January/February 2004

Rang 5 from Claregalway N.S. presented their science project on The Salmon (An Bradán) at the Science and Technology Festival in Galway before Christmas. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Noel Dempsey, visited the stand with representatives of AVE Medtronic (sponsors), including former Galway hurler Sean Silke (next to Mr. Treacy). Also included are Pat Coen, school Principal and children from the school: Karen Ni Urnai agus Cliodhna Nic Mhathuna (in front), Breandan O Dea agus Aaron Mac Mathuna.

OBESITY AND BEING OVERWEIGHT
The classification of obesity (in adults) is usually based on the measurement of body mass index (BMI).

< 20 = underweight
20-25 = healthy weight
25-30 = overweight
> 30 = obese
Obesity and being overweight are the most common nutritional problems in the developed world and are increasing. More than half the UK population are now either overweight or obese.
Human beings abide by the laws of conservation of mass and energy, and when energy intake and energy expenditure are equal, body weight is maintained. Excess intake over expenditure results in weight gain, so either or both must be altered in order to address any imbalance.
The consequences of obesity include increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes, arthritis and back pain, breathlessness and respiratory disease.
The management of obesity is complex involving not just dietary and exercise advice but also cognitive and behavioural techniques are important too. Realistic goals must be set. Obese patients may aim to lose 1 KG per week, reducing calorie intake by 1000 kcal a day, below normal, should achieve this level of weight loss. Keeping a balanced diet is important, so aim to reduce fat intake, consume low calorie nutrient dense foods (e.g. fruits and vegetables), increase fibre rich foods contributes to satiety and helps prevent constipation, increase consumption of low calorie drinks. Increased exercise is a useful part of any weight management plan. If you have not exercised for some time or have any illness the level of increased activity should be discussed with your doctor.
Cognitive therapy involves recognising the reasons for the eating patterns that have led to weight gain. Binge eating after alcohol consumption for example can add significantly to calorie intake. It is helpful to understand possible reasons for weight gain before embarking on a weight loss programme.
Healthy eating and a gradual increase in daily activity will help to create the right balance between energy intake and energy expenditure.

SPECIAL NEWS
Congrats to Geraldine and Tommy Callinan, Cregboy on the birth of their son, Evan on December 18th, 2003.

Congratulations to Sandra and Michael Moran, Cahergowan on the birth of their baby daughter Ann Bethany, a sister for Katie.

Congratulations to Dympna and Paul Concannon, Cahergowan on the birth of their baby boy Riain on the 11th January. A great month to be born in for underage football!!!

Congrats to Carol and Kieran Duggan on the birth of their son Gary on the 24th of January, a brother for Ross and Eoghan.

Congratulations to Tomas Reddington and Claire Hoew, 99 Riveroaks, who were married in Oranmore recently.

Congratulations to Hannah Coen, Cregboy, on being selected for the Irish Junior Ladies’ Basketball squad. Well done to Hannah and to everyone involved in Claregalway Basketball Club. It is a great achievement for the club which was set up
about 6/7 years ago.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is truly holistic therapy taking into account the mind, body and spirit seeking help. Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing practice of mankind. Massage with essential oils diluted in a carrier oil is the most important method of treatment, for it combines the effects of the oils themselves with the important element of human contact between the Aromatherapist and the person seeking help. It is very important for the Aromatherapist to take a case history before applying the essential oils. Even small amounts of essential oils can build up a toxic level in the body, and some of the essental oils are very toxic indeed. Essential oils are very readily absorbed through the skin. The aroma alone can have a very relaxing effect on the mind. Aromatherapy can be used to compliment many other forms of treatment, both orthodox or unorthodox. Self treatment is quite safe provided that the oils are sensibly and correctly used. Self diagnosis is not advisable, nor is self treatment for anyting moderately serious.

For further information, please contact Evelyn Kitt: (091) 798485 or 087 6783733.

Since the day I started volunteering for Amnesty International I have been asked many times "Amnesty International? What is it? What do they do?" So here's a bit of information on one of the largest voluntary organisations in the world.

What is Amnesty International?
Amnesty International is a world wide voluntary organisation gathering people who campaign towards living in a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.

