Editorial
Hello and welcome to November’s issue of Nuacht Chláir.
I was particularly saddened to hear of the vandalism done to Turloughmore pitch recently. Is this what our teenagers get up to for a laugh? Have they nothing else better to do? Or are we as a community failing our teenagers? Could it be that if we provided a youth centre for our teenagers that these acts would not be taking place? Weekends in Claregalway are fast becoming a nightmare for the residents. This is the time the youth appear on the scene, hanging out in the estates causing mayhem. The lack of facilities for youth in the area is evident. Not everyone is into sport and for those who are not, a Youth Centre would be the ideal scenario. The GAF in Galway has proved very popular for teenagers where they are the voice – it’s a venue for the youth to get together and chill out basically. However, not all is doom and gloom! A Youth Club is about to happen for the 12-15 year olds in Claregalway Leisure Centre. Check out details below. Perhaps this will be the start of a very exciting time for our youth and will extend into the older age group (i.e. age 16 upwards)
At last, a Community Development Association has been formed! The committee is very dynamic and already has targeted issues of concern. Read Brian’s report.
On a lighter note, Beautiful Women’s Month raised a few laughs! It seems that the purple hat does the job!!!
Until next time,
Josette.
Claregalway Community Development Association
An inaugural meeting to launch the Claregalway Community Development Association was convened in the Claregalway Community Centre on Thursday, 6th October, 2005. The meeting, which had been very widely publicised beforehand, was attended by approx. 60 people, including Canon Noel Mullin, Deputies Noel Grealish and Frank Fahey and Councillor Jarlath McDonagh. The meeting was addressed by Pierce Butler of the Oranmore Community Development Association and the subsequent session was chaired by him. The Association wishes to express its thanks to Pierce for his continued support for its endeavours.
It was agreed to establish an Association with the primary objective: “To promote improvement in the community life and infrastructural facilities for the people of Claregalway and surrounding areas.”
A committee was elected comprising:
Chairman Paul Gill
Secretary Brendan Noonan
Treasurer Jimmy Roche
PRO Chris Carroll
Members Tony Clarke, Michelle Egan, Josette Farrell, Ger Gaffney, Vincent Lyons, Jerry O’Sullivan, Brian Place, Celia Lennon (co-opted)
The Association has met on three occasions so far, 13th October, 27th October and 10th November and has already taken various actions and undertaken a strategic review of the needs of Claregalway and surrounding areas based on an analysis of a questionnaire which had been circulated at the inaugural meeting.
Three main sub-committees have been established:
The Association is seeking premises for an office facility and a means of providing administrative support for the Association’s activities.
It is intended to set up regular meeting with the County Council and other relevant authorities, as appropriate, to advance various causes of relevance and importance to the people of Claregalway and surrounding areas.
If you are concerned about any local issues, please make contact with any member of the committee.
This is Your Association.
B.D. Place (Committee Member)
East Galway commuters to benefit from Athenry rail link
Progressive Democrat councillor Ciaran Cannon has welcomed the Government’s decision to re-establish the Western Rail Corridor.
Councillor Cannon, who has actively campaigned for a commuter link between Athenry and Galway, says he is delighted that a service will be up-and-running by 2009.
The announcement is part of Transport 21, the €34.4 billion plan announced by the Government today.
“This was one of the central tenets of my election campaign and I am thrilled that it is to become a reality in just over three years,” Councillor Cannon said.
“The Ennis to Athenry rail line will be completed by 2008 and there is further good news that by 2011 the line will be extended from Athenry to Tuam. This will be of huge relief to many commuters travelling from these areas.”
In addition, it has been confirmed that the Galway to Dublin Inter-Urban Motorway will be open by 2010.
This will reduce travel times between the two cities by nearly 40 minutes.
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I was fascinated to read in your ‘Diary of a new school’ in your October 2005 issue that my Great Grandfather Padraic Ó Brolcháin was involved in the setting up of the ‘new’ school in Claregalway all of 75 years ago.
My Great Grandfather was appointed to his post in the Office of National Education by Michael Collins, shortly before he was shot dead in Cork. He was an interesting character, involved in setting up Conradh na Gaeilge and quite a number of other organisations relating to Irish Nationalism and the Arts. He was also a great friend of Arthur Griffith and best man at his wedding.
I am delighted to see that all those years later that the ‘new’ school in Claregalway is going from strength to strength. Here’s looking forward to the next 75 years.
Yours Faithfully,
Cllr. Niall Ó Brolcháin
Cappagh Road, Galway.
My Computer
Broadband
This is still a work in progress and while there have been some developments in the past month in getting Broadband in Claregalway, the time still has not come. There will be some public meetings during this month in which we will outline the advantages of broadband. Also discussed will be the pros and cons of the various methods of getting broadband in the area. Check out www.claregalway.net for details or watch out for notices in local shops and this newsletter.
This month I would like to mention software for using on computers and also when is a computer really not worth keeping…
“Free” Software
Most top title software applications such as Microsoft Office and Adobe PhotoShop are expensive. While they are excellent packages, consider what your needs are. There is no point in paying excess for features that you won’t be using so you could instead use the freely available OpenOffice which contains a word processor, spreadsheet, database and presentation application. It is able to open and save in Microsoft Office formats. It is completely free and a viable alternative and well worth a trial.
For Virus protection consider free applications such as Anti-Virus Guard, Microsoft Anti-SpyWare and Window XP’s built in firewall. When used properly all these programs will help keep your computer safe from intrusions when using it on the internet. Again no need for purchasing the full security protection applications.
If you like organizing, printing and sharing your digital photos, then consider Google’s Picassa which has an easy to use interface for keeping track of all those pictures. Along with this it can allow you to create your own CD of your favourite photos which can be viewed on any DVD player, or uploaded to your online or local photo centre for development so that you aren’t stuck with just computer images. All can be easily printed on home printers too. Picassa is free and requires only a small download.
Many other software titles, such as family tree software, graphic programs, music jukeboxes, games and many more can be downloaded for limited trial use before you decide to purchase. That way you can decide which one is best for you. To find this software, in the past I have used the internet site www.download.com to locate it.
Computer Life
So what is the life span of a computer ? The good news is that if you use your computer to type letters and files, surf the internet and use email, then it is likely that you could be still using it for 6 or more years – assuming all the hardware stays working. However if you use it for business or even just use it more intensively then you are likely to benefit or need an upgrade in 3 or less years. This is mainly hardware related as new hardware is being developed all the time.
However to keep the home computer up to date you do not always need to replace it. Often extra bits can be added in the future such as hi speed USB and Firewire ports, DVD/CD Writers or faster more powerful graphics cards.
Drop me an email for more information on these subjects. I’ll be glad to advise and help you in any way I can. Having other PC hardware or software problems ? Just want to know more about using one? For fast and friendly help and advice please email me or call me at 087 9333181.
Joe O’Connell ([email protected])
Special News
Welcome home from South Korea to Coman Duke, Cregboy. Enjoy your 3 week vacation Coman before you travel further afield.
Happy birthday to baby Jack Hynes of Church View, Claregalway who was l year old recently.
Congratulations to Helen Cuddy, Lydican and Declan Hughes, Sligo who got married on the 5th November.
Congratulations to the following on the birth of their babies:
Aoife and Paul Murphy, Church View – baby boy Ryan Christopher born on the 20th June
Anne and Sean Grealish, Carnmore Village – baby boy Mark Sean, born on the 29th June
Teresa and Cathal Lawless, Ballymurphy – baby girl Kate Sarah, born on the 17th September.
Caroline and Gerry Commins, Bawnmore – baby boy Shane, born on the 26th October – baby brother for Clodagh.
R.I.P.
Michael Davis, Kiniska
Willie Moran, Lakeview
Grealish confirms ESB to hold public meeting in Claregalway over powerlines
An important public meeting to discuss the proposed ESB powerlines running close to the villages of Claregalway and Turloughmore will take place on Monday 14th November at 8pm in Claregalway hotel.
This meeting has been organised by Progressive Democrats TD for Galway West, Noel Grealish, who is encouraging all those who are living in the area, to attend the public meeting and discuss the project with senior ESB management.
The ESB lodged a planning application to run a 110kv power line from Cashla to service the Galway and Dalton lines earlier this year, amid a furor from local residents, who believe it will devalue their homes and have an adverse effect on their families’ health.
