The restoration of the Nine Arches early 18th century bridge at Claregalway was commenced by Claregalway Amenity Group at the beginning of this year. In order to appreciate the nature of the task undertaken, one must think back to c. 1700 when the bridge was being built.
At that time,
probably quite a large group of men, including skilled stone masons and
stone cutters, would have been working on the job. By hand they would
have cut and dressed rock from the local quarry to the shapes they required,
giving the facing stones the finest finish with the narrowest joints between
them (about 1/8 inch). They would have mixed mortar of local sand, water
and lump lime (made by burning local limestone in a local kiln). Their
work has lasted almost 3 centuries, with the finely cut stone of the east
and back side still to be seen.
Misfortune befell the west and front face C.1950 and left it without its
facing stone, but today, as part of the Claregalway Amenity Group project,
work is under way to restore it. The work is being done, not by many skilled
stone workers, but by a group of FÁS with only one, albeit excellent,
stone mason as a trainer.
The best conservation practice follows the principle 'repair like with
like' as closely as possible. With this in mind at the beginning of the
year, the members of the Claregalway Amenity Group went forth in good
spirits to find great lumps of stone ready cut and dressed to suit their
purpose since the 18th and 19th centuries …. But such was not to
be found. After much deliberation it was accepted that newly quarried,
sawm stone, surface finished similar to the original by a skilled stone
cutter, would have to be accepted.
This was obtained and the results are to be seen in the form of 3 newly
erected arches at Claregalway. The mortar used consists of lump lime,
sand and water as did the original, the lime coming from a kiln in Co.
Down where a conservation enthusiast is doing things the old way. The
joints are 4mm wide as are those to be seen on the east face of the bridge
- a width unheard of in modern-day brick and blockwork.
The FÁS workers and solitary stone mason are rightly proud and
deserve continued support until the completion of the project in 1999
when the bridge will be returned to its full splendour.
Geri McManus, Architect.
The Leisure Centre Committee are happy to relate that the Winter-schedule of activities in the Centre are up and running. There is a great buzz throughout the week, as the various groups come and go to their respective weekly gatherings, at their allocated times. The young people of the area are well catered for, with the large and efficiently-run clubs of both Badminton and Basketball. In these areas, the youth are afforded the opportunity of expert coaching, keen competition and good clean fun. All age groups and catered for and the community as a whole are indebted to both Mary Forde (Badminton) and Maura Harte (Basketball) who are the backbone of these clubs.
Up-the-stairs, the Scouts and Venture Scouts have their Den which is yet another outlet for the young people of the area, and they are very happy to have the facility of the Centre at their disposal.
Adult Indoor Soccer is a major feature in the Leisure Centre, especially since the new floor has made the hall such an attractive venue. Many groups from Galway City and outlying areas have their weekly sessions booked for the duration of the Winter Season. All of these activities provide valuable income which is essential to the maintenance and ongoing improvement in the Centre.
There is an Aerobics Class/Circuit Training, on Wednesday Evenings. A First Aid Course has run, over a number of weeks, which has been very well attended.
In addition
to the above, many meetings take place in the Meeting Room which has also
benefited from the overall upgrading of the centre, thanks to the all
those in the Community who have supported all of our Fund-Raising exercises.
Many groups e.g. The Agricultural Show Committee, The Amenity Group, The
Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society, all hold their meetings in
the Centre on a regular basis.
Should you require any information regarding the Centre, your may make your enquiries directly to the Centre (Tel. No. 798371) or to Mary Reidy (Tel. No. 798887)
Mary Casserly
CLAREGALWAY
SKIN CARE AND AROMATHERAPY CLINIC,
KINISKA, CLAREGALWAY. TEL: 091-798485. OPEN LATE MOST NIGHTS.
Face up to a Facial - Now that winter is here, the temperature
climate is much colder, the wind howling and the rain beating punishingly
against our face, the elements fail to display even an ounce of mercy.
