Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir
The Annual General Meeting of the Claregalway Leisure Centre takes place on Wednesday, 3rd March at 8.30 in the Centre.
Over the years, the Centre has established itself as a sporting, recreational, theatrical and meeting place for the people of Claregalway. The Centre is managed by a voluntary Committee and its continued effectiveness depends on more members and representatives from all areas of the parish.
Therefore, the committee would like to extend an invitation to all, to attend the A.G.M. and perhaps get involved in whatever way you can. The more people involved, the greater benefits that can be derived from the Centre for the Community.
Tony Clarke
Chairman
Rehearsals are at an advanced stage for this year's production by Compantas Lir which is 'Poor Beast in the Rain' by Irish author Billy Roche, produced by veteran and widely acclaimed producer Mike Hession. Taking part in the play this year making her debut with Compantas is Bernadette Prendergast whose voice is well known on Galway Bay FM. Also making a comeback after a few years break is Eddie Fitzgerald as well as old reliables Philip Cribben, Malachy Noone and also making a comeback is Liz Hession.
With such a formidable team we are expecting great things and we wish everybody concerned front and back stage the best of luck on the Festival Circuit. It starts with our first visit to Castle Island, Co. Kerry on March 6th, Glenamaddy 11th March, Doonbeg 13th March and Claremorris on the 14th March. Our performance in Claregalway will be on the 16th March. We finish off the Festival circuit in Holycross on the 17th March. A preview will take place before the festivals but the venue is as yet undecided.
Compantas
Lir would like to invite new members to join our drama group. Perhaps
With all the new people moving into our parish there is hidden talent
out there - you don't have to feel that you have to appear on stage. We
also need backstage people - anyone interested, just approach any member
of the Group.
Simon Kavanagh,
P.R.O.,
Malachy Noone, Chairperson; Carmel Kenny, Secretary;
Patsy Cahalan, Treasurer; Ursula Cribben, Recording Secretary.
CLAREGALWAY AMENITY GROUP WAS VERY UPSET TO NOTICE THAT THE CLOTHES BANK IN DUNLEAVEYS CAR PARK WAS VANDALISED. WE BELIEVE CLOTHES WERE TAKEN OUT OF THE BANK AND STREWN ALONG THE ROADSIDE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE CLOTHES BANK HAS BEEN REMOVED. IT'S A SHAME SUCH A VALUABLE COMMODITY WAS ABUSED. THE BOTTLE BANKS REMAIN IN SITU AND FOR THEM TO REMAIN SO, WE NEED THE COOPERATION OF ALL RESIDENTS IN CLAREGALWAY. PLEASE PLEASE HELP US DO WHAT WE CAN FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT.
Wake up to what you can do for YOUR environment!
1. USE RECYCLING FACILITIES FOR PAPER, GLASS, PLASTIC, CANS AND OILS.
2. CONSERVE ENERGY AT HOME AND AT WORK.
3. BUY UNLEADED PETROL.
4. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT. WALK OR CYCLE WHEN POSSIBLE.
5. PLANT A TREE.
6. STOP LITTERING & ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO STOP AS WELL.
7. USE SMOKELESS FUELS/LOW SMOKE FUELS ONLY.
8. LOOK FOR & BUY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS.
9. INITIATE OR ASSIST LOCAL CLEAN UP CAMPAIGNS.
10. REPORT
ILLEGAL DUMPING & SUSPECTED AIR OR WATER POLLUTION INCIDENTS TO YOUR
LOCAL AUTHORITY, I.E. GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL (ENVIRONMENT SECTION).
Follow up from 55+ meeting held in Menlo Park Hotel in 1998.
We decided to take up the offer from the Renmore Group (A.R.R.A.). They meet every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Liam Mellowes Memorial G.A.A. Centre down on the seafront. We arrived to find a roaring fire blazing and paid our £1 entry fee and were immediately welcomed by about sixty 'young at heart' elderly ladies and gentlemen and invited to have tea/coffee and biscuits. When we all settled down we had an up to date report from the Secretary on the various activities going on and then our main speaker for the morning was a local solicitor who advised us on the importance of making a will. The future speakers planned are the Bank of Ireland - Budgeting; Western Management - part-time work suggestions and advice; Environment - Landfill sites; Litter and what to do about it; the Sky at Night and a repeat visit from Ann McKeown to help with our gardening problems.
They have a walkers section and the Musical Appreciation enthusiasts are just about to start a second course. The following week a coach load visited Dáil Eireann and had lunch with Pauric McCormack there. Needless to say we went to the Treasurer and paid our Annual subscription of £10. Guests may attend twice, but then must become members and only paid up members may join in the activities. There is a monthly visit to the Town Hall Theatre on Friday afternoons to see one of the good old films - this month's choice was "Arsenic & Old Lace" - £1 per ticket. A four day visit to Baltimore, Co. Cork is planned for March.
I was thrilled that my name was one of those that came out of the hat for a place on the next "Basics Computers" course - 20 sessions for £10 starting in January in Galway Tech. The club is organised and run by an elected committee, and each activity has a separate small committee. They even have a transport organiser and everyone takes turns tea making and washing up and tidying.
The Christmas lunch was held in the Menlo Park Hotel and started with a Mulled Wine Reception and a thoroughly enjoyable night was had by all. Is it any wonder that they are called "Young at Heart"! The choir has been up twice to sing in John Paul II centre - our local charity - and Christmas presents for the forgotten few there and separate personal cards were given.
It has been
organised that a busload of "Young At Heart" people from Omagh
will come for a 3 day visit in May. They will have B.&B. in members
homes and dinners and bus runs will be organised. While children and young
adults from Omagh have received invitations, this is the first time the
older generation has been catered for.
Do you think an organisation like this could get off the ground in Claregalway?
Remember it would be us working and organising for ourselves and not expecting
the younger members of the community to work for us. Advice and help would
be available. Think about it.
Christine
Keaney.
Maisie Kearney.
Happy 2lst
Birthday to Philip Murphy, who celebrates the big day on 5th February.
(Have a good night in the Pucan, Philip).
Congratulations
to Tommy and Rita McHugh, Carnmore East, on the birth of their baby daughter,
Eimear Ann.
Congratulations also to Kieran and Michelle Finn, Gortacleva, on the birth of their little girl, Rebecca Catherine.
Congratulations
to Liam and Geraldine Glynn, Airport Stores, on the birth of their daughter
Ellen.
Claregalway
, Carnmore and surrounding areas were saddened at the death of Canon Gerard
Callanan , who died after a short illness. Canon Callanan served the parish
of Claregalway and Carnmore
For twenty-eight years. He was instrumental in the provision of our lovely
Church - the Church of the Assumption and St. James in Claregalway, primary
schools in Claregalway and Carnmore and also and the curate's house, presently
occupied by Fr. Ian. The Altar in the new Church was donated by Canon
Callanan in memory of his parents.After his many years of service to the
community, it's pity he did not get longer to enjoy his retirement in
his new house. He was very fond of gardening and spent a lot of time looking
after the grounds in the church.
The following is an interview with the late Canon Callanan undertaken by pupils from 6th class in 1997.
1. Where
and when were you born?
I was born on 16th February 1920 in Ennistymon, Co. Clare.
2. What
were your parent's names?
My father's name was Tom Callanan and my mother's name was Annie Rynne.
3. Where
did you go to school?
I went to the Brothers in Ennistymon and St. Mary's College, Galway.
4. In
what year were you ordained?
I was ordained on the 18th June, 1944.
5. Were
you nervous when saying your first Mass?
I was 24 years old at the time, excited more than nervous.
6. What
was your first Parish?
St. Nicholas. I lived in College House where Naughtons car park used to
be. I loved it there. At that time of course T.B. was rampant in the country.
Canon Callanan studied to be a priest in Rome. He recounts his experiences below.
Q. Canon, tell us what it was like training and studying in Rome during the war?
A. I arrived
there on the 10th June 1940. When the Italians realised that their involvement
in the war was inevitable, there was a lot of unrest and drunkeness because
the Italians did not want war. Rationing began in October 1941 but there
was a black market where you could buy as much food as you wished. To
ensure the German soldiers didn't understand them the clerical students
spoke Irish. We weren'e allowed listen to the B.B.C. radios, so we had
no English news. Rationing allowed just 2 small buns of bread per day
and 16 potatoes per month. There was no meat or coffee. We ate Rabbits
and Snails.
A Fr. Lenihan decided to buy a pig and fatten him. They got a black market
butcher to kill him. In oder to drown the sound of his squealing they
revved the engine of the motor-bike. I had to hold the pig and rub its
stomach to keep it quiet. The butcher killed him with a kind of an axe.
We got adventurous in the College then and decided to fatten two pigs.
However, the neighbours across the road saw them and reported the College
to the authorities. At the time, the penalty for breach of rationing regulations
was to be shot and there were posters of men being shot. The President
of the College was charged and was fined £300 - great deal of money
in 1941, but he was fortunate to get off so lightly. After that we had
no more pigs! However, we were supplied with potatoes on the black market.
Students were told "if a knock comes on your door during the night,
get up, don't switch on the light, take your suitcase and go downstairs".
We filled our suitcases with potatoes and kept them in our rooms. So in
the event of some rooms of the College being searched, there would still
be a few undiscovered stashes of potatoes!
Q. Did you witness any bloodshed or violence?
A. We heard a siren one night and went out on the flat roof. When the aircraft went by, there were floodlights and anti-aircraft guns firing. We thought it was a display and were ready for the show but we were ordered back to our rooms. The following morning there was shrapnel on the roof which could have killed us. Apart from this, we did not witness any violence, shooting etc. Although the Italians were fighting on the German side neither nationality had respect for the other.
Canon Callanan is survived by his sister-in-law, Evelyn; nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, housekeeper Maura, Bishop McLoughlin, priests, parishioners, relatives and friends.
Claregalway
Agricultural Show Race Night
Our Annual fund raising Race Night will take place on Friday, 26th February,
in the Summerfield Bar, Claregalway, at 8.30 p.m. This event is organised
to raise some funds for our forthcoming Agricultural Show which will be
on Sunday, 22nd August of this year. It is a most enjoyable night, with
lots of prizes to be won, including a portable television. Horses are
on sale at present at very good value (only £12.00 each) and are
available from any of the committee members. You may also ring the Chairman,
Paul Fleming at 798405 or Secretary, Carmel Casserly at 798249, who will
be only too pleased to hear from you and sell you all the horses you would
like.
However, you do not need to own a horse to take part on the night. Bets will be accepted from everybody willing to have a flutter. There is no admission charge. We look forward to seeing you all there and providing you with a very enjoyable "night at the races".
Carmel Casserly
Secretary
CLAREGALWAY
SKIN CARE & AROMATHERAPHY CLINIC,
KINISKA, CLAREGALWAY,CO. GALWAY. TEL: 091-798485
Purchase of Essential Oils - In order to benefit from the healing properties of the oils, it is vital to purchase them from a reputable supplier who takes care to ensure high standards. The word "Natural" on a bottle's label does not always guarantee purity. It is sensible to check that the description states "pure essential oil".
Storage - Keep the essential oils in dark amber glass bottles with airtight lids to prevent oxidation and evaporation. Plastic bottles are unsuitable for essential oil storage as the essential oils should be stored in a cool dark place avoiding any fluctuations in temperature. Ensure that the bottles are clearly labelled to indicate the contents and ensure that children do not have access to essential oils.
The average
shelf life of essential oils is approximately two years although citrus
oils with the exception of Bergamot have a shorter life. Always replace
the lid promptly after use to avoid oxidation.
There are a few essential oils which improve with age, rather like some
good wines.
These are often the oils which originate from plants which have taken
a long time to mature, e.g. Sandalwood and Frankincense. There is even
a market for vintage Frankincense!
Blended oils remain effective for up to three months if stored in a cool
place.
Base Oils
- Purchase cold pressed oils - extra virgin. These come from the first
pressing. Store in dark amber glass bottles.
CUMANN
LUTHCHLEAS GAEL - CLAREGALWAY GAA CLUB
CONNACHT JUNIOR CLUB FOOTBALL COMPETITION 1999.
ROUND
2, JAN 31.
Dromohair v Claregalway (Dromohair) at 2.30 pm.
ROUND
3, FEB. 7.
Claregalway v Geevagh (Claregalway) at 12.30 pm.
ROUND
4, FEB 14.
Tournakeady v Claregalway (Tourmakeady) at 12.30pm
ROUND
5, FEB 21.
Claregalway v St. Barry's (Claregalway) at 2.30pm.
PLAY OFF MARCH 14TH.
FINAL 21ST MARCH.
Your support
at the above matches would be greatly appreciated. Here's hoping we see
Claregalway in the final.
CARNMORE
HURLING CLUB
The Carnmore Hurling Club held it's Annual General Meeting recently. The
outgoing Chairman Johnny Duggan welcomed everyone and thanked all officers,
managers, trainers, selectors players and club members for all their work
in 1998. General satisfaction was expressed with the club's activities
during the year. He complimented the Juvenile Club and the newly formed
Camogie Club for promoting the game by encouraging the young players and
in particular the under 16 team who were narrowly beaten in the County
Final against Beagh. The Junior A team were also pipped on the their County
Final day by a very experienced Kiltormer Team. Both teams gave us a lot
of enjoyment and plenty of hope for the future.
The Senior team yet again advanced to the knock out stages of the Championship but bowed out to Abbey Duniry in the semi final.
The Chairman praised the players, management of the Minor team, Junior C team and Under 21 team for their dedication and commitment to the club during the year. The Joint Treasurers consisting of Thomas Fox/Martina Casserley and the the Lotto work throughout the year with fundraisers such as the Golf AM/Am which has contributed to the club being in a healthy financial position.
Congratulations were extended to the Claregalway Junior A Football Team for winning the Junior A Championship and regaining Intermediate status and also thanked them for their co-operation during the year. Gratitude was expressed to the many generous sponsors and in particular to the main sponsors - Greaney Glass, Dr. Brendan Day for giving so generously of his time and support. Sympathy was expressed to all club members and friends who were bereaved during the year.
The following officers were elected for 1999.
President:
Micheal OhEidhin
Vice-Presidents: Martin Hanley, Roddy Kenny, Fr. Noel Mullin
Chairman: Malachy Hanley
Vice-Chairman: Roddy Grealish
Secretary: Martin Leonard
Asst. Secretary: Martina Grealish
Joint Treasurers: Thomas Fox/Noel Grealish
Asst. Treasurer: John Feeney
Delegate to Hurling Board: Malachy Hanley
P.R.O. Mary Hanley
TEAM MANAGERS
Senior John Mannion
Junior A Bertie Linnane
Junior C and Under 21 Gerry Fox
Minor Brian Fox
Junior Badminton
Continues on Tuesdays from 5.30 - 8.30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 3.30
- 6.30 p.m.
The National Finals of the Community Games is being held in May this year,
which means our U15 team will be selected shortly as training will have
to commence very soon.
Everyone sends best wishes to Mark Loughlin who is injured at present - especially all his FANS in the 6.30 - 7.30 group.
SENIOR BADMINTON
Our Division III and IV teams have started the second round of their League games. Good Luck to everyone.
Congratulations to Cathy Casserly who recently won the Division II County Doubles Competition in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club. The very best of luck to both Cathy and Christopher Keane who play in the Connacht Senior Championships on February 6th and 7th .
Mary Forde
Secretary
Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir