Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir
THE GARDEN
May is the month when temperatures rise and the day length increases.
The growth rate and workload springs into overdrive. The bare earth of
the spring has disappeared and in every corner of the garden plants are
shouting for attention: "feed me, trim me, plant me out, stake me",
so start now. May can also be a relatively dry month and this dry weather
can be combined with late frosts, so be warned"! Take care planting
out the summer bedding plants harden them off to the weather, and don't
let anything dry out in a drought spell.
Your greenhouse, if you have one, now becomes a hive of activity. You can use it to start off and grow on all your seedlings and seeds. You can also plant it up with tomato plants, varieties available are Moneymaker, Gardeners Delight, Red Alert (Cherry) and Tumbler, Green peppers and cucumbers. All the various lettuces can also be sown inside with scallions, beetroot, etc.
Now that the grass is growing, it is important to cut it at least once a week or 10 days. You can still put out your 3:1 lawn weed and feed out on the lawn. This has all the general fertilisers that will feed your lawn, in a slow release form so as not to double your cut overnight. It also has sulphate of iron that does two jobs - kills the moss and gives the grass a dark green colour, and lastly it has two different weedkillers that will kill most of the weeds in the lawn. For those that have compost heaps and want to keep them as organic as possible, don't put the grass clippings on the compost heap until the lawn has been cut at least three times; after carrying out any treatment of hormonal weedkillers on the lawn.
You can give evergreen hedges their first clip of the season now. Slope the sides so that the top is narrower than the base. This will allow light to get to the lower branches and then the hedge will have leaves/foliage almost to the ground. Before you start, check that there are no birds nesting in the hedge. If there are, delay cutting until the young have flown.
In the vegetable garden, mould the soil up around the shoots of the early potatoes. This will help kill any germinating seeds, improve the weight of the crop and they will be easier to lift at harvesting time. If there is a chance of frost, cover the young growth completely to protect it from the cold. Weed growth also picks up momentum in the month, so keep them in check with a hoe. You can also use a pre emergence herbicide (Linuron) for weeds with crops such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips and parsley. This is a good month for sowing seeds of vegetables, including parsley which likes high soil temperatures to germinate. You can also sow transplants from sections now with various cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, beetroot, scallions, onions, various lettuces all available.
Apple trees will need spraying for apple scab disease if they are not resistant varieties. Pear trees are usually free from scab diseases. You can control scab by spraying with any systemic fungicide. Check currant bushes, raspberries, strawberries for greenfly, as apart from the damage they do, they also carry viruses. An organic way of getting rid of greenfly is to use washing up liquid with tepid water, spraying the top and underside of the foliage. You can also use bread soda and tepid water solution as an organic fungicide. Gooseberries will be the first fruit of the season. Pick the fruits young before they become full of seeds.
The bedding plants for the summer season are beginning to come on stream. Because the way the weather has been, it is probably best to be a little cautious. Another few mild days going in to mid May will probably see the fear of frost through. All the usual varieties are available - Pansies, Antirrhinums, Lobelia, Alysum, Salvias, Marigolds, Godetias, Stock, Begonias, Busy Lizzy, Petunias, Ageratums, etc. plus a huge selection of Surfinia Petunias and some new Double Busy Lizzy and patio and trailing plants. How to plant up a hanging basket in four simple steps:
1. Place the basket on a bucket, which will help keep it steady. With moss or a bought liner, line the basket packing moss firmly in place. It is easier to use if you moisten it lightly.
2. Use a multi-purpose compost to fill the basket, gently firming it down, but not packing it. A lot of people add swellgel or basketmate which is a water retention crystal (turns into a gel) and helps retain moisture, not drying out as easily.
3. Remove well watered plants from their pots, plant the centre working outwards, firming the plants in place as you go.
4. Water the basket evenly and hang in a greenhouse or well-lit sheltered place for about two weeks so that plants can establish.
Practical tips for this month:
Keep all forms of styrofoam packing material, for example hifi, tv and fast food boxes, for breaking up to mix in compost or to place in pots before filling them with compost. The styrofoam opens up the compost to allow air in to the roots and provides very good drainage and you are recycling material!
