APRIL 2001

THE GARDEN

April, the clock has gone forward and with the arrival of the long evenings our interest in the garden has been re-awakened.
Trees are beginning to break into leaf and soon you will notice all the flowering cherries and flowering crabs break into bloom.

VEGETABLE GARDEN— you can start planting. Seed potatoes can be still sown, British Queens as second earlies and the maincrop varieties of Records, Roosters, Kerr Pinks, and Golden Wonders. Cabbage plants, particularly ‘Early York’ plants can be sown now. Plant sets and shallots (onions) now also. The seeds of other vegetables could also be started now. Getting vegetable seeds off to a good start is a very important factor for successful vegetable growing. If the seeds are weakened by unfavourable soil conditions, the young plants may struggle to become established and may not do that well. There is the problem of gaps in the row of seedlings, caused by variations of conditions along the row.
This is usually caused by uneven soil preparation due to lumpy or wet ground. Apart from being a waste of effort, gaps in the cover, encourage weeds.

An important point to consider about sowing vegetable seeds is the firmness of the tilth – the top few inches of finely cultivated soil. For large vegetable seeds such as peas and beans, the tilth need not be so fine. But for smaller seeds such as onions, carrotts, and lettuce the tilth needs to be as fine as possible. Be careful though not to overdo the tilling of the soil. If it is made too fine, a problem called capping can occur. This occurs when the fine soil sticks together after rain, forming a cap on the surface. Small seedlings can find it impossible to break through this layer. A shake of coarse sand into the surface of the seed bed will help prevent this problem.

Finally, be careful not to sow vegetable seeds too deeply – the effort involved in pushing to the surface can be too much for them. Seed packets often give very shallow depths for vegetables, perhaps between ½ inch and ¾ inch. In practice, a sowing depth of a ½ inch is difficult to achieve and most gardeners will sow a bit more deeply, but don’t sow any deeper than 1 inch!

Vegetable transplants from boxes should be planted from the end of April on so as to avoid frost.

FRUIT GARDEN - feed any fruit trees with sulphate of potash now, to help fruiting.
It’s too late to spray fruit trees with tar oil now. Continue planting your fruit trees now, pears, plums, cherries, apples and the soft fruit bushes, blackcurrants, gooseberries, etc. now.

The lawn is still some peoples first start in the garden this month. You can continue to cut a regular basis now if conditions are ok. A lot of people are coming to this year with the problem of moss in the lawn. Because of the heavy soils in this vicinity and the wet winters and summers you will always have a degree of moss. Moss in a lawn can also be caused by shade, poor drainage and cutting the lawn too low. You should always have an inch of grasss on lawn. Collecting the grass clippings is also important because if you don’t it leads to a spongy layer called thatch. This is a mix of old dead grass and moss. This can be got rid of by scarifying blade put on to your existing lawnmower. This sorts all this layer and will leave you with a lot of debris to rake up and get rid of.
You could then apply a lawn weed and feed such as Golden Vale 3 in 1 which has all the general fertilisers to feed the lawn, two weedkillers to till weeds in the lawn and sulphate of Iron that kills the moss and gives the lawn a dark green colour. This is applied at a rate of 23 ozs to the square yard.

All trees and shrubs can be fed now with a tree and shrub fertiliser or 7:6:17 at a rate of 2 ozs (1 good fistful) to each plant. Scatter it around the soil at the base of the plant.

Anyone wishing to plant summer bulbs should do so now— bulbs such as Gladioli, Lilies, Begonias and Dahiahls need to be planted soon.

Finally, I am asked quite a lot when is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Nowadays most plants are containerised so as they can be planted all year round.
However, when planting in winter if it is very exposed, it’s best left until Spring as the plants are not actively growing and get beaten by the elements: whereas in Spring the are coming into growth and take off much better.

That’s it for now, happy gardening,
BOSCO MCDERMOTT,
Glynn’s Gardening Centre & Fruit & Veg., Lydican, Oranmore. (Tel: 799135).

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The Easter Bunny Needs your Help.

This week, Junior Chamber Galway launched their 2001 Easter Egg Project.

Part of the project involves a visit to St. Joseph’s Special School in Snipe Avenue,
Newcastle, where over 100 children and young adults host a party for the Easter Bunny and each receive a complimentary Easter Egg.

Another part of the project involves collecting eggs at masses on Easter Sunday which have been offered by children who get more than one egg for Easter. These are then distributed to less privileged children in the Galway area on the day.

This year Claregalway National School Parents Association is assisting Junior Chamber with this effort by organising the collection of eggs at the Easter Masses in Claregalway Church. Children who are lucky enough to receive more than one egg for Easter are asked to bring along their extra eggs to the Easter masses as a very special Easter gift for children less fortunate than themselves.

These eggs will be collected by members of the Parents Association and brought to Mervue Church where the Easter Bunny, assisted by members of Junior Chamber will be waiting to distribute the eggs donated to Galway children who may not receive any egg otherwise.

The theme of the project is ‘Sharing is Caring’ so parents should not feel pressurised into buying extra eggs for this collection, but they are asked to encourage their children to think about donating that extra egg to a less fortunate child on the day.

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CLAREGALWAY BRANCH IRISH FARMERS ASSOCIATION

With regard to the present situation with the “foot and mouth” scare, Claregalway Branch IFA would like to thank all those, especially those outside the farming community, who have cooperated in taking the necessary precautions in helping to prevent the spread of the disease. Hopefully, the worst may be over and if we succeed in preventing further spread of the disease, all our efforts will not be inn vain.

Seamus O’Connell.

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VIDEO PARADISO OPENING HOURS

Sunday – Thursday: 12.00am – 10.30pm
Friday – Saturday: 12.00am – 11.00pm

Check out our website for all your up to date movies and games.
Website address: www.claregalway.com

WHAT IS DVD-VIDEO?
We in Video Paradiso have a wide selection of movies available on DVD. DVD-Video is the new wave in home entertainment, an advanced technology designed to forever change the way we watch movies and music videos in the home. DVD-Video discs are the same size as traditional compact discs, but they can do much more. A single DVD-Video disc can hold an entire movie on one side while bringing together the high-quality, digital surround sound of compact discs with crisp, high-resolution video. Since DVD-Video was first launched, it has surpassed industry expectations and is quickly becoming the most successful new technology launch since compact discs were introduced.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE DVD-VIDEO EXPERIENCE?
· Superior picture and sound
· The ability to play audio CDs in a DVD-Video player
· Direct access to any scene
· Convenience -- DVD-Video discs are smaller and easier to store than VHS videotapes
· Unprecedented selections -- watch a video in wide screen or full screen format, see movie trailers, enjoy "behind-the-scenes" commentary and performer biographies, and choose different camera angles
· Alternate audio tracks -- listen to exclusive commentary from actors and directors, or foreign language translations of movies
· Subtitle and karaoke tracks
· Exceptional durability

The only one disadvantage of purchasing a DVD player is that you cannot record. Toshiba are the first to try and help those of you who may not have purchased yet to make a decision. They are releasing the newest DVD player to the market which has a recording system, unfortunately we in Ireland will not see this machine until the end of this year, but should be worth the wait.

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A Fashion Show was held in J.P.K.’s Country Boutique recently. Two members of our editorial team attended on the night and were very impressed by many aspects of the event. Firstly and probably most importantly the CLOTHES! There was a wonderful collection of Spring and Summer wear in warm, bright colours. Most of the style was very “smartly casual”, but there were many outfits which would be extremely suitable for that special occasion. All the items were displayed at their best by the impressive models who graced the cat walk.

Apart from the actual Fashion Show, the “night out” was quite special. At the interval, everyone was treated to refreshments, including wine—mulled or otherwise, however you liked it. The cosy atmosphere of the Coffee Shop at the Country Boutique was an ideal setting for a relaxed chat. A raffle for charity, with generous prizes took place before 2nd half of the show, and afterwards the boutique opened and many people availed of the opportunity to try on the clothes. I’m sure there were many purchases made. All in all, a very enjoyable night out.

Mary Casserly.

