Nuacht Chláir August 2014

Claregalway Ladies GAA August 2014 Notes

sport pAGe 17

The launch of the 24th annual Claregalway Agricultural Show

took place in the Arches Hotel, Claregalway on Friday August 1st. Since 1991 when the first Claregalway Agricultural Show took place, it has gone from strength to strength and at this year’s launch, Chairperson Val Noone said that the constant improvements have made it one of the finest shows in the region.

This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Prize money has been increased in the Horse and Pony Section as well as a number of indoor classes. Some new classes have been added to the schedule this year also. Entries are already pouring in. Speaking in the Arches Hotel at the launch to sponsors, participants, committee members

Continued overleaf →

Nuacht Chláir The free community-curated newsletter for Claregalway August 2014 | Vol.18 iss.10

news pAGe 5

From the Archives Demolition of Claregalway Handball Alley

For more local news see www.Claregalway.info

14 Years Later—From Claregalway to Dhaka

features pAGes 14–15

Claregalway Agricultural show will be held on Sunday August 24th in Duffy’s Equestrian Centre, Rockwood.

Gearing Up for 24th Claregalway Agricultural Show

Pictured at last year’s show, photo courtesy of www.ClaregalwayAgriculturalShow.ie

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

Orla McCann, Lakeview, who was selected as Claregalway Show Queen 2014 in the Arches Hotel recently, pictured with her parents Tom & Myrian and her brothers Conor & David.

The Donkey Derby is a fun way to end the day and very enjoyable to watch.

Show Chairperson Val Noone presenting Orla with an engraved crystal bowl.

Continued from cover → and friends of the show, Val added that the show has survived through difficult times and quality has always been maintained. He added that it’s vital that people keep supporting the show, which takes place again this year in Duffy’s Equestrian Centre, Rockwood. The Chairperson thanked all sponsors of the show, without whose financial support the show would not exist. He asked everyone to support the sponsors, if at all possible. He introduced this year’s Show Queen, Ms Orla McCann and thanked her for taking on the role of Show Queen. Orla hails from Lakeview, Claregalway and is the daughter of Tom and Myriam McCann who have been associated with the show for many years. She looked resplendent on the night wearing a beautiful navy dress, complemented by silver shoes and accessories, all befitting a queen. She was presented with flowers and gifts from the show committee together with a sash and tiara. Orla will preside over the presentation of the prizes at the show. Val also thanked Valerie Noone, the outgoing queen and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Some of the top attractions at this year’s show will include the horse and pony section, cattle and sheep sections, arts and crafts, home baking and farm produce, the ever popular baby show, dog show, poultry and pet show, a dedicated children’s section and not forgetting the numerous trade stands and sideshows. A huge attraction this year will be the Camera Obscura Dome, invented by Noel Arrigan and Gabriel Henry, featuring at the show for the first time ever. This will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. It is an intriguing creation to say the least. It will be worth a visit to the show just to see this in operation. A new addition to the show schedule this year will be the Scarecrow Competition, and the Donkey Derby is expected to be as eventful as ever to round off the day. For more information please email [email protected], ring secretary Carmel at 087 9180723 or entries secretary Bernie at 091 798931.

www.Claregalway.info 3

by Josette Farrell

Welcome to the August issue of Nuacht Chláir! We’ve had a lot of likes on photos we took around Claregalway on our Facebook page recently. The village is looking resplendant and it is wonderful to see the area maturing. This edition of Nuacht Chláir marks the end of eighteen volumes. The first edition of the Nuacht Chláir was published in January 1990, and was just a single A4 sheet delivered door to door. However, the editorial committee disbanded soon thereafter and for several years there was no community newsletter. That was until August 1996, when I formed a small group to revive it. With the rapid expansion of the community in the years that followed, demand for a more comprehensive newsletter was met, and thus Nuacht Chláir has grown steadily over the years. It has been a community project from the beginning, with local contributors sharing their stories and photos, and local businesses sponsoring printing costs. We’re constantly updated our online archives which you can see at Claregalway.info/archives. A lovely new art studio has recently opened in Cois Chláir called Cruthú Studios. They are hosting an open day this Saturday 23rd for anyone interested in taking a look. Of course this weekend will also see the 24th annual Claregalway Agricultural Show take place in Duffy’s in Rockmount. This is always a great occasion and a great show of community spirit. Let’s hope the weather stays dry for the weekend! There was a very interesting feasability study commissioned recently by Claregalway Community Development Association, which outlines possible developments at Claregalway Community Centre and the village in general. It is well worth a look, you can download it from our website Claregalway.info. Search for feasability to find the page. Credit is due to Dr Paddy Tobin for his foresight. Paddy was also the driving force behind the new school in Claregalway, and is now the Chairman of the Community Development Association. At time of writing, the Rose of Tralee competition is taking place, and local lad Darragh Moran is doing the parish proud as Escort for Derby Rose Aoife Broderick. Best of luck Darragh! As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, please do get in touch. We’d also love to hear your feedback on our website Claregalway.info. Let us know by emailing or phoning, or through Facebook or Twitter.

