Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir
The Tenth
Annual Claregalway Agricultural Show
Sunday August 20 - the tenth anniversary of the First Claregalway Agricultural Show finally arrived. Everything was organised down to the smallest detail and the committee waited in trepidation for the day to dawn. Having had a wet day last year, hopes were high for an improvement. The forecast looked promising and indeed they were not disappointed - the day dawned in glorious sunshine. A light shower in the afternoon merely kept the dust down! The pony and horse exhibits were of the usual high standard with entries from all over the country as well as a good local turn out. The Champion Connemara Pony of the show was owned by John Joe Bolton from Scariff. The cattle entries were down this year but the sheep section more than made up for this. The Champion Sheep of the show was owned by Rose Finnerty from Headford. The judges commented on the high quality of exhibits in all the outdoor sections including the dog show which went on until 8.00 p.m. due to the huge entry. The obstacle course was more popular than ever this year with young and old getting great enjoyment from it. The dogs seemed happy enough too, being put through their paces. The Champion Dog of the Show was owned by Mark Barnicoat from Mervue, and the Reserve Champion was owned by Tom Costello from Claregalway. Duffys Equestrian Centre, Rockwood, once again proved to be an excellent venue for the show with ample parking facilities in nearby Peter Tonery’s field. The Civil Defence and show stewards kept everything in order.
As always, the Donkey Derby attracted a huge crowd of spectators and even though the jockeys had been in training for some time, several failed to negotiate the first bend. However, they just remounted and made the finish line.
The Show Queen, Ms. Maria Cribbin from Cahergowan, Claregalway, looked radiant, adorned with her sash and tiara. She presided over the presentation of the prizes during the day. In the evening, she selected the winner in The Dog I Would Like to Take Home Class. There was great competition in the Home Baking section and it was nice to see more local participants this year. Some of the local winners included Bernadette Long, Kiniska, Brid Connelly, Carnmore, Mary Finnerty, Rockwood, Margaret McKiernan, Kiltulla, 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. Margaret Lenihan from Cloon and Julie McKenna from Cregboy, featured among the prize winners. Judges were impressed by the high standard of the show, the hospitality they received and they congratulated the committee on the organisation.
Chairman, Val Noone, 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 also, to the exhibitors who turned out in large numbers and the show’s many sponsors, without whose support there would be no show. The committee was pleased with the overall turnout and the beautiful day made it all worthwhile.
CLAREGALWAY
SUMMER CAMP 2000
The annual sports camp held in July was a great success. Fun was had by
the young and the not-so-young. The success of the camp is due mainly
to the voluntary help from the adults and teenagers of the community.
Everyone brings his or her own special quality that creates an atmosphere
that is unique to the camp.
The children had a full timetable of activities, arts and crafts, video-making,
badminton, basketball, tennis, mini olympic handball, soccer, gaelic football
and hurling, track events, novelty games, amphicating and a “day
away”. Every child participated in all events.
We had a total of 120 children and they all enjoyed themselves. The highlight of the camp was different for every child. Seeing those happy faces and hearing the laughter throughout the week made all the hard work worthwhile.
I would like to thank the committee members, volunteers and all those who in any way helped with the camp. We even had cakes appearing in the kitchen from grateful parents for our tea-break, which I must say, was greatly appreciated.
The children are our V.I.P.’s for the week and they enjoy the tradition of the camp. We’ve had a very positive feedback about the camp and this we appreciate.
M. G. Reidy.
Claregalway
Summer Camp - The Day Out
The success of the Summer Camp was due, in no small way, to “the
Day Out”. This camp-closing evening has become an integral part of
our Programme each year.
We all remember the day out from School, the Office Teambuilding trip etc. This Day Out is different. Where are we going for the Day???? was all that could be heard from the start of the week. Previous years had brought us to Dangan, Cong and Portumna. Where would it be this year?
Friday (Day 5 of a very active week) our group of 120 children and over 20 Adult Volunteers (who had been in training for the event) gathered at the Centre to head off on “The Day Out”. Not knowing where they would end up, children arrived equipped for a real survival trip. Counted and checked, we made our way to the Mystery location in Mayo/Galway and arrived in the picturesque village of Cong. We had been here three years ago on our first camp, but decided to return to what has to be one of the greatest natural playgrounds this country has to offer. Nestled between the lakes of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, it offers a haven for fishing, walking, exploring, hillclimbing and a peace and tranquility that made the village the home of the “Quiet Man”.
The weather was beautiful, sun shining, blue skies and a great day ahead. One young child remarked on getting off the bus “We’re in China (as her first impression was a group of Chinese Tourists walking by, who paused to take Photographs) - Some day out !!!!! China.
The groups were escorted to the ruins of Cong Abbey, which was to be base camp for the Day. On arrival at base, the carefully planned programme of events swung into action. The day’s activities centred around the village, its historical grounds and the many walks it has to offer.
The Programme began with a group heading off to explore “Kelly’s Cave” - another group started a Treasure Hunt around the town, another group explored the Abbey ground, yet another took part in a Wood Walk (Blindfolded), while the final group embarked on the Dreaded Forest Walk, over Ashford castle into Ballykine wood and on to the “Pigeon Hole”.
All the events on the Programme had been carefully arranged and as groups returned to Basecamp for a rest they were immediately dispatched for the next activity. There as no time for rest on this day. The children were great - tired and sometimes sore, but never going to give up.
The day ended with the bus journey home which is an important part of the event, when stories are told and a few songs sung.
We arrived back in Claregalway at 3.30 p.m. A great Day Out and a wonderful finish to the “Summer Camp 2000”.
The Best
Yet - I heard them say - Just can’t wait for Next Year.
Declan Reidy.
CHOOSING A CAREER: ARCHAEOLOGIST
What is
Archaeology?
Archaeology is the study of the material remains of past human societies.
For many years, it has been recognised as an important and exciting subject
to study at University. The discipline covers a remarkable span of time
and investigates some of the profoundly important developments of the
human story, such as the beginnings of the human species, the discovery
of farming and the emergence of early urban civilizations. Many of these
developments, like the greater part of past times, are beyond the range
of traditional historical methods and can only be studied through the
archaeological record. Today, archaeologists regularly collaborate with
scientists working in such disciplines as botany and physics in, for example,
the analysis of environmental remains and the dating of ancient objects.
The wide scope of archaeology, in time, space and methodology, is one of the features that makes the subject so attractive to professional and amateur alike and to those who study it in University. There is something to interest everyone - whether their interests lie in outdoor fieldwork and exploring ancient monuments, the study of artifacts, the history of technology, local studies or simply in the rich heritage of Ireland’s past. Archaeology is a constantly changing discipline, fed by new discoveries, new theoretical approaches and analytical methods.
Careers
in Archaeology
Career opportunities in archaeology are steadily growing and fall into
three main areas - fieldwork (Excavation and surveying), heritage (museums,
interpretive centres etc.) and teaching (at both second and third level).
To become a successful archaeologist in any of these areas, it is first
necessary to study archaeology at third level. The standard entry route
into this profession, and the one I followed, is via a Bachelor of Arts
degree - in my case National University of Ireland, Galway. Similar degrees
which also offer archaeology as a subject can be undertaken at Queens
University Belfast, University College Cork and N.U.I. Dubin.
In Galway,
the minimum academic requirements for admission to the B.A. programme
are a pass in at least six subjects (including Irish, English and another
language) at the Leaving Certificate Examination, with at least grade
C3 in two subjects on the Higher course and at least grade D3 (ordinary
or Higher course) in the remaining four subjects. Four subjects are studied
in the first year, from the twenty-one on offer. In the second year two
of the previous year’s subjects are pursued, and completed in the
third and final year. In my first year, I studied Irish, English, Sociology
and Politics (counts as one subject) and, of course, archaeology, retaining
archaeology and English for my final two years.
Having obtained my B.A. or primary degree, I then decided to undertake
a post-graduate degree or Master of Arts (M.A.). This consisted of a year
dedicated to research, essay-writing and exams, followed by a year spent
writing a thesis. Having an M.A. degree makes it easier to secure good
quality employment and many students decide to pursue this path. I have
recently taken the academic route to its final conclusion by completing
a four-year Doctoral or PhD thesis.
Throughout my years at University, I have spent my summers working in the field - starting as an unskilled volunteer and gradually working my way up to supervisory roles on various teaching experience along the way, both tutoring and lecturing and am now well prepared to work in any of the three areas mentioned above.
Michelle Comber, Archaeologist
We are
grateful to Michelle for the time and effort she devoted to writing this
item on her chosen career. Hopefully, it will be of interest to some young
people who are presently (or will shortly be) trying to make decisions
in this direction. We would hope to bring you similar items over the coming
months on a variety of careers.
Mary
Popular Tuam Band, The Saw Doctors, featuring Claregalway’s own Dave Carton, are currently fulfilling 15 concert engagements in the U.S.A. in August and early September
Highlight of the tour will be their performance in a major Concert in Boston, at the Fleet Boston Pavilion, one of America’s most striking open-air amphi-theaters. The programme will include Gipsy Kings. KD Lang, Tony Bennett and Smokey Robinson. What good company to keep !!!!! Other venues on the tour include Minneapolis, Cape Cod, Washington, Philadelphia and Long Island.
From the U.S., the Saw Doctors will proceed to Hanover in Germany to represent Ireland at the World Expo event on 16th September.
Good Luck and Safe Travels to one and all. When will we see and hear you perform at home again? How about a gig in the Claregalway Community Centre?
Mary C.
Congratulations to Ja and Máire Ni Cheitinn, Lydican, on the birth of their baby daughter Ana Eadaoin, born on the 7th June last.
Sincere sympathy to Ja on the recent death of his mother.
Belated congratulations to Marian and Johnny Fahy, Lydican Wood, on their 25th wedding anniversary celebrated on the 24th June last. Wishing you both lots more years of health and happiness.
Congratulations and best wishes to Nigel Donovan, Cahergowan who recently got engaged to Catriona Lynskey, Newcastle. About time too Nigel!
Congratulations and best wishes to Anne Marie Gillespie, Lakeview who got married to James Murray, Galway on the 4th July.
Congratulations and best wishes to Claire Commins, Ruanemore, who got married to Padraic O’Connor, Dunmore on the 29th July.
Belated happy 70th birthday to Eileen Cullinane, Cahergowan.
Welcome to Fiona and Eamon Gallagher and daughter Andrea to Gortatleva.
Congratulations to Noreen and Eamon Grealish, Gortatleva, on the birth of their baby boy Roy, born in July.
Congratulations to Mags and Jarlath Murphy, Gortatleva on the birth of their baby boy Ronan—a brother for Shane.
Congratulations and best wishes to Adrian Gavin, Gortatleva, who got married to Deirdre Doyle, Newcastle Park on the 2nd September.
Best wishes
in your new home to Emily and Gearóid Hartigan. Congratulations
on your 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Philip Cribbin,
from Cahergowan, Claregalway is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer
with Co. Galway Vocational Ed. Committee. He will take up the post in
October after the present CEO Conor Morris retires.
Philip is
a native of Longford and he first came to Galway in the 1960’s to
work as a clerk with CIE, After graduating from University College Galway
he took up his first teaching post at Fr. Griffin Road Vocational School.
He moved to a teaching post in Dublin for some time before returning to
teach in Moneenageisha Community College in 1969. He was appointed principal
at the college in 1993.
Philip’s
wife Mary is from Shantalla and they have five in family: Fr. David who
is a priest in the Philippines; Philip Junior and Ursula who are both
teachers, Rachel who is with the Bank of Ireland and Maria an Arts student
at NUIG.
In his new
post Philip will be in charge of all the Vocational Schools around the
county including those on the offshore islands. He will also be at the
helm for the VEC’s various Youthreach and VTOS programmes and will
have overall responsibility for the many Co. Galway VEC special training
centres and other educational activities.
Philip is well known in drama circles for his acting roles in award-winning
plays by the Claregalway based Compántas Lir and Pegasus Theatre
Company.
Mortuary
Chapel/Meeting Room and
Additional Car Parking at Claregalway Church
Following An Bord Pleanla’s appproval for the above development, the elected committee, representative of every area of the parish, has met and recommended that fund-raising for the project be immediately set in motion so that work can commence without further delay. The committee has recommended a minimum contribution of £10 per household per month, payable by special monthly envelope, or by Banker’s Standing Order, or by means of a bi-annual or annual lump-sum payment.
Special envelopes
will be distributed by members of the committee to each house in the parish
in the near future to enable those who might wish to contribute monthly
to do so. A target of three years has been set in which to clear the cost
of the project. The committee hopes that this badly-needed facility for
the parish of Claregalway, which has been very warmly welcomed by
the overwhelming majority of the people of the parish, will receive the
wholehearted support of parishioners. The committee would like to point
out that there will not be any charge to parishioners for the use of the
Mortuary Chapel or for the use of the Meeting Room.
Applications are being sought from registered building contractors for inclusion on a tender list for the construction of the above. Documentation can be inspected by prior agreement at the Parish Office. All applicants must be in a position to show evidence of previous work experience and all necessary contract insurances prior to being considered for appointment for this work and all applications should be forwarded to the Parish Office not later than Friday, September 22nd next.
It should
be noted that the client will not be liable for any costs incurred in
lodging this application nor be obliged of necessity to accept the lowest
tender submitted.
Claregalway Skin Care and Aromatherapy Clinic, Kiniska, Claregalway. (091)798485 or (087)6783733
Indian
Head Massage: Indian head massage is a safe, simple and highly beneficial
therapy, which has been popular in India. It has been practised mainly
by women for over a thousand years. They believed that massaging their
heads with natural oils kept their hair healthy and delayed the stage
of greying. The technique includes massage of the scalp, neck and shoulders.
Indian head massage is very good for migraine sufferers, tension, stress
and headaches.
For further information, contact Evelyn Kitt at (091) 798485
The playing
year is now in full swing with most of the County Competitions completed,
and with the City Leagues kicking into action.
So far we have had a very active year with u16’s, u14’s, u12’s and u10’s teams all involved in those county competitions. Our u16’s were in a tough group, and failed to make it through to the final stages of their competition. The u14’s and u12’s qualified from their groups, but unfortunately lost out at the quarter-final stages.
Pride of
place goes to our u10 team who not alone qualified from their group, but
went on to win the County Final, and bring the 1st county title to our
club.
This team came through a fairly tough group, and did not look likely to
beyond the quarter finals. However, they seemed to improve once they got
to the quarter final where they defeated a good Castlegar team. They then
went on to beat Turloughmore in the semi-final and Kiltormer in the final.
The panel of players involved in our 1st county title victory ,were; Adel Grealish, Maebhe Hanley, Sarah Fox, Elaine Grealish, Andrea Fox, Nataile Molloy, Jennifer Davoren (Capt), Lisa Kirwin, Grainne Mchugh,Stephaine Molloy, Shauna Thornton, NatasiaTannian, Niamh Fox, Alva Manning, Yvonne Coen, Louise Smith, Aoife Fox, Jenny Brennan and Sarah Devaney.
The Club,
and especially the girls themselves, would like to thank the people of
the area
For the reception they received when they arrived home after the match.
A special thanks
To those who went to the trouble of lighting Bonfires enroute. This really
made their day..
The Playing
year is at about the half way stage with City League competitions for
u10/12,
14/16 age groups still to come, so training continues every Saturday.
IRISH U-19 BADMINTON TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA
Local Badminton star, Christopher Keane kindly agreed (with just a little pressure) to write an account for the Nuacht Chláir about his recent trip to South Africa. This was certainly an experience and achievement, that must stand out as something extra special. Not many local youngsters would have had such an opportunity, which resulted from many years of hard work and dedication to his sport.
