nuacht chláir april 2011

The local newsletter for Claregalway & Carnmore

Hints on Insomnia from Claregalway PharmacyPage 4

What is Tooth Decay? Claregalway Dental SurgeryPage 8-9

Vol. 15 Iss. 7 | April 2011 FREE

www.nuachtchlair.com

Local News, Health & Sport

Claregalway Tidy Towns Committee are pleased to announce that they are busy preparing for another entry into the

competition for 2011. Work has been taking place over the past

two years and the community have gotten together to take part in clean ups in their community and in their own estates. We are planning to pull weeds, plant flowers and clean up in general over the next few weeks. Our first

clean up is Saturday 16th April. We are urging all community groups in the area to come out and help even if it’s for half an hour.Also at this stage we are urging all members of the community to aid in cleaning up Claregalway and keeping it beautiful and we are asking that all signage be kept to a minimum in the area over coming months as signage creates a bad impres-sion during judging of the competition.We would like to take this opportunity to thank

everyone that has helped us so far including all local businesses and look forward to working with you all in the future. For more information you can contact Stephanie Murphy Penn Or Mona O’ Donoghue Con-cannonon or any committee member, we are also on Facebook so check us out.

Claregalway Tidy Towns

2 | www.nuachtchlair.com

Supermarket Opening Hours

Monday-Saturday: 8am-9pmSunday & Bank Hols: 9am-6pm

Tel: 091 798 138

Post Office Opening Hours

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

Tel: 091 798 101

Don’t forget to visit Visit Hughes Bargain Den (beside

Meat Counter) for Martin’s incredible value items in grocery & homewares.

It has to be seen to be believed... Check it out before you do your shopping

New Catering Menu available for functions or parties

Spectacular Wine Event Now On!

Great quality party food for all occasions.

Just place your order 72 hours in advance and we’ll do the rest.

For further deails, just ask at the Deli Counter.

To celebrate our World of Wines event, we have really decided to splash out. Buy 6 from the selection of €7 wines

and save an additional 10%. Cheers!

Great opportunity to buy wines at ½ price and more!

See

instore for

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€uro Savings

www.nuachtchlair.com | 3

The lack of a playground in Clar-egalway is at this stage a joke. We have 6 housing estates and no place for children to play? What are children supposed to do? Travel to playgrounds in other areas adding to the already congested traffic to get there or stay confined to their houses?

Summer holidays will be upon us soon and it would be nice to have a place for children and parents to meet up in.

A serious lack of vision was missing in the development of Claregalway. A Secondary School and a Library are essential for this growing town. We should be able to keep our chil-dren in our community instead of ferrying them to various schools and libraries outside the hinterland.

An issue which has come up on a constant basis is the lack of a foot-path from Claregalway National School to the Community Centre. This has been an ongoing election issue for years and years and I have come to the conclusion that the only thing that will make this hap-pen is if a calamity occurred –then

action would take place. I have seen the teachers leading the children from the school to the Community Centre on a regular basis and it’s a dangerous journey with no foot-path to safeguard them.

It takes a community to raise a child and we have the bones of such in Claregalway but we need the powers that be to realise this and make Claregalway a place to be proud of.

The bridge works entailing the widening of the River Clare are ongoing and whilst there are traffic delays, these works will hopefully solve the flooding problems that we encountered in 2009.

Of course, the long awaited bypass would be the answer to a lot of problems. As always, we hope you enjoy our local newsletter and your views and opinions are most welcome. Articles in Irish are also greatly ap-preciated. Until next time,Josette

Editorial Josette Farrell, Editor

Nuacht Chláir SponsorsThe Nuacht Chláir is compiled monthly voluntarily by a small committee and distributed free of charge.

The Nuacht Chláir team would like to sincerely thank our sponsors and advertisers, without whom this publication would not be possible.

Hughes SuperValu

Claregalway Pharmacy

Raftery’s Centra

Claregalway Hotel

Claregalway Dental Surgery

JPK Garden Centre

Glynn’s Centra, Carnmore

MPG Food Ltd.

For information on sponsorship packages, seewww.nuachtchlair.com/advertising-sponsorship


Insomnia can mean one or more of the following:▶ Trouble getting off to sleep▶ Waking frequently throughout the night▶ Early morning waking▶ A general sense of not having had enough sleep▶ Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping

During the day, people with insomnia may feel tired and less able to cope with routine activities. They may be more prone to accidents or to becoming ill.

There are many possible causes of insomnia. Some are lifestyle induced or short term for example after an upsetting experi-ence. But insomnia may become long term. One of the most common causes of insomnia is depression.

Lifestyle causes of insomnia include: ▶ Too much caffeine, especially in the evening.▶ Excess alcohol, nicotine or stimulating activities late in the evening.▶ Irregular sleeping and waking times.▶ Too much light, heat or noise in the bedroom. ▶ Shift work. ▶ Jet lag.

Medical causes of insomnia include: ▶ Physical problems, such as pain, heartburn & sleep apnoea (airway blockage while sleeping).▶ Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. ▶ Prescribed medicines such as steroid treatments and over-the-counter medicines containing caffeine or pseudoephedrine.

Many people find that changes to their daytime and bedtime routines can improve sleep without the need for sleeping tablets, although for many people they are necessary.

Changes that often help include being physically active, 30 minutes most days can prove beneficial, limit catnaps during the day, avoid caffeine late in the day, before bedtime avoid large meals, vigorous exercise, work or competitive games, don’t use alcohol to aid sleep it can make insomnia worse.

Make the bedroom as comfortable as possible. Some people find relaxation tapes and exercises useful.

If you are still having trouble after making these lifestyle changes ask your local GP for advice.

John Duffy MPSI. Claregalway Pharmacy. Open late Monday to Friday until 8pm Saturday until 7pm. Phone 091-799754.

Trouble sleeping?Insomnia - trouble with sleeping - is a very common problem. 1 in 7 adults suffer regularly. Practical tips for better sleep & understanding insomnia follow.▶


Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd.wishes to recruit SUPERVISORS

Please forward 3 copies of your current CV with a letter of application to:CEO, Galway Rural Development Company Ltd, Mellows Campus, Athenry. Co Galway.

Please mark envelope CV, Confidential

Further details and a job description can be obtained by

emailing [email protected] or by phoning 091 844 335.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 21st April 2011

Supervisors are required for a new work initiative, “Tús – Community Work Placement” scheme.

Eligibility Criteria:Applicants must be:▶ continuously unemployed for at least 12 months & signing on a full-time basis.▶ In receipt of a Jobseekers Payment from the Department of Social Protection for at least 12 months (including Jobseekers Benefit).▶ In receipt of Jobseekers Allowance at time of application.

Requirements:Applicants must:▶ meet the eligibility requirements of Tús as outlined above▶ be able to work as part of a team with good communication and inter-personal skills▶ have computer literacy skills▶ have a full driver’s licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:Applicants should have:▶ Previous management/ supervisory experience▶ Knowledge and interest in community activities and work


April Update from your Councillor, Jim CuddyRoad Speed LimitsBack in 2007 the then area committee councillors agreed a submission on speed limits that should apply to our area having taken the views of the people from the area on board. Unfortunately the council officials only took on board a very small part of that submission.

Since then we have a crazy situation that people are obliged to travel at just 60 KM an hour on the road between Carnmore Cross and the Ballintemple Rd. yet when one turns off this road onto the country roads where two vehicles have dif-ficulty is meeting and where there are a lot of young children the speed limit is 80 KM. At my insistence at the March meet-ing the council have now agreed to immediatly deal with this problem and bring this speed up to 80 KM. In the meantime I have written once again to the Director of Services for Roads with Galway Co. Co. and have asked him to start work on the reduction of the speed limits to 60 KM on the country roads.

Claregalway Burial GroundsIt is expected that the Claregalway Burial grounds will be at full capacity in about two years time and towards dealing with this issue I recently had the item places on the council agenda.

The reply received by me was as follows:The council has discussed the acquisition of land adjacent to the existing burial grounds with a local landowner. The landowner is not interested in selling the required land. The council will continue to investigate a suitable site for a burial ground. I have since spoken to council officials and they assure me that they are doing all they can to resolve this problem. In the meantime I would like to compliment the caretaker Seamus O’ Connell for all his hard work over the years.

In Kilktullagh a new drainage system has to be provided costing 20,250 euro and work is expected to start in April 2011.When I asked what these works would entail I was told that the plans are still being worked on.

In Cloonacauneen the council have been granted the sum of €13,500 for a new drainage system and they have still to survey the route of these drainage works with the OPW. No date was given for these works to commence.

In Lackaghbeg the council have been granted the sum of €13,500 for a new drainage system and work is to commence in March 2011.

In Coolarne the coun-cil are presently work-ing on the laying of a 1,000 Metre pipe with a diameter of 900mm and this is costing €112,500.

At Peake, Claregalway,a sum of €4,500 has been given to construct an earth embankment and work is supposed to start in March 2011.

Flood Relief Works At the meeting on the 28th March the council-lors were given a written update on the progress of the flood relief works by the Manager.

With regard to the Clare River Flood Relief Scheme the OPW has issued Letter of Intent to the Environmental and Engineering Consultants and it is expected that the appointment will be made shortly. It is expected that the provision of the extra flood eye at the Claregalway Bridge will take about eight weeks. Meanwhile I feel that the council are to be congratulated for the smooth operation of the temporary bridge in Claregalway which means that Clar-egalway is fully open for business as usual.


Feel free to contact me any day or evening at 798136 087-6360242 or you can e-mail me at [email protected].

April Update from your Councillor, Jim Cuddy

Community Support Schemes 2011At the March meeting of the council the following grants were agreed:▶ Claregalway Agricultural Show €1,350▶ Claregalway Tidy Towns Committee €1,000▶ Carnmore Community Centre & GAA Club €3,630.▶ Claregalway Community Development Association €968 (towards the erection of a Community Notice Board.)

I hear marching footsteps fallWhen I travel that War’s terrain,And sometimes too, bugle calls,Onboard the Euro train. The engine whistles loud at night,Echoing over battlegrounds,Where eager men went to fight,Lonely – the locomotive sounds. Proudly marching with heads high–Slung rifles – pouches and packs,And many now in Flanders lie,Along these high speed tracks. Did they hear artillery thunderAnd fear the shells rain down,Or join the many blown asunder –Where Euro trains abound?

Once more I hear tramping feetAnd see the Starshells shine –As men retreat in fields of beetNear the London Europe Line. I close my eyes and listen again –But it’s only turning wheels,Among growing crops of grain –Now quiet are Flanders fields. Places of legend and bloody battles,And of angels in the sky –Where now fast trains rattle,And the dead forever lie. Edward Coppinger To their Memory; the Connaught Rangers

Flanders Trains


It is particularly common in children and young adults, and rates have been fuelled by an increase in sugars in the diet, and poor dental hygiene.

Causes & risk factorsThe problem is caused by sticky deposits called plaque that collect, in particular, around the gum line, the edges of fillings and the grooved surfaces of the teeth.

Plaque is made up of food debris, saliva and the bacteria that are normally present in the mouth, and convert food into acids. If plaque is allowed to collect over time it will harden into a substance called tartar. Both tartar and plaque contain acids which, over time, can dissolve away the protective, hard enamel coating of the tooth, and create holes, or cavities. Most cavities form over a period of months, or even years. They are usually painless, but they can grow very large, and damage the much softer internal structures of the tooth such as the dentin and the pulp, which is found at the core. If they remain untreated, they can kill the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth, and ultimately the tooth itself.

Eating a diet rich in sugar increases the risk of tooth decay, and sticky

What is Tooth Decay?Tooth decay, known technically as dental caries, is one of the most common health complaints in the world. The incidence is declining in societies where water is fluorinated or where toothpaste containing fluoride is used.

▶

This article is courtesy of Claregalway Dental Surgery,Summerfield, Claregalway.

091 798 333 | [email protected],Thurs,Fri: 9am-5pmTues, Wed: 8am-7pm


foods can be a particular problem because they are more likely to remain on the surface of the teeth.

Frequent snacking also increases the amount of time that acids are in contact with the teeth. In the absence of good oral hygiene, it doesn’t take long for damage to begin. The acids generated by the breakdown of food stuff in the mouth can begin to attack the tooth enamel within 20 minutes of a meal.

It is thought that tooth decay only became a widespread problem with the establishment of sugar plantations in the 18th century, and worsened with the subsequent widespread cultivation of sugar beet in Europe.

SymptomsThe most obvious sign of tooth decay is toothache, particularly after hot or cold foods or drinks. However, pain may not be present until decay has reached an advanced stage. ▶ Pits or holes may also be visible in the teeth. ▶ Most tooth decay is discovered at an early stage during a routine check up. ▶ A serious complication can be the development of a tooth abscess - the build up of pus resulting from a bacterial infection of the centre of the tooth. Infection may spread out from the root of the tooth and to the bones supporting the tooth.

Plaque and tartar also irritate the gums, and lead to a gum disease called gingivitis which often leads to tooth loss even if the tooth itself is healthy.

Treatment and recoveryThe best way to keep your teeth in health condition is to ensure that you have a healthy diet without large amounts of sugars and that you clean your teeth regularly to get rid of any plaque build up.

Most dentists recommend that you clean your teeth at least twice a day. Using a toothpaste containing fluoride is probably a good idea as this provides the teeth with added protection from the effects of acid. Flossing between the teeth is also a good idea, as is rinsing out your mouth after eating sticky foods or sugary drinks.