What is a Human Right?
A human right is something everybody has without having to earn it .It is yours because you are a human being. Amnesty International's work is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which contains 30 articles stating the conditions that everybody has the right to expect in their lives such as the right to freedom, equality and dignity (Art. 1), the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty (Art. 11), the right to rest and leisure (Art. 24).

What do we do, how do we work?
We do research on and take action against the worst kinds of human rights abuses, and we promote general awareness of human rights.
The major work that Amnesty International does is writing. Members all around the world send letters to governments, authorities or prisoners of conscience to stop human rights abuses. Prisoners of conscience are people who are being held in jail because of their political, religious or other beliefs and in most cases are subject to torture. By sending a letter to a prisoner of conscience you give him support, hope, better conditions and even help getting him released.

The major campaigns in 2004
- Stop Violence Against Women: It will be launched on the 8 March, International Women's Day and will be run for 6 years. This year it will focus on violence against women in armed conflict and on domestic violence. For the launch we are organising a gig in De Burgos on the 6 March.
- Control Arms: in partnership with Oxfam and IANSA (International Action Network on Small Arms), we are calling for an International Arms Trade Treaty to control the sale of guns and other arms; more financial aid for community safety; governments to take action at all levels to control the manufacture, sale and supply of arms in all countries. You can sign up to the One Million Faces petition online on controlarms.com. Just take a picture of yourself, draw a self portrait or pick one of the pictures that are available on the website.

How do I get active around Galway?
- Amnesty International is very active in Galway. There are many ways to help. We have a shop from which we organise campaigning including gigs in pubs, public talks, to raise awareness on certain issues. For more information contact us in the shop at 2-3 Middle street in Galway, 091 533 637, or amnestygalway@eircom.net. Or go on the website at www.amnesty.ie
- The Galway group meets in Taylor's bar (next to the Roisin Dubh) every fortnight on Tuesday at 8pm.
- If you want to get your secondary school involved we will be delighted to come and give a talk, and help you to be part of the Student and Youth Clubs network. It is a joyful and exciting experience for teenagers who wish to "make a difference".
- You can also make a difference by doing such little things as buying fair traded products or getting a friendship bracelet on the 14 February which is Amnesty International major fundraising.

I would finally like to thank Josette and Nuacht Chlair for giving me the opportunity to talk to you about a cause I really believe in and therefore raising awareness around Claregalway.
Marie-Anne Michel

I'M VERY WELL THANK YOU
There is nothing the matter with me,
I’m as healthy as I can be,
I have arthritis in both my knees,
And when I talk - I talk with a wheeze.
My pulse is weak, and my blood is thin,
But - I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in,
Arch supports I have for my feet,
Or I wouldn’t be able to be out on the street,
Sleep is denied me night after night,
But every morning I find I’m alright.
My memory is faling, my heads in a spin,
But - I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.
How do I know that my youth is all spent?
~Well, my ‘get up and go’ has got up and went.
But I really don’t mind when I think with a grin,
Of all the grand places my ‘got up’ has bin.
Old age is golden I’ve heard it said,
But sometimes I wonder as I get into bed,
With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup,
My specs on a table until I get up.
When I was young my slippers were red,
I could kick my heels right over my head,
When I was older my slippers were blue,
But I still could dance the whole night through.
Now I am old my slippers are black,
I walk to the shop and puff my way back,
I get up each morning and dust off my wits,
And pick up the paper to read the ‘orbits’,
If my name is still missing I know I’m not dead;
And so I have my breakfast and - go back to bed.
- Author Unknown

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
FRI 12TH - SAT. 20TH MARCH 2004.
Spring is in the air and March is fast approaching which also means that the annual Claregalway Festival of Drama is also fast approaching. The hall has been booked and the plays have been selected. The Committee is busy with final preparations for this hugely popular Festival.

The Festival opens on Friday the 12th March with local group Compantas Lir once again performing the honours. This year the group is performing Rick Abbot’s “Play On” which is described as a play within a play. K.A.T.S. from Knocknacarra who performed at the Festival for the first time last year and went on to win the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone are performing “A View from the Bridge” by Arthur Millar. Groups from Carlow, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Sligh and Tipperary are also performing.

The Committee look foward to the usual high level of support for all the groups performing at the Festival. Don’t forget to put the dates in your social diary!!

UPDATE FROM LOCAL COUNCILLOR JIM CUDDY
I have received a response from the County Council with regard to the following items:
1. Request for road widening at junction of Tuam/Oranmore Road. The Council have said that they are taking up the matter with the Road Design Section with a view to having this work carried out in 2004.

2. Request for public lighting on the Galway side of Claregalway. The Council are to seek funding to bring lighting as far as the end of the speed limit. The estimated cost is €22,600.

3. Request for extension of footpaths on Galway side of Claregalway. The Council have taken this up with the NRA but the response was negative because they claim there is no recorded history of pedestrian accidents at this location.

4. As a result of representations made to me by the Chairman of the Lakeview Estate Residents Association about the road condition leading into the estate from the Tuam Road, I have taken the matter up with the Council and they have already dealt with the problem at the road. Further discussions will have to take place with regard to the road further in the estate.

5. Congratulations to the Claregalway Amenity Group for being successful in having €70,000 allocated towards the Claregalway Village Renewal Scheme from Galway County Council. The Council will now sit down with the people involved and provide expert advice to them. I was glad to be of assistance.

6. Public Library for Claregalway. In early December I wrote to the County Librarian to ascertain the possibility of providing such a service for the people of Claregalway. On January 28th I received a response to a number of options open to them. Depending on the population it may be possible to make an application to the Department of the Environment for capital funding. I have been advised that a revised and updated library development programme is under preparation and how Claregalway can be dealt with will form part of this programme. You will be kept up to date on developments as they arise.

7. Claregalway Draft Plan. The Draft Plan for Claregalway is now expected to go on public display around the end of February, not yet decided. It will be available for inspection at the County Hall, area office at Lackagh and the Claregalway Community Centre. Interested parties will be able to make submissions. If you have any queries on the plan I will do my best to have them addressed.

EDITORIAL
In a survey of 15 countries carried out recently on childhood obesity Irish children ranked fifth fattest. The study was compiled by the National Institute of Public Health in Denmark showing that only American, Greek, Portugese and Israeli children are fatter than the Irish. The diet of children nowadays is sedentary - television, computers and gameboys are the norm. For me, being an exercise enthusiast, it drives me crazy to see children stuck in front of a T.V. etc. and many a battle has taken place in the Farrell household regarding same. For me, a walk is far more seductive than a drive and it is heartening to see a few more mothers on the road like myself en route to school with their children. Why can’t more parents do it? Lack of exercise is adding to childhood obesity coupled with bad eating habits. John’s article on page 4 covers obesity in general and it is very informative and interesting. Of course, if our roads were better and we had proper walking facilities, things might change! It’s a vicious circle. Sometimes one feels like an alien walking - the cars speed by at a great rate and you are moving closer and closer to the verge all the time. Such a shame, because our children will suffer. They need oxygen and plenty of it. We as parents need to take a stance and address this issue before it’s too late. Diabetes is on the increase with children and that’s no gift to give a child. Think on.

Until next time, Josette

GALWAY AIRPORT
Galway Airport has gained its reputation as one of the country’s fastest growing air industry operations recently when another overseas service operating out of Carnmore was announced, the second new service in less than three months.

Aer Arann has confirmed it is to commence operation on the Galway to Birmingham route on Monday May 3rd bringing to five the number of routes new departing from Galway Airport - flights already depart from Galway to Dublin, Luton, Edinburgh and Manchester airports.

General Manager of Galway Airport, Jarlath Feeney, says the new service will bring to 110 the number of commercial movements at Galway Airport every week, showing why the Airport experienced growth of 26.5% in 2003. “It is onwards and upwards for the Airport - we saw 137,500 passengers pass through the Airport last year, and we are targeting about 180,00 passengers this year.” “I am delighted to welcme the announcement of the new Galway to Birmingham direct service and I am very confident it will be successful - there is a large Irish community in Birmingham, and there are also a lot of business connections between the UK Midlands and Galway, “ he said.

Mr. Feeney said he wanted to “congratulate Aer Arann on its achievement and the speedy nature in which we concluded negotiations was great” and he said the ndw service would hopefully help the Airport achieve its targeted passenger numbers this year.

The Managing Director of Aer Arann has also welcomed the new service, saying it was a result of continued negotiations his company hbas been holding with the airport - Aer Arann operates all five routes in and out of Galway.