It was Friday, June 9 2000 and I was in Dublin Airport with seven Teammates and two Coaches. We were setting out for a 12-hour flight to South Africa to participate in a Badminton Competition - The Kerr Cup.
We touched down in Johannesburg early on Saturday morning to the greetings of our opponents who we were going to play next day. We enjoyed a meal together and then were welcomed to their homes as we settled down for a good nights sleep.
The next day we played against Easterns under tough conditions. We were 3000 ft. above sea level and finding breathing a problem. We lost that match 5/3.
We had a break for a few days during which we visited Kruger National Safari Park. We spent four days traveling by Jeep and saw animals like Buffalo, Cheetah, Crocodile and Ostrich in their natural habitat.
It was back
to business on the 17th June as we returned to Johannesburg to play Southerns.
We won with a convincing 8/0 victory and were getting used to the altitude.
Next day we faced our biggest test yet. The South African U/19 International
Team. It was a hard match and both teams were on top form. The end result
was 4/4 and both teams went home happy.
On the 19th we left Johannesburg and arrived in Durban. We coached the
young kids who played there and we won our games there 5/3. Thursday 22nd
we departed Durban for Cape Town and we settled into the Hotel. The following
day we traveled to the Western Cape to play Western Province who we defeated
7/3.
The main event, The Kerr Cup was played on the 25th. It consisted of 7 teams including ourselves. Our first competitive match in the country was against Southerns in The Kerr Cup. We won with ease 7/1. Our second match was not going to be easy. We then played Free State - the winners from the previous year - and were happy with a 4/4 draw. Next was Easterns who had already beaten us earlier in the tour. We got revenge by beating them 5/3. Natal Central District was next on the list. We defeated them convincingly 8/0. Our last two matches were against Natal and Western province, who we defeated 7/1 and 6/2 respectively - we had won The Kerr Cup!!!.
Christopher
Keane.
INTERIOR DESIGN - HINTS AND TIPS
Using stencilling as a decorating feature:
Stencilling like marbling and wood graining is a technique that dates from antiquity. There are examples of it on surfaces of domestic houses to painted tombs. Its popularity had waned in Europe until recent years, due to the use of wallpapers and also its overuse in the late Victorian period in England. In America the technique was preserved by settlers and used as a form of decoration in their houses. As a result it achieved status and has become part of American folk-art and culture.
Stencilling is a quick, easy, and rewarding paint technique and a lot can be achieved with a little practice. It can be used to decorate almost any surface, including walls, woodwork, floors and ceilings, furniture, fabric and ceramics. With stencilling, colour is brushed, sponged or sprayed over a cut-out shape. It is a simple and flexible technique that allows you to apply your own choice of paint in your chosen scheme to a given design. A stencilled design can make an old piece of furniture look special or add individual touch to mass-produced modern pieces. Can be used to create patterns on almost any painted surface - provided that it’s clean and sound - and many unpainted ones.
Things
to consider:
Work on flat surface to begin with and with practice you can move to curved
ones.
Bold designs without too much detail are easier to work with. Stick to
a simple shape and a few basic colours. Always stencil all of one colour
before going on to the next.
Consider how a stencil design relates to the shapes of the item to be
stencilled. For example a round table, chair seat or square cupboard door
are suited to circular design. For a rectangular table or cupboard, choose
a oblong shaped motif for the centre.
To decide the best place for the design, do a test piece on plain paper,
cut it out and tape to, e.g. a piece of furniture at different positions
to see the effect, before you start to stencil.
Materials
and tools:
You can buy a stencil ready-made or you can adapt a motif from curtain
fabric, wallpaper or upholstery to made your own stencil to coordinate
with other furnishings. Pre-cut stencills are available in designs ranging
from small, single motifs to large, intricate border patterns. For the
more detailed designs you build up the effect using separate stencilling
sheets for each colour. The most common type of the pre-cut stencil is
made of clear plastic film, which is easy to position and bends around
curved surfaces.
Ready made stencills are ideal for beginners but it’s not difficult
to design your own. Draw your stencil design free-hand or buy a book of
stencil designs. Trace off a motif (e.g. animal shape on a nursery curtain
fabric) you want. You may need to enlarge or reduce it. Then copy the
various colour areas onto separate sheets of acetate (this is a transparent
or frosted plastic film for making stencills) and cut out.
Paints: Emulsion, acrylic and stencilling paint are all suitable for stencilling on wood and walls. The paint must be the right consistency - if it’s too thin it will run; too thick it will clog the stencil. Use fabric paint for fabrics that require regular washing. Spray paints are good rough finishes such as wicker and matting.
There are
different ways you can apply the paint - using foam print roller, spray
or sponge, but the easiest and most versatile method is a stencilling
brush which come in range of sizes.
Other items you will need are masking tape or spray mounting adhesive
to hold the stencil in place. Also an old plate for holding the paint,
and paper towelling.
Method:
For all types of stencilling it’s a good idea to test the techniques
and colours on scrap material before you embark on the real thing.
Gently press out the cut-out sections of the stencil and use masking tape
(or stencil mount) to stick in place.
Put a little amount of paint on a plate. Dip the tip of the brush into
the paint and dab off excess on the paper towel or side of plate, leaving
the brush almost dry.
Press the stencil against the surface with one hand and quickly dab (circular
motion) the top of the brush on the cut-out shapes (do the large areas
of the stencil first). Make sure the paint goes right up to the edges.
To darken, go over again.
Stencil all one colour and allow to dry before doing the next colour.
Projects:
You can transform any plain or uninteresting household object into a unique
and personalised article. Start with easy objects such as lamp shades,
cushions, wooden trays, ceramic vases, table mats etc. When you have gained
some experience you can decorate a wall or piece of furniture such as
a kitchen cupboard with a flower motif which would give a cottage feeling
to it. The same stencil would be used on kitchen chairs. This is a good
way to link all furniture in the kitchen.
Stencilling adds charm to plain or inexpensive fabrics and is economical
way of decorating a room. A stencilled border of bold moon and stars along
the centre edge of plain fabric curtains are ideal for a child’s
bedroom. The same theme can be used on other accessories in the room such
as a laundry bag made from left over fabric and also can be a pretty decoration
for the front of a chest of drawers.
Borders are by far the most popular wall decorations as well as looking
very appealing, a stencilling border can have an architectural impact.
It can highlight arches and fireplaces and on bare walls can add character
and alter proportions of the room. They can be used at skirting board,
dado, or picture rail level or just below the ceiling to make it seem
lower. A stencilling border on the ceiling itself will make it seem higher.
One just below the ceiling and another at the skirting board will draw
attention to the central proportion of the wall. A border stencilled floor
will draw the eye downwards and around windows and doors will add character.
Part of the border stencil can be picked out and used on other items in
the room to give a coordinated look. Careful planning is the key to a
successful stencilled border. Decide the position and if it’s immediately
above or below a dado rail you have a line to guide you, otherwise use
a spirit level and lightly mark a dotted line with a pencil.
Other projects to try are: (1) A shell design on the surround of a Victorian
claw-foot stand-alone bath. This could be coordinated with the same design
on plain bathroom tiles - only do some of the tiles. (2) Paint a wooden
floor and stencil with “rug” type design. (3) Hang pictures
with bows, ropes and ribbons created with stencills. (4) A stencilled
garland of flowers over a picture.
The charm of stencilling is its simple, hand-done look, so it doesn’t matter if you make the odd mistake. If you need help there are lots of books available for the beginner to the more accomplished - so have a go.
Note: If you a decorating you house for Christmas (I know it’s only September and I shouldn’t mention it), start now, don’t leave it until the last minute because it can be difficult to get things done as everybody else are doing the same. If it’s a large project it might be better to leave it for the new year when there is more time and less pressure.
Mary D. Kelly
Decorating Options
(091) 798224.
Designed
and Maintained by Niall Farrell
© Nuacht Chláir