’t forget to like our facebook pagewww.facebook.com/claregalway.info

Advertising Rates (per issue)

Full Page €100 ½ Page €50

March Crossword

Across1 Naples (Italian) (6)5 Country (capital Athens) (6)10 Happen again (7)11 Gaps (7)12 Location (4)13 Defer (5)15 Boast (4)17 Place in position (3)19 Pointed utensil (6) 21 Sacred songs (6)22 Business rooms (7)23 Fear (6)25 Surface for serving food (6)28 Utilise (3)30 An official language of Pakistan (4)31 Till (5)32 Untie (4)35 Israeli city (3,4)36 Small axe (7)37 Former name for Sri Lanka (6)38 Sleep (6)

Down2 Disciple (7)3 At one time (4)4 Country of 35.across (6)5 Local city (6)6 Cut with an acid (4)7 At the centre (7)8 Gaol (6)9 Pretends (6)14 Most idle (7)16 Hello (Hawaiin) (5)18 Test a metal (5)20 Immature newt (3)21 Favourite (3)23 Not working properly (6)24 Yield to desire (7)26 Midday meals (7)27 Exercise activities (6)28 Not level (6)29 One or the other (6)33 Elliptical (4) 34 Halt (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

12 13 14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21

22

23 24 25 26 27

28 29

30 31 32

33 34

35 36

37 38

Across 1 Midpoint (6) 5 Central (6) 10 Dais (7) 11 Enlist (7) 12 Test (4) 13 Alphabetical list (5) 15 Dutch cheese (4) 17 Organ (3) 19 Japanese car maker (6) 21 Forcefulness (6) 22 Astonishing (7) 23 Abscond (6) 25 Unravel the enigma (6) 28 Writing instrument (3) 30 Mammal of genus Capra (4) 31 Foot operated lever (5) 32 Type of fastener (4) 35 Joyfulness (7) 36 Small appliance (7) 37 Capital of Lebanon (6) 38 Lives (6)

Down 2 State of exalted delight (7) 3 Pneumatic car part (4) 4 Stoat's coat (6) 5 Kill (6) 6 Aquatic bird of Anatidae family (4) 7 Wash (7) 8 Passionate (6) 9 Stubby (6) 14 Temporarily blinded (7) 16 Walk noisily (5) 18 Rage (5) 20 Measure of current (3) 21 Finish (3) 23 Stabbing knife (6) 24 Travesty (7) 26 Ground oats (7) 27 Most senior (6) 28 Groundnut (6) 29 Constantly scolded (6) 33 Structure built over water (4) 34 Rim (4)

Post completed Crosswords to: B.D. Place, Woodleigh, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe.

1st correct Crossword opened winsA meal for 2 in the Arches Hotel, Cois Chláir, Claregalway.

Last month’s winner:Elaine Meenan, Claregalway.

Name

Phone

Brian Place—Crossword Editor

B1

A2

T T3

L E4

B5

O N6

Z A7

I

A8

C O M U M D9

B10

R O M I N E B11

R O C A D E

A L L T B L C

T12

O Y S B13

I B14

L E A15

G R A

E T M16

C17

O Y O18

A Y

S19

C E N I C20

W A21

R O M A S

D22

A R L I N G

A23

F L24

O A T I D25

A H L26

I A27

F E S I28

N N29

N A G

G30

I O31

C E A N S32

P U R

H S A33

A P A34

T E

A35

Q U I F E R L36

A C T O S E

N R A U E E P D

D37

E B R I S S38

T R E S S

Last month’s solution

Supermarket Opening Hours

Monday–Saturday: 8am–9pmSunday & Bank Hols: 9am–7pm

Tel: 091 798 138

Post Office Opening Hours

Monday–Friday: 9am–5:30pmSaturday: 9am–1pm

Tel: 091 798 101

m

Opening Hours:Mon – Sat: 8am – 9pmSun & Bank Hols: 9am-7pm

Tel: 091 798138 Post Office Opening Hours:9am – 5.30pm Mon – Fri9am – 1.00pm Saturday

Gift HampersChoose from Ready Made Hampers

Or create your ownValentines, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers

Day, Thank You Teacher, New BabyGift Vouchers available

Don’t forget your special one this Valentines….

Great Offers on our Signature Dine inMeal Deals (Meal + bottle of wine)!!!

Keep an on our Facebook page for Weekly SpecialsCompetitions & Much More…

Have you visited the newly renovatedBargain Den & Homestore???

Feb14th

Catering For All Occasions

Ask at the Deli counter for more information…Ideal for Confirmation & Communion.

Try our New Fish Range… Available at the Fresh Counter & also

Prepared by our Fishmonger

Lots of recipes cards now available

Pancake Tuesday – 4th March

AshWed

5th Mar

Choose from Ready Made Gift Hampers or create your own: Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day,

Thank You Teacher, New BabyGift Vouchers also available

Keep an eye on our facebook page!

This weekend, Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of March, in keeping with a tradition that began last year & proved to be a great success amongst Hughes lovely and loyal customers, they will host The Great Irish Event at Hughes SuperValu.Over the weekend you will get to meet their local suppliers, sample some of their finest foods & enjoy lots of fun. Enjoyment promised for the adults & children alike, so come along & enjoy.

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March 2014

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