St.Colman's Church,Gort,Co.Galway October 6th 2007, 8.30pm
There are few more uplifting pleasures than giving and receiving. On October 6th 2007 you will have the opportunity to do both.
The LISMORAHAUN SINGERS, under Director Archie Simpson, will be joined by COOLE VOICES, under Director Katharina Baker in a concert in St. Colman's Church Gort, County Galway to raise funds to send a tractor to Kasama in Zambia.
The LISMORAHAUN SINGERS need less and less introduction as their reputation builds and travels far a field thanks to their sell out Mozart's Requiem performances in 2005 and numerous inspiring concerts before and since. Their recent Merriman School offering was a success of great warmth and uplift.
The independent, mixed, choir COOLE VOICES was started in 2002 in Gort by Katharina Baker. They have performed numerous, appreciated concerts in Gort, Ennis and Wexford. They present a fresh, varied, repertoire from around the globe. Katharina Baker is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm and is founder of the Coole Music School which is based in Gort.
Archie Simpson, director of THE LISMORAHAUN SINGERS was approached by Pat Canavan, who had recently returned from Kasama in Zambia. While there Pat came up with the idea of raising funds to send a tractor to the Kasama School Project. This community project is run by Br. Dominic, CBC, an old and dear friend of Pat Canavan. The tractor is needed for transportation purposes and to help move the heavy building materials sent from Ireland. When the project is completed the tractor can go on helping this village community and serve for many years to come in differing capacities. Pat, who is passionate about his project, has already sent one tractor which helped volunteer builders from Co.Waterford to build a Training Centre for school leavers. There are many children orphaned in this area of Africa due to the Aids epidemic and other diseases. These children are as bright as the next child in any community of the world but, due to poverty, need all the help they can get to help themselves in the long run. Archie Simpson captivated by the idea of one community project helping another community project jumped at the idea. When he invited Coole Voices to join the project, they were delighted to support it. And so this glorious night's entertainment was born. And YOU too can become part of this communal chain and help get this tractor to Africa! In fact, WITHOUT your support this project cannot work!
Tickets, at €15 each, will be available at the Post Office in Gort from September 20th. They will also be available at the door on the night. Please come and bring your neighbours and friends, both young and old. In return we promise something for everyone in the evening's programme!
Founder of Lifestyle Management Company Listed in Top All-Island Business Women
Irish Entrepreneur Magazine has listed Galway businesswomen Tara Dalrymple, Director of Busy Lizzie Lifestyle Management [www.busylizzie.ie] in their Top 100 Businesswomen in Ireland for 2007. Dalrymple was listed in their 2006 line-up, will 2008 make it a hat trick? The magazine describes how passion, dedication, persistence and above all vision, are all things common to the women featured in their top 100 listing of Ireland's most proactive female entrepreneurs, north and south of Ireland. In the list they have highlighted entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, social and cultural innovators. Most of us, at some point, felt there were simply not enough hours in the day. Tara Dalrymple's company Busy Lizzie, set up in 2004, aims to ease the pressure. Offering help with anything from getting your garden under control to grave maintenance or even picking up the dry-cleaning. Busy Lizzie does the things we don't have time to do. In her first year of business, Dalrymple was awarded the Business and Professional Women's Club Innovative Businesswomen of the Year award and one of last year's finalists in the Junior Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the year. It has been a tremendous year for the concierge company. They opened offices in Cork and Limerick. Dalrymple puts her successes down to "…supportive family and friends, great staff and hard work…" About Busy Lizzie Lifestyle Management Busy Lizzie is a lifestyle management and personal assistant service that exists for the sole purpose of helping clients to lead more fulfilling lives. Through their services, they enable clients to enjoy newfound freedom by reducing the amount of time spent performing time-consuming tasks. They strive to ensure their clients have the opportunity to spend more time with their family, friends and on their hobbies and passions.