It is also important to have a regular check up at the dentist - once every six months to a year. Unfortunately, even good oral hygiene does not prevent decay as the bacteria congregate in areas inaccessible to brushes and floss. Once the structure of a tooth has been damaged by decay, there is no way to repair it. However, if decay is picked up at an early stage its progression can be blocked. Decayed mate-rial can be removed,

and replaced with a restorative ma-terial such as silver alloy, or plastic. This is known as a filling. If the decay is more extensive, then another option is a crown. The decayed or weakened area is re-moved and repaired and a covering jacket - the crown - is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. If the nerve in a tooth has died, either from decay or a blow, then a dentist will consider root canal work. This involves removing the centre of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue. The root is then filled with a sealing material, and the process is com-pleted with either filling or possibly a crown.

Easter Specials:

▶ FREE check-up for one child under 16 with parents check-up visit▶ TWO for ONE on check-ups for siblings under 16 yrs of age

Offer applies from Mon 18th April until Friday 29th April, 2011.


The County Feile took place on Saturday 26th March with six teams competing. Group A which included Salthill Knocknacarra, Annaghdown and Tuam Cortoon played their group matches in Annaghdown and Group B teams; Corofin, Claregalway and Kilkerrin Clonberne were hosted in Belclare. In Belclare, Corofin started out strong with a good win over Kilkerrin/Clonberne.

The second group game was Corofin against Claregalway where the Corofin Girls kept up their great form and had a deserved win 3-1 to 1-4 over the Feile Title holders. From now on, the Claregalway girls had to win all their games. They played Kilkerrin Clonberne in the final game and managed to leave them scoreless with a final score of 1-9 to 0.0. As runner ups in Group B, Claregalway met the Winners of Group A, Salthill Knocknacarra in the Semi Final in Belclare at 3.30pm while Corofin played Annaghdown in the second semi final. It was a much more determined Claregalway side who took on Salthill/Knocknacarra in the semi final winning strongly on a scoreline of 5-7 to 0-2. In the other semi final, Corofin

beat Annaghdown 4-1 to 0-3. This meant that Claregalway were going to meet their rivals Corofin once again in the Feile County Final. After a short break, both teams came out with a point to prove and an intensity which started from throw in. Claregalway won first possession and scored an excellent point from play in the early minutes to open the scores.

They went on to score 5 more points finishing the 1st half 0-6 to 0-0. Not taking this lead for granted, the 2nd half began with the same intensity with Corofin scoring a goal which brought them back to within 3 points. Claregalway however, continued to battle hard scoring a further 3 points and with the ball finding the back of the Corofin net, the Claregalway Girls sealed a great victory.

The final score was 1-9 to 1-0.

Chairman of the Ladies County Board, Con Moynihan presented the Shield to winning Claregalway Captain, Orla Murphy (pictured above right).

3-in-a-Row for Claregalway Ladies


Claregalway now represent their County in the National Féile Finals for the 3rd year running - a brilliant achievement.

Many thanks to Referees, Catriona Kyne, Michael Lynott & Frank Kineen and Maura Burke for doing Umpire for the Final. Thanks also to Annaghdown who hosted the Group A Matches and Belclare and Corofin Ladies Club for hosting the Group B Matches and Finals. Well done to all the man-agement and mentors Jimmy Gavin, Joan Gavin, Joe Glynn, Asumpta Gallagher, Mike O’ Connell, Tim Hynes, Darragh Leonard and Elaine Goldrick (First Aid) and Eileen Conroy.

Winning Panel & MentorsBack Row: Jimmy Gavin, Darragh Leonard, Asumpta Gallagher, Leah Flemming, Rebecca Hansberry, Sky Nash, Ellen Connollly, Megan Glynn, Ciara Burke, Roisin Holland, Karen Dowd, Michelle Coyle, Karen Healy, Samantha Burke, Ellie Glynn, Ciara Campbell, Morgen Conroy Broderick, Catherine Walsh, Roisin Conlon, Emma Connolly, Joan Gavin, Elaine Goldrick, Joe Glynn.Front Row: Michael O Connell, Lorna Mullally, Moya Dunleavy, Eva Gilmore, Aisling Murphy, Laura Field, Orla Murphy (C), Natasha Hynes(VC), Stephanie O Connell, Lauren Coen, Chloe Donnellan, Deirdre Keane, Shauna King, Laurie Moran, Keeva Gallagher, Catriona Moran

Grealish welcomes appointment of RPS Consultants to progress the Claregalway Inner Relief RoadIndependent Deputy for Galway West, Noel Grealish has welcomed the appointment of RPS Consulting Engineers to provide engineering services for the Claregalway Inner Relief Road.

