N.R.A. To Help Fund Claregalway Bypass
The Claregalway Bypass Action Group welcomes the news that the National Roads Authority has agreed to assist Galway County Council financially with the construction of a bypass of Claregalway village. It is hoped that land on the planned route can be acquired to the mutual satisfaction of the Council and the landowners over the coming months. Acquisition of land on the proposed route within budget will enable work on the bypass to commence in the short term.
The Group was set up last September. Over 8,000 signatures were collected on a very wet Friday in October from frustrated motorists, residents, and the campaign for a bypass was launched. The Action Group was formed with a single aim – securing a bypass. At a meeting of the Group members on Wednesday 1 June, it was confirmed that this remains a single issue campaign. The Action Group is not, and does not claim to be, a development association for Claregalway. At this time, Claregalway does not have a development association.
The bypass will minimise traffic tail backs,congestion and delays from the current figure of 33,000 vehicle movements in Claregalway village every day including Saturdays and Sundays.
Gus McCarthy, Chairman of the Action Group, said today “This project is in the overall public interest and will benefit both the Claregalway residents and passing motorists. In recent years Claregalway has been one of the worst bottlenecks in the country. Nearby narrow country roads, which have been used as rat-runs with associated dangers for local residents, will be relieved of heavy traffic”.
The success to-date of the campaign is due to a number of factors: co-operation between the local Action Group, Galway Co. Council officials and politicians in the area.s
County Manager, Pat Gallagher, and Co. Council Director of Services for Roads and Transportation, John Morgan committed resources from the Roads Department to the setting up of the project in anticipation of a positive decision by the NRA. The work of Senior Roads Engineer, Martin Lavelle, is especially acknowledged. As planning of the project was at an advanced stage, the NRA has now acknowledged the need for the new road and has agreed to some funding.
The Action Group thanks local, national and European politicians who supported the campaign especially TD’s Noel Grealish and Frank Fahey. In particular, the Group acknowledges the contribution of local TD Noel Grealish, who brought the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice to Claregalway at a crucial time.
The Claregalway Bypass Action Group looks forward to working with and supporting the Council officials together with local and national politicians in bringing the project to fruition. We anticipate the elimination of traffic delays in the village and Claregalway developing as a pleasant residential and business area.
Madeline Flanagan, Secretary.
Members of Bypass Action Group:
Gus McCarthy, (A.P. McCarthy Planning Consultants Ltd.)
Terry Brennan, Terry Brennan Bar and Restaurant
Dr. Brendan Day, G.P., Claregalway/Turloughmore
Josette Farrell, Nuacht Chláir and Chair of Claregalway Amenity Group
Madeline Flanagan, Classical Links Agency, Claregalway
Seamus Gallagher, resident Cregmore
Paul Gill, Claregalway Hotel
George Glynn, Glynn’s Fruit and Vegetables
Liam Higgins, Health and Safety Consultant
Micheal Hughes, Hughes Supermarket and Merit Solutions
Tom Jinks, resident Cregmore
Walter King, Walter King Construction Ltd.
Vincent Lyons, resident, Claregalway
John Raftery, Centra Supermarket, Claregalway
Holiday Healthcare Checklist
With holiday time upon us, a look at a travel kit of first aid essentials and basic remedies which may prove useful. Holidays are a time to have fun and relax but unfortunately illnesses never take a break. The sudden change in routine and unfamiliar surroundings means your body is more prone to gastrointestinal disorders.
To minimise risk of infection or discomfort, be aware of the following when on foreign travel, spicy foods, excess alcohol, shellfish, unwashed salads, unpeeled fruits or vegetables, ice cubes made from tap water and tap water.
Products you might find useful in a travel kit include a diarrhoea remedy such as Arret or Imodium plus, travel sickness e.g. Stugeron or Sea legs, an indigestion remedy e.g. Pepcid AC or Gaviscon, rehydration therapy e.g. Dioralyte important for young children, insect repellent, an antihistamine cream, e.g. Eurax cream, painkillers such as Calpol or Nurofen etc.
