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The community-curated website for Claregalway

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Living with COVID -19

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Traffic in Claregalway ... 4.20pm.

At Level 2...

Little Benji touched the wall in Salthill. (Photo by Aine Keenan, Claregalway.)

Cian is pictured here with his Mum Christina and Dad Shane.

COMMUNITY ALERT: Fire in a derelict house near Galway Airport in Carnmore. Emergency services at site. Traffic reduced to one lane.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY. 😊

The Comer Group says it intends to move forward with plans for the long awaited redevelopment of the Corrib Great Southern site.

Statement – Galway County Council<br />
Status Orange Weather Warning - Rainfall<br />
<br />
<br />
Issued Monday, 24th August 2020<br />
Valid from 21:00 on Monday 24th August 2020 to 17:00 on Tuesday, 25th August<br />
<br />
Met Éireann have issued a status Orange rainfall warning valid from 21:00 on Monday, 24th August to 17:00 on Tuesday, 25th August 2020.<br />
<br />
Intense rainfall associated with Storm Francis is expected at times Monday night and Tuesday, leading to accumulations of 40 to 60mm (higher values in mountainous areas). Some flash flooding likely. This rainfall will further elevate river levels and may result in river flooding also.<br />
<br />
Strong onshore winds may be associated with the weather event and may cause some wave overtopping and localised coastal flooding. The public, including people on holidays at coastal locations, are advised to stay away from coastal areas, including exposed beaches, cliffs and harbour walls along the coast for the duration of the weather warning. Please follow the advice of the Irish Coast Guard to 'stay back, stay high and stay dry'. <br />
<br />
The intense rainfall for Galway is forecast from tonight and then into the day until 3pm tomorrow. This may present hazardous traveling conditions for all road users, with the potential for flash flooding. Drivers are requested to slow down, watch out cyclists and pedestrians and be aware of the danger of fallen trees in full leave, damaged power lines and debris. It is critical that people never ever touch, or approach fallen wires, stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damage electricity wires, and contact the ESB on 1850 372999.<br />
<br />
This is a further unusual storm event for August and the public are advised to take account of the weather warning affecting the County. The key message is for people to stay safe during this weather event. The public are reminded once again to make contact with elderly or vulnerable neighbours.<br />
<br />
The Galway County Council Severe Weather Assessment Team will continue to actively monitor and review updated forecasts and conditions throughout this event and the current period of unsettled weather. Council staff will be on standby overnight and will respond to incidents when it is safe to do so.<br />
<br />
For updates please check national and local media outlets, the Council’s twitter feed, @GalwayCoCo and Met Eireann updates at www.met.ie<br />
<br />
Galway County Council, County Hall - office hours (9am – 5pm) 091-509000<br />
<br />
Out of Hours Number is 091-509069<br />
<br />
For Emergencies please contact the National Emergency Services at 999 and 112.

Featuring local man Dr. Ronan Glynn in today’s Irish Independent.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER.

U16B County Champions🇮🇩🇮🇩, fantastic match in Athenry. Well done lads!! Carnmore Hurling Club!!

Breakfast in The Arches Hotel is simply the BEST!👌

Traditional Music Lessons for both children and adults available starting September 2020 in Claregalway Village 🎶. Contact 083 183 9933 for further information.<br />
<br />
Lessons available in:<br />
* Traditional piano and accompaniment.<br />
* Fiddle <br />
* Concertina<br />
* Tinwhistle <br />
<br />
Pm for more info<br />
<br />
Beatha agus Sláinte 🙂

Shop Local.. (Designed by Clare Horgan).

Some reader’s may have fond memories of buying treats etc in this place which was a sweet shop at one stage. 😊<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)

Heartbreaking overwhelming sad news - a devastating loss to the community.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/nuacht/news/2020/08/r-i-p-flahertyenda-mullacuttra-claregalway/<br />
<br />
Local popular National School teacher and Carnmore Camogie Club member Enda Flaherty very sadly passed away.<br />
<br />
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sinead, Conor, Megan, Ryan, Éanna, Ruairi, & Joey, parents Esther, Denny and all the Flaherty Family. <br />
<br />
May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.<br />
<br />
As a mark of respect all Juvenile training and matches for this weekend have been cancelled. Please advise your parent groups.

Congratulations and well done Shauna.

Caoilinn is a native of Claregalway and is featured in the Review section of this week's Saturday Independent.

Beautiful wild flower garden spotted in Claregalway. 😊

Claregalway Hotel’s Race Week program.

Local Plumber.

Stolen in Corandulla today.

Great local service by an enterprising young man .. egg delivery by Zak Fleming.

Social distancing at Galway Race Course with Baile Chlair Ramblers.<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/BaileChlairRamblers2012/

Traffic build up....

Beautiful tribute in poem to the late Jimmy Glynn by Noreen Burke.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/nuacht/news/2020/07/ni-bheidh-a-leitheid-ann-aris/

Covid Tracker app. Will you download it?

Claregalway Peddlers hit the 80k this morning. 🚴🏿‍♂️🚴🏿‍♂️🚴🏿‍♂️

Great article about our local Parish Priest Fr. Ian O’Neill in this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Stay Local.

GraphCandles

Claregalway Glamour Lady out and about. 😊

New group recently formed - Claregalway Peddlers. 😊😊

Some members of Baile Chlair Ramblers socially connecting!!<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/BaileChlairRamblers2012/

Well done to the two teenagers and two members of Baile Chláir Ramblers who cleaned up from lots of other people at the Clare River. 6+bags of rubbish taken away.<br />
<br />
Two members of Baile Chláir Ramblers (collected rubbish from the river during the week and made contact with the Environment Section of Galway County Council for the rubbish to be taken away.<br />
<br />
Both these acts show true community spirit and hopefully will shame those people who litter the area.<br />
<br />
(https://www.facebook.com/BaileChlairRamblers2012/)

Guidance for Phase 2 Reopening.

Phase 2 of the recovery Roadmap next Monday.

The sky tonight.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)<br />
<br />
The concept of "Red sky at night, shepherd's delight. Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning" first appears in the Bible in the book of Matthew. It is an old weather saying often used at sunrise and sunset to signify the changing sky and was originally known to help the shepherds prepare for the next day's weather.

Chilling down by the River Clare. 😎😎<br />
<br />
(Photo by Rachel Farrell)

Colourful new look at Claregalway NS.

A statement from the Association Of Catholic Priests.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY. 😊

Keep an eye on your children for PIMS (Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome) - similar to kawasaki disease which is linked to covid 19 in children.<br />
<br />
°Post set to public, please share°

Great photo by Photographer Ray Ryan of the Tuam Herald.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

♥️♥️

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

The Sky tonight.

A Salthill sunset by Dave Cooley.

One for the notice board. 😊

This afternoon children in River Oaks cleaned up the litter. Well done showing great community spirit.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY:

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY. 🙏😎

Red sky at night Shepherd’s delight.<br />
<br />
The concept of "Red sky at night, shepherd's delight. Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning" first appears in the Bible in the book of Matthew. It is an old weather saying often used at sunrise and sunset to signify the changing sky and was originally known to help the shepherds prepare for the next day's weather.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

ONE FOR THE NOTICE BOARD.

Social distancing at Flynns of Lackagh.

Supermacs drive through Headford rd yesterday.

Clever. 👌

Supermacs to provide limited service. Here is their statement.<br />
<br />
Supermac’s will provide a limited service in a number of outlets following consultation with the authorities, staff, customers and our suppliers including farmers.<br />
<br />
The outlets will open on a phased basis in locations where the company can provide hot cooked meals to the public while fully implementing government guidelines regarding social distancing for our staff and customers.<br />
<br />
Initially, we will provide only Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect where it is safe to do so.<br />
<br />
The safety of our staff and customers is paramount and the following procedures will be implemented:<br />
<br />
· all services will be contactless<br />
· card payment only<br />
· dedicated work stations for all staff<br />
· staff gloves will be provided<br />
· staff masks will be provided<br />
· staff temperature monitoring will take place at the commencement of each shift<br />
· dedicated delivery driver working area<br />
· dedicated drive and collect points where applicable<br />
· dedicated delivery and collection bags<br />
The outlets that will open are as follows:<br />
<br />
Wed 22nd April <br />
<br />
Headford Rd – Drive Thru<br />
Tuam Rd – Drive Thru<br />
Newcastle – Delivery Only<br />
Friday 24th April<br />
<br />
Portlaoise – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
Ballysimon Rd, Limerick – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
Kinnegad – Drive Thru and Drive & Collect<br />
Clonmel – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
O Connell St Dublin – Delivery Only<br />
Carrick on Shannon – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
Roscommon – Drive Thru and Drive & Collect<br />
Trim – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
Drogheda – Drive Thru and Drive & Collect<br />
Sligo – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
Ballindine – Drive Thru and Drive & Collect<br />
Carlow – Drive Thru, Delivery and Drive & Collect<br />
All lobbies will remain closed until further notice.<br />
<br />
Since we closed on March 26th, we have spent that time developing systems and processes in order to open and provide a service to the community where safety, wellbeing and standards are not compromised. We would like to thank our customers and staff for their loyalty and understanding.

Photo by Dave Cooley.

Sincere sympathy to Fr. Brendan's family on his untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.<br />
<br />
The death has occurred of Rev. Fr Brendan Dunning SMA<br />
Clonown, Athlone, Roscommon / Claregalway, Galway.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/death-notices/2020/04/r-i-p-dunning-rev-fr-brendan-sma-house-claregalway/<br />
<br />
Rev. Fr Brendan Dunning SMA<br />
Rev Fr Brendan, Society of African Missions, SMA Claregalway [late of Clonown, Athlone, Co Roscommon], on 13th April 2020, unexpectedly, at the Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, Longford. Predeceased by his parents John and Mary [née Gavin], his sister Rose [Rogers] and his brother Michael.<br />
<br />
Deeply regretted by his sisters Sr Philomena FMDM and Marian, brothers Thomas, Eamon and Tony, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, friends, the people of the Dioceses of Warri and Ondo [Nigeria], Dublin, Elphin and Killala [Ireland], and his confreres in the Society of African Missions.<br />
<br />
To follow best practice and guidelines and with the support of his family the funeral will take place privately. Condolences may be added at below.<br />
Requiescat in Pace<br />
Date Published: Monday 13th April 2020Date of Death: Monday 13th April 2020<br />
<br />
McNeill Funeral Directors (IAFD)<br />
65 Connaught St.,<br />
Athlone,<br />
Westmeath.

Reader’s dog Holly is missing in Gortatleva. Can contact reader at 08683881673

Rubbish dumped beside the river in Claregalway. Irresponsible behavior.

Please share...

Photo by reader Annette McMahon.... can you see a Dove in the sky?

By Cathal Feeney.

Claregalway business donated goggles to UHG.<br />
<br />
Maureen Nolan who works in University Hospital Galway with a box of goggles kindly donated to #UHG staff. Our thanks to Seamus Kavanagh from CleaningMachines.ie

DON’T FORGET ... clocks go forward at 1am!

A Teacher's World.

At Rinville Park this afternoon.

The Power of Social Distancing...https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

Perhaps Ger could do some online tuition during this time? Nothing like music to lift the soul! <br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/1901946296512392/posts/2775148529192160/?vh=e&d=n

Calling all school children! During the corona virus perhaps you might like to take part in a daily challenge sharing works of art depicting local events—today’s challenge is to draw a picture of St. Patrick in Claregalway!<br />
<br />
By taking part in this challenge it will hopefully spread some positivity and culture throughout this difficult time! Have fun doing so! 😊<br />
<br />
Message us your picture or comment it below!<br />
<br />
Also send in your videos if you'd like the chance of being featured on our page.

Keara Sheehan music.<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/kearasheeranmusic/<br />
<br />
Happy St Patrick's day 💚<br />
At 3pm & 7pm today i'll be live on my Keara Sheeran Music page doing a "Stay in and Sing"<br />
<br />
3pm is a wonderful song called "Never Alone" Sunday by Sean Keane & &pm PM tonight i'll be running "Does your mother know" by ABBA!! Join me - wear Green - get your hairbrush out & have a drink in hand 🍻<br />
Please do share - the more the merrier & it would be wonderful to connect with you all.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER...

COMMUNITY NOTICE <br />
<br />
We are anxious to reach out to the elderly and vulnerable in the community with the onset of the Coronavirus.<br />
<br />
Please contact this page if you need assistance with shopping or perhaps even a visit from one of your neighbours. <br />
<br />
If you have any other suggestions on how we can help the vulnerable, please let us know.

Frank and Ann Kearney at the Cllr. Jimmy McClearn Mayoral Charity Ball in the Loughrea Hotel in aid of Cancer Care west and Pieta House.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Sean Lydon)

Challenge Cycling Club featured in Connacht Tribune. Some local cyclists pictured here.

BREAKING NEWS: The Claregalway St Patricks Day Parade is CANCELLED.

ONE FOR THE NOTICE BOARD.

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Looks like the old days!!<br />
<br />
(Photos courtesy of Martin Kirrane)

Looks like the old days!!<br />
<br />
(Photos courtesy of Martin Kirrane)

Looks like the old days!!<br />
<br />
(Photos courtesy of Martin Kirrane)

Looks like the old days!!<br />
<br />
(Photos courtesy of Martin Kirrane)

Looks like the old days!!<br />
<br />
(Photos courtesy of Martin Kirrane)

Looks like the old days!!<br />
<br />
(Photos courtesy of Martin Kirrane)

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Carmel and Frank.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)

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Join @nevenmaguire in the Clayton Hotel, for a Cookery Demonstration in aid of Cregmore Claregalway Football Club @cregmoreclarega. Demo starts at 8pm & tickets are €20 each and can be purchased in advance at the hotel reception. A great night of tips & cooking assured!

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Attending SMA Afternoon Social Dancing..

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Check out Luis at Don Faros Barbershop in Claregalway.

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Director of 9 Arch Claregalway Musical Society for Oklahoma is the multi-talented:<br />
<br />
🎬Alan Greaney!🎬

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

Job vacancy..