If you get your chimney cleaned, hang on to the soot for your vegetable garden. It contains some nitrogen fertiliser and other minerals especially sulphur. Both are necessary in producing healthy growth. Traditionally soot was applied to the ground to be used for onions. A domestic chimney can produce a few kgs of soot and will be enough to apply to about ten square metres. Onions benefit from nitrogen and sulphur directly but they also benefit from increased soil temperatures. Being black in colour soot radiates back less of the sunshine that falls on the soil surface. A raising of temperature of a couple of degrees is possible and that aids onion development. While soot has been used with onions, it can also be used for other vegetables. It would benefit leafy vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, spinach, plants that effectively use nitrogen.
Lastly, a few plants to beware of in the garden, particularly if you have young children! Daphne mezereunn and P. Laurcola can cause skin allergies and are toxic if eaten. The berries are very poisonous. Lily of the Valley, although delicate in appearance should never be eaten as they are toxic. Heleborous are said to have a nauseous taste and results can be fatal if eaten. H. Poetidrus is the most poisonous when eaten and the lack shiny berries are again very tempting to children. Ligustrum ovalifolium (privet) has very unpleasant smelling flowers followed by black berries. This plant is toxic when eaten. The berries of Taxus Bacatta (Yew) are poisonous to animals and humans. Some of the euphorbia family can also cause skin allergies, particularly if you come in contact with the sap.
So that's it for now, happy gardening and husbands beware if you see any of the above plants have been bought by your wife or in your dinner!!!
Bosco McDermott,
Jnr.,
Glynn's Garden Centre, Lydican.
CLAREGALWAY
SKIN CARE & AROMATHERAPY CLINIC, KINISKA, CLAREGALWAY
(091) 798485.
REFLEXOLOGY
It is believed
that the healing art of reflexology is ancient but in recent years it
has become accepted as one of the most effective methods to maintain good
health.
And now reflexology is used by many therapists in Ireland to not only
heal but to induce deep relaxation and help the prevention of disease.
What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a science based on the principle that
there are reflex points in the feet and hands which relate to every organ
and all parts of the body.
How does
it work? It works on the principle that stimulating these reflex points
on the hands or feet is beneficial to the body as a whole. Stimulating
these points helps the body to heal itself in a natural way from within.
The science of Reflexology is also based on energy channels and a therapist
works on freeing these zones to ensure proper balance within the body.
What do
Reflexologists treat? Reflexologists treat the whole body because
nothing is treated in isolation making it a truly holistic treatment.
Reflexologists do not diagnose or prescribe but bring the body into balance.
And because of this it is particularly good for people under stress as
it helps people to relax and unwind…thereby assisting in the prevention
of many stress related disorders.
It is an excellent treatment for improving circulation, lymphatic drainage
and helping remove blockages and toxins from the body.
In fact the feet and hands are like a map of the entire body which makes
it easier for the therapist to pinpoint problem areas in the system.
What about
the history of Reflexology?
There is evidence that this is an ancient healing are and holographs found
in caves showing people practising it can be traced as far back as 2,300
B.C. in Egypt.
There is also evidence that this reflex zone therapy was used in Persia, China and Japan and may even have emerged before acupuncture which is said to have originated about 5,000 years ago. Reflexology shares many fundamental principles with Oriental philosophy.
In India and some parts of Africa, the therapeutic value of Reflexology has long been recognised and today is practised in many parts by children as young as 13 as well as adults.
However,
it was at the turn of this century that American, Dr. William Fitzgerald
rediscovered the existence of ten zones of communication passing vertically
through the body from the head to the fingertips and toes.
Since then it has been developed and further researched to become the
therapy known today as Reflexology. Indeed, it has become one of the fastest
growing natural Health Services if prescribed by a Doctor.
What about
the role of Reflexology in Ireland?
Likewise in Ireland, Reflexology is gaining approval by the medical profession
and has on a few occasions found a role in Delivery Wards of some hospitals.
It is becoming widely practised and the Society of Reflexologists of Ireland
is a professional body representing fully trained and qualified therapists
in Ireland.
EVELYN
KITT, SRN., SCM., M.I.F.A., C.IBTAC, & I.TEC. & MRSI.
SPECIAL
NEWS
Very special congratulations to Jarlath and Maura Keating on the birth
of their triplets.
Their two baby sons and baby daughter are about one month old now and
we wish the entire family all the very best. No doubt it will take some
time for the household to get used to the huge increase in population.