Protection against the sun, especially when abroad, tanning products, sun block high protection for children and babies, lip salves, after sun creams or lotions, cold sore treatment e.g. Zovirax cream.
Other items considered essentials might include the camera, film, sunglasses, and batteries.
Claregalway Pharmacy is open late Monday to Friday until 8pm and 6.30 on Saturday.
John Duffy MPSI.
ESB Respond to Cregmore Deputation
Aidan Corcoran, Manager K V Capital Projects, National Grid, has confirmed to Minister Frank Fahey, that the ESB will request an extension of time on the planning application for the looping of the Galway Dalton 110KV line into Cashla 220KV Station.
This will enable the ESB to answer queries raised at the recent meeting with Cregmore Residents Association held in Claregalway organised by Minister Fahey and attended by Deputy Noel Grealish. At that meeting the ESB undertook to examine the feasibility of a number of alternative routes and proposals for the proposed line in addition to a number of other issues raised by the deputation.
“I welcome the fact that the ESB are prepared to look at the alternative and to agree to an extension which they believe to be of about 2-3 months to deal with the issues. I have asked Aidan Corcoran to meet the resident groups again following their replies to those queries should this be necessary. “ concluded Minister Fahey.
Editorial
Reading May McGrath’s recollection of life (page 12) should make us all reflect. Her recollection of times gone by made me sad also as OUR time on earth seems so materialistic. We hardly have time to say hello, never mind to stop for a chat. It’s only when something happens to halt us in our tracks that we are forced to slow down, i.e. sickness. “Your health is your wealth” is a well known saying but we take little notice UNTIL it hits us. Then it’s analysis time – what is important – all those material things or to be able to function properly? I have personal experience of tragedies and know what I am talking about. To be able to get up and put one foot in front of the other is enough for me – to live the day as best you can. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a present” is something to keep in mind.
In Claregalway, the numbers attending mass have increased. The reason why? A treasure of a priest who gives us all food for thought every week. So many people have commented on Fr. Noel’s homilies. In these days it’s not easy being a priest but he is doing a tremendous job. It’s particularly heartening to hear young people comment on his sermons. So perhaps all is not lost? Can we slow down and savour life a little more?
Until next time,
Josette.
Claregalway Clean Up Day
Sincere thanks to everyone who turned up on Saturday, May 14th for the clean up of Claregalway village.
Within two hours the place was transformed – thanks to all the participants. It was really very encouraging to see such community spirit and it just goes to show what can be done when people get together. Thanks to Rory O’Connor, Community Warden, for providing skip, bags and gloves.
Claregalway Amenity Group
HB Ice Cream Day
in aid of Downs Syndrome Ireland
On Friday the 27th May 2005 we raised €629 for the Downs Syndrome Ireland.
The amount includes donations from the pupils plus some private donations which I want to sincerely thank.
I would like to thank all the pupils Claregalway National School for participating in this fun event. I hope you enjoyed the ice -cream.
Mr. Pat Coen for giving us the use of the hall.
For the staff of the school for co-ordinating each class which made the handing out of ice-cream very quick and efficient. For the young pupils Andrew Carr and Rachael Carroll from Senior Infants who gathered all the money before the fundraiser.
Finally I would like to give a big thank you to all you who gave up their morning to help out and make this fundraiser a success: Sinead Murphy, Liz McDermott, Kelly O’Halloran, Christine Moran, Keith McDermott, Ollie O’Connell.
Eilis Codyre
Carnmore Hurling Club
The hurling year is in full swing and Carnmore is enjoying a reasonably good year. Juvenile training is very busy on wednesday evenings in Carnmore with large numbers from six years of age up to the under 12s on view. Everybody involved in training deserve great thanks for all their time and commitment. The under 10s group are getting very big numbers under manager Mike Fox with Paul Kilgannon coaching, and its good to see senior players Ronan Walsh and Anthony Watson helping out. The under 12 team under Sean Grealish are going well but not getting all the results they deserve. They beat Turlough in the league but lost to Cashel and Clarenbridge. In the championship they lost to Cappagtagle but had a good win over Meelick-Eyrecourt. The under 14 team under Sean Grealish had had a brilliant run in Feile with wins in the group over Clarenbridge, Athenry and Sarsfields and a draw against Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry but lost to Turlough. In the semi final they lost to Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry. The under 16s are just starting training under John Carr with Declan O’Brien helping out. The minors had a very difficult year as numbers were very low all the way up for this group. The junior A team under Jim Hynes, Mike Casserly and Paddy Conneely had a slow start but the panel is getting stronger now and they should enjoy a good year. The seniors have won their first two games in the championship against Kilconeiron and Ardrahan but lost in a very physical game against Meelick-Eyrecourt by just one point. Senior match reports by Martin Leonard can be viewed on www.carnmore.net.
Our Blessings in 1915
We met and were married a long time ago,
We worked for long hours, when wages were low
No TV, no wireless, no bath, times were hard
Just cold water taps and a walk up the yard.
No holidays abroad, no posh carpets on floors,
But we had turf on the fire, and we didn’t lock doors.
Our children arrived – no pill in those days
And we brought them all up without any State aid.
They were quite safe to go out into the park,
Then old folks too could go out in the dark.
No valium, no drugs, no LSD,
We cured most of our ills with a nice cup of tea.
But if you were sick, you were treated at once
No fill up a form and come back in six months.
No vandals, no muggings, there was nothing to rob
And we were quite rich with a couple of bob.
People were happier in those far off days,
Kind and caring in so many ways.
Milkmen and paper boys used to whistle and sing.
A night at the pictures was having a fling.
We all got our share of struggle and strife
And we just have to face it, that’s the pattern of life.
But now I’m alone, I look back through the years.
I don’t think of the hard times, the trouble, the tears.
I remember the blessings, our home and our love,
But I feel very lonely at times, as I am nearly 90 years.DG
May McGrath,
Cregmore,
Claregalway,
Co. Galway.
Special News
Bon voyage and best of luck to Oisin Kenny, Claregalway who is off to Australia this month for a year’s travel with his friends. Enjoy it all lads!!
Congratulations to Maureen and Martin Duggan, Lakeview, who celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary on the 1st June.
Congratulations to the girls chess team who came 2nd in Connaught in Limerick. Well done girls. (See photo on page 26)
Best wishes to Carole and Karl Heery on the birth of their new baby girl, a sister for Eoin, Darragh, Cian, Rhiann, and Kaylin. Best of luck to you all in your new home in Gortatleva.
LOOK OUT for FAB C (Ladies Clothes Shop) – coming to Hughes Shopping Centre SOON.
Scouting News
With summer in the air and hopefully the better weather the Claregalway Beavers, Cubs & Scouts are looking forward to a busy outdoor schedule. With over 70 children involved from ages 6 to 16 and with a growing waiting list for new members it is easy to see why this group is going from strength to strength.
Having recently completed the renovations of the den “scout room” in the community centre, a joint venture with the committee of the community centre, the association now have a home to be proud of. A special word of thanks to all those involved, the committee of the community centre and the fas scheme, to the VEC for the grant that assisted with the cost of the work, to the parents who helped with the cleaning, to FUTURE FlOORING River Oaks Shopping Centre for their generous assistance, to Sarah Mooney for her help and a special thanks to Paula Evans for her work on the mural.
The cubs took part in the county Galway quiz and finished second. They competed against cub teams from all over the county and did extremely well to finish second. The team was Liane Martyn, David Mc Cann, Darragh Moylan, Sinead Harte, Georgina Healy, Jennifer Carroll & Leanne Mc Andrew. They subsequently competed in the National Finals & finished a very creditable sixth.
The cubs are now looking forward to their next big event which is a two day camp in Renville Oranmore on the weekend of the 18th June. There will be about 250 cubs from all over Galway taking part. It promises to be very enjoyable weekend with activities during the day camp fire party in the evening and a midnight hike also.
The beavers will have their big day out in Portumna Forest Park on the 11th June, this is also a county event and Claregalway are on the organising committee with up to 150 beavers taking part plans are at an advanced stage for what should be a really fun day.
The scouts are also very active with hikes, camps, and cycles happening on a regular basis.
The leaders and all the members would like to thank all those who gave so generously to our recent church gate collection. Without this support we would not be able to survive and continue to grow.
Like all things success has a price and if the group is to continue to grow and cater for the increasing young population of the area, more leaders and a more active role from the parents will be required. If anyone is interested in getting involved they can contact Tom Mc Cann at 798765.
Nature’s Healing Stones
Hot stone massage therapy includes the placement of stones on the body to improve energy flow.
Hydrotherapy and the application of heat to the body produces therapeutic effects can be traced to ancient times.
The application of heat acts as a vasodilator, increasing circulation, increasing metabolism, decreasing pain, decreasing muscle spasm, softening the tissues, and raising the body temperatures.
The Hot Stones can be used for a “full-body massage or for spot work in certain areas of the body. The combination of the heat from the stones, the essential oils, and energetic effects of both the stones and the oils, produces a deep and penetrating state of relaxation and well-being.
For further information, please contact Evelyn Kitt: (091) 798485 or 087 6783733.
My Computer
Digital Cameras
Last month I briefly explained about a digital camera. If anyone is buying a camera these days it is most likely to be of the digital form so let me expand on camera technology and give some guidelines on what to look for and how to choose the right camera to suit your needs and budget. Some things to consider are zoom, screen, functions, resolution, and of course the price.
Zoom
The zoom factor is composed of two types: optical and digital. Optical is the “real” old fashioned zoom (the lens moves to enlarge the image). The Digital zoom on the other hand uses camera software to digitally enlarge the image. Quality of the picture will start to decrease as more digital zoom is applied.
Screen
The small LCD screen on the camera is very useful for pre-viewing the pictures before taking the picture and also looking at the actual pictures you have taken. Better cameras come with a variety of screen sizes and quality.
Functions
A picture of a still subject will require different settings than a picture of a moving subject. This is also true for day v night and indoor v outdoor shots. Most cameras try to auto detect the settings needed but it can get it wrong so if the camera has the option for you to chose the mode then you can be sure of better pictures. Other useful functions include a “movie” feature but watch out because not all cameras have microphones to record sound with the movie.
Resolution
This determines how good the quality of your picture will be. A higher resolution gives a clearer sharper picture. A higher resolution also means that the image is larger and thus can be displayed on larger screens or enlarged without quality lose. It is measured in pixels and usually referred to by the millions (Mega-Pixels). Most cameras now will be a minimum of 2 Million pixels which will suit most people.
Some other things to watch out for:
Batteries
Digital cameras consume a lot of power. Either be prepared to change the batteries often, or invest in a decent set of high power rechargeable batteries and charger (2000mA or more) – they will pay themselves off within a few weeks.
Memory
All pictures are stored on some form of memory with the most common being SD and xD cards. A standard included size is 16MB. This will hold approx 30 pictures. Remember that better quality pictures will take more space as will any movie clips so invest/bargain for more memory.
If you have a computer then the camera connects via a USB cable. Camera’s should include this cable and some software to help organize the pictures. Although each camera will come with its own software, a very good and free alternative is “Picassa” (by Google) which is very useful for organizing your pictures, creating CD’s, emailing, printing, editing, creating slideshows etc.
Some printers allow the memory cards or camera to be connected directly without the need for a computer. Nearly all regular photo developing outlets will also offer some facility to get prints of your pictures. Usually they will accept the actual memory cards or photos CDs. There are also a lot of online photo developing stores – upload the pictures and they are delivered right to your door ! So until next time happy digital snapping !
Having 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])
Update from local Councillor Jim Cuddy
Compántas Lir Wins Arts Award
On the 19th. May our local Drama Group (Compantas Lir) won the Galway Co. Co. Arts award for the Oranmore Electoral Area. This was a very well deserved win for the drama group having received a special commendation last year. Each year Galway Co. Co. hosts the arts awards and one is presented to each of the five electoral areas. May I take this opportunity to wish the drama group every success in the future.
Green Flag for Carnmore N.S.
