Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir
Michael Hughes established Merit Solutions in 1992, having expressed dissatisfaction with the choice and functionality of the systems available in the market place. The supermarket sales system based on the traditional cash register was not linked to the back office accounting system. This meant that daily sales transactions had to be transferred manually to the accounting system, regular reconciliation's had to be performed and key management information was unavailable on a timely basis to manage and control the business.
Having done research in Ireland and in the U.K. Michael established Merit Solutions and although it is in its pilot stage, it has proven successful. Merit Solutions employs 23 and a further 25 are employed in the Supermarket. Merit Solutions consist of a development team, an installation, training and support team which offers an after hours and weekend support on-call service. They also have a base in Dublin. Michael runs the long established family business with his daughters Mary and Eva and son Mike.
We wish Hughes
Supermarket and Merit Solutions continued success with this great initiative.
CLAREGALWAY
NAÍONRA (PLAYSCHOOL)
Congratulations and best wishes to the new Naíonra which opened
on the 6th September in Claregalway G.A.A. Centre. The Naíonra
is called 'Clúidín na mBabaí' - Children's Den or
Haven, and will be run by Síle Conneely who is a fluent Irish speaker.
The new Naíonra is in a central location adjacent to the Claregalway Leisure Centre which has recently been surfaced with tarmacadam and newly painted. Let's hope this facility will be of huge benefit to the 3-6 year olds of Claregalway for many years to come.
Fair dues to the following who brought about this achievement (the idea had been mooted for years) - Carol-Ann Beegan, Síle Conneely, Della Crowe and Rosaleen Quinn.
There are
a few vacancies left in the Naíonra. For further information, contact
Síle at 798974 or at Claregalway Leisure Centre 798371.
Development
Plan for Claregalway Village
The above
meeting was held in Claregalway Leisure Centre on Tuesday, 29th June 1999,
attended by Mr. Eddie Power, Mr. Gus McCarthy and Mr. Enda Howley all
representing the Planning Department of Galway County Council.
Mr. Hugh Brady and Ms. Helena Gavin represented Brady, Shipman and Martin
Planning Consultants employed by Galway County Council to draw up a development
plan for the Village of Claregalway.
Virtually, every Community group in the Claregalway area was represented
at the meeting with almost 70 interested people attending.
The meeting started with a presentation made by Mr. Brady and Ms. Gavin outlining the process involved in drawing up a development plan and the statutory requirements laid down to execute this process.
After the presentation, the attendees were split into two groups so that they could discuss their wishes and concerns for the future development of Claregalway and its environs.
The following is an accurate summary of the 35 topics and concerns raised by the group that I was part ot. I was nominated as spokesman for our group - i.e. Community Action Group. The spokesman for the group Mr. Kevin Moran echoed the following concerns almost to the word.
The people do not want a town; they want their village and the statutory authorities work, for the people and they need to consider the wishes of the people very carefully in developing this plan.
Dismay was expressed by the delay in publishing the Galway Transportation Study and the group felt hampered by the lack of information. This study was originally scheduled to be published in January; it is now six months late. We understand that the two local authorities are holding up the plan. People want an explanation for the delay.
The National Roads Authority allocated £300,000 for the design of the Claregalway bypass and the Dual carriageway from Claregalway to Galway City. Six months have passed since that money was allocated. The people want to see the plans urgently and want to have input into the final decision. This bypass will have a fundamental effect on the life of the people of Claregalway for a very long time in the future. Planners don't have to live with the consequences. This is why we want to get it right first time; there are no second chances. People feel very strongly that no major development take place until the by-pass is in place. The current road system is greatly over stretched without adding additional traffic to it.
The design for the Sewerage Treatment plant for Claregalway was supposed to be completed by April 1999. Has this happened? Several speakers expressed grave reservations about the wisdom of putting a major treatment plant adjacent to the largest river feeding Lough Corrib. This in turn is the water source for the entire City and large parts of County Galway. How can Galway County Council safeguard the health of the people of Galway? What are the long-term effects of partially treated sewerage on the overall health of the people? Can we afford the sexless fish scenario?