Marian O’Neill, Cait Curley & Sandra Flaherty modeling at the Fashion Show	Mary O’Brien, Rhona McDonagh & Michelle Grealish modeling the fashion at - JPK Country Boutique Fashion Show

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CLAREGALWAY FRANCISCAN FRIARY

For the past few months you may have noticed that “Duchas” are rebuilding and repairing some of the walls in and around our local Friary. This work is very important as old stone walls tend to slip and deteriorate over time and this restrengthening of the walls will help to keep it secure and safe for visitors.
So far, no signage has been erected by “Duchas” to inform visitors of the name of the Friary and its history, even though many requests for suitable signs have been made over the years by Claregalway Amenity Group and separate individuals. Visitors to the Friary can get no information whatsoever and that is a pity as it is such a majestic landmark and deserves to be highlighted.

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INTERIOR DESIGN - HINTS AND TIPS

Oranges and Lemons
Colour is an important element in design, it brings spaces, shapes and patterns to life. It can be matched, contrasted or highlighted with use of paints, paper and fabrics. It can create mood and style, and change our perception of size and time. Colour can affect us psychologically, making us feel happy or depressed, anxious or relaxed. Even physically raising or lowering the blood pressure. In the article for this month I will deal with the colours Orange and Yellow, I will deal with others in future articles.

Orange and Yellow are warm colours and are closely related to each other. Yellow is one of the Primary Colours ( Red, Yellow, and Blue). Primary colours cannot be mixed from other colours, but all other colours are mixed from these. Orange comes from mixing equal amounts of two Primary colours - Red and Yellow.

Orange:
It is the colour that is closest to Red and it shares many of its attributes and sometimes it may be best to use it in small quantities. Apricot and Peach are both examples of pale Orange. Ginger is deep Orange, while a few shades darker Orange becomes Brown. The popularity of Orange changes with fashion. Bright Orange was popular 20 years or more ago. It now seems to be coming back into vogue.

It is an aggressive colour, full of vitality and energy. It is bright , hot and exciting - the dramatic colour of the setting Sun. Like many strong colours, it can be sometimes out of place in our softer northern light, while it would sparkle in strong sunlight. Orange is also the colour of fire and like fire it can be overpowering and therefore use with discretion. It can be lightened to Peach or Apricot tones or be darkened towards Terracotta (a popular colour at the moment) and Rust. All theses are versatile decorating colours and work well in both cool and warm colour schemes. These colours are warm rather than hot, they create a much calmer, relaxing mood, easier to live with.

Orange absorbs a great deal of light and can sometimes look gloomy. If it is the main colour in the room (e.g. on the walls), you will need a lot more artificial light. You could also use mirrors to add to the light, because they reflect it, they will also make the room seem larger. You need to be sure you really like Orange before you use it on the four walls. You might be better to use it for the curtains, carpets or sofas. You might end up using as much of it as on the walls but texture tones it down on carpets and upholstery and it is softened in loose, draped fabric.

Orange lies easily on soft Greens (like nature), Blues and Greys, and Yellows offsets it well. Blue and Orange make a good team, the softness of the Blue tones down the brashness of the Orange, also could be used to crate a Mexican look in a Living room.

Where to use:
Orange will make a room feel small, cosy, intimate, and inviting. It will also make it warm and friendly. It is a good choice in the kitchen, dining room or living room. You could use it to inject a hint of warmth to a cold clinical bathroom. As Orange is a busy stimulating colour it is a good choice in a room where you want to create activity e.g. playroom or workroom, but don’t use in a room where you want peaceful relaxation. It all depends an the mood you want to create. Hot bold shapes of Orange can give a spicy, exotic feel to a room. In a small place like a toilet you can be more adventurous e.g. bright Orange with electric Blue. Soften Orange with creamy accents or stop it getting too much with touches of chocolate Brown or Black, or brighten it up with crisp Green. In Greek mythology, Orange was the colour attributed to Zeus, the ruler of the gods. Orange is the colour of love and happiness in Japan, Buddhists monks wear Orange robes to symbolise their humility.