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

Nuacht Chláir is an open access publication and we try to include everything that is submitted, subject to the law of the land, and editorial judgement. This judgement is exercised by the volunteer production team in order to preserve balance in the newsletter. The views & opinions expressed in the articles are those of the 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 on 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.


Baile Chláir RamblersClaregalway Walking Club

Claregalway Walking Group was set up in October 2012 with our first organised walk taking place on Sunday 14th of October in Renville Woods. It was decided to meet on Sundays at 10am (10.30am now) at the Arches Hotel or McHughs Bar, depending on planned walk (about 9k) and on our return we enjoy a well earned cuppa! We also meet at the church car park at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings (5k) for those unable to join us on Sunday mornings.

A weekly text is received by each member to advise of planned walks and this information is also available on Claregalway.info and in the Nuacht Chláir. We currently have eighteen registered and insured members. In June 2013 we took part in the 10k Flora women’s marathon in Dublin to fundraise for our local Day Care Centre. We had 22 walkers who raised €1,980. It was a very enjoyable day for all involved and one we hope to repeat. The cheque was handed over on the official opening of the Day Care Centre. In September three of our members undertook a Walkers Leaders Course run by the Irish Heart Foundation and the Get Ireland Walking organisation, and our group information is now available on their websites. This was a very interesting course and one we thoroughly enjoyed and very much benefited from. On completion of four planned walks in the Claregalway area we received our certificates and are now official walk leaders. We then registered as a recognised walking group and on holding a meeting as a group, the name Baile Chláir Ramblers was decided upon. Our summer day away was in August, climbing Diamond Hill with Lunch in Kylemore Abbey. This year it is a 10k loop walk from Clonbur/Cong Woods with lunch in Cong. Date to be confirmed. We also have a Christmas party night which was held last year in the Clayton Hotel. Our members range in age from 35 to 60 and new members are always most welcome to join us.

Best wishes to Sandra Qualter, Loughgeorge and Neil Joyce, Shrule, who were married on the 25th of July.

Members of the Carnmore Ladies Club and friends handing over a cheque of the proceeds of their recent sponsored walk in aid of the the Jack and Jill foundation. The Carnmore ladies club would like to thank all that sponsored and walked with them.

We are very fortunate to have so many looped walks in the Claregalway area.

New joint cycle/walking path signs are now in place between the village and the Corporate Park.


Claregalway Handball Alley Demolished Originally published in the September 2010 Nuacht Chláir

Seeing that pile of rubble beside the bridge in Claregalway last Sunday reminded me of a time in the mid-seventies, when a

small group of men from the parish got together and built a wall. On it’s own, the wall would not have had any significance. It was hardly 12 feet high and no more than 30 feet long. However, because it was attached to the other three walls of the handball alley, it played a significant role in the revival and purple period for handball in the parish. Being a 10 year-old back then, I can’t really recall the details. There may even have been a tiny bit of a hullabaloo at the time but it just seemed to be a wonderful demonstration of community spirit. Nowadays, people tend to organise raffles and get contractors to build things but back then it seemed that the people themselves had to do the work. That was the way things were done at the time. Friends would come together and would fill a truck to bring home the turf. Neighbours would gather in the haggard to help with the threshing and the favour would be returned the following day. This is all a bit too rose-tinted I am sure but the building of that back-wall just seemed to kick start a wonderful summer of memories. Each Sunday, grown men would come from all corners of the parish to play handball. While there was no formal competition, games were very competitive. Knuckles were skinned; scores were disputed and voices were probably raised every now and then but I just seem to remember the constant good banter. If they were lucky, some of the older boys were invited to play but only if they were persistent (and patient) enough. They had to be skilful also because the handball was of a very high standard: Michael Casserly from Kiniska was very classy and I don’t remember Harry Anraí Duggan from Tón a Chrioc ever being beaten. There was another fella from somewhere in Carnmore (a Murphy, I think) and the way he played the ball out of the back left corner had to be seen to be believed! Funnily enough, I don’t know how long the practice lasted. It might only have lasted a few Sundays or it might have gone on for a few summers. Is it not strange how time can play tricks with the mind? It probably never rained at all in those days either. Then, Seamus O’Connell (from Cloonbigeen) decided to put a bit of smacht on us young fellas and entered us into the community games. Two Connacht titles were won. We even beat the great Duxie Walsh from Kilkenny in one All-Ireland semi-final. However, the most abiding memory was of the time in 1979 when we were travelling by bus with the U14 hurlers to the Connacht finals in Roscommon only for the bus to be flagged down near Abbeyknockmoy. We had left without Seamus! He forgave us but only after we had won. It was his wedding anniversary that day! We just seemed to be in the alley every evening, playing until we could no longer see the ball. We took a break every now and then but that was only because the ball went