“Negotiations with Galway Airport for continued route development have been ongoing and market analysis coupled with local community demand indicates that Birmingham is an obvious new destination from Galway,” says Padraig O’Ceidigh, the Managing Director of Aer Arann.

News of the new service has been welcomed by the business community in Galway, with Dr. Chris Coughlan, the President of the Galway Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saying the announcement was “a very positive development” for Galway. Between management and staff there are currently 80 people employed at Galway Airport. When the new Galway to Birmingham service begins operation there will be 16 commercial flight movements a day at the Airpot - it is understood the new service will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

INTERIOR DESIGN - HINTS AND TIPS
Candles
Before gaslight and electricity the main source of light, apart from fire, was candles. These were placed in candlesticks, candelabra, wall sconces, and lanterns made of wood, glass, brass, or silver. Candles, once again, have become very popular and you will find shops that specialise in selling candles only. Candles are very versatile and are both decorative and practical (where would you be without a candle in a power-cut) and a source of soft atmospheric lighting. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes - from elegantly dining candles to chunky scented ones to small delicate shaped candles for floating on water. Price can vary depending on the type and quality, but in the right setting, plain white candles can look just as good as the decorative and expensive ones.

Candle Types
You can find a candle for every occasion and setting. Classic dining candles come in a wide range of colours, from the gentle pink to deep red. They are usually tapered in shape, but you can also get twisted and fluted styles. Old fashioned, straight-side candles also make good dining candles. If you want to add a touch of style to formal or festive settings use solid-coloured candles painted with gold and black motifs. Church candles have simple lines and are ivory-coloured. They come in various diameters and heights, some are thick enough to be free standing and make good centrepieces for flower arrangements. They look good with wrought iron. Scented candles come in a wide selection of shapes and sizes and are great for adding fragrance to a room. Scents range from the spicy cinnamon and fresh lemon to rose or honeysuckle. The price normally reflects the quality of the perfumed oils used. Aromatherapy candles are scented with essential oils released as the candle burns and help to relax you as you breathe it in. insect repellent candles are scented with citronella oil and help to keep e.g. midges away when used outdoors.
Floating candles are small, shallow candles designed to float on water. They look great arranged with floating flowers heads in a glass bowl. Outdoor candles such as garden torches stuck into the ground providing background light at barbecues. Candles in little buckets, ceramic pots or nightlights in lanterns are also good for the outdoors. You also have decorative candles, these come in a huge choice of colourful designs and unusual shapes. Novelty designed candles which come in e.g. animal shapes add a sense of fun. Often these candles are more for decoration than to be lit. Household candles i.e. packs of plain white candles are invaluable during a power cut and where would we be without the nightlight which burns for about eight hours. How many of these are burned during exam periods or during other moments of crisis in our lives.

Candleholders
As well as having a practical function the candleholder adds to the decorative effect of the candle and is an accessory in its own right. It also effects the amount of light that is given out e.g. by diffusing or reflecting it. Like candles, the candleholder come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, and are made from different materials, e.g. ceramics, glass, metal, wood, etc. Some are highly decorative while others are purely practical. You will find Candlesticks to suit most types of décor - it is a single holder with a stem set with a spike or socket to hold the candle. If you want something more, you might go for Candelabra - large branched candlestick. Ornate silver one would add a touch of grandeur to a table setting. If you wanted to create a more traditional look, go for a Chamberstick - holder with a large sturdy base and a carrying handle, usually comes in brass. A Chandelier set with real candles and hung over a dining table make an attractive feature and adds to the mood of dining. You can go for an elaborate brass one or for a simpler modern black wrought iron design. Whichever style you go for make sure there is a pan at the base of the candle to stop wax falling onto the table. A chandelier should be fitted so that it can be lowered for lighting, extinguishing, and replacing the candles.

A Sconce is a bracket fixed to a wall for holding a candle or an electric light. It can have a metal plate or mirror, that's flush with the wall and intensifies the candlelight by reflection. Whether you light the candles or not the sconce can add a period detail or contemporary touch to your décor. The use of candle sconces goes back to medieval times and earlier, when soft wax was placed on wall spikes in the home of the wealthy, while ordinary people used rush lights dipped in fat or oil. Candle Lanterns are a traditional style of candleholder with a metal frame, protective glass and a top handle. In days gone by, these provided a safe and convenient way of lighting. Today these are valued for their decorative qualities and can be used indoors or out. Unlit they provide a finishing touch to your home, whether hanging in the kitchen, living room or outdoors. When lit the soft glow of a candle set in a lantern creates an atmosphere. Another version is the Hurricane Lamp, it has a separate glass cover that lets a candle be used outside or in draughty places. Again this is now used for decorative effect.

Candles were traditionally fitted with little shades to protect the flame from draughts and to prevent glare. The shade is held on a candlestick by a metal support, which clips or sits on the candle. A modern version is a light bulb fitted with a shade and wired directly into the candlestick. You don't need to buy candleholders; you can use everyday containers from the home or garden. Jam jars, wine bottles, vases, and terracotta flowerpots are suitable holders. Even fruit and vegetables can be turned into stylish holders. Cut an orange in half, scoop out the flesh, serrate the edges, and use a small round candle.

Uses:
Candles can be used indoors or out, lit or unlit. There is no end to the creative ways you can display them, whether you want to capture a festive mood, set a romantic scene or just to relax. You can display them around the room or group them together to create a focus point. Candles can be used many different ways on a dining table. Create a centrepiece by combining different size and shaped candles, they could be placed on a glass cake-stand with a scattering of leaves. Dress up candlesticks with flower displays. A pair of elegant candlesticks, circled with a posy of fresh flowers and topped with a flickering candle adds colour and fragrance to a dining table. Twist a piece of fine florist's wire down a pair of wrought iron candlesticks to make a framework for flowers.

Wall mounted candle sconces will light up a dull corner. Pairs of candle sconces can be hung either side of a mirror, painting, or piece of furniture or either side of an architectural feature such as a door, arch, or window. Create a romantic, magical feeling in a room by placing a collection of candle lamps on a mantelpiece. You can place candles throughout your home - in the hall, where the glow will welcome visitors, in the bedroom for mystery and romance, and in the bathroom, where you can relax surrounded by the soft glow of light. Don't forget the garden, you can create another room outside with the help of candles. Candles in jars can be placed along the top of walls or along the edge of paths. Hang miniature glass lamps on trees. Turn old metal containers into hanging lanterns by piercing holes in the sides to let the candlelight shine through and decorate with gloss or enamel paint.

Safety:
Put safety first, when using candles and always guard against fire. Make sure the candle is firmly fixed in its holder and away from flammable material and out of reach of young children. Extinguish the flame before it comes too close to the holder or container. Always extinguish candles before you go out or go to bed. Never leave them burning in an unoccupied room.

There is nothing to match the magical glow of flickering candlelight and at this time of year, it brings the whole house to life.

PRIDE OF THE PARISH CUP
Many thanks to all the Football and Soccer players who turned up on a cold St. Stephens Day to take part in the inaugral "Pride of the Parish" Cup. The final result was 3-2 to Claregalway Celtic but with Martin Red Kelly taking a fine point from a penalty in the dying seconds the result could have been very different. The main aim of the day was of course to fundraise for Croi and the collection from the sizeable crowd and all players amounted to over €750 for the deserving good cause.
Visit www.claregalway.net for more information on Claregalway Football Club

Claregalway N.S.	Dates for your Diary
Obesity and Being Overweight	Update from your Local Councillor Jim Cuddy
Special News	Editorial
Skin Care and Aromatherapy Clinic	Galway Airport
Amnesty International	Interior Design - Hints and Tips
I'm Very Well Thank You	Pride of the Parish Cup

DATE	PLAY	GROUP
Friday 12th March	Play On by Rick Abbot	Compantas Lir, Confined
Saturday 13th	Playboy of the Western World by J.M. Synge	Doonbeg D.G., Confined
Sunday 14th	The Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy	Road Shoestring Theatre Co., Open
Monday 15th	Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’Casey	Estuary Players, Open
Tuesday 16th	A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller	K.A.T.S., Open
Wednesday 17th	Surviving Grace by Trish Vradenburg	Holycross/Ballycahill D.G., Confined
Thursday 18th	The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams	Ennis Players, Open
Friday 19th	All the Way Back by Bernard Farrell	Newmarket D.G., Confined
Saturday 20th	Amadeus by Peter Shaffer	Carlow Little Theatre Society, Open