The Annual Summer Camp took place in the Claregalway Leisure Centre (Monday 12th–Friday 16th July). A total of over a hundred local children enjoyed five days of fun and games, which included highlights such as Amphicats on the River, Water games in the pitch, Drama & Video Making, in the GAA Rooms, all sorts of indoor and outdoor sports and of course Art. The week culminated with a full day trip to the Forest Park of Portumna. Thankfully, the weather did not let us down, and everyone enjoyed, forest walks, picnics, treasure hunts, orienteering and sightseeing within the Castle, in ideal conditions. Although there were a few late arrivals on the return trip, thankfully everyone got home safe and sound.
The Community Centre Committee are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who worked so hard througout the week, and without whose help the camp could not have taken place. Many thanks to those who were responsible for providing the Amphicats, safety jackets etc. which made the very popular Trip on the River possible. A big thank you also to the FÁS workers in the Centre, whose selfless co-operation ensured a very smoothly and efficiently-run operation. As usual, the young teenagers of the area threw themselves into the task of keeping law and order among a very energetic population of youngsters. Their help was invaluable. Last, but not least, The Good Lord must be thanked for the lovely weather, and for bringing all of our children safely through the week, with nothing more than minor mishaps, which Mary Forde, in her professional nursing capacity, was more than capable of dealing with.
The Leisure Centre Committee wish to thank the sponsors listed below for their support of our Annual Golf Classic. This competition was held in Tuam Gold Club on the 17th April, 1999.
Tom and Julie McKenna, Summerfield Bar; Girl Stephanie Fishing Co.; Padraic Conneely; Connolly Sports; Gerard Loughnane, Accountant; ACS Communications; Duggan Tanker Parts; Moran Service; John Mulllins, Cregmore Construction; Ignatius Foy Construction; Specialised Timber Products; Roche Engineering Ltd. (Roco); Hughes Supermarket; O’Maille Collection; Menlo Park Hotel; Royal Tara; Cré Porcelain; Galway Bay Golf & Country Club; Fireplaces of Elegance; Martin Walsh, Pine Factory; Brian Divilly; Glynns Fruit & Veg, Lydican; Rockmount Riding Centre Ltd.; Duffys Riding Centre; Western Aquatics; Nortel Irl. Ltd.; Tolan Distribution Ltd.; P. J. Hughes Building Contractor; John Daly Refrigerated Foods Ltd.; Western Ironcrafts Ltd.; Tommy Duggan Garage; Martin Fleming Construction; Commins Interiors; Town Park Centre; Cregfab, Jim Crowe; Brennan Bros. Painting Contractors; Niall Devitt, Service Station; McGreal’s Supermarket Ballybrit; Dunleavy’s Supermarket; Monaghan’s Garage; Gem Furnishings, Claregalway; Bank of Ireland; G & R Windows; Whiriskey Refrigeration Ltd.; Chris Maloney Transport; Aztec Couriers; Fintan & Edel Lalor; Sean Walsh Foodstore, Bawnmore; Dawn Dairies; Clada Minerals; A Cut Above The Rest, Hair Salon, Cregboy; Jim Burke; Michael O’Reilly, Ballybane TV; Roadstone Ltd.; J & C Kenny; Tom Moran & Co, Cregboy; Express Frames; John Walshe; C.E.L.—Conaught Electronics Ltd.; Moran Office Supply; C.K. Business Equipment; Flynns, Lackagh; Socos Teo.; Colleran Sign Engraving; N.U.I. Students Union; Claregalway Video Club; Feeney-Keating; Coillte; Hughes Cycles, Westside; Dr. Brendan Day; John Feeney, Charisma Blinds; Gerry Starken, Roadstone Paving Shop.
Car Park
This Summer has seen further improvements at the Leisure Centre, where the surfacing of the carpark with tarmacadam is now completed (pictured below).
The job involved the installation of soak pits, underground drainage, traffic islands and a shrubbery, plus the surfacing of 3000 square metres of carpark with tarmacadam.
The kerbing, drainage and surfacing was carried out by John Madden and Sons, Ballinrobe, while the soak pits, footpath realignment and concreting of the traffic islands were completed by the members of our FÁS scheme.
Members of the FÁS scheme must also get credit for the landscaping of the carpark and the planting of the shrubs and creepers. By the end of September, it is intended to have the carpark lighting installed and working.
This is a major project, which would not have been possible to commence without the financial assistance of local developers. In spite of their assistance, a major contribution from Claregalway GAA Club and the Leisure Centre will still be required. A very special mention must be made of Hubert Hewell. His expertise and advice in designing the layout of the carpark, was an invaluable contribution.
Painting
The external painting of the Centre commenced in late August, again the work being done by our FÁS scheme members. Weather permitting, it is intended to complete the job before the onset of winter.
Thanks to John Brennan for his advice on paint and colour schemes.
