nuacht chláir april 2014

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Boys Basketball Update

sport page 28

Father Ian O’Neill celebrated a Dawn Mass on Easter Sunday

(April 20th) with Fathers Eamon Finnegan and Brendan Dunning from SMa House. Over 500 people attended the Mass at 6am in the cloister of Claregalway Friary. There was a beautiful atmosphere with fires lit and lanterns dotted all over the Abbey grounds, and the rising sun provided a perfect backdrop to the special Mass. Music was provided by the Moran sisters and O’Brien sisters. Mass used to be held in Claregalway Friary until the 1870s, when the remaining friars left the ruins and a new church was constructed across the River Clare (which is now demolished).

Short History of Claregalway FriaryThis article was originally published seventeen years ago in the December 1997 Nuacht Chláir. For a more comprehensive history of Claregalway Friary, visit claregalway.info/history

Perhaps the most notable landmark in the parish of Claregalway lies just to the north of the river Clare and to the west of the Norman castle. This is the Franciscan Friary which has been in existence since the 13th Century. A certain amount of debate has been held regarding the actual year of construction and the generally accepted year was 1290, the erection being credited to John de Cogan.

Continued on page 10 →

Nuacht Chláir The free community-curated newsletter for Claregalway April 2014 | Vol.18 iSS.7

First Mass Held in Claregalway Friary in over a Century

news page 16

Results of Claregalway 5K Fun-Run for CDDCC

For more local news see www.claregalway.info

Móna’s Blueberry & Lemon Muffins

features pageS 8–9

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

by Pat Coen

The building is located in Rooaunmore, adjacent to the

old forge which was restored by the Historical and Cultural Society a few years ago. The total cost of construction is around €130,000 which has been part funded by a grant from Comhar na nOileáin with the remainder to be raised through fundraising efforts. The site was given free of charge by the Smyth and Glynn families, Rooaunmore. The building was open to the public on Sunday, March 2nd and visitors were extremely impressed by the completed structure. A caretaker has been sanctioned under the Tús programme and will be in attendance every second week. The museum is currently being fitted oput with display cabinets. The Historical & Cultural Society is extremely grateful to many local

businesses and individuals who have already made donations to the building fund. Further donations will be very welcome and the Society will be embarking on fundraising activities at a later stage to make up the shortfall in building costs after the final grants have been received from Comhar na nOileáin. It is planned to have the official opening of the museum later in the year. People who have old artefacts which they would like to donate to the museum can contact the caretaker or any member of the Historical & Cultural Society. The Society has recently been working in cooperation with staff and students from the Geography Department at NUig on a project based on Claregalway parish and community. Students conducted interviews and surveys during the past few weeks and expect to have the project completed very soon.

New Claregalway Museum Opens

Construction work on Claregalway Museum was completed at the end of February and the building was handed over to the Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society by the builders, Cloherty Construction, Cloon.

Green Light for €550m Gort–Tuam Motorwayby Declan Tierney, Connacht Tribune

At last, the signing of the contracts for the €550 million Gort to Tuam motorway took place this month, after months of delays, with the creation of a possible 2,000 jobs in the process. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport will arrive in Galway in a few weeks’ time for a sod turning ceremony. An NRa source told The Connacht Tribune that 500 people will be directly employed in the construction of the 57 kilometres of motorway. He added that it was a general rule that three times this amount would be employed indirectly, with local quarries and other suppliers of road materials set to reap the rewards. In recent months there have been a number of ‘false starts’ with regard to the announcement of the signing of the contracts for the motorway. In fact Transport Minister Leo Varadkar asked his Galway Oireachtas members to ‘keep their powder dry’ about rushing to make any announcement about the contracts being signed in case it might jeopardise the process. But Deputy Ciaran Cannon ‘broke ranks’ and announced a date for the signing last month and was left red faced when it did not happen. “It is such a major project that there is a lot of bureaucracy involved before anything can signed on the dotted line. There are so many legal stumbling blocks to overcome. “But I expect that construction works will start by the autumn and once this happens it will create a huge jobs boost for County Galway,” the NRa spokesman said. As it stands, the NRa have already spent around €150 million on the project and this was mainly in the acquisition of lands along the route.

www.claregalway.info 3

by Josette Farrell

There was a wonderful atmosphere at the Dawn Mass on Easter Sunday in the Friary. It was great to see such a large turnout and I hope this becomes a more regular feature in the Church’s calendar. The long awaited approval for a sewerage scheme for Claregalway has finally come through after years of waiting. Over the past number of years the pipes for the sewerage treatment system were installed in both villages but then the process came to a stop. There has been intense pressure to have the treatment plants in Claregalway built. It means that there will be no more septic tanks in the village and new estates which provided their own treatment plants will also join the new scheme. Work on the construction of the N17–N18 motorway between Gort and Tuam is expected to begin in 2014. The construction of a 57km motorway will take thousands of vehicles out of Claregalway, Clarinbridge and Tuam each day. It will be constructed as a Public Private Partnership project. There will be no tolls on the road—the State will pay the private contractor an annuity over 25 years. The NRa (National Roads Authority) says hundreds of jobs will be created during the construction phase. It will be interesting to see if the traffic gridlock improves in these areas as is predicted. giY (Grow it Yourself) continues to grow and grow. Founded in 2009, the movement is made up of over 50,000 food growing people and community groups, supported by the giY foundation which runs events and campaigns to build awareness and knowledge. There has never been a more urgent need for people to grow and eat healthy food. Research has shown that when people grow their own food, they gain a deeper understanding of food which leads to long term dietary changes and improved mental and physical wellbeing. In Claregalway it is a common sight to see polytunnels in people’s yards, and the local schools are keenly interested in growing their own which is a great education for children and their parents. As many of you may know, I have been selected as a candidate in the Oranmore/Athenry electoral ward in the upcoming local elections on May 23rd 2014. Having raised six children in the heart of Claregalway I am very aware of educational needs. I feel I can identify with issues of concern in the area and will work towards resolving problems and improving facilities. You can read some more about my motivation for running on our website at claregalway.info/josette-farrell. This month we bring you our regular contributors and as always we welcome your thoughts and opinions.

Until next time, Josette.

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

by emailing [email protected]

by phoning Josette on 086 391 3852 / 091 798 430

via our website www.claregalway.info

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

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

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


Naíonra Clúidín na mBabaí, Claregalway

Naíonra Clúidín na mBabaí is a community based pre-school that caters for children aged 3 to 5 years. It is based in the gaa Clubhouse at Claregalway Community Centre. It was established over ten years ago and is fully compliant with HSe regulations. Our curriculum includes song, dance, drama, pre-reading and writing, physical education and lots more all developed to aid the holistic development of the child. The children learn, through the medium of Irish, in a fun and interactive way. In addition to developing the children, it also gives them a good grounding and interest in the language when starting primary school. The daily activities at the Naíonra include dressing up in beautiful costumes, playing with sand and water, singing and dancing and enjoying the large range of toys, puzzles and books available. The children also take advantage of the facilities in the community centre for regular indoor exercise. When the weather allows, the children put on their wellies and enjoy the outdoor green areas. At Christmas, Easter and summer the children put on a little show for their parents to show off what they have learned. Naíonra hours are Monday to Friday from 9.15am–12.15pm. Enrollments are now being accepted for the academic year 2014–15. Free eCCe places are available.

For more information please contact Lisa at 087 2070 558.

Pictured at the World Irish Dancing Championships 2014, which took place as usual over Holy Week, are members of The Corrib School of Dance. They placed 5th in their Freestyle which was a great achievement.

Well done to the Claregalway Basketball Club U15 boys (pictured above) who won their final on 5th of April.

World Autism Day in Claregalway Educate Together took place on Wednesday April 2nd. It was a lovely event and all of the students wore blue for the day.

There will be a parents’ information evening on Wednesday 7th May 2014 at 8pm in the gaa Clubhouse. Prospective parents are also welcome to view the daily activities of the Naíonra.

Congratulations to Stephen Moore, Rockmount and Merlin’s Magic (Henry) for winning the Grand Prix at the Millstreet International Show on the 20th of April.


Unfortunately Claregalway Traffic Gridlock Will Continue Says Oranmore Electoral Area Chairman Originally published in the April 2004 Nuacht Chláir

It is now recognised that Claregalway village is one of the worst traffic gridlocks in the Country, with motorists experiencing huge delays in the growing village on a daily basis especially at peak traffic times morning and evening. In recent times there has been much speculation and indeed many calls have been made for a bypass of the village on the N17. Responding to representations from many Claregalway residents and motorists using the N17 with regard to the current position of a bypass of Claregalway the Chairman of the Oranmore Electoral Area Councillor Jarlath McDonagh has sought the current official position with regard to the bypass of Claregalway by placing a special notion of motion before a recent meeting of Galway County Council asking the Council to clearly outline to him if and when they see a bypass for the highly congested and traffic grid locked village of Claregalway being put into place and to outline to him what is the Councils plan with regard to this urgently needed bypass and when and if at all they see it coming on stream. The Council replied to Cllr McDonagh stating that no approval for a bypass scheme for Claregalway has been made to date by the National Roads Authority. The National Roads Authorities proposals for a new N17 should be in place by the year 2010.

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

Responding to the Galway Co Councils Official reply Cllr McDonagh stated that he is extremely disappointed and it is now obvious that motorists will have to suffer on and it looks like it will be years down the line before any bypass, if at all, will be put in place in Claregalway. This, he said, is a most unsatisfactory situation and he is calling upon Galway Co. Council to make another special plea to the NRa to speed up the process and to point out to them that traffic is going to get worse in the village of Claregalway with the coming on stream of the two new hotels and the many new houses which are being put in place at the the much sought after location. Finally, the Chairman of the Oranmore Electoral Area says it is incumbent on Galway Co Council and the National Roads Authority to act with regard to alleviating traffic problems in the growing village of Claregalway.

For more local news from the year 1996 onwards, visit our online archives at claregalway.info/archives

Pictured in 2000 is the Nine Arches during their restoration, with the n17 in the foreground and a delapidated Claregalway Castle in the background (Photo by Josette Farrell).


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

Local Notices

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

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

The Claregalway & District Day Care Centre is now open five days Monday–Friday from 9.30am–4pm. For more information please drop in, contact 091 739 385, 086 445 8989, or visit claregalwaydaycarecentre.ie.

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

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

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

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

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

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


Claregalway Sewerage Scheme to be CompletedIndependent Deputy for Galway West, Noel Grealish has welcomed news that Phase 2 of the Claregalway and Milltown Sewerage Schemes have been given approval to proceed to construction by Irish Water. ‘This phase of the Claregalway Sewerage Scheme involves the Design Build and Operate (DBo) of the new treatment plant for the village and contract has been awarded to the epS Group from Cork.’ ‘The pipework for the new sewerage treatment plant in the village was completed in 2013 and the approval to proceed to construction of the treatment plant will be welcome news for the businesses and residents of Claregalway.’ ‘When the new treatment plant is open it will mean that the eight independent treatment plants currently in operation in the village can be decommissioned and it is also hoped that the new treatment plant will reduce pollution and enhance water quality in the area.’ ‘The total cost of the new treatment plants for Claregalway and Milltown is €10 million and I look forward to work commencing shortly,’ concluded Deputy Grealish.

Dates Set ForGalway Garden Festival 2014 Galway Garden Festival 2014 will take place once again on Saturday and Sunday, July 5th and 6th, in Claregalway Castle.

The themes of this years festival will be wide ranging and speakers will include, Fionnuala Fallon (writer and garden correspondent for The Irish Times), Michael Kelly (founder of giY, Grow it Yourself), Klaus Laitenberger (Green Vegetable Seeds.com), Oliver Schurmann (Mount Venus Nursery—Hampton Palace Court Gold medalist) and Evelyn Cusack (Deputy Head of Forecasting, Met Éireann).

One of the highlights of the event will be an evening of poety with Whitbread Award winning poet Bernard O’Donoghue. Pre booking of tickets, when available, is advisable, to avoid disappointment.

Updates of other speakers at the event will be available in coming weeks on www.galwaygardenfestival.com or at www.claregalway.info.

To share local news visit claregalway.info, email [email protected] or phone Josette on 086 391 3852.

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

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

Ah the Easter Holidays are all but upon us thank God. While many of us might pine away for a large plate of rashers, sausages and eggs to start the weekend off on the right foot, I think it is safe to suggest that it would not be a tough sell getting the family to take a stroll down the sweeter route occasionally. Recharging the brain and body is of vital importance for every age group.

A Little Bit of Prepping Goes a Long Way

If you feel that you are never hungry enough to eat in the morning, it is because you probably ate

a late dinner and your stomach is exhausted from digesting all night long. Keep in mind, breakfast is a time of day and not a type of food. If you open the fridge and a piece of leftover poached salmon and sautéed spinach from last nights dinner looks appealing to you, then breakfast is served. With breakfast being the most important meal of the day you might as well enjoy it. No longer just for a Sunday brunch, restaurants and cafes all over the country are now whipping up pancakes and waffles daily, and it is possible that we as a nation are becoming more fond of the syrups and sweetness that goes with it all. A stack of hotcakes drizzled with Highbank Orchard syrup (Irelands answer to Maple syrup) or beautiful Belgian waffles bathed in Llewellyns Orchard Apple sauce. We are not starved for options on this one. Although we make every effort to give the kids a balanced meal every day, breakfast can be the hardest time of the day to encourage them to eat a piece of fruit as opposed to a stack of pancakes. We always make sure to have them start with a small bowl of fresh fruit salad before we let them tear into their pancakes and occasionally we bake it right into their first meal of the day, and they are none the wiser. Our recipe is for those of you that might be hurried and still want to provide a healthier snack when running out the door. Working with Spelt flour and yoghurt for this recipe we are delighted to share a recipe for Blueberry Lemon Muffins that just gets better and better every time we try it. This recipe can be easily adapted to using your favourite fruit and yohurts and the muffins freeze exceptionally well.

Enjoy! Móna

by Móna Wise


Blueberry Lemon Muffins(makes 12 large breakfast muffins)

Making breakfast muffins need not be too much of a chore. These can be made the night before right after dinner and are delicious when served warm the next morning. The cream cheese frosting is a delicious touch but the same (and less calorific) result can be had using vanilla yoghurt.

What you need120g wholemeal spelt flour

120g self raising flour1 tsp cream of tartar1/2 tsp baking soda

1 lemon, zest and juice

60g butter, soft100g caster sugar

2 eggs320ml blueberry yoghurt

200g blueberries, fresh or frozen

How to prepare itIn a stand mixer cream the butter and sugar together, then add the eggs. Sift both flours, cream of tartar and baking soda together. Add in half the flour mix and then the yoghurt. Add in the rest of the flour then the lemon zest and lemon juice and continue to mix for two minutes. Finally, fold in the fresh blueberries (reserving a few for garnish) and spoon a dessert sized spoonful into the muffin pan. Bake at 175°C for 18–20 minutes. If desired, a small spoonful of cream cheese frosting can be used to decorate the muffins and garnish with a blueberry.

Cream cheese frostingMix 100g cream cheese, 50g icing sugar and a drop of food colourtogether and spoon on to your muffins. These keep in the fridge for a few days and store well (with frosting) in the freezer for several months.


Continued from cover →This man was in fact a descendant of Milo de Cogan, reputedly the first Englishman to set foot in Connacht, but who ended up making a shameful retreat. However, evidence was recently uncovered which makes the Friary at least 40 years older. A deed from 1252 mentions the Friary and it is known that between the years of 1250 and 1256 lands were given to the friars in Claregalway. The Friary is also reputed to be the first known Francisan house in Connacht and it was known to be under the custody of Nenagh in a document from 1260. This earlier construction date is also accredited to John de Cogan, so it is obvious that he was involved, regardless. Two events of note closed the history of the Friary in the 13th Century, both involving different popes. In 1291 Pope Nicholas iV offered an indulgence to anyone visiting the Friary on certain feast days. Religion was also the cause of events involving Pope Bonifact Viii which centred around an unsettled quarrel over whether or not Annaghdown was in the Tuam archdiocese. Fearing the worst Annaghdown’s Bishop sent all the pontificalia or symbols of office to the Claregalway friars for safe keeping. This keeping lasted until 1297 when Philip de Blund acting under orders from Tuam, violently removed them. In 1327 a descendant of John de Cogan, going by the name of John Magnus de Cogan lived up to his name by giving a large endowment to the Friary. He was credited as both a founder and a benefactor. Also in this century the friars were given lands by various other benefactors. They were to use these lands to pay for the expenses for bread, wine and candles. Later, William de Burgo gave them pasturage of 24 cows in a commonage. At this time we know that the friars were part of the community because of an unfortunate incident during a hurling game in the parish when a friar seriously injured a man who later died from his injuries. In 1433, Pope Eugene iV granted an indulgence of four years to anyone

visiting Claregalway Friary. This was an effort to raise money to renovate the church and also to complete the unfinished steeple. The Friary prospered from this time until 1469 when O’Donnell in his attack on the de Burgos burned much of Claregalway. The next century proved to be a difficult one for monasteries and friaries in Ireland as in 1536 the Reformation Parliament came to the fore in England and Henry Viii was recognised as the head of the Church in Ireland. At this time then many monks and friars gave in and left their monasteries to ruin, the stone being used to build big houses. Claregalway Friary survived this period and its future seemed guaranteed under the reign of Queen Elizabeth when she granted lands in Connacht to Sir Richard de Burgh, who declared loyalty to her.

The friars attempted to restore the Friary in 1641, the year in which Civil War broke out in Ireland, and after this restoration the friars moved back in. Mass is known to have been said in 1643. Two years later their first guardian Peter Tiernan was appointed. In documents relating to this time the Friary was known as Coventus de Clare. Cromwell arrived into Ireland and in 1652 as his troops were in Galway they destroyed many monuments. By 1657 everything bar the Church was destroyed, but the friars remained in the locality. In the eighteenth century, the numbers in the Friary seemed very depleted, but there are some

conflicting reports. A report from 1766 stated that only five permanent residents remained in the Friary and that three of these friars were advanced in years. This was an improvement upon the figures of 1731 which gave the population in the Friary then as a paltry three. These figures are at odds with two other sets for 1776 and 1782, in which the numbers of members are set at 220 and 150 respectively. The truth of these rather inflated figures seems to be questioned by the report made by Rev. Daniel Agustus Beaufort, the rector of Navan, also in the 1780s, when he said that the Claregalway Friary was in ruins. Coquebert de Montbret found on a visit that the friars actually settled down in the ruins but whatever meagre comforts they enjoyed were short-lived when the English again decided upon

the Friary as a base. This time the soldiers ruined the chapel and poor Fr Blake, the guardian of the time, had to prevail upon friends of his in the Waterdale area for shelter. Despite this sacking of the chapel, by 1801 four friars had moved back to the Friary. Eight years later Rev. Kenny shut the church down and everyone had to move out for the restoration which took place in 1811. In 1815, Fr Blake, who had survived the English was re-appointed as guardian, but unfortunately he died the very next year. An interesting aspect to note at this time is that before this reappointment, a Fr Crampton managed the house for some time,

However, towards the end of the 16th Century the land was back in the Queens name again. At this time, the Spanish Armada was to dock at Galway Bay and thus an army of the Queen, led by Sir Richard Bingham arrived into Connacht. He took over the Friary and converted it to a barracks going so far as to stable the horses in the chapel. The troops defaced the Friary and drove the friars away.


circa 1814. He was not a Franciscan friar, but actually a Carmelite and because of his order’s habit he was regarded throughout Claregalway as An Bráthair Bán. School resumed in the chapel in 1826 and the Sunday mass of the time attracted between 600–800 people, with 80–90 people attending daily mass. Sadly however, friar numbers dwindled until in the middle of that century only two remained. Prior to this, in 1832, a new diocese, Galway, was set up to include Claregalway so that it was in to Galway that the friars finally decided to go. A local man is reputed to have acted as ‘driver’ for the friars; when the older friar took ill on his rounds he told the driver to bring him to Galway. This sad task done, our man returned to the Friary to pass on the news to the other who then said “I must go too”. Thus the last friar left the Friary behind. The friars did not totally abandon the local people though and masses were said there into the 1870s. It was also at this stage that the appointment of guardians ceased. The last friar who had actually resided at the Friary died in 1858, a Fr John Francis.Rev Martin Commins pp Claregalway of the time, celebrated an annual mass in the chapel from 1892 but Canon Moran pp and other priests, discontinued the service. Indeed Canon Moran thought little of the Friary describing it as both “Norman and Alien”, a throwback to the financial aid given by the de Burgo’s. The same priest later took some interest in the structure when some travellers found protection from the elements in one quarter of the Friary. The Canon had the roof in this portion torn down and the people were put on their way. Happily today the Friary is seen by all as an important part of our history and it should suffer no more damage. Also, a yearly mass is now being said for all buried in the Friary and its surrounds, which is always well attended, hail, rain or shine.

This material on the Friary of Claregalway was a FÁS scheme research of some years back but neither the particular trainee author(s) nor the original sources used have been identified to date. It would be a pity though not to see it published.

by Aodán McGlynn

The above drawing, made from the north-west, is from Francis Grose’s The Antiquities of Ireland, 1792.

This photo pre-dates the conservation work begun in the 1890s when the Friary was entrusted to the care of the Commissioners of Public Works. The damaged east window was repaired and the ivy-clad gables were stripped as part of works “at a cost of about £200” at the end of the nineteenth century. (Commissioners of Public Works Annual Report, 1900–1901).

The Friary today, viewed from the south-west.