‘RPS Consulting Engineers are to conduct a constraints study, route selection, design, environmental impact assessment and preparation of CPO documentation, oral hearing,’ said Deputy Grealish.

‘€250,000 has already been allocated for this stage of the Claregalway Inner Relief Road and the appointment of RPS Consulting Engineers is the next step forward in the process,’ he said.

‘The NRA confirmed last week that they are having difficulty securing funding for the new M17 and that the motorway is likely to be delayed even further.’

‘Given that this road is unlikely to be built for many years, it is vitally important that the Claregalway Inner Relief Road is constructed to give some relief to commuters, residents and business people within the village of Claregalway, which is the main bottleneck on this route,’ he said.

‘I have now written to RPS Consulting Engineers and I have asked that they progress this project to oral hearing and CPO stage as soon as possible,’ Deputy Grealish concluded.


Easter Camps18th-22nd April 2011

The fit kids will have four hours of exercise and fun. Sports, Aerobics, Childrens Games, Swimming, Arts & Crafts, and lots more — All Done Kids Style

Time: 10am - 2pmPrice: €60 members / €80 non-members per campSuitable for children 5 years +

Escape Leisure,Claregalway Hotel,Claregalway, Co. Galway.091 738 [email protected]

For details please contact:


On Mon 18th of April next Mar-tina Flaherty is going to launch a new chapter in her music career in Monroe’s tavern. Martina has been a major player in the Galway music scene for many years now and this primarily as a vocalist. She has however been slowly developing her craft as a songwriter and it is this element of her talent that will be showcased on the night, with the launch of her new 4 track CD.

Back in October Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe struck up a relationship with the charity Goal. We hosted a concert in the Meyrick to help raise

funds and at that time announced that as part of an on-going relation-ship we were going to help with the recording of one of Martina’s songs, which would then be released com-mercially with all proceeds going to Goal. That song is called ‘Make it Easy’ and it will be the centrepiece of the concert on the 18th.

The finished song is a product of many hours of work by a huge team of Galway based musicians, all of who gave of their time and talent for free and most especially mr Marcin Plaza who arranged and produced the final master.

Martina Flaherty to launch Charity CD


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

BaptismsTom Donovanof Danny & AndreaRiver Oaks

Dylan Arroyoof Denis & CarolinaCarnmore

Jayden McNamaraof Leonard & AngelaClaregalway

Peter Geraghtyof Gerry & AnneCarnmore West

Special News

R.I.P.

Niall Purcellof Neil & MariaCahergowan

Jack Nooneof Daniel & BridgetKiniska

Conor NooneParents: David & EdelCahergowan

FuneralsMichael LardnerSchool Road

Madeline LongKiniska

Sean DuffyWaterdale

Joe Walsh, School Road

Weddings & AnniversariesPatrick Melia & Lourda McDonagh, Cahergowan

Robert Lennon, Cloonbiggeen & Aoife Mulkerrins, Tirellan,Tirellan, Galway ~ 17th March.

Congratulations to Sonny and Sarah Moran, Cloon, who celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary this month.


No disruption, No Fuss & No Mess. Wooden Floor Restoration & Finishing. Residential, Commerical & Community Centres. Gymnasium Floor Refinishing & Courtmarking. Our mission is to deliver what we promise: Total Customer Satisfaction.

Paschal Carbin,Athenry, Co. Galway 091 850 108 086 309 7155 floormaster.ie [email protected]

Community Games U12 ChessThe Community Games U12 Chess county final was held recently in Ballinasloe. Claregalway/Lackagh made history by winning this competition for the first time. Chess has been developing strongly in the local community since Miriam Mc Cann started the chess club seven years ago.

The Claregalway/Lackagh team have played in the commu-nity games chess competition many times but the County title has been held by Ballinasloe for the past number of years.

Claregalway/ Lackagh finally made the breakthrough this year due to tremendous work of it's team under the guidance of Chess Coach Brendan Buckley. The team has made history being the first time that Claregalway/Lackagh U12 has ever won the County Community Games chess title.

There was great excitement when the team were presented with their medals and shield in Ballinasloe. This was followed by a victory tour of the area to mark the occasion. They went on to represent Galway at the Community Games Connacht Final on April 9th in Roscommon. We wish them well.


Staying Positive Staying positive is something that is available to everyone, but engaged by far too few. Been positive doesn’t imply that every-thing in your life is going well. We have all had times when we felt good, confident and on top of things.