Yellow:
Yellow is the colour of sunlight, sand, and daffodils. It brings warmth and light into your colour schemes and can create a feel-good factor. It will warm a cold room and brighten a dark one. Pure Yellow is a primary colour, which is very bright and can be hard to handle but there are many other shades. They range from pale Primrose and Buttermilk through zingy Citrus and radiant sunshine Yellows to deep Amber and golden Ochre shades. These can be soft and mellow or light and sunny and not as difficult to use. With so many Yellows to choose from, try various shades until you find one that works well. Yellow changes more than any other colour under electric light, so test a few shades first.

Where to use:
Yellow suits any style of decoration from a bright modern to a more traditional one. With such a diversity of yellows to choose from, it can be used in most rooms. As it is bright and stimulating it is an excellent colour for family rooms, studies, or dining rooms.

Pale Shades like Primrose and Buttermilk are light and restful, ideal for creating a relaxed, traditional atmosphere. Pastel Yellows are often used instead of brilliant White when you want to warm-up cool Blues or provide a neutral background for bright colours. A particular shade of Yellow will vary depending on lighting conditions and the colours placed next to it. Pale Yellow walls in sunlight rooms may look fresh and bright but on an overcast day can look washed-out. For a classic look, pastel Yellow with pale Grey looks elegant and easy to live with. For a more aged look, use pastel Yellow as a foil for Terracotta or dark Red.

Citrus Yellows are cool, bright, and sharp and are tinged with Blue/Green. These include Lemon, Primrose, and acid Yellow. The sharpness of Lemon adds zest to White, Grey or a neutral colour scheme, while Primrose is a good foil for all shades of Purple from pale Lilacs to Raspberry.

Deep Yellows range from Mustard and Ochre to the yellow of Buttercups. With their reddish tinge they can be used to make a room feel comfortable and jolly. Deep golden Yellow works well in traditional schemes with period furnishings, linked with warm earthy colours such as rich Terracotta, Rose Pink, Lime, Crimson, and dark Green. Bright deep shades of yellow have to be handled with care, in case they swamp other colour in the scheme. Often best used as accent touches because they catch the eye. Could be used to pick out wooden moldings on a door or used as cushions and lampshades.

You can have great fun decorating with Oranges and Yellows as you can with all colours. There are a wide variety of these colours available so check out the colour cards. If you are not certain about using a colour, buy a tester pot first and try it in the room so you can see how the light reacts to it and more important, your own reaction. The colours we choose tells us something about our personalities.

Mary D. Kelly
Decorating Options
(091) 798224.

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EASTER CUSTOMS

THE DATE OF EASTER: Since the Council of Nicaea in 325, the dating of Easter has been that it be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. In the West, only the Celtic church in Britain and Ireland refused to accept the date until 664 because of their own Celtic calendar.

EASTER SUNDAY mass did not exist in the early church. What is celebrated today as Easter occurred during the night hours preceding dawn on Sunday, the Easter Vigil. This emphasis has been returned today. In fact, Easter Sunday is the first Sunday of Easter... implying that Easter itself has already occurred.
In the early church, those who were baptized at the Easter Vigil were dressed in a white robe. They would wear that robe throughout the whole Easter week as a symbol of their new life. Those who had already been baptized in prior years, did not wear white robes, but would wear new clothes to indicate their share in the new life of Christ. So, the wearing of new clothes at Easter was an external profession and symbol of the Easter grace. During the Middle Ages in Europe, people in their new Easter clothes would take a long walk after Easter Mass. This was a kind of procession preceded by a crucifix of the Easter Candle. The tradition evolved into EASTER PARADES.

In ancient Egypt and Persia friends exchanged decorated eggs at the spring equinox (they have always been symbols of creation, fertility and new-life) the beginning of the new year. These eggs were a symbol of fertility for them because the coming forth of a live creature from an egg was so surprising to people of ancient times. Christians of the Near East adopted this tradition, and the Easter egg became a religious symbol. It represented the tomb from which Jesus broke forth. They were often colored red to represent the blood of Christ by which all believers were given a share in this new life of Christ. In medieval times eggs were traditionally given at Easter to all servants, and to the children (it was one of the foods forbidden during Lent), along with other gifts. It seems that the custom of hiding the eggs is a universal one.

Rabbits were also a pre-Christian fertility symbol. Often they were used as images of Christ's post-resurrection appearances. These appearances were likened to the rabbits being seen and then disappearing and then being seen again somewhere else. The first mention of the Easter Bunny and his eggs seems to have come from Germany in the late 1500's. In many sections of Germany, the belief was that the Easter bunny laid red eggs on Holy Thursday and multi-colored eggs the night before Easter Sunday.
In early Christian art the lily is a symbol of purity because of its delicacy of form and its whiteness. They did not exist in North America until about 100 years ago. The white trumpet lily, which blooms naturally in springtime, was brought here from Bermuda. They are popularly called "Easter Lilies because they bloom around Easter time. The American public quickly made it a symbolic feature of the Easter celebration.

Prayers for the blessing of lambs, a significant symbol of Christ, dates back to the 7th century. From the 9th century, the main feature of the Pope's Easter dinner was roast lamb. The ancient tradition of the Paschal lamb inspired the use of lamb as a popular Easter food among all the faithful. in Europe, small figures of a lamb made from butter, pastry, and sugar are popular.

The butterfly is an ancient Easter symbol. Just as the butterfly which emerges from the cocoon is the same caterpillar in new form, so Jesus, emerging from the tomb is the same person - glorified.

Easter water is blessed solemnly at the Easter Vigil. Families are encouraged to bring home a container of this holy water to be used at home for family blessings on persons, house, etc.
Some families clean out their fire-places on Good Friday and do without a fire until they bring home coals from the New Fire blessed at the Easter Vigil.
In many parts of the world people serve traditional breads and pastries at Easter like the Russian Easter bread (Paska - because it is made in the round and rises up), the German Easter loaves (Osterstollen), the Polish Easter cake (Baba Wielancona), etc. Very often these breads and pastries, together with meat and eggs, are blessed on Holy Saturday. An Italian custom is to make a simple sweet bread dough shaped in the form of a chick, bunny, or doll. These breads are baked with a whole egg placed in the "tummy" of the form and frosted with egg yolk. The whole family is involved in the making of these Easter breads. They are brought to the Easter Vigil to be blessed and are given as gifts on Easter Sunday to young friends and relatives.

Early Christians customarily celebrated Easter Week as days of joy and laughter. They would tell jokes, play pranks, feast on lamb, dance, sing and express humor and joy over this "final joke" on the devil, death and evil. They would add fragrant oil or perfume to the Easter water they had brought home with them from church, as a reminder of the sacred chrism. This water was used to sprinkle and bless food, pets, gardens, homes and more. In some countries you could get soaked this week. Baptism was recalled with the custom of "dousing". On Easter Monday men wake women with a spritz of the perfumed Easter water while they whisper "May you never wither." On Easter Tuesday women wake men with a bucketful of the scented water.

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REVIEW - BY THE BOG OF CATS

Anyone who went into the Town Hall Theatre on the 2nd or 3rd April, to see Compántas Lir’s presentation of Marina Carr’s ‘By the Bog of Cats’ would acknowledge what a pity it was that this fine play couldn’t be performed where all of Compántas Lir’s productions to-date have been—among their own in Claregalway. The necessary cancellation of the festival was a huge disappointment to everyone concerned, and sympathy must be expressed to Compántas Lir, and to the Festival Committee.

So it was a joy to see it on the stage at all, as it must be one of this company’s finest productions to-date. A difficult play, because of the bleakness of its subject matter, and the stark brutality of its end. Still the quality of the performances and the professionalism of the production left a striking impression. Briefly, the play takes place on one day, the day that Hesteer Swane’s long-time lover, and father of her seven year old child, marries another for land and money. Hester lives on the edge of a world that fears and misunderstands her. Abandoned as a child by her mother, and carrying a dark burden of guilt about her brother, she lives with an intensity of emotion, and a disregard of social conventions which others see as a threat.

Lilyann Hannon, in the main role of Hester Swane, was stunning. She lived the role. Hester came to life before our eyes. Her voice and gestures, her whole body language personified Hester. She connected with the audience, and even managed to make us feel sympathy for this often difficult character. The restrained ferocity of her glances, the untamed nature, the essence of a character brought to the edge, were all caught by Lilyann’s evocative performance. It was a breathtaking sight. Lilyann would have swept the boards with best actress awards, if this play had been able to do the rounds.