When you feel that your skin and body are falling to bits, it always seems
so much of an effort to even begin to think of getting yourself together
again. The solution: - let someone else do it. Winter is the perfect time
and provides the perfect excuse for engaging in feel-good and with Christmas
on the way, it's the ideal time for self indulgence. Facial treatments
involve a thorough cleansing of the skin followed by a proper indepth
analysis before the treatment begins to allow the therapist to decide,
with you, which treatment would be the most appropriate for your skin
type.
Sothy's Institute Treatments - whatever your individual skin type, every
skin reacts to the passage of time by ageing. To respond efficiently to
the need Sothy's have devised their own "Institude Treatments"
combining carefully selected active products with high performance methods
of treatment.
For further
information, please contact Evelyn Kitt (091)798485
Congratulations
to Emer Cotter, Lakeview and John O'Callaghan, Cork, who were married
on 3rd October.
Best Wishes
to John and Katherina Kenny, Rock Road on the birth of their son Paul.
Congratulations
to Seán and Geraldine Carr, Gortacleva, on the arrival of their
son Andrew
Congratulations
to John and Marian Nugent, Carnmore on the birth of their son Niall.
Best Wishes
to Alan and Christine Moran, Lydacan on the birth of their little girl
Caitriona.
Congratulations
to Noel and Siobhain Greany, Carnmore on the arrival of their son Cian.
Best Wishes
to Oliver and Martina Williams, River Oaks, on the arrival of baby Laura.
Birthday
wishes to Briain McKiernan, Kiltulla, who celebrated his 12th birthday
in October.
Happy Birthday
to Susan Casserly, Cregboy, who celebrates her 21st Birthday on 11th November.
21st Birthday
wishes also to Clare Horgan, Cregboy, Mairead O'Hagan, Cahergowan, and
Michelle O'Shaughnessy, who all celebrate the big day around this time.
"Age
only matters when one is ageing. Now that I have arrived at a great age,
I might just as well be twenty".
Picasso.
"Every
baby born into the world is a finer one than the last"
Jean De la Bruyëre.
Congratulations
to Kenneth Joyce, (Claregalway National School), on winning a Gold medal
in the Individual Medley U-12 in the Connacht Minor School Swimming Championship.
Best wishes to Kenneth in the All-Ireland on the 14th November next.
Congratulations also to his sister Ciara Joyce (also Claregalway National School) on winning a Silver medal, U-9, in the Connacht Minor School Swimming Championship.
Background:
On Tuesday, September 15th, an "Information Morning for Over 55's''
(or thereabouts) was held in the Menlo Park Hotel in Galway City. The
aim of this event was to promote awareness of both the purpose and activities
of two Active Retirement Associations within Galway City with a view to
encouraging other people to establish similar groups in their own locality.
The Event:
There was a remarkable turnout of people from all over County Galway and
neighbouring counties at the Information Morning. It was estimated that
over 185 people attended on the day including individuals and representatives
from community/voluntary groups and statutory organisations.
Billy Pope (Knocknacarra Active Retirement Association) and Eithne Carey (Renmore Active Retirement Association) welcomed all present and outlined the purpose of the Information Morning. At this point Councillor Bridie O'Flaherty, Deputy Mayor of Galway, officially opened the proceedings and was full of praise for the organisers who were drawn from the members of the Knocknacarra and Renmore Active Retirement Associations. She emphasised the importance and value of this event by recalling her own experience of retiring from business in her mid fifites, the difficulties in coping with this new situation and how important it was for her to have an active role on the City Council. She felt that everyone retiring from work or who had spent their lives looking after families needed some other interests in life to enable them use their time and their talents to good effect.
Following the official launch of the Morning, Eithne and Billy shared their own experiences of their respective active retirement associations, focusing in particular on the benefits and positive aspects of older adults coming together as a group to proactively ensure a better quality of life for all.
A number of members of the Renmore and Knocknacarra Active Retirement Associations also outlined what it meant to them to be involved in their local groups. Some of the experiences and sentiments expressed clearly highlights the benefit of their membership within these groups.
All the contributions emphasised the importance of 'doing for oneself'; a philosophy, which is strongly promoted by the active retirement associations. Active participation in these groups has clearly fostered a greater sense of independence, friendship, self-esteem and fulfilment among the members. Throughout the morning contributors underlined the significance of "Enjoyment" as being central to group success.
The range of activities and courses pursued and the oprocess by which these are agreed and organised within the group reinforces the principle of "Self-Help".
Some of the
activities enjoyed to date include:
Creative Writing, Art, Walking, Swimming, Golf, Pitch & Putt, Flower
arranging, Computers, Health matters, Bridge and Music Appreciation.
Some of the personal views expressed on the day clearly illustrate the long-term benefits and potential of the Active Retirement Associations:
·
"We are promoting a positive image of what retirement can be rather
than letting
it be seen as a burden"
·
"We believe we have probably identified more by accident than design
a resourceful group of people who can be of particular service to one
another by counteracting
loneliness and isolation frequently experienced by older people in today's
busy world".
· "Following a stroke I felt very low and I had very little interest in life. I met some people who told me about Knocknacarra Active Retirement Association. More out of curiosity than anything else I decided to go to one of their meetings and I can honestly say my life has changed completely. I have so many interests now and I love the feeling of wanting to get up in the mornings".
· There is a tremendous resource of life experience and talent within the older community which needs to be acknowledged and respected and we are the best people to ensure that this is done."
·
"All my family are reared and are living in different parts of the
world. My partner died some years ago, I am very much on my own. My membership
of our Association is like a lifeline for me. I know there are many lonely
people out there who could equally benefit from the same experience as
mine."
Workshops
A number of workshops were organised in order to promote discussion and to provide people with an opportunity to raise questions and express their views. Feedback from these workshops clearly indicated that there was a very good reaction to the morning's presentatiuons and a high level of interest in establishing similar associations elsewhere. Some people expressed surprise and delight at the remarkable attendance and many people commented on the great educational value and social importance of such an event for older people.
As discussions within the workshops progressed it became obvious that many people are anxious to start a group in their own area. Galway City Centre in particular was identified as being in great need of such an association as currently there are very few supports, resources or options for older people in this locality. The need for similar associations in rural areas was also emphasised.
A number of people felt that there was a lack of information about Active Retirement Associations and there was a need to heighten awareness among older people regarding the potential of individuals coming together and promoting a stronger voice for older adults. More knowledge is needed at a local level of all groups already in existence so as to avoid duplication of organisation and effort. The Active Retirement Associations however have a very specific focus and approach, with the result that establishment of such associations should not duplicate the activities of other groups.
Recommendations
(The workshop participants suggested these recommendations)
· The following points were identified during the workshops as being esential to successfully establishin an active retirement association:
(i) Identify
a leader or small group in each area
(ii) Suitable premises
(iii) Information and Knowledge need to ve more widely available.
·
Knocknacarra and Renmore Active Retirement Associations should send out
fliers to
Different areas where people are interested in starting clubs.
· Emphasis of the Active Retirement Associations must focus on enjoyment and doing for oneself.
· There is already a nucleus for groups in Oughterard, Mervue and Salthill but nothing similar in City Centre. There is a great need for support to get a group or number of groups established.
· It is essential that all the Active Retirement promote and maintain networking among existing and soon to be established associations.
· It would be useful that if a member of one Active Retirement Association wished to participate in the activities of another Active Retirement Group that is would benefit both the individual and the associations concerned greatly in terms of sharing of ideas and interests.
· It was suggested that Active Retirement Groups should advocate and 'open morning' policy where non-members may come along and see what activities are on offer without any pressure to become a member. This idea was seen as useful to give potential new members a sense of what's available.
· In some of the Active Retirement Associations, particularly the rural associations, there seems to be an urgency to promote new activities in oder to maintain present members and to entice new members to join.
· It was suggested that members of established retirement groups should be invited along to newly formed retirement groups to assist them to identify effective methods of good practice and to share experiences.
· It was suggested that an umbrella body for active retirement groups in the city and county should be set up as a resource to provide relevant information to assist associations to achieve their aims.
· It was also recommended that Active Retirement Groups should provide more afternoon activities rather than evening ones, which might be more amenable for older people to attend.
Conclusion
In organising the 'Information Morning for the over 55's, the Renmore and Knocknacarra Active Retirement Associations hoped that by recounting their own experiences, to act as a catalyst to encourage older adults to establish or become involved in similar groups within their own communities. Members from both associations have also agreed to participate in meetings following the 'Information Morning', in order to support the efforts of interested individuals to come together in their locality. The fact that so many people attended on the day clearly illustrates the immense need in the greater Connaught region for assistance in the formation and organisation of structures to facilitate older people to become actively involved within their respective communities. On this basis the Community Education and Resource Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway has agreed, where possible, to facilate the involvement of older adults within their community.
Maura Maher, Mary Kearney and Christine Keaney went to the Information Meeting in the Menlo Hotel and feel that such an Association would be a welcome asset to our Parish/Area. The Association could only function if a willing committee of "ourselves" organised it. Billy Pope and Eithne Carey would come along and give help and advice to get it started. Meantime it is possible to join one of the existing clubs - £10 per annum and £1 per visit. You may go along for two visits before you need to join as a member.
Our Junior A team have done extremely well. They have secured their place on centre stage when they contest the "Junior A" County Final against Kiltormer. They dismissed Athenry rather convincngly in the semi-final played in Ballinderreen in terrible weather conditions. Their encounter against Kiltormer will be tough as the Kiltormer lads are a strong and physical side. There is no doubt however, that under the guidance of Bertie Linnane, Martin Sheridan and Sean Davoren, they will come home Champions of the Junior A Final. We wish them every success in achieving their goal.
The Junior C team have also done the club proud. They have reached the County Quarter Final and are training hard to proceed further in their Championship campaign. We have every faith in you lads - keep up the good work!
LOTTO
The lotto currently has a Jackpot of £3500.00. The draw will take
place in Kynes Central Tavery on Sunday the 8th November. Good luck to
all who purchase tickets.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO CLAREGALWAY FOOTBALL CLUB.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Claregalway
Junior A football team and management on winning the County title in Menlough
against Kilconly on Saturday 31st October. It was a well merited win and
we wish the club all the best in next year's Intermediate campaign. Wel
done to all concerned.
Martina Grealish,
P.R.O.,
Co. Junior 'A' Final: Claregalway 2-13 Kilconly 2-4
Showing a big improvement from earlier rounds, Claregalway Juniors had a resounding win in the Co. Championship final played at Menlough on Saturday October 31st last. They thus regained the title last won in 1993 and hence step up to Intermediate status.
This display was every bit as convincing as the scoreline suggests and seldom has the outcome of a county final been so decisively settled in the opening 20 minutes or so. Our performance featured many passages of sparkling football in the miserably wet conditions. There were no prima donnas and teamwork was very evident especially by Derek Murray's passing to team mates for several good scores which left the Kilconly defence struggling from early on.
From the throw-in, all 15 players were fully focussed on the demands of the occasion and we raced into a 1-7 to 0-1 lead inside 25 minutes. Our goal came from a great centre from Derek Murray to Enda O'Connell who crashed to the net from the edge of the square. Our seventh point by Anthony Monaghan from 50 yards would do credit to Sean O'Domhnaill . Our backs were totally in command with Shane and Padraig Walsh, Mickey Grealish and Rory Kenny prominent. It was 25 minutes before Kilconly opened their scoring with a point and just before half-time they scored their first goal with a fine fisted effort to leave the score at 1-7 to 1-1 at the break.
Two quick points after the restart from frees by Anthony Monaghan meant that Claregalway already had their hands on the cup. Although Kilconly responded with 1-2 and briefly threatened to make a game of it, two fine interceptions by Kenny Watson and Mickey Grealish restored our dominance. Our second goal came from another Derek Murray run and centre to Anthony Monaghan whose pass across the square was fisted to the net by Enda O'Connell. Kilconly were then awarded a penalty but were denied by Nigel Donovan's excellent save. Padraig O'Connell worked hard at mid-field while both Niall McGovern and Adrian Moran picked off some lovely points.
There was a cut to this display that offers fresh prospects. We should surely arrange more football excursions to other football counties. The All-Ireland Gaeltacht week-end in Donegal and the high quality football there was a turning point for the team panel. The under-age policy fostered by the club has proved rewarding. It is only 5 short years since six of the team competed at the top level in Feile Peil na nÓg Ciarrai. U-17 player and county minor panellist Enda O'Connell lived up to the saying "If they are good enough they are old enough" by grabbing 2 goals. What next? Training and team development hold the key because success at Intermediate level demands a higher gear all-round.
The championship cup was presented to team captain Anthony Monaghan by John Power, Galway Football Board Secretary. It is the Irish Purity Cup presented by Odlums Flour Millers, Portarlington for the Co. Junior championship won by Menlough in 1936. Getting out of Junior grade was set up as a target early in the year (Nuacht Chlair March 1998, p.9). It has been duly delivered and we convey tributes to the team management, Paul Concannon, Val Hanly and Frank Moran and all concerned including main sponsor C K Developments.
Team: Nigel Donovan, Kenny Watson, Shane Walsh, Gerry Madden, Mickey
Grealish, Padraig Walsh, Rory Kenny, Anthony Monaghan (0-7, 6 frees),
Padraig O'Connell, Adrian Moran (0-2), Richard Donovan (0-1), Niall McGovern
(0-2), Enda O'Connell (2-0), Enda Devitt, Derek Murray (0-1). Subs:
Paul Concannon for E.Devitt, Kevin McNamara for R.Donovan.
Sean Ó
Flannagain
JUVENILE
HURLING UPDATE
All the hurling is over now for the year. No success at any age level.
The Under 10's were still training until very recently but now have taken
a break for the winter, until next April at least. Maybe next year might
be a bit better weatherwise. So many of the under age matches were played
in the rain and muck - it was unbelievable. May for the under 14's was
the wettest on record, June for the under 12's was no better. The under
16's got the best weather of the year around the races. The under 13's
were playing in near darkness as the evenings were shortening in September
after doing nothing all summer.
The Juvenile
Club held its annual fund-raising dance recently. The Oranmore Lodge Hotel
was the venue. A nice crown attended. The band "Together Again"
from Tuam were quite good. The Juvenile Club is indebted to all those
who sold tickets for the dance who included the following -
Paraic Hession, Patrick Kilalea, Pakie Fox, John Kenny, Johnny Kerrigan,
John Fox, Enda Flaherty, Mairtin Connell, Jimmy Noone, Tony Kilgannon,
Mary Davoran, Tomás Grealish, Roddy Kenny, Kitty and T.J. Hynes,
Michael, Ronan and Declan Walsh.
Sincere thanks
also to everybody from Claregalway and Carnmore who bought tickets and
did not attend and especially to those who came along and danced!
Spot prizes on the night were generously donated by Liam Glynn, Airport
Stores; George Glynn, Glynn's Fruit & Veg.; Martin Hughes, Hughes,
Claregalway; Grealishes Bar, Carnmore; Carnmore Stores, Jarlath &
Bernie; Joe Kyne, Kynes Restaurant; Breda Dunleavy, Dunleavey's, Claregalway;
Martin Leonard, Dawn Dairy Distributer; Ronan Walsh, Walsh Fireplaces,
Claregalway.
Michael Walsh,
P.R.O.,
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