In order to facilitate consideration of these power lines the ESB sought an extension to their planning application until the 22nd December 2005.
Deputy Grealish has been in contact with senior National Grid management regarding this issue, and they have now agreed to hold a public meeting on November 14th to discuss this matter further.
‘Senior officials from the ESB will be on hand at this meeting to provide details of the proposed project, answer questions and address any concerns that residents may have.’
‘It is therefore important that all residents who feel they will be affected by the powerlines attend this meeting and discuss their concerns with the senior ESB officials.’
The Night the Telly Blinked
My thoughts went back for sixty years. I was twenty then.
And I thought of all the changes that have taken place since then.
We had no television and with no electric light
we filled the lamps with parraffin to take us through the night.
We’d sit around the fire till our shins were turned black
While the drafts around the kitchen sent cold shivers up our backs
We did’nt have much comforts, but we all knew how to fend
For we’d kneel and say the rosary and warm the other end.
Our parents, God be with them, they made us work so hard
At cutting turf or picking spuds or cleaning up the yard
Or filling up the metal pot to feed the hungry cows
Or slicing up the turnips to satisfy the cows.
The dog was never licenced and he always was concealed.
If we saw a Garda coming, we would run him down the field.
The old dog was so clever and he knew the score so well
If a Garda was half a mile away, he’d run like hell.
Oh! How I hated school days and it really seemed a hell
to walk the miles on stony roads, I knew each pothole well.
The school was like an icebox for the turf was always wet
And the Master’s cane above the fire was an ever present threat.
God knows we didn’t hate him, but he seemed to hate us all
For he often left us standing with our noses to the wall.
And I’ll never forget the time he beat me black and blue
When I caught a little kitten and threw him down the loo.
Gertie O’Carroll,
“Elm-Rest”, Cregmore, Claregalway.
Beautiful Woman’s Life
Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a queen.
Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an ugly Sister (Mum I can’t go to school looking like this!)
Age 20: She looks at herself and sees “too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly” but decides she’s going out anyway.
Age 30: She looks at herself and sees “too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly” – but decides she doesn’t have time to fix it, so she’s going out anyway.
Age 40: She looks at herself and sees “clean” and goes out anyway.
Age 50: She looks at herself and sees “I am” and goes wherever she wants to go.
Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can’t even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.
Age 70: She looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out and enjoys life.
Age 80: Doesn’t bother to look just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.
Farewell to the Fares and the Markets
Let me sing you a song of the days that are gone
When each town had a market or fair.
When the farmers would keep horses, cattle and sheep
And their business was done on the square.
They would walk half the night by the lantern’s light
Getting blisters and welts on their feet
And in town around six, they’d be belting their sticks
Just to find the best spot on the street.
The language was rough and the bargains were tough
With them bidding and slapping their hands
But sometimes with drink you have more than you think
And the time passes quickly away.
And the cow left alone, often found her way home
For the farmer who fell by the way.
From “A Retired Farmer”
Complementary Therapies
Complimentary Medicine is booming. Almost every one in three people have used it at some point.
Complementary Medicine is a mixed bag. There are over 100 different therapies available. Some are well regulated and proven to work, others are not.
I will explain some of the most important therapies.
Aromatherapy
Is not just a relaxing massage with nice smelling oils, it’s used to treat a range of health problems. Aromatherapy is based on the healing properties of essential plant oils. The oils can be masaged into the skin, inhaled, used in a bath or as a cold comress. Best for stress-related conditions such as insomnia, tension, headache, indigestion and muscular aches and pains.
Possible harmful effects – essential oils can be dangerous if they are used incorrectly. Certain oils cannot be used in such cases as high blood pressure, pregnancy, diabetes and epilspsy. If in doubt always consult a qualified aromatherapist.
Osteopathy
Treats a variety of conditions by manipulating the bones, joints and muscles.
Best for back pain.
Herbal Medicine
Professional herbalists use plants to treat diseases. the medicines are taken as tinctures or teas, and the theory is that the herbal medicine builds up the body to fight off infection or illness.
Best for skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis.
Acupuncture
There are two forms of acupuncture.
- Traditional Chinese acapuncture.
