MAY 1997

CLAREGALWAY COMMUNITY ACTION

A delegation from the Community Action Group attended an Area Meeting of the County Council recently. This Area Meeting was attended by the six local Representatives, Council Engineers and Officials.

The delegation made a presentation to the area meeting regarding the unfinished state of Claregalway Village. They stated that despite numerous promises and undertakings the village is left in a mess and this is unacceptable to the local community.

The main issues highlighted were:-
(1) The state that the footpaths have been left in. The delegation stated that the paths are in a dangerous condition and that is impossible for the local community to even walk on these paths.

(2) That the Public Lighting would be extended to Dunleavey's and to the Bridge if possible.

(3) That the Warning Lights at the School should be erected as undertakings were given that these lights were to be erected at the beginning of the current school year last September.

(4) That the Hard Shoulder at the School should be re-surfaced.

(5) That on-going maintenance would be undertaken as indicated at previous meetings.
The delegation were informed at the meeting that the completion of the outstanding work is dependant on funding. The National Roads Authority provided £70,000 to fund the work undertaken in 1996 and a further £10,000 was provided in the current year. However, the Council Officials stated that this level of funding is inadequate to complete the remaining work, as part of this funding will be expended in the provision of lighting. The delegation were also informed that the Warning Lights at the School will be installed when the additional Public Lighting is being installed by the E.S.B.

The delegation stated that the level of funding provided was unacceptable to the local community. They further stated that it was difficult to comprehend that the National Roads Authority would under fund improvement work on a national primary route and highlighted other areas where funding does not appear to be a problem.

The elected representatives stated that a further submission would be made to the National Roads Authority for funds to complete the work.

As you can glean from the foregoing, our attendance at the Area Meeting was not very successful. As funding is dependant on the National Roads Authority, the outlook for the current year does not appear good.

However, this is an election year and it is for us, the community, to put as much pressure as possible on the National Roads Authority and those who seek to represent us because it is unacceptable that authorities responsible for the upkeep of roads, etc. should leave this Village in such an unfinished state.
Claregalway Community Action Group.

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SCOUTING NEWS

St. Patrick's Day Parade. (17th March 1997.)

Well, as every year, the Scout troop once again participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. This year it was a touch different. We met at the Fire Station at 11 o' clock and organised ourselves. We were led by our younger Beavers who were followed by Cubs and then the older group Scouts who were all loading onto a truck. We entered a float this year. The float consisted of an idea of Pioneering, a tent and at the back we had a few young Keith Floyd's doing backwoods cooking on an altar fire. All the joy of Scouting. As we progressed up through Shop Street the more people we saw the louder our singing got even though the band behind were not too impressed it made it more fun.
There were a number of Beavers and Cubs sitting around the fire toasting marshmallows.
Some of our Cubs made stardom that day as their photo's were taken and seen in the next week's copy of the Connacht Sentinel.
Once again the Parade came to an end all too quickly but never mind we are putting together bigger and better ideas for next year.
A most sincere thanks to Philomena and Micheal Conneely for the use of their truck and feeding the Scouts during the preparation days prior to the parade.

Yours in Scouting,
Orla Qualter (ASL) and
Collette Conneely (ASL).

It was the 20th of April, known to some as Mission Sunday and the Claregalway Scout troop was gathered in full uniform outside the Claregalway church. We had decided to borrow Mission Sunday for our annual scout-mass and it was with much thanks to Fr. David Cribbin that we borrowed some of his time in order to partake in readings, prayers of the faithful and a gifts ceremony.
It was decided by all, in at least Scouting circles, that Kevin Duffy had a vocation as a priest, especially on having his sermon and his heartfelt plea for ... HELP! Possibly our Kevin could sell snow to the Eskimos, however it must have worked and we were both impressed and extremely pleased with the response to his plea as offers of help poured in.
We would like to thank the community for putting up with us and the length we added to the mass, to Fr. Noel and Fr. Tommy and also sincere thanks to the choir for their participation.
As a final note, we would like to say a collective good-bye and farewell to Ann Campbell, who is leaving for pastures greener. We would like to assure her she will not be forgotten and we will all be out to visit her soon in her new "abode" so "have the grub ready Ann"!

Yours in Scouting,
Michelle Conneely, P.L.

Believe it or not, we have still a busy schedule ahead of us. May 9th-11th our Scouts are setting off on a cycling and hostelling weekend to Kinvara where we hope to meet up with the local Foróige Club, and the weekend will be crammed with hikes and many other activities. Then in June, we are participating in the Annual Danan Shield. This is being held in Corofin and we are entering four patrols. The best of luck to our Scouts in this competition. Hopefully, one of the patrols will be able to represent us in Louth for the Smyth - the National Competition.
Early July, we intend going to Co. Roscommon, for our Summer Camp. This will be the usual week long camp, with camp fires, hikes, pioneering and an opportunity to meet other Scout Troops. Also planned for the summer months is a trip to Donegal and our main aim is to climb Croagh Patrick. This brings us right up to September, when all we will be fit for is "sleep"!! Thanks again for your support so far and hopefully this will continue in our up and coming ventures.

Yours in Scouting,
Collette Conneely, A.S.L.
Orla Qualter, A.S.L.

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CLAREGALWAY SKIN CARE AND AROMATHERAPY CLINIC, KINISKA, CLAREGALWAY (091)-798485

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE.

The physical benefits of Massage are quite comprehensive. It stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph, reduces high blood pressure, stimulates the immune system, reduces muscular tension, reduces swelling and relieves pain in muscles and joints. For many people massage is the most important aspect of an Aromatherapy treatment, because they find it so soothing and revitalising.Sometimes clients do fall asleep on the treatment couch, but deep relaxation does not have to lead to sleep, and can be achieved without it. However in the long term massage does improve the quality of sleep and the degree of relaxation. More than once a client has returned for the second treatment to announce that, the night of the first one, they slept better than they had for years.

For further information: contact Evelyn Kitt, 798485. Clinic open late most nights. N.B. appointment is necessary.

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1997 COMMUNITY GAMES - CLAREGALWAY/LACKAGH
CROSS COUNTRY EVENTS, COUNTY FINAL

Congratulations to Gráinne Noonan who finished 5th in the Girls U-13 1,200m Cross Country and to Tomas Walsh who won the Boys U-12 600m Cross Country on Sunday 20th April. Both have qualified onto the County Team in their event. Claregalway/Lackagh wish both Gráinne and Tomás
the Best of Luck in Mosney at the National Finals in May.

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It's all systems go in the Hurling scene. Teams of almost all grades are training and playing either championship or league games. The winter pounds are being painfully lost at the training sessions under the guidance of John Carroll and John McIntyre. The attendance at training has been excellent.
UNDER 14: The under 14 team were beaten in the final of the Turloughmore Tournament. They defeated Abbeyknockmoy and Turloughmore on the way to the final. This competition was good experience for them for the championship. They have to date defeated Kilconieron, Kinvara and Ardrahan in the championship and are now in the County Quarter Final.
UNDER 18: The minors have also started their championship competition. They were defeated by a strong Craughwell team in their first game but bounced back with a big win over Liam Mellows. They are in a tough group with Portumna and Killimor games coming up.
The Junior A team have played two City League games todate, defeating Castlegar in the first game and Turloughmore on the following week. I have previously reported on the Castle game.
The win over Turloughmore was encouraging as this was a strong Turlough team with numerous experienced senior players. Carnmore did all their hurling in the first half, leading at half-time by 3 goals and 5 points to 4 points ( a lead of ten points). Some great hurling in that first half from Richard Donovan scoring 2 goals and 1 point; Noel Walshe 1 goal and 1 point and Paraic O'Connell, Noel Grealish and Martin O'Connell 1 point each. There were also fine displays during that first half from Michael Walsh, Kevin Moran and John Keogh. The second half belonged to the defence with Shane Hynes playing brillantly in goals and all six backs doing well. The final score was 3 -5 to 1-9, a 2 point win for Carnmore.
The JUNIOR C TEAM had thir first outing in the city league, losing to Annaghdown on a scoreline of 3-9 to 2-7 for Carnmore. This was an entertaining game with good displays from Gerry Giles in goals, Jimmy Cummins in defence, some fine scores from play and frees by Gerry Madden (scoring 1-5). John O'Hagan scored a fine goal and John Abbott scoring a great point from a line ball.
The SENIOR TEAM are playing well. They made a fine start to the Championship with a convincing win over near neighbours Castlegar in the first round of the championship. You have probably read the report of the match in the local paper. The score was Carnmore 1-13 to 7 points for Castle. Carnmore led by 8-0 to 0-3 at half-time.
Some fine displays on the day with all six backs playing powerful hurling, great first half displays from T.J. Hynes and Patrick Killilea at centrefield.
Liam Fahy and Tomás Grealish did a lot of work. Shane Walsh played well at centre forward. The "Bomber" had a fine game, scoring a total of 1-6 , 5 points from frees. The highlight of what was an uneventful game was "Bomber's" overhead strike that rattled the Castle net!
Look out for their next championship matches and come along and support them and all the club teams. The Senior team are also doing well in the ACC City League. They recently had fine wins over Kinvara (Carnmore 2-16 to Kinvara 0-8) They next defeated Ballinderreen in the Quarter Final of the City League (Carnmore 2-12 to Ballinderreen 1-12).

The LOTTO Committee wish to thank you for your continued support. Your support is valued and essential. Did you know that it cost over £18,000 to run the Hurling Club during 1996 and probably the same or more to run the club for 1997. Did you also know that £11,665.00 was paid out in prize money during 1996 and hopefully as much during this year. Again, thanks for your great support and if you can help by selling a book at your workplace, please volunteer.

Finally, and most importantly, we had a beautiful evening at Carnmore Pitch on the 11th of April. Fr. Tommy blessed the Pitch and Grounds, followed by Mass in the Community Centre with Fr. Noel as the main celebrant. There was a great spirit of community participation and support. Over two hundred people were present. Declan Walsh ( a member of the Senior Hurling Team read the Readings and four of the Juvenile Hurling Team read the Prayers of the Faithful (Martin King, Martin Kelly, Martin Kerrigan and Tomas Moran). Jim Cuddy led the singing and the Ladies Club did a wonderful job providing all with tea and refreshments.
The Hurling Club were delighted with your support and wish to thank all who made it such a lovely occasion.

The Carnmore Hurling Club Golf AM-AM will be taking place in June. Last year it was a great success and the competition raised over £4,000.
A date for your diary: - Carnmore Hurling Club Golf AM-AM
DATES: 27th and 28th June
VENUE: Barna Golf Club

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Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Adam Keane of Gortatleva.

Belated birthday wishes to Mrs.Margaret O'Connell of Cloonbigeen who celebrated her 90th birthday recently.

Happy 75th birthday to Julie Forde, Cahergowan. Hope you have a lovely day Julie.

Birthday greetings to Sinéad Kirrane, Cregboy, on the 26th May.

Belated birthday greetings to Thomas McAndrew, Waterdale, who celebrated his 9th birthday on the 3rd May.

Belated birthday wishes to Jamie Place of Cregboy, who celebrated his 2nd birthday on 6th May.

Belated greetings to David Kenny, Clogher, who celebrated his 11th birthday recently.

Congratulations to Marian and Sean Dunleavy, Claregalway, on the birth of their daughter, Moya, recently.

Congratulations to Margi and Christy Fahy of Lydican on the birth of their twin girls, Gráinne and Ciara. We wish you well.

Belated congratulations to Marie and Paddy Walshe, 25 years married on 18th April.

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THE GARDEN

As I write this issue, the weather has changed from being very dry and Mediterranean like, to windy and wet. We had such a good spell that some plants thrived and others did not fare so well.
Many people will be delighted with the moisture as they had appplied lawn feed and weed mixtures on their lawns and fed their shrubs with some form of granular fertiliser. It is very important that these get moisture within two to three days of application.
Having fed your lawn, you will now be mowing at least once a week. NEVER cut too low and always use a grass box to collect grass clippings. You should also watch all newly planted trees and shrubs carefully for signs of water shortage. Keep an eye for pests, especially greenfly and red spider mite. Spray these with any insecticide. Lupins in a lot of gardens are already covered with greenfly (aphids).
In the vegetable garden you can be busy now. You should be moulding up your spuds to prevent frost damage. You can sow broccoli, cauliflower, summer cabbage such as hisp and greyhound, brussel sprouts, spinach, scallions, beetroot, courgettes, carrots, parsnips, etc. Most of these are available in trays or containers, making it easier to plant. There are also a number of types of lettuce such as butterhead, iceberg and rosso. In the fruit garden keep an eye out for fungal diseases on blackcurrants and gooseberries; spray these with any fungicide such as Benlate, Captan or Nimrod T. Also spray apple trees with any insecticide against the fruit burrowing codling moth.

If you have a glass-house or greenhouse, you can plant tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines at the moment. If you wish to plant them outdoors you will have to wait until later on.