Thanks to the shading from the aggressive hawthorn hedge nearby, it gets less light than the other parts

of the patch. And since it is comparatively low-lying, lazy frosts also converge there, slumping in from all parts of the garden. They could happily hide out there from the sun’s rays until lunchtime, and I’ve seen occasions when they’ve stayed there for days on end. If all that weren’t bad enough, the beds there also suffer from the attentions of the always-encroaching ditch, with errant briars going out in search of nutrient rich soil. The grass that surrounds the vegetable

Grow It Yourself April 2014 by Michael Kelly—GIY Ireland

The luck of the crop rotation draw and bad design in my veg patch means that particular veg families tend to have what might be described as off years depending on the area they are destined to spend their growing season in. There’s a particular part of my veg patch that is hampered by being simultaneously the closest to the garden perimeter and the lowest point in the garden.

To do this AprilIf 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.

garden also tries to make its way in to the veg patch through the picket fence. In high season it’s a constant battle to keep the beds near the fence clear. None of this, as you can imagine, is particularly helpful to the vegetables growing there and I always feel bad for whatever family is due a visit there. This year it’s the turn of allium family to do a turn and so I am already mentally bracing myself for a poor crop of garlic, onions and leeks. I could of course try moving the entire vegetable patch about 10m further away from the garden perimeter and closer to the house. This would, however, take up 10m more of lawn and I think I have already pushed that particular boat as far as is acceptable to the rest of the family. So I have learned over the years to bear this particular problem with stoicism and I like to think the veg families do too. So, yes, once in every five years, they have an off year. But sure doesn’t that make the other four years all the sweeter?

© giY Ireland 2014—all rights reserved.

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

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, leek, carrot, radish, broccoli, turnip. Plant out cabbage plants when they are 15/20cm tall into well prepared soil that has been manured.

HarvestStored fruit and vegetables are likely to be a distant 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 cabbage. The other two star performers this month are purple sprouting broccoli and rhubarb.


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

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

Congratulations to Graham Carton, Gortatleva and Genevieve O’Brien, Kilgill, Claregalway who got married on the 22nd March. Best wishes to you both.

Congratulations to Michael & Jackie Kenny on the Baptism of their Baby Charlotte on 19th of April 2014.

rIpMichael Collins, Carnmore

Bernie Cahalane, Oranmore

Francis (Frank) Duggan, Lakeview

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

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

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

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

Sacrament of MarriagePlease contact Parish Office for booking form.

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

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

Rosary—Daily before morning Mass.

Email [email protected] www.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.comRadio Mass fM106.4Facebook claregalwayparish


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

Bridge ColumnWicked defence

Neither vulnerable, Dealer South

BiddingS W N E3D P 4NT 5C5D P 6D PP P

West led his C7. Declarer played CA, led the D5 to DJ, led to HA, ruffed a heart, cashed DA (glad for the good break), led to SA, ruffed another heart, felling East’s king. Declarer then led CJ, planning for East to win and be forced into leading a club to the CQ and giving access to SQ, on both of which queens, declarer would pitch losing spades. East was too smart. She let cJ win the trick and declarer was doomed!

South 8 5 3 7 A J 10 9 7 6 5 J 6

East Q K J 6 K 2 K 10 9 8 5 3 2

North A 10 4 A Q 5 4 3 Q 5 A Q 4West

K J 9 7 6 2 10 9 8 2 8 3 7

Local Notices

St Jame’s Choir practice is on Tuesday nights at 8.15pm in Cairdeas. Singers, musicians and former choir members are invited. No previous experience or levels of musical ability are required to join, just a willingness to join with the group and attend weekly practice of about one hour. New members welcome.

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

Claregalway Parish is now on Facebook, with up to date news on the Church and Parish. Why not like the page and share it with family and friends at home and abroad. 305 likes to date. Let’s aim for 500!

Bridge Lessons take place from 9.30–10.30am each Friday in the Claregalway Hotel. For more information contact [email protected].

Share your notice online atwww.claregalway.info/notices


Claregalway/Lackagh Community Games Annual Sports Day 2014at Dangan Track (NUig) on Sunday 27th April at 1pm. Register from 1pm.Events for Boys & Girls aged 5–16. All Welcome. Come along & Enjoy the Fun! €5 per child or €10 per family. Children must be under the relevant age on 31st of July 2014 and live in Claregalway/Lackagh Parish. For more info visit the website claregalwaylackaghcommunitygames.com

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

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

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

Maree Basketball Fundraiser

MONSTER AUCTIONSUNDAY, MAY 11, 3.00 PM

ORANMORE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Lots of Bargains... New & Old

{ITEMS ON VIEW FROM 1:30PM}

Maree Basketball Club are holding a Monster Auction Fundraiser on Sunday Sunday May 11th at 3pm in Oranmore Community Centre.

Grinds for Leaving/Junior Certificate Physics/Mathematics*

Name: Gillian KynePhone number: 087 7685 280Email: [email protected]

I hold an honours degree in Applied Physics and currently finishing my PhD in Physics and Astronomy at NUig. I took all subjects at honours level for the Leaving Certificate including Physics, Maths, Chemistry, and Biology. I have tutored a number of students at degree level in Physics and Maths and have given grinds to a number of Leaving Certificate students, in these subjects also. I am a patient and experienced tutor and will do everything I can to help the student achieve a better understanding of the subject material.

*The grinds given in the subject of mathematics were before the new project maths course, however if the student requires help with the subject this can be prepared.


Congratulations to all of Claregalway and the surrounding areas for the massive turnout on Tuesday 15th of April for the Claregalway 5K fun-run/walk in aid of the Claregalway and District Day Care Centre. Over 360 participants took part in the 5K and raised €6,000 for the Claregalway & District Day Care Centre. First past the finish line was Rob Lennon (Galway City Harriers) in a time of 17 minutes and 57 seconds, Mark Daly (Ennis Track) was second and Michael Harty was third. Eimear O’Leary (MSB) won the ladies section with Nichola Ní Ceallaigh (Galway City Harriers) in second place and Ciara McCarthy from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in third position. Many thanks to all the members and friends of the local Clare River Harriers Athletic club on their enormous effort in organizing and staging this exceptionally successful event. Thank you to Coláiste Bhaile Chláir for the use of the school for registration and refreshments, to the many students who raised sponsorship and took part and assisted in the event, to the parents association for providing and assisting with the refreshments, to all who

helped with the distribution of sponsorship cards, to all who participated and sponsored participants and to the following sponsors Hughes SuperValu, Flynns of Lackagh, Raftery’s Centra, Treat Café, Claregalway Youth Club, iSS Catering Services and Hewlett Packard Galway.

Claregalway 5K Results

Thomas McStay was the first student from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir past the finish line, Ciara McCarthy in second, Aaron Shaughnessy was third and Dillon Killilea fourth. Full results are available on clareriverharriers.com.