As Chairman of the Galway Co. Co. environmental committee I would like to congratulate the teachers, parents and children in the Carnmore area on the occasion of the school being presented with the Green Environment Flag on May 18th. Claregalway N.S. received their green flag last year.
Speed Limits to be reviewed at last
At the Galway Co. Co. meeting held on May 23rd, the Director of Services for Roads Mr. John Morgan informed councillors that the long overdue review of speed limits is to start within the next two weeks. The review will be done in three phases as follows;
- The schools and the islands will be done within the first six months.
- The country roads will be done in the second six months.
- The remaining roads will then be done.
The public will be able to make written submissions and these will be dealt with at the local area meetings by the four councillors for this area. The NRA and the Gardai will also be involved in the review of the speed limits.
Reply from Bus Eireann re Bus Shelters in Claregalway
The following is the reply received by me from Bus Éireann dated May 5th. 2005.
“As you may know bus shelters are not erected by Bus Éireann but by an Outdoor Advertising Agency. They provide shelters at locations, which they consider to be commercially attractive and subject to planning approval from the relevant local authorities.
At present our contract with the Advertising Agency is still under negotiation and has not yet been finalized. Your request has been passed on to our Procurement Manager who is dealing directly with the matter.”
Grant for Old Forge
I am delighted to hear on the 31st. May that as a result of representations made by Deputy Noel Grealish on behalf of Claregalway Amenity Group that a Grant of € 17,000 has been made available towards the restoration of the old forge at Loughgeorge.
75th Anniversary of Claregalway N.S.
Congratulations to Claregalway National School on the occasion of their 75th. anniversary on June 11th.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to all students who will be undergoing their exams over the next few weeks.
As usual I can be contacted any day or evening at (091) 798136 or (087) 6360242
Jim
The Forge in Claregalway Secures a Conservation Grant of €17,000
Progressive Democrats TD for Galway West Noel Grealish has confirmed that the Forge in Claregalway has secured a conservation grant of €17,000.
The grant is being awarded under the Architectural Conservation Sub-measure of the Urban and Village Measure of the Regional Operational Programmes 2000-2006, which is administered by the Department of the Environment.
‘The forge is part of the traditional fabric of the countryside and a hugely important landmark in both Claregalway and Galway West.
‘It is an essential part of our local heritage and history and this grant of €17,000 will go a long way towards meeting the cost of restoring this building to its former glory so it can be enjoyed by future generations,’ says Deputy Grealish
Deputy Grealish paid tribute to the work of the Claregalway Amenity Group for initiating the campaign to restore the forge, and for their successful efforts in securing funding.’
‘I look forward to the restoration work on this fabulous old structure commencing, so that it can be enjoyed by both young and old in Claregalway and the surrounding area.
Escape Leisure Gym Challenge
On Monday 11th April everyone set out on their journey around Galway Bay covering 60km on the bike, rowing 12,000meters, jogging 30km on the treadmill, travelling 10 km on the stepper, covering a distance of 6km on the cross-trainer and finally swimming 900 meters.
110 KM to to get around Galway Bay in 4 gruelling weeks.
There was over 30 participants but only 12 completed the full 110 Km. Donna Meehan finished first within two weeks and received dinner for two in the Claregalway hotel and a Luxurious Seaweed bath in Escape Leisure to relax and unwind after the challenge. Everyone challenged themselves individually and after a champagne reception in the leisure club on Monday 9th May believe or not? everyone was asking when the next challenge is going to take place.
We would like to congratulate everyone who took part and we look forward to the next challenge starting in the Autumn
Chess Success
Chess classes commenced in Claregalway National School in November 2004. Over 40 children avail of weekly classes and children from the age of 8 years upwards are encouraged to play.
Various competitions and leagues have been running in the school. The Chess Z schools Leagues has just been completed, this is an inter-schools competition. Two teams were selected according to ability and these teams competed in competitions in various schools in Co. Galway. The boys competed in the Novices League and the Girls in the Girls only League. Both teams won the Galway County Title.
Novice League winners do not progress beyond this level, but as there is a severe shortage of girl players in the country, it is hoped that the Girls only League will encourage more to play. Our girls have done very well and have scooped he county title and went on to represent the school in the Connacht Finals in Kilmurray Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, Limerick on June the 8th, where they came 2nd.
Girls Only League:
Sinead Harte
Amanda King
Ciara Lenihan
Liane Martin
Laura O’Connell
Boys Novice League Winners:
Mark Coyle
Michael Coyle
Paul Fahy
David McCann
Darragh Moylan
Well done to the Girls Only League for coming 2nd in Connacht – a brilliant achievement.
Another competition also running is the Celtic Chess Challenge. This is an individual touranment and everyone gets the opportunity to reach the limelight. Trophies and medals will be presented on completion of this.
On May 29th last we had for the first time ever a team representing Claregalway in the Community Games Galway finals under 12 section. The team beat Salthill in the quarter finals and won bronze medals in the semi finals. Congratulations and well done to all concerned.
Team included:
Mark Coyle, Michael Coyle, Eoin Conroy, David McCann, Liane Martyn, Darragh Moylan.
Community Games
Swimming
Well done to all the children from the area who competed in the County Swimming Finals recently. Special congratulations to Angela O’Connor, Emily O’Connor, John Egan and the Girls Under 13 relay team (Ciara Newell, Rachael Farrell, Eimear Joyce, Angela O’Connor, Jennifer Carroll) who all qualified to represent Galway at the National finals in Mosney in August and to John O’Connor who earned a silver medal for his excellent swim.
Athletics – Track & Field
A great afternoon of sport was enjoyed by over 100 children and their families at our annual sports day at Coolarne pitch. Well done to all the children who participated. There was much talent in evidence on the day. Many thanks to all who helped to organise and run the event and to Coolarne GAA club for the use of the pitch. Winners will go on to represent the area at the County Finals in Ballindereen on June 4th and 5th. Results are as follows:
Girls: U6 60m 1st Maeve Moran, 2nd Jane Conlon, 3rd Laurna McGrath; U8 60m 1st Caitriona Moran , 2nd Michelle Coyle, 3rd Rachel Killilea; U8 80m 1st Caitriona Moran , 2nd Rachel Killilea, 3rd Catherine Walsh; U10 100m 1st Caoimhe Moran , 2nd Síofra Leonard, 3rd Kaysha Murray; U10 200m 1st Síofra Leonard, 2nd Caoimhe Moran, 3rd Sínead Moran; u10 60m Hurdles 1st Caoimhe Moran , 2nd Sínead Moran, 3rd Síofra Leonard; U12 100m 1st Amy Rohan , 2nd Georgina Healy, 3rd Nicola Conlon; U12 600m 1st Georgina Healy, 2nd Emma Johnson, 3rd Amy Rohan; U14 100m 1st Shauna Fleming, 2nd Yvonne Coen, 3rd Lauren Murray; U14 800m 1st Leona McGuire, 2nd Máiread Linnane;
Boys: U6 60m 1st Daniel Loftus, 2nd Daniel Johnson, 3rd Thomas Murray; U8 60m 1st Caitriona Moran , 2nd Michelle Coyle, 3rd Rachel Killilea; U8 80m 1st Seán Loftus , 2nd Cathal Whelan, Joint 3rd Cillian Creen, Cathal Holland; U10 100m 1st Cian Ryder , 2nd Damien Holland 3rd Andrew Dolan; U10 200m 1st Cian Ryder, 2nd Stephen Egan, 3rd Andrew Dolan; u10 60m Hurdles 1st Damien Holland , 2nd Kyle Concannon, 3rd Cian Ryder; U12 100m 1st Seán Moran , 2nd Richard Commin, 3rd Kevin Killilea; U12 600m 1st Richard Commins U14 100m 1st Ryan Harrington, 2nd Peter Dolan, 3rd Stephen Connolly; U14 800m 1st Mark Walsh, 2nd Peter Dolan, 3rd Stephen Walsh; U16 100m 1st Gary Rohan, 2nd James Connolly, 3rd Keith Doyle.
Athletics – Cross Country
Well done to our 8 local athletes who travelled to Mosney at the end of May as part of the county Galway team for the National Cross Country finals. They were Seán Diskin, Mark Walsh, Lorcan McHugh, Stephen Walsh, Richard Commins, Seán Moran, Georgina Healy and Nicola Conlan. Special Congratulations to Georgina and Nicola who won Gold Medals with the Girls under 12 relay team and to Seán Diskin and Mark Walsh who were part of the Under 14 Boys relay team which also won Gold Medals.
Chess
Well done to our local under 12 chess team who took the bronze medals in the County finals on Sunday 29th May. This was a young team with many of the players eligible again next year to play in this age group. The team was David McCann (Captain) Mark Coyle, Michael Coyle, Liane Martin, Darragh Moylan, Eoin Conroy, Ciara Lenihan.
Community Games Art
There was a huge entry for the Community Games Art Competition again this year, leaving the judge with a very difficult task indeed. The organizers would like to thank a number of people, for helping in organizing the event, namely the Principles, Teaching Staff and Secretaries of the five schools who participated. The Schools involved were Bawnmore, Coolarne, Cregmore, Carnmore and Claregalway.
The Finalists are as follows:
Girls U-8 1st Ellen O’Keefe, 2nd Jean Carr, 3rd Catherine Walsh.
Boys U-8 1st Daniel Coyle, 2nd Shane Dunleavy, 3rd James Creaven.
Girls U-10 1st Aoife Morris, 2nd Karen Fox, Joint 3rd Christina Morris and Eimear Jenkins.
Boys U-10 1st Eoin Whelan, 2nd Martin Mc Manus, 3rd Eoin Flaherty.
Girls U-12 1st Niamh Gill, 2nd Liane Martyn, 3rd Laura Loftus.
Boys U-12 1st Brian Keane, 2nd Vincent Doyle, 3rd Brendan Brennan.
Girls U-14 1st Laura Mc Hugh, 2nd Ciara Mc Donagh, 3rd Rebecca Higgins.
Boys U-14 1st Paul Kearns, 2nd Joseph Naughton, 3rd Peter Dolan.
Congratulations to all our competitors and finalists. A special congratulation to Paul Kearns who goes forward to represent Galway in the All-Irelands in Mosney in August. We wish him every success.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Many thanks to the generous sponsors of the Community Games without whom we would not be able to continue. We would encourage you all to support these local businesses. Local Sponsors: Callinan Coaches, Nicos, Claregalway Pharmacy, Flynns of Lackagh, Claregalway Hotel, Whirskey’s, Lackagh Pharmacy, Martin McCarthy Dental Practice, RC Hair Studios, Tommy Duggan Garage, A Stem Above, Torque Racing, John Daly, Hughes Supermarket.
Interior Design – Hints & Tips
Conservatories
During the Victorian and Edwardian periods the conservatory was very popular, it was used for leisure and particularly to grow all types of plants, especially the exotic ones. It was regarded as part of the garden, although attached to the house, while today the conservatory is used more as an extension to the home. They’re back in fashion for both practical and economic reasons. Because of modern technology, we can have safety glass, double glazing, easy care plastic, efficient heating systems, etc., which all allow for durable, comfortable and cost-effective conservatories. It can extend your living area (cheaper than moving house), create an easy space to relax, work, or play in and may even add value to your home. Most of today’s conservatories are multi-functional places e.g. dining room and play-room for children during the winter months. It is a great link between the garden and the home, combining outdoor pleasures with home comforts, not just in summer but all year round.
Planning a conservatory
Before you buy a conservatory, consider your needs, what you want from it and plan accordingly. If you are going to do it, it’s worth doing well. Do it for the enjoyment not just to add value the house. Consider what purpose you’re putting the conservatory too, as this will effect other decisions you make further down the line. Do you want a bright, sunny extra room, that the family can use all year long; a new space for an informal summer get together; children’s play area; or just a place to grow plants? Of course it can be used for more than just one purpose. If you are using it as a dining room, you may need a large dining table in there – if so go for width rather than projection.