It is easy to stay positive during these times, but how do you tap into that positivity when life doesn’t go as planned? Most people can endure short periods of frustration, especially when there is a defined end in sight.

The toughest times are when we look ahead and, for whatever reason, we feel that our situation is unending and we doubt our ability to endure our current condition for the long run. It is when you are in a situation that feels unbearable with no relief in sight that the future seems hopeless.

Inspiration People who have survived such times are a source of great in-spiration. Viktor Frankl, whom I have mentioned in some of my previous thoughts for the week wrote a short but powerful book that has changed many people’s lives. In his book “Man’s Search for Meaning”, he describes the powerful psychological journey during his years in a concentration camp during world war two.

He relays to readers how he found the potential meaning of life even in conditions where he lost his family; he was stripped of all worldly belongings and lived day after day in miserable physical conditions.

He fought back hopelessness and endured conditions beyond most people’s imaginations, and he came to know first hand that while others can control your external existence, they cannot control your mind and he clung to his faith and beliefs that he would make it, and he did.

Thought for the Week:Staying Positive when Things are Tough


Thought for the Week:Staying Positive when Things are Tough

Courage It takes courage to remain positive against negative forces. You have to remain true to yourself and your beliefs as to what is best for you, even when you feel alone on this path. Anchor yourself with your own confidence and know that you can, and will, survive the challenges around you. Choose to have a positive outlook, bring those positive blessings to you by believing that it will come. Imagine the best outcome in detail. Never give up. Keep believing and working towards your goals. Take care of yourself physically. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and if you are physically capable, exercise a few times a week. In today’s world there is still hope for a happier future. If it’s out of your hands, don’t worry yourself.

Ask yourself if worrying about it will make it better. Focus on the good things in your life. Make a list of the good things in your life. Be thankful for the good things in your life. Not all bad things are bad. Smile. It really does increase your face value. Don’t get trapped into bad thoughts. Gossip is an an-chor that will weigh you down faster than anything else. Try to generate positive comments when you speak. Remember, positive thinking begins with you.

You have the power to spread smiles and encouraging thoughts. As soon as you open your mouth to speak, you are in charge of what comes out. Don’t allow yourself to be a vic-tim of the world around you. Smiles are free and contagious. If you want to spread something, try smiling. You will see how the world can become a happier place.

Positive Thinking Use some positive thinking routines that will help you - when you are in a tough situation, imagine how it could be worse. Being an overseas development worker in some of the tough-est places in the world, I have a job that makes this easy for me. I see people on my trips abroad that would love to have my problems compared to their own. It can always be worse. I am a spiritual person, and I find peace in letting go and believing that if I live with an open heart and help others and do the right thing that blessings will come my way and I will have what I need to be happy. I have a personal faith that we are never burdened with more than we can handle. Bad things happen to good people.

Crises happen that we can’t understand. In my many years working abroad in Africa and Asia and also working in Ireland, I have witnessed unbelievable tragedies that caused me to ask every question there is related to the meaning of life and the reason for suffering and pain. This is a personal jour-ney made by everyone, but in making this journey - realizing that when everything outside of ourselves appears to be out of our control, we always have control of our own thinking.

Choose to be positive and you will enrich your life and your journey and those around you.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week choose to be positive as much as you can and you will enrich your life and your journey through life and those around you especially those whom you love and care for.

Ronan Scully


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"The End of Suburbia" is a documentary film concerning peak oil and its implications for the suburban lifestyle, written and directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Gregory Greene. It was shown to the public on the Thursday 31st March at 8pm in the Ruby Room of the Kings Head pub on High Street. It was followed by a short questions and answers session with James Glynn of ASPO Ireland (Association for the Study of Peak Oil & Gas Irish Chapter).

Finally a constructive reality check and explanation of the ef-fects of the oil 'crisis' on the conditions and quality of life for us all. While the film is quite hard hitting, dare I say it verges on a 'stress test' for most of us, it's purpose is to help us take control and promote a community approach to sustainable living. This was the first in a series of fortnightly Thursday film screenings by Transition Galway in the Kings Head pub.

Transition Galway is one of the hundreds of Transition Initiatives around the world. Peak oil and climate change have rapidly moved up in people's awareness in recent years, but often, particularly in relation to peak oil, solutions tend to be thin on the ground.

Transition Galway will hope to serve as a catalyst for com-munity led responses to the twin challenges of peak oil and climate change at a local level in Galway. Transition Galway will work to inspire, encourage, connect, support and train communities to create initiatives that rebuild resilience and reduce CO2 emissions.

I strongly recommend looking up the links and who knows we might even start a Transition Claregalway.Denise Griffin, River Oaks, Claregalway.