PRUNING: You can prune any spring flowering shrubs now as they go out of flower.
Bedding plants have been in huge demand with the fine weather, but you must be careful as we could still get heavy frosts. If frost is threatened, cover them over well or bring them in. Only buy plants that have been hardened off to the weather.
Bedding plants can be planted in a number of ways. If you had a circular bed or rectangular bed you have the taller varities towards the centre and work out. For example, you could have antirrhinums in the centre, fibrous begonias in the next group and edge it all around with something like the white allysum or blue ageratums. Some people will go for a contrasting scheme such as blue ageratums in one group and yellow marigolds as a contrast in another group. Another mix like this would be the grey cineraria in a centre piece surrounded by the red salvias. Other people tend to go for a rainbow type scheme. This is a patchwork of a number of colours. For example say a window box with red geraniums for height, mixed coloured petunias to fill it up or busy lizzzies and the yellow bidens with the mixed lobelia trailing over the edge. When matching and mixing colours work to either of these schemes. The best buys in my view are geraniums, busy lizzies, fibrous begonias. This give great displays of colour in a bed or window box or hanging basket. They are the plants that are picked out by customers in window boxes and hanging baskets.
For those with a p6roblem with shade, say a north facing front or back wall, plants such as fuschias and busy lizzies will do well in this situation. Anyone who wishes to cut them for indoors or for drying for arrangements, varities that are good are scabiosa, sweet pea, asters, helichrysum, etc.
For hanging baskets and window boxes, plants I would recommend are any of the surinia petunias of which there are 10 varities this year, helichrysums, which are either a grey or golden or variegated foliage plant which can hang 2 ft. out of baskets, trailing fuschias, ivy leaved geraniums, nepeta, trailing lobelia, yellow bidens, brachyombe and felicia both purpley blue colour with a yellow eye.
Sometimes a basket can look as good with only one variety of plant or one colour in it, for example all pink or purple surfinia petunias. Whatever way you go about it, bedding plants if looked after will give a great show of colour and great enjoyment.

That's it for now, happy gardening,
Bosco McDermott, Jnr.,
Glynn's Garden Centre, Lydican.

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CLAREGALWAY SCHOOL NEWS
School Hurling League
Claregalway 1-7 Kilglass 3-4

Claregalway missed a lot of chances in the first league game of the season. Our best players were Gerard Moran (goalkeeper), Eoin Glynn, Rory Dillom, Joseph Garrett, Trevor Casserly and Con Butler.
Team:
Gerard Moran
Tomas Noone Rory Dillon Eoin Glynn
Paul Loughlin Sean Foy
Joseph Garrett (0-4) Trevor Casserly (0-3)
Jerry Giles Con Butler
Padraic Quinn Micheal O Connor Thomas Walsh
Subs (used): Robert Glavin, Keith McDonagh.

Claregalway 3-2 Moycullen 1-1

This was a much better performance by Claregalway with man of the match Sean Foy and Tomas Noone outstanding in the back line. Rory Dillon, Jerry Giles and Eoin Glynn completed a very solid defence; Joseph Garrett and Con Butler worked hard in mid-field while the forwards took their scores in style. Donal Cahalane scored a fine point when he came on as a substitute.

Team:
Gerard Moran
Tomas Noone Rory Dillon Eoin Glynn

Jerry Giles Sean Foy

Joseph Garrett (0-1) Con Butler

Paul Loughlin (1-0) Trevor Casserly (1-0)

Padraic Quinn (1-0) Kenneth Murphy

Subs (used): Robert Glavin, William Morris, Donal Cahalane (0-1)

Schools Football League
Claregalway 0 - 3 Dunmore 0 - 4

Both defences were excellent in this first game of the league. Paul Loughlin, Daragh Lambert McMichael and Michael O'Connor were outstanding in defence, Joseph Garrett and Philip Raftery excelled in mid-field but our forwards missed far too many chances.
Team: Ronan Mangan, Rory Dillon, Michael Kelly, Paul Loughlin, Daragh Lambert McMichael, Michael O'Connor, Sean Foy, Joseph Garrett, Philip Raftery, Aiden Glynn, John Jordan, Trevor Casserly, Jack Campbell, Con Butler, William Morris.

Schools Camogie League

Claregalway lost to both Tirellan and Renmore but played with great spirit in both games.
Team: Emer O'Connell, Maria Moran, Kiera Skelly, Michelle O'Connell, Grainne Noonan, Noelle Casserly, Laure Gallagher, Michelle Kirrane, Maria Long, Aine Skelly, Claire Tonery, Claire Moran, Annette Whiriskey, Yvonne Greally.

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Claregalway Junior Badminton Club was well represented on the U14 Interprovincial Team that took part in the Quadrangular Tournament held recently in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club. Congratulations to Ross Forde, Christopher Keane, Peter Moran and Cathy Casserly who all put in fine performances on the day. Caroline Garrett was also selected for the team but was not available. A strong Ulster Team were the overall winners of the Competition.