Perhaps we will be able to have a photograph for the next issue.
Congratulations
also to all of the following families who also enjoyed an addition of
a tiny new arrival.
Gerard and
Ann O'Reilly, Cloon - a daughter Emily
Liam and
Geraldine Glynn, Carnmore Cross - a son Ellen
Michael and
Ursula Jacob, Carnmore West - a son Thomas
John and
Margaret Forde, Knockdoe More - a son Ronan
Michael and
Maura Murphy, Waterdale - a daughter Aisling
Michael and
Eileen Lunch, Gortacleva - a daughter Hannah
John and
Anna Marie Commins, Ruanmore - a son Páraic
Patrick and
Loretta Costello, Rockwood - a son Padraig
Eamon and
Evelyn Connaughton, Cahergowan - a daughter Fiona
Brendan and
Hanora Harte, Gortacleva - a son Conor
Vincent and Cindy Duggan, Cloon - a son Alan
Wedding
Bells Rang for Natasha Rohan, Kiltrogue and Niall O'Keefe, Killarney,
on the 27th March.
Martina Hughes,
Claregalway and Pat Flaherty, Corrandulla tied the knot on 1st of May.
Congratulations
and Best Wishes to both couples.
Congratulations to the following who were finalists in the Galway City Partnership Schools Enterprise Programme and who attend the Mercy Secondary School - Laura Kenny, Deirdre Moran, Siobhan Connolly and Sarah Noone. A cheque of £1,000 was presented to the school for their prize. Well done girls.
Congratulations
to the 54 girls and boys who made their Confirmation on the 8th May last.
Best of luck to you all as you prepare for Secondary School - another
milestone!
There was
a large entry from the local schools for the Community Games Art Competition.
They would like to thank all the schools who took the time to allow for
the competition and especially to the teachers who gave their time to
the children. The organisers would like also to congratulate all who entered
with their beautiful paintings and drawings and special congratulations
to the winners. The winners in each category were as follows:
Girls
under 8 - 1st Clodagh Raftery, Island. 2nd. Aoife Noone, Crusheen.
3rd. Claire Downes, Cahergowan.
Boys under
8 - 1st Nathan Coen, Athenry. 2nd. Paraic O'Brien, Coolarne.
3rd. Christopher Burke, Coolarne.
Girls
under 10 - 1st Rachel Stewart, Loughgeorge. 2nd Rachel Creaven,
Lackaghmore. 3rd. Leigh Jordan, Cahergowan.
Boys under
10 - 1st Michael Evans, Lakeview. 2nd Diarmaid Gavid, Kilskeagh.
3rd. Owen McDonagh, Montiagh.
Girls
under 12 - 1st Lorna Duggan, Cregmore. 2nd. Aine McLoughlin,
Bawnmore. 3rd. Alison Raftery, Island.
Boys under
12 - 1st Shane Brennan, Loughgeorge. 2nd. Padraic Noone, Crusheen.
3rd. Joseph Monaghan, Summerfield.
Girls
under 14 - 1st Marian Brannelly, Waterview. 2nd Claire O'Hara,
Cregmore. 3rd. Karen Tracey, Kilskeagh.
Boys under
14 - 1st David Feeney, Grange. 2nd Seamus Madden, Cartymore.
Boys under 14 - 1st Kiera Tracey, Kilskeagh. Medals were presented to all winners at a special function.
ATHLETICS
All first place winners of Claregalway-Lackagh Community Games represented
the area in the County Final recently. In Under 14 girls, Marion Brannelly
did the area proud bringing home a bronze medal.
A small number of children from the area competed in the county Under
12 and Under 14 Cross County Competition. First six home will represent
the county in Mosney in May. In the Under 12 Girls Aine McLoughlin, Knockdoe,
came home 5th followed by Roísín Gavin, Kilskeagh. In the
Under 14 boys, Thomas Walsh, Lydican finished a gallant 2nd place. Heartiest
congratulations to all three who are on the county team and will compete
on the weekend of May 21st to 23rd in Mosney, Co. Meath.
A major Fund-Raising
Golf Competition, to help finance the laying of tarmac in the car-park
at the Centre, was held in Tuam Golf Club on Saturday, 17th April. In
spite of the weather, which deteriorated steadily as the day progressed,
the Competition was a wonderful success. 72 teams of two competed in the
2-ball scramble. Thanks to the tremendous support of our sponsors, we
were able to present a total of 20 team prizes (which included televisions,
bicycles, mobile phones, portable music centres, dinner vouchers - to
list a few) plus the usual prizes for Longest Drive and Nearest and Pin.
Presentation of Prizes took place in the Summerfield Bar (one of the main
sponsors of the event) and there was a great turnout on the night. The
following are the main results:
1st Team Kevin Cunniffe and Tom Lucas
2nd Team Michael Coen and Peter Coen
3rd Team Alan Moran and Paul Leufer
4th Team Tony Baynes and Paul Gilson
Longest Drive Martin Naughton
Nearest to Pin Paul Leufer
The Committee of the Leisure Centre are extremely grateful to the Golf Sub-Committee, consisting of Gearoid Hartigan, Jimmy Moran and Martin Casserly who undertook the running of this event with their usual efficiency. A word of thanks also to our sponsors, who made this financial success possible. A full list of sponsors will be included in the next issue of Nuacht Chláir.
Plans for
the annual Summer Camp are moving into full swing. To ensure your place
for this very popular event, please return your completed form now to
Mary Reidy, (Tel. 798887), Tony Clarke (798942), or Mrs. Carton in the
Claregalway National School. The Camp takes place on the week commencing
Monday 12th July, and runs for five days. All details may be obtained
from the above-mentioned. Although there has been a huge interest in the
Summer Camp, there are still some places available, but do hurry, to avoid
disappointment.
Mary Casserly
"It is amazing how quickly the last two years have gone by since I went back to the Philippines. At present I am back home for a short visit , as I have to attend a two-week meeting in Navan this month.
I was asked to write a few lines for this issue of the Nuacht Chláir regarding what I do in the Philippines, so the following might give you a little idea.
I live in a town which has a population of 35,000, about 80% of whom are Muslim. Over the years, there has been a lot of tension and fighting between the Muslims and Christians. Because of this we work in this area in an effort to build up relationships and break down prejudices between the two communities. This we do through different projects in the parish.
Basic health care is badly lacking in many rural areas and medicine is very expensive and, as a result, many people cannot afford it. In response to this, the Parish set up a health clinic, which you - the parishioners of Claregalway - helped set up and maintain through the money, which you sent out to me last year. About 15-20 patients - both Muslims and Christians - are treated there daily.
Also in the Parish we run a co-educational secondary school with 550 students. It is one of only two in the country that has integrated education as half the pupils are Muslim. The school has helped students break down prejudices and enabled them to become friends with people that they previously hated. Again, thanks to your financial support, ten of the poorest students in the parish have been given scholarships that will cover all their secondary school education. In the Philippines, you have to pay for education.
Finally, through the employment schemes that are now up and running in the Parish, over 350 people (previously unemployed) have now completed various training programmes and are now self-employed. As a result, their families have a regular income for the first time ever.
These are some of the activities that are going on in my Parish and your generosity has helped support all of the above and have helped over 1,300 people in the last few months.
So, on behalf of all these people, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all very much.
Dave Cribbin.
May we,
of the Nuacht Chláir team, wish Fr. David an enjoyable break from
his Mission. We look forward to seeing you again in Church in Claregalway
before your return. May God Bless you in the wonderful work you are doing
in the Philippines.
TRIP TO
OMAGH
After a somewhat "false start" on January 16th, due to severe
weather conditions, we set off on Saturday, 6th March on our trip to Omagh.
Our original plan was to fill one bus, but such was the demand for seats,
that we hired a minibus as well. The weather looked "promising"
on this occasion and we felt sure if we got as far as Knock, it would
be plain sailing after that.
We departed Claregalway in great spirits, looking forward to the trip which was, for most of us, our first time in Omagh. Our Bus Eireann driver was Tom Feeney and Tommy Farragher drove his own minibus.
Our first stop was Yeats' County Hotel in Curry, where we all had a lovely breakfast. We then travelled on to Omagh, arriving at 1.00 p.m. and were free to do as we pleased until our departure at 4.30 p.m. We found the people very friendly and welcoming and nearly all the shops accepted Irish Punts.
Some enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the town , while there was evidence (i.e. large numbers of shopping bags) that others "shopped till they dropped". We met Omagh District Councillor, Mr. Paddy McGowan, MBE, who thanked us for coming. He talked about the day the horrific bomb shattered the lives of so many and how they were trying to cope with their tragedies. He described how he used the buses as ambulances to ferry the injured to hospital and of the sheer and utter devastation caused by the explosion. He knew most of the victims and their families well. We left Omagh feeling a little sad at what we had seen and heard and grateful too for the peace we are so lucky to enjoy. As Paddy McGowan escorted us to the outskirts of the town, we recited the Rosary, led by Margaret Long, for the happy repose of the souls of the victims and for their grieving families who are now trying to pick up the pieces. We all felt it was a very worthwhile visit.
Our next stop was Bundoran, where we had booked a meal in the Holyrood Hotel. Those who still had a few pounds left, visited the shops that were open and all enjoyed the delicious meal we received. It was all ready when we arrived and both service and the food was excellent. When everyone was "fed and watered" to their satisfaction, we hit the road for home. We arrived in Claregalway ahead of schedule and all agreed that they had a wonderful day. Paul Fleming, whose idea it was to go to Omagh, and myself had a wonderful, enjoyable, hassle-free day. Everything went according to plan and our two excellent drivers brought us all home safely. All passengers behaved impeccably and great bursts of laughter could be heard all over the buses from time to time.
Occasionally, we all think and talk about things we should do, - sometimes it is nice to "just do it"!
Carmel Casserly
ST. JOSEPH'S YOUNG PRIEST'S SOCIETY OUTING
On Saturday, 23rd April, four members of the Claregalway Branch of the above society went on a trip to Maynooth with members of several other branches throughout the County. On the way, we stopped in Tyrellspass Castle for a break and enjoyed a cup of tea and scone. The weather was perfect for such a trip, with the sun beaming down all day. We travelled on to Maynooth, where we were welcomed by the young Deacons who will be ordained on 30th May. Four will be ordained in the Galway Cathedral for the Galway Diocese and four more in Tuam. They gave up their day off to look after us and show us around the College. After the group (48 in all) and the students had their photographs taken, we all sat down to a lovely meal.
Everyone attended Mass in the Chapel after lunch, which was concelebrated by Fr. O'Connor from Oranmore and Fr. Vivian from St. Mary's College, both of whom travelled with us from Galway. It is well worth visiting Maynooth College, just to see the Chapel alone. It is magnificent from the ceiling to the floor. The paintings of the Stations of the Cross are truly beautiful. The Altar and small Chapels surrounding it are very interesting. After spending some time in the Chapel, we were taken outside to see the gardens. Although it was too early for the roses, the Lilac and several other trees and shrubs were in full bloom. There is also a "Visitor's Centre" in the College and there we saw a video of the College which was very interesting. The museum had several items of great interest, among them invoices and documents from the early l800's.
We then had
tea and evening prayer, after which we set out for Galway. We all agreed
it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and well worth visiting Maynooth
College. St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society meet in the S.M.A. House
on the second Friday of the month at 8.00 p.m. They pray for Vocations
to the Priesthood and Religious Life and also help in a financial way.
New members are always welcome.
Junior Badminton
continues every Tuesday from 5.30 - 8.30 p.m.
Adult Badminton on the same night from 8.30 - 10.00 p.m.
Trip to
Dublin on 27th/28th March
Our Under 13,15,17 teams had a very enjoyable and successful visit to
Artane/Beaumont Badminton club. On arrival, we were treated to delicious
home-baking at the Club's Badminton Centre.
There was a Singles Competition in all age groups on the Saturday evening. These were very exciting and hard-found competitions and a truly sporting occasion. All sections were played to the final stage, which would be finished out on the Sunday. After the badminton finished on Saturday, everyone got down to the serious business of socializing. The players were taken to their respective host families and later brought bowling, where they all met up and enjoyed themselves. The adults were entertained in style in a lovely restaurant in Howth.
On Sunday afternoon, a team event was played. This was just as exciting and sporting , with some matches very close. Our under 13 team were winners and well done to Christopher Keane and Cathy Casserly who were winners in the Singles Events. Well done to all who travelled and behaved so well both on and off the court. They were a credit to their families and their Club, and it was a pleasure for the adults to have shared such an enjoyable weekend with them.
Mary Forde
Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir