OCTOBER 1997

AN GORTA MÓR
Very little is known about the Famine of 1847 apart from the mass emigration in the West of Ireland, Claregalway included. Many people went to America from Claregalway on ships. One such case for example was that of 2 brothers from Clogher. One died on the way and was thrown over-board. The other brother got across and settled there and in later years bought a Pub there. Houses also fell in numbers around the Parish. For example there were 108 houses in Carnmore West before the Famine and after it there were only 96. In Carnmore East before 1847 it had only 1 house and after 1847 there were 8 houses. In Cahergowan before 1847 it had 98 houses and after 1847 only 86 houses remained. In Curraghmore before the Famine it had 3 houses and after only 1 house remained. It is also believed that some 80 to 90 people from the Tuam and Corofin area died that year under the old Nine Arches Bridge at Claregalway. There were no coffins at that time and people were buried with mats of straw as coffins. In Claregalweay Friary there is only one memorial slab on a young girl, aged 16 years, that has the 1847 date, but there is no evidence that her death was in any way linked to the Great Famine of 1847.
"Ar Deis Dé go raibh a n-ainm dílis is linne iad a beannacht"

Johnny Casserly, Cahergowan.

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Claregalway Amenity Group

The Group was formed in December 1995 and have been steadily working since then. The following is a report of achievements to date:
1. The park near the Rockwood road has been maintained by Galway County
Council following our representations.
2. We have erected townland names on all of the Claregalway townlands.
3. We have provided recycling banks for drink-cans, bottles/glass and clothing
which are situated in Dunleavey's car park.
4. We have renovated pumps at Cahergowan, Cloon and Montiagh.
5. We have had area beside Claregalway National School completely landscaped and have had a Famine Stone erected in this area to commemorate the Famine of 1847.
6. We have planted trees on main Cregboy/Claregalway road.
7. On November 18th last, we implemented a FÁS scheme which works in conjunction with Galway County Council.

The above work has been slow but steady and we are very pleased with our progress to date. Our next and most ambitious project is the development of the Nine Arches in Claregalway. The deepening of the River Clare rendered the old bridge redundant. The road was subsequently realigned and lowered by Galway County Council at the location of the old bridge. The stone Arches of the old bridge are still in place. Our proposal would involve the removal of the debris on the eastern side of the N17(opposite the Nine Arches pub) and the stone arches could be exposed. The western side of the bridge was either damaged or unnecessarily removed at the time of the road works. The Arches would be rebuilt at this location and the surrounding areas would be suitably landscaped. An information plaque would be erected outlining the origin of the Arches, and the subsequent developments which have rendered the Arches redundant.
As you can imagine, this will be a major task and painstaking. We welcome any ideas you, the Community, have in realising this project. At time of print, we are negotiating with Galway County Council with regard to carrying out this project. The Council have been most helpful with all our projects and we hope to continue our positive liaison with them.

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to offer sincere thanks to Colm Wallace, Galway County Council whose advice and ongoing help is invaluable; to Senator Jarlath McDonagh, whose support has been tremendous; to Bosco McDermott of Glynn's Garden Centre, who helped us from the very beginning with his expert advice on landscaping; to Malachy Flaherty who supplied the stately wrought iron flower holder for the pump in Claregalway; to Seamus Concannon for helping us out so many times with his machinery; to Eugene Murphy for his generous donation towards the landscaped area near the school.
Last, but by no means least, sincere thanks to the trojan workers who are helping to make it all happen - our FÁS team - to Micheal Cloherty, Joe Cloherty, Noel Moran and Pat Feeney. They have worked steadily and the Famine stone is just one example of their expertise. We hope we can keep them as the scheme is due to expire next month. A sincere thanks to Paddy Prendergast, our FÁS supervisor, who was thrown in at the deep end! Paddy replaced Clive Blackwell and has achieved a lot since he came. A very special note of thanks to Larry King who has maintained the landscaped area adjacent to the school all summer. Larry spent many days attending to this site and it is a credit to his splendid toil.
We have nick-named this area "Larry's allotment"! Larry hopes to involve the school-children in planting daffodils, which will give them an added interest in the development of this area.
The erection of the town-land names was no easy task and Seamus O'Connell and Sean Harte spent many evenings erecting these stones over the summer. It is a great tribute to them.
Our Committee are working for all residents with a Claregalway address and we would appreciate any ideas you may have for the overall development of Claregalway. With your continued support, we will continue working on our projects and see the fruition of same in time.