The Western Writers' Centre, Galway - Ionad Scribhneoirí Chaitlín Maud -
is running a number of varied readings over the next couple of months. In the Galway region, Frank Golden will read for us, sponsored by Galway County Council, at the Clarinbridge Arts Festival on October 1st, starting at 8pm, in Claire's Restaurant, Clarinbridge. His exhibition of paintings is on show there also. Frank Golden was born in Dublin but has been living in the Burren, Co. Clare, for over a decade. His books include In Partial Settlement, On Route to Leameneh and his novel The Two Women of Aganatz. In recent years he has worked on TV and film projects and is currently writing a new novel. He has received awards from the Arts Council of Ireland and the Irish Film Board. Next comes writer and novelist in English and Irish, Ré O Laighleis, who reads at The Imperial Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway, on Wednesday October 3rd, at 8pm. This reading is also sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge. Rugadh Ré O Laighlís sa Naigín, Co Atha Cliath in 1953. Ghlac sé céim sa tSocheolaíocht agus sa Ghaeilge in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (1978) agus ghnóthaigh sé iarchéimeanna san Oideachas i gColáiste Phádraigh (G D Ed 1980) agus i mBoston College (M Ed 1983). Tá sé cáilithe freisin mar Shaineolaí Comhairleach sa Léitheoireacht ag an Massachusetts State Board of Education (1983). Chaith sé dhá bhliain déag mar mhúinteoir i Scoil Iognáid, Gaillimh. I 1996 foilsíodh a shainleabhar drámaíochta d'oidí agus do pháustí, Aistear Intinne (Coiscéim). Is mar scríbhneoir úrscéalta, áfach, idir Ghaeilge agus Bhéarla, is mó atá aithne ar Ré O Laighléis. Tá aitheantas tugtha ag an gComhairle Ealaíon do thábhacht a scríbhínní trí Spárantachtaí sa Litríocht a bhronnadh air i 1991, 1995/'96 agus arís i 1999/2000. Scríobhann sé don déagóir agus don duine fásta araon agus tá saothair leis aistrithe go raidhse eile teangacha. Ar na saothair do dhéagóirí dá chuid is mó a bhfuil éileamh orthu tá Punk agus Scéalta Eile (Cló Mhaigh Eo), buaiteoir Dhuais na Comhdhála 1987, An Taistealaí (Cló Mhaigh Eo), Ecstasy agus Scéalta Eile (Cló Mhaigh Eo), a bhuaigh an Bisto Book of the Year Merit Award 1995, agus Gafa (Comhar), a bhain gearrliosta an Bisto Book of the Year Award 1997 amach agus ar ar bronnadh an duais don Leabhar is Fearr do Dhéagóirí in Oireachtas 1996. Ainmníodh dhá shaothar eile leis don Irish Times Literary Award, mar atá Ciorcal Meiteamorfach i 1992 agus Sceoin sa Bhoireann i 1997. Ghnóthaigh Sceoin sa Bhoireann Duais Chuimhneacháin Sheáin Uí Eigeartaigh in Oireachtas 1993. This reading is in Irish. Ré O Laighléis is a native of Sallynoggin, Co Dublin. A graduate of the University of Galway (1978), he has postgraduate degrees in education from St Patrick's College, Dublin and Boston College, Massachusetts. He taught in Galway for twelve years. Since 1992, O Laighléis has been a full-time writer and lives in the Burren, Co Clare. Six of his plays were awarded the All Ireland Schools Drama title and he is a three-times winner of the Aodh O Ruairc Commemorative Drama Award. His Aistear Intinne (COISCEIM, 1996), is written for drama teachers and children. He is best known, as a writer of novels and short stories. He is published in English and Italian, and is the biggerst selling contemporary writer in the Irish language. He writes for both the adult and teenage reader, and has been awarded numerous Oireachtas literary awards in the various genres. He is twice winner of The Bisto Book of the Year Merit Award. On the international front, he is the recipient of the 1995 NAMLLA Award (North American Minority Languages Literary Award) and the 1997 White Ravens Literary Award.
Gort Breastfeeding Support Group
is pleased to announce it is hosting Galway County's annual Breastfeeding Conference on Wednesday, 3rd October 2007 at Sullivan's Hotel, Gort from 10 - 4 pm during the National Breastfeeding Promotion Week.
The conference is free and sponsored by the Health Promotion Unit of HSE Western region. Booking is essential - please phone Gort Family Resource Centre 091 630902 for further details.
Leaving Cert class of 1977
''Calling all Past Pupils of Gortnor Abbey,Crossmolina, Co. Mayo. Another re-union is being planned for the Leaving Cert Class of 1977. Is this you? or do you know someone this applies to? If so and you wish to attend the re-union please contact any of the following, Eda Morrissey on 087 234 4675 or e-mail edamorrissey@eircom.net : Maura Deane on 087 617 8845 or Moira Devers on 086 407 3904 or e-mail mo_gaughan@yahoo.co.uk for more details. We are looking forward to hearing from you.''
Annual Children's Book Festival
A large number of children are expected to participate in this year's Children's Book Festival which will take place from October 1st - 2nd November at all fifteen library branches in the County WRITES GEORGE KEEGAN. Among the authors taking part will be Derek Landy, Malachy Doyle, Judi Curtin, Niamh Sharkey, and Re O'Laighleis. Other well known names who will also tour the libraries include wildlife expert Eanna Ni Lamhna, sculptor Dermot Twohigk, storyteller Eddie Lenihan , Irish-American storyteller Bairbre McCarthy, plus David Lyons (National Parks and Wildlife service) , and Michael Moylan ( Irish History Live). According to Ms. Patricia Fitzgerald, Assistant librarian Children's Services Clare County Library , the month of October is now synonymous with the Children's book festival , and all over Ireland thousands of child-focused events will be taking place, designed to celebrate books and reading. " Throughout the month numerous authors and illustrators will attend weekday events in Clare's libraries, all of which are free of charge, sparking off new interest in books and creative writing ," Ms. Fitzgerald added. Clare County library regularly hosts initiatives aimed at encouraging more children to read. These include World Book day, Children's Book Clubs, and the popular Schools service. The library service also continues to renew and update stock of children's books in all fifteen branches. Full details on www.clarelibrary.ie
Gold Medal For Kilrush At National Tidy Towns
The prestigious award was announced by Mr. John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at a ceremony in Dublin Castle. The County Clare town scored 290 points, an increase of eight points on last year's result, to beat off competition from all over Ireland and claim the accolade. The Committee achieved a Bronze Medal in Category D of the Tidy Towns Competition in 2003 and 2004, while it received a Silver Medal in the same category in 2005 and 2006. "Winning a gold medal is a massive achievement for everybody involved", stated Cllr Tom Clyne, Mayor of Kilrush.
Young Environmentalist Awards
Details of the Young Environmentalist Awards for 2008 have been announced WRITES GEORGE KEEGAN. The registration deadline will be 30th November 2007, and the project submission deadline is 29th February 2008. The awards ceremony will be held next May. The YEA is Ireland's all island environmental awards programme for young people between the ages of 12 and 18. It's a six step programme which honours young people who protect, conserve and enhance our environment, making a difference in the lives of others locally and globally by carrying out an environmental project. The initative aims to empower young people to become active citizens, to build awareness of environmental issues in their locality and promote simple actions and lifestyle changes to improve the environment for all. A handbook giving full details of how to enter is now available. The ECO-UNESCO Awards are sponsored by ENFO. Contact the organisers at tel 01- 6625491 or e-mail yea@ecounesco.ie . The web address is www.ecounesco.ie
'Closing Time' DVD Launched
The launch of a new DVD 'Closing Time' featuring some of the great names of Irish traditional music was scheduled to take place in Greene's bar, Ballyvaughan on Friday night, 28th September WRITES GEORGE KEEGAN. In the mid nineties when Irish film director and producer Ben Gibney was making his documentary 'Dark Horse On The Wind' about singer Sean Tyrrell it was decided, in order to show the diversity of Sean's talents, to film him in several different settings, several different situations and musical combinations. One night in Greene's bar the musicians were joined by Mickaleen Conlon the extraordinary concertina and accordion player. Sadly two months later he died. "We used very little of that nights filming in the completed documentary, Ben explains, but it always remained in Sean's mind that some part of Mickaleen and another musician Shane Holden who also subsequently passed away, would be preserved and we often spoke of doing something with it, if only for the sake of both musician's relations and friends. Early this year we rooted out the tapes of that night and set about making 'Closing Time' with the help of Terry King who provided the wherewithal to edit and post-produce". Sean Tyrrell speaking about these great musicians says "Mickaleen must take his rightful place among the giants of Irish music. I have said it many times - if ever I learned the art of magic in music it was from the grand wizard himself, Mickaleen. Regarding Shane it was he who helped me to forge the style I have in song today. No matter what rhythmic ramble I took he was always there beside me, right on the beat, and often- time keeping me there". The musicians involved on the night of Thursday 17th August 1994 in Greene's bar were:
Mickaleen Conlon( concertina and accordion)
Vincent Browne (guitar)
Gabriel Casey (whistle)
Shane Holden (guitar)
Liam Lewis( fiddle)
Sean Tyrrell (vocals, Monticello and banjo)
Historic Park Pavilion Theatre Set To Be Renovated In Lisdoonvarna
On the 22nd Aug 07 the Minister of State Mr. Tony Killeen learned that an announcement regarding the final approval of EUR1.27m for Lisdoonvarna's only community centre will shortly be made by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. The Clare T.D. said the Lisdoonvarna Fáilte project, which involves the restoration and refurbishment of the town's historic park pavilion theatre, would contribute greatly to community life when completed. Lisdoonvarna's Park Pavilion Theatre was built in 1913 to provide entertainment for visitors to the North Clare town's famed spa well.
GWEN Needs You!
GWEN (Gort Women's Equality Network) is looking for women to participate in a study that will define women's equality needs in the Gort region. The aim of the study is to identify barriers to women being able to participate in decision-making processes at local level. It will also explore barