nuacht chláir april 2012

Fire up the BBQ, There is Brisket to be had p.12

Nuacht ChlThe local newsletter for Claregalway & CarnmoreVol. 16 Iss. 7 | April 2012 FREE

Local Margaret Rose Mannion Receives Special 100th Birthday Gift

On the first of April 1912, just over one hundred years ago, a glorious ship called the Titanic sailed out of Belfast on its maiden journey to America but tragically as we all know now, it never made its destination. There are very few people alive today that would have witnessed that particular day but there are a few people alive and well today, who were born in that same year.

On the 30th of March, the kids of Claregalway National School went to the Mystical Rose Nursing Home to meet Margaret Rose Mannion (pic-tured), a resident of the nursing home. So what is so special about Margaret? Well on that momentous day that the Titanic sailed out of Belfast, one hundred years ago, a little baby girl Margaret Glennon was born in lower Abbeygate Street, Galway City. So as the world marked April the 1st as the day the Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage from Belfast, the pupils of Claregalway National School decided to mark that particular day by celebrating Margaret’s one hundredth birthday. Fifth class in Claregalway National School under the supervision of teacher Regina O’Donnell, put together a “This is Your Life Book” for Margaret to

The Hangar DanceLocal Poem by Claregalway native Edward Coppinger p.8

mark having reached such a great age. The book started off with a brief history of Margaret’s life from Abbeygate Street to Claregalway and from Claregalway to been in the British Army reserves in Manchester during the Second World War. She was married at eighteen to a Paddy Mannion, who was in the Army and was stationed in Renmore Barracks, they had seven children together. Sadly their marriage did not last the strain of wartime hardship during the Second World War and they went their separate ways. Margaret married again but tragically some years later, she lost her second husband in a traffic accident. After his death Margaret stayed another few years in England Continued on page 4

The Nuacht Chláir is the local newsletter for Claregalway and Carnmore, Co. Galway. 1000 copies are printed monthly and the newsletter is also available online at www.nuachtchlair.com.

Margaret Rose Mannion with a book about her life, put together by fi≤h class students in Claregalway N.S.

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SponsorsEditorialJosette Farrell, Editor

With increasing concerns about the quality of our food system, there is a huge surge in people producing food in back gardens and allotments. Growing food is a lifestyle choice that not only makes sound economic sense, but is also good for physical and mental health. It also makes you feel more connected with your community and environment. The objectives of giy (Grow It Yourself, see page 22) is to create awareness about the importance of growing your own food; providing education and training to help giyers to grow their own successfully and to provide giyers with ongoing support and encouragement so that initial enthusiasm is sustained and turns in to long-term behavioral change. The local giy gathering takes place on the last Wednesday of every month in The Arches Hotel at 8pm. It is free and open to all, so it’s well worth it to come along and listen to key speakers and share information, etc. The local giy group also hopes to get young giyers on board by helping out in the local schools with their gardens. On Saturday, 21st April next, the giy Connaught Gathering will be held in the Claregalway Hotel and promises to be a very informative day with expert speakers. Entrance fee is €5 and all are welcome to come along.

This month we welcome our Irish contributor Mairtín Davy’s article on page 5 which is an interesting read on his broadcasting in Claregalway and woodturning. Dermot Hession gives an update on Compántas Lir on page 15. Their performance recently at the Claregalway Drama Festival proved a huge success and all the seats were filled. Their later performances saw the Town Hall packed to capacity also. See Claregalway Handball Club update on page 17 by Joe O’Connell. It’s great to see Handball's traditional popularity being restored locally again. As always, we welcome your articles, suggestions and comments.

Until next time,Josette

To submit stories & articles, contact us:Nuacht Chláir,‘Currach Ruadh,’ Creig Buí, Baile Chláir,Co. na Gaillimhe.

[email protected]: 086 391 3852 091 798 430

The Nuacht Chláir is compiled voluntarily by a small committee and distributed free of charge. We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors & advertisers, without whom this publication would not be possible.

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Continued from front coverbefore returning to Ireland to settle, but settle she did not, as she purchased her first house here in Ireland at the grand age of 63 and the last house at 85 and in those few years she had bought four different properties and done them all up while living in them. A property tycoon you could say! In 2008 at 96 years young she moved in with her son Tony who had recently returned from England. There she stayed until yet again she felt the need to move and this time it was to the Mystical Rose Nursing Home. Here, she has loads of fine company and care that is second to none and by the look of Margaret, she loves it there. The pupils decided to fill the rest of the book with huge historical events that occurred from 1912 to 2012, all things Margaret would have lived through. Event like First World War, 1916 Rising, Second World War, JFK Assassination, fall of the Berlin wall, Live Aid, the troubles in Northern Ireland, Peace Talks, September 11th and many more events which will make for great reading for Margaret. It also has some poems from Yeats and some trivial stuff like when the first razor blade was created (in 1905) and the first ball point pen (1938). The pupils did a fantastic job in the variety they put into it and then they finished it off with more pictures of all Margaret’s children, the grand-children, the great grandchildren and wait for it, the five great, great grandchildren. The last page is a picture of the nurse’s and friends she now has in the Mystical Rose Nurs-ing home. The pupils also left some spare pages at the back as they feel Margaret has more to give us. The Parents Association then took all the pages into Kenny Bindery where they did a fantastic job making it look really special. The finished product was remarkable, so much so that two books were made up, one for Margaret and one as a gift to the pupils of fifth class from the Par-ents Association for the hard work they put in to making all this possible. On Friday morning, we took ten pupils from the school out to the Mystical Rose Nursing home where the pupils presented Margaret with her “This is Your Life” book and a lovely bouquet of flowers. She was over the moon and sat there smiling and telling the kids stories of her life (pic-tured top right). The pupils also met Margaret’s son Tony, a very kind and caring son to Margaret. It was very evident on the face of Tony what all this meant to him and he is surely a testament to Margaret that even though things might have been hard she still raised her family very well. We stayed there an hour as the pupils spent some time

talking to other residents, laughing and joking with them. It was a very worthwhile and lovely moment shared by the young pupils and elderly residents of the home. On behalf of the Parents Association I would like to thank all involved, Regina O’Donnell, the pupils of fifth class, staff of the Mystical Rose, Kenny Bindery, Malachy Noone for the transport of myself, teacher and pupils to and from the Mystical Rose Nursing Home and of course Tony Mannion, Margaret’s son and I wish Margaret more years of happiness and we’ll see you again next year. Also a very special happy 100th birthday to another very special lady residing in the Mystical Rose called Katie Flanagan (pictured below) who not so long ago also reached a hun-dred years of age. She also was presented with a bouquet of lovely flowers by the pupils and she also had some great tales of the past for the kids. There most be something in the water out there in the Mystical Rose.

Clement Shevlin


Broadcasting & WoodturningNuair a leag mé cois ar thalamh Achréidh Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe don chéad uair i dtús na seachtóidí bhí fhios agam gur áit é a cheangail mé fhéin is mo dhúchas le chéile. Bhí mé ag an am ag obair le cláracha Gaeilge Raidio R.T.É, agus thug mé faoi clár a dhéanamh faoi na Spailpíní do Comórtas Cláracha Raidio An Oireachtais. Ina dhiaidh sin chuir mé aithne ar laochra móra an tradisiún ar nós Micheál Ó hEidhin, go ndéana Dia grásta air, agus a cháirde Gael ina measc Padraig Noone agus a comrádaithe dílis atá ag fuirse leo agus a cuireann Gaeltacht Bhaile Chláir ar stáitse an domhain mhóir. Ó shoin i leith cheangail mé saol Chonamara agus saol Bhaile Chláir le chéile ina lán bealaí, rud a a rinne Mick Leonard linn agus é ag múineadh i Gairmscoil Cholmcille, Indreabhán blianta ina dhiaidh sin - agus go dtí an lá atá inniu ann tá an dá oidhreacht ag fáil níos gaire dhá céile le cabhair ó dhaoine cosúil le Peadar Ó Maoláin ó Údarás na Gaeltachta a thug tacaíocht i gcónaí le Gaeilge Bhaile Chláir a chuir ós cómhair an phobal ar a lán bealaí ar fud na tíre.

During my 40 years in broadcasting I enjoyed producing and presenting quite a few programmes from Claregalway including the first and last interview as Gaeilge recorded in Claregalway of Brian Cowen as Taoiseach, at Glynns. I especially enjoyed our broadcasts from S.M.A. House and am very grateful to them for their help and co-operation and to Paul in the Claregalway Hotel from where I have done quite a few programmes in more recent years. Outside of broadcasting, the Conamara based organisa-tion, Pastime Chonamara, with which I am involved as a Woodturner and as a member of P.C. International Wood-turners Club I really enjoy doing demonstrations at the S.M.A. Family Day every year and I was priviliged to be able to restore part of the Pascal Candle stand in S.M.A. House. Hopefully I will be able to start up some 'Bi-lingual Woodturning' classes in Claregalway this Winter with the help of Pastime Chonamara, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway Co. Co. and Co. Galway V.E.C. As the sean-fhocal says, stuaim lámha doras na teangan. Maybe someday I will be able to say that I have the same natural link with Baile Chláir as the Spailpín Fánach.

Máirtín Davy, Radio Broadcaster & Woodturner.


Claregalway U12 LadiesFootball Update The U12 Girls began their league with the U12 Gold team playing away to Menlough Skehana on Wednesday 28th March. It was the opposition who started the strongest, scoring their opening goal very early on and they continued to dominate in the 1st half finish-ing 3-0 to 0-1 at the break. A very young Claregalway team showed incredible grit and determination after the break with excellent defending denying their opponents many scoring opportunities. Three excellent Claregalway goals narrowed the gap to just 3 points. Menlough Skehana however, continued to battle and finished the game with a final scoreline of 4-6 to 3-2. This was a brilliant opening game for the Gold Team who now play Craughwell in the next round to be played by 4th April. Panel: Niamh Egan, Miriam Greene, Sarah McHale, Leah Greal-ish, Kayla Timothy, Amy Walsh, Shannon O Connell, Laura Flynn, Chellene Trill, Rhiann Heery, Emily Duggan, Emma Dolan (C), Nicola King, Caitlin Quinn, Kiara Kearney, Mary Duggan, Grace Fahy, Niamh McGrath. The U12 Greens will play away to Kilkerrin/Clonberne in Round 2 of the League with the 1st round being deferred. This game is due to be played by the 11th April.

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Bridge Column Both vulnerable, Dealer East

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Table 1 Bidding:(Playing strong NT) E S W N 1NT 2H P 2S P 2NT P 3NT P 4C* P 4H** P 5C P 5D P 6NT

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Lead: Club 3South was a brave soul who was able to claim once he saw dummy. Knowing that East’s 1NT was 15-17 HCP and sitting behind East with nearly perfect cover for East’s cards, he could calculate that West had not a point in his hand (North and South have 25 and East had at least 15, i.e. total of 40) and could therefore count 12 tricks: 3 Clubs, 5 Hearts, 1 Diamond and 3 Spades

Local Websites

assumptionandsaintjamesparish.com

nuachtchlair.com

claregalway.net

carnmoreschool.scoilnet.ie

cregmorens.blog.com

compantaslir.ie

claregalwaygaa.net

claregalwaybasketball.net

carnmore.net

claregalwayeducatetogether.blogspot.com

wfha.info

Submit your Parish Notice

Contact Josette at 086 391 3852

or email [email protected]

You can also submit online at

www.nuachtchlair.com/contact

Guitar Lessons

Contact Ger at087 217 0930

All ages and levels.

Parish Notices

Meeting for Older Adults in the Claregalway Hotel

Open invitation to all older adults in the area to attend an Active Listening Workshop in the Claregalway Hotel on April 13th from 11am-1pm. As part of the Galway Age Friendly Programme, the group wishes to hear the views across 8 key areas to do with :—Housing and Home—Transport—Social Participation—Respect and Social Inclusion—Civic Participation and Employment—Physical Environment and Outdoor Spaces—Community Support and Health Services—Communication and Information

Refreshments will be provided on the day.Further information on www.nuachtchlair.com.

Irish Grinds

available for Junior & Leaving

Certificate students.

Contact Niamh at

087 629 3315

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

every Wednesday

from 10.00am – 6.00pm.

Rosary at 2.00pm for families.

Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00pm.

Rosary at 5.00pm for Priests.

All welcome.

Lawnmower for Sale

Contact Francis O’Connell, Cloonbiggeen on 091 739 596

Badminton for Adults every Tuesday from

10 – 11.30am in Claregalway Community Centre.

All welcome.

French GrindsContact Aline O’ Connell at

087 629 3315 or aline.o’[email protected]

Submit at www.nuachtchlair.com/contact

Claregalway/Carnmore Senior

Citizens Committee

Cards and bingo held every

Monday night at 8.00pm in

Cairdeas (Parish Meeting Room).

Come along and join in.

Bus service available.

Congratulations to Hugh & Clodagh Sheehan,Gortatleva, on the birth of their baby girl Emma, a sister for Ava.

Claregalway/Carnmore Active

Retirement meeting every Friday morning in Cairdeas. If you are retired

why not come along?

New members always welcome.

Baptisms— Cathal McGrath Ethan Spellman William Conroy Evan Pawlikowski Mikayla Foye

Funerals— Bridie Cormican, Cregboy. Bridie Lardner, School Road.

Congratulations to Samantha Murphy, Cregboy, and PJ Harte, Castlerea, Roscommon, who were married on the 10th of March in Claregalway. Belated birthday wishes also to Samantha, who celebrated her birthday on the same day.


Poem about Growing OldJust a note to say I’m livingthat I’m not among the deadThough I’m getting more forgetfuland mixed up in the head.

I’ve got used to my arthritisTo my dentures I’m resignedI can cope with my bi-focalsBut ye-gods I miss my mind.

Sometimes I can’t rememberWhen I’m standing by the stair

If I should be going up for somethingOr have I just come down from there.

And before the fridge so oftenMy mind is full of doubtNow did I put some food away Or come to take it out

If it’s not my turn to write dearI hope you won’t get soreI may think that I have writtenAnd don’t want to be a bore

The Hangar Dance Let me stand again on Galway’s strand,Listening to music of a Céilidh band,Borne on breezes across SalthillThat poignant sound of Ballinakill.

Once more I’ll dance the Siege of Ennis,Abhorring the smell of pungent Guinness,It’s my last time Hangar, please let me in,To remember the lad I was back then.

There will be girls I took on the floor,Geraldine and Catherine from Oranmore,And lovely redhead Peggy O’Malley,Who was from Cortoon or maybe Lavally.

Eileen I’ll meet on the Promenade walk,In the Connemara tongue she used to talk,Our language was laughter and good enough,Under the stars and the sound of the surf.

An all night Céilidh always good funFrom late Sunday evening to rising sun,Youth at the dance came from all over, Menlo, Moylough to beyond Cloughanover.

How we ducked, turned, stomping and wheeling,Until as was said—our heads were Reeling!Sometimes as if to liven up the nightPushing shoving and maybe a fight.

An army of cyclists going home without lights,Through the city of Tribes at end of night,Raucous and loud, a ragged cavalcade,To Gardaí—‘The charge of the no light Brigade!’

Other nights too, that were dark as pitch,We’d waken the dead of Two Mile Ditch!Castlegar dogs were mean nasty packs,Their watchkeeping done from under the stacks.

They knew well about Haggard romanceAnd what we’d get up to—given the chance.Like missiles streaked down Holmes’s hill,Ahead lay Claregalway slumbering still.

In fields and meadows sung the Corncrake,Telling the world of coming daybreak.With night almost gone homeward we jog—In a couple of hours it’s oΩ to the bog.

That Irish music is with me stillI will never forget you Ballinakill.No more green Hangar by Salthills seas,Thank you old dance hall—for the Memories.

Edward Coppinger

So remember I do love youAnd wish that you lived nearAnd now it’s time to mail thisAnd to say “Goodbye my dear”

As I stand beside the mail boxMy face it sure is redInstead of posting this to youI have opened it instead

Anonymous


Celebrate your Child’s First Holy Communion/Confirmation with lunch at the Claregalway Hotel3 Course Lunch just €19.50Kids Lunch Portions €10.00

ß Quality Foodß Friendly Serviceß Excellent Valueß Complimentary Colouring Materialsß Free Parking

To book your party

Call 091 738300Email: [email protected]


Waste Prevention in the HomeWe all know that excess waste generation is bad for the environment but as individuals what can we do to try and reduce the environmental impact of our daily activities? The best option is to try and prevent waste arising where possible.

Most of us create waste unnecessarily—for example we discard approximately 30% of the food we buy—at least a portion of every two lettuces purchased in the home is disposed of and other common food items disposed of regularly include pasta, rice, bread, fruit and vegetables. Every kilo of food waste disposed of has a monetary value of €2–€3! Waste prevention can be defined as any action that limits environmental damage. Preventing waste at source is the best option because if you don't create waste, then you don't need to dispose of it. Simply, it's stopping waste before it starts. We each use items in the home that could be substituted with reusable options, for example using airtight containers instead of tinfoil or cling film. Food waste is a huge problem in that tonnes of food waste are disposed of in Ireland every year—all that food prior to disposal, has to be brought home from the shops, refriger-ated and in some cases cooked. Food related activities such as refrigeration, cooking and cleaning can account for up to half of the average household energy use.

What can we do to help protect our environment?—Plan to buy what you need and beware of special offers that go unused—Freeze food to prolong its life—Buy loose fruit & vegetables—Watch your air miles—buy local food as much as possible—Plan your menus to use in–season, local produce—Be creative with leftovers—Use reusable containers—Remember your reusable shopping bag—Think before you print and if possible make sure to print on both sides of the page—Buy quality products that can be upgraded to extend their useful life.—Be aware of packaging—remember you'll have to pay to get rid of it.

Why prevent waste?—Less waste going to landfill means fewer trucks on the road, fewer landfills and less energy used—Less waste means we can conserve valuable resources like trees, oils, metals, water and energy—If we use less, it will cost us less

Green Tips to keep in mind—Think about how you can reduce your impact on the environment—Use your local bring bank & recycling centre (Oranmore village, in front of astroturf pitches)—Prevent as much waste as possible—Recycle as much of your waste as possible—Don't burn waste without authorisation—Conserve energy and water where possible—If you don't do it already, get composting— Up to 35% household and most garden waste can be composted

Get composting at homeMany people consider doing some home composting but are very often deterred because of fears about vermin, smells or flies. However by following some simple guide-lines, such as having the correct location, the correct balance of material and mixing regularly these problems can be overcome and composting can be a successful and enjoyable experience. Organic wastes such as materials from the kitchen and garden that have a common trait that distinguish them from other household wastes in that they decompose quickly—items such as tea bags, fruit, vegetable peelings and garden waste. Small amounts of cardboard and news-paper can also be used in the composting process. When the material is separated from other household waste and allowed to decompose in the presence of air, it is


converted into a crumbly, soil–like material called compost. The composting process involves millions of tiny creatures, most of which are too small to be seen by the naked eye. These creatures include bacteria, insects, fungi and worms. This decomposition and subsequent return to the soil is an entirely natural process that results in wonderful compost that can be used in the garden. Galway County Council runs Composting & Waste Manage-ment workshops throughout the year. To arrange a workshop or get details of one in your area, please contact us (details below). Compost bins are available from the Environment Section of Galway County Council, at a cost of €45.

Further information is available fromSinéad Ní Mhainnín/Mark Molloy,Environment Section,Galway County Council.

091 476 402 or [email protected]

Teen Intervene Counselling Service for Teenagers

Providing a safe space for your teenager to discuss problems such as anxiety, anti–social behaviour, addiction, anger management...

Confidential, non-judgmental, support and guidance for your teenager.

Call Deirdre on 087 139 7348 for an appointment.

B.A., Diploma Applied Addiction Studies & Counselling; Certificate in Youth Justice


Get Summer into Full Swing WiseWords from local Author Móna Wise

Brisket is one of those unsung heroes when it comes to finding a piece of delicious and affordable beef. A few weeks ago we were down in Cork for a friends book launch and we decided to stop in to the English Market for a visit on our way back to Galway.

The sun was shining, the produce stands were overflowing with all things fresh and fabulous and the Chef was in a barbecuing mood. As we ambled along through the narrow aisles of the indoor market we happened upon Tom Durcan’s butcher shop. The Chef gave it the once over but nothing jumped out at him. Nothing screamed grill me. Just as he was getting ready to move on to the next vendor, Tom himself jumped in and asked him if there was something in particular he was looking for. The Chef told him he’d love a brisket of beef. Within a few minutes, he and his crew had hauled out a whole half of beef on the butcher table. He boned and bladed it like the pro that he is and used his saw to trim off the chine bone and any loose ends. Fifteen minutes later we were handed a fine piece of brisket, with the short rib bones still in tact and we were racing back up the motorway to Galway. All for €12.

Now, if you have never cooked a brisket (or beef short ribs for that matter) then here is a little advice for you. Always get your brisket on the bone with the short ribs attached. Brisket is one of the leanest cuts of beef with virtually no marbling of fat any where to be seen which means that once you cook it, it can tend to be dry. If you get it with the short ribs still attached, they have plenty of fat on them and they help keep the brisket basted. This cut of meat is also what is used to make corned beef here in Ireland and although any butcher worth his salt will be able to get you one, it is still not something we see on their shelves. Low and slow on the bbq is the way this hunk of beef should be treated. We let ours bbq for almost five hours at 120˚C. Then we let it sit in a large roasting pan wrapped tight with tinfoil and that wrapped with a tea towel for two or three more hours to let it rest and sit in its own juices for a while. You need to slice your brisket very thinly cutting it per-pendicular to the grain. With all the waiting around you have to do for this meat to be done and perfectly tender, why not make a batch of bbq sauce. We like to spice this up with the pickling juices found in a jar of spicy pickled peppers. Just watch out for the kids and their tolerance to spicy foods if you try that.

—T cup [40 g] brown sugar—1 tbsp olive oil—1 large onion, diced finely & sautéed—Q cup [120 ml] cider vinegar to deglaze—2 cups [480 ml] ketchup—1 stick of cinnamon—T cup [60 ml] of juice from spicy pickled peppers—T cup [60 ml] mayonnaise—1 tsp of liquid smoke (or 1 cup [240 ml] of bottled smoky bbq sauce)—T cup [60 ml] honey You will also be adding the pan juices from the roasting ribs to this sauce later.

Ingredients

—In a small and deep pot sauté onions in a dash of olive oil.—Add sugar, allow it to caramelize then pour in the vinegar and allow it to reduce to a thicker consistency.—Mix in all other ingredients, including the pan juices from the roasting ribs pan. Allow to simmer for 45 minutes.—Remove the cinnamon stick and using an immersion blender, blitz the sauce.—If you do not have a blender you can leave the sauce chunky.

A half hour before you are ready to eat:With a pastry brush, layer on a coating of the bbq sauce and place the ribs back in the oven at 350˚f / 180˚c for 15 minutes just to warm.

Method

WiseNotes

We have used this sauce on lots different things—meat, poultry, shrimp, scallops, sweet potatoes. It is versa-tile and it keeps in the fridge quite well, and freezes for a long time. This can get a bit spicy, especially if you use spicy pickled peppers. I would go easy on the spice first time around and add a bit more heat to the sauce as you get better at making it. This is a worthwhile kitchen excursion. The smell of roasting ribs will linger in your kitchen long after the last bone has been gnawed on. So, what are you waiting for? Aprons on!

On a side note from Móna:

My book deadline is this week (April 12th). I started writing my first book The Chef & I ... a nourishing narrative last September 5th 2011 and as it is part of my university course I had a deadline to contend with. I was determined that I would finish this book on time and am happy to report that I picked up the first printed copy of the book yester-day. So deadline met thank God. We plan on having a huge party to celebrate and will be having a book launch on Thursday May 31st 2012 at Cases Wine Warehouse. If you are interested in coming along, please connect with me via our Facebook page or send me an email. We would love to see you and hope you will enjoy the book.


The Alzheimer Society of Ireland The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. Founded in 1982 by a small group of carers, today it is a national voluntary organisation with charitable status (CHY 7868) and an extensive network of branches, regional offices and services. The Society provides people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers with information and support to maximise their quality of life.

Core ValuesWe have identified three core values that underpin all we do: Person–centred care Placing the person at the centre of everything that we do Rights–based Promoting the rights of the person with dementia, their carer and family Dementia–specific Focusing exclusively on dementia to ensure dedicated service

What We DoThe role of the Alzheimer Society is:—To support individuals, carers and families living with dementia—To provide quality, dementia-specific care—To raise public awareness and provide information—To campaign for better statutory services, including specialist services for younger people with dementia—To represent the views, needs and concerns of all affected by dementia—To influence public policy in regard to care and support services.

Our Mission Our mission is to work with those affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias to maximise quality of life.

Our VisionWe, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, envision a world where dementia can be prevented and cured, where stigma of the person is challenged and overcome and where those who live with dementia have all they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.

We advocate for changeThe Alzheimer Society of Ireland represents the interests of people living with dementia and their families to all levels of government as well as health care and long-term care providers.

Through this advocacy effort, we seek to:—Make Dementia a National Health Priority in Ireland—Ensure that everyone living with dementia has timely and equitable access to a comprehensive range of flexible and appropriate dementia-specific supports and services within their community—Ensure full and accelerated implementation of the Dementia Manifesto 2007–2009

What you can do:—Strengthen our voice by becoming a member of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland—Connect with your local branch / service by

We are here to helpThe Society operates a network of 22 branches, 6 regional offices and 96 community based dementia services including:—Dementia Specific Day Care—Home Care—Carer Support Groups—Dementia Specific Respite Care—Information and Advice—Social Clubs (pilot)—Personal Advocacy Service (pilot)—The National Alzheimer Helpline 1800 341 341


If you would like to keep up to date on Compántas Lir, or if you want to join us, log onto www.compantaslir.ie, or friend us on facebook.

More info is available by emailing us [email protected] or [email protected].

Dermot Hession—Chairman, Compántas Lir

Another Successful Season for Carnmore Drama Group Compántas Lir

Well the final curtain of the season has come down for Compántas Lir thisseason. It was a hugely successful season from a sold out Autumn Theatre inCarnmore to a second in the One Act All Irelands in Ennis and a verysuccesful three act production which has just finished. The trophy cabinethas been filled with awards for another year. Our three act, The CuriousSavage was performed thirteen times around the country, from Kildare toClaremorris and in many theatres along the way, finishing up with two verysuccessful shows in the Town Hall Theatre in Galway. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our patrons whoonce again came in great numbers to support us. Bringing a three actproduction around the country is an expensive task and we are very gratefulto all who support us.

So what's next you ask? Well we will be taking a short break torest our thespian bones for a few weeks before we get down to the businessof planning our 2012/13 season. Keep an eye out for what's coming up. Next season will see a number of workshops with professionals of the theatrescene coming to Claregalway to give workshops on all aspects of theatre. We will be holding play reading nights which are open to new members. Oh and of course we will be producing a number of plays starting with our Autumn Theatre, which was completely sold out last year.

There were no shortage of awards this year with Liz Hession,Ruth O'Driscoll, Declan Varley and Breda Hannon winning Acting awards. Seamus McNulty, Carmel Kenny and their teams won a number of awards for Set, Costumes and Presentation. Director Ann Greaney was rewarded with a Best Director award in Glenamaddy, a festival we won.

participating in support groups or getting information about services—Advocate for those affected by dementia ... campaign with us and urge policy makers to increase funding for services, information and research—Volunteer time, resources or expertise locally or nationally and help us to provide our essential services—Participate in Alzheimer's Tea Day, The Society's largest annual event to raise awareness and funds for local services—Become a private/corporate donor or participate in fundraising events.

This article is courtesy of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Alzheimer Society of Ireland's National Helpline 1800 341 341 A confidential, free phone service which provides information and support to people with dementia, their carers, families and friends, those who are concerned about dementia and those who work in the field. The Helpline operates from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information on the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, visit:www.alzheimer.ie


Thought for the Month—

Recognise Your Unique SongNo one can speak your words. No one can cry your tears. No one can impart your cheer & joy. No one can smile your smile. No one can bring your unique impact to another heart. No one can take your place.

Your UniquenessI was recently strutting my stuff on the cat-walk for Siobhan Carroll's ACT meningitis charity along with the brilliant Ollie Can-ning one of Galway's all time greats, and what a reception he got and it made me realize that we all have our own unique song to sing in life. Have you ever stopped to think what a bril-liant, unique and remarkable person you are? Of all the people who ever lived, not one of them is just like you. No one who ever lived had the abilities, limits, talents, appearance, happiness, sorrows, opportunities, burdens, and possibilities that you have. No one has exactly the same thoughts as you do. No one speaks exactly as you do. No one prays just as you do. No one loves all the same people that love you. Even the ones, who laugh like you, don't sneeze like you. The ones, who cry like you, don't have the same sorrow you do. The ones, who smile like you, don't know the same joys that you do. No one before and no one to come has your gifts. You weren't meant to be like anyone else. You don't need to change to show that you're different. You were meant to be spe-cial. At no time in all history will the same things be going on in someone else's mind, soul, and spirit, as with you this very moment. If you did not exist, there would be a gap in our lives, a change in our history, a hole in our creation, and something missing from God's plan. Cherish your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you.

The Unique Child’s SongWhen a woman in a certain African tribe knows she is preg-nant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together they pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child. They recognize that every soul has its own vibra-tion that expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else. When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child's song to him or her. Later, when the child enters education, the village gathers and chants the child's song. When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the people again come together and sing. At the time of marriage, the person hears his or her song. Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person's bed, just as they did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life. In the African tribe there is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, the individual is called to the center of the village and the people in the community form a circle around them. Then they sing their song to them. The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity.

The gift of uniqueness was given you to tell about & enjoy. Let it inform and inspire you. Reach out to others with your life. Share of yourself along life's pathway. You are unique to this world.

As usual a story might help to explain what I mean about your uniqueness and it comes from a story I heard during my time living in Africa.


Thought for the weekAs your thought for the week make a new start to your life this week and show that we can win the world by love, and not by hatred.

Ronan Scully is the West of Ireland representative for Self Help Africa.www.selfhelpafrica.org

When you recognize your own song, you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt anoth-er. A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remem-ber your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused. You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when you are in tune with your-self and when you are not. When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn't. In the end, we shall all recognize our song and sing it well. You may feel a little wobbly at the moment, but so have all the great singers. So remember, just keep singing and you'll find your way home.

Ronan Scully

Claregalway Handball Club has been well represented in the recent schools, county and Connaught championships. Overall the club now has 70 juveniles playing, and over 34 competed in these recent matches. Enda Collins won out the u-11 Cumann na mBunScoil title in boys singles. In the final he played a rising star from Athenry. Enda won the first game 15-9, before loosing the second game 10-15. In the final tie breaker he showed considerable composure coming back from 7-10 down to win 11-7. Enda was also part of the U-10 doubles team along with James Cummins, and together they won the County Championship beating stiff competition from Moycullen in the final. In the u-16 boys doubles Ben Murray and Ronan Keane were the strongest team and won out the final. This led to the Connaught semi final in Claremorris where they overcame the Mayo champions 15-6 15-10. Girls u-15 are also through to the Connaught final—Megan Murray and Sinead Collins are eagerly awaiting their clash against the Mayo champions. The finals will be on bank holiday Monday 9th April in Castlebar or Claremorris. We wish all the players the best of luck. The court in Carnmore was used as one venue in the Galway championship holding over 8 hours of games. Although busy trying to keep things moving and reffing the games, Mike Cullina, Johnny Moran and Tommy Duggan kept the day going. Thanks to Trish, Francis and Grainne for providing sandwiches for the hungry player and supporters. Next up for the club are the championship rounds of 60x30 followed by the one wall competition in June /July. The players are all enjoying the training and progressing well in learning the skills and advances skills to master the game. The game is great for improving overall body fitness, dexterity, hand to eye co-ordination and most importantly fun. It's also one that can be taken up at any age. We hope to hold a parish league in the coming months may which is aimed at adult level - so now is the time to start the practice ! If anyone is interested in further information, joining, or helping in any way, please make contact with any club officer.

Keep up to date with the club on www.claregalway.ie, the Nuacht Chláir and onwww.facebook.com/ClaregalwayHandballClub.

Local News— Claregalway Handball Club


Claregalway U14 Ladies Football UpdateClaregalway U-14 Ladies took part in the Galway Feile on Sunday last April 1st. Based at the wonderful new Pitch in Maree for the Group games, Claregalway began the defence of their title County Title playing Kilkerrin\Clonberne at 11:10. After a slow start the Claregalway Girls scored 2 goals before halftime and led at the break by 2-0 to 0-2. With the wind to their backs Claregalway ran out winners 4-3 to 0-2. Next up were hosts Naoimhe Mhuire and Claregalway were quickly into their stride in this game and led well at the break. The second half saw the introduction of the entire panel with every player playing their part in a 4-9 to 0-2 win. This win and other results meant the Final was going to be a repeat of 2011 between Claregalway and Corofin. After a short rest the Team made its way to Monivea for a 6 0’clock Final. The final turned out to be a very competitive Game with scores hard got. Claregalway got the opening goal but Corofin responded with a goal and point. Two late points from Sky Nash left Claregalway with a slender point lead at the break. The second half was end to end football with outstanding performances from the six Claregalway backs keeping the Corofin forwards at bay. When Stepahine O’ Connell found the Corofin net for her second goal it put three points between the teams. Full back Eva Gilmore then denied Corofin an equalizing goal and from the resulting clearance Christina Hanley hit an insurance point for a 2-3 to 1-2 victory. Rebecca Hansberry was outstanding in goal, the defence was solid as a rock, new midfield pairing of Emma and Grace worked very hard and delivered great ball to the attack. In our forwards Sky, Christina and Stephanie took their scores well which were created by the hard working Aisling, Laurie, Laura and Rachel. Thanks to all the Girls on the Panel for their commitment over the past few weeks and we look forward to representing Galway for our fifth time in Laois Offaly from 22-24th June.

Panel: Rebecca Hansberry, Andrea Glynn, Eva Gilmore, Deirdre Keane, Keeva Gallagher, Ellie Glynn, Catriona Moran, Emma Connolly, Grace Cahill, Christan Hanley, Laurie Moran, Aisling Murphy, Stephine O’Connell, Sky Nash, Laura Field, Gwen Horkan, Rachel O’Brien, Megan Shaughnessy, Aoife Philips, Ava Fitzmaurice, Rachel Killilea, Clodagh Murphy, Aoife Gavin, Chloe Donnellan, Leah Flemming, Laura King, Orla O’Gorman, Grace Gilmore,Emma Finneran, Claire Kilcoyne, Rebecca Downes, Shauna Flaherty, Sara Coady, Hannah Coady, Niamh Frances, Fionnula Keating, Caolfhinn Keating, Ailbhe Dunleavey, Andrea Forde, Eva Morgan, Ciara Gilmore, Aisling Kelly, Katie Moran,Lorna Mullally.

Training on Saturday in Knockdoe at 5:30. Our leagues start in 2 weeks with opening games against Corofin and Monivea Abbey. There was no luck for our club players in their recent schools and colleges Finals with Presentation Athenry, Mercy Tuam, gmit Castlebar and lit all suffering defeat at the final hurdle. The Senior Ladies welcome County Champions St Brendans to Claregalway on Monday next for their first game in Division 1 of the League. Check website www.claregalwaygaa.net for trow-in time. Best of luck to the U14 Galway Ladies who play Leitrim in the opening round of the Connacht Championship this Saturday in Leitrim and best wishes to the girls representing our Club: Laura Field, Ellie Glynn, Andrea Glynn, Keeva Gallagher & Laurie Moran.


Update from your local Councillor Jim Cuddy

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

Closure of Local Area OfficeThe Management of Galway County Council have decided to close the local area office at Lackagh as and from April 2nd. As and from that date the public are advised that all queries in relation to the Oranmore Electoral Area can be made as follows; You can call in person to the 2nd Floor, at County Hall, Prospect Hill from Mon-Fri. between 9am and 4pm or phone a designated phone number:091 509 309 / Fax 091 509 059 or you can e-mail [email protected].

Road Drainage Following on from the visit of the engineers to Claregalway I have been informed that the council are now seeking the necessary funding from the NRA to do this work in conjunction with the sewer pipe laying.

Claregalway Sewerage SchemeThe latest information that I have been given by the council is that they expect work to start on the pipe laying for the sewerage scheme in Au-gust/September. A number of people had queries in relation to the area to be included in the pipe network and I give hereunder the proposals;1. The layout maps used in the preparation of tender drawings have been updated to include all housing estates in Claregalway.2. The extent of the sewer on the N18 terminates at the entrance to Gleann Muiris.3. No provision has been made to connect the Community Centre or the Corporate Pk.4. The sewer network terminates approx 140 metres from the bridge on the Tuam Rd. The scheme will include both the Nine Arches and the Mainistir estate.5. The sewer network terminates approx 110 metres from the Oranmore Rd, junction on the Galway Rd.I have raised with the council the possibility of connecting up the Community Centre and the Corporate park and they have informed me that if it is the wish to have these areas connected that they can apply to have them connected. Jim

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“What Are Ya Talking About?”Years ago if you were caught talking to yourself, people would say to you that the men in the white coats would be coming for you. Self talk is natural and we all have inner thoughts; sometimes these inner thoughts translate into inner voices. We sometimes notice that when we make a mistake or forget to do something we may blurt something out and that’s an example where we externalise what is going on in our heads at any one time.

Negative Self Talk—In every complaint there is a hidden desireA number of years ago I was blessed to have a great employer who spent a lot of time mentoring and coaching me. These were crucial formative years in my early twenties that I still value dearly today. I was always overcome by stress, which from time to time manifested in ill health. One day my employer sat me down and said to me, ‘You know, I never have to give you a dressing down if you make a mistake, you do enough giving out to you for both of us.’ This really made me think, I seemed to let a negative thought enter my head, and then have a full scale conversation or scenario visualised in my head before long. This usually happened when I was disgruntled, and could happen weeks after an event. I was not conscious of what I was doing; I was stressing myself out. It usually started to occur when I was relaxed, whether brushing my teeth, cooking, or even having a shower. A thought of a person or an incident about which I was embarrassed would enter my head, and before I knew it I was back into the situation again, practically reliving it. Sometimes I would even create scenarios in my head of events in the future that didn’t ever happen. It seemed I let a negative thought snowball out of control. I heard the story of Victor Frankl who was a prisoner of the concentration camps in World War 2. He was one of a group of very brave people who refused to be stripped of their dignity and who by focussing on the positive, inspired other people to survive the Holocaust.

Positive Self TalkOnce my employer brought it to my attention, I felt there was nothing I could do. This realisation made me powerless against the negative thoughts that entered my head and the ensuing stress that followed. Then another person pointed out I had a choice, even though I felt I had no control over the thoughts that were in my head. He told me we all have choices to make in life; you can choose to be happy or sad. I honestly felt like punching this guy in the face, I was so incensed. I felt that this guy who barely knew me or my circumstances was making light of my stress. However, slowly but surely I started to realise that I did have a choice. Once I acknowledged that I had options and choices I started to feel empowered and in control.

The only way is forwardI look back now and really appreciate the wise words that those men were brave enough to tell me, even though I was at my wits end. Once I started to let go of the past and focus on a posi-tive future there was no stopping me. I started a personal path of discovery that continues to this day. Some people call this lifelong learning. While I was not a fan of study and school, I can now say I have continuously educated myself for the last 15 years. Due to this learning I feel empowered even with the negative media and economic climate. Over those 15 years I realised every single ambition that I ever had. In my early twenties these were just pipe dreams, something that happened to other successful people with unlim-ited resources. I know now that we are all blessed with internal resources and that our potential is unlimited. I went from someone being shy and stressed to becoming content and confident with my ambitions realised.

The above statement is so true; it is only when I started talking about

“The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.”


About the Author YellowWood was established by Galway man William Corless to improve the performance of their organisation and optimise individual potential. YellowWood provides clients with a 360° approach through coaching, training and business solutions. A key benefit of Yellowwood’s coaching and training services is the long term value offered to organisations from more effective time management, improved decision making, clarity on strategic direction and improved dealings with staff and stakeholders. A lifelong learner, he has a broad education in a variety of disciplines: Electronic Engineering, Diploma in Business (Specializing in Supply Chain), Counselling, Coaching, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Training and Psychometrics (Leadership, Team and Career Development). William is a mentor for the Executive MBA in NUI Galway, Coaching Development and Galway Enterprise Board, as well as being the Director of Operations & Finance for the National Board of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). If you would like to take immediate action and achieve your goals, contact William on 091 739 676 or [email protected].

myself in a better way that I truly started to feel comfort-able in my own skin and began to feel ambitious. Before that I felt that because I was a nice guy and worked hard I was just lucky. People are sometimes unaware how we minimise ourselves and discount compliments or achievements. It is fair to say that as an Irish nation we find it hard to take compliments and do not value ourselves fully. It could stem from the fact we were oppressed and colonised for centuries. The statements we often use are sometimes referred to as ‘self limiting beliefs’.

We often ignore the positive affirmations that people give us, and think they praise us merely for being nice or just to be heard by others. By discounting and minimising ourselves we keep ourselves small and do not realise or fulfil our full potential. By using all of our resources we can grow into the people we always wanted to be.

It’s never too late to become the person you were always meant to beYou have the potential to do whatever you dream to do. It is your personal responsibility to be happy and realise your dreams. Once you identify the skills and resources you need you can determine the paths like other success-ful people. As an award winning coach I often see people who want to realise their potential for change and open doors to new possibilities. People then take accountabil-ity to take action and become empowered.

These statements capture some of these self limiting beliefs. Sometimes we might say:—“Ah stop”—“Sure anyone could do it”—“I’m not that good”—“I don’t do compliments”—“That’s not a problem”, discounting the existence of a problem—“I’ll try, Perhaps, Maybe...”—“I can’t think”—“I’m not able to”—“It’s not for me to say or do”—“I couldn’t do that”—“I’m not good enough”—“It’s only my opinion”—“I should, I must, I have to , I mustn’t ...”

Coaching is a support for people to create sustained change. Coaching provides the ideal platform to improve organisational performance and to maximise individual potential. I create a safe environment to raise awareness and explore opportunities for growth and to facilitate change. My coaching style is based on transactional analysis which is a client centred approach that is forward focused and solution orientated. Desired outcomes are mutually identified and agreed in advance, which then places the client in a position of empowerment to take action. The actual coaching process is a conversation of moving the client to gain personal insight and to be responsible to focus on goals set.

William Corless


GIY (Grow it Yourself) Monthly Column—April 2012

So I totally get how daunting it can be to take that first step. At events, shows and festivals around Ireland, we do a seed-sowing roadshow where we have little giy cardboard cups that we use to get people to sow seeds in. We fill them with potting compost and get people to sow a pea or a broad bean seed in them and bring it home with them. You would be amazed at how frightened people are of this simple little act of popping a seed in soil. They are scared (like I was) of failure – scared it won’t grow, scared they will look like an eejit if it doesn’t work. At giy, our job is to help people overcome that initial fear, help them to get a quick win and to experience what we call giy joy—the thrill about a week or two after sowing when a little green seedling pokes its head out of the soil and the even greater thrill when eventually (fingers and other extremities crossed), the plant produces some food. So our big idea for 2012 is a campaign we are calling operation giy nation. The idea is to get families that have never grown anything at all to give it a try. We have designed 6 really straight forward growing projects that parents and kids can download from our website—one each month for six months starting in April. The idea is that we will take you on a journey—starting with a really easy and fun growing project that you can do with your kids, and build your level of experience over the 6 months. If you get involved we promise you that by the end of it, you will have produced some food that you can eat—we will leave you feeling empowered and healthy, living more sustainably and doing something that really matters. Above all, you will experience giy joy. To get involved in operation giy nation, visit our website www.giyireland.com/giynation.

Things to do this monthIf poor weather in March has hampered your outdoor work, then April is the month to catch-up. The key words for April are weeds and slugs. You need to stay on top of them both. Check your early spuds regularly and ‘earth-up’ as required. Water your tunnel/greenhouse – things can get pretty warm on a nice sunny April day and seedlings will dry out quickly.

SowIndoors: lettuce, tomato, pepper, chilli-pepper, cucumber, celery, celeriac, basil, leeks, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsley, courgette, marrow, globe artichoke, beans, sweet corn and pumpkin.

Outdoors: broad bean, onion sets, pea, beetroot, cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts, parsnip, spring onion, leek, carrot, radish, broccoli, turnip. Plant out cabbage plants when they are 15/20 cm tall into well prepared soil that has been manured.

HarvestStored fruit and vegetables are likely to be a dis-tant memory at this stage and new crops are only starting to trickle in which makes April a tricky proposition. The middle of this month might see the first asparagus and the first early spring cab-bage. The other two star performers this month are purple sprouting broccoli and rhubarb.

I’m not too far removed from the point where I was really, really daunted by the idea of growing my own food. I was the least green fingered person in the universe when I started growing my own vegetables about 6 years ago – up to that point my only experience of growing things was with bonsai trees. I went through a phase where I thought they were really cool, but they kept just dying on me and I stopped after I had killed about 4 of them with a collective age of about 1500 years.


Recipe of the Month— Simple Cooked ChardApril is a classic “hungry gap” month for most growers, where we are still waiting patiently for the first of the new season crops to come along and last year’s stores are looking painfully bare. Thankfully we still have chard! I sowed rows of it last winter for the polytun-nel, and the little seedlings burst in to life back in March. It’s in good nick for picking now. I’ve always been a little daunted about what to do with chard, until I discovered proper instructions on how to cook them. Don’t forget that the stalks are really good – don’t discard them. This quantity will serve 4.

Ingredients: —450g chard—extra virgin olive oil—handful freshly chopped herbs (e.g. rosemary, marjoram or tarragon)

Wash the chard carefully and then drain. Chop the stalks off the leaves and cut them in to 5cm lengths. Roughly chop the leaves. Cook the stalks in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes, then add the leaves and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. The leaves will be wilted at this point. Drain well and then toss with a little olive oil. Add the herbs, season and serve.

Tip of the Month—Upcycle!Your recycle bin can often throw up very useful veggie growing companions in the shape of pots, containers, cloches and seed sowing containers. For example yogurt pots are great for starting tomato, pepper, and aubergine seeds - poke a few drainage holes in the bottom and they are perfect for the purpose. Egg cartons are eggscellent (teehee) for chit-ting spuds in, but they are also good for seed sowing so long as you are not sowing things in them that need a large root system. Toilet roll inserts are brilliant to sow in - pretty much anything can be sown in them and they can be placed directly in the soil then as the insert will then rot away. Once you’ve packed away that shopping after your trip to the shop, you’re likely to have all manner of clear plastic punnets, pots and con-tainers—they can act as cloches in that crucial springtime period when seedlings are first put out in the soil.

Grow Magazine: The 64-page giy magazine, grow is a must-read for anyone interested in growing their own food in 2012. Includes contributions from Joy Larkcom, Fion-nuala Fallon, Kitty Scully, Hans Wieland, Darina Allen, Klaus Laitenberger and Joyce Russell. The magazine costs €4.50 and is available from our website and in most good newsagents. grow is sent free of charge to subscribing members of giy. giy membership costs €35 and the member's pack includes the magazine, 7 packs of giy seeds, grower's wallchart and a giy member's card.

Michael KellyMichael Kelly is a freelance journalist, author and founder of giy Ireland.

About giy: giy’s vision is for a healthier, more connected and more sustainable world where people grow their own food. We bring people together in community groups and online to inspire and empower them to grow vegetables. There are over 100 giy community groups and approxi-mately 12,000 people involved in the movement around Ireland. giy is a registered charity—chy 18920.

© giy Ireland 2012—all rights reserved.

GIY Connaught Gathering

Saturday, 21st April from 10am Claregalway Hotel, Co Galway.

Admission €5

Take the Next Step: Learn about getting started with keeping hens, pigs and bees!

GIY's vision is for a healthier, more sustainable and more connected society where people grow their own food.

Loads more happening on the day! • GIY Shop • Pop Up GIY Group • GIY Potting Shed • AND MORE!

Learn from our Garden Experts! • Klaus Laitenberger • Trevor Sargent • Dermot Carey • Kay Sinnott


Claregalway GAA ClubMemorable Weekend with Clonduff—Welcome Visitors from the Mourne County.

Together with Carnmore Hurling Club we recently entertained a very enjoyable and memorable visit from the Clonduff GAA Club, Co. Down. Clonduff are celebrating their 125th. Anniversary this year. It is the home Club of Patsy O’Hagan, our late President and Founder Member and, as a consequence, the Clonduff-Claregalway connection runs deep. Patsy was a star player on the brilliant Down team of the 1960s, the first county from the North to capture the Sam Maguire Cup. Their result-ing 1960 return in triumph across the Border continues to be a historic benchmark in the annals of the GAA. To mark their Anniversary, Clonduff decided to bring their footballers, men and ladies, their hurlers and camogie play-ers to our parish for the week-end of March 31–April 1 last. On the Saturday they were welcomed to Carnmore by Noel Grealish, Vice-chairman of Carnmore Hurling Club, who in his address made special reference to Patsy’s organisational talents and achievements in developing com-munity facilities for sport and recreation in the parish, which up to then were largely absent. The Carnmore v Clonduff hurling and camogie games were played in the afternoon, followed by the splendid refreshments arranged by Carn-more in their Club Centre for all present. After visiting Galway city to get a flavour of the Saturday night life, they returned to Claregalway on Sunday forenoon to visit Patsy’s grave. The Clonduff v Claregalway games in Senior Men and Ladies Football were played off in the afternoon in lovely sunshine. For this game the Claregalway team donned the Down jerseys and Colm & Danny wore Nos. 5 and 14, the team positions in which Patsy excelled with Down. Clonduff won the Senior game by a point. The Patsy O’Hagan Memorable Cup donated by the O’Hagan Family, Claregalway, was presented by Brendan to the Clon-duff team captain John Fegan who let it be known with full intent that Clonduff will not allow the trophy out of their possession without a stern content next play-off. In his post-match remarks Claregalway Club Chairman Tony Clarke pointed out the huge significance of the occasion and thanked the event organisers in Claregal-way and Carnmore for the excellent arrangements. The assembled gathering then retired to the Club Centre to enjoy another splendid array of refreshments, following which the Clonduff party departed for home with our best wishes.

Sean Flanagan, Club P.R.O.

Pictured Above:Eddie & Brendan O’Hagan holding the Patsy O’Hagan Memorial Cup donated by the O’Hagan Family, Claregalway for the winners of the Claregalway v ClonduΩ Football game played on April 1st 2012.

L to R: Tony Clarke (Chairman Claregalway GAA Club), Dympna Cummins, PJ McGovern (Vice-chairman), Arty Noel McConville & Barney McPolin (both ClonduΩ), Tom Lenihan (President Claregalway GAA Club).


Healthy Eating—A Summary of Basic Principles of a Healthy Diet

John Duffy, MPSI, of Claregalway Pharmacy shares these tips for maintaining a healthy diet.

Eat plenty of starchy foods (complex carbohydrates)The main part of most meals should be starchy foods such as bread, cereals, potatoes, rice, and pasta, together with fruit and vegetables. Some people wrongly think that starchy foods are ‘fat-tening’. In fact, they contain about half the calories than the same weight of fat.

Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit & vegetables each dayOne portion is: —one large fruit such as an apple, pear, banana, orange, or a large slice of melon or pineapple, —two smaller fruits such as plums, satsumas, etc.—one cup of small fruits such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc. —two large tablespoons of fruit salad, stewed or canned fruit, —one tablespoon of dried fruit, —150ml glass of fresh fruit juice, —a normal portion of any vegetable (about two tablespoons), —one dessert bowl of salad.

Eat “protein foods” in moderationMeat, fish, nuts, pulses, chicken, and similar foods are high in pro-tein. You need some protein to keep healthy. However, most people eat more protein than is needed. Choose poultry such as chicken or lean meat. Oily fish is thought to help protect against heart disease. For example, herring, sardines, mackerel, salmon, kippers, pilchards, and fresh tuna (not tinned tuna). Aim to eat at least two portions of fish per week, at least one of which should be oily.

Don’t eat too much fatTry not to fry much food. It is bet-ter to grill, bake, poach, barbecue, or boil food. If you do fry, use unsaturated oil such as corn, sun-flower or olive oil. Choose lean cuts of meat, and cut off any excess fat. Try not to add unnecessary fat to food. For example, use low fat spreads, spread less butter or mar-garine on bread, measure out small portions of oil for cooking, etc. Watch out for hidden fats that are in pastries, chocolate, cakes, and biscuits. Have low fat milk, cheeses, yoghurts, and other dairy foods rather than full fat varieties.Avoid cream. Use low fat salad cream, or low fat yoghurt as a cream substitute.

Claregalway Pharmacy, Tel/Fax 091 799 754Opens Monday to Friday until 8pm and 7pm on Saturday. For more information & advice on healthy eating see www.safefood.eu

Don’t have too many sugary foods and drinksThese are high in calories, and too much may cause weight gain (and they are bad for your teeth).

Try not to eat too much saltUse small amounts of salt with cooking, and don’t add more salt at the table.

Don’t drink too much alcoholA small amount of alcohol (1-2 units per day) may help to pro-tect you from heart disease. One unit is about half a pint of normal strength beer, or two thirds of a glass of wine, or one pub measure of spirits. However, too much can be harmful. Men should drink no more than 21 units per week (and no more than four units in any one day). Women should drink no more than 14 units per week (and no more than three units in any one day).

John DuΩy


Gardening with Josette

For those of you who ask about transplanting and moving shrubs you have about another two weeks in which to do so, before the plants burst into growth. If you wish to do any bareroot planting, it must be done now, you can plant any of the bareroot trees, conifers and hedging plants, which are always a little cheaper than the potted plants.Many people ask about feeding plants in the garden. In general this is best left until growth starts and the weather is a little better. You can feed all established trees and shrubs with any tree and shrub fertiliser or with 7:6:17, at a rate of 2 ozs to each plant. Scatter this on the bare soil around the plant. Lawn mowing usually starts during March, if not earlier. The main factor involved is the state of the ground. If the ground is dry enough to walk on, mowing can begin. Start mowing at a high cut and work your way down during the season. Always have an inch of grass cover. Lawns will be very pale after winter rain due to the lack of nutrients and moss will also need treatment after thriving during the dampness of winter. The grass will recover quickly if it is given some treatment. Something such as the Golden Vale 3:1 Lawn Weed and Feed would be ideal. This has two different weed killers in it to kill any weeds in the lawn, all the general fertilisers needed and sulphate of iron which kills any moss and gives a nice dark green colour.It is put out at a rate of 2 ozs per square yard. Most places will give you a spreader for the duration of putting it out, for free. In the Vegetable garden, if soil conditions are right, the seeds of many vegetables can be put in before the end of March. In particular, onions, parsnips, and brussel sprouts benefit from the early sowing. Onion sets and shallots can also be put in now. Seed potatoes are also available and the early varieties such as Homeguard, Sharps Express, Duke of York and British Queens (2nd early's) can be sprouted now for planting out at the end of this month. Before

March is the month when soil temperatures climb back up and with it growth begins in earnest. The old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb is very true. Ever lengthening days give us more time to spend in the garden and we need it because there is plenty to be done. Although the days are still chilly, with overnight frost an ever-present danger, there will gradually be more sunshine to cheer us up and milder feel to the air.

planting, dig in some organic matter into the soil. Space early varieties 12 inches apart in the row and 2 feet apart between rows and at a depth of 5 inches. Most people can grow early varieties as they will avoid blight mostly. You can get a good return from even a 1 stone bag. Worth a try! In the Fruit garden you can plant all the varie-ties now. A tip for use in the vegetable garden or elsewhere is if you save the ashes from the fire it can be used as an excellent slug repellent. It is also far kinder to birds as it eliminates the dan-ger of using slug pellets.

Tidying up of flower beds can be carried out during this month. It is not strictly necessary though, to remove every bit of dead plant material. Leaving the less messy bits on the ground encourages beneficial insects. Herbaceous border plants can be lifted and divided to rejuvenate old congested clumps. All summer bulbs are available now in most Garden Centres such as begonias, gladioli, lilies, dahlias, etc. with lots of different varieties and colours.

Seed planting—A lot of people buy seeds for planting out in the summer with images of beau-tiful colours as on the front of the packets. Some succeed and some don't.

Until next time, Josette

Check out the great selection of plants, herbs, vegs, & seeds in Horkan’s Garden Centre, Lydican.

Local TownlandsA townland is one of the smallest land divisions in Ireland. They range in size from a few acres to thousands of acres. Many are Gaelic in origin, but some came into existence after the Norman invasion of 1169.

The Nuacht Chláir will be publishing photos and information about the townlands of Claregalway in the next number of issues.The text here is taken from (URL): http://places.galwaylibrary.ie/asp/parish.asp?id=2667The photos were shot by a member of the Nuacht Chláir team.

Cloon is situated 2 miles South West of Claregalway.Bounded on the North and East by Pollaghreevagh, South by Cloonacauneen, and West by Carrowbrowne.

Also known as:Cluain, Clún, (Meadow).

Pollaghrevagh is situated 2 miles West SW of Claregalway. Bounded on the North by Montiagh, South & West by Cloon & Rockwood and East by Summerfield.

Also known as:Pollach Riabhach, Pullaghreavagh, (Rough Hollow).

Clogher is situated 1½ miles West of Claregalway. Bounded on the North and West by Cloon, South by Cregboy, and East by Cahergowan.

Also known as:Clochar, Clocar.

More in next month’s issue.


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Crossword Editor Brian Place

Send completed Crosswords to:

B.D. Place,Woodleigh,Creig Buí, Baile Chláir,Co. na Gaillimhe.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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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)

Across

1 Fabric resembling velvet (6) 5 A fine twilled table linen (6) 10 Hoping (7) 11 Necessary (7) 12 Currency of Iran (4) 13 Most Arabic speakers (5) 15 Threesome (4) 17 Perish (3) 19 Used for cutting grass (6) 21 Citrus fruit (6) 22 Stimulate to action (7) 23 Protect (6) 25 Purchasers (6) 28 Rainbow shaped (3) 30 Propel golf ball towards hole (4) 31 Additional (5) 32 Cougar (4) 35 Back pain (7) 36 Artist's board (7) 37 Seizes power illegally (6) 38 Guides (6)

Down

2 Intense joy (7) 3 US state (4) 4 Observe closely (6) 5 South–Central European river (6) 6 Mild (4) 7 Crocus Sativus (7) 8 Weapons (6) 9 Recess (6) 14 Terminus for air travel (7) 16 Penetrating coldness (5) 18 Sigmund ----- (Psychoanalyst) (5) 20 Finish (3) 21 Celestial body (3) 23 Lissom (6) 24 Narrow strip of connecting land (7) 26 Line separating the hemispheres (7) 27 Works very hard (6) 28 Maxims (6) 29 Underground vaults (6) 33 Wild animal den (4) 34 Guidance towards solution (4)

First correct Crossword opened wins:

A Meal for 2 in the Claregalway Hotel

Crossword April 2012

Name:

Contact Number:

Last month’s winner:Noreen Murphy,

Claregalway.

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