Josette Farrell, for and on behalf of the Group.

Committee Members: Josette Farrell,( Chairperson), Patricia Carton, (Secretary), Rose Kavanagh, (Treasurer), Josie Concannon, Mary Duggan, Seán Harte, Larry King, Celia Lennon, Seamus O'Connell.

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SPECIAL NEWS
Belated Happy Birthday to Thérèse Kitt, Kiniska.

Happy Birthday to Niall Farrell, Cregboy and Cathal Crowe, Cregboy who both share their 11th birthday on October 10th

Congratulations to Fiona Walshe - Gortacleva and Malcolm Molloy - Mervue, who were married on 20th September.

Congratulations to Donna Kitt, Kiniska, who was a prize winner in the National Championships in Irish Dancing at the Royal Northern College of music in Manchester last week.

Congratulations to Christopher Carton, eight and a half year old son of Patricia and Dave Carton, Gortatleva, who is taking part in one of the One Act plays in Carnmore Community

Centre on 22nd and 23rd October. Christopher attends Claregalway National School and is very keen on acting. A night not to be missed! Keep you diary free.

Congratulations to our Parish Priest Fr.Noel Mullin on his appointment as Canon of the Diocesan Chapter, and also as our new full-time Parish Priest. The Community welcome his appointment and look forward to a long liaison with him.

Welcome to Fr.Ian O'Neill, who has been appointed as Diocesan Secretary and Curate of Claregalway. We hope you have a long and happy stay in our Community.

Best wishes to Fr. Tommy Marrinan on his appointment as Chaplain to University College Hospital, Galway. He will be missed by the Community, as he added so much to Claregalway in the short time he was here. Fr. Tommy was instrumental in setting up the Folk Group which we hope will continue as a reminder of his good works. We hope to keep in regular contact with him.

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CLAREGALWAY SKIN CARE AND AROMATHERAPY CLINIC, KINISKA, CLAREGALWAY, TEL (091)798485.
Generally, make-up is used to enhance your good features, but it is also useful as a camouflage if you have blemishes on your face. Blemishes can range from relatively minor conditions, such as broken veins or one or two spots, through to severe acne, scarring or large birthmarks.
Because your face is on show all the time you are likely to be very conscious of any imperfections - probably far more conscious than anyone else.
Often the purpose of camouflage make-up is twofold: it plays down the imperfection and it gives you more self-confidence. The more severe the blemish, the more important it is to the wearer that the make-up is well set and will not streak, rub-off or wash off in rain. For very severe cases of scarring or very large birthmarks, it is always worth seeking professional advice so that you can find the very best products for your condition.
For further information:- contact Evelyn Kitt (091)79845.

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After what seemed an eternity, we received information about our child. His name is Joseph Emidi and he was three years old in August. We also received a photograph of Joseph, and fell in love with him straight away. We immediately wrote to Joseph, and soon after received a reply, written by his older sister, giving us more details about Joseph's family, his diet, etc.
The sponsorship money goes towards a project in Joseph's area, and not only benefits Joseph and his family, but also the other villagers.
Only last week, I received a letter from an aid worker who had just returned from Tanzania, where Joseph lives, telling me of all the recent improvements, which have been carried out as a result of Irish sponsorship. Here is a brief rundown:

"The project comprises 13 villages in an area of approximately 100 square miles with a population of over 20,000 people".
WATER: Two hand pumps have been installed which enables over 2,000 people to have clean running water.
EDUCATION: 8 schools have been renovated or built. If the people in an area can provide houses for teachers, the Tanzanian Government will provide teachers free of charge. For the first time, 10 children in Tanzania have qualified for Secondary education.
AGRICULTURE: 8 ox-carts have been purchased. Almost 700 oxen have been trained to pull the ploughs. A local farmer says "Come see my plough and healthy oxen. Before, it took me 7 days to plough my land by hand. Now it takes me only 5 hours."
HEALTH: In the village of Magambua, a 40-year old dispensary has been renovated. This caters for 4,000 people annually with one nurse and 2 auxiliary nurses. Plans are undereway to build a badly needed maternity clinic. On the 4th June 1997, the community along with World Vision Ireland facilitated a training workshop for local health workers from the 13 villages.
24 participants attended this course on Primary Health Care and Preventative Health care.

FOOTNOTE: Because of the support you have given to this project in Tanzania, the Irish Government has approved funding for another school and dispensary in the Kwamtoro Area Development Plan.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Firstly, stop and think - just how far does 50p a day go in your house? Next, think of all the money you will spend this Christmas season! Now, think how far 50p a day would go on a project like Joseph's. Still interested? For further information why not write to the following address (remember you can always cancel if your circumstances change).
WORLD VISION IRELAND, 10 MAIN STREET, DONNYBROOK,DUBLIN 4.
Thank you for taking time to read this article, and I hope some of you might consider sponsoring a child. It really is very rewarding.

Patricia Carton, Gortatleva.

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The Hurling and Football Club Lotto is going well and the last three Lotto winners have been from the Parish. We thank you for your continued support.

The Galway County Board Draw will take place at Grealish's Lounge, Carnmore, on Friday, 31st October.

Bertie Linnane, Carnmore.

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LYDICAN

Historical Sites: Ringfort and Souterrain, unclassified earthwork site.
Mansion and castle, enclosure and field system.

Business: Byrne Concrete, Dennelly Commercial, Cahills (lorries, etc), Glynns Fruit
& Veg. Centre.

Names of families who lived there in 1855:
Collins, Dillon, Flesk, Flynn, Gardiner, Glynn, Kemple, Killilea, McDonald, Molony, O'Dea, Sheridan, Staunton, Walsh.

Lydican Castle
This site is situated in fairly low lying undulating countryside. It is just east of a minor road. The site consists of a roughly circular cashel, enclosed mainly of very large stones and boulders. Very few of these stones appear to be "in situ", the NW sector being the notable exception. There is a souterrain situated in the E sector of the cashel with its long axex running WSW/ENE while the entrance faces WSW. There are no traces of an entrance feature nor of any other associated internal or external features. The interior appears to slope slightly from the SW to NE.
Lydican House/Castle
The site comprises of a multi-period house. It seems to have consisted originally of 2 stories. At present, however, the first floor and roof are both non-existent so that the only remains are four ruined walls, one of which has almost completely collapsed. Perhaps the most important feature of the house is the fact that the later buildings were constructed so as to incorporate an earlier Tower House (see below).

Tower House
Situated on a natural rise overlooking good quality low lying pasture land to N and W. Site consists of the poor remains of a tower house incorporated into what appears to be a 17th century house. Tower house can be clearly seen attached to the Nw. This consists internally of a spiral staircase running in a clockwise direction with 10 steps still extant. The stairs were lit by splayed narrow slit windows, four of which are still evident but the original stone is now plastered, while one window is much covered up by ivy. There is also evidence of pointed arched doorways. Only a half portion of one still remains comprising of a section of the pointed arch and one side. The other seems to have been blocked up at one stage and plastered while the top, showing the pointed arch, remains unblocked. The original doorway would have probably existed in the SW, an area which is taken up by collapsed stones from the house and original tower house. Original stones from the castle may be seen on the ground floor of the house where they exist. They have been raised and not only resembled typical tower house construction stones but also can be matched to existing stones which make up the stairs. On the ground floor of the house a hanging eye is also evident. A good external view of the tower house may be had from this.

Cnoc na Leach
It is the Irish name for Lydican Hill. It got its name from an old custom of building small heaps of stones inside the wall as a corpse was taken to the church.

Cnocán Aoibeann
It is the name of the field at the back of Dennehy's Garage and is now owned by J. Fahy.

Geata na gCeann
It was the name of the big gate that was in the back entrance to Greateds' Castle. It was later owned by P. Sheridan and eventually was given to Canon Moran for the old Claregalway church entrance.

Gort na Guailline
It is the name of a portion of land between Lydican and Cregboy owned by P. Fahy, R. Fahy and P. Shaughnessy.

Cathair na Finneoga
It is the Irish name for the old fort in the rock road at Lydican.

Pairc an Asail
It is the Irish name for a field near Lydican Castle and now owned by M. Cormican. It was where the Greateds' (sic?) kept a few donkeys.
Tonroe is an area between Lydican and Carnmore. It runs from the Lydican road to Jimmy Leonards' land.

Aodán McGlynn, Cahergowan.

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CUMANN LUTHCHLEAS GAEL - BAILE CHLAIR NA GAILLIMHE

1997 Galway G.A.A. Draw - £100,000 in Prizes

The Co.Development draw offers very attractive prizes. After being postponed to allow more time for ticket sales, the first draw will be held on Friday October 31st next and once monthly thereafter for 6 months. Each month, first prize is a new car, second prize is £1,000 in cash and third prize is a continental holiday for two. Tickets cost £60 each, payable in full at the start, or £10 per month. There are special 'early bird' prizes for all who pay in full before the first draw . Again, there are £1,000 cash prizes and free holidays abroad.

Half of the income goes to our Club and half to the Co. Board. So, we ask all followers to support the draw. Tickets available from P.J. McGovern (Tel. 755536), Tom Newell (Tel. 798650), Tony Stephens (Tel. 798217), M. Higgins (Tel 798155).

Sóisear A: After a convincing win over Killanin in the first round of the championship, we lost to Salthill by 5 points in the second round at Cregg on August 9th.

Sóisear 2: We broke fresh ground in our league game against Aran Islands, travelling to Inisheer via Doolin. We won by 0-12 to 2-5; Damien Fahy scored a personal tally of 8 points

Fé-21: The quarter-finals of the Co.Championship will be played on October 25th. Claregalway play St.Michaels. The semi-finals are on October 27th.

Fé-17: There will be a new City League for this age group this autumn. Claregalway will participate; details later.

Fé-15: Claregalway 2-9 Salthill 3-3
U-15's got off to a winning start in the city league by beating Salthill at the Prairie. The score was 2-9 to 3-3. Although we were first to score, two snap goals by Salthill left us five points in arrears. We recovered well and with five of the six forwards scoring a series of well taken points, we led at the interval by 0-7 to 2-0. In the second half, two fine goals by John Paul O'Connell and Paul Kilgannon set us up for a well deserved win. David Raftery, Aidan Kearney, Michael Barry and Tomás Moran starred in the backs while Vincent Gavin and Fergus Moore served us well at midfield.
Scorers: John P.O'Connell (1-2), Paul Kilgannon (1-1), Anthony Watson (0-2). Martin Kelly, Barry Cullinane, Vincent Gavin, Dara O'Malley one point each.

Fé-13: The City League commences on October 12th and there will be a game each week as follows:
October 12 - At home to Spiddal
October 19 - At home to Mervue
October 26 - Against St.Michaels, venue to be confirmed
November 2 - Away to Ml.Breathnach
November 9 - Away to Oranmore/Maree

Fé-12: In the County League, Claregalway played two draws against Moycullen and St.Michaels and lost to Salthill and Oranmore/Maree. Against Oranmore/Maree at the Leisure Centre we were on top in the first half which featured a fine goal by Paul Loughlin from a pass by Kevin Kitt. We led by 1-2 to 0-0 at half-time but Oranmore/Maree rallied in the second half and drew level at 1-3 each with ten minutes to go. They dominated from there on and scored 3 good points from out field. Barry McCartan made many fine saves in goal while Michael O'Connor, Tomas Noone, Anthony Hughes, Michael Kelly and Kevin Kitt were always prominent.
Scorers: Paul Loughlin (1-1), Michael Kelly and Brian Stephens (0-1) each.

The score at Ballydotia was 3-5 each. Barry McGrath scored 2 goals, the second was a fine effort after a long ball from out-field by Gerry Giles. Anthony Hughes had a fine game in the backs. Against St.Michaels at Westside the score was 2-8 to 3-5 and we were unlucky not to win as a few chances were missed. Michael O'Connor played especially well and scored 2 second half points and Brian Stephens scored the last point to tie the game. The game against Salthill at the Leisure Centre featured a good second half recovery with 2 goals by Paul Loughlin who was well supported by Michael Kelly, Phillip Raftery and Paul Doolin.

Fé-10: The Inter-County blitz tournament organised by Castlebar Mitchels in Castlebar was held on September 13th. We played 3 games and had a good day out.

Fé-12, Fé-10, Fé-8: A large panel of 50 players in these age groups travelled to Athlone on Sunday, August 31st and played the home club in 3 games. Thanks to Athlone GAA Club and Gerry Starken for the arrangements.

Onóir: Comhghairdeas to Gary Dillon on his selection for the Co.Galway U-14 hurling team in the Inter-county Tony Forrestal Tournament held in Waterford on August 31st. In a long and hard day's hurling Galway had good wins over Kilkenny, Waterford and Offaly. They lost to a fresher Wexford team in the final.

Seán Ó Flannagáin

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Registration will take place on Monday 20th October at 10 a.m. for morning classes. " Flower Arrangement" by Ve Murphy will commence on Wednesday 22nd October at 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Price £25 for 8 weeks. "Decoupage" by Florence Powell will commence on Thursday 23rd October at 10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Price £35 for 8 weeks. Places are limited, so early registration on Monday 20th October is advisable.

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THE GARDEN
October is the month where we start getting frosts and the days begin to shorten; with this comes the end of the growing season, with plants going dormant, it is usually a good time to plant new material or for moving existing plants.
There are a host of sweetly scented flowering shrubs that last from now until Spring and will go on flowering year after year. Plants such as mahonia which has holly type evergreen leaves with spikes of yellow flowers that have a lily of the valley scent from November to early spring. Witch Hazels are another great plant with their cinnamon scent (Hamamellis Mollis) and unusual flowers which are borne on the bare stems from December to February. It's quite a large shrub and could be used as a specimen. Christmas Box is another thats' aptly named (Saroccoa Humilis) as it flowers in December - January with a sweet honey type fragrance. Its' a small shrub and will grow in sun or shade.

An old variety that has a great scent is Virurnum "Bodnatense Dawn" which has sweet perfumed flowers in November-December.
Half hardy and frost tender plants can be just as successful next Summer if they are overwintered. But how do you do it? a) Lift the plants and shake off the bulk of the soil; b)Check for any signs of pests or disease, if so discard these plants in the bin rather than outside; c)cut the plant back by half, removing any late flowers and dead dying leaves. d) keep in a cool dry place with reasonably good light; e)Water very sparingly until new growth starts in the spring. Plants such as geraniums, fuschias, pelargoniums, creeping Jenny etc. can be saved this way.

Dahlia tubers can be left in the ground if the ground is free draining and the tubers are covered over with a layer of moss peat or straw. This can be a great success in very mild areas.
You can also cut back by half the stems and lift from the soil using a garden fork, as this will do less damage. Remove the soil and discard any tubers that look sick or weak. Cut off the remainder of the top growth (this was only left to help you lift the tuber) and place it upside down in a wooden tray. It should be left upside down to dry out for approximately 3 weeks. After this they can be turned upright again and covered with chipped bark or dry peat. Leave in a frost free shed. Light levels are not important. They will be ready for planting out next spring.

Some of the other summer bedding plants can also be used for a little bit of colour for the winter. Plants that can be used are Busy Lizzy's, Begonias, Petunias, Fushias and pelargoniums. Choose healthy plants that are not affected by disease or pests. Dig the plants out carefully and knock off the most of the old soil. Put plants into 6 in. pots of fresh compost and firm in. Water well
Cut the stems down to 2 ins. Keep the pots moist and position in a bright spot on a window sill. They should regrow and produce another flush of flowers for anything from a month or in the case of Begonias - all Winter.

Your lawn could still benefit from putting out some Autumn lawn feed. You will soon be near the end of cutting. Don't cut too low and collect your clippings. You can sow your lawn seed as there is still good growth and the soil is not overly wet.
For winter colour you can sow winter pansies, polyanthus, chrysanthemums, ornamental cabbages, aubrietas and wallflowers.

Wallflowers will be only available in trays for the moment until the bareroot plants are ready. Bareroot trees and hedging will be available from roughly the end of October. Lastly, two very important points - Firstly, now is the time to transplant and move trees and shrubs if necessary. If plants are getting overgrown amongst each other or just in the wrong place, move it now, generally anytime from October to March. Plan where you wish to move it to first. Dig well around the plant and undercut it. The golden rule is to take as much root and soil as possible without disturbing the plant too much. For large shrubs and conifers slide a piece of heavy duty polythene under the rootball and get somebody to lift it with you. This avoid knocking any soil or root off the rootball, keeping it intact. Replant at the same depth as before and water it in. Stake any large trees or conifers if the need arises. Some plants don't transplant that well and one of the more fussy ones is the Lilac. So plant it where it is to remain.

The last point is Bulbs, Bulbs, Bulbs, Bulbs - people come looking for bulbs to plant in Spring when they see the daffodils and tulips and crocuses in flower - too late! Spring flowering bulbs are planted now, so get down to your garden centre now before the choice is gone. There is a huge variety of bulbs now and all sizes and colours, dwarf, tall, early, late, colourful and scented. Naturalising bulbs (mass planting bulbs) is great if you have large open areas. It gives an ever improving display every year with no work. Pick an area and scatter bulbs, like as if you are sowing seed, where they land you plant, use a spade or a bulb planter. The bulbs will multiply every year eventually, giving a mass of colour.
Congrats to all who had any hand in the development of the bank beside the Claregalway National School. The whole thing has turned out very well and shows what can be done with a bit of effort.

That's if for now, happy gardening.
Bosco McDermott, Jnr., Glynn's Garden Centre, Lydican.