The End of Suburbia film


Did you get engaged recently? Are you planning your big day? Are you looking for ideas, inspiration and wish to meet with the professional Claregalway Hotel wedding team? We have got a surprise in store for you. The Claregalway Hotel’s Easter Wedding Showcase is a two-day event taking place over the Easter bank holiday weekend, Sunday 24th April and Monday 25th April, from 12pm to 6pm.

No bride wants an ordinary wedding and for this reason we have added a twist to an ordinary showcase. There is no cost to at-tend, all are welcome. This year we want to give prospective wedding couples something that is definitely different. We are opening our doors and welcoming all Brides and Grooms to be, to bask in luxury that wedding couples experience on their big day at The Claregalway Hotel. The premier award winning Claregalway Hotel will be transformed and showcased to guests as it would look if it was set for a real wedding. This time there’s a twist.

The Waterdale Banqueting Suite will display four unique sum-mer wedding themes, to inspire our guests and to showcase a sample of our own range of possibilities. It’s all about you! Whatever you want, however you want, it is your day and for you anything is possible at The Claregalway Hotel.Our wedding team, led by wedding planner Nora Gill, will be at your service both days to discuss any queries you may have and offer you exclusive suggestions and tips. Head Chef, Tre-vor Donegan, will also be present to discuss any menu-related

enquiries and he will be providing canapés for guests and samples from a selection of his most popular wed-ding menus. Wine tasting will also be available with advice on match-ing food and wine for best results.

Those attending the Easter Wedding Showcase will have the exclusive opportunity to speak one-on-one with Wedding Planner Nora Gill to discuss our new wedding brochure and new all-inclusive 2012 pack-ages. If you book your wedding on the day you will be in with a chance to win a wedding package upgrade worth up to €5,000.

The Claregalway Hotel is a re-nowned wedding venue in the

West and has established itself with a reputation for exquisite food and excellent service. This has been recognised with the Optimus Mark of Best Practice Award 2011 and two recent nominations for Best Wedding Venue in Connaught 2011 by two of Ireland’s leading online wedding websites. The Claregalway Hotel & Leisure Centre promises to cater for no more than one wedding per day so you can be guaranteed a personalised service with standards of excellence and a venue second to none. We can cater for the smaller more intimate weddings in The Cregmore Suite, less formal weddings in River Bistro Restaurant and for the elegant & traditional wedding our Waterdale Banquet Suite.

It promises to be an Easter Weekend like no other, so grab your friends or your partner-to-be and explore all that this stunning wedding venue has to offer.

Easter Wedding Showcase at the Claregalway Hotel


General Garden Tasks▶ Keep on top of weeding and hoeing by spring cleaning your borders.▶ Feed roses, borders, hedges, trees, shrubs and spring bulbs with organic chicken pellets, sportsmaster fertilizer or any general-purpose fertilizer. Lawns▶ Apply sulphate of iron moss killer now over the entire lawn area. Follow instructions on the pack. Apply the sulphate of iron by spreader or through a watering can over the entire area evenly. When applying through a watering can add three heaped tablespoons to a two gallon watering can and apply the mix directly to the lawn area. Make sure the mix does not get sprayed or run onto any hard

What to do in the Garden in April

surface areas – tarmac, paving, paths etc. Apply sulphate of iron before rain is expected. ▶ Rake the heavy clumps of dead moss after a couple of days with a lawn rake to remove dead and unwanted moss.▶ After a couple of days apply a dressing of Renovator 3 in 1 lawn treatment to the entire lawn area. This will green the

grass without forcing growth due to its unique slow released lawn fertilizer. Renovator will also eliminate broadleaved weeds and feed your lawn for a long period.

Flowers ▶ Wait for six weeks after flowers of spring bulbs are over before cutting the foliage down.▶ Continue to plant perennials

and finish dividing & replanting summer flowering perennials.▶ Plant new alpines and top up scree bed with gravel and grit. Trees, Shrubs and Climbers▶ Plant or move evergreen trees and shrubs.▶ Feed acid-loving plants.▶ Prune winter jasmine and hydrangea. Tie in shoots of

climbing and rambling roses, wall-trained shrubs and newly planted climbers.▶ Tidy up hedges and clip if necessary.▶ Plant pot-grown evergreens. Vegetables & Herbs▶ Sow broad beans, summer cabbage, brussels sprouts, early peas, calabrese, summer/autumn cauliflower, leeks, beetroot,


radish, spring onions, lettuce, rocket, turnips, kohl rabi, spinach, parsnips, swiss chard, chicory, carrots & onions.▶ Plant first early, second early and maincrop potatoes. Earth up shoots of early potatoes to protect them from frost.▶ Plant asparagus crowns and globe artichokes.▶ Look after your veg – water and hoe regularly, thin out and transplant seedlings, and give support to peas and beans sown earlier.▶ Sow hardy herbs (parsley, coriander, fennel, dill and marjoram).

