ROYAL VILLA
In October, another milestone in the history of Claregalway was passed as the well-known city centre restaurant Royal Villa opened an outlet in the village.

In 1991, Charlie Chan took over the Royal Villa restaurant in Shop Street in Galway, having been head chef in the Dragon Court in Foster Street for three and a half years prior to that. Since then the Royal Villa has received great acclaim, and has featured in many guides to excellent cuisine in Galway.
The decision has now been taken to open an outlet in Claregalway, one of the fastest developing areas around the greater Galway city area. The management is the same as the city centre outlet.

The new restaurant is comfortable and well positioned with ample parking and is easy to get to. Food is of the same excellent quality which has come to be expected of Royal Villa, and a wide variety of dishes are on offer. The take-away is proving very popular, and is especially busy at weekends. All in all, a welcome addition to the area. Siobhan Lynskey

RESTAURANT REVIEW
ROYAL VILLA, CLAREGALWAY. TEL: 739877
Despite an uninspiring entrance to the new Royal Villa Restaurant in the Hughes complex, once inside, the ambience is excellent. Although the table area is quite large, clever use of dividers and the table layout makes for a relatively intimate atmosphere.

The fare on offer is extensive (and, for the unadventurous, includes honest to God steak and chips!) and wide-ranging including Chinese, Thai and Malaysian cuisine.
The starters range from Honeydew Melon to Charlie's Platter for two (price range from 4.00 to 20.00), with a range of soups from 3.50 (mixed vegetable) to 5.00 (Mee Hon Broth with Prawn).
Main courses range in price from 10.00 to 17.00 and cover an enormous range including my own personal favourite, Nasi Goreng, which is a spicy fried rice dish variously described as Indonesian or Malaysian (I frequently make it myself). Charlie's version is exquisite though quite mild. Some of the dishes are described as Malaysian Sambal Beef (or Prawns or Chicken) or Sliced Sambal Duck. These dishes are made with Sambal Oelek, a sort of chilli paste widely used in the Far East and exceedingly tasty.
Courses sampled thus far by the reviewer, his spouse and some colleagues both in the restaurant and at a subsequent take-away session included: Thai Hot Chilli Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Prawns with Cashew nuts, Szechuan Duck, Special Chow Mein, Nasi Goreng. Without exception, all were excellently prepared and presented.
Service is first class. A classic example of this can be cited: I rang and specified 7.20 pm as a collection time for a takeaway. I arrived at about 7.17 pm and the freshly cooked selection was available on the dot of 7.20!
Wise to book at weekends. The place deservedly gets very busy. Highly recommended.
Brian Place

CLAREGALWAY LEISURE CENTRE LTD.
A very successful bag-packing was recently held in Dunnes, Westside. All monies collected are in aid of the running costs of the Centre. The committee would like to thank all those who helped with the bag-packing, especially Mary and Pat Forde, who packed both nights and again on Saturday. A special word of thanks for all the teenagers who showed up, particularly from the badminton club. The costs of running the Community centre are considerable, and every bit of fundraising helps.
Users of the Centre will have noticed that the office is currently being refurbished. This work has been undertaken by FAS and is in advance of the further works which are being planned for the kitchen area and for the toilets and showers. There may be some ongoing disruption to the usage of the Community Centre, as the refurbishments take place. Users will be kept informed by the committee.
The annual Craft Fair is to take place in the Centre on Sunday December 7th, and will have the same format as other years. The main body of the hall will be given over to stallholders. The committee will be running a cake sale, and raffle, as well as novelty items for children. Following the success of last year, a limited number of spaces will be available for children to sell their home-made crafts (no second hand toys, please This fair is intended solely for crafts which the child has made himself/herself). Availability will be on a first-come, first served basis. This area will be supervised by committee members, and a parent must accompany their child.

NEW RECYCLING INITIATIVE IN YOUR AREA
BARNA WASTE / WHEEL-A-BIN

Want to Help us Maintain the Enviroment?
Recycling will play a vital part in everyone's future and now is the time to get involved and do your bit. If each
household participates in a simple programme which means segregating good recyclable items from the general waste for landfill then we can achieve a recycling target of 50% from domestic collections. It is achievable with everyone's help.

As customers of Barna Waste / Wheel-A-Bin are already aware a new recycling initiative has been operating in
Claregalway and around other areas of County Galway for the past few months. The response to this new
initiative has been very positive and we thank our customers for their cooperation. Anyone experiencing any
problems or who has questions regarding the new scheme should contact the office at the numbers below. Contact names are Campbell or Christo.