Four Years Ago in Claregalway This is a snippet of local ‘news’ (now history), printed in the Nuacht Chláir four years ago.

Pictured above is Claregalway Handball Alley before it was demolished. It used to sit beside the River Clare just down where the Arches Hotel is now. The Alley was demolished on Friday 3rd September 2010, as part of works being carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to help reduce the chances of further flooding of the N17 and Claregalway as was experienced in November 2009 (pictured below).

over the side wall into the river. It usually took us half the way to Montiagh and a mound of stones to get the ball back. There are un-substantiated rumours that the small hut on the other side of the front-wall was used for a bit of smoking. It is alleged, however, that it might have been only a few woodbines and that nobody inhaled. Apart from saying that “it was not me Mammy”, I will take that secret to the grave and will spill the beans in heaven only if asked nicely by Fordie’s Ould Fella. So, it was very sad and poignant to see that pile of rubble yesterday. However, it is only right and proper that the opW are trying to fix the problem of flooding in the area: It is just such a shame that it has to tread on such wonderful memories to do so. ps I hear a rumour that there may be a new alley built near the centre (if only we had taken a few more bob off CJ Haughey the time it was built). That might even kick start new interest in the game. Some clubs have built a new type of alley for a new version of the sport. It only needs one wall and doubles up as a wall for GAA players to maintain their football and hurling touch. Although I no longer live in the parish, I may even start playing again. It might reduce the wobble in my cheeks. All four of them!


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

Local Notices

A Healing Meeting will take place in the Kiniska room in the Claregalway Hotel on Wednesday the 17th of September at 7pm. For more info contact Martina on 087 684 3551.

Legion of Mary meeting every Monday from 7.15–8.15pm 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.


Atrial Fibrillationby Dr Maire McGarry, Turloughmore Health Centre

Atrial fibrillation is the name of a common type of irregular heart beat condition. It is a very common condition, and is estimated to affect 5% of people at the age of 70. In atrial fibrillation the normal regular rhythmic activity of the heart becomes erratic and chaotic, and the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it normally does. This leads to the symptoms of atrial fibrillation which often include palpitations, or a flutter in the heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, tiredness and difficulty exercising. Oftentimes people do not experience any symptoms at all, and are unaware of the condition. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, this ineffective contraction of the heart means that blood can pool in the upper chambers of the heart, and stagnate, which leads to the formation of clots. The clots can then become dislodged and travel along the arteries to the brain, resulting in a stroke, which is one of the reasons early detection of atrial fibrillation is so important. The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is very simple. It may be detected by your doctor or nurse checking your pulse either by feeling the pulse at your wrist, or by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. If the pulse is thought to be irregular, an electrocardiogram (eCG), known as a heart tracing, can confirm the presence of atrial fibrillation.

An eCG is a painless, quick test, which can be done at your Gp’s surgery in a few minutes, by placing a number of pads on the legs, arms and chest. Usually people need two different types of medications. Firstly there are medications used to slow the heart rate and to help it beat more regularly, and secondly there are blood thinners which help to prevent clots forming and in doing so prevent strokes. Sometimes if atrial fibrillation is detected early, cardioversion can be used to shock the heart back to its normal rhythm, which is effective for some people.

If you are concerned about the possibility of atrial fibrillation, or experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, your doctor can easily assess you to check for it. You can contact Turloughmore Health Centre on 091 797106, or by emailing [email protected].

Congratulations to Maria Moran, Lakeview and Seosamh Ó Fatharta who were married on the 20th of June in Claregalway.

