Download - Nuacht Chláir January/February 2013
Updates from Local Sports Clubs pages 16–17
January/February ’13 Vol.17 Iss.5
Inside this month —
The free local newsletter
for Claregalway, Co. Galway
An nua��án áı�úıl le ha�aı�
Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Gardening Tips from GIY Irelandpages 12–13
Continued on page 4
GrandaOur lives changed irreversibly at 7:20am on Saturday morning. We
had just spent our last night looking after Granda, now it’s his turn to
look after us again. This is something he devoted his whole life to and
was so exceptionally good at. Granda helped us with our first steps in
the world, literally and metaphorically. He was there to hold our tiny
hands in his big, safe and always gentle ones.
He taught us to walk, run and cycle and drive—pulling us up when
we fell. He nursed our scrapes and cured our bruises with a kiss or a
magic plaster from Granda’s Car. He was a rock of comfort and support
when we needed him. He fixed and glued our broken toys. There was
nothing stickier than Granda’s Glue. It worked on wood, paper, plastic,
stone, I’m sure it could have stuck Teflon—but we never tried.
He kept the house he built with his own hands running like clockwork.
There was nothing that Granda couldn’t fix and if fixing was simply
impossible he modified whatever it was to probably work better than
the original. He possibly invented the electric mixer—after seeing
Nana toil over beating the sugar & butter in her Christmas cakes he
attached a hand beater to the electric drill.
Reading was one of Granda’s passions. He missed this so sorely
after he lost his sight completely over a year ago. Granda could turn the
most boring story into the most thrilling tale. Granda was constantly
being plagued to ‘read a book’ which he never refused—even when
my Bobah book had no words and was in fact a Mothercare catalogue.
Books were an important thing in our house, each of us, from Mam all
the way to Aaron, in turn, was taught to read and instilled with a joy of
reading. This joy is now being passed on to the next generation of our
family thanks to Surney’s and Ethna’s determination to pass on this
skill. There were books on every topic under the sun. If Granda saw a
book about a topic he was remotely interested in it was bought and it
didn’t matter where in the world he was—many’s the parcel that was
posted from Boston, full of books not to mention toys. Whenever Nana
& Granda went away we were sure to greeted with a bag of gifts on
Compiled monthly by a team
of volunteers in Claregalway
Baılíodh �íosúıl ó �oı�eann
sao�álaı�e ı mBaıle �láı�
www.nuachtchlair.com
Tasty Dip Recipe from Móna Wisepages 8
R.I.P. Mairtín O’Baoghaill
Local resident Mairtín O’Baoghaill passed away peacefully on the 2nd of February, and was laid to rest on Monday the 4th in Claregalway Cemetery. His granddaughters Aoife and Fiona Dempsey composed this touching tribute in his memory.
2 An nua��án áı�úıl le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Date Group Play
Thursday 14th March Compántas Lir The Way You Look Tonight by Niall Williams
Friday 15th March Coolera Drama Group The Butterfly of Killybegs by Brian Foster
Saturday 16th March Thurles Drama Group All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Sunday 17th March Shoestring Eden by Eugene O’Brien
Monday 18th March Glenamaddy Moment by Deirdre Kinahan
Tuesday 19th March Corofin By the Bog of Cats by Marina Carr
Wednesday 20th March Ballycogley Players Comedy of Errors adapted by Fintan Murphy
Thursday 21st March DADS War by Roddy Doyle
Friday 22nd March Skibbereen The Hen Night Epiphany by Jimmy Murphy
Claregalway Festival of Drama 2013It’s that time of year again when Claregalway Community Centre is transformed into a theatre for our Annual Festival of Drama. This year we open on the 14th March and run right through to the 22nd March inclusive. We open with local group Compántas Lir and their presentation of The Way You Look Tonight by Neil Williams. Last year’s overall winners, Thurles Drama Group, return with All My Sons by Arthur Miller. The festival runs for nine nights, offering superb drama from all around the country.
This year we have a number of new plays that have
never been performed at the festival before, as well as
a welcome return to a number of groups who have not
performed here in recent years. Our adjudicator this
year is Mr Tom Byrne, from Leixlip in Kildare, who
will be charged with the task of picking the top actors,
productions and plays from this year’s festival.
For more info phone Sheila on 086 898 1731 or email us at [email protected]
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!
Come along and enjoy a fantastic night out!
Tickets are €10 a night (€5 for OAP’s) or €60 for a season ticket (available on the door each night).
Also, check us out on Facebook and like the page to keep up to date with all the latest news, reviews and results.
Pipe-Laying Traffic Works Update For Claregalway —Road re surfacing will be done on Tuesday 12th February 9.30pm–3.30pm. Stop/Go system will be in operation.
—Montiagh Road is closed from 4th February for approximately
3 weeks. The road will be closed Monday–Friday day and
night & will open Friday evening to Monday mornings for the
duration of the works. Road signs are in place.
—There is a possibility that road works may have to revert
to day work week beginning 11th Feb due to extent of
services under the road around T junction. It is hoped
that this will be avoided but is a possibility.
www.nuachtchlair.com 3
EditorialJosette Farrell, Editor
Contribute You can submit articles or
stories by posting them to —
‘Currach Ruadh,’
Creıg Buí,
Baıle Chláır,
Co. na Gaıllımhe.
by emailing them to —
or by phoning Josette —
086 391 3852
091 798 430
Don’t forget to like
our facebook page —
www.facebook.com/
bailechlair
The Nuacht Chláir is an open access
publication and we try to include
everything that is 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 contributors and are not neces-
sarily those of the production team.
As always, we greatly appreciate your comments or suggestions.
We are currently developing our website www.nuachtchlair.com
If you have any suggestions for what to include, we would greatly appreciate you letting us know.
Current features — Claregalway Business Directory, Nuacht Chláir Archives & Blog, Tourist Information & Local History, Local Events Calendar.
Get in touch at www.nuachtchlair.com/contact
The pupils enrolled in Claregalway’s proposed new Second-level school
and their parents got their first viewing of the building and its interior
with 3D models and walkthroughs at a meeting held in the Claregalway
Hotel last month. The 126 enrolled pupils were shown the computer-
generated 3D models by the Principal Alan Mongey. The walkthroughs
were created by GMIT MSc student Gerard Nicholson and are invalu-
able in communicating the size, scale and quality of the new buildings
which will be housed in the Claregalway Corporate Park. Huge credit is
to be attritubed to Dr. Paddy Tobin of GMIT Letterfrack and to Michael
Hannon for their efforts. See www.colaistebhailechlair.com for an
in-depth view of this exciting project in the pipelines.
On the subject of pipelines, Claregalway is currently undergoing
works to lay down new pipes in the village for the sewerage system
which, when completed, will make an enormous difference. These
works are currently being undertaken at night-time, which is a great
relief for local businesses and motorists. The works will take approxi-
mately three months to complete, so one has to think of the end result
with the current disruption.
Well done to Philip Cribbin who continues to do sterling work on
behalf of PREDA. See information on an upcoming Run for Freedom
organised by PREDA on page 5.
There’s only a month left until the Annual Festival of Drama trans-
forms the community centre into a cosy theatre. The line-up looks
great this year, and promises to be another success (details opposite).
For those of you looking for a challenge, why not take up Bridge
Classes with Brian in the Claregalway Hotel? I am totally hooked and
can see why it’s good for the mind! More information on page 15.
Until next time, Josette
4 An nua��án áı�úil le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Continued from cover
their return. I am quite sure that their giving us gifts will
not cease now, even if these can no longer be material ones.
Family aside Granda was always very interested in
the community. The parish of Claregalway played a big
part in Granda’s life. He was a member of the first Drama
group here. He was one of the founding members of the
Gun Club. Anything he did or anything he participated in
he gave it his all. This trait he has passed on to each of us.
Granda had a keen interest in politics, especially Fianna
Fáil. He was active in the development of the Leisure
Centre, he was instrumental in its committee and in the
many activities associated with it—the fashion shows, the
bingo, the agricultural show, the parties and many other
events. GAA one of Granda’s keenest interests. From a very
young age he was a member of his local teams. Hurling
played a big part of his life and his county medal which he
won with Claregalway 1952 always held a special place in
his heart. He never, however boasted of his involvement
and its only after reading reports of this match that we
found out the monumental part he played in that match—
scoring 6 goals. He continued to play a part in Claregalway
GAA even after he finished playing and always kept abreast
of the clubs achievements.
Granda’s working life too was varied. He worked
with the Turf Board in the Curragh bogs during the War.
He returned to Galway & worked in Higgins’ General
Merchants. He worked in Merlin Park Hospital—he was the
first ambulance driver there. He then took up a position
with the Board of Works where he was foreman for many
years. After his retirement he returned to full-time dairy
farming. However, what he regarded as his most important
job was that of being a devoted husband, father, grandfa-
ther and great-grandfather. Granda loved the outdoors; he
loved to hear the birds singing and was never so happy as
when he was outside surrounded by nature. Granda taught
us the names of all the wild birds, especially his robin who
he could call to the handle of his spade, and all of the wild
flowers. Surney, Ethna and Evin will continue to pass this
wealth of knowledge to the next generation in his honour
and memory.
Granda met my Nana while working in Galway and
never looked back. They married on the 26th of January
1949 and settled in Claregalway. They had one much loved
daughter, Marie, of whom they were so very proud. Nana
and Granda were blessed in their relationship, they were
best friends and deeply committed to one another. Granda
lost Nana in 1997, which was far too soon and this tested
him sorely. We can be happy now in the knowledge that
they are together again as they were always meant to be.
Their example of love and happiness has been invaluable.
Granda had a passion for the Irish language and all
things Irish. He grew up speaking Irish and his stories of
the old days and the old people were peppered with Irish
words. He took every opportunity to foster in us all this
love for Irish language and culture. I cannot count the
journeys, early in the morning and very late at night to and
from the four corners of the country to bring first Mam,
and then each of us, to feises each weekend. Granda loved
to watch us dance and sat for hours without complaint, no
matter how cold or uncomfortable the hall! Without his
support and encouragement I could not have achieved
anything that I have. Granda has always been and will
continue to be my inspiration, no matter the trial or test he
constantly weathered every storm with a smile. I will pray
to him to loan me his strength and his courage.
We would like to thank all the people who helped
and minded Granda throughout the years, especially the
doctors and nurses and all the staff of St. Rita and St. Mary’s
wards in the hospital. We also extend our best wishes to
the other patients and their families that we met during
Granda’s long stay in hospital. We will continue to pray for
them. We are so grateful and incredibly touched by all of
your visits, phone calls, prayers and gestures of love and
sympathy. Granda had an undeniable ability to touch the
heart and soul of those he met and change their lives for
the better. The large numbers who have called to the house
and attended this funeral are testament to this. We would
like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Tom Lenihan and all
of those who organised the guard of honour on both days
of the funeral. It was a cold and wet wait, but Granda would
have been truly honoured by the tribute.
We would like to extend our thanks to Fr. Ian O’Neill
PP, Fr. Dan O’Connor, Sacred Heart Fathers and Fr. Seamus
Nohilly, Fr. Dan O’Neill and all the SMA fathers for their
help and guidance during this most trying time. We deeply
appreciate the hard work of the grave diggers and the
Funeral Director Frank Kearney. We want to thank Sandra
Walsh, Rita Nolan and all members of the choir who
reformed for today. Their beautiful singing really added
to the liturgy and meant the world to us. We truly appre-
ciated the beautiful food provided to us by the Arches over
the past few days.
We are indebted to all of our relations, friends and
neighbours and offer our most sincere gratitude for
your condolences. Granda’s great-grandchildren have a
message of their own to their Dan-Dan, they want him to
know that they love him and miss him and will pray for
him and to him forever. We will remember Granda in our
every action, forevermore. Each word of Irish, every step
on the dance floor, every smile from his great Grandchil-
dren, every bird’s song, each cup of tea, every star in the
sky—he will be with us, minding us as he always has.
www.nuachtchlair.com 5
Support the PREDA Galway Advocacy and Action For Exploited Children
PREDA is a Philippines based children's charity which strives to free children from adult prisons and child exploi-tation. Damien Dempsey, Catherina McKiernan and Ray D’Arcy led a strong field of entrants at last year's very successful “Run for Freedom” fun run in the Phoenix Park.
The PREDA 5k “Run For Freedom” 2013 will take place at the famed Ballybrit Racecourse on Saturday February the 23rd at 12pm.
Online registration on www.runireland.com is now open. Registra-
tion takes place in front of the main stand from 10am on the morning
of the run. The run will be on the road surrounding the race track and
will consist of two 2.5k laps.
Free beanie hat for the first 100 to register online. Refreshments
available on the day. Profits from the fun run will be used to help with
the rehabilitation of the rescued children and also to help promote the
message of PREDA to a wider audience nationally.
We are delighted to again receive the support of Dublin musi-
cian Damien Dempsey and Irish athletic legend Catherina McKiernan
providing you with a great opportunity to run with such inspirational
figures and PREDA advocates . It promises be a memorable fun day out
for people of all levels of fitness and ages.
We would like to thank our sponsors for their support:
www.galwaybayfm.ie — Galway Bay FM radio www.advertiser.ie/galway — Galway Advertiser www.monroes.ie — Monroes Live Music Venue, Galway www.astrobay.ie — Astrobay sports facility, Galway www.thewestern.ie — The Western Hotel, Galway www.carambola.ie — Healthy Schools lunch provider www.tigcoili.com — Tíg Cóilí Irish music bar, Galway www.galwayraces.com — Galway Racecourse committee
Email [email protected] if you have any questions about the run. For more information on the work of PREDA check out www.preda.org or www.predagalway.org
“If You Have The Freedom To Run, Why Not Run For Freedom?”
6 An nua��án áı�úil le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Fashion at Home
Ever wandered from shop to shop having found the perfect top but nothing to go with it? Or found that perfect dress but wish you had a friend/sister with your for truthful advice?
Wouldn’t it be lovely to sit at home with some friends enjoying a cup of tea or glass of wine while a Captain Tortue Consultant shows you the latest fashion trends and fully co-ordinated colourful Ladies collections, matching accessories and/or kiddies collections and then have a fun trying on session?
Well now you can, this is a FREE service offered
by consultants. The Captain Tortue ladies range
from size 6 to size 24 and the kiddies range from
age 18 months to age 16. The collections are not
available in the shops or online so you have
hands on fab, chic clothes available to you in
your own home.