Hers was not the only fine performance on the night. Catwoman, played by Evelyn Casserly, was authentically eccentric, with a wonderful costume, and a worrying ability to convey the realistic eating of mice to the audience. Sean Kavanagh, Xavier Cassidy, from his limp, to the thudding realism of his struggle with Hester in Act 2, played the bull-headed farmer, the part called for.
Ailbhe Hession as Josie Kilbride brought all the unaffected sweetness, laced with mischief, of the 7-year old she so convincingly played. Her performance rang through, astonishingly polished in one so young.

Fidelma O’Rourke, Mrs. Kilbride, with her prejudice, her meanness, and her lording it over her son on his wedding day was every inch the nightmare Irish mother-in-law. Her delivery was spot on, her lines spoken with all the authority of her kind. Stereo typical as it could have been, this actress’ skills lifted it beyond type, and gave the character an edge which lent credence to the betrayal.

Padraic O’Connell as Carthage, the groom who jilts the mother of his child to marry money, carried his part well. The confusion of someone swept on by events partly of his own making, and not being able to see consequences or read the darkness of Hester’s nature, were well expressed.
Allen Feeney ‘s ghostly pallor, and ghoulish throat wound, impacted every time he came on, thanks both to his strong acting skills, and the realism that Anne Moran and Síle Mannion brought to his make-up.

Michael Hession as the ghost fancier, made a brief appearance at the beginning, and also at the end. Tribute again to make-up and also to the costume department for making him look as sinister as the part called for.

Patricia Carton’s portrayal as Monica was both sympathetic and affecting. The simplicity and sincerity of her character’s emotions, with all her homely virtues, were well brought out, and acted as a foil to the gothic intensity of what was happening elsewhere. The exchanges between Fr. Willow (Simon Kavanagh) and Catwoman, lent the play much humour in the second act, before the unrelenting horror of the last.

Bernadette Prendergast played Caroline Cassidy as the sweet natured contrast to Hester, the girl Carthage marries for her father’s money. It is a tribute to this fine company that there is no weakling. Cameo roles were as finely played as the main ones, Peter Talbot as the barman, young Dunne, giving everyone a welcome laugh.

Margaret Martin’s production tempered a polish and professionalism, with raw emotion and gutsy realism, giving us a night to remember, and an experience to savour. The accents throughout were perfect, and added greatly to the credibility to the characters. It is difficult to give proper credit to the team who made up this fine performance without acknowledging the great back-up they enjoy from the back-stage crew. The set design of Vicky Brennan gave a fitting setting, and the ingenious design of the folding caravan was ably brought to life by Regis Goulding, John Whelen, Tony Broderick and John Brennan. Lighting was by Francis Moran and Adrian Moran, with Tom McGuire on sound. The stage crew of Mary Duggan, Carmel Kenny and Mary McCarthy gave great support to this fine crew of actors.

Although no-one was credited on the programme with costumes, the company kept up the high standards they have established.

This production more than held its own with any other which has come to the Town Hall in recent years. Compántas Lir are a company that Claregalway should be proud of. Long may they prosper.

Siobhán Lynskey.

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A.G.M. CLAREGALWAY LEISURE CENTRE LTD.

The A.G.M. of Claregalway Leisure Centre Ltd. Was held in the centre on Tuesday 3rd April at 9:00 p.m. The following committee was elected:
Carol Steven (Chairman), Tony Clarke (vice-chairman), Siobhán Lynskey (secretary), Ita O’Reilly (treasurer ). Committee—Mary Reidy, Gerry Mooney, Hubert Newell, Patricia Carton, Hugh Farrell, Maura Harte, Mary Forde and Margaret Kearney.

The committee wish to thank all those who organised and helped out at the Table Quiz held in Terry Brennan’s in Loughgeorge on Thursday 5th April. Thanks also to all those who supported the fundraiser, either by entering a team, providing a spot prize, or sponsoring the raffle. Thanks to Terry Brennan and staff for helping to make the occasion an enjoyable one. All proceeds from the table quiz will go towards the upcoming refurbishment of the toilets and showers in the Centre.