Community Games
It has been decided to hold the first round of this competition, at County Level, in the Claregalway Hall on May 31st. The team selected to represent our local Community is -

Girls: Caroline Garrett, Cathy Casserly, Sandra Walshe, Elaine O'Connor

Mary Forde

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Cumann Luthchleas Gael - Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe

Féile Peil na nÓg (Fé-14) at Claregalway: Six Group 1 games with Milltown,Mervue, Tuam Stars, Claregalway participating, the Shield semi-final Caltra v Lettermore and the 'A' semi-final Caherlistrane v Tuam Stars. This was the day's programme at the Leisure Centre on Sat. May 3, followed by the Shield final Caltra v Glenamaddy and the 'A' final Caherlistrane v Salthill on Sun. May 4. Claregalway was selected as the venue for this year's finals.

Undefeated in their 3 Group 1 games, Claregalway were unlucky to be pipped by Tuam Stars for a place in the semi-final. The first game against Milltown was a draw, 1-2 each. Milltown scored a penalty early on and with only 15 minutes-a-half, we did well to recover from this set-back. Scorers: S.Cunniffe 1-0, C.Deeny, A.Watson, 0-1 each.

In the second round we beat Mervue by 2-4 to 1-1, all our scores coming from A.Watson. This set up an exciting situation for our Round 3 game against Tuam Stars. A win was essential for Claregalway, a draw would do Tuam Stars to get to the semi-final. Claregalway showed a return to their old form and took the game to Tuam from the start. We were 1-2 up after 5 minutes, the goal coming from A.Watson after a great run by T.Moran. We led 1-3 to 0-1 at the break. Claregalway continued to hold their own in the second half but Tuam began to press forward, scored a point and K.Moran was forced to bring off a fine save. Tuam were not to be denied; they broke through for a goal and followed up with a point to tie the match. All our team can feel proud of this display; Tomas Moran's display deserves special mention. Scorers: A Watson 1-2, A.Greaney 0-1.

The excellent condition of the pitch, the new club centre, the Leisure Centre facilities and the work of the Committee were the main reasons for another fine success in the progress of Claregalway GAA club. Full credit is due to all concerned.

Sóisear: Junior A's lost to Renvyle in the league 3-10 to 1-7. A first half goal was disallowed but a fine second half goal by Kevin McNamara put us back in the game with a chance. On the day, however, Renvyle were the better side. Junior 2's drew with Clonbur in Clonbur, 0-6 each.

Mionúir: Claregalway 1-8 Oranmore/Maree 0-6
Claregalway 4-15 Carraroe 1-11

Following the first round draw with Salthill, our minors chalked up two emphatic wins as above. They dominated Carraroe from start to finish. Adrian Moran showed a good return to form and a brilliant second half goal by Jude Ainsworth was started by Derek Murphy in the full back line. County panelists P.Stephens, K.Watson, N.McGovern, A.Monaghan, D.Murray were always prominent.
Fé-16: Claregalway 2-12 Carraroe 1-9
Oranmore/Maree 0-9 Claregalway 1-5
Claregalway 3-12 Salthill 2-4

After 3 straight wins in the league over Killanin, Spiddel and Carraroe, we lost to Oranmore/Maree by the narrowest of margins. Scores were level with 10 minutes to go. D.Noonan, J.P.O'Connell and F.Moore shone in the backs while up front our scorers were E.O'Connell (1-4) and J.Keogh (0-1).

Against Salthill it was a game of 'two halves'. Salthill dominated the first half and led to 2-4 to 0-4. After retiring to the dressing room at half-time, Claregalway re-emerged in more determined mood and held Salthill scoreless for the second half.

To come: Claregalway v St.Michael's at Westside, May 13.

Fé-14: We would have preferred an easier start to the league than to run up against Salthill in the first round played at The Prairie. Salthill dominated from the start, used the open spaces well and won easily.

We beat Moycullen at the Leisure Centre by 4-12 to 4-6. Missing several regulars, this was a good result and the replacements Damien Foy, Niall O'Shea and Alan Greaney fitted in well.

Bus transport for Galway v Mayo in Tuam, May 25. The build-up to the big match has started. Mayo are 1996 All-Ireland finalists but they haven't beaten Galway in the C.ship at Tuam for 46 years. We are arranging a bus for U-14 and U-12's (U-10's if with parents).

Remember: For insurance, all players must be registered club members to comply with instructions from Croke Park. The fee is £1; contact Tony Stepens on Sunday mornings at the Leisure Centre.

S.Ó Flannagáin P.R.O.

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