Before you get carried away with the idea of it all, consider how much you want to spend or can afford to spend. Allow for extras, such as heating, lighting, flooring, furniture, plants etc., which can add considerably to the final cost. But try not to compromise on space, you don’t want to end up with a size that’s too small to be useful and still cost money. Get the most space you can afford or wait a bit longer and save for it. You need to decide where to locate your conservatory. If you are lucky, you may have a choice of more than one place or if you are making the decision during the design or construction of the house, you have more options. Do you want it to be very much part of the living area of the house and/or to open up to become part of the garden or terrace? If you site it close to the heart of the house, it’s likely to be used frequently, rather than attached to the end wall, further away and gets used as a junk room. Try to site it so as you have the best view over the garden, but also keep the view from the garden back to the house in mind. Also do you want it located in such away, that you and your family are on show when in use (like goldfish in a bowl). For example it may be better to locate it at the back rather than at the side of the house.
The direction your conservatory faces is also important. If it faces north, it will be cold in winter and need good insulation, while a south facing one can get very warm and need good ventilation. South-west is probably the best, particularly it you are interested in growing plants. Of course the conservatory doesn’t have to be at garden level, it can be high up e.g. on a flat roof or terrace. You could also glass-in a balcony, which should be a less expensive option. Where ever you locate it, get advice on planning permission.
Style
The style of your conservatory is as important as its location. Try to choose one that suits your house and reflects its architecture. For example, a large Victorian style one will do nothing for a modern bungalow. Match materials used in the conservatory to those in the house – from brickwork to windows and if possible copy interesting design details from the house. All this will make the conservatory look and feel part of the building as a whole and not something you attached on as an after thought.
There are different styles of conservatories available, from the very traditional to modern. The Victorian style known for its bay front, that usually comprises either three or five facets. The Edwardian style makes good use of space, it is usually square or rectangular in shape, while the Lean-to is great for big or small awkward spaces and is cost effective. But you can combine different styles to create a design to suit your needs. Before you make your final decision on the design, mark it out on the ground with pegs and that will help you to visualise how much space it will take up and how it will effect your garden. There are other important elements to consider, such as access, electricity, heating, where to place windows and doors etc. Positioning doors at the front of the conservatory can create a ‘corridor’ effect, making it difficult to arrange furniture. If you want a more robust and weatherproof feeling, consider building a ‘garden (sun) room’ with a dwarf brick wall (not too high) and solid roof as insulation against heat, cold and the pitter-pat of rain.
Don’t forget to consider your neighbours in all of this, we don’t live in isolation – will it effect their enjoyment of their garden and cut out sunlight? We also have an obligation to the environment around us, we should ask the question – does our choice of conservatory add or distract from it?
Furnishing and Decorating
Furnishing and decorating the conservatory should be as much fun as it any other room in the house and be given the same attention to detail. It is not a room to furnish with expensive antiques, unless you can keep them well protected from harsh sunlight. Because the conservatory is a link between the garden and house, it is a good idea to reflect this in its furnishings. Wicker or cane furniture is a good idea or you could use well-designed garden furniture, softened with cushions and upholstered seats. Rattan furniture is also a good option, it looks good, strong, hardwearing, and very comfortable. The flooring needs to be practical, that is hardwearing and easy to wipe clean. You could use wooden floors, terracotta or ceramic tiles, under-floor heating would prevent any chilliness underfoot and the need for radiators and the problem of where to place them.
The best window treatment is one that doesn’t take away from your view. You will still need some type of blind – Roman, roller, pleated, or Venetian to keep the sun’s rays from damaging furnishings or overheating the room. Use your conservatory for a while before you decide what blinds you need, as they can be expensive if you need to do a large area. When choosing a colour scheme, remember the outside is part of your décor, so choose colours that blend well. Don’t forget lighting and accessories to give the finishing touches to your look. Wall and ceiling mounted lanterns will look good. A well-lit garden will create a great backdrop at night and you will avoid staring out into spooky darkness. Candles places around the conservatory will create a romantic ambience – perfect for entertaining at night. Well-chosen plants will link the inside with the outside.
Having a conservatory, that is well planned, can be a great asset to a home, in which all members of the family can enjoy, be they young or old.
Mary D. Kelly
Decorating Options
(091) 798224.