Claregalway Scouts Easter Camp 2014

Claregalway Scouts held a Group Camp the first weekend of the Easter Holidays at Western Bushcraft's campsite in Cregg Castle, Corrandulla. There was a busy schedule of activities for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts with a total of ten bases over the course for the weekend. These activities included; fire lighting, shelter building, backwoods cooking, archery, trapping, camouflage and concealment and loads of games. The traditional campfire was a great hit with the youth and adult members performing a song, skit or sharing a joke. All the food was prepared by the members in backwoods style and food on camp always tastes better. For many of the youth members especially the Beavers this was their first time camping and being away from home and they really enjoyed the experience. Scouting seeks to help the personal development of our youth members in a challenging and fun way with a special emphasis on outdoor activities and adventures. The camp was run by Steven Lenihan proprietor of Western Bushcraft who is also Scout Section Leader for Claregalway Scouts. The County Commissioner, Chris Roche, attended the Camp to present the Cub Chief Scout Award to five Cubs from Claregalway; Josh Buckley, Ethan Kaya, Enda Lawless, Emer Lenihan and Oisin Tobin. This is a national award that these Cubs have been working on for the past year, completing Adventure Skills in Hillwalking, Backwoods, Camping and Air as well as a 20km hike, an Intercultural Camp and four Special Interest Badges covering activities in Community, Environment, Physical and Personal Skills. Claregalway Scouts are now taking names for our waiting list for enrolment for the new scouting year in September. All sections are open to both girls and boys. Beavers aged 6 to 8 years, Cubs aged 9 to 11 years, Scouts aged 12 to 15 years, Ventures 15 to 17 years and Rovers aged 18 to 26 years. New and former members welcome. We also welcome adult volunteers, no experience necessary as full training is provided. Contact Gillian Buckley 087 2236982 or [email protected].


New School Bank for Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir are delighted to announce the introduction of our School Bank in association with Bank of Ireland Mervue. Our school bank will be set up and run by five of our students and a bank official from Bank of Ireland. Over 50 students applied for positions in the school bank, but only 31 students were shortlisted, students were interviewed by Tom Forde (Bank Manager), and Therese Kennedy (Bank Official). Successful candidates were:

• Ciara McCarty, Bank Manager• Oisín Keogh, Operations and Audit Specialist• Avril King, Product and Marketing Manager• Fynn Duclaux & Patryk Kazimierczak, Customer Service The new school bank will be open once a month and is located beside the stage in the main hall. Application forms will be taken from Thursday, 10th of April until Tuesday, 29th April, students must have their application in before the deadline to be entered into a competition to win an iPad. Students that are under fourteen need a parents signature on the application. The school bank opened for the very first day in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir on Thursday 10th of April.

The School Bank Team (L–R): Patryk Kazimierczak, Avril King, Ciara McCarty, Ciara O'Connor (BoI), Helen Rafferty (BoI), Fynn Duclaux & Oisín Keogh.

Easter Concert

The students of Coláiste Bhaile Chláír put on a very enjoyable concert on Friday the 11th of April. A variety of different acts performed singing, ballet, Irish dancing, traditional Irish music and Scéal Clann Lír. Peter Coyne recited a poem written by himself and Harry Bradsaw recited a poem called A Dark Autumn’s Eve written by himself. Jade Sweeney and Jessica Lynch narrated Scéal Clann Lír while Zoe Lyne, Saoirse McNamara, Saoirse McCarthy and Gemma Coll performed ballet as Clann Lir. Andrea Trill and Chloe Duffy sang Let It Go. Katie Westbrook and Conor Gilpin sang Riptide accompanied by Joshua Whelan on piano and Maddie Duffys on guitar. Niamh McCullagh and Niamh Fahy performed an Irish dance accompanied by a trad group comprising of Ciara Burke, Andrea Trill, Niamh Moran, Aoife Lyons, Amy O’Connell. Every student in this concert has put in so much time and effort as they have been working hard to put on a good show, for all students, teachers and parents that attended. Go raibh míle maith agaibh to our two teachers Mr Callan and Ms Mannion who have put all their time into this concert.

by Grace Cooley, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

by Niamh Moran and Darren Costello

Mathletes Challenge 2014

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir are competing in the MatHletes Challenge 2014. Coláiste Bhaile Chláir have won the February and March MatHletes Cup for the most points per eligible student. Coláiste Bhaile Chláir are currently winning the April MatHletes Cup. A lot of high-performing Mathletes are competing for Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. In February, Roy Grealish and Emily Sheeran were on the student leaderboards. In March, Shauna Flaherty, Meg Regan, Roy Grealish and Ellen Harty were on the student leaderboards. An amazing amount of five students for Coláiste Bhaile Chláir are currently on the student leaderboards for April. The five students are Katelynn Roche, Shane Lawless, Peter Coyne, Oisín Keogh and Kieran Spellman. Evan Creane has reached the leaderboards for the first time this week. There are three students on the overall student leaderboards. They are Roy Grealish, Medeina Macenaite and Shauna Flaherty.

by Roy Grealish


My Easter Prayer For You

I came across the following poem called One, on a wall in one of the Mother Teresa houses for the physically unwell where I worked:

One song can spark a moment; One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest. One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship. One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea. One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation. One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness.One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey. One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits; One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom. One heart can know what’s true. One life can make the difference; you see it’s up to you.

Thought for the month As your thought for the month, never forget how important and very special each and every one of us is in this life.

My prayer is that you may always rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. God will listen, if you only speak. Be tolerant

of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance. Search for yourself, be yourself. Do not allow others to

make your path for you. It is your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you. Treat the guests in

your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best beds and treat them with respect and honour.

Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. If it was not earned or given, it’s not yours. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth—whether it’s person, animal or plant. Honour other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the world will multiply when it returns to you. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven. Nature is not for us, it is a part of us. They are part of your worldly family. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow. Avoid hurting the hearts of others especially those of children. The poison of your pain will return to you. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within this world. Keep yourself balanced. Your mental self, spiritual self, emotional self, and physical self—all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ailments. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions. Do not touch the personal property of others. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first. Respect others’ beliefs. Do not force your belief on others. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity.

by Ronan Scully

by Niamh Moran and Darren Costello

by Roy Grealish


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

Joe 087 629 2350 Email: [email protected]

www.kearneyfunerals.com

Leading Funeral Undertakers

for Claregalway and Lackagh

Lackagh, Turloughmore, Co. Galway

Travel VaccinesIdeally 5–6 weeks prior to travelling you should make an appointment to discuss your vaccination requirements.

by Turloughmore Health Centre

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

If you are travelling to anywhere in the world it is important to make sure you are protected against the common tropical illnesses including Hepatitis a, Typhoid, Malaria and other less common illnesses.

Call and make an appointment with your own doctor or practice nurse who is up to date with current travel recommendations. If required the nurse will also advise you on other aspects of safer travel to optimize your holiday experience. Fees will vary depending on which vaccinations are required.


by John Duffy MpsI

Hay fever, known medically as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, involves an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grass and flowers. Normally your immune system fights off only those things that threaten your health, such as cold viruses, but an allergic person’s immune system releases the chemical histamine to fend off the presumed offender. Unfortunately, the side effects of histamine are the symptoms associated with allergies: a runny nose and sneezing, itchy nose and throat, watery red eyes, and congestion.

• Don’t dry clothes outside.• Wash your hair, hands and face

when you come back indoors and change your clothes to get rid of any pollen.

If you are suffering from hay fever, discuss your treatment options with your pharmacist.

Info on Hay Fever from Claregalway PharmacyJohn Duffy MpSi of Claregalway Pharmacy (091 799 754) has shared this information on hay fever. For more info, call in and speak with any member of staff.

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

What can you do?—Top 10 TipsHere are a few steps you can take to reduce your symptoms flaring up:• Keep doors and windows closed in

mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak.

• Avoid lying on the grass.• Apply a little Vaseline inside the

nose to trap pollen and stop it being inhaled.

• Take necessary medication.• Use eye drops to soothe irritated

eyes.• Keep car windows shut when

driving.• Wear sunglasses, preferably

wraparound sunglasses which prevent pollen entering the eyes.

• Don’t mow the grass and avoid working in the garden.

Many antihistamines are available over-the-counter in tablet and liquid forms. Antihistamines are also available on prescription.• Mild Symptoms: An over-the-counter medicine will probably suffice. Ask your

pharmacist about the most appropriate medicine for your symptoms.• Severe Symptoms: Check into desensitizing allergy shots. This treatment,

which involves injecting increasing amounts of the allergen into your skin, can help your immune system gradually adjust to irritants in the air.


Ode to the Village Forge

by Edward Coppinger

That forge now forlorn and sad,Only memories of how it used to sing,When passing as school bound lads

And all our days were Spring.

No more the anvil’s echoing rings,Or horses waiting in patient queue,As the thudding big sledge swings,

To fashion a new horseshoe.

How lively talk used to ebb and flowWith parish news exchanged and heard,Of Corbally, Cahernahoon and Knockdoe,

While the horses never stirred.

The forge was a part of our lifeSeeing all of us come and go,

Knowing of life, death and strife,In our village of long ago.

When leaving, fortune to find,Some shed tears in the lane,For all that was left behind, And might never see again.

The bellows will clatter no moreIts fiery soul mate gone,

Now bolted tight that double door—The blacksmith’s art long done.

(The author’s father helped build it!)For the last Blacksmith who still lives in the village.

Pictured is an anvil still sitting in the Old Forge in Rooaunmore. Photo by Josette Farrell.


Here are some general guidelines you can look for in your child’s speech and language development. Remember: each child develops at a different rate. • By 6–9 months—Babble a long string of syllables aloud. • By 9–12 months—Most first words are spoken at about one year old e.g “mama”, “dada”. • By 1–2 years—children begin to learn more single words and begin to form simple sentences e.g. “more milk”, “mama gone”. • By 2–4 years—children begin to put more and more words together to form longer sentences and are able to refer to past and future events. • By 4–6 years—children are able to construct their own stories and language skills are well developed.

Developing speech and language skills in young children1. Make good eye contact and get face to face with your child. You can develop a foundation for good communication skills.2. Speak slowly and clearly to your child. You can develop his understanding of language if you speak a little slower than your normal rate.3. Turn off the tV! It is harder for children to tune out from background noise and concentrate on what you are saying if the television is on—try to limit it especially when talking with your child.4. Follow your child’s lead. If they are interested in something, talk about it and describe it. Add language to your child’s activities; describe what your child is doing or talk about what is happening “daddy’s gone to work.”5. Give choices to create the opportunity for him to use language. 6. Repeat words and instructions several times with your child, they need to hear words many times before they can understand and use them. Try not to correct, rather model what you want to hear.7. Relate your speech to things happening in the present and about things your child can see as well as hear. Try to use routines like getting up, mealtimes etc. as they often provide the best opportunity for communication to take place.8. Remember reading, songs, nursery rhymes are all enjoyable ways to encourage language development. As a parent, you know your child best follow your intuition and if he is struggling to communicate in comparison with other children his age, it may be appropriate for him to have a speech and language therapy assessment.

This article was shared by Patricia O’Connor, Oranmore/Claregalway, who has over twenty years’ experience working in a variety of paediatric settings. She is a member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists. For more information, contact Patricia on 087 625 8810 or [email protected].

Speech & Language Problems Hearing, seeing, understanding and remembering are all skills that are necessary for learning language and most children develop speech and language without any difficulty.

However despite having all these abilities some children don’t acquire speech and language normally. Problems in development can occur at any stage and in any aspect of speech and language development. Types of problems include: • Difficulty acquiring words and learning to put words together to make sentences. • Difficulty learning vocabulary or remembering the words for things. • Difficulties learning to understand the language of others. • Difficulty developing speech sounds which will result in not being able to say words correctly and speech being difficult to understand for the listener. Problems include lisps, saying ‘w’ instead of ‘r’, or using ‘d’ at the start of most words. • A persistently hoarse voice. • Fluency issues; normal non fluency or confirmed stammering.

Problems with learning speech and language can co-occur with hearing, emotional, physical and learning problems. However it is not unusual for a child to have no other problems with his/her development except in the area of speech and language. With delayed speech and language the child develops speech and language in the same way as other children but later than expected. With speech and language disorders/impairment speech and language skills do not follow the normal developmental progression and the child may have some speech and language skills and not others.

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

Up for the challenge?Come join us

[email protected] 677 8880

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

GREAT

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

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

2014

ETHIOPIAN


by Peter Coyne and Ethan Kilcoyne, 1Finn, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

Through the rain, through the heat, through the months, the 35-man squad have worked so hard to become the fantastic team that they are.At the start of September, the two inspiring mentors, Mr Callan and Mr Sheridan, called the first football meeting for everyone who plays the great game. Around 90 boys and girls turned out at Claregalway gaa club in the school’s first ever Gaelic Football blitz, to show their amazing skills. The coaches brought to the first ever game vs St Mary’s College and everyone got a chance to play. We had a fantastic Connacht B League campaign, eventually winning it in an absorbing final against St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Boys Gaelic Football Team 2013–14: James McCarthy, Daragh Jordan, Darren Costello, Seán Dennigan, Darragh Hegarty, Sean Mitchell, Jack Hurney, Jack Glynn, Daniel Prior, Ryan O’Sullivan, Paul Culkeen, Drew Greenwood, Mark Slevin, Patrick Donovan, Harry O’Gorman, Dylan Walsh, Dara Whelan, Ronan Asgari, Frank Ebenuwa, Hugh Mulryan, Joe Mulqueen, Jarlath Commins, Philip Dolan, Conor Flaherty, Peter Coyne, Ronan Murphy, Luke Thornton, Ciaran Monaghan, Diarmuid Mullen, Aaron Brennan, Jonathan Hickey, Ethan Kilcoyne, Mícheál Ó Connell, Shane Lawless.

Coaches: Mr Sheridan, Mr Callan

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir 1st Year Boys Gaelic Football 2013–14

For more photos, visit www.claregalway.info

Continued overleaf →


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

Continued from page 25 → We played quite badly in the first half but in the second half we managed a comeback that any team would be proud of. We made history. The first team ever to win a major event. The team had also had a great championship campaign and reached the final which was a dramatic and hard fought affair. Sadly due to a few injuries the team came up short in its attempt to win the double. All the teachers and students went to the final, and the support was immense. It was moving, motivational and inspiring. All of the team got an O’Neill’s tracksuit top sponsored by Treat Café. We would like to thank everyone for are support during the season, all the parents especially. Hats Off to the fantastic Ethan Kilcoyne and Mícheál Ó Connell who helped the squad in every match and training sessions all year round. We hope this will moti-vate us and the 1st Year team next year to more success.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir First Year Girls Basketball Review

On Tuesday the 8th of April our school decided to take part in the local Fun Run as a fundraiser for The Claregalway & District Day Care Centre. It was a 5k route around the village. Many students were encouraged to do it and a lot of the teachers also took part. The race was set up by the Clare River Harriers. The school accommodated the registration and the after desserts. There was a great turn out and it was a very successful race. Not only the students but everyone benefitted from it. The school managed to raise a substantial amount of money for the Day Care Centre. It was a great experi-ence and hopefully we can hold many more events like this in years to come.

by Grace Cooley, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

Gaelic4Girls Hits Claregalway By Storm! Gaelic4Girls has hit Claregalway by storm, with over 60 girls from Clare-galway/Turloughmore and the surrounding areas descending onto Knock-doemore Pitch to be treated to 60 mins of great fun and coaching in Ladies Gaelic Football this afternoon. This programme continues for another seven weeks every Saturday from 4pm in Knockdoemore. There will be a second Registration evening next Saturday 29th at the start of the Session. It is fantastic to see so many enthusiastic girls, who have little Gaelic Football experience enjoying themselves. It is open to girls aged 8–12yrs who are not part of a Ladies Gaelic Foot-ball Club and who are interested in learning the skills of the game. All girls from Claregalway/Turloughmore and the surrounding areas are encour-aged to attend and learn the skills of Ladies Gaelic Football from enthusi-astic coaches. The girls will be taught the basic skills of Gaelic football on a fun basis and will get to demonstrate their new skills at a fun mini-blitz. All girls will be presented with a Gaelic4Girls t-shirt and certificate. A major bonus from the programme is that all participants will get the chance to participate in a Mini Blitz with another Gaelic4Girls site after the county blitz. The cost for the entire programme is only €8. Anybody who would like more details on this programme is asked to contact Jimmy Gavin 087 283 5847.


Well done to our U16 Teams captained by Clodagh Murphy and Eva Gilmore both recording wins in their opening League games last Wednesday. Green Panel defeated St Brendans 6–11 to 0–5 in Division 1 in Ballygar while the Gold Panel had an impressive win in Division 3 at home to St Marys on a score of 7–6 to 2–4. Green Team: R Hansberry, A Philips, E Gilmore, K Gallagher, A Glynn, E Glynn, L Moran, G Cahill, E Connolly, C Moran, A Murphy, L King, M Shaughnessy, L Field, S O’Connell, D Keane, O O’Gorman, A Fitzmaurice, A Gavin, R Downes. Gold Team: S Coady, I Moran, S Flaherty, K Kearney, E Duggan, A Trill, C Burke, E Coakley, H Coady, G Gilmore, C Murphy, H Doyle, A O’Connell, N McCullach, S McNamara, N McGrath, S Morris, A Lyons, M Duggan, A Conneally, E Coneally. A Big Thank You and well done to all the girls who gathered a total of €500 in their collections and is to be donated to the Carers Association. It goes to show what strength in numbers can do. Well done to Andrea Trill and Shauna Flaherty who both played with Galway U14s against Roscommon last Saturday. Congrats to Orla Dixon, Charolette Cooney, Amy Rohan and Tara Hession all part of the Galway Senior panel who have qualified for the Div 2 League Semi-Final with seven straight League wins. Claregalway play St Brendans in the Senior Ladies League this weekend. Féile Mná a 2014 was held in St Brendans Pitch, Ballygar last Saturday. Claregalway got off to a good start with a good win over the Hosts Ballygar, and after a break took on Tuam/Cortoon in a very contested game by both teams, with just a point seperating the sides and just five minutes to go Claregalway found another gear to win by 3–5 to 1-5. Next up was the Final against Kilkerrin Clonberne. Claregalway got off to a bad start and conceded 1–5 in the first half, despite a few missed oppertunities that could have kept them in contention, they still battled on and the first five minutes of the second half they showed some great determanation and skill and produced one of the finest points of the day. But it has to be said that the Kilkerrin Ladies looked to be more superior on the day, and Claregalway Ladies strength and energy faded after the hectic day. A fantastic day was had by all, and Claregalway Club would like to sincerely thank St Brendans for their huge generosity in providing Food. Tea and Refreshmints to all that was involved in Féile, and also to their friendley atmosphere, it made the day most enjoyable. Team panel: Niamh McCullagh, Katlyn Kearney, Shauna Flaherty, Amy Walsh, Aiofa Lyons, Emma Coakey, Izzy Moran, Anna Connelly, Nicola King, Ellen Connelly,

Gemma Coll, Valerie Coleman, Amy O’Connell, Sarah Morris, Katlyn Quinn, Emily Duggan, Katlyn Roche, Miriam Greene, Helena Doyle, Ciara Burke, Sinead Donovan, Andrea Trill, Niamh Mc Grath. Well done to all involved and management team, and a final thanks to the watergirls. Sarah Coady. Emma Conolley and Hannah Coady. U16 Gold team had a very cmprehensive win this Monday evening in Ruanemore Pitch when they defeated Caltra Cuans by 8–13 to 1–3. The U14s that lost in the Féile Final just two days previously rebounded in great fashion an a mix of U16, pushed the game on for a convincing League win. Team: Sarah Coady, Shauna Flaherty, Katlyn Kearney, Ellen Conneally, Ava Fitzmorris, Niamh Moran, Hannah Coady, Clodagh Murphy, Aiofa Gavin, Sarah Morris, Mary Duggan, Miriam Greene, Katie Roche, Sinead Donovan, Gemma Coll. Well Done to the U16 Green team who play Corofin this Wed 16th at 7pm in the Rooaunmore pitch. Claregalway Senior ladies made a great start to their League campaign as a Senior team when they defeated St Brendan’s in Lakeview on Sunday afternoon. Aided by a stiff breeze Claregalway led at halftime by 3–5 to 2–2. In the second half the Claregalway Girls worked very hard and added 1–4 to St Brendans 4pts to run out winners 4–9 to 2–7. Well done to all especially the several U16 girls playing Senior Football for the first time. Team: R Hansberry, E Gilmore, F Cooney, O Murphy, K Dowd, E Gavin, E Glynn, O Dixon, S Gavin, M Glynn, T Hession, A Glynn, A Murphy, C Cooney, R Downes, L Moran. Next Senior Game is V Kilmovee onthis Friday again in Lakeview in Connaught Senior League at 7pm.

Claregalway Ladies Gaa April 2014 Updates

Pictured are the Claregalway Féile team who were defeated by Kilkerrin/Clonberne in the a Final held in Ballygar last Saturday 19th of April.


by Daragh Jordan, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

The All-Ireland quarter final play-offs were held yesterday in the Claregalway Community Centre. The matches began with Coláiste Bhaile Chláir facing Abbey College, Boyle. Ryan O’Sullivan gave Claregalway the lead, driving to the basket on every occa-sion to score the first four baskets. The team carried on with determination and skill, seeing Ronan Murphy and Maciej Mrowka play outstanding offence and defence on boards. The team held the lead comfortably and the final score was 22–12 to Claregalway. The second game needed to be a win for the boys to progress to All-Ireland semi-finals. Claregalway faced Coláiste na Sceilige who were skilled and undefeated all day. Maciej Mrowka opened the scoring with two baskets which gave Claregalway a confident lead to start. The team played a strong man to man defence and Conor Flaherty sent the team ahead scoring two three pointers under pressure in the last quarter. The team headed into the final three minutes of the third quarter with a two point lead. It was

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Boys Basketball

nail biting stuff as the Claregalway players held the defence and Mark Slevin drove hard to the basket but the ball seemed determined to rebound. Colaiste na Scellig took advantage of the rebounds and pulled ahead with a strong fast break by their number 9, Lucas Paulauskas. Abbey Boyle gave everyone a glimmer of hope as they stayed strong against Colaiste na Scellig into their final minutes. A win for them meant it was all to play for Claregalway in their final game. Unfor-tunately Colaiste na Scellig pulled ahead yet again leaving our boys hopes dashed going into their final game watching the final score 30–18. Despite knowing they would have to wait until next year for their chance at All-Irelands through Claregalway gave it their all in the last match of the day. Beanntrai opened up the scoring but Claregalway’s Ryan O’ Sullivan and Paul Culkeen weren’t long evening up the score and pulling. With just over a minute left on the clock, Claregalway’s defence depleted and Beanntrai scored one final basket leaving the score with a very tight 23–21.


Carnmore U16s took on Annaghdown in Carnmore on Thursday April 3rd, and despite Annaghdown putting up a good fight, Carnmore came out on top. The team travelled to Ballymacward for their third match of the U16 Championship last evening, 10th April where they met the local team, Padraig Pearses. After a difficult start in the first half with Pearses taking a strong lead, Carnmore regrouped at half time. They scored two quick goals in the second half, but were unable to bridge the gap and left Ballymacward without a win. Their next match is on the 17th April in Carnmore. Carnmore V Ballygar. U14 Red Team team travelled to Tonabrucky to play Rahoon–Newcastle on Wednesday, April 2nd and unfortunately came home without a win. The team then played Ahascragh–Fohenagh on Monday April 7th in Carnmore. Carnmore made a great comeback in the second half of the game but it wasn’t enough and they lost the game by the narrowest of margins. White Team The U14 White Carnmore team played Castlegar in their home ground on Monday, March 31st. The Carnmore side displayed some great hurling skill and teamwork and came home worthy winners. In their fifth match of the Championship, the U14 White Carnmore team took on rivals Clarinbridge. The Carnmore side put on a superb performance and the game ended with an amazing scoreline of Carnmore 8–6 to Clarinbridge 1–3. This puts the Whites in third position of their group, and books their place in the semi-final, to be played later this month. Well done to all the U14 Panel and their management team. Carnmore U12s took on a strong Craughwell team on Saturday last, April 5th for a great game of juvenile hurling. Both sides displayed great strength and skill and it was looking like Carnmore had met their match. However, with sheer determination, team work and selfbelief, typical of the U12 panel, Carnmore’s young Ronan Killilea, took a shot at goal and succeeded in putting Carnmore ahead by one point, just before the final whistle blew.

Carnmore Hurling Club April Updates

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

Connaught Chess FinalsOn the 9th of April four students from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir made it to the Connaught Chess Finals, which was held in St Gerald’s secondary school, Castlebar, Mayo. It was a great achievement since Coláiste Bhaile Chláir only has first years and they were playing leaving certs in this competition. The students that were selected for the team were: board one Thomas Mc Stay, board two Kieran Spellman, board three Luke Adams and board four Michael Aherne. Their mentor and coach was Ms Du Bois. On arriving Coláiste Bhaile Chláir were set to play the All Ireland Champions Castlebar a. After nearly an hour playing, Castlebar unfortunately won. It was not a bad result though since Castlebar are All-Ireland Champions and are mostly made up of transition years and leaving certs. Claregalway went home with the title of fourth best chess playing school in Connacht. It was a good result and we can expect more from this team in the future, especially since Castlebar and other schools in this competition will lose many key players next year.

by Kieran Spellman, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir


Essential Local Contacts

Group Contact name Contact number

Carnmore National School John Reilly 091 798 718

Compántas Lir Drama Dermot Hession 085 711 4352

Conradh na Gaeilge Anna Glynn 091 798 351

Claregalway & District Day Care Centre Geraldine Carr 086 227 4139

Claregalway Cemetery Maintenance Malachy Noone 087 133 3711

Claregalway Cemetery Caretaker Seamus O’Connell 087 313 7282

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

Claregalway Folk Choir Anne Moylan 087 638 6626

Claregalway National School Carmel Burns 091 798 720

Claregalway Parish Office Teresa Payne 091 798 741

Claregalway Second Level School Paddy Tobin 087 782 5302

9 Arch Musical Society Annette Cavanagh 087 219 7772

Useful Local Websites

www.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.com

www.bawnmorens.ie

www.claregalway.info

www.carnmoreschool.scoilnet.ie

www.claregalwaybasketball.net

www.claregalwaygaa.net

www.claregalwayeducatetogether.blogspot.com

www.claregalwaycastle.com

www.colaistebhailechlair.com

www.compantaslir.ie

www.cregmorens.blog.com

www.facebook.com/claregalway.info

Our Local Sponsors

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

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

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

by emailing them to [email protected]

or by phoning Josette 086 391 3852 / 091 798 430

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

Advertising Rates (per issue)

Full Page €100 ½ Page €50

April Crossword

Across1 Arachis hypogea seed (6)5 Calculating frame (6)10 Deeds (7)11 Sportsman (7)12 A check mark (4)13 Braid (5)15 South American country (4)17 The self (3)19 Cells of trained personnel (6)21 Country, capital Moscow (6)22 Mixtures (7)23 Farewells (6)25 Parisian tower (6)28 Consumed (3)30 District of London and New York (4)31 Vast chasm (5)32 Spiritual guide (4)35 Love affair (7)36 Floating mass of ice (7)37 Baby (6)38 Groups of eight (6)

Down2 Lured (7)3 Midday (4)4 Struggle (6)5 In a leisurely manner (mus) (6)6 Continuous dull pain (4)7 Of no utility (7)8 Language group including Latvian (6)9 Type of Caviar (6)14 Nimbleness (7)16 Thigh bone (5)18 Sequences of sounds in time (5)20 Gender (3)21 Secale cereale (3)23 Ludicrous (6)24 Lacking human qualities (7)26 Most vile (7)27 Pass time indolently (6)28 Not present (6)29 Inuit (6)33 Peruvian ancient empire (4)34 Enthusiasm (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

12 13 14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21

22

23 24 25 26 27

28 29

30 31 32

33 34

35 36

37 38

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

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

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

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

Last month’s winner:Gerry Loughnane, Cregboy.

Name

Phone

Brian Place—Crossword Editor

N1

A2

P O3

L I4

G5

R E6

E C7

E

P8

P N S A T E F9

R10

E O C C U R L11

A C U N A E

I S E A W H T I

S12

I T E D13

E L14

A Y B15

R A G

O L A16

L17

A Y A18

A N

N19

E E D L E20

Z P21

S A L M S

O22

F F I C E S

F23

R I24

G H T E T25

A B L26

E S27

A N A U28

S E29

Y U P

U30

R D U U31

N T I L U32

N D O

L U O33

E T S34

C R

T35

E L A V I V H36

A T C H E T

Y G A E E O E S

C37

E Y L O N R38

E P O S E

Last month’s solution

Supermarket Opening Hours

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

Tel: 091 798 138

Post Office Opening Hours

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

Tel: 091 798 101

m

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

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

Gift HampersChoose from Ready Made Hampers

Or create your ownValentines, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers

Day, Thank You Teacher, New BabyGift Vouchers available

Don’t forget your special one this Valentines….

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

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

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

Feb14th

Catering For All Occasions

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

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

Prepared by our Fishmonger

Lots of recipes cards now available

Pancake Tuesday – 4th March

AshWed

5th Mar

Keep an eye on our facebook page!

Multipurpose Compost 150ltrOnly €7.79

Potting Compost 175ltr Only €7.79

Garden Furniture & Outdoor Essentials Now available in

Hughes Bargain Den & Homestore

Hygeia Lawn Feed, Weed & MossKiller 15kg Only €16.99

nuacht chláir april 2014

Documents