If someone is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, there are many medications which can be used to treat it.

First past the post: Noelle Fleming of Claregalway was a winner at the Galway Races recently when she was awarded the Most Appropriately Dressed prize.

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

Now that I’m home and we have passed the five year hump, I guess it must be finally

time to allow myself to feel like I’m staying? I can’t explain it really. All I know is that considering we moved back, thankfully having missed the Celtic Tiger, when the country was in a downward spiral of economic depression and recession, our quality of life has never been better. The family has grown, with the addition of our two foster kids, now permanently placed with our family, my Mum continues to be in great health and a very active member of the family, thank God, and earlier this year at Easter my eldest sister Tracy moved back home to Galway with her husband and their four kids. They had been living in France for twelve years so needless to say we are all delighted to have them back! I missed my deadline a few times for this issue, and am so grateful that the editor was patient with me because I am in the eleventh hour of finishing my last project for college. I have been in college now for five long years and it feels great to be coming to the end of this phase of my life and I am eager to get back to work. I can’t say I have one regret at all about moving home and taking a plunge at the world of academia. I honestly never thought I would be able for it. The support from my Mum and husband, Ron, made it possible and I will never be able to repay them for this. A few months ago, we were asked to be Electric Car ambassadors for Renault Ireland in conjunction with the GiY Ireland network. They have given us a Renault Fluence (decent sized car) to drive around for the next few months and I have to say—we are having all kinds of fun with it. Aside from the obvious cost savings (a complete charge 110km costs €2) we are loving how easy it is to drive. It is like a hovercraft gliding over grass. Not a sound out of the engine only the soft hum of a fan whirring about inside. ↗

Just the other day, an anniversary passed by me that went unnoticed. It was August 8th—when I moved back home to Galway—six long years ago.So much has happened in that short period of time, but what struck me as odd was that it went by unnoticed. I lived in America for fifteen years and not once did I forget the day I left home for a new life in America.

The Eleventh Hour


For more of Móna’s stories, visit her website at www.WiseWords.ie, Facebook page (WiseWordsMona) or posts tagged WiseWords at Claregalway.info.

Clare River Harriers 10K Road Race / Fun RunLast week, Ron took it over to the Sunday

market in Claregalway and loads of people hopped in for a look. If you are thinking about having a test drive then I would suggest you phone Enda over at Bradley Motors (091) 770 909 and ask to test drive the Renault Zoe. They are making these cars cheaper and cheaper for everyone and with very low road tax (€120) and virtually free running costs (you can charge your car for free at any of the charging points around the country and across Europe) and there are no regular oil changes etc. it is well worth a look. The whole project was put together with the folks from the Grow It Yourself (GiY Ireland) organisation as an effort to encourage people to grow more of their own vegetables and to start thinking more about the bigger picture, the air and the environment. We are sold on the car and if you would like a spin in it Ron is over at the Sunday market in Claregalway every Sunday around 10am and he is happy to take you for a drive. Right, back to finishing my Thesis... this time next month we will have already gone through the trauma of sending the children back to school and I will be well on my way to the next big adventure in my life. Stay tuned!

Móna Wise

For more visit WiseWords.ie

The Clare River Harriers 27th Annual 10K Road Race/Fun Run/Walk is on Saturday 23rd of August at 6pm. Entry fee is €20, with €5 from each entry fee going to Galway Hospice. There will also be a t-shirt for all entries. Race pack pick-up and late entries (taken up to 5.30pm) at the Community Centre, Claregalway. Or enter online at RunIreland.com. Start outside Claregalway National School. Finish outside Claregalway Community Centre. Prizes for the first five individual men, the first five individual ladies and the first two men and ladies over 40, 50 and 60. The Brendan Gavin memorial plaque will also be presented for the largest team entered.

Congratulations to Derrick Forde from Cahermorris, who won the All-Ireland Pedigree Belgian Blue Senior Breeding Heifer at Ossory Show recently.


May and June were the busiest seed sowing months, with things slowing down considerably

last month. This month it slows down even further—there are just salad leaves (lettuce, oriental greens) to sow and then that’s pretty much it until next February. Notably this month, I always do a decent sowing in the polytunnel of oriental greens (like mizuna, mibuna, mustard, pak choi etc) for winter eating. If there is a sense of winding down in one aspect of the GiY year, there is a corresponding ramping up of another (more exciting) phase—dealing with the basket loads of delicious grub coming from the veg patch. The time lag between the first sowings in February and the arrival of the first new season crops is something that continues to surprise me each year. With the exception of rhubarb and some salad leaves in early spring, it’s not really until June that the first new season crops (like carrots, beetroot, peas and beans) are ready to eat. That trickle of fresh produce has now turned in to a deluge, and we will continue to enjoy the harvest bounty up to and beyond Christmas. The time that is freed up by the lack of growing related activities (seed sowing/transplanting etc) is now spent processing food—shelling, podding, blanching and the like. But while we’re busy in the kitchen, things are certainly quieter out in the vegetable patch—the hard work of the year is mainly done now and we can start to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Grow It Yourself AugustIt’s hard to fathom, but it’s already August and the seed-sowing year is almost over—this month is the last opportunity to sow seeds and marks the end of seven months of fairly intense seed sowing activity that started way back in the dreary days of February.

To do this AugustGreen manures (mustard, buckwheat, radish, rye, alfalfa, clover and vetches) are plants which are grown specifically to improve soil fertility and useful at times when beds are empty (as is often the case in August). Grow directly in the bed and then cut down and dig in to the soil. Give pumpkins plenty of water and apply a high-potash liquid feed. Nip out the growing points to encourage the fruits to swell. Net brassicas to keep butterflies and the cabbage moth away (and check undersides of leaves regularly for caterpillars). Keep watering—mulch around plants to retain moisture.

by Michael Kelly—GIY Ireland© 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.

SowContinue succession sowing. Sow spring cabbage, red cabbage, winter spinach, salad onions (in polytunnel for spring crop), autumn salad mix, Chinese vegetables endive, parsley, onion seed.

HarvestPick Beetroot regularly as they reach the size you require—if left to grow too large they will loose their tenderness. Continue to harvest tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, broad beans, french and runner beans, salad leaves, radish, turnip, potato, onions, peppers and chilli-peppers, aubergine, globe artichoke, courgettes, cucumber, gooseberries, raspberries and currants.


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

You can tune in to 106.4FM to listen to Mass in Claregalway Church live every day.

claregalwayparish@eircom.netwww.assumptionandsaintjamesparish.comRadio Mass fM106.4Facebook claregalwayparish

The Parish Office, operated by Teresa Payne, Secretary, is located in Claregalway village beside the Church.Contact 091 798 741 / [email protected]

Claregalway Church Sacrament TimesDaily MassSunday 9 & 11am Monday 9:30am Tuesday 9:30am Wednesday 9:30am

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

Sacrament of BaptismBaptismal preparation training night second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Cairdeas. Baptisms are celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at 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.

The Mass Graves Field by Edward Coppinger

Did they live as you and meOr know the beauty of the world,Flowers and sunshine ever seeIn graves below untroubled?

Connaught rain is their tearsNo love did they ever knowIn a field bare and austereNow in sorrow lie below.

In our world of living menWho walk on earth above,Knowing not where or whenOf infants dead unloved.

Did the Banshee moan or cryIn dark nights lonely gloom,They not worth her weird goodbyeAt a field in the heart of Tuam.

Your life so short and brief,That death claimed so young,And no one for you to grieve,No funeral bell was rung.

A mass grave your tombDeath how and date unknown,In a part of ancient Tuam,Were our hearts made of stone?

For more local poetry visit Claregalway.info

There was a great turnout at the Rock Mass on 25th of July in Cahergowan. The only surviving Carraig an Aifrinn (Mass Rock) in Claregalway Parish is situated in a small field owned by Johnny Casserly, known locally for generations as Páircín na hAltóra, in the townland of Cahergowan. For more photos visit Claregalway.info/photos.


Bridge ColumnCommunication

Both vulnerable, Dealer South

Bidding (Playing 5 card majors)

E S W N 1S P 2DP 2H P 4SP P P

West led CJ and South took stock. His singleton DK meant he had potentially 4 diamond tricks, 1 club trick, 4 spade tricks and at least 1 heart trick (using the QJ10 sequence to force out the Ace and King of hearts). However, the key was to retain communication with dummy after having taken the DK (unblocking the King). Declarer won the CA, played DK and then SA and small to SK. Both opponents followed suit, so he left the last opponents’ spade out and played DAQJ, discarding his C7 and 6 and the H2. West discarded on the last diamond. He then played H4 to H10 and could not be prevented from scoring a heart trick, no matter when East took the SQ. 10 tricks.

East Q 10 4 K 9 10 9 7 4 3 K Q 4

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

Bridge Clubs New season starting! Both clubs meet in Claregalway Hotel.Lackagh starts Monday 8th of September at 7.30pm.Friday Morning Club starts Friday 12th of September at 10.30am.

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

North K 6 3 Q 6 4 A Q J 5 8 3 2

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.

Supervised Study for Junior and Leaving Cert students will resume this September in Claregalway Study Centre in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. For more information contact Josette on 086 391 3852 or 091 798 430.

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.


East Q 10 4 K 9 10 9 7 4 3 K Q 4

Baile Chláir Ramblers August Walking Programme

Sunday 17th of AugustOur Summer Outing

Clonbur Forest Loop WalkMeet at The Arches at 10.30am

Sunday 24th of AugustSpiddal Bog Loop Walk

Meet at The Arches at 10.30am

Sunday 31st of AugustBruckley/Ballybrit

Meet at McHugh’s Bar at 10.30am

The usual text will be sent as a reminder of above walks

All are welcome

For more info contact Edel on 085 102 0611

Bridge LessonsBeginners Only

Lessons will be available for a 12 week period

commencing Friday 19th of September at 9.30–10.30am.

(Subject to at least 8 beginners)Contact Brian Place on

0872033496 or [email protected].

Congratulations and best wishes to Bob and Kathleen Dunleavy of The Arches Hotel, Claregalway who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the 8th of August.

Congratulations to Bernadette Long, Kiniska, Claregalway, who was a finalist in the SuperValu All-Ireland Bread Baking Competition at Castleblayney Show recently.


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

14 Years Later… From Claregalway to Dhaka

Fourteen years on and I’m still working overseas having worked in Afghanistan after 9/11, Indonesia after the Tsunami, Darfur in Sudan, Sri Lanka after the last days of the war between Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan Government, with refugees in West Africa and now Bangladesh with the European Commission. You might wonder, what is life like in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Just to give you an idea, my journey to work each morning typically involves patiently maneuvering through Dhaka traffic, and lots of it. I suppose in this sense it’s no different to home, and traffic on the N17 except, in a mega city like Dhaka, with a total population of more than 15 million people, the daily commute can certainly try one’s patience. As I make my way to work, I notice people on the streets navigating through the slow moving traffic without any consideration for their own personal safety, or the elderly men or women begging and knocking on car windows for what they

What I look forward to on my next trip home!

I left my family and friends in Claregalway in 2000 to pursue my life as an aid worker overseas, starting off in Kosovo with Concern Worldwide, this was in response to the conflict which broke out in 1999.

by Michelle Cicic (née Small)


call Bakshish (loose change to buy some food). Around the corner from my apartment there are young children who attend a street school twice a week. They are given school bags, uniforms and some rice and dal (lentil stew) as an incentive for them to come and learn. When traffic comes to a stop, dozens of people come knocking on my window either begging for money or selling trinkets or the latest pirated DVD, book or Hello magazine. Near the crossroads, there are men who run the local tea stall which is busy throughout the day. Tea here is very important and it’s not how we would normally drink it. The tea is left boiling in the kettle on the fire until required—when it’s no longer black in colour but a strong orange hue. In each cup they put five to six spoons of sugar and a hearty whallop of condensed milk, usually accompanied by a very sweet sponge cake. Bangladeshis love sugar, and as a result incidences of diabetes is very high, but it is also perceived as a rich man’s disease, as the poor cannot afford sugar.

Most Bangladeshis and foreigners living in Dhaka spend some percentage of their daily routine talking about just how bad the traffic is in Dhaka—no matter if you’re rich or poor, everyone suffers from the traffic jams. There’s an added dimension during the seasons while expats celebrate the arrival of winter and the dropping of temperatures—when finally it feels as if one can breath again. Until we remember, that with winter comes other challenges such as dust and pollution. The dust fills the air and pollution from the nearby brick factories and vehicles make it difficult to breathe when the smothering smog fills the air—a stench so strong that it feels as if the odour sticks to one’s skin and nothing will do until it’s washed off.

With winter comes the arrival of the dreaded mosquito, making it difficult and uncomfortable to enjoy the cooler evenings. Despite what one might think of a South Asian country such as Bangladesh, it can get cold during winter, and those who feel it most are the unfortunate ones—those living on the streets with no roof over their head. As a result some International or Local Non Governmental Organisations (NGos) distribute fleece blankets to those in need during this time. I moved to Bangladesh in 2013, I work with the Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection divison of the eU office in Bangladesh. My job specifically requires me to ensure that funds which the European Commission (DG eCHo) provide to the likes of the UN, Red Cross or iNGos, is spent on those who need it most and that agencies who promise to deliver and carry out certain activities do this. Bangladeshis are probably some of the most resilient people I have ever met. During the past ten years

approximately 27 million people have been affected by natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding or landslides, and yet they manage to continue on with life, to educate their children and put food in their bellies. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones who just so happened to be born in Galway, in Ireland, in Europe. What I do, where I work and the people I meet allow me to be thankful for the small things in life—my health, my circumstances, my family and friends, the country I belong to and the opportunities I have to try

and help those who are less fortunate. Not to mention the support which Ireland as a small nation provides to those less fortunate than us.

Ordinary people here know hardship, they know what it’s like to get by hand-to-mouth, not knowing if they will have only one or if they are lucky two meals today.

As someone who works directly with people affected by natural disasters and conflict I see the difference that your donations makes in the lives of those less fortunate and it is important to say—Thank you!


You can share local notices online via Claregalway.info or our Facebook page.

Claregalway GAA U11s pictured with Danny Cummins after he scored 1–1 in Galway’s win over Tipp at O’Connor Park Tullamore on Saturday 26th of July. The U11s had their own success earlier with comprehensive wins over Garrycastle, Athlone, who they visited en route.

Carnmore u13 Hurlers Qualify for Semi-FinalCarnmore qualified for the Semi-finals of the U13 A Championship with an excellent win over Oranmore-Maree. Following recent victories over Turloughmore and Clarenbridge, Carnmore knew that a positive result against Oranmore-Maree would secure them a Semi Final position. Having won the toss, Oranmore-Maree played against the slight breeze in the first half and exerted early pressure which was more than matched by the defiant Carnmore defence with Ronan Grealish, Conor Flaherty and Ian Butler in the full back line and Gary Fox, Enda Collins and Fintan Cogley on the half back line, quashing the early attacks Oranmore-Maree were creating. There were tough exchanges around the field in particular in mid-field where Gearoid Hennessey and Ronan Hanley fought for the upper hand. After the opening quarter, Carnmore got a foothold in the game and were rewarded with two excellently executed frees from Ciaran Keane and followed by a well taken goal from Harry O’ Gorman. Oranmore replied with a goal and two points to level the match approaching half time. O’Gorman again found the net with some excellent build up play from Fergal Feeney, Shaun Killilea and Rory Carberry. Carnmore went into the break two points to the good. The second half saw more good hurling from both sides and Oranmore-Maree had a dominant spell and scored two goals and two points with Carnmore replying with points from Gearoid Hennessey and Ciaran Keane. Carnmore introduced substitutes David Feeney, James Cummins and Aidan Grealish to the fray and they had a big influence coming into the closing stages. With the clock ticking down and Carnmore trailing to a score of Oranmore-Maree 3–5 Carnmore 2–6 the true spirit of the Carnmore squad came to the fore. Carnmore went in search of the winning scores, and with a well taken goal from Mark Slevin, followed up by another point from the impressive Ciaran Keane, Carnmore led by two points approaching injury time. Oranmore-Maree responded but after a fine save from goalkeeper Ryan Fox the visitors were awarded a penalty. Needing a goal to win the game, Oranmore-Maree had a well taken penalty which was well saved and cleared by the Carnmore men who took a hard fought but well deserved win.

Carnmore 3–7 Oranmore Maree 3–5

Darragh’s Rose Aoife Broderick.


The Intermediates crashed out of this year’s championship to Corofin last Saturday evening in a sun drenched Pearse Stadium on a scoreline of 1–10 to 0–12 to Corofin. In a game we controlled all along, we had our hearts broken at the death when substitute James Farragher scored a last second goal which proved to be the final act of the game. One has the feeling that this game will haunt us for some time although it may prove to be a vital lesson to learn. The Intermediates now turn their attention to the League for the coming months. The Juniors are inaction this weekend against local rivals Annaghdown in the North Board Championship Quarter Final with date, time and venue TBA.

Claregalway Gaa August 2014 Notes

by Kieran Coyne

Congratulations to our Minor players Megan Glynn, Siobhan Gavin, Ruth Horkan, Ciara Burke, Elle Glynn, Karen Dowd, Orla Murphy and Eimile Gavin who played for the Galway Minors v Cork in the All-Ireland Final in Birr on Monday. Galway put in a brilliant performance to retain the Title for the first time. Good times lie ahead for all the players. The whole team and management put in a trojan effort to fight off the Cork attack. Well done. Galway 3–21, Cork 4–13.

Claregalway Ladies Gaa August 2014 News

The Connaught Comórtas Sevens were held in Claregalway last Sunday. In the Senior Competition Teams withdrew which left only a Final between Bhaile Chláir and An Fhairche, which Claregalway won on a score of 4–15 to 3–2. Liam Costigan president of the Connaught ladies presented the beautiful TG4 sponsored Galway Crystal trophies to both Teams. In the Junior Grade Claregalway were in Group 2 and these are the results: Bhaile Chláir 3–5, Mícheál Breathnach 5–5; Bhaile Chláir 0–3, Barna 0–12; Bhaile Chláir 3–12, An Cheathru Rua ClG 1–5. In the Junior Final Barna defeated Moycullen. Thanks to Elaine Goldrick, Barbara Connolly, Martin Flaherty, Gerry Moran, Tony Stephens, Michele Rohan, Sarah Morris, Izzy Moran, Miriam Green, Shauna Flaherty, Barry Goldrick, Cillian Green and all who helped out make the day a great success. During the presentations we had a visit from the Galway Minor Ladies with the Cups. The Mairead Meehan Cup for Minors will be held in Caltra on the 20th September, At the draw on Monday night Claregalway are at home to Caltra/Cuans in the opening round. Other Championship draws sees the U12s starting with an away game in Tuam.In U14 Championship Claregalway’s opening game is at home to Corofin in A and Caltra/Cuans in C. In U16 Claregalway are also at home to Corofin. Best wishes to Grace Cahill Elle and Andrea Glynn who play for the Galway U16s in the All-Ireland Semi-final on Sunday in Moat at 2pm. Training for U14/U16 and Juniors on Wednesday in Knockdoemore at 7pm. The County U13/15 Development continues on Monday next in Caherlistrane.

Congratulations to the winning Comórtas team—Back row: Martin Costelloe, Aisling Murphy, Siobhan Gavin, Rebecca Downes, Aoife Gavin, Orla Murphy, Ciara Newell, Maura Murphy, Marty Dowd. Front Row: Charolette Cooney, Ciara Burke, Fabienne Cooney, Karen Dowd, Eimile Gavin, Ruth Horkan.


Useful 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 Ns 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

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Alan Mongey 091 799 001

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 and produced voluntarily every 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.

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August Crossword

Across1 Roar (6)5 On fire (6)10 Cautious (7)11 Filled pasta (7)12 Aromatic flower (4)13 In the neighbourhood (5)15 Toy in form of baby (4)17 Friend (3)19 Indication (6)21 Flogged (6)22 Eyepiece (7)23 Container of e.g. Guinness (6)25 Annually (6)28 Permit (3)30 Strong wind (4)31 Influenced by tide (5)32 Israeli airline (2,2)35 Dawdles (7)36 One who resists change (7)37 Shining with reflected light (6)38 Zestful flavour (6)

Down2 Used to keep water out of ear (7)3 Elevate (4)4 Hit very hard (6)5 Antenna (6)6 Strong affection (4)7 Study of animals (7)8 Used for weighing (6)9 Occupied to fullest capacity (6)14 Persuaded (7) 16 Dromedary (5)18 To be dormant (5)20 Used to mean lots of love (3)21 Winged insect (3)23 Doughnut-shaped rolls (6)24 Moving by revolving (7)26 Comes together for common action (7)27 Shouted (6)28 Lithe (6)29 Dennis – – – – – – (former snooker player) (6)33 Former Brazilian footballer (4)34 Such as 33 down (4)34 Part of leg (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 was Harry Wall.

Name

Phone

Brian Place—Crossword Editor

U1

P2

W A3

R D4

Y5

E A6

R L7

Y

A8

Y G R A M A E9

B10

E R M U D A W11

R E A T H S

A A E P N N V S

C12

O M A M13

E D14

E A L15

I M A

U I S16

S17

A D D18

A Y

S19

E D A T E20

N C21

R A N E S

U22

R U G U A Y

S23

H E24

R P A E P25

A C I26

F Y27

A A A A28

R M29

D M A

B30

A G S A31

P S E S A32

M O K

R E S33

P A C34

O I

E35

A R A C H E D36

I A G R A M

S L A A O L A A

H37

Y M N A L W38

A F F L E Last month’s solution


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Nuacht Chláir August 2014