Patios & Containers▶ Plant spring bedding and summer bulbs in pots.▶ Plant compact trees, shrubs and evergreen in pots.▶ Plant alpine troughs. Fruit▶ Plant strawberries.▶ Feed blackcurrants and blackberries.▶ Prune stone fruits if necessary.

This article is courtesy of Horkans Garden Centre,Lydican, Claregalway.Tel: 091 739 958

Pictured are Patrick & Josette Farrell, Cregboy.

Patrick has recently completed Hotel Management with a Commerce Degree and is currently working at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai

We at Tranquil Water Gardens are specialists in the supply, delivery and installation of high quality, low maintenance garden ponds. We also stock a huge range of water filters, ornamental fish, waterfalls, water features and accessories.

We can also provide expert advice on any aspect of water gardening. If you have a pond in your garden you may be interested our Seasonal Pond Care Guide

Tranquil Water Gardens, Riverside Commercial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway. Tel: 091 700 300

SMA Diary Date

Keep June 5th free for SMA Family Day

There will be a Disco in the Claregalway Community Centre on the 29th April, from 9pm-12am promptly. For 1st, 2nd & 3rd years.

Fully supervised, strictly no alcohol.The Disco will be in aid of the Community at large, from the Leisure Centre, the other groups using the Centre and the GAA.

Local Notices

Post Local News to Nuacht Chláir, Creig Buí, Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe or email [email protected]


Holy Week Ceremonies 2011

Thursday 14th April at 8:00 pm.Penitential Service: visiting priests will be available for Confession in a candle-light setting before the Blessed Sacrament.

Holy Thursday After the Mass of The Lord’s Supper.Good Friday After the 3 o’clock Celebration of The Lord’s Passion and after the 8.00 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Holy Saturday 12 noon to 12.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, 14th AprilPenitential Service - 8:00 pm Visiting Priests.

Palm Sunday 17th AprilExposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 11:00 am Mass

Rosary & Benediction at 4:00 pm.

Holy Thursday 21st AprilMass of Chrism - 11:00am in the Cathedral. *Only morning Mass in the diocese today. The Holy Oils will be blessed here by the Bishop. Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 8:00 pm. The Ceremony of the Washing of the Feet will take place during the Mass.

Adoration at the Altar of Repose will continue until 10:00 pm.

Good Friday 22nd April Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3:00 pm.Stations of the Cross - 8:00 pm.

Holy Saturday 23rd April Liturgy of the Hours - 10:00 am.Easter Vigil - 8:00 pm.

Easter Sunday Mass 9:00 am & 11:00 am.

Confessions for Easter

Happy Easter from all at Nuacht ChláirPhoto: Móna Wise


Crossword Editor Brian Place

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

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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)

Across1 An ideal place (6)5 Protozoan (phylum Rhizopoda) (6)10 Alloy of mercury and another metal (7)11 Sur le pont D’------- (7)12 Pain (4)13 Grumpy (5)15 Scottish island (4)17 Regret (3)19 From one side to the other (6)21 Past participle of awoke (6)22 Pain killing drug (7)23 Attendant in bar (6)25 Lethal (6)28 Ancient (3)30 Engrave with acid (4)31 European state (5)32 Scheme (4)35 West Indian musical style (7)36 Mix a deck of cards (7)37 Human soul, spirit or mind (6)38 Parcel attachment indicating address (6)

Down2 Tutor (7)3 Leaf of book (4)4 Protective garb (6)5 Suitable for farming (6)6 Leave out (4)7 Capital of Thailand (7)8 Plant of genus Musa (6)9 Not observed (6)14 German measles (7)16 Major film award (5)18 Tasting of sugar (5)20 Male child (3)21 In addition (3)23 Induces whiteness (6)24 Remembers (7)26 Mournful (7)27 Federal soldier in US civil war (6)28 Resist (6)29 Petrol-like fuel (6)33 Main producers of 29. across (4)34 Incandescent/fluorescent lamp (4)

First Correct Crossword opened wins:A Meal for Two in the Claregalway Hotel

Nuacht Chláir Crossword April 2011

Name:

Contact Number:

Last month’s winner:Mairead Gilmore, Turloughmore.


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Email: [email protected]: www.rafterys.ie

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