This recycling programme is available to all members of the public and NOT just current customers of Barna Waste /
Wheel-A-Bin. There are two options available to the customer. Option 1 is that you subscribe to the wheelie bin
service for a year and as part of that service you will be given free recycling bags. Various sizes, prices and payment methods are available for the wheelie bins. Option 2 is the purchasing of our pre-paid bags on an as required basis from the local shops namely Raftery's Centra and Hughes's. Tax relief of 20% is available with option 1. We have on sale a GREEN bag for all general waste at €4.00 and two recycling bags as displayed above at €1.40 each. These bags are filled as you need them and put out for collection when full. Anyone interested in joining this recycling scheme can contact Barna Waste or Wheel-A-Bin for more information.

The collection system is simple to follow and operates on an alternate week basis. We collect general waste (ie. The wheelie bin or green bags) on one week and then recycling bags (blue and clear) on the following week and then it
alternates each week thereafter. This collection system is easily followed on the calendar we have published which is available in the shops or from the company directly.

Collection days in the Claregalway area are varied due to the different runs which we have. The majority of
Claregalway including the main village is serviced on a Tuesday. Some areas of Cregmore are serviced on a Thursday and a small area of Claregalway is also serviced on a Monday. Any new customers will get confirmation of collection days / times before they sign up. There will be NO CHANGES in collection days / times for existing customers.

Why should you sign up? Landfill space in Galway is running out quickly and therefore we need to provide a way for the public to recycle as much waste as possible. We believe this new two bag system is the easiest way to offer such a
service. Segregation of waste by the householder is simple and it does become a habit once you get into the
system. Recycling has to be the way forward and everyone has a part to play.

We have two bags a blue bag and a clear bag. In the blue bag we look for plastic bottles, plastic cartons, tetra packs (milk cartons etc), cans, food tins. In the clear bag we look for paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines and junk mail. All we ask is that the items are rinsed and drip dry before going into the bags. It is vital that the items are clean and dry to allow for recycling. Documentation is available in the shops or from the company directly to help everyone. These include a calendar explaining the alternate week collection and a do's and dont's flyer which provides a more
detailed listing of what should and should not go into the recycling bags. Alternatively help is only a phone call away for anyone who does experience problems getting started on the recycling.

The response to recycling in the Claregalway area so far has been very positive so anyone with any doubts about the programme ask around - relations, friends, neighbours and find out just how simple it is. This really is a simple way for everyone to get involved and do there bit for the environment.

Help us to keep your environment clean.

For more information contact:
We can be contacted at Barna Waste (Galway): 091 771619 or Wheel-A-Bin (Ballinasloe): Lo-Call 1890 300450

TOP

INTERIOR DESIGN - HINTS AND TIPS
Blinds
Blinds are used for mainly the same reasons as that of curtains. They help to keep in warmth, block out light, and provide an element of privacy. They can also add to the overall décor of the room, if the right style is chosen. The simple unfussy lines of blinds can be left plain to suit a modern look or dressed up for a more traditional one. In some settings, curtains may be too overpowering, so a blind would be suitable. Blinds can be divided into fabric and non-fabric types. The fabric ones can be further divided between plain and ruched. The plain includes the roller and the Roman, while the ruched includes the Austrian and the festoon blinds. The non-fabric blind's main types are Venetian (timber, PVC, aluminium), Vertical louvered and Rolled-up (bamboo, pinoleum, split cane etc).

Blind types:
Roller blinds are the plainest and simplest of blind. It can make an attractive and economical alternative to curtains or teamed up with a curtain to keep out the sun or to provide privacy. You could use a dress curtain which is held back permanently with a tieback. The blind will cover the window by night and during the day it can be no more than a covered pole. Most roller blinds are made from purpose-made blind fabric and come in plain and patterned fabric. You can get curtain fabric treated and made into a blind. These are best avoided where widths of fabric need to be joined, as the seams will be obvious in the finished blind. They also should be avoided in an area of high moisture. But teamed with a curtain in the right setting, it can look very well. Roller blinds can be ideal for filtering out strong sunlight from a child's room, if it is made of black-out fabric.

Roller blinds can be as plain or as pretty as you wish. They can have some form of decoration at their hems or the hem itself can be shaped. You could also paint or stencil your own pattern onto to a plain blind or take a design from another fabric or wallpaper in the room.

Roman blinds are a very stylish blind. They give a smart, clean-cut finish to a window and can be hung in most any type of room, by themselves or teamed with toning or matching curtains. A Roman blind can be fitted inside or outside the window recess. It covers the window in the same way as a roller blind, but it falls into neat, tailored folds, when it is pulled up. On wider windows, two blinds side by side are better, rather than one big one, where widths of fabric need to be joined. Roman blinds work well in most fabrics and can be made in fabrics with all sort of patterns, but stripes and plain work particularly well. To decorate a Roman blind you could bind the edges all the way around in a contrasting colour or decorate the hem. A contrasting band could also be inserted just inside the side and base edges of the blind.

