DECEMBER 1996

DAVID CRIBBIN

David Cribbin from Cahergowan, will be ordained to the priesthood in Claregalway Church on Saturday, January 4th. Almost twenty years ago, in 1977, three local priests, Dr. Des Forde (Chaplain Galway R.T.C.), Fr. Martin Glynn (U.S.) and Fr. Martin O'Connell (Africa) celebrated their first masses in Claregalway, but David's will be the first ever ordination to take place in the parish.
He received his first Holy Communion in Renmore, where he lived, before the family moved to Claregalway in 1976. He enjoyed his primary school days, especially the late mornings allowed to the Mass servers. He attended the Community College in Moinín na gCíseach where his classmates included Michael (Bomber) Killilea, Stephen Hughes, Seán Newell, Alan and Brian Kenny, Michael and Sean Duggan, Michael Grealish and Tom Lenihan (Cloon). In Moinín his main out of class interests were Cross-Country, Athletics and Drama. At this time he was a member of the thriving Clare River Harriers club with which he won a number of county and Connacht titles.

During his teens his ambition was to join the gardaí or the army, but a few months before his Leaving Certificate a Columban priest, Fr . Nick Murray from Ballymacward, who is the current Superior General of the Society, gave a talk in the school and David, out of curiosity, decided to go to Dalgan for an information weekend. The following September, the day Meath won the All-Ireland in 1987, he joined the missionary Society of St. Columban. After one year in Dalgan he was based in Maynooth for five years. He obtained his B.A. and then did two years of his Theology course in Kimmage Manor before spending two years in the Philippines on his Overseas Training Programme.
The Phillipines is a strange country which comprises some 7,100 islands. David was based in Mindanao, an island of twelve million people, of whom some two million are Muslims. He studied the local language,Visayan, for six months and lived in a variety of locations to familiarise himself with the culture, traditions, and day-to-day problems of the people. The Filipinos, though very poor by Irish standards, are a warm, generous people and he enjoyed his two years in spite of the loneliness, the extreme heat, humidity, tropical storms, earthquakes and other occupational hazards such as malaria and typhoid.
He returned to Maynooth in 1995 and completed his Theology degree in Kimmage. He was ordained a deacon last June and has been working in Ballybane parish since September. After his ordination he will remain in Ballybane till the summer when he hopes to "hurl" a bit of golf for a month or so before he takes up his assignment in the Philippines in September. Missionaries normally do a three year stint abroad; so he hopes to be home for the millennium celebrations in 2000AD.

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THE GARDEN

This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to the oncoming festivities; Santa Claus, friends and family coming home and getting the house ready for Christmas. We tend to forget about the garden, but yet it can still contribute in a large way.
The vegetable garden can contribute to your Christmas dinner, harvesting potatoes, cabbage, brussells sprouts, parsnips, leeks, swedes and carrots that are still coming onstream. Carrots, potatoes and swedes can be lifted unless your ground is free draining. They can also be pitted, which many of the older generation would know of, as it was the only storage method years ago. Potatoes can also be stored in a cool shed. The rest of the vegetable garden can be cleared, dug over and left fallow to the frost.
In the ornamental garden you can still plant polyanthus, winter pansies, sweet williams, stocks, wallflowers, bachelors buttons, etc. for winter and early spring colour. A lot of the late herbaceous perennial flowering plants have been hit by frost now and gone brown, so you can cut them back hard and mulch over them with peat or compost.
A tip for people with lots of pots to avoid frost damage; pots usually crack when the moisture in the soil expands and cracks the pot, raise the pot off the ground with something and this will reduce the amount of moisture within the pot. With large pots you can use bubble wrap insulation (used in fragile goods) and wrap and tie it around the pot.
Now is still a good time to plant bareroot trees and hedging. Bareroot means that the plant has its normal root system but is not in a pot, they are heeled into the soil. This is done only between October and March. They are usually a little bit cheaper than the potted plants. The most common bareroot hedging are Griselinia, Escallonia and Beech. There is also a wide range of bareroot trees. Now is also an ideal time for lifting and transplanting any trees and shrubs that need moving.
At this time of year most people ask about hollies. This has been a good year as most are laden down with berries, both wild and cultivated varieties. The most commonly planted are Ilex Golden King and Silver Queen, male and female. Good self berrying varieties are the green Ilex J.C. van Tol and Ilex pyrimadalis and the variegated Ilex "Handsworth new Silver".
Most of us still put up a real Xmas tree rather than artificial and it brings lots of joy to most households in decorating it and frustration in others, especially if the lights are on the blink! The two most common trees now are Lodgepole Pine and Noble Firs. Both are non shed. So you don't get any needles on the carpet. Some people plant a live Xmas tree, with roots and transplant it and bring it in. This is o.k. for a year or two, but they don't transplant that well as they get older. They also need to be watered which is a problem inside, if there is carpet, etc. They dry out quite easily with heat from radiators, open fires, etc.
Lastly, a lot of people get gifts of pot plants for Christmas; poinsettias, cyclamens, Xmas cactus, solanums, etc. How do I care for them? Poinsettias like average warmth with lots of light. Water thoroughly but wait until the compost is moderately dry before watering again. If the room is very humid, mist the leaves occasionally. Xmas cherries or solanums like a cooler room temperature, lots of light and keep the compost moist at all times; mist regularly.
Cyclamens like a cool room temperature, lots of light, keep moist at all times using soft water (rain water) and semi-tepid (lukewarm). Put pebbles on tray or saucer if possible. Xmas cactus like an average room temperature, well lit spot, no sunlight, water liberally when compost begins to dry out.

That's if for now, happy gardening.
Nolláig Shoná do gach dúine on flóireann oibre
Guírdínleann Glynns.
Bosco McDermott, Jnr., Glynns Garden Centre

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Peil na nÓg

Claregalway U-15 and U-13 footballers brought down the curtain on the football season by contesting bothof the City League 'A' finals after qualifying through a series of Group games and play-offs. In September, the U-16 team reached the final of the County League and lost to Corofin in a close game. In the course of these leagues, the Claregalway teams performed with distinction at the top level.

U-15's deservedly beat St.Michaels in the semi final at Mervue. St.Michaels hammered in 2 early goals but a goal by Robert Lennon before half-time brought us back into the game. In the second half 3 subs were introduced and all scored, a point each by Declan Langan and Michael Flaherty and a late goal by Demien Stephens which sealed the result.

The final at The Prairie, Salthill was closely contested with the result in doubt to the end.

When we had a goal chance that eluded us Oranmore scored 3 early points while we missed some chances which made the difference in the end. Although Oranmore/Maree never conceded the lead, they were pressed all the way to the final whistle by a determined Claregalway team. Nicholas Fox opened our account with a point after 15 minutes. Declan Langan added another to leave a point between the sides until just before the beak when Oranmore/Maree scored to leave the half time tally 0-4 to 0-2. Both sides exchanged points soon after the resumption, our point coming from Declan Langan. The score stood at 0-5 to 0-3 for most of the second half as play swung from end to end. There were some thrilling passages of play including a great save by Paul Kilgannon.

The displays of Damien Noonan, Fergal Moore and Gary Dillon deserve special mention and they were well supported by J.P.O'Connell, Anthony Davoren and Paul Hession. Nicholas Fox and Robert Lennon tried hard at mid-field while in the forwards Enda O'Connell and Damien Stephens were tireless in their efforts.

Team: P.Kilgannon, A.Davoren, D.Noonan, G.Dillon, P.Hession, F.Moore, J.P.O'Connell, R.Lennon, N.Fox, A.Watson, E.O'Connell, P.Francis, D.Langan, M.Flaherty, D.Stephens. Subs who played: E.Flaherty, M.Kelly, R.Raftery.

Having previously lost narrowly to St.Michaels, U-13's had to overcome Salthill in a play-off at the Prairie in order to remain in the League competition. In a rousing game of fast and open football Claregalway took the game to Salthill right from the throw-in and held the lead throughout.

In the semi-final at the Leisure Centre Claregalway won comfortably; the scorers were S.Cunniffe 1-0, B.McGrath 0-3, A.Watson 0-3, B.Cullinane 0-2, M.Kelly 0-1, C.Deeny 0-1.

The final against St.Michaels was also played at the Prairie. After an action packed second half that had both sets of fans on their toes we held out to win by 2-2 to 2-1. It was a hard tackling game and the closeness of the exchanges militated against open football. The result was always in doubt and the spirit and intensity of both team displays had to be admired. In a number of previous games at both Coiste Peil and Primary schools levels between these keen rivals there has never been more than a score or two between the sides and so the trend was repeated again. We got a tonic start with a goal by Barry Cullinane in the first minute. But St.Michaels showed that this was going to be another close game by scoring 1-1 to take the lead until Anthony Watson equalised after 15 minutes with an excellent point from a free far out on the left. From there on both sets of backs dominated and scoring chances were few and far between. The score remained 1-1 each at the break.

After the resumption the likely result always rested with whichever side got the next score. So it proved to be, as after 10 minutes Jason Murphy won a ball on the right and rattled the net with a great shot. This was soon followed by another excellent free by A.Watson which found Barry Mc Grath who shot left footed over the bar. But St.Michaels summoned up a great revival and bombarded our goal for the remaining 20 minutes in search of victory. Goalie Kieran Moran was called upon to make a number of fine saves. He stopped a penalty but St.Michaels were alert to the rebound and the ball rolled over the goal-line from a toe-poke. A.Watson stopped a shot on the line and the full backs Michael O'Connor, Gary Dillon and Joseph Garrett rose to the occasion to deny St.Michaels again and again. Outfield Colin James Conneely, Tomas Moran, Colin Deeny, Michael Maguire and Martin Kelly contributed handsomely to this win.

After the game the cup was presented by the President of the Galway City League, Martin Kelly, to team captain Gary Dillon and thus we regained the trophy which we last won in this age group in 1993. We thank P.Coen for his time and attention in managing the team.

Financial support
We convey thanks and appreciation to Malachy Flaherty, Western Ironcraft Ltd. for his generous support.

S. Flanagan

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COMMUNITY ALERT GROUP

On behalf of the COMMUNITY ALERT GROUP I would like to express the horror, shock and sympathy we have all felt with the cowardly attack on Mr. Duggan. We have said that we were lucky that we have had so little crime in the area, but what has happened reflects on what is happening throughout Ireland. The role of the Community Alert is to encourage everyone to look out for their neighbour's welfare and security. It is your responsibility as a neighbour to do so.

We are presently preparing a survey of vulnerable people within the area to advise them on the availability of additional security products which is grant aided by the Dept. of Social Welfare through the Community Alert Scheme. Further details are available from any of the co-ordinators.

On behalf of the committee and all the co-ordinators we wish everyone a Safe and Happy Christmas.

To the many people walking or cycling on the dark roads with no reflectors, THINK !!!!, accidents don't always happen to others.

Martin Kirrane

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December 12th 1995 saw the first meeting of the Amenity Group of Claregalway Community Action Group. Here we are, a year later, to report on our achievements.
1. As a result of numerous phone calls, letters and representations to Galway County Council, we managed to get the park at Cregboy, near the Rockwood road, tidied up. The grass was cut, gates were replaced and the benches were painted.
2. By collecting £10 per household, we have placed name-stones on almost all the Claregalway townlands. The few remaining areas will be covered shortly.
3. We have provided recycling banks for drink-cans, bottles/glass and clothing. These are situated at Dunleavy's car park. Please keep in mind over the Christmas period.
4. We have renovated pumps at Cahergowan, Cloon and Montiagh.
5. On November 18th last, due to pressure on our part, a FÁS scheme in conjunction with Galway County Council began work repairing stone walls and, hopefully doing some landscape work on the roadsides. It is hoped that all roads to Claregalway will be restored to their former glory and trees and shrubs planted at all the neglected areas along the roadsides.

Committee members, their families and friends put in many hours on the pumps - cleaning, clearing, repairing and painting, and to these we say thanks. A special word of thanks to Padraic Duggan and family who did a superb renovation on the Montiagh pump. Thank you to Senator Jarlath McDonagh who supplied the seat for the Claregalway pump, to Malachy Flaherty who supplied the wrought iron flower holder and to Bosco McDermott, Jnr of Glynn's Garden Centre for his ongoing valuable assistance and advice.

The Committee would also like to thank you, the residents of Claregalway for your generosity. The response to our collections for place-names has been very positive and shows a great community spirit. Thank you. Also, may we thank those local people who gave voluntarily of their time to help in the erection of said place-names.

We achieved success in recruiting workers for our FÁS scheme. It is hoped that we can extend this scheme when their year is up, as we have big plans for the area, for the next 5, 10 and even 20 years!

Our Committee are working for all residents with a Claregalway address and we would appreciate any ideas you may have that would add to the overall aesthetic value of Claregalway. We must be patient however, and realise that progres may be slow, but we will have results! With your continued support, we will work on our projects and see the results in time.

Nollaíg Shóna do gach duíne, and we look forward to your continued support in 1997.

Patricia Carton,
Secretary.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
JOSETTE FARRELL, CHAIRPERSON
PATRICIA CARTON, SECRETARY
ROSE KAVANAGH, TREASURER.
Josie Concannon, Mary Duggan, Sean Harte, Larry King, Celia Lennon, Seamus O'Connell.

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The Annual Fashion Show was a great success and many thanks to all of you who turned out on such a bad night.
Renovations have now commenced on the Centre and it is hoped that the new floor will be installed early in the new year.

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CLAREGALWAY SKIN CARE AND AROMATHERAPHY CLINIC

Beauty tricks and ideas for Christmas: Make make-up work for you. Don't make up on the move - try a simple home routine and face the world in style. Although a full make-up routine should take about 15 - 20 minutes to complete, there are occasions when that's not possible. At such times, it is possible to do a pretty good job in just five minutes.
1. Apply a cleanser to remove grime, grease and flaky skin.
2. Tone - to close the pores.
3. Apply a moisturiser to protect your skin.
4. Apply a foundation with a sponge.
5. Pat with translucent powder to hold the make-up.
6. Add a minimum of blusher and highlighter to strengthen your natural good features.
7. Apply a little highlighter under the brow line.
8. Apply your eye shadow with care.
9. Apply eyeliner.
10. Apply mascara.
No beautiful face is complete without lipstick. You should bear several things in mind when you choose your colours - the shape of your lips, your complexion, the eye make-up and the colour scheme of your clothes. If you have more time on your hands it is good to apply 3 or more shades of eyeshadow blended well together and remember to avoid drawing harsh lines of eye-liner around your eyes.
Lastly, to avoid all this why not get your eyelashes tinted prior to those Christmas parties, not forgetting your eyebrows, they also could be professionally shaped and tinted.
If you have any spots, blackheads or superfluous hair, don't forget to book in to your beauty salon, a week before parties.
For further information, contact Evelyn Kitt (091)798485.

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THE APOSTOLIC SOCIETY

A branch of the Apostolic Society was started in Claregalway on 24th November 1992. The Society is comprised of active and honorary members. Active members attend the meetings and help to make vestments, albs, altar linens and all other articles required by the missions as well as children's dresses and knitted garments.
Honorary members make a financial contribution annually to help buy the necessary materials for the work.
All members, both active and honorary, share in the Masses offered by the Association and the missionary priests each month and have many other spiritual benefits.
A display of the work done, and a cake sale as well as a church gate collection are held each year in September or October.
The members wish to thank everyone who helped them each year, by donating cakes and raffle prizes, as well as the people who contributed to the church gate collection, also to the many people in the parish who helped in making children's dresses, knitted garments and vestments. Also a word of thanks to all the people who collect used stamps for the missions.
This year: 10 jumpers and cardigans, 5 aran jumpers, 2 aran cardigans, 15 children's jumpers and cardigans, 19 pairs of socks, 43 childrens dresses, 10 knitted vests, 12 flanelette matinee jackets, 175 rosary beads, 33 purificators, 26 corporals, 18 finger towels, 6 vestments - 3 green, 2 purple and 1 white were made by the members. All these were displayed at our annual display which took place this year on the 29th September. They were brought to Salthill for the Diocesan display on Mission Sunday and collected by missionaries who came from Africa, China, South America and other missionary areas.
Our total contribution to headquarters in Salthill amounted to £937.61 this year.
We are very grateful to Canon Callinan for his help and we wish him a very hapy retirement. We wish Fr.S. Kilcoyne every happiness and success in his new parish. We welcome the help and co-operation gven to us by our new parish priest Fr.Noel Mullin and by the curate Fr.T. Marrinan.
We offer our sincere sympathy to the Noone family on the death of Sadie.
Sadie was very interested in our missionary work and knitted some lovely woollen socks for the missions. May she rest in peace.
Many more active and honorary members are needed so come along to our meetings which are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
We wish everyone a very holy and happy Christmas and peace and joy in the New Year.

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There was a mission in Claregalway Parish in 1942. It started on the 14th June and finished on the 28th June.There were two Jesuit priests, Fr. Paul O'Flanagan and Fr. Michael Mallin. Fr. Mallin was a son of Michael Mallin the 19l6 leader who was executed after the Easter Rising. The first Mass each morning was at 7.00 a.m. and the second at 9..00 a.m. The Rosary, Benediction and a sermon was at 7.00 0'Clock each evening and the church would be packed. The Rosary was always said in Irish

Towards the end of the mission, the missioners went around to the old people who were not able to come. The parish priest had no car so the missioner priest had to borrow a bicycle and the mass servers showed them where to go.

The people mostly walked to Mass at the time. A few had bicycles and the people from Carnmore came by horse and sidecar. There would be about twenty horses tied to the wall across from the Church during the mission. There was just one collection at the end of the mission.
I am sure these memories are shared by many of the older generation in the Parish.

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CARNMORE CENTRE REVITALISED

The new Committee of the Carnmore Community Centre wish to thank its members and the public for their past support and look forward to seeing them in the New Year. Membership to the Centre is now due and Information and Event Schedule will be published in future Issues.

Membership is still great value at £20.00 per person - £30 .00 per family.
Come and join us for a game of Squash, Karate Lessons and many other activities. Please contact the following for any information you may require.

Chairperson - Liz Cassidy 091 790395
Secretary - Marion Nugent 091 794335
Treasurer - Mary Grealish 091 794713

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SPECIAL GREETINGS

Welcome home on holidays for the Christmas to the following young people of the Parish who are studying abroad.

Mark Tierney - Cregboy , home from Germany
Cliona Hartigan - Lakeview, home from France
Seán Campbell - Cregboy, home from Holland
Best wishes to David Fox - Carnmore, who will be spending Christmas in Germany.

Congratulations to Siobhán and Peter Lynskey, Cregboy, on the birth of their baby daughter, Cliondhna.

Congratulations to Geraldine and John Whelan, Lydican, on the birth of their daughter, Caoimhe.

Best wishes to Bernie and Walter King,and family, Rooaunmore, who moved into their new home recently.

Birthday Greetings to the following - Orla and Carol McKiernan, Kiltullagh
whose birthdays are in December.

Cathy Casserly, Cregboy - 3rd December.

Emmet Farrell, Cregboy, who will be 7 on the 4th January, 1997.

Best wishes to Carol and Craigh Steven and family who hope to be in their new house in Cahergowan for Christmas, (hope Santa finds you!)

Congratulations to Linda Mahon, Cregboy, who got married to Noel O'Halloran recently.

Congratulations to Karina and John Kenny, Rock Road, Lydican, on the birth of their baby boy.

Congratulations to Josephine and Pat Heffernan, Lydican, on the birth of their baby girl.

Congratulations to Bernie and Billy Greally, Claregalway, on the birth of their baby girl recently.

Congratulations to Gretta Concannon, Montiagh, who got engaged to Dan Hogan of Ennistymon.

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FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT!

What do you do if a Kerryman throws a pin at you?
Run like mad; he's probably got a grenade between his teeth.

Why was the Kerryman confused?
He couldn't understand how he had only three brothers while his sister had four.

What is the greatest achievement of the Kerry electronics industry?
They made the world's largest microchip.

What is the biggest educational problem in Kerry?
Kindergarten drop-out.

Why did the Kerryman want a train ticket for Jeopardy?
Because he heard that there were 500 jobs in jeopardy.

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TRY THESE TASTY RECIPES

Homemade Mincemeat
(makes 2.5 lbs)
4 ozs Apple (coarsely grated), 8 ozs. Currants, 4 ozs each of Raisins, Sultanas and Mixed Peel. 2 oxs. Cherries. 1 Large Lemon, 4 ozs. Each of Brown Sugar and Suet or Butter. 1 teaspoon Mixed Spice and Grated Nutmeg. 4 tablsp. Of Brandy, Whiskey or Sherry. 4 ozs. Chopped Almonds. (Use Juice and grated rind of the lemon.)
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Put into jars and seal as for jam.

Melted Oat Mix Biscuits.
Mix together 8 ozs. S.R. Flour, 8 ozs. Porridge oats, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.
Melt together 8 ozs. Butter, 8 ozs. Sugar and 2 rounded tablespoons golden syrup. Heat through gently stirring mixture until melted Remove from heat and pour into flour mixture. Mix well.
Grease 9" x 12" tin and smooth the mixture in. Cook for approx. 20 - 25 mins. At Gas 4 (180° C - 350° F) . Cut into fingers before cool.
For variety, add any of the following: 4 ozs. of nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, cherries,etc.

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We wish Canon G. Callinan every happiness in his recent retirement and express gratitude from the people of Claregalway to him for his loyal and dedicated service to the area over the past 27 years. The church and schools of the parish will be a continuous reminder of his achieved ambition to provide the people of Claregalway with such beautiful structures.
We welcome Fr. Noel Mullin, Parish Priest and Fr. Tommy Marrinan, Curate, to Claregalway. We wish them every happiness and hope they enjoy their stay in the parish.

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SCHOOL NEWS
Raising money for Rwanda
Almost a month ago, our class - 6th class, decided we would raise money for the refugee crisis in Rawanda, so on Friday the 15th of November, we had a "Fun and Games" day.
Everybody wore fancy dress - many members of the Carnmore hurling team attended! We had a morning of challenging board games, followed by a soccer league and an afternoon of art - our teacher failed to recognise herself from the portraits we painted!
We raised £150.00 that day and hope that it will be some small help to the refugees.
Laura Gallagher, 6th class.

THE M.S. READATHON
The school participated in the M.S. Readathon. The aim was to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. The child would read books and get sponsored a set amount per book. The school raised an unbelievable amount of £2,218.60. Some of the classes raised up to £400.00. The school will get one tenth of the money for the schools libraries. We thank all the sponsors.
Maria Moran, 6th class.

DOWN TO EARTH THEATRE GROUP
The environmental theatre group, Down to Earth, visited our school on November 20th. Their show was called Bin There, Dump That. It featured Philip (Fill up) the Bin Man and Sleeping Beauty. It was all about recycling and dumping of dangerous materials. There were two shows - one for Junior classes and one for Senior classes.
As a follow-up to the visit, we are organising a recycling competition amongst all families in the school.
5th class.

CROSS COUNTRY
By Kathryn Day and Kiera Skelly.
The Cross Country was held at the Renmore pitch in Galway. It took place on the 6th and 13th of November. Twenty-four pupils from Claregalway N.S. qualified from 4th, 5th and 6th class. There were four teams: Senior girls: Gráinne Noonan, Kathryn Day, Kiera Skelly, Michelle O'Connell and Sandra Murphy. Senior boys: Joseph Garrett, William Morris, Liam Walsh, Michael O'Connor, Ronan Mangan and Donal Cahalan. Junior girls: Alva Hession, Áine Skelly, Yvonne Grealy, Maria Long, Sharon Feeny and Elaine Harrington. Junior boys: Philip Raftery, Fergal Walsh, Trevor Casserly, Jerry Giles, Sean Foy, Thomas Walsh and Alan Cullinane. Everyone finished the course and did exceedingly well. There were four winners: Gráinne Noonan who finished 6th on the 6th November and 4th on the 13th November; Joseph Garrett who finished 8th and 5th, Michael O'Connor who finished 4th and 7th and Thomas Walsh who finished 2nd and 5th. They were all presented with beautiful trophies on the 14th of November. The school was proud of all the runners because they all finished the course brilliantly even though the weather was terrible.

4th Class visit to Lackagh Museum
The Thatched Cottage. We left the school at around ten. On the way we passed by a lot of fields. Mr. McAndrew pointed out the nine arches across the road from Dunleavy's. When we got there, we were split into two groups of nineteen. The first nineteen went into the Battle of Knockdoe. The second nineteen went into the cottage first. I went into the cottage first. There was lots to see in the cottage. The cottage is over one hundred years old. It was first built as a bothán. The person showing us around was Mary Delaney.
There was a piece of scraw in a corner from a roof of a cottage in Liscaninane. The scraw is over three hundred years old. There were two bedrooms downstairs and one upstairs. Back then they had a ladder stuck to the wall. When you sniffed, you could smell soot and turf smoke. Bridget, Michael, Mary and Christine Carrick used to live in the cottage before it became a museum. In one of the bedrooms there was a picture of the Turloughmore team in 1884. In the museum there was a lot of gadgets and old fashioned equipment. There was a spinning wheel in a bedroom. There was a cartwheel over the fire.
We saw a cutthroart razor in a bedroom. We saw some lamps and lanterns. Back then they had no electricity. The cottage was very interesting. We saw a lot of things made out of straw. We saw a hen-laying nest and a big ciseán in the kitchen. There was a cradle with a doll in a bedroom. There was a bellows there too. Then we went to the Battle.

THE BATTLE OF KNOCKDOE
After the cottage, we went to the Battle of Knockdoe. First we saw a video about the Battle. We had already seen the video back at school. There were a lot of weapons there that were used in the battle. Here are some of the weapons they used in the battle: Lochabee axe, Faughard axe, Galloglagh axe, Bow and arrow, one handed Irish sword, Two handed Irish sword, Galloglagh warrior, Twin bladed axe, Chain mail, Iron Helmet, Battle shield, Battle of Knockdoe field. Some of us got to hold weapons. I got to hold a sword and wear a chain mail. Michael Farragher (he was the man showing us around) put an arrow down my back. I got some information on English wars. Here it is:
English Wars: From 1400 onward the English Kings had little time for Ireland. They were fighting a war with France, which went on for so long it became known as the Hundred Years War. This war was barely over when a civil war broke out in England. Two branches of the royal family fought each other for the throne. The struggle which lasted thirty years was called the War of the Roses. We then went around the fields where the battle was fought. We came home at twelve--thirty. The morning was very interesting.

SCIENTIFIC WONDERS
On Friday the 22nd of November, sixth class from Claregalway N.S. travelled to the Science Exhibition which was held in the County Library. To begin with, we visited the Planetarium. Here we were shown all the different stars and constellations such as Polaris (the north star), the Ursa Major (the Big Dipper) and the Great Square of Pegasus. Following that, we explored the science wonders that were exhibited there. There were many illusions and hidden wonders and best of all gravity projects. The Spinning Chair was the main attraction. You would be seated on a revolving chair and given two metal weights, one for each hand. You get one push and then everything becomes a blur. The weights are held by your side and to slow down you raise your arms slowly. To go faster again, you drop your hands to your side.
We had a fantastic time and discovered many new wonders, even though some didn't feel too well from revolving faster than the earth on the Spinning Chair!
The Science Exhibition is 'orbiting' the country at the moment and we highly recommend it if it comes to Galway again.
Yours scientifically,
Noelle Fleming and Michelle Kirrane (6th class)

THE CARAVAN BOY
Although John had never met Mark, he had heard all about him. Mark McNulty had just started school in Lucan N.S. The class had seen him many times before and had already passed their judgement on him.
Mark was part of the travelling community who had just parked their caravans on the side of the main road on Saturday. Many people in the Parish thought that they were dirty and they did not want them in their town.
When Mark had begun his first day at Lucan N.S. all the children had been told by their parents not to go near him. But John thought Mark was very friendly, Nearly every evening after that day John was always at Mark's family's caravan. Then one evening late in March, John walks up to the caravan and there lay before him graffiti on the caravan.
He rushed up to the caravan and asked John in disbelief "Who did this"? Mark answered casually that a bunch of yobboes came and did it. "We just can't stand it anymore. We're leaving tomorrow". "But why?" I asked. "Because we're always gettin' bugged like this, now leave me alone". The next morning John went down to the place where the caravan was parked. They were gone.
Kiera Skelly (6th class)
Winner in the Galway Library Short Story Competition.

Limericks
There once was a man named Jack
Who lived near a race track
Knew all about horses
For different courses
And always had a pound on their back.
(Terence Cunniffe)

There once was a man named Jack
who was always full of craic
Tied balloons on his head
Wore pink pyjamas to bed
And scraggy pig tails on his back.
(Katie O'Connor)

There once was a man named Jack
Who spent a few days in Iraq,
He flew over by plane
Met Saddam Hussein
And decided he'd better get back!
(Darragh Moran)

(The above entered the Limericks competition organised by Galway City Library).

CHALLENGE GAME
Oranmore B.N.S. (B) 7-4
Claregalway N.S. (B) 4-4
The start of the match was dominated by Oranmore. Claregalway had a good spell midway through the first half. At half-time Oranmore were up by about a goal and a point. At the start of the second-half Claregalway came within a point of Oranmore, but afterwards Oranmore ran away with it because of Claregalway sitting back.
TEAM: John Jordan (captain).
Adrian Hanley, Tomás Ó Gríofa, Rory Dillon, David Clarke, Seán Foy, Arthur Moran, David O'Dea, Tomas Walsh, John Jordan, David Crowe, Padraic Quinn, Damian O'Connell, Jack Campbell, Roger Delahunty, Kenneth Murphy.

ORANMORE V CLAREGALWAY
This was our first game in the Schools League. We got off to a great start when Aodhán Glynn scored a good goal. It was a close first half but Oranmore led by 1-1 to 1-0 at half-time. Consistent pressure from Oranmore saw them stretch their lead in the second half before Aodhán Glynn got his second goal and a long range shot from Joseph Garrett went over the bar. The final score was Oranmore B.N.S. 4-2, Claregalway 2-2.
TEAM: Joseph Garrett (Captain).
Ronan Mangan, Tomas Noone, Rory Dillon, Dara Lambert McMichael, Michael O'Connor, Jerry Giles, Joseph Garrett, Philip Raftery, Aodhán Glynn, Michael Kelly, Trevor Casserly, Paul Loughlin, Paddy Moran.

CLAREGALWAY N.S. V CORRANDULA N.S.
Claregalway N.S. were beaten by Corrandulla N.S. in the City League. Although the teams were evenly matched for most of the game, Corrandulla finished comfortable winners in the end. The score was Corrandulla 5-3 Claregalway 3-3. Paddy Moran had a great game and scored two goals while Aodhán Glynn got one. The two midfielders Joseph Garrett and Philip Raftery played well and Raftery got an excellent point. Trevor Casserly had a great game at left half forward and scored two outstanding points. Ronan Mangan the goalkeeper and Micheál O` Connor the full back also had good performances.

Micheál O Connor (captain)

13 A-SIDE FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
CLAREGALWAY N.S. V. MAREE N.S.
1. William Morris.
2. Tomas Noone. SUB 3. Thomas Walsh.
4.Paul Loughlin.
5.Dara Lambert McMichael.
6.Micheal O`Connor.
7.Gerry Giles.
8.Joseph Garrett - 1 goal and 1 point.
9.Ronan Mangan - [captain].
10.Aodhán Glynn - 1 goal.
11.Micheál Kelly - 2 points.
12.Trevor Casserly - 1 point.
13.Philip Raftery - 1 goal and 1 point.
15.Paddy Moran - 1 point.
It was Claregalway's first win in the League and it was an all round good display. William Morris in his first ever League game in goal played very well. Paddy Moran had a goal disallowed for a square ball. Ronan Mangan`s first game in midfield had a shaky start but settled down after about ten minutes or so. Joseph Garett and Philip Raftery were the top scorers, scoring one goal and one point each. Aodhán Glynn got the vital goal to get Claregalway back on track. The final score was:
CLAREGALWAY 3-6
MAREE 3-4

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NOT CARNMORE'S DAY

ATHENRY 2-6 CARNMORE 1-6
A big Carnmore support turned up to Athenry on the first Sunday in December to support their local heroes. A bitterly cold breeze and wintery showers plus a very heavy pitch prevented a classic.
Carnmore got off to a brilliant start with an early goal but Athenry slowly clawed their way back to lead a half-time by 4 points. The team tried hard the second half but could not break down a strong Athenry defence. This is a very young Carnmore side and their glory day will come soon.
Scores for Carnmore - Peter Fahy 1-0, Michael Killea 0-4, Damien Fahy 0-1, Ronan Walsh 0-1.
On behalf of the Hurling Club I would like to thank our supporters for their loyalty throughout the year. To all the people of the parish who put in such an effort in displaying flags and creating such a great atmosphere. To those who travelled long distances to be with us on the day. I would like to say your efforts were much appreciated.
To our main sponsor "Greaney Glass" and to all our sponsors on County Final Day, thanks for your genorosity.
Also I would like to thank all team mentors who gave their time to the club during the long campaign.
Congratulations to Athenry and we hope you will do Galway Hurling proud and take the All-Ireland Trophy back across the Shannon once again.
Jackie Beatty, PRO Carnmore H.C.

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CLAREGALWAY JUNIOR BADMINTON

Congratulations to all our players who took part in Doubles Co. Championships in G.L.T.C. recently. It was a very successful tournament for our club.
Stephen Keane is u10 champion with his partner Damien Hehir from G.L.T.C. Gerard Moran and Niall Farrell reached the semi-final in their event. In the U12 Michael O'Connor and Thomas Walsh won the final. They beat clubmates Paul Loughlin and Declan Griffin in the semi-final. In the girls doubles Katie O'Connor and Grainne Noonan were very convincing winners as were Cathy Casserly and Caroline Garrett in the U14 girls doubles.
In the boys doubles Christopher Keane is champion with his partner Alan Flaherty from Tuam boys club. In the U16 boys doubles Brian Casserly and Peter Moran overcame club mates Comán Duke-Farrell and Galvin Kavanagh in the Final. We now look forward to the mixed doubles event to be held in January in G.L.T.C.
The first round of the Co. Leagues is completed. Most of our teams have had a successful round.
Mary Forde.

Adult Badminton every Monday night 8:30 - 10:30. New members very welcome.
C. Pitts.
NOTE: We are hoping to organise Coaching in January.

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Claregalway Branch - Irish Farmers Association

The A.G.M of Claregalway branch I.F.A was held in the Claregalway Leisure Centre.The meeting was well attended and the Co. I.F.A Secretary John Costello attended the meeting along with guest speaker Maurice Sheehan , local Teagasc advisor.Maurice Sheehan gave a detailed account of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme and what Farmers must do to qualify.It is a very worth while scheme and most farmers can qualify with very little extra work.He also spoke on the various grants and premiums that are available at present.
John Costello gave a run down on what the I.F.A is doing for farmers.
The following officers were elected for the coming year.Chairman Gerry Forde,Secretary Seamus O' Connell,Treasurer Michael Connell.

Seamus O'Connell.

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SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY

The Annual Senior Citizens Party took place in Kynes Central Tavern on Sunday 15th December. The evening started with Mass in the local church at 4 p.m. and it included the Blessing of the sick, with Fr. Noel Mullin and Fr. Tommy Marrinan giving the blessing. The mass was concelebrated by Fr. Tommy Marrinan with Fr. Noel Mullin, Canon Callinan, Fr., Sean Kilcoyne,Fr. Costello, and Fr. Gilmore celebrating with him. This was a beautiful mass with some nice thoughts from Fr. Tommy. After mass, everyone headed for Kynes Central Tavern where the Senior Citizens Committee lead by Chairman Seamus O'Connell, with its secretary Agnes Lenihan, Treasurer Michael O'Connell and the rest of the committee moved into top gear, to provide a great nights entertainment. First a few drinks to get the appetite going, then everyone was seated for a beautiful meal served up by Kynes hard working staff, helped by our own committee.
After everyone had enough to eat, the arrival of the man in red "SANTA CLAUS" a fair bit overweight I must say. He must be well fed all summer up there in the North Pole and it seems he made a stop at the local supermarker on his way because he had on a beautiful pair of shiny green wellingtons. Then he proceeded to present everyone with a little gift.
Seamus O'Connell welcomed everyone and he had a special welcome for our new parish priest Fr. Noel Mullin and our curate Fr. Tommy Marrinan.
In his reply Fr. Noel said he was delighted to be present and he complimented everyone for coming out to this Christmas party. Then Seamus O'Connell on behalf of the Committee made a presentation to Fr. Sean Kilcoyne on the occasion of his transfer from our parish and wished him well in his new parish.
Then Seamus made a presentation to Canon G. Callinan on the occasion of his retirement. Then to great cheers a presentation was made to May and Andy McDonagh, who celebrated their 50 years of marriage this year.
But the biggest cheer of the night came when our local hero Pat 'Val' Duggan was introduced. Pat has let it be known that cowardly thugs who hide behind masks and who come in numbers to terrorise our people will find no easy pickings in Claregalway. Pat was then presented with a little gift.
Then it was down to the dancing with Tom Flaherty of Cloon providing the music. The dance floor was crowded all night as Tom belted out old time waltzes, quick steps, siege of Ennis, Barn dances and the night would not be complete if they did not Shoe the Donkey! We had our Senior Citizens join in with songs such as The Banks of the Claddagh, Fields of Athenry, James Connolly and many more. We also had some lively mouth organ playing by Fr. Tommy.
A great night was had by all. The Committee would like to thank Joe Kyne and his staff for a beautiful meal on the night, Tom Flaherty for a great nights entertainment and dancing and to all you the Senior Citizens of Claregalway who came out and made it all worthwhile.
Wishing everyone a very peaceful and happy Christmas.

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