- Medical acapuncture, practised by doctors who use it in addition to conventional medicine. both involve inserting needles into a specific point on the body.
Best for pain relief.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors treat mechanical disorders of the joints using manipulation.
As in osteoathy, they concentrate on back problems.
Reflexology
Refloxology is a science based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet and hands which relate to every organ and all parts of the body. It is an excellent treatment for improving circulation, lymphatic drainage and helping remove blockages and toxins from the body.
Update from local Councillor Jim Cuddy
Request for road repairs
Due to the poor state of the Lakeview road I have written to the local area engineer requesting him to carry out repair work on this road. The Council have also been reminded to deal with the water lodging at the corner of the Lakeview Road and Gortacleva.
New Claregalway Development Association
I would like to take this opportunity of wishing the committee well for the future and look forward to working closely with them.
Sewerage Scheme for Claregalway
For some time now negotiations have been ongoing with a view to acquiring the necessary land for a Claregalway Municipal Sewerage Treatment Plant and I am glad to say that as a result of prolonged discussions between the landowners, the County Council and Deputy Noel Grealish that a site has been secured for this very important piece of infrastructure. The tendering phase is now being worked on. In some of the local papers and local radio recently some very inaccurate statements were made by a city councillor in relation to temporary treatment plants in Claregalway. I have received reports in the past of foul odours coming from one of them and have alerted the appropriate authorities to deal with the issue but for that city councillor to say that they were being pumped out on to lands and a danger to causing pollution to the water supply is totally incorrect.
Compántas Lir book Launch
To mark twenty one years of Compantas Lir a book launch entitled Stage by Stage took place in Terry Brennan’s on November 4th. The drama group have brought pride to Claregalway/Carnmore over the years and have received many honours both locally and nationally. May I wish them many more years of continued success.
As usual I can be contacted any day or evening at 798136 or 087-6360242, Jim.
Reply to letter regarding Claregalway Sewerage Scheme
RE: Notice of Motion No. 22
Dear Cllr. McDonagh,
I refer to your Notice of Motion No. 22 on the Agenda “that Galway County Council, inform him of the current position regarding the eagerly awaited and urgently needed Claregalway Sewerage Scheme.” The following is the reply:
“Claregalway SS – Consultants were appointed in August 2005 both as Employers Representative and Consulting Engineers to prepare detailed Contract Documents. This scheme is bundled with 3 other sewerage schemes – Craughwell, Milltown and Carraroe. A draft of the Contract Documents for the collection systems are expected by the end of 2005 (conventional contract) and for the treatment works in June ’06 (DBO contract).”
Mise le meas,
Tony Murphy,
County Secretary.
Claregalway GAA Club Notes
As November arrives nearly all our teams are finished with their competitions for the year, and the remainder will be soon coming to an end. The only exception is our U-21’s who will only play their first game (a quarter-final) this month. It is in the A divison and they face Glenamaddy. Also to come is the U-14 Boys League Final when they will be aiming to complete the double this year and the Seniors last league game against County Champions Salthill-Knocknacarra. Details of all these fixtures along with all club and team news can always be found on our website, www.claregalwaygaa.net. The season is ending on a high, our seniors drew with St.Brendans last weekend and retained their senior status for 2006, while the Ladies U-12 won the championship and the Boys U-12 B team won their league final replay. The Juvenile Team medal Presentation will take place in early December and looks set to be a huge celebration for all our winning teams. Keep an eye and ear out for our upcoming Annual which will be ready in time for Christmas.
Latest Weekly Lotto Results : Tuesday, 1st November, Numbers drawn : 6 – 7 – 15 – 26
There was no Jackpot Winner. Congrats to Sile Dunleavy who was our only match 3 winner so she collects €200. Our lucky dip sellers Prize was won by Darren Fahy. The Jackpot is now €3,920. Tickets are available in all local shops and pubs and also annual subscriptions are available. Check the website, or ask any club officer/member for further details.