This season’s collections are bold and bright
with unique layering, or you could go for the
more classic look, the choice is yours.
What’s more, if we come to your house and
you invite 3 to 8 of your family and friends we
reward you by giving you 10% off sales in FREE
clothes plus a HALF price item of your choice.
Book a coffee morning or evening—mention
this article when booking and you will get an
extra €40 to spend at your home. Don’t delay,
get in touch today and enjoy this lovely, relaxing
experience. If you fancy this business for your-
self, then talk to me about the opportunity.
Get in touch—contact Valerie on 086 320 7202 or visit the websitewww.captaintortuegroup.com
Valerie Totman Independent Consultant/Senior Manager
Captain Tortue Group—French Fashion
in your home for Ladies & Children
086 320 7202 / 091 799 631www.captaintortuegroup.com
Food for Thoughtby Edward Coppinger
All this world I’ve travelled around And such good food never found,
That in youth used to availThe lovely taste of young lambs tail!
Who used to gambol just next dayAfter their tails were taken away,Never thinking it wrong or cruel
Their appendage loss was non consensual!
Gathered up in sacks or pailsLots and lots of young lambs tails,In innocence didn’t seem to mind
Their stumps soon healed in March wind!
And whilst around fields they ranTheir tails were in the frying pan,Oh this dish was beyond compare
But for the lambs most unfair!
That we sat down inside to eat,While they poor things were on their feet,
Wondering where their tails went Removed from them without consent!
There never was such nice cuisine,Second only to pigs crubeens,
What a treat when in the bog,Cold lambs tails and feet of the hog!
Always a harbinger of Galway springsBainne bhuí or beastings.
Honest and nourishing some used to maintain—That buttermilk was Irish Champagne!
Like our facebook page and check out our website for local
news, events and photos:www.facebook.com/bailechlair
www.nuachtchlair.com
www.nuachtchlair.com 7
Septic TanksIn 2012 the Minister for the environment Phil Hogan brought
in new regulations under the Water Services (Amendment) Act
2012. What this means is that all septic tanks must be regis-
tered. The cost of doing so is €50 and it can be paid by post, on
line at www.ProtectOurWater.ie or at the local council offices.
Waste water systems that have not been registered by February
1st will also be subject to inspection. Inspections are expected to
commence in 2013 and will be based on the national inspection
plan currently being finalised by the Environment Protection
Agency. The risk inspections will be evidence-based i.e. unless
there is evidence of endangerment of human health or the envi-
ronment, the system in place should pass the inspection. For
those who will be required to carry out remediation works there
is a grant available (to those who have registered). The grant is:
Household Income % Cost available Maximum
up to €50,000 80% €4,000
€50,000–75,000 50% €2,500
The performance standards for septic tanks are set out in the
Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012.
Claregalway Sewerage SchemeIn advance of the start of work on the pipe laying in Clare-
galway I organised a special presentation in the Claregalway
before Christmas for both the businesses and the residents. The
meeting was attended by the representatives of the contractor PD
Lydon, the consultants to the project and council engineers. The
meeting was well attended. At that meeting there was a general
view that most of the work should be carried out at night where
possible to reduce the delays for traffic in the village.
The contractor has agreed to do as much of the work on the
N17 at night as possible. If however the contractor hits rock, he
may have to do that section of the road by day. It would be very
unfair to residents living along the road to have a rock breaker
operating during the night. There has also been agreement that
a special briefing meeting will be held each week so that both
the residents and business people will be given the programme
of works and their location for the following week. Representa-
tives of the estates have been asked to send representatives to
this meeting.It is expected that work outside the school will be
carried out during the Easter school holidays.
The council are still working on the final details
of the DBO treatment plant for submission to the
Department for approval. The present contract
only covers part of the village and some people
have asked me if the pipe laying can be extended
to include their area. I have taken this matter
up with the Water Services Engineer and he has
advised that the present contract will go ahead
as planned and that if people living outside the
area covered by the contract wish to be consid-
ered for connection they can write into the
council who will advise how to go about the
application. I am aware that some people on the
Galway side of the village have already done this
and I am waiting for the reply from the Water
Services Section of the Council.
Speed Limit ReviewAfter over six years seeking to have the speed
limits reviewed by the council is still has not
been completed. In the middle of 2012 the local
area councillors meet with council engineers
and finalised the review for this electoral area.
We were told that all the electoral areas would
have to be reviewed at the same time. The two
main concerns for us was to have the speed
limit from Galway Airport to Ballintemple Road
increased from 60kM to 80kM and that the
maximium speed limit on the side roads should
not exceed 60kM. I have also sought to have
the speed limits within 100 yards of the schools
reduced to 50kM. Many people are angry at the
low speed limit on the Monivea road from the
Airport to Ballintemple and their views have
been expressed regularly to the council engi-
neers. In order to bring this whole issue to an
end once and for all I have placed a motion on
the council agenda for the meeting on the 28th
of January asking for the time scale for the intro-
duction of the revised speed limits.
Update From Your Local Councillor, Jim CuddyAs always, I can be contacted at 798 136 or 087 636 0242 or you can email me at [email protected]
8 The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Art-i-chokes That funny looking vegetable…
This story is by local blogger
and author Móna Wise, who
regularly contributes to the
Nuacht Chláir. For more of her
stories and recipes, check out
her popular food blog
www.WiseWords.ie
I think the problem with having a fairly mild winter is that you
remain on the edge of your seat all the way up to Spring, waiting
for a final cold snap. Clothes on the line come in cold but not frozen,
turf is burned fast but not at a ferocious flame; work in the garden
has already begun because you are willing to take your chances and
get a few plants in the ground. The drive to do anything that will
enable us to let go of the winter blues and get busy with Spring. I
am fighting the urge to break out the pressure washer these days
and start spring cleaning. Thankfully I have the distraction of
college course work to keep my time occupied.
When searching around for an interesting recipe this month
for the Nuacht Chláir, I came across a recipe we used to serve at our
restaurant years ago. I thought it would be perfect to share. A little
bit of spinach and artichoke to get you part of your five-a-day veg
requirement, a little bit of crab meat, easy to find at Hughes Super-
Valu, and a bit of cream cheese to blend it all together and ease us
out of our winter comfort-food zone and right into a Spring full of
salads. Can you tell I am excited about the change in seasons?
Thanks for reading along each month and keep the emails coming.
I can be reached at [email protected]
Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip
—400g cream cheese—120ml of heavy cream—250g marinated artichokes (from a jar/chopped)—2 cups of spinach (raw and chopped)—250g crab meat (cooked)—1 tbsp paprika
Put cream cheese and heavy cream in a mixer.
Incorporate together for ten minutes at low speed.
Add artichokes, spinach and crab meat then mix.
Add paprika and mix. Serve with crackers or toast.
Thanks for all the support,
Móna & Ron Wise
Makes for
a lovely appetiser
or afternoon snack.
The kids will
love it too!
www.nuachtchlair.com 9
The Enneagram—Which Type Are You?
The Enneagram is a study of the nine basic types of people. It explains why we behave the way we do, and it points to specific directions for individual growth. It is an important tool for improving relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.
Helpers are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people’s needs.
Achievers are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal oriented.
Romantics have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.
Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful.
Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends & causes. Their personalities range from reserved & timid to outspoken & confrontative.
Adventurers are energetic and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.
Asserters are direct, self-reliant, self-confident and protective.
Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.
For more info see www.enneagramireland.ie
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GAA Enforce New Rule On The Use Of Mouthguards:
From January 1st, all underage players from Minor level down including school teams must wear mouthguard protection in football matches. According to the rule, punishment for a player found not to be wearing one is a caution followed by an ordering off the field if he or she still does not wear one.
Speaking earlier this month, chairman of the GAA’s
medical, scientific and welfare committee Ger Ryan
said there would be no grace period as regards adhering
to the rule. They are also expected to be worn during
training sessions and any footballer not wearing one is
not covered by the GAA’s player insurance scheme. The
measure is also seen as a means of reducing the cost
as well as the number of head and facial injuries in the
scheme.
As well as protecting teeth, mouthguards help
prevent skull fractures as they absorb the impact on the
outside and stop it from travelling through the nose to
the skull. Mandatory use of mouthguards comes into
operation at Senior and U21 level from January 1st, 2014.
Mouthguard Prices: 1 — €60 2 — €110
3 — €1404+ — €40 each
If your require any further details please do not hesitate to contact us on 091 798 333. Like us on Facebook: Claregalway Dental Surgery.
Claregalway Dental Surgery were awarded Employer of the Year at the Irish Dentistry Awards 2013 on February 1st.
We were also nominated for Best Patient Care, Best Dental Team & Best Dental Practice Connacht at the awards which took place in the Mansion House Dublin.
10 An nua��án áı�úıl le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Thought for the Month
Attitude is Everything
If you were to live in the Developing World countries like
I have, you would see what blessings you already possess.
Over 70% of the world’s population lives without elec-
tricity, running water, healthcare, and in many cases not
enough food to eat. If you had been born in these Devel-
oping World countries, your home would be in a slum area
with no running water, no electricity, no television, no
iPhones, no computers, but much of this wouldn’t make
any difference anyway because you would be illiterate.
Your children’s education would no longer be important
because they would have to work simply to help you put
enough food on the table to keep everyone alive.
The nearest healthcare, if there was any, may be 50
miles or more away and likely you would have to walk to
get to it. Probably one of the most amazing things is that
your life expectancy, instead of being 75, would now be cut
to a mere 50 years old. Hopefully, you would not be a resi-
dent of the countries that suffers from wars and droughts,
in which case, your life expectancy would be much shorter.
So every morning stop for a few minutes and reflect
upon the many blessings that you have. Think about the
wonderful family and friends that surround you. Think
about the freedoms that you enjoy and reflect upon the
fact that no matter how bad your troubles may seem that
you are far better off than two-thirds of the people on this
planet. As my Nana Scully use to say; “Your attitude is
everything!”
About the Author, Ronan Scully
Ronan is a representative for Self Help Africa,
who work with rural African communities to
help them improve their farms & livelihoods.
www.selfhelpafrica.org
Attitude is everything
“There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. ‘Well’, she said, ‘I think I’ll braid my hair today,’ So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. ‘I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today?’ she said. So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. ‘Well,’ she said, ‘today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.’ So she did and she had a fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. ‘YEA!’ she exclaimed, ‘I don’t have to fix my hair today!’ Attitude is everything.”
Thought for the week
As your thought for the week adopt an attitude of gratitude for the blessings in your life and you will find yourself much happier with the things you have now.
Ronan Scully
I believe we should all take a few moments everyday to reflect upon our blessings in life. Far too often we get caught up in the unimportant rather than what is really important which are the many blessings and wonderful family and friends that surround us.
www.nuachtchlair.com 11
Smoking CessationDid you know? Every 6.5 seconds someone in the world dies from tobacco use
= 1.5 million people dying needlessly each year. Every cigarette
a person smokes reduces his/her life by five and a half minutes.
In Ireland, smoking is the leading cause of avoidable death.
Nearly 7,000 people die each year from the effects of smoking
and thousands of others are ill because of smoking-related
diseases.
Reasons for giving up: —Better quality of life, to be fitter/ healthier.
—To improve lung function
—To reduce risk of cardiovascular complications in later life
—Financial Reasons
—Health Benefits start straight away!
—Within 20 minutes circulation will improves,
heart rate and blood pressure drop.
—Within 24–48 hours all the carbon monoxide will be eliminated.
—Within a few days sense of smell and taste will start to improve.
—After 3 days breathing improves and energy levels will increase.
—Within 1 year the chance of heart attack drops by half and
within 10 years the risk drops to almost the same as a
non-smoker, or having never smoked
What should I do? —Keep a smoking diary to work out your smoking pattern
and spot your triggers.
—Write down realistic ways to deal with or avoid situations
that trigger you to smoke.
—Set a quit date and work towards it.
—Use relaxation techniques and rewards to reinforce
not smoking, with all the money that you are saving
you can afford to treat yourself!
—Remind yourself of the 4 Ds:
Distract, Delay, Drink water, Deep breathe.
—Get support from the HSE smoking cessation service.
Further information & advice is available online at www.quit.ie or by calling to Claregalway Pharmacy open 9am–8pm Monday to Friday and 7pm on Saturday. Check out our new facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClaregalwayPharmacy
Claregalway Pharmacy is open late Monday–Friday until 8pm and Saturday until 7pm.
Phone/Fax: 091 799 754
A Home Composting Information Evening will take place in theArches Hotel on the 13th of February at 8pm
Galway County Council in conjunction with the Claregalway GIY are holding an information evening on ‘Home Composting’ in The Arches Hotel, Clar-egalway on the 13th February 2013.
Samples of various composting units will be on display in addition to a pres-entation on how best to make compost.
This event is open to all members of the public and is free of charge.
Additional information is available from Sinéad Ní Mhainnín, Environment Section, Galway County Council at [email protected] or Josette Farrell, Claregalway GIY at [email protected]
Free Home Composting Information Evening
12 The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
GIY (Grow it Yourself) February by Michael Kelly, GIY Ireland
As we make the first tentative sowings of 2013, the 2012 growing season, for the moment, keeps on giving. Last weekend I got out in the veg patch in frost and brilliant sunshine to do some jobs which should have been done ages ago, and primary among them was to lift the remaining celeriac and parsnips from the ground. There were only a handful of parsnips—giant mutant roots that have to be hacked to pieces back in the kitchen—so it was a good opportunity to get the bed cleared, forked over and covered in compost.
The celeriac bed was more generous. I harvested about 10
medium size roots which I put in hessian sacks and hung them
up in the potting shed. I’ve written here before about how much
of a fan of celeriac I am, so at the risk of being repetitive let me
say, I will be growing even more celeriac this year. Its storability
(is that a word?) makes it, in my eyes, a more practical alterna-
tive to celery. I still have about 20 heads of celery in the ground,
and am debating whether just to keep on using them fresh as
we need them and risk them rotting, or to lift them, blanch and
freeze. In order to get the bed cleared and ready for this year’s
growing, I will probably do the latter this weekend.
I also relented and lifted a bed of beetroot that I was sort of
hanging on to in hope rather than expectation—these were
supposed to be my winter storage beets, but I sowed them too
late last year and they didn’t develop properly. I baked them up
as baby beets, but noticed that the flavour and texture wasn’t
great—the winter in the ground doesn’t seem to have done them
any favours.
Apart from potatoes (for which we have to go to the super-
market now), we are managing to keep the hungry gap at bay
for the time being. In various locations (either in the ground or
in the larder), we still have plenty of carrots, squashes, parsnips,
celeriac, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, spinach, chillpeppers and
a small amount of calabrese. After a slow start, the sowing of
oriental greens in the polytunnel that I did back in September is
paying dividends too, so we’re having our first tentative salads of
the year for lunches.
Bawnmore National School celebrates 150 years in existence this year.
The staff, pupils and Board of Management of the school would like to invite you to a ‘Community Information Gathering Night’, which will be held in the school hall on Thursday, February 21st at 7.30pm.
The purpose of the evening is to provide an opportunity to the wider community to share stories, photo-graphs or memorabilia which reflect how life was in Bawnmore and the surrounding area in times gone by. Please help us to make this heritage project very meaningful for the chil-dren. Please feel free to invite friends, relations and neighbours to the gathering, especially if they have had connections with the school in the past. If you would like to attend please contact the school secretary, Mary, on (091) 798 600. Míle Buíochas. Bawnmore National School was very lucky to secure some funding from Medtronic to develop the school garden recently. If you have a partic-ular interest in gardening and think you could help the pupils and staff grow some tasty organic vegetables, we would love to hear from you. We appeal to gardeners in the community to come forward! If interested please contact the school secretary, Mary Fahy, on (091) 798 600. Míle Buíochas.
Bawnmore NS Updates
www.nuachtchlair.com 13
Things To Do This February Turn over the soil only if the weather is dry—if the soil sticks to your boots it’s too
early for digging! Keep off the soil to prevent soil compaction—use timber planks
to stand on for access. If you have not already done so order/buy your seeds, spuds
and onion sets. “Chit” or sprout seed potatoes—put them in a container (e.g. used
egg carton or empty seed tray) and leave them in a bright warm place. Check the pH
of your soil—you can buy a soil pH testing kit in any garden centre. Lime your soil
now if required (to reduce acidity in very acid soils).
Sow — Finally, we can sow some seedsOn a sunny windowsill indoors, in a heated greenhouse or on a heating mat: sow celery,
celeriac, leeks, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, peas, aubergines, peppers/chilli-peppers.
In polytunnel or greenhouse: beetroot, Brussels sprouts, summer and autumn cabbage,
carrots, leeks, lettuce, radish.
Outside: Weather permitting you can try planting out broadbeans, spinach, kohlrabi,
onion and shallot sets, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnip and early pea varieties.
HarvestWinter cabbage and cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale and leeks.
Tip of the MonthWhere & How to Sow Different Seeds
Cabbages, cauliflowers and celery for example, transplant very well—you
can therefore sow them quite liberally in a seed tray (one without modules)
and then ‘prick them out’ in to module trays later on. These vegetables
therefore have three growing stages—the first in the seed tray, then in the
module tray and finally outside in their final growing position.
Cucumbers, squashes and pumpkins hate root disturbance—they
must always be sown in pots. When they outgrow the pot they are sown in,
they can be transplanted carefully later in to a large one. At that stage they
should be sturdy enough not to be distressed by the move. Here’s a rough,
but not exhaustive guide, to how to sow the different veg. In some cases
it comes down to personal preference—for e.g. I sow beetroot in module
trays, but I know some people like to sow them direct.
Sow in Pots: Cucumbers, squash, pumpkin, courgette
Sow in Modules: Beetroot, kohlrabi, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, pepper
Sow in Trays for Pricking out: cabbage, cauliflower, celery and celeriac
Sow Direct Outside: carrots, parsnips, peas, beans, garlic, onion (sets)
Get InvolvedGIY aims to create a healthier, more sustainable world where people grow
their own food. We bring people together in community groups and
online to share tips and knowledge. We also run events and programmes
to inspire and support people to grow their own. GIY is a registered
charity (CHY 18920) and proudly supported by Woodies DIY. Support our
work by becoming a member of GIY for €35 and receive a member’s pack
with seed selection, member’s card, GROW magazine, guides and more.
About GIYGIY is a not-for-profit organi-
sation that aims to create a
healthier, more sustainable
world where people grow
their own food. We inspire
and support people to grow
food more successfully by
bringing them together to
share advice, tips and ideas.
There are approximately
30,000 people involved in
the GIY movement in Ireland.
For more information check
out www.giyireland.com.
© GIY Ireland 2013 — All rights reserved.
14 An nua��án áı�úil le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Letter to the Editor—Genealogy Research
Both Galway County and City Council should provide a research
genealogical centre in the City Centre for the “Gathering”.
Cllr Nuala Nolan says that visitors coming to Galway for the
“Gathering” will want to check records to find long lost relations, or
visit the areas where their ancestors have come from and we must
do everything we can to facilitate them.
The Irish Family History Society West Centre at the Shan-
talla Community Centre has the computerized Parish/Civil BMD
(Birth Death and Marriages) up about 1900 and much more. For
East County Galway you have a similar centre in Woodford. Both
Centres charge a research fee.
While these facilities are great they are not exactly suitable for
visitors who may only have 4 or 5 hours in the City. The County and
City Libraries do their best to help with queries but again they do
not have the space or facilities to deal with the numbers who are
expected to arrive here in Galway from March onwards hoping
to find relatives.Cllr Nuala Nolan says that the Shelbourne Hotel
in Dublin has a Genealogy Porter—this is forward thinking. We
need to start preparing so that visitors will not return home disap-
pointed. If we act now can prevent this from happening.
The following websites could be very helpful for anyone
researching their Family Trees online:
—ellisisland.org Free records for emigrants arriving in New York.
—nationalarchives.ie Free Irish 1901 and 1911 Census search.
—familysearch.org The largest Database of BMD in the world.
—ancestry.com US Census up to 1940, also UK Census/BMD.
—leitrim-roscommon.com and failteromath.com Various free records research.
—rootsireland.ie Ireland’s Largest Family Records Database.
—scotlandspeople.gov.uk Scottish records.
—cwgc.org Casualties from WW1 and WW11.
—shrule.com Has a genealogy research for that area of Mayo
—1901censusonline.com and ukcensusonline.com UK.
—augustinians.ie/galway Records of burials in Forthill Cemetery.
—landedestates.nuigalway.ie Records for various Landed Estates in Galway.
These are just a few genealogy website that are available. Anyone
needing professional help with their research can get help for a fee
at the (East Galway) Family History Centre in Woodford, County
Galway, or (Galway West including the City) Family History at the
Shantalla Community Centre.
Galway County Library has 1901 and 1911 Census for Galway
plus old Galway newspapers on micro fiche all you have to do is
phone them to book a place (091 561 666).
Cllr Nuala Nolan (086 407 2622)
Bridge ColumnNeither vulnerable, Dealer North
E S W N 1C1S 1NT 2S 3D13S 4D2 4S 4NT3Dbl 5D4 P 6DDbl P P P
1 Reverse bid (Clubs followed by Diamonds, Strong: only 13 HCP but only 5 losers).
2 Showing preference 3 Blackwood 4 1 Ace
A spirited auction leading to an ‘iffy’ Diamond
slam. At first sight it appears that, in addition
to the Diamond Ace, you will probably have to
lose a Club. However, if we assume that East has
the Diamond Ace and, in addition to a couple of
Spade honours, the Club Queen (for his over-
call and eventual double), all is not lost. You
will notice that, apart from the Queen of Clubs,
you have all the top pips right down to the 7 in
dummy’s hand, so worth trying to play East for
the Queen of Clubs. Win Ace of spades, ruff a
spade in hand with the Diamond 2, play the 4 of
clubs and overtake with the 7 in dummy. When
this holds, you are home. Play the king of clubs
and then lead the ten of diamonds. Keep playing
diamonds until East takes his Ace. Say he returns
a Heart, win in hand and complete the drawing of
his trumps before playing all the remaining clubs
from hand (starting with the ace!) and discard all
dummy’s losers. Slam made!
North — A 2 K J 9 4 2 A J 10 9 8 4
West Q 10 9 5 Q J 10 7 6 3 7 6 2
East K J 8 7 2 4 A 8 5 3 Q 5 3
South A 6 4 3 K 9 8 5 Q 10 6 K 7
www.nuachtchlair.com 15
R.I.P. Eamon McGrathJust weeks after the death of his brother Vincent, Eamon McGrath joined him and the rest of his family as he passed away peacefully. Eamon was the last of the McGrath family that were known as Pat McGraths. Four brothers Pat, John, Ned and Murty have left a legacy of McGraths in the Cregmore area and Eamon was proud of his inheritance. An outstanding hurler in his youth Eamon was a key player with Cregmore before he emigrated to Canada. On returning to Ireland, Eamon went to live in Salthill but travelled to Cregmore almost every day to his brother Vincent and to other family members. Eamon loved to help out with the odd jobs around the house and rarely missed his visits to Cregmore until illness prevented him from the journey in recent times.
The remains of Eamon McGrath were removed from Lackagh Mortuary
Chapel to the Church of Our Lady of Knock, Lackagh. Following Requiem
Mass celebrated by Fr Des Walsh, P.P. Lackagh, burial took place in Lackagh
Cemetery. Eamon is survived by his nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Church NoticesR.I.P. Gerard (Gerry) Giblin,
Riveroaks, 29th February.
R.I.P. Eileen Murphy.
R.I.P. Martin O’Boyle.
R.I.P. Margaret Joyce (née Glynn) formerly Lydican &
Turloughmore.
Welcome into our Christian Community
Alanna Fitzsimons Dar Tsend-TiernanBlazey Kacperski
Clíodhna CunninghamRuby & Hannah Barry
Congratulations to
Mairead Monahan, Claregalway, and Liam Corbett, Carna, on their marriage on the 2nd of February.
Bridge classes starting in Claregalway on Friday 8th
February from 9.30–10.30am. All welcome. Contact Brian at
091 798 857 for further details.
Bridge Club in Claregalway Hotel every Friday from 10.30am–1pm. All grades welcome, especially
novices. Contact Brian at 091 798 857 for further details.
The Assumption & St. James—Parish of Claregalway Sunday Masses: Saturday: 7.30pm.Sunday: 9am & 11am.
Weekdays Monday–Saturday: 9.30am. Additional Mass first Friday at 7.30pm.
Holy Days: 7.30pm (Vigil) & 11am.
Confession: 6.45pm–7.15pm 1st Saturday of each month and on request.
Baptisms: 1st Sunday of the month at 12.00pm.3rd Saturday of the month at 4.00pm.
Fr. Ian O’Neill P.P. Tel: 798 104 Parish Office: Tel: 798 741 Monday to Friday (10am–1pm) Email: [email protected] Website: www.AssumptionAndSaintJamesParish.com
New Photography Club for Claregalway area. Open to anyone
with an interest in photography. For more details please contact
Ken at 087 6166 257.
16 An nua��án áı�úıl le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
See more at: www.nuachtchlair.com/sport Send us sports updates: [email protected]
Spói��
Claregalway 0–13 Annaghdown 1–8 at Cregg, Saturday February 2nd 2013
The U21 championship kicked off with an away game against local rivals Annaghdown. The weather was kind and the pitch was in good condition particularly given the weather over the last few weeks.
The Claregalway players and mentors had put in a great effort over
the last few weeks. Good numbers were attending training and the
attitude in the group was very positive. A tight game was expected
but the Claregalway team were hopeful of a positive result.
Mark Rohan opened the scoring for Claregalway with a point
after 2 minutes. Annaghdown responded with a point after 5 minutes.
It was nip and tuck all the way to half time with neither team gaining
a significant advantage. Annaghdown led at half-time 0–5 to 0–4.
Again, Claregalway opened strongly in the second half taking
the first 2 scores. But again Annaghdown responded to the challenge.
With 15 minutes remaining the sides were level and the game was in
the balance. With 10 minutes remaining, Annaghdown got in for a
goal which looked like the decisive score. However the Claregalway
lads responded magnificently. They took control of the middle of
the field and piled the pressure on the Annaghdown defence. They
scored 5 points without reply to take the victory by 2 points.
Team panel: Eoin Clarke, Ryan Harrington, Eoghan Commins, Brendan Joyce, Ciaran Harte, Colm O'Hagan, Conor King, Emmett Feeney, Kenneth Hansberry, Eamon Loughlin, John Evans, Mark Goldrick, Paul Fahy, Sean Moran, Thomas Duggan, Brian O'Connell, Dara Moylan, Edwin Carey, Mark Shaughnessy, Michael Coyle, Richard Commins, Shane McHugh, Harry Connelly, Ben Creaven, Damien Culkin, Kevin Hanley, Craig Hansberry, Cathal Evans, Mark Coyle, Jason Donnellan, Paul Fahey, Andrew Dolan, Mark Rohan, Paddy Griffin.
Carnmore Camogie Registration & Awards Cermony Taking place on Friday 22nd February at 7pm in the Carnmore Centre. New members welcome.
Claregalway Ladies GAA Well done to Presentation School Athenry on winning the Connaught Senior A Final last Friday when they defeated Claremorris in Bally-haunis on a score of 0–12 to 1–7. Michelle Dunleavy Captain received the Green Farm Foods Connacht PPS Player of the Match. Michelle scored 6 points, Louise Brennan 4pts and Ciara Campbell hit the other 2pts in a panel containing 11 Claregalway players. Indoor training continues on Saturdays for U14/16’s at Claregalway Community Centre from 4:30–5:30.
New players always welcome. Inter-mediate/Junior and U-16 training continues on Friday nights 7-8 at Claregalway Pitch. Good luck to all the players attending County Trials at the moment. The trials for the U14 County team will be carried out on Monday 11th Feb at 10am, Wednesday 13th Feb at 10am and on Sat 16th Feb at 10am. Venue to be confirmed.
U21 A Championship 1st Round Report
www.nuachtchlair.com 17
Ladies Recreational Basketball Sunday Mornings in Claregalway from
10am to 11am being run on the mornings by Maura Harte. Anyone inter-
ested in a bit of fun and exercise while picking up a few tips about basket-
ball pop down to the centre next Sunday at 10am.
Senior Women have finished joint top of the regular season league
along with Corrib and Titans. The leagues have been split into Division
One and Two with Claregalway remaining in Division One hoping to
retain the League Title again this year. The ladies have four games left in
the division one league and the Cup also. Senior Men are back after the
Christmas break and with two wins under their belt they are looking
forward to the remaining games. The men have five remaining games
and a cup game.
Both of the following Galway Cup 2013 games will be held in Claregalway:
Claregalway Ladies vs Tribes 27th February 7pm Claregalway Men vs Maree 27th February 8pm
U16 Girls have played Maree, Moycullen and Corrib to date. They have one
remaining league game against Titans in the coming weeks.U14 Boys are
currently second in the league table with two wins from two over Corrib
and Moycullen. They have Titans and Maree left to play. The U14 Boys won
an Invitational tournament in Ennis already this season. Well done to all
the players and coaches who are putting in a great effort this year.U14
Girls have played Corrib and Titans to date in the league and are due to
play them again along with Moycullen twice, as their league is home and
away. Girls keep up the great work.
U13 Girls with only one loss under their belt the U13 girls look prom-
ising. They have one game left in the league before playoffs and that’s
against the gallant Maree White team who are top of the table with three
wins from three and are just two points ahead of Claregalway at the
moment. U13 Boys have played Maree, Moycullen and Corrib already this
season and are going to play them again in the coming weeks as home
away fixtures for this age group.
U12 Boys have played two matches winning one and loosing the
other, with a few remaining games it’s still there for the taking. Mondays
are one of the busier days in Claregalway with the 8/9/10 boys and girls
packing into the centre for their sessions, and with friendly games and
jamborees coming up in the coming week’s there’s a lot of excitement
amongst the little ones. Contact any of the coaches or email [email protected] for any information.
Check out www.galwayjuvenilebasketball.com for all underage
results. Keep an eye on our website www.claregalwaybasketball.net
and our facebook page claregalwaybasketball for news on the 4th All Star
Awards Night 2013.
Hannah Coen, Claregalway Basketball Club
Claregalway Basketball Club News
Congratulations to Lauren Murray and
Angela O'Connor who won sporting scholar-
ships for basketball and swimming to UCG.
Contribute You can submit articles or
stories by posting them to —
‘Currach Ruadh,’
Creig Buí,
Baile Chláir,
Co. na Gaillimhe.
by emailing them to —
or by phoning Josette —
086 391 3852
091 798 430
Don’t forget to like
our facebook page —
www.facebook.com/
bailechlair
We are currently developing our website www.nuachtchlair.com
If you have any suggestions for what to include, we would greatly appreciate you letting us know.
Current features — Claregalway Business Directory, Nuacht Chláir Archives & Blog, Tourist Info & Local History, Local Events Calendar.
Get in touch at: www.nuachtchlair.com/contact
18 The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
TABLE QUIZ 1ST MARCH 2013 @ THE CLAREGALWAY HOTEL
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TABLE QUIZ IN AID OF CLAREGALWAY CELTIC FC DOORS FROM 8:00 TABLE OF 4 ONLY €40 SPOTS AND CASH PRIZES TO BE WON ON THE NIGHT! FOR TICKETS CONTACT SAM : 086 395 5554 DAVE: 087 662 1521
OR ANY COMMITTEE MEMBER! Also Available On The Night at The Door
MobileHolistic & Sports Massage
Home visits now available in the Claregalway area—treatments available are holistic massage (which is a lovely relaxing, stress relieving therapy) and sports massage (not only for sports people, but a much more targeted session to deal with specific issues).
€60 for one hour or €30 for a half hour.
Treatment room also available in Craughwell.
€10 off an hour long massage (Just mention Nuacht Chláir when booking—first time clients only).
For more information contact Susan on 086 101 3622 or seewww.serenityhealing.ie orfacebook.com/SerenityHealingMassage
www.nuachtchlair.com 19
by Darragh Moran, Lakeview
20 The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Parish NoticesCongratulationsCongratulations to Alan and Caroline Greaney, Claregalway on
the birth of their baby girl Isla Rose on the 20th January 2013.
Congratulations to Tommy Moran, Cregboy and Noirín Kelly,
Caltra who got married on the 31st Decmber 2012.
Congratulations and best wishes to Simon Óg Kavanagh,
Cregboy, and Noelle Casey who got engaged on Xmas Day 2012.
Congratulations to Maria Moran, Lakeview and
Seosamh O’Fatharta who got engaged recently.
Congrats also to Garry Dillon, Montiagh, and Kelly Costello,
New Zealand, Australia, who got engaged recently.
www.claregalwaygaa.net
www.claregalwaybasketball.net
www.carnmore.net
www.claregalwayeducatetogether.blogspot.com
www.claregalwaycastle.com
www.facebook.com/bailechlair
Essential Local ContactsGroup 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 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
Claregalway St. Vincent de Paul 091 563 233
Useful Local Websiteswww.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.com
www.nuachtchlair.com
www.claregalway.net
www.carnmoreschool.scoilnet.ie
www.cregmorens.blog.com
www.compantaslir.ie
Our WebsiteWe are currently developing our website www.nuachtchlair.com
If you have any suggestions for what to include, we would greatly appreciate you letting us know.
Current features — Claregalway Business Directory, Nuacht Chláir Archives & Blog, Tourist Information & Local History, Local Events Calendar.
Get in touch at www.nuachtchlair.com/contact
www.nuachtchlair.com 21
Please Support Our Sponsors
The Nuacht Chláir is compiled &
designed 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.nuachtchlair.com.
Please show your support for the Nuacht Chláir,
and the businesses & people that help make it possible,
by shopping local whenever possible.
The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
�n nua��án áı�úıl le ha�aı� Baıle �láı�, Co. na �aıllı�e
Contribute You can submit articles or
stories by posting them to —
‘Currach Ruadh,’
Creig Buí,
Baile Chláir,
Co. na Gaillimhe.
by emailing them to —
or by phoning Josette —
086 391 3852
091 798 430
Don’t forget to like
our facebook page —
www.facebook.com/
bailechlair
Overleaf —
Local Ads & Notices
Advertising Rates 2012-2013
Full Page €100 per issue
½ Page€50 per issue
Contact us for Sponsorship optionsOur Sponsors
Arches Hotel, Claregalway
Claregalway Dental Surgery Claregalway HotelClaregalway Medical Centre Claregalway PharmacyFrank Kearney Funeral Directors
Glynn’s Centra, Carnmore
Glynn’s Fruit & Veg., Lydican
Hughes SuperValu, Claregalway
Noel Grealish tD, Carnmore
Turloughmore Medical Centre
22 The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Parish Notices Submit at www.nuachtchlair.com/contact
Claregalway/Carnmore Senior Citizens
Cards and Bingo held every Monday night at 8pm in Cairdeas Parish Meeting Room.
Youth Choirwith Gina takes place every
Wednesday from 7:30–8:15pm in Claregalway Church.
Claregalway BasketballClaregalway Basketball Club is up and
running and new timetables are available at www.claregalwaybasketball.net or call Joanne on 086 803 0171 for information.
Claregalway/Carnmore Active Retirement
Group meeting every Friday morning at 10:30 in Cairdeas Parish Meeting Room.
New members most welcome.
Claregalway BadmintonEvery Tuesday from 10–11:30am
in Claregalway Community Centre.
Beginner adults especially welcome.
Hession School of Dance Classes every Saturday morning at 10am
in the SMA House. New beginners welcome.For more information contact
Vanessa on 087 938 4433.
Social DancingSocial Dance Classes will be held at the SMA House,
Claregalway.
Contact Niall on 087 353 6502 for info.
Keep up to date with events in Claregalway at
nuachtchlair.com/events
Claregalway & District Day Care Centre
Claregalway & District Day Care Centre is now open for clients. The centre is open three days a week, Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am–4pm. If you know anyone who wishes to avail of our services, call in and pick up a form.
Walking ClubMeets every Sunday at the Arches Hotel at
10am and on Wednesdays meet at Claregalway Church at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
For information contact Edel on 085 102 0611.
Folk ChoirFolk Choir practice Wednesday nights
at 8.30 p.m. in the Church. For information please contact
Anne at 091 798 113.
Never Too Old Charity ShopSupporting the Claregalway & District
Day Care Centre. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm. The shop is located at Cois Chláir
Shopping Centre, beside the Arches Hotel.
Lackagh Bridge Clubin Claregalway Hotel
Monday nights at 8pm. All grades welcome.
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Claregalway Hotel, Claregalway Village, GalwayPhone: 091 738 300 | Fax: 091 738 311
Email: [email protected] | www.claregalwayhotel.ie
Communion & Confirmation 2013
Celebrate all life’s
Precious Moments & build Memories to last at Claregalway Hotel
Perfect for every Family Occasion or Event
4 Course meal for €19.50Enjoy personalised service, gifts & entertainment*
www.claregalwayhotel.ieCall our Conferencing & Events Department on 091-738300Email: [email protected]
*T&C Apply
McHugh’s—the perfect venue for all family occasions.
Now taking bookings for BBQ’s, Communions, Confirmations.
Daily & Sunday Lunches, Evening à la carte Friday & Saturday.
Treat your loved one to a special Valentine’s evening at McHugh’s.
Contact Johnny or Marina on (091) 799 634
Yoga Fitness Claregalway phone 087 193 8495
There are many ways Yoga can benefit your health. Improved tone, strength, flexibility and energy, as well as rejuvenation and relaxation. All reason enough to roll out the mat and get started.Join one of the new Yoga-Fitness classes and see for yourself!First floor, Hughes Supermarket, Claregalway.Six week course €50 with free introductory class. €10 drop in.
Yoga for Stretch & RelaxTuesday 7.30 – 8.30pm
This gentle class is aimed at beginners and those who like to explore yoga in a comfortable friendly environment at which they can work at their own pace. The class includes yoga postures and breathing techniques that improves flexibility, posture & energy.
Yoga Fit / Yoga for Sports & RunnersWednesday 7.30 – 8.45pm
Vinyasa flow a dynamic challenging and flowing combination of moves. The many benefits of this class include strength, both inside and out, detoxification, mental and physical balance, flexibility and stamina, tone your body and offer’s a great workout. More and more athletes are turning to Yoga to help improve their performance. Whatever type of sports your into you can be sure that Yoga will help you up your game.
Pregnancy YogaTuesday 6.30 – 7.30pm
A safe and ideal way to keep fit and mobile during pregnancy. The carefully chosen movements help boost energy, relieve stress and promote restful sleep, enjoy time to connect with your baby. Suit-able for anyone who is over 14 weeks pregnant and has permis-sion from their doctor.
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Telephone/Fax: 091 797 167Mobile: Frank 085 1266 133
Joe 087 629 2350 Email: [email protected]
www.kearneyfunerals.com
Leading Funeral Undertakers for Claregalway & Lackagh
Lackagh, Turloughmore, Co. Galway
CommunionWear
Now in stock Riveroaks,
Claregalway
26 The local newsletter for Claregalway, Co. Galway
Claregalway Foot Therapy Clinic
Foot health care is a field of medicine that aims to improve the overall health and well being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the foot. During your lifetime, your feet may walk the equivalent of four times around the world. Healthy feet play a huge role in our quality of life. Regular foot care can help achieve this.
Problems treated: corns, callus, ingrown toenail, fungal infection, verruca, skin fissures, management of the diabetic foot, vascular assessments, reflexology.
Cindy Duggan086 063 1105info@ foottherapyclinic.iewww.foottherapyclinic.ie
Find us on facebook @Claregalway Foottherapyclinic
Cloon, Claregalway
KGK Garden Services
Passionate About Gardening
— Maintenance Specialist
— Top Quality Service
— Registered, Insured
086 168 5237
www.kgkgardenservices.ie
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Scribble
Across 1 Confer (6) 5 Sudden (6) 10 Letters in aeroplanes (7) 11 Nourish (7) 12 Human infant (4) 13 Absorbent cloth for drying (5) 15 Quechuan people of Peru (4) 17 Conquer (3) 19 Creative force in the Universe (6) 21 Robber (6) 22 Arabian Nights youth (7) 23 One who suffers an assault (6) 25 Principal ore of Lead (6) 28 Request (3) 30 Mature (fruit) (4) 31 Change (5) 32 Wealthy (4) 35 S. American country (7) 36 People who lead (7) 37 Popular myth (6) 38 Distant (6)
Down 2 Gymnast (7) 3 Guilty of terminological inexactitudes (4) 4 Primary colour (6) 5 Author of Sense and Sensibility (6) 6 Trick (4) 7 Plotted (7) 8 Element number 6 (6) 9 Small child (6) 14 Most untamed (7) 16 Track, e.g. through forest (5) 18 Waterway (5) 20 Ulmaceae family (3) 21 Large (3) 23 Diversifies (6) 24 Drug packaging (usually gelatin) (7) 26 Prominent (7) 27 Shocked (6) 28 King who ostensibly burnt cakes (6) 29 Body armour material (6) 33 Lazy (4) 34 Tranquil (4)
January/February 2013 Crossword
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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)
Send completed Crosswords to: B.D. Place, Woodleigh, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe.
First correct Crossword opened wins:A Meal for 2 in the Claregalway Hotel.
Last month’s winner:Michael Canavan, The Glebe, Claregalway.
Name
Contact Number
Brian Place — Crossword Editor
T1
R2
O P3
H Y4
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A G6
L E7
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W8
E U A S A T D9
A10
N A E M I C C11
A M P H O R
R C P H A E A O
S12
I T S S13
T O14
R E K15
N O W
A O B16
S17
A P B18
O N
W19
O R K E R20
R A21
I S L E S
R22
E A S O N S
A23
D O24
R E D M Y25
O G U26
R T27
M V T C28
A N29
N G A
O30
P E N C31
A N A L L32
A M B
E R M33
V U W34
N L
B35
A S M A T I S36
W I N D L E
A E G N E G A S
P37
E K I N G A38
B S E N TLast 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
This Month’s Exclusive Offers at Hughes
Daz 85 washOnly €15.99
Kelloggs Corn Flakes 500gBuy 2 for €3.99
Many More Amazing Offers In-Store… Check Them Out Today…
Dates to Remember This February
Tuesday 12thPancake TuesdayGet your pancakes @ Hughes Bakery
Wednesday 13thAsh WednesdayGet your fresh fish @ our Fish Counter
Thursday 14thValentines Day
Get your Valentines Hamper in-store!
ValentinesHampersReady Madefrom €15 orCreate your own
Free Family Nutrition EveningAishling Snedker — Nutritionist & Dietician
will be here on the 19th of February at 7pm. Learn more on your families’ nutrition & diet. Places limited, advance booking essential —
Call 091 738 040 or email your contact details to [email protected]
Everyone Welcome