There are two types of ruched blind, the Austrian and the Festoon, and the headings of both are gathered in the same way as a curtain heading. They are similar in appearance, but an Austrian blind is ruched only at its lower edge, while the festoon blind is ruched along its entire length. The difference between them is most noticeable when they are lowered. The Austrian blind uses less fabric then the festoon, but both blinds uses more fabric than the Roman blind. The original ruched blinds were designed for tall windows and were very popular in big country houses two centuries ago. They are now made for windows of every shape and size, but they may not be suitable for very small windows or a particular style of room. Their soft lines can create a romantic look e.g. in a floral chintz, or a sophisticated one with silk swags or a low-key style with inexpensive cotton fabric or muslin. They can be hung inside or outside the window recess, but remember if hung inside you will loose a certain amount of light, when pulled up, as they will cover one third of the glass. If fitted at different heights above the window, daylight will be allowed into the window when pulled up. Again these can be hung on their own or with a curtain. They can be lined or unlined and are best made from lightweight fabric and sheers. In sheer fabric they make a charming alternative to net curtains. You could trim them with frills and piping and have different styles of heading tape.

Non-fabric blinds combine all the practical benefits of the fabric ones, but have a crisper, cleaner finish. Like fabric blinds, they allow you to adjust the amount of light entering the room and provide a screen against an ugly view or prying eyes. They also have the advantage of drawing right back from the window, to allow the maximum of light in. Good idea for tiny windows and ones with a shady outlook. There is a huge range of non-fabric blinds to choose and you should find styles to suit both your budget and décor. You can buy ready-made or made to order ones.

Venetian blinds are the most versatile of non-fabric blinds. You can close them to shut out light and to give total privacy, angle them for soft shading or raise them above the window to leave a clear view. Venetian blinds come in timber, PVC and aluminium. The wooden one comes in different stains e.g. oak, cherry, maple, walnut etc. The PVC and aluminium come in a range of colours. You can also get blinds with perforated slots to provide a gentle diffusion of light when closed. Vertical louvre blinds are like venetian blinds but they turn on their sides to let in or shut out light. They can be pulled right back to one or both sides. Also come in a variety of colours. There are all sorts of non-fabric Roll-up blinds available. Finishes can include white or coloured, while other materials look good in their natural state colour-stained or with painted design.

Where used:
Blinds are suited to most rooms, but some types are more suited to certain situations. Living rooms and bedrooms are rooms used for relaxation and sleep, so they need a window treatment that cuts out light and in some case provide privacy. In a living room you could use Roman blinds on their own or combined with a curtain or use a roller blind with a curtain. Dress curtains set at each side of a bay window with Roman blinds can give an elegant look. But made dress curtains look as though they might just cover the window don't let them appear skimpy. Venetian blinds can be a good choice for a large picture window. To soften the outline you again can add a curtain, valance, or pelmet. The bedroom can take most types of blind, but the fussy design of Austrian and festoon blind is best confined to this room. A child's bedroom could be decorated with a roller blind which has e.g. animal design, but remember they will grow out of this and maybe a plain one would be better. Blinds are ideal in kitchens and bathrooms, because they can be drawn up out of the way of splashes when not in use and add a splash of colour when pulled down. Venetian blinds are a good choice, easy to clean and don't absorb food smells and will reinforce the theme of a modern kitchen, while timber slats or rolled cane blinds will blend with a country kitchen. Non-fabric blinds don't suffer from condensation and can be wiped down - great bonus in a bathroom. Sunrooms (conservatories) with their large amount of glass, can have extremes of heat and cold. Windows treatments need to protect both people and plants. Blinds in a dark colour will reflect the light. Fitting adjustable blinds will help with heat build-up. When the sun is hottest you can close them and at other times pull them up to let the light come flooding in.

You should able to find a blind to suit what ever your needs are. Always made sure you measure and fit your blinds correctly to get the best out of them. There is plenty of help available for both fabric and non-fabric blinds.

Mary D. Kelly
Decorating Options
(091) 798224.