Seniors played round 8 of the league last weekend. The game looked to be going our way as we went in at half time 5 points up thanks to a brace of goals – one from Enda after a high ball from O’Brien, the other a rebounded free from Anthony was finished by Colin O’Grady. St.Brendans came at us in the second half and by the final whistle it all finished level. Claregalway 2-4 St.Brendans 0-10. The team needed a win to be in with a chance of promotion to division A. Despite this we still hold onto our valuable Senior status and look forward to a winters rest. Before that happends, make sure to come out and support them in their final league game as Vinnie Nestor and his team take on the county champions Salthill. The game will take place within a few weeks in Salthill-Knocknacarra. The panel that played : Adrian Faherty; Joe Kearney, Anthony Watson, Garry Dillon; John Paul O’Connell, Joe Garrett, Stephen Cunniffe; Brian Day, Declan O’Brien; Adrian Moran, Anthony Monaghan (0-3f), Ronan O’Flynn (0-1); Enda O’Connell (1-0), Niall McGovern, Colin O’Grady (1-0), Subs Martin Kelly, Tomas Moran, Damien Stephens
The Boys U12 B Team won the Division 5 league final replay in Renmore on Sunday 30th October, after a titanic battle against a very good Salthill team on a scoreline of 3-4 to 1-8. We went in ahead at half time 2-4 to 0-3 thanks to goals from Darren Hennessy and Michael Coyle, and points from Colm Devery. Salthill came out all guns blazing and with a strong wind and the hill they managed to draw level after ten minutes of the second half 2-4 1-7. Claregalway gathered their composure and were rewarded with a brilliant 2nd goal from Darren Hennessy saw go in front by three a lead they did not relinquish despite strong pressure from Satlhill right up to the whistle. This was a great 25 player panel performance and a fitting end to their season.
The U-12 ladies captured the County Under 12 C Championship on Sunday 30th October in Dunmore when they defeated a gallant Kilkerrin-Clonberne Team. Some great finishing by Deirdre Brennan was cancelled out by a Kilkerrin-Clonberne goal just before half time to leave the teams level at the break 1-1 to 0-4. Claregalway got the prefect start to the second half when excellent wing back Celina Hession popped up for the half’s opening point. With Georgina Healy now in control at centre back and Lorraine Keane playing well in the full back line Kilkerrin-Clonberne were held scoreless for the rest of the match. Charlotte Cooney pointed from play in between two further points from Deirdre Brennan to give Claregalway a three-point lead. As the game entered the final quarter Helen Moran scored the point of the game from long range. Emma Devaney and Aishling Newell were now winning a lot of ball on the left wing and this lead to match winning goals from Deirdre Brennan and Charlotte Cooney. It was fitting that inspirational midfielder Ciara Newell scored the final point to leave the final score Claregalway 2-10 Kilkerrin-Clonberne 1-2.
Great credit to Team manager Gerry Moran and his selectors Mike Cullina,Noreen McKenzie,Hubert Newell,Anne Moran and Patrica Newell for their work with these girls all year and we look forward to seeing more of this team in the years to come.
Kilkerrin-Clonbernes girls also played some great football and the final score does not do justice to their efforts.
Panel:Siobhan Cullen, Jennifer Carroll, Lauren Murray, Georgina Healy, Celina Hession(0-1), Lorraine Keane, Amy Rohan, Helen Moran(0-1), Ciara Newell(0-1), Emma Devaney, Deirdre Breannan(1-6), Sinead Cullina, Sinead Harte, Charlotte Cooney(1-1), Aisling Newell, Laura Costello, Elaine Flaherty, Anna Goldrick, Eimile Gavin, Linda O’Connell, Nicola Conlon, Shauna Walsh, Shauna Morley, Helen Ruane, Grace Henegan, Jennifer Coyle, Leanne Martyn, Tara Hession, Michaela McDermott, Deirdre Cullina, Eimile Keane, Aoife Newell, Caoimhe Moran, Orla Dixon, Sinead Jacobson.
Scor na nÓg. The County semi-finals of Scor na nÓg will take place on Saturday the 26th November in Corrandulla Hall. Competitions for young people under the age of 17 are as follows : Ceili Dancing, Recitation, Solo Singing, Novelty Act, Question time, Instrumental Music, Ballad Group and Set Dancing. Anyone interested please contact club member Jarlath Brennan on 0862830763
PRO Joe O’Connell/Jimmy Gavin
Carnmore Hurling Club
Carnmore Hurling Club Summer Camp was a tremendous success. There was a very large attendance and the kids were praised by the coach’s for their skills and good manners. Pictures of the kids can be seen on www.carnmore.net.
The under 10 team played in the Castlegar tournament and had good wins over Rahoon/Newcastle, Clarenbridge and Salthill but lost to Turloughmore in the final. They also played in the Barna/Furbo competition, but lost having made a great come back in the Shield final.
They will also took part in the Oranmore/Maree under 11 competition which was played on the 8 and 9th and the 15th and 16th. of October. The under 13 team played in the Leitrim/Kilnadeema no solo competition where they had a great day . In their group they lost to Craughwell but defeated Oranmore/Maree but lost to Mellows in the Shield final. Craughwell won it out against Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry. The Senior team qualified for the championship quarter finals by defeating Castlegar in a good high scoring game by 1-23 to 1-18. They lost to Portumna in the quarter final in a game where Carnmore had no luck in front of goal. The final margin of 2-19 to 0-09 flattered Portumna.
Carnmore jersey’s are available for purchase. They have been in big demand and can be ordered from Hilda Murray: 087-2061231 or Joe Fahy at 087-2609070.
The hurling club will be running a bowling night as a fundraiser on Saturday 19th.November in City Bowl Oranmore. This is a very enjoyable event for anybody to take part in and we hope to see you all there. This event is in aid of Juvenile and Senior hurling in Carnmore.
For times contact Hilda Murray
For More details : Contact Hilda Murray 087-2061231 , Joe Fahy 087-2609070, Mike Fox 087-9370673, John Brennan 087-2302448.
Team’s of Four: €25 per player, Family team : €75 per team, Juvenile team €50 (under 16)
Carnmore Hurling Club wish to congratulate the Claregalway under 14 football team on winning the County Championship.
Interior Design – Hints & Tips
Glass in the Home
Glass is used for many functions around the house – from admitting light through doors and windows to protecting the surfaces of pictures, tables etc, but it can also be used to create unusual and decorative features in the house. To create decorative effects, there is a wide range of patterned, textured and coloured glass available. These can be from simple floral designs to bold geometric patterns. There should be something to suit any style of décor and colours to create different moods and atmosphere.
Doors, Windows and Room Dividers
Replacing old, worn-out or shabby doors with new ones can transform the overall appearance of your home both inside and out. Glazed doors have the extra advantage of admitting light to dark corners around the house. While clear glass will allow maximum light into the room, patterned or coloured glass can add to the décor. The coloured glass you choose should complement the room’s colour scheme not restrict you, should you want to change it in the future. Glass panels set above or beside a door will admit extra light into a room or you could set a small ‘window’ into an internal wall, which allows you to borrow light from a brighter room and would also create an attractive feature. A serving hatch between a kitchen and dining room with glazed doors can be both functional and decorative at the same time. Having clear or patterned glazed panels in a wooden door provides insulation and barrier to noise without losing the feeling of light and space or you could have an all-glass door between rooms, which would give a contemporary look to the décor.
Windows are an important part of the house design and a major influence on the appearance from the outside and with window dressing a decorative feature from the inside. When choosing windows, keep in mind the design of the house or if you are replacing windows in an old house, try to keep them in the original style if this is possible. In some cases e.g. bathroom windows, frosted or obscured glass is needed, but patterned or decorative glass can be used for ornamentally effect as well. You could create a decorative effect by combining different patterns of textured glass e.g. alternating panels of small floral glass design and abstract frosty glass. This effect could also screen an unsightly view, without cutting out the light.
Coloured glass has been used to make windows since the 4th century and used to create religious design for churches. From the fourteenth century, stained glass started to appear in houses and reached its peak with the Victorians. It can also be used in a contemporary setting e.g. by combining frosted and stained glass with geometric design. When sunlight streams through stained glass, it can fill a room with beautiful rays of light, it lifts the spirit – no wonder it’s used in churches.
You can add style to open-plan living areas with room dividers, made of glass or glass blocks. You can separate living and dining areas without losing the feel of spaciousness. If you live in a studio type apartment, where all activities – living, sleeping etc. take place in one large area, you could use room dividers to create a ‘bedroom’ or a separate cooking area etc. A fully glazed wall, using glass blocks, gives a decorative finish and the use of lighting can add to the overall effect.
Furniture
Glass can be used many ways in the make up of furniture and suits any style of décor. A glass display case is an elegant way of showing off ornaments or a special collection, free from small hands, dirt and dust. If it’s fitted with glass on all sides, it will take up less visual space and is a good choice for small rooms. If it has glass shelves as well, the items displayed will seem to float in mid air. Glass cases can be used for storage purposes as well, but it needs to be kept tidy e.g. towels and soaps in the bathroom or crockery in the kitchen. You can easily see what you are looking for. Glass shelves are another great way for display or storage purposes. It can be a single glass shelf or a group of them across a bathroom window holding toiletries and plants. It could be used to disguise an unattractive view. Glass shelves look good when lit from above or the sides by concealed lighting.
On tabletops, glass makes an attractive surface. It can be used on all types of tables e.g. dining, coffee or hall tables etc. For a dining table, it can take fairly high temperatures. A glass topped table is very suited to a contemporary room and goes well with chrome and steel, but be sure it suits your needs before you buy, it may lose its appeal it you are forever wiping off children’s finger prints. It does have the advantage of making a room look more spacious. You can create your own coffee table with a sheet of heavy glass and a bit of imagination. The base can be e.g. chest, blanket box or a terracotta pot etc. Glass cut to suit can be used to protect an antique table, dressing table or a chest of drawers. Enhance a tabletop by placingpictures, pressed flowers or pretty fabric between the glass and table.
Accessories
Take your glassware out of the cupboard and create an interesting display. You could arrange it by function, colour or mix of colours, textures and shapes. Try different arrangements until you find it pleasing to the eye. It’s great fun, it’s like painting a picture. You don’t need a large collection, two glass vases together can make an attractive display. Place your arrangement where it will pick up natural or artificial light. A collection of old glass bottles, displayed on a shelf in the kitchen, would create a country look or a collection of perfume bottles on a highly polished wood dressing table would add elegance to any bedroom.
Somewhere in the house, you have at least one clear glass vase (or some kind of glass container). It’s like a blank canvas, it can be used for a traditional or modern flower arrangements. You can use any combination of flowers and foliage, formal or informal, densely packed or loose and flowing, it’s up to you. Glass marbles and brightly coloured stones, not only hold the flowers in place but clustered at the bottom of a vase, add sparkle and style to an arrangement. Keep in mind the colour of the flowers when choosing the marbles, you could pick out a colour in the flowers or go for a striking contrast.
Whether you want to create a festive mood, set a romantic scene or just relax, there is no end to the creative ways you can display candles. The glow of candles twinkling in glass has a special magic. Group together glass candlesticks with white candles and if you haven’t enough, use all sorts of glass containers such as jugs, tumblers and small vases or bowls. The display will come alive when the candles are lit but always keep an eye on lighting candles. Glass beads are thought of a fashion accessory but they can be used as a decorative feature in the home. Use to trim a lampshade, create a silken cushion, curtain tiebacks or edge a jewel-coloured throw etc. Fringes that are ruby, sapphire or emerald type beads, give a feel of bygone days, while opaque glass bead trim give a more modern look. Don’t forget that glass is also used to protect pictures and prints and you can get non-reflective type to cut out glare, it is normally more expensive.
Safety and cleaning
Broken glass is one of the more common causes of cuts in the home. Take care when handling glass and use toughened glass in areas where it could be walked into or easily broken. For glass to be an attractive feature in your home, it needs to be kept clean. If it’s not cleaned regularly, dirt will build up on the surface and it can be extremely hard to shift.
You may have looked on glass as a functional material, but it can be a beautiful and interesting one when used with other materials such as wood, stone, metal etc. – glass enhances them. Some of the more beautiful buildings are those that contain a lot of glass.
Mary D. Kelly
Decorating Options
(091) 798224.
Pictured are Josette Farrell, Cregboy, Seamus O’Connell, Cloonbiggeen, Marie Dempsey, Cregboy, who graduated from N.U.I. Galway on the 21st October. Josette and Seamus received a Diploma in Community Development. Marie received a Diploma in Applied Theology and Community Development.