The table quiz is the first a series of events to raise money for the improvements being planned for the community centre. The next one is a grocery bagging session in Supervalue in Eyre Square Centre over the weekend of 20th and 21st April. Please support the committee’s fundraising efforts, as any improvements to the centre will be to the benefit of all in our community.

Siobhán Lynskey, Secretary.

EDITORIAL

Compántas Lir excelled themselves with their superb production of “By the Bog of Cats” in the Town Hall Theatre recently. Due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, the Drama Festival which was to be held in Claregalway Leisure Centre was postponed. These fine thespians held the audience captivated for the entire duration of the play. It’s such a shame it could not have been staged in Claregalway. See Siobhán’s review.
This month we have plenty of activities to keep you busy from Gardening with Bosco to Interior Decorating with Mary—no need to be lazing about!! Be sure and check out our web site now and again—we keep on trying!!!! We are always open to new ideas, etc. to help us on our way—after all we are only a voluntary group of people operating on your behalf for YOU the people of Carnmore and Claregalway. Enjoy the Easter and see you next month.

Josette.

HOW TO TURN A TOWN INTO A SUBURB

Make sure that the Town Commissioners have no power or influence and reinforce this by turning the Town Hall into an empty shell.

Arrange with the main political parties that nobody from the town is ever elected to the Dail or Seanad.

Discourage tourists and customers from coming to the town by building on all the car parks and employing a traffic warden to stop people parking on the streets.

Undermine the profitability of small shops in the town centre by encouraging large petrol stations with forecourt shops on the outskirts.

Close down any factory that employs unskilled or semi-skilled workers and raze it to the ground. Promise to replace it but don’t.

Discourage overnight visitors to the town by making sure there are no hotel beds in the town.

Get rid of all forms of public transport but leave the station in a semi-derelict state to remind the locals that they are going nowhere.

Close down any major medical facility and turn it into a refugee hostel.

Put up tourist signposts and then neglect or, better still, remove the relevant tourist amenities.

Neglect heritage sites and remove any cultural icons to closed or out of the way places, thereby fostering cultural amnesia.

Downgrade sporting facilities, especially historic or popular ones, by starving them of money and transferring their games elsewhere.

Build large housing estates and make sure most of the houses go to people who won’t work, shop or socialise in the town.

Turn a large percent of the locals into travelers by forcing them to look for work, education or recreation elsewhere.

Bypass the town after convincing the locals that the bypass is entirely for their benefit.
Let it be known that those who don’t agree with you are paranoid.

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CLAREGALWAY SKIN CARE AND AROMATHERAPY CLINIC

REFLEXOGY—Reflexology is a science based on the principle that there are reflex points in the feet and hands which relate to every organ, gland and various parts of the body. By stimulating these reflex points on the feet, it helps the body to heal itself in a natural way from within.

The science of reflexology is also based on energy channels and the therapist works on freeing these zones to ensure proper balance within the body.

For further information, please contact Evelyn Kitt at 091 798485, 776824. Mobile 087 6783733

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RUBBISH RECYCLING AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
In a recent issue of “Nuacht Chláir”, there was a very interesting article on rubbish and recycling, hopefully readers will keep a copy for reference.
Rubbish and its disposal is very topical at present. Recycling in this country is only beginning and must be encouraged and supported by local authorities and communities alike and every effort must be made to reduce the amount going to landfill. Some private companies are doing a good job in recycling and local authorities are doing likewise but much more remains to be done before we can recycle as high a percentage as some of our E.U. partners.
Illegal dumping is disgraceful and is happening all the time along main roads and in quieter byroads. How people can justify dumping all kinds of rubbish away from their own homes and beside others homes is unbelievable. The fines that can be imposed on people who dump illegally must be enforced and anyone seen should be reported to the Environment Section in the County Council.
Local community groups like the Claregalway Amenity Group and the “Nuacht Chláir” can only do so much—the rest is up to the public, so in the interest of our environmental future, please help keep Claregalway litter free.
Seamus O’Connell.

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