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HSE Statement re St. Brendan’s Loughrea<br />
<br />
St. Brendans is a 100 bedded facility in Loughrea, Co. Galway which was opened in September 2011.<br />
<br />
In April 2019, legionella bacteria were found in St. Brendans and a programme of incremental works commenced in consultation with HSE Estates and Public Health to eliminate the legionella. In November 2019, the latest measure of the installation of a chlorine dioxin plan took place; sampling is scheduled to commence this week and will continue for a number of months to determine if this development has successfully eradicated the legionella.<br />
<br />
Measures required the temporary reduction of beds in operation so as to reduce the risk of infection and for staff to carry out the required works. CNUs are the home of Long Term Care residents and therefore the closures commenced with “short stay beds” that is respite from the community and convalescence for those discharged from HSE Acute Hospitals.<br />
<br />
Those seeking respite and palliative patients are supported by the provision of alternative respite and palliative care in other HSE CNUs.<br />
<br />
Following a HIQA inspection in September 2019 other issues were identified and an Action Plan is in place to redress the issues. This action plan includes the recruitment of nurse management and other staff which will improve governance and reduce the reliance on agency staff. An Interim Director of Nursing commenced in St. Brendans on Tuesday 7th January 2020.<br />
<br />
A further HIQA inspection took place on the 6th January 2020 and we await the regulators report.<br />
<br />
The HSE is committed to retaining the 100 beds open, however it is subject to HIQA registration and we are obliged to operate in compliance with HIQA Regulations as well as ensuring that residents are cared for safely.

Aerial view of Claregalway National School by Martin Kirrane.

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Sincere sympathy to Emma Flynn and family on the passing of her beloved Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.<br />
<br />
The death has occurred of Paddy Whelan<br />
Carragh Hill, Salthill, Galway / Walkinstown, Dublin<br />
<br />
Paddy Whelan<br />
Paddy Whelan, Carragh Hill, Salthill, Galway and formerly of Walkinstown Road, Dublin. December 17th 2019. Peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Colette and much loved father of Nicola (Doran), Emma (Flynn) and Amanda (Henry). Sadly missed by his wife, daughters, sons in law Jim, Julien and Daragh, grandchildren Laura, Jonathon, Max, Ruben, Julien, Deborah and Eva, sister Helen (Dublin), brothers Fergal (Malta) and Derek (Australia), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace<br />
<br />
Reposing at The Cillian, adjacent to the Church of Immaculate Mary Queen, Barna on Wednesday from 5.00pm until 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday in Christ the King Church, Salthill at 12.00 noon with cremation to follow at Shannon Crematorium at 5.00pm.<br />
<br />
Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Galway Hospice.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have fought the good fight to the end,<br />
I have run the race to the finish,<br />
The day Thou gave'st Lord is ended,<br />
Thank You Lord, it is a Great Day.

DIARY DATE...

Morning Bridge in Claregalway Hotel.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

This evening.

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GREEN EARTH ORGANICS - Zero plastic, zero waste, sustainable, organic and local any of this is hard to achieve at the best of times and at Christmas consumption gets giddy and out of control. If you are attempting to at least partially step out of the consumer driven spree, then I have no shame and fully recognise the irony in telling you our Christmas boxes are ready now and can be sent anywhere in Ireland for delivery on the 20th by courier. Normal delivery days apply on our local routes, and the veggies will easily hold till Christmas so don't worry about getting our order early.<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/greenearthorganicsireland/

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NOT TO BE MISSED!!😊

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY..

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What a kitchen looked like back in the 1940’s...Forgotten Ireland photo.

Congrats and well done Amy.

This is always a very special night. Come along for an evening of Carol singing in Corrandulla Church. Special guest Sean Keane.

Local Claregalway lady Noreen with her new venture.

Local Claregalway lady Noreen with her new venture.

Local Claregalway lady Noreen with her new venture.

Local Claregalway lady Noreen with her new venture.

Residents taking their lives in their hands trying to get out to work and school every morning on the cregboy road. Parkmore workers racing with no thought or care driving on this road. The drive in the middle of the road at speed and never consider a bad corner someone will be badly injured some morning or evening.

Wing view mirror of Claregalway’s morning tail back 🚗 Its way over time to get this traffic gridlock sorted to have any quality of life!! Perhaps readers might like to share their suggestions for solving this mayhem which is a regular occurrence in Claregalway. We are known far and wide for traffic congestion?<br />
<br />
Possible solutions?<br />
Park and Ride<br />
Add bus lanes<br />
Add cycle lanes<br />
Build a light rail network<br />
Switch off traffic lights<br />
Car pooling<br />
<br />
https://www.fastcompany.com/3052767/this-is-what-rush-hour-looks-like-in-copenhagen

DIARY DATE...

Coming soon...

WELL DONE CARNMORE!!! 👌👌👌

There is a month's mind mass for Margaret Day today at 11am in Claregalway Church. Sincere sympathy to Dr. Brendan Day and his extended family on the passing of his mother Margaret.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Namon, Manager of NCBI, Claregalway.<br />
https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/

A grieving message.

Opening this Sunday 10th November.

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Featuring local man Ger Mooney.

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NOVEMBER DANCING DATES...

2nd November Norms for Indulgences at the Commemoration of All Souls<br />
<br />
From 12 oclock noon on 1st November until midnight on 2nd November, all who have confessed, received Holy Communion, and prayed for the Popes intentions (one Our Father and Hail Mary, or any other prayer of ones choice) can gain one plenary indulgence by visiting a church or oratory, and there reciting one Our Father and the Apostles Creed. <br />
This indulgence is applicable only to the souls of the departed. Confession may be made at any time within the week preceding or the week following 1st November. Holy Communion may be received on any day from 1st November to 8th November.<br />
<br />
The faithful who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead main gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the Holy Souls on the usual conditions once per day from 1st to 8th November. The conditions mentioned above apply also for this.

💀☠️

Clybaun hotel Knocknacarra, Tuesday 29th October - social dancing and social dance classes jive waltz foxtrot quickstep and line dancing. No partners required, come along for a fun night out 8.00pm ‘till late €10.

Morning Bridge in the Claregalway Hotel.♥️♠️♦️♣️

Morning Bridge in the Claregalway Hotel.♥️♠️♦️♣️

Morning Bridge in the Claregalway Hotel.♥️♠️♦️♣️

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Exciting event coming up..

ONE FOR THE NOTICE BOARD.

NCBI Charity Shop opening soon in Claregalway.

NCBI Charity Shop opening soon in Claregalway.

NCBI Charity Shop opening soon in Claregalway.

NCBI Charity Shop opening soon in Claregalway.

NCBI Charity Shop opening soon in Claregalway.

NCBI Charity Shop opening soon in Claregalway.

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I am sick of the waste.<br />
<br />
Supermarkets can’t have it both ways. They maintain their single use plastic packaging, they argue that it prolongs shelf life and therefore it is necessary to reduce food waste (to sustain their model of selling) and at the same time they reject perfectly good food on aesthetics leading directly to huge amounts of food waste.<br />
<br />
Last week I gave a talk to those attending the National Organic food fair in Marlay park in Dublin, among the participants were farmers. I spoke about the pressure below cost selling and rejecting produce puts on farmers. The reality of this approach to food means that farmers cannot sustain their livelihoods and corners can be cut. There is always a price to pay.<br />
<br />
After my brief sojourn to the fine surroundings of Marlay park I returned home to our farm in Galway. Back to the farm and the crops. It has been pretty wet in Galway and we have some issues with waterlogged fields, particularly one field where the crops are not coping well with the lack of oxygen getting to their roots. The crops there (mainly broccoli) are stressed, when plants are under pressure they don’t preform in the same way, like any of us I suppose, and they often produce food that doesn’t look like what we are conditioned to expect.<br />
<br />
Is that a good enough reason to leave it in the fields? Or to throw it on the compost heap?<br />
<br />
What if you have several thousand broccoli plants you are relying on to sustain a farm, what if the “specification” is not acceptable? What then? The wet weather that has caused the waterlogged fields is outside of our control, so do we dump this misshapen, but otherwise perfect food?<br />
<br />
If we were supplying into supermarkets, they would absolutely reject this produce.<br />
<br />
It would be left to rot in the fields. Months and months of work, labour, tilling, fertilising, sowing, transplanting, weeding and harvesting, all for nothing. Is that fair? Well you might argue that life is not fair, and you would be right, but in this case, whether it is fair or not, it is wrong.<br />
<br />
Good food thrown in the bin because it doesn’t look right, because it doesn’t conform to what we have been told (by supermarkets) is the only way broccoli should look, that is insane.<br />
<br />
But we are very lucky.<br />
<br />
We choose the biggest heads, the best. On Friday alone we harvested close to 1000 heads, and that is just a start. We have a home for all this produce. Thankfully because of you our customers we know we can still use this food.<br />
<br />
This food that tastes the same, that has the same nutritional value, that looks the same on our plates that has been grown sustainably on organic land that we have waited two years to use will go into all the boxes next week. That makes sense. We are thankful and lucky that we don’t have to conform to the supermarket system, and we only get to do that because of you.<br />
<br />
So if you get a head of broccoli and it is not what you expect, don’t worry! It will still be amazing!<br />
<br />
So thank you for your understanding.<br />
<br />
Thank you for supporting our farm and know in doing so, not only are you contributing to reducing your carbon footprint, and reducing your waste burden on our planet, you are also contributing to reducing food waste.<br />
<br />
Thank you<br />
Kenneth

DIARY DATE...Tonight in the Claregalway Hotel. NOT TO BE MISSED! Featuring local talent.

Inspirational lady. The late Margaret was mother of local GP Dr. Brendan Day.

PLEASE SUPPORT..

Advice From a Tree.

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

DIARY DATE.

Burkesbus new timetable.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Thank you Burkes Bus - you have the vision and are taking action to solve the traffic mayhem all over Galway.

Inspirational talk by Gerry Hussey in Colaiste Bhaile Chlair tonight.

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WEEKEND DIARY DATE.

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Alway’s a welcome with a smile at Raftery’s Centra in Claregalway.<br />
Pictured are Bridie, Aidan and Martina.

Local fuel merchant ... Don't shiver .. they will deliver.

This weekend in the Castle.

Coming to Claregalway SMA House tomorrow night Wednesday night October 2nd.

Diary Date..

Pauric Lohan, Chairman of Galway Juvenile Hurling Board presenting Under 12 Shield to Turloughmore captain Ronan Duggan.

DIARY DATE...https://www.facebook.com/Cloonacauneen.Castle/

Keep it local..

Now accepting travel passes!!

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DATE FOR TODAY... https://www.facebook.com/141245536033949/posts/1314101908748300?sfns=mo

Please like and share ..should be an amazing night with local talent. 😊 Tickets are selling fast — and are available from Glynn's Centra Carnmore, Galway Lyons, Mace Carnmore and Hughes SuperValu.<br />
<br />
Carnmore Hurling Club Carnmore Camogie Claregalway.info

Aerial views of new Day Care Centre and Retirement Village in Cregboy, Claregalway. <br />
<br />
(Photos by Martin Kirrane).

Aerial views of new Day Care Centre and Retirement Village in Cregboy, Claregalway. <br />
<br />
(Photos by Martin Kirrane).

DIARY DATE...

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT POST.

Newly weds Claire Moran and John Glynn.

DIARY DATE...

Thoughts for today.😊

WE'RE BACK!!!!!!! ❤️💪💃🕺<br />
<br />
Does your child have lots of energy, love to move and like making new friends? <br />
<br />
If the answer is 'YES' then this is the perfect class for them! <br />
<br />
Fun 2B Fit creates classes that are fun and energetic with lots of exciting dance routines which improve mobility, flexibility and coordination, as well as playing fun games which improve fitness levels, turn taking and social skills. <br />
<br />
Venue: Hughes SuperValu, CLAREGALWAY (Room 😎 <br />
Date: WEDNESDAY, 4th Sept<br />
Time:<br />
• 4pm - 4yrs to 7yrs<br />
• 5pm - 8yrs to 13yrs<br />
<br />
Looking forward to seeing you there!<br />
<br />
Contact Maeve on 087-7915324 or email maevemullins@gmail.com for more details! — feeling excited.

Carpe Diem. 😊

Located in the Cois Chlair Complex.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY.

DIARY DATE.. tomorrow Sat 24th from<br />
10am to 1pm.

Runners and walkers who wish to help the Galway Hospice while engaging in exercise can do both when they take part in the 32nd Claregalway 10K Road Race which will be held in the village at the end of next week.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/events/2019/08/run-or-walk-10k-in-claregalway-and-help-galway-hospice/

Flooded areas in Claregalway.....in the usual places!! Take care driving, cycling etc

Flooded areas in Claregalway.....in the usual places!! Take care driving, cycling etc

Featuring local girl Clara Totman.

This dog was found in River Oaks in someones back garden?

Swim Academy...

Congratulations to Orla McKiernan and Conor Quinn who got engaged recently.

DIARY DATE..

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Rest In Peace Mark. <br />
<br />
Sincere sympathy to Linda, John, David and Shane on the passing of their beloved Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/nuacht/news/2019/08/r-i-p-walsh-mark/

Hello from Claregalway.😊😊

Sincere sympathy to Maureen's family on her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.<br />
<br />
The death has occurred of Maureen Naughton (née Keogh)<br />
Gortroe, , and formerly of Ballinasloe, Corrandulla, Galway / Ballinasloe, Galway<br />
<br />
Maureen Naughton<br />
Gortroe, Corrandulla and formerly of Ballinasloe. Peacefully at home after a short illness, surrounded by her devoted family. Loving wife of Tom, cherished mother of Dermot, Sinéad, and Gráinne. Forever adored by her precious grandchildren Éabha, Tom, Harry (Rip), Brían, Donagh and Fionn. Dearest Mother-in-law to Emma, Ronan and Ronan. Deeply missed by her brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncle, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.<br />
<br />
Reposing at Corrandulla Mortuary Chapel (H91HN83) this Sunday evening (4th August) from 4pm removal at 6pm to the adjoining church. Mass on Monday (5th August) at 11am, in St Brendan's Church, Corrandulla (H91HN83), burial afterwards in Cregg Cemetery. House private please. Family flowers only, by request donations if desired to Galway Hospice or The Irish Cancer Society.<br />
May her gentle soul rest in peace<br />
Date Published: Saturday 3rd August 2019Date of Death: Friday 2nd August 2019<br />
<br />
Martin Hanley Funeral Services.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

At the 2019 Centra Quality Awards were from left: Sorald McEntee, Operations & Qualit Manager EIQA; Liam and Geraldine Glynn, Niall Kenny, Ava Natalicz and Matthew Natalicz of Glynn's Centra Carnmore; and Dan Curtain, Centra Sales Director.

At the 2019 Centra Quality Awards were Colin Raftery from Raftery's Centra, Claregalway with Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of Centra Ireland and Irene Collins, Managing Director of EIQA.

Article about Claregalway’s gem of stone by David Burke, Tuam Herald.

The Francis family.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)

Josette Farrell with Ann Mulryan Hanly

Superb win for Galway. Well done girls.<br />
<br />
Galway 7.16<br />
Meath 3.10

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

FREE computer classes in Claregalway Hub every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Footpaths in Claregalway - not fit or safe to walk on.

Well done Galway Minor Hurlers.. <br />
Galway 3-16<br />
Kilkenny 2-16

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Claregalway Church newsletter.

🎹LACKAGH VILLAGE, GALWAY🎹ONE TO ONE TUITION🎹2 hour 30 minute sessions, Monday 22nd to Thursday 26th. Limited sessions available. 🎼For further information send a private message or contact 0852883409🎵🎶🎵

Full time score in Limerick in the replay of the Connacht final: Galway:3:07 Mayo:0:08.<br />
<br />
Congratulations girls and management on becoming the 2019 Connacht champions!<br />
Galway Senior Ladies are proudly sponsored by SuperMacs.

DIARY DATE...

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Egg delivery by young local entrepreneurs Zak and Alex Fleming. It's great to see this entrepreneurship in young people and it should be supported wholeheartedly.<br />
<br />
P.S. When you taste their eggs, you will be hooked!!

Shannon graduates Paul Gill and Patrick Farrell

PLEASE SHARE....Our dog Shadow has been missing since yesterday evening June 27th. Can you please contact me if you see it? Thank you so much.<br />
087 743 88 10

Locals chilling over breakfast in the new look Claregalway Hotel.

Geraldine Delaney

Nora Gill and Josette Farrell.

Nora Gill and Geraldine Delaney.

DIARY DATE...

DIARY DATE...

Worker wanted for Irish summer camp. <br />
8th-12th and 15th-19th July. 10am-3pm. Monday-friday. €600per week before tax. Contact 087 9067099 or colaistenangaelog@hotmail.com

Lackagh Museum & Community Development Association latest publication 'Carnoneen Chapel' which tells of six hundred years and the story is excellently told by local historian Michael J Hurley. Carnoneen is the old name for what we know today as Lackagh village and means 'the cairn of the daisies' and it was fitting that the history of the church and the priests who served here should be produced on the 600th anniversary of the arrival of the first recorded priest in Lackagh, Fr. Florence Kearney in 1419.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/nuacht/features/2019/06/lackagh-church-parish-2/

DIARY DATE.... 13th July.

DIARY DATE..

Opening today Tuesday 18th June upstairs over Hughes SuperValu - from 9am to 5pm<br />
<br />
At Synergy Orthopaedic Clinic we excel in providing our patients with an exceptional quality of diagnostic assessment and patient care across all of our treatments and clinical services<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/Synergy-Orthopaedic-Clinic-331585817523138/?modal=admin_todo_tour<br />
<br />
www.synergyorthopaedic.ie

DIARY DATE....

Well done Owen and team. Owen is pictured here with his Mum Fiona Hession.

Prize winners at today’s Show.

DIARY DATE...

Core Fitness will host an ‘Open Evening’ next Thursday 13th June 5-8 PM for all of our current members as well as their friends and family. <br />
As we are approaching capacity, we would like to use this as an opportunity to thank all of our members and fill our last few spaces! We will have loads of competitions and spot prizes, food samples from the Claregalway Hotel kitchen as well as from local stores. We will also run several sample classes with our highly trained instructors, so bring your gym gear! Come along and bring a friend to this enjoyable evening for all! J’

Well done McHugh’s. 👍

Cathal Joyce, Emma Crowley and Kevin Brogan - all members of CCE Lackagh -U15 Trio winners at the Galway Fleadh Ceoil held recently in Headford.

Ronan Duggan, Clodagh Crowley and Darragh Brogan, U12 Trio winners at the Galway Fleadh Ceoil held recently in Headford. All are members of CCE Lackagh.

Son and Father.. available for any gardening, patio work etc. Absolute gems.

Son and Father.. available for any gardening, patio work etc. Absolute gems.

Son and Father.. available for any gardening, patio work etc. Absolute gems.

Son and Father.. available for any gardening, patio work etc. Absolute gems.

Final count. Josette lost out by 76 votes.<br />
<br />
The final results are in and while it's disappointing to miss out by 76 votes I am very proud of the campaign and how close we came in a strong field. Thank you to my small but loyal team and all the supportive residents I've spoken with in the last few weeks.<br />
<br />
In particular the backing from the Claregalway area was shown in the transfers and is very much appreciated, I hope I can continue to serve you as a fellow local and help further the development of our fantastic community.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to the new and returning councillors, I've no doubt they will do an excellent job representing us.<br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
Josette

Close one..

Tonight in Claregalway Church

Mother and daughter Eileen and Mary Davin.

Local Election Candidate...

DIARY DATE..

SMA Family Day..<br />
<br />
The annual SMA Family Open Day which is now a permanent fixture on the calendar of Summer Events around Claregalway will this year take place on Sunday, June 2nd. The SMA Family Day helps to put SMA House and its missionary activities on the map.<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/nuacht/features/2019/05/sma-family-day-claregalway-3/

Musician Frank O’Connor with Joe Cormican outside Claregalway & District Day Care Centre. Frank plays guitar in the Centre.

Well done Kiera.

Morning Yoga tomorrow Monday in Lackagh Parish Centre at 10am, all welcome to join this lovely group of ladies, stretch, breath work, relaxation techniques to start the week with a positive strong mind and body pm or text 087 1938495 for more info.

Claregalway Parish newsletter.

Claregalway Parish newsletter.

DIARY DATE...

Irish Rural Link Information Workshop on the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund<br />
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Minister Michael Ring, TD, recently announced new calls for applications for funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Towns and Villages Renewal Scheme. <br />
<br />
The Government has committed to providing €1bn for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over the period 2019-2027, as part of Project Ireland 2040. The Fund will provide investment to support rural renewal for suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas.<br />
<br />
The Town and Village Renewal scheme was first launched in 2016. The central aim of the scheme is to support the revitalisation of towns and villages in order to improve the living and working environment of their communities and increase their potential to support increased economic activity into the future. Funding applications are made through Local Authority who will decide on the projects to be funded. The overall intention of the funding is to:<br />
▪ increase the attractiveness of the town or village as a local commercial and social centre, and as a result increase its sustainability as a place in which to live and work;<br />
▪ enhance the towns/village environment and amenities in the interests of residents, businesses, and visitors;<br />
▪ promote the town/village’s potential for tourism and as a centre for culture and local heritage, thus enhancing the sense of identity – physically and socially.<br />
<br />
Irish Rural Link will host an information evening with a guest speaker from the Department of Rural and Community Development on what funding is available and for whom.<br />
How community groups can secure matching funding. <br />
Presentations from;<br />
• Fiona Creegan – Department of Rural & Community Development<br />
• Galway County Council - TBC<br />
• Tracey Hannon - Clan Credo<br />
• Donal Traynor - Community Finance Ireland<br />
• Joe Conaty – Connemara Forum (LEADER)<br />
<br />
<br />
This event will take place in Peacocks Hotel, Maam Cross, Galway on Thursday 16th May at 7.30pm

Cookery Classes for Children and Adults. Susie's classes are super popular and well worth checking out. Classes are from Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm. Cost €130. Children will have lunch prepared for themselves and all cooking materials are included in this price.

This evening..

Diary Date..

Local Independent Candidate ..Josette is an energetic and passionate community facilitator based in Claregalway and surrounding areas for the past 30 years.<br />
<br />
The founder of the community online newsletter Claregalway.info and more recently an enterprise initiative called the Hub where Josette say's there should be one in every village/town in Ireland. The Hub is a concept that supports the community. It provides a friendly space for activities such as classes, talks etc as well as services to include photocopying, printing and laminating. The Hub is a place where you can get information and support on things to do in the area. It is a place where you can meet up with people and make new friends through interaction with others in activities.<br />
<br />
Josette is known as JDI which means Just Do It! So please keep her in mind when you are when voting on May 24th. She will not let you down!

In this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Starting tomorrow in Claregalway Hub. Still a few places left.

William and Deana ... Painting & Decorating. Contact 089 4893547.<br />
<br />
https://www.goldenpages.ie/william-painting-and-decorating-gort/

Kieran White is playing this afternoon!

Tonight...

A Petition has been set up below to change the name from Baile Chláir to Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe and make it bilingual. <br />
<br />
The directional sign that causes confusion? Clare Town? This sign should be bilingual. I imagine it is extremely frustrating for people and cannot understand why it is not in English and Irish? <br />
<br />
If you would like to sign it please do so below.<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/433570750726867/posts/450071829076759?s=1384040450&v=i&sfns=mo

Niall Tarmey with Niall Farrell

Niall with Jack McKenna.

Niall with his Godfather Jackie.

Exciting news and it’s local! Well worth checking out!

Art classes with Gill in Claregalway Hub today at 10am.<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/ClaregalwayHub/

Early rising? Beautiful start to Easter Sunday morning.

Easter Ceremonies in Claregalway Church.

We are delighted to announce our new fundraising campaign. Tea Parties for Tuam Cancer Care!<br />
We have created the Tea Party fundraising campaign to highlight the importance a listening ear and a cup of tea means someone at a time of uncertainty in their life, while raising much needed funds for Tuam Cancer Care.

Outback with Joe and Peggy. Brilliant afternoon of music and dance in an amazing venue .. the SMA House .. great floor and hospitality. Back again on the 28th with the O’Neill Family and Friends.

Have you an hour to spare tomorrow??

For sale..

Congratulations to Rachel Farrell, Cregboy and Johnny Beirne, Mohill who got engaged in Oman in the Middle East. Wishing you both the best of happiness.

http://monastic.ie/history/claregalway-franciscan-friary/

http://monastic.ie/history/claregalway-franciscan-friary/

Ice-cream delicious!!<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)

Have you an hour to spare on the 13th April??

Sunday in Lackagh!!

DIARY DATE...TONIGHT....CLAREGALWAY HOTEL...

TODAY...

THIS AFTERNOON IN CLAREGALWAY SMA HOUSE.

DIARY DATE...TODAY....CLAREGALWAY CASTLE..

DON’T FORGET....

Tonight in Claregalway Church.

By Galway Advertiser<br />
<br />
A perfect 'stop-off' on Mother's Day ...come to Claregalway Castle, have a coffee or light lunch and buy a plant to start the Spring.<br />
<br />
The Spring Garden, Craft and Food Fair is the first event of the year at Claregalway Castle. It will feature many of Ireland's best nurseries and rare plant specialists and many well-known members of Irish Specialist Nurseries Association (ISNA).<br />
<br />
http://claregalway.info/…/spring-gardenfood-craft-fair-cla…/

Flowing thoughts for today..

DIARY DATE..

Still more plays to come along and see...

At The Saint Patrick’s Day Festival in Claregalway yesterday.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Josette Farrell)

Nenagh Players ...

Tonight’s performance ...Claregalway 2019 Festival of Drama

FUN RUN ....Monday 18th March..

Stage setting for “Life Sucks” by Corofin Dramatic Society.

Tonight’s play ...<br />
<br />
https://claregalwaydrama.wordpress.com/about-us/?fbclid=IwAR0-7TbAGAeyjKDN2Yp_xCnMWj882LOa1P24MmNKR08PZsudW9Pco-vcVPM

Easter Camp Creative.

DIARY DATE..

The Claregalway Community Centre will be closed to all activity except Drama from Monday 11th March until Saturday 23rd March inclusive - re-opening on Sunday 24th March. The Centre is transformed into a theatre for the annual Drama Festival which starts today Thursday 14th March. See list of plays below!

Cllr Jim Cuddy, John Brennan festival chairman. Clare Horgan festival secretary; Noel Grealish TD and Terri Claffey of Claregalway Educate Together at the launch in the Claregalway Hotel.<br />
<br />
(Photo by Mike Shaughnessy)

DIARY DATE..

Teresa Mellotte with her artwork in Claregalway Hub.

Get your yummy pancakes from Daniel in Hughes SuperValu.😊<br />
https://www.facebook.com/hughessupervaluclaregalway/

Well done to Ryan Hanley Turloughmore and Cormac Adams Corofin who organized a charity ball and raised money for Make A Wish Foundation.

DIARY DATE..a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon .<br />
<br />
(Graphic by Daniel Fox)

52 towns across Ireland will now be poster free for the upcoming local and European elections. Perhaps a general notice board with all election candidates placed in a central place in each constituency would be sufficient?

CLAREGALWAY CASTLE: While there is no precise information on when Claregalway Castle was actually built, the indications are that it is probably late fifteenth century and may have been built on the site of an older wooden structure.<br />
<br />
The Castle is situated on the lowest crossing point of the River Clare before she ﬂows through bogland into the Corrib. While commonly referred to as a castle, technically it is more accurately described as a tower house. They were fortified residences that also served in a military capacity.<br />
<br />
Claregalway Castle is now approaching completion of a ten year restoration and is open to the public daily throughout June to the end of September from 11:30am–4pm. With the help of a Castle guide you can walk the corridors of time and follow the history of the Castle from Norman times to its current restoration, experiencing the masterful woodwork of the great hall and the stonework that has stood against time, wars, ﬂoods and strife for almost a thousand years.<br />
<br />
Brief history<br />
References to Claregalway and its Castle keep cropping up because it was an important strategic point in the defence of the City of Galway itself. Some of these references are fragmented and it’s difﬁcult to get a clear picture, but nevertheless we get some idea of what life was like in earlier times.<br />
<br />
The Normans built a number of castles along the Clare River. The De Burgos were the first of the Normans that came into Connacht. In 1225, King Henry III of England granted the province of Connacht to Richard de Burgo. They secured their territories by building stone castles. They later became known as Burkes and they split into two opposing families, the McWilliam Íochtar (the Mayo Burkes) and the McWilliam Uachtar (the Galway Burkes), who eventually became known as the Clanrickards.<br />
<br />
Architecture<br />
Claregalway Castle is a very well conserved rectangular five story tower. Its dimensions are 12 metres in length and 9.75 metres in width. The Castle entrance is by a pointed arched doorway of cut stone near the northern end of the southwest wall. The presence of opposing vertical grooves in both of its jambs indicate that it was protected by a portcullis. The portcullis is a heavy latticed iron grating in the gateway, which could slide up and down in grooves in the doorjambs and was used for protecting the ordinary wooden door of the Castle. There is a small apartment above the door into which the portcullis rose and where the lifting machinery was located.<br />
<br />
This doorway opens into a small lobby with a guardroom to the left and a spiral stone staircase to the right. This staircase ascends for the ﬁrst 35 feet and then a straight narrow staircase leads from the south side of the Castle to the top. Directly above the lobby is a small rectangular opening known as the ‘murdering hole’. This was used to pour hot liquids down on unsuspecting attackers.<br />
<br />
A stone vault exists between the second and third ﬂoors. Mural passages occur in the north-east wall on the first floor and in the south-east wall on the third ﬂoor. There are mural chambers in the south-west wall on the first floor and in the south-east, south-west and north-west walls on the third floor. In an upper room with Gothic windows there is a carving of a face, said to be the trademark of An Gobán Saor.<br />
<br />
There are washrooms inside the south-east wall on the second and third floors. There are ﬁreplaces in the south-west wall on the first floor and in the north-east wall on the second floor. The wall-walk and parapet along the south-east and south-west walls have been restored as part of the Castle restoration.<br />
<br />
Protecting corbels centrally placed on top of the walls formerly supported machicolations at parapet level. Corbels are projecting stones, firmly embedded in the walls, which were usually intended to carry a wooden beam or in this case machicolations. A machicolation was a projecting parapet on the top of a Castle wall with openings in the bottom through which missiles could be dropped or discharged on attackers. They protected defenders who were trying to attack the assailants at the base of the Castle wall. There was at least one positioned directly over the Castle entrance.<br />
<br />
The roof was probably originally made of oak and thatched, as lead roofs were not common in Irish Castles. There were no windows in the lower 20 feet, only loopholes. The Castle was designed to be defended by archery and was never modiﬁed to meet the requirements of ﬁrearms. The loopholes are narrow slits that were wider on the inside to give the defender an advantage when shooting arrows or guns. A variety of window types occur in Claregalway Castle. Many display Gothic-like features including pointed arches, ogee heads, an intricate curved design and one that is mullioned and transomed (vertical and horizontal stone bars).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Timeline<br />
15th Century<br />
The combined forces of O’Donnell of Tírconnell and the Mayo Burkes “encamped for a night in Claregalway and then burned it and continued for a while laying waste the country round about.”<br />
<br />
16th Century<br />
Knockdoe is about two miles from Claregalway and it was where the forces of Garret Mór Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare, who was the Lord Deputy of Ireland, fought the Clanrickard, head of the Burkes in 1504. Garret Mór Fitzgerald led his army from Leinster to thwart the ambitions of Clanrickard. The Burkes had a number of Irish chiefs fighting with them and they also had engaged Scottish mercenaries known as Gallowglasses. It was the first time that guns were used in Ireland to do battle. According to reports they were not sure how to ﬁre them and they used them as clubs instead. Clanrickard was defeated and thousands were killed.<br />
<br />
Claregalway is mentioned twice in connection with this battle. The night before the battle, the Burkes “played cards in the Castle ’til late hours of the following morning and they were drinking.” After his victory, Garret Mór marched towards Galway, looting Claregalway Castle en route, and taking as prisoners the two sons and a daughter of Ulick Burke.<br />
<br />
In 1538, Lord Gray on behalf of King Henry VIII attacked Claregalway Castle with 250 regular troops and artillery. This artillery included cannons such as a half culverin, a saker and double falcons. Lord Gray took the Castle and handed it over to Ulick Burke, it is said, for cash.<br />
<br />
In 1571, Sir Edward Fitton, the President of Connacht, was camped outside Claregalway and he reported that “we are refused at the Earl’s Castle by the Earl’s son where the rebel is the constable of the Castle and upon hearing of our coming to pass by it to Galway, he burned the town, uncovered the Castle and offered plain resistance.” This action may appear strange, but an important tactic in defending a Castle was to burn the town so the army coming in would not have any shelter or food and to unroof the Castle, which was made of thatch, so as to prevent archers from ﬁring burning arrows into it. They could defend it perfectly when it was unroofed. However it was reported that Fitton captured the Castle and put the garrison of sixteen men to death.<br />
<br />
In 1572, the Earl of Clanrickard had two sons, John and Ulick, who were wild and uncontrollable and caused a lot of turmoil and destruction around Athenry. They were described as “the most executable evil-doers, doing destruction across Loughrea, Athenry and so on.” The mayor of Galway wrote to the Lord Deputy complaining about the two sons.<br />
<br />
In 1576, under the English Surrender & Regrant policy, the Earl of Clanrickard surrendered the Castle to Queen Elizabeth and she re-granted it back to him.<br />
<br />
17th Century<br />
Between 1603 and 1625, King James I made a number of grants to local lords to hold fairs and markets in order to boost the local economies. Cattle trade became very important. The Earl of Clanrickard was granted a licence for a weekly Wednesday market at Claregalway.<br />
<br />
In October 1641, rebellion against the English rule broke out in Ulster and soon spread to the rest of the country. For the next eight years, England was the scene of a fiercely fought civil war between King Charles I and the extreme Protestants or Puritans led by Oliver Cromwell. The fighting soon spread to Ireland where armies supporting both sides fought each other. The Catholic rebels, who included Old Irish and Anglo-Irish, formed the Federation of Kilkenny. The Earl of Clanrickard, who was the King’s Governor of Connacht, eventually became involved but was a reluctant rebel.<br />
<br />
In 1642 Claregalway Castle was strongly garrisoned by Clanrickard, who described it as his “chief place of strength and importance… both to curb the town of Galway and command the country thereabouts.” He used it as a base for operations to overcome Galway and it was there he received the proposals for the surrender of Galway, as signed by the Mayor Walter Lynch and delivered by Dominic Browne and others. In 1643 the Castle was surprised by Captain Richard Burke of Anbally, through the treachery of a tenant, the carelessness of the warders and the collusion of a Franciscan friar. Its giving up was one of the conditions of the treaty for the surrender of Galway.<br />
<br />
The Papal Nuncio was in Galway and he wrote to Clanrickard about the capture of Thomas McKiernan of the Franciscans in the Castle and he asked that he be released, and later, after the execution of King Charles I, William Cromwell landed in Ireland in 1649 with a big army with the purpose of putting down the rebellion. He quickly captured a number of towns and departed in May 1650, after . Sir Charles Coote, a Cromwellian, seized Claregalway Castle in 1651. Galway was the last stronghold to surrender to the Cromwellians. Thus ended about ten years of warfare, which was then followed by the Cromwellian Plantation.<br />
<br />
18th–20th Century<br />
Claregalway Castle, like so many others of its kind, was little used after 1700. The dwelling house, known locally as the ‘Castle Lodge’, was built by Captain Palmer and has had various owners over the past century. Until recently it was used to house livestock, before being purchased by Dr Eamonn O’Donoghue and restored along with the Castle.<br />
<br />
Restoration<br />
Dr O’Donoghue has funded and overseen the restoration of the Castle for the past decade, bringing in some of Europe’s top stonemasons and conservationists to ensure that the Castle is returned to its original state. In the process, he had to overcome many obstacles in his mission to ensure that the Castle was restored to the style in which it was constructed.<br />
<br />
Were it not for his drive, the Castle would be left to fall like the 27 other Castles which are in various states of ruination in the hinterland of Claregalway and Turloughmore and Knockdoe.<br />
<br />
When he acquired the Castle in 2000, the building was in danger of collapse. The roof of the Castle had been removed in 1653, following the famous Siege of Galway by Cromwellian forces. Mature trees sprang from the upper floors and the stone work was under threat. A major reconstruction programme was drawn up under Conservation Architect David Johnson, a former inspector of national monuments with The Office of Public Works.<br />
<br />
Eamonn O’Donoghue never forgot the childhood picnic shared with his brothers and sisters and parents beside the bridge at Claregalway Castle. His father, Tom, a Toomevara man, a great hurler, and a civil engineer with Cork County Council, had a passion for Ireland’s romantic ruins. A photograph was taken of all seven O’Donoghues lined up grinning at the bridge. The family still have it at their Cork home. But Tom’s passion passed on to several of his children. Eamonn studied Medicine in Cork, and Archaeology under Michael J O’Kelly, the man who brilliantly interpreted the ancient tombs at Newgrange.<br />
<br />
Shortly after his appointment as ophthalmic surgeon to the Western Health Board (HSE), Eamonn set out to find the Castle. He had no idea where it was, except that it was near the city. He drove out every approach road to Galway until one evening there it was—a vast crumbling tower, ivy-clad, with ruined buildings within its courtyard, exactly as he remembered as a child.<br />
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Crumbling Ruin<br />
On that very first evening of re-discovery, Eamonn met Canon Callanan, the local Parish Priest at the time, and an entertaining classicist, who told him some of the history of the area. Taken in conjunction with the spectacular ruins of the nearby Franciscan Friary, the medieval bridges, the village itself, the “ghosts of other buildings and landmarks” (really only visible from the air), it soon became clear to Eamonn that this was a monument of major significance. Its battlements not only protected a main road into Galway, but looked down on the ancient Barony of Clare, which originally incorporated the vast and fertile plains of east Galway, known in pre-Norman times as Magh Seaola, and witnessed its evolving story.<br />
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The Castle was owned by John Buckley Jr (formerly of Spiddal House), then living in Indonesia, who agreed to sell. The next challenge was to get the various permissions required for a major transformation, and the team to make it happen. Two friends, David Newman Johnson, former Keeper of National Monuments, and Archaeologist Leo Swan, gave moral and expert support. Galway County Council was, from the start, supportive in principle, but there were difficulties with the many conservation agencies along the way. “I wanted to do the job as correctly as possible, but there is a need to reevaluate the evolution of conservation principles in Ireland today,” said Dr O’Donoghue.<br />
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Delays were costly and drawn out. And now, more than a decade later, the restoration programme is almost complete on this important 15th century tower house—one of the largest and most significant tower houses in the west of Ireland. Visitors can get a close view of the sympathetic restoration programme carried out by Master Builder Michael Herwood from Cloonacauneen and French Stonemason Jean Baptise Maduit.<br />
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For more information on Claregalway Castle, visit www.claregalwaycastle.com.

Easter Camp Creative..with Marie.

New school for Presentation College Athenry. Best wishes and good luck to you all.

The O’Neill Family and Friends playing at the Afternoon Dancing in The SMA House.<br />
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(Photo by Josette Farrell)

Claregalway Church newsletter.

Afternoon dancing in the SMA House Claregalway Sunday 24th February from 3 to 6pm. Come along for a great afternoon of music and dance with The O’Neill Family and friends.

Niall and Tom Harte of Kiltrogue, Claregalway, who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with friends and family at a function in the Claregalway Hotel following Mass in Lackagh Church.

Eric Jenetics, Daragh Jordan and Jack McKenna

Daragh Jordan

It could be YOU!!!!

Exciting architect’s impression of Claregalway Educate Together school. Building is by ABM Construction.

DIARY DATE...This evening in the Loughrea Hotel and Spa at 8pm.

Reader found a key across from flower shop in Claregalway. Reader left left key in Supervalu

Two dogs found outside Claregalway wandering the road heading towards Galway both injured.

Congrats and well done Niamh.

Photo by Josette Farrell.

Photo by Josette Farrell.

Photo by Josette Farrell.

Third place in category A of the St. Jarlath's Credit Union Schools Quiz were Lackagh National School. <br />
Pictured are (back) Anne Marie Creaven (St. Jarlath's Credit Union), Shay O'Connor (teacher) and Shona O'Dwyer (St. Jarlath's Credit Union).<br />
Front: pupils Sarah McSharry, Caoimhe Fitzmaurice, Stopie Stapleton, Ryan Carr and Cillian Joyce.

Claregalway Educate Together won first place in the St. Jarlath's Credit Union Quiz.<br />
Pictured are (back) Carmel Walshe (St. Jarlath's Credit Union), Siobhan Broderick (teacher), Kathleen Moran (St. Jarlath's Credit Union).<br />
Front: Evan Morrison, William Walsh, Eric Grealish and Matthew Newell.

Information evening..

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir student, Sean Connaire, has been awarded a gold medal for achieving first place in the country in the 2018 Junior Certificate Business Studies exam.<br />
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Sean received his medal at the Business Studies Teachers' Association of Ireland (BSTAD)Business Studies Achievement Awards ceremony, hosted by Banking & Payment Federation Ireland (BDFI) at their offices on One Molesworth Street, Dublin. The awards recognise the achievements of students in Accounting, Economics and Business at Leaving Certificate Level and Business Studies at Junior Certificate Level.<br />
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The winners, including Sean, were presented with their medals by BDFI President Gavin Kelly and Margaret McDonnell, Honorary President, BSTAI.<br />
Sean's teacher Katie Bell and Principal Alan Mongey, were also recognised for this outstanding achievement.

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O’Neill family and friends playing in SMA House next Sunday. Save the date..

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Hello - time to appear again!! 😊

Need a car wash?? Check out beside The Summefield Bar today where you can get your car washed for 5 euro!!!

Friday Bridge Club dining in The Arches Hotel.

DIARY DATE...Tickets for our production of Same Old Moon are available now!

SMA priest Fr James with Marie Dempsey, Josie Concannon and Pat Griffith.

Like dancing? Then why not come along to the Claregalway SMA House this Sunday for an afternoon of dance with the renowned Outback. Dancing from 2pm to 6pm on the newly revamped dance floor. All welcome. Admission €10.00.

Ciaran Cannon playing the piano in Aras an Uachtaráin with our President Michael D Higgins looking on.

Booking essential.

Lackagh IT & Web Services.

Yoga with Grainne - every Wednesday from 10am to 11am - upstairs over Hughes SuperValu. Contact Grainne at (087) 923 4669 for further information.

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Yoga with Monica.

TODAY....AT CLAREGALWAY SECONDARY SCHOOL.

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