CLAREGALWAY UNDERAGE FOOTBALL

Claregalway U-12 footballers acheived a unique double by winning Division 1 and Division 4 in the U-12 championships
U-12 Division 1 Final
Claregalway 3-6 Corofin 1-1
Our U-12s brought great honour to themselves and the club by winning the 2003 Coiste Peil na nÓg Division 1 North League championship for the first time in many years with a memorable and well deserved win over Corofin at Tuam Stadium on Saturday October 4th. In doing so they not only turned the tables having lost the 2002 final to the same opposition, but did so with a convincing display of attractive football. This was very evident in the second half when playing against the wind. Five points up at the break, there were some doubts as to whether this lead was enough. But Claregalway rose their game and were faster to the ball, none more so than Kevin Hussey at centre back, Michael Evans and Eoghan Commins. After successfully defending a 10-minute spell of Corofin pressure early in the second half Claregalway moved upfield along the right-wing for a peach of a goal by Jason Byrne. This gave them a lead of 8 points and their hands were all but on the trophy from there on.

From the throw-in, Claregalway got off to a flying start and had their large support in full voice within two minutes when Daniel Cunningham sent in a high ball from outfield which dipped under the crossbar into the net despite the best efforts of the Corofin goalie. The same player, Robert Dooley and Greg Cunningham (free) each pointed for a lead of 1-3 to no score after 10 minutes. A number of wides from scorable positions then followed. This spell of dominance was suddenly broken when Corofin broke upfield for a goal in the 15th minute. They looked like scoring further goals but were denied by a series of brilliant saves from Stephen Nally and good defending by Ronan Badger, Hubert Newell and Donal Conroy. Claregalway recovered and points by Robert Dooley and Greg Cunningham (free) left the scores 1-5 to 1-0 at half-time. Corofin pressed hard for scores on the resumption including a shot that just skimmed wide of Stephen Nally's right hand post. Justin Brennan at corner back came into the game in a big way with some fine interceptions and clearances to deny the opposition a path to goal. Robert Dooley found the net 5 minutes from time and the same player added a point
before the end to complete Claregalway's tally.

This win crowns earlier successes in the City leagues; the club has already captured U-11 and U-12 City leagues 2002 and 2003 back to back; U-13s remain in the shake-up for honours also. The club conveys its tributes to the managers Jimmy Gavin, Geoff Diskin and Ray Dooley for all their time and work with the panel and most importantly to the parents for turning out the players so well for training and games. Thanks to Johnny Mullins of Cregmore Construction for sponsoring Track Suites and Gear Bags for both u-12 Panels.
We express our appreciation to Coiste Peil na nÓg Gaillimh for running off the fixtures so efficiently within the space of six weeks.

Team: Stephen Nally, Hubert Newall, Ronan Badger, Justin Brennan, Donal Conroy, Kevin Hussey, Eoghan Commins, Greg Cunningham, Michael Evans, Diarmuid Gavin, Connor Costelloe, Jason Byrne, Daniel Cunningham, Robert Dooley, Peter Divilly, Dale Conlon, Keith McDermot, Ciarán O'Flaherty, Matthew Moran, Greg Noone, Michael Noonan, Donal McGreal.

U-12 Division 4 Final
Claregalway B 0-8 Salthill/Knocknacarra B 0-3
Our U-12 Bs gave a fine display of teamwork in winning the Division 4 League at Pearse Stadium on Sunday last. The winning margin of 5 points scarcely reflects the extent of their dominance from start to finish. Three early points by Peter Dolan who was one of the best forwards on the day, Barry McDonagh (free) and Cian Brady settled Claregalway down and they proceeded to play fast direct football both through the middle and up the wings.
Peter Dolan scored two further points to leave the scores at 0-5 to 0-2 at half-time. Stephen Fee opened the scoring in the second half with a point after 10 minutes. This was followed by a number of likely chances which on another day would be converted and it was 10 minutes from time the Phillip Noone got the insurance point. A few minutes from time Stephen Fee completed Claregalway's tally with a point from a free. The trophy was presented to team captain Ryan Harrington by John Leen, Chairman Coiste Peil na nÓg Gaillimh. This U-12 B win breaks fresh ground for the club and coming so quickly after winning Division 1 North speaks for itself as regards the players output in this grade in response to the inputs of the team management, Peter Lynskey,Johnny Mullins, Geoff Diskin and Ray Dooley.

Team panel: Eoin Clarke, Ryan Harrington, Emmett Feeney, Philip Doyle, Niall Mullins, Paul Jacabson, Eoghan McDonagh, Mathew Keating, Brendan Joyce, Eoin Lynskey, Mark Walsh, Barry McDonagh, Stephen Fee, Cian Brady, Peter Dolan, Philip Noone, Damian Burke, Cormac Whelan, Jonathan Crowe, Andrew Hall, Jonathan Healy, Stephen Devaney, Daniel Kelly, Alan Byrne, Dara Kirwan, Ashley Hurney, Pat Loughlane, Kieran Harte, Sean Diskin, Joe Keighrey, Darren Duggan, Paul Costelloe and Thomas O'Keeffe.