The solution we propose is to pump the sewerage into Galway City to Mutton Island where the technology will be in place to provide a better level of treatment than could happen in Claregalway. This option should be costed.
The historical significance of the area around the Abbey, Castle, Nine Arches and the old 12th Century church ruins and graveyard near the ball alley need to be developed for the benefit of the people of Claregalway. The banks of the river need to be developed so that better use can be made of that area as a leisure facility for the people. The river is a unique natural resource and maximum use should be made of it for leisure with both riverside walks and boating and fishing facilities. Claregalway Amenity Group have had plans drawn up for such an amenity. It was also felt that this area should be the natural centre of the village and that any development should complement and enhance this unique resource.
The meeting felt that the provision of a plan, with various areas coloured in on a map is not a good way to decide the future of a village that is so steeped in history. The meeting was informed that funding could be available from the EU for the provision of a 3D image of the proposed street plan of the village and that this would give the local people a feel as to what the village would look like when development was completed. Gus McCarthy gave a commitment that he would look into the feasibility of doing this and whether funding could be made available for this work. He pointed out that this was not part of the normal development plan process. The meeting was adamant that this should be done.
The Group felt that in the current plan very little space was allocated to Community facilities. In particular, the play area for the school is inadequate for the number of children in the school. It was also felt that an extended area around the Leisure Centre be allocated for other sporting activities. The area needs other leisure facilities for indoor pursuits. A swimming pool should be included in the plan as part of a hotel complex or as a stand-alone facility. We believe the demand exists for such a facility, Look at the success of the Oranmore facility.
Provision needs to be made for an increase in school numbers. This can be catered for, by allowing for the expansion of the existing school or identifying a green field site in another location near the centre of population.
The people of Claregalway do not want a repeat of planning disasters such
as have occurred in parts of Galway city and are insistent that the public
facilities be put in place before development takes place and this extends
to things like a medical centre, library, etc.
People in Claregalway like ribbon development as it brings new life into areas that may have an ageing population and a mix of age groups is good for an area.
The group has a preference for cluster type developments, as these tend to foster a greater sense of community. They also stated that the developments be mixed to lend a sense of character in an area. The housing density needs to be in keeping with the village concept rather than the large-scale development more appropriate to a city. Good design principles need to be insisted upon. Good design pays back very quickly. Bad designs can be a costly mistake.
Public spaces need to be incorporated into every development in a way that they are a benefit to the community at large. Planners need to ensure that developments blend in and complement each other. Developments need to incorporate native species of trees as they give a sense of peace to an area and ultimately add considerably to the value of an area as the trees mature.
Provision needs to be put in place for shopping facilities that blend into a village setting. It was also felt that if these developments had living accommodation that the village would have life after the shops close as happens in other areas.
Provision needs to be made for an area for industrial developments as it makes sense to have industry locally which will generate revenue for the local community and will help to lessen the need for everyone to travel to Galway to find work adding to the already chaotic traffic. This area should be close to the National Routes, as industrialists need access for goods and people.
People like living in Claregalway because it is a village. They are very concerned to see it develop in an uncontrolled manner. The development should be carefully planned and phased over a long number of years so that the community can evolve gradually.
All developments
in the area should be named in Irish and English and we encourage developers
to make greater use of the Irish language. Claregalway Amenity Group initiated
the setting up of a Naíonra starting in September, thereby encouraging
the revival of the Irish language in a Gaeltacht area.
Galway County Council needs to make a greater effort in sign-posting the
village, as there appear to be only two signposts for Claregalway. One
just outside Oranmore and the other at Carnmore Cross. There are no signs
for Claregalway on the Tuam Road. Loughgeorge is better sign-posted than
Claregalway village.
Public transport needs to be catered for in the development plan so that
in the future we may have an efficient public transport system that is
capable of adjusting to peoples' needs and lifestyles so as to eliminate
some of the cars from our roads. C.I.E. need to be approached to look
at the feasibility of an IMP type service serving the Claregalway and
district area.
As part of the development plan process we will make sure that our public representatives both local and national understand, represent and deliver on our wishes as a community.
We can all work together and the more consultation and discussion takes place the easier the task of the local authority planers and developers.
Vincent Lyons,
Secretary
(Community Action Group)
Its that
time of year again, as the days grow shorter, thoughts turn to the drama
season, and the season kicks off with the Supper Theatre at the end of
October.
Believe it or not, this is the tenth Supper Theatre! The support for this
annual event has been tremendous over the years, and that's what has really
kept it going.
To mark the occasion, Compántas Lir plan to show their gratitude
to their loyal supporters by making the tenth Supper Theatre a really
memorable event. Brid Conneely & Seamus McNulty are the producers
this year, both with lots of experience of producing entertaining plays,
with the emphasis always being on comedy. Rumour has it that we may see
another world premiere at this year's Supper Theatre, something fitting
to mark the occasion and the last Supper Theatre before the millennium.
More details will
follow in the October issue of Nuacht
Chláir, and in the meantime, Compántas Lir will be busy planning
the big event.
Welcome to Barbara, Owen and their three sons to Cregboy, Claregalway.
Congratulations to Caroline Roche, Knockdoemore and Gerry Cummins, Bawnmore, on their recent engagement.
21st birthday greetings to Barry Donovan, Cahergowan on 10th September. Hope you have a wonderful celebration, Barry.
Deepest sympathy
to the Kenny Family, Carnmore on the sudden death of Paul, and to Mrs.
Regina O'Donnell, N.T., Claregalway N.S., on the death of her father Mr.
Desmond O'Reilly, Ballina.
Congratulations to Sean Fox, Carnmore, and Julie McKeon, Birmingham, where
were married on the 14th August.
Best wishes also to Marie Flaherty, Carnmore and Thomas Briggs of Cashla,
who celebrated their marriage on 3rd Sept.
Birthday greetings to Gerard, Daragh and Michelle Kirrane who celebrate
birthdays on the 7th, 22nd and 26th of September.
Very best
wishes to all the young people of the parish who are about to embark on
3rd Level Education, many of whom may be leaving home in order to do so.
Good Luck with the studies, plus the extra curricular activities!!
Good Luck also to all the local children/young adults, who have just started
Secondary School. They too have launched into a new stage of their development,
academically and otherwise.
Last but not least, a thought for all the small children in Baby Infants,
who have now started 'Big School'. Hopefully you are all getting nicely
settled into school, and that the bags are not too heavy.
CLAREGALWAY
SKIN CARE & AROMATHERAPY CLINIC, KINISKA, CLAREGALWAY 091-798485
COPING WITH STRESS - PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE : Regular aromatherapy massage- using pure essential oils combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise and keep in touch with your mind and body by joining a Yoga class. A common reaction to a stressful situation is to try to escape by taking a coffee break or a quick smoke, but this only adds to the toxins in your body and does not attempt to deal with the underlying causes.
Stress can
cause muscular aches and pains due to tension and impaired blood flow
to the muscles. Massage can relax the muscles, enabling the blood and
lymph to flow more freely, and soothe the mind. When these benefits are
combined with the healing powers of essential oils, the results can be
outstanding.
The Apostolic Society - Claregalway & Carnmore Branch
The members are back to work again after the summer. Our September meetings will be held on Tuesday 14th and 28th.
Our annual display and cake sale will be held on October 10th. We look forward to your generous support.
We are deeply grateful for your support to our Church gate collection which was held on July 3rd and 4th.
On Mission Sunday October 24th the Diocesan Annual Exhibition will be held in Salthill. The Bishop will open the Exhibition and missionaries from various orders will give a short address and will be glad to take away with them whatever they need from the beautiful articles displayed.
We have our meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month but the work goes on during the other days. New members are always welcome. There is a great opportunity for many people who may be 'house-bound' to help in the work of the missions. You can contact any member of the branch for information on the work of the missions and their needs.
Claregalway
Historical and Cultural Society
Book Launch
At long last,
we have finally compiled a book on the parish history of Claregalway.
It is a substantial book, which includes over 100 photographs. It covers
about 750 years of history and culture, beginning around the year 1250
with the foundation of the Franciscan Friary. It has chapters on agriculture,
the Clare River, the Castle, the Abbey, GAA, the old school, old landlords,
etc.
We'll be giving it to the printers in the first week in September for
a limited edition. We're planning to have a celebratory book launch in
mid November.
More details to come. So watch this space!
Brendan Noonan
Committee member.
This is our
2nd year Competing in County and City Camogie Competitions.
We have teams at u10, u12 and u14 levels. Last year, it is fair to say
we struggled in most competitions. This year, the girls are doing us proud
with some stirring performances. So much so that all three teams qualified
for the final stages of the county competitions. While we did not have
outright success at any level, we were not too far away. Great credit
is due to the girls and their mentors for achieving so much.
The Club are delighted with the set of jerseys presented by Liam Glynn of AIRPORT STORES and also for the sponsorship of J & C Kenny, Ger Crowe of Irish Life.
The involvement of the parents has been very good. They have willingly provided transport to matches and the support on the sideline lifts the team to great heights. Long may it continue.
The county competitions finished at the end of July and the City League Competitions get underway almost immediately. So in competition terms, we are only at the half-way stage.
U14'S
The u14's went into action in late March and after a fairly shaky draw
with Salthill, they went on to beat Ballinderreen and then had two rousing
games with Oranmore-Maree and Ardrahan. In the Oranmore-Maree match we
came from behind and won in a nail biting finish. The Ardrahan match was
even more exciting and after going behind in extra time, we again came
back to snatch victory and qualify for the county quarter-final. In the
quarter-final, we played Castlegar and on a very warm day in Ardrahan,
emerged victorious. On to the Semi-Final, where we came up against a good
Meelick-Eyrecourt team who defeated us, but great credit to our team,
they battled it out with this very experienced outfit. It was only in
the last five minutes that they finally put us away.
U14 Panel - Hannah Coen, Suzanne O'Connell, Caroline Fix, Mary
lardiner, Lorna Dillon, Fiona Dillon, Jessica Brennan, Alva McHugh, Jean
Talbot, Mary Nash, Deirdre Lardiner, Sarah Fox, Luigsighe Kenny, Sharon
Feeney, Ruth Talbot, Lisa McHugh, Grainne Kenny, Laura Tyrell, Aoife Kenny
and Vanessa Molloy.
U12's
The u12 Competition got underway in May with a win over Salthill, a draw
with Ardrahan and further victories over Cois Fharraige and Abbeyknockmoy.
The game of the group for us was the match against Clarinbridge. We were
fairly slow to settle and Clarinbride held a convincing 5 point lead at
half-time. Things changed in the 2nd half and the girls gave a great display
to completely turn the game around and win fairly easily in the end. This
win took us out of the group and into the quarter-finals. For the quarter-final
we were forced to line our without some key players who were gone away
on holiday's. This dentedour confidence a bit, but the girls put up a
brave performance, before going under to Kinvara.
U12 Panel - Hannah Coen, Mary Lardiner, Lorna Dillon, Fiona Dillon,
Carol McKiernan, Sarah Carton, Lorraine Crowe, Elaine Grealish, Donna
Higgins, Maeve Hanley, Jennifer Davoren, Luigsighe Kenny, Grainne Kenny,
Ruth Talbot, Nataille Molloy, Stephaine Molloy, Vanessa Molloy, Niamh
Thornton, Estella Keary and Maria Fox.
U10's
Our u10 campaign got off to a flying start with a good win over Clarinbridge.
We followed this with wins over Craughwell and Cois Fharraige. We had
a tough match with Renmore before coming out on top. Qualification hinged
on our match with Ardrahan. Again, because of holiday's, we were forced
to line out without some key players. In probably the worst night's rain
of the entire Summer, we faced Ardrahan on their home pitch. In a rip-roaring
contest, we pulled them back once, only to see them pull away again, but
the girls fought back to snatch a brilliant victory. This qualified us
for the quarter-finals where we were pitted against Killimordaly. In this
contest we were defeated by a single goal. After conceding 2 early goals,
the girls really swung into action and pulled one back. We attacked for
most of the 2nd half and were unlucky not to level the match. Again this
was a great performance against one of the strongest teams in the County.
The U10 panel - Sarah Fox, Maeve hanley, Donna Higgins, Stephaine Smith, Elaine Grealish, Shauna Thornton, Kate McCarthy, Louise Smith, Nataille Molloy, Grainne McHugh, Jennifer Davoren, Stephanie Molloy, Marie Fox, Lorraine Crowe, Adele Grealish, Niamh Fox, and Andrea Fox.
The Club is still small in numbers and we would like to invite any girls from the parish who are interested in camogie to join us. Contact any of the players of mentors to get an idea of what it entails.
Frank McHugh,
Secretary
Saturday the 28th of August was a special day for the Claregalway U15 badminton team, the beginning of a fantastic weekend in Mosney, Co. Meath for the Credit Union Community Games. We left Claregalway church on Saturday morning armed with plenty of luggage and supplies for the weekend ahead. We had only one thing on our mind…to conquer Mosney. Excitement was high in the bus for the 6-hour journey (Traffic to Slane!) as we were all looking forward to a brilliant weekend.
When we finally arrived after stopping in Mother Hubbard's on the way, we were given our chalets and began to get ready for the opening parade. The girls on the team were chosen to be ceremonial people and to lead the Galway contingent for the parade which was viewed by supporters, Bertie Ahern and various other sponsors, politicians and dignitaries.
Entertainment was provided for all that night and the following two days as there were discos and plenty of activities to do to keep everyone happy, i.e., go-karting, laser quest, amusements, and arcades. And the Renmore Variety team made sure we were never bored!
Monday morning, and the nerves were beginning to set in. We were delighted to see so many loyal supporters who had travelled up from Claregalway that morning to cheer us on. We played some hard games against Donegal but unfortunately they proved to be the stronger team and went on to play Meath in the Final. Disappointment was evident but we still had a chance at taking home the bronze medal, a new aim was set for us. Each game we played against Clare was a hard battle and every game was very close. But finally our strength and determination won out as the final second of tension passed and glory filled the air. Cheers, screams and singing could be heard all around the complex, as we were so happy. The prize giving was a definite buzz as all our supporters from the Galway group, and our many new-found friends came to cheer us on as we received our medals to the sound of 'The Fields of Athenry.'
The Claregalway U15's Badminton Team.:Aine Skelly, Gráinne Noonan, Maria Moran, Michelle Kirrane, Ciara Skelly, Donal Cahalan, Stephen Keane, Thomas Walsh, Ian Steven, Paul Loughlin
We were sorry to realise it was our last night and that we would have to leave the next day, and especially since many of us were to return to school the following day, but, we still had a brilliant night thanks to our DJ Larry Gogan and all our friends!!
Our weekend
in Mosney 1999, will never be forgotten, it was the best weekend ever
and we hope to return next year; but, without the help of Mary Forde and
all our parents and supporters who helped us so much in the past few months,
it might not have been a possibility. So thank you to you all, and especially
to Mary Forde, for training us and helping us along the way to bring home
with us, our All-Ireland medals.
European
Stickfighting Championships
Congratulations to Brendan Noonan who won two gold medals at the recent
European Open Stick Fighting championships that were held in NUI Galway
last June. Brendan was the winner in the veterans' heavyweight and super-heavyweight
category.
Competitive stick-fighting is the sport version of the ancient Philippine
martial art of Escrima. Competitors wear helmets and body armour to prevent
injury. Brendan is a member of the Galway Fire Dragon club in Galway,
which is one of the few martial arts clubs in Ireland that practises this
art.
This was the first time that these international championships were held
in Ireland. Competitors from England, France, Germany, Italy and Canada
participated.
The Annual Summer Camp took place in the Claregalway Leisure Centre (Mon. 12th to Fri. 16th July). A total of over a hundred local children enjoyed five days of fun and games, which included highlights such as "Amphicats on the River", "Water games in the pitch", "Drama and Video Making", in the GAA Rooms, all sorts of indoor and outdoor sports and of course Art. The week culminated with a full day trip to the Forest Park of Portumna. Thankfully, the weather did not let us down, and everyone enjoyed, forest walks, picnics, treasure hunts, orienteering and sightseeing within the Castle, in ideal conditions. Although there were a few "late arrivals" on the return trip, thankfully everyone got home safe and sound.
The Community Centre Committee are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who worked so hard througout the week, and without whose help the camp could not have taken place. Many thanks to those who were responsible for providing the Amphicats, safety jackets etc. which made the very popular Trip on the River possible. A big thank you also to the FAS workers in the Centre, whose selfless co-operation ensured a very smoothly and efficiently-run operation. As usual, the young teenagers of the area threw themselves into the task of keeping law and order among a very energetic population of youngsters. Their help was invaluable. Last, but not least, The Good Lord must be thanked for the lovely weather, and for bringing all of our children safely through the week, with nothing more than minor mishaps, which Mary Forde, in her professional nursing capacity, was more than capable of dealing with.
The Leisure
Centre Committee wish to thank the sponsors listed below for their support
of our Annual Golf Classic. This competition was held in Tuam Gold Club
on the 17th April, 1999.
Tom and Julie
McKenna, Summerfield Bar. Girl Stephanie Fishng Co. Padraic Conneely.
Connolly Sports. Gerard Loughnane,Accountant ACS Communications. Duggan
Tanker Parts. Moran Service Liosban Estate. John Mulllins, Cregmore Construction.
Ignatius Foy Construction.
Specialised Timber Products. Roche Engineering Ltd. (Roco). Hughes Supermarket.
O'Maille Collection. Menlo Park Hotel. Royal Tara. Cre Porcelain. Galway
Bay Golf & Country Club. Fireplaces of Elegance. Martin Walsh-Pine
Factory. Brian Divilly. Glynns Fruit &Vegetable -
Lydican. Rockmount Riding Centre Ltd. Duffys Riding Centre. Western Aquatics.
Nortel Irl. Ltd. Tolan Distribution Ltd. P. J. Hughes Building Contractor.
John Daly Refrigerated Foods Ltd. Western Ironcrafts Ltd. Tommy Duggan
Garage. Martin Fleming Construction. Commins Interiors,
Town Park Centre. Cregfab - Jim Crowe. Brennan Bros. Painting Contractors.
Niall Devitt, Service Station. McGreal's Supermarket Ballybrit.Dunleavy's
Supermarket. Monaghan's Garage, Mazda Dealers. Gem Furnishings, Claregalway.
Bank of Ireland. G & R Windows. Whiriskey
Refrigeration Ltd. Chris Maloney Transport. Aztec Couriers, Fintan &
Edel Lalor. Sean Walsh Foodstore - Bawnmore. Dawn Dairies. Clada Minerals.
A Cut Above The Rest, Hair Salon, Cregboy. Jim Burke. Michael O'Reilly,
Ballybane T.V. Roadstone Ltd. J & C Kenny.
Tom Moran & Co, Cregboy. Express Frames, John Walshe. C.E.L. - Conaught
Electronics Ltd. Moran Office Supply. C.K. Business Equipment. Flynns,
Lackagh. Socos Teo. Colleran Sign Engraving. N.U.I. Students Union. Claregalway
Video Club. Feeney-Keating. Coillte.
Hughes Cycles - Westside. Dr. Brendan Day. John Feeney, Charisma Blinds.
Gerry Starken, Roadstone Paving Shop.
Car Park
This Summer has seen further improvements at the Leisure Centre, where
the surfacing of the carpark with tarmacadam is now completed.
The job involved the installation of soak pits, underground drainage, traffic islands and a shrubbery, plus the surfacing of 3000 square metres of carpark with tarmacadam.
The kerbing, drainage and surfacing was carried out by John Madden and Sons, Ballinrobe, while the soak pits, footpath realignment and concreting of the traffic islands were completed by the members of our FÁS scheme.
Members of the FÁS scheme must also get credit for the landscaping of the carpark and the planting of the shrubs and creepers. By the end of September, it is intended to have the carpark lighting installed and working.
This is a major project, which would not have been possible to commence without the financial assistance of local developers. In spite of their assistance, a major contribution from Claregalway GAA Club and the Leisure Centre will still be required. A very special mention must be made of Hubert Hewell. His expertise and advice in designing the layout of the carpark, was an invaluable contribution.
Painting
The external painting of the Centre commenced in late August, again the
work being done by our FÁS scheme members. Weather permitting,
it is intended to complete the job before the onset of winter.
Thanks to
John Brennan for his advice on paint and colour schemes.
JUNIOR
BADMINTON
Junior Badminton continues on Tuesday evenings. Saturday sessions will
commence shortly, with timetable as follows:-
Beginners hour 5.30 - 6.30 p.m.
Existing Members 6.30 - 8.30 p.m.
Membership Fee for the year will be £15.00 each. This includes Hall Rent, Shuttlecocks and Insurance payable to the Badminton Union of Ireland and all registration fees payable to the County Badminton association. Fees will be accepted in the Leisure Centre during Badminton Hours on Tuesday 14th September.
Congratulations to our Community Games Team who won Bronze medals in the All Ireland Championships at Mosney on Monday, 30th August.
SENIOR
BADMINTON
Senior Badminton continues every Tuesday Night 8.30 - 10.30.
New members are always very welcome, and I would like to welcome the new
members who have been attending over the last number of weeks.
Mary Forde
THE NINTH ANNUAL CLAREGALWAY AGRICULTURAL SHOW
All things
considered, this summer hasn't been a bad one weather-wise, and it was
almost a foregone conclusion that Sunday August 22 - the day of the ninth
Annual Claregalway Agricultural Show would be fine. However, no matter
how organised a show can be, the weather is always unpredictable until
the day arrives. The morning wasn't bad, but the afternoon turned out
very wet. The pony and horse exhibitors didn't seem to be affected, and
entries in this section were the best to date for Claregalway Show.
The cattle and sheep sections were down slightly but the quality of the exhibits in the sheep classes were of a very high standard. Thanks to the excellent facilities available to the show in Duffys Equestrian Centre, the committee were able to move the dog show indoors when the heavy rain arrived.
There was
great competition in this section also with the Champion Dog of the Show
owned by Alfie Earls from Limerick,
Rain didn't dampen the high spirits of the Donkey Derby participants as they galloped around the track. After several "stewards enquiries" Geoghegans from Ardrahan were declared the outright winners.
The Show
Queen, Ms. Deirdre Conneely from Carnmore, looked elegant and beautiful,
adorned with her sash and tiara. She presided over the presentation of
the prizes during the day. Entries were up in the indoor exhibits of the
domestic arts. There was great competition in the Home Baking section
and it was nice to see a lot of the prizes go to local participants -
for some it was their first time to enter in the show - hidden talent
all these years!!!
Some of the local winners were Bernadette Long, Kinska, Brid Conneely,
Carnmore, Peggy Duffy, Waterdale, Mary Finnerty,Rockwood, Carol McKiernan,
Lydican, to name but a few.
Congratulations
to one and all. The standard in all classes was very high again this year
and there was a lovely display of Decoupage and Oil Paintings to be viewed.
Several of these entries were from local exhibitors and the committee
would like to thank them for supporting the show. Judges were impressed
by the high standard of the show, the hospitality they received and they
congratulated the committee on the organisation.
Best Dressed Lady Award went to Noreen Geoghegan from Lavally, Tuam whose
son, Ian, also won in the Junior Mister Competition.
Chairman
Paul Fleming, would like to thank everybody who assisted in any way with
the organisation and running of the show, and special thanks to all who
turned up on Saturday and Monday to help out. Thanks too, to the exhibitors
who turned out in large numbers and the show's many sponsors, without
whose support there would be no show. Despite the rain, the committee
were pleased with the overall show.
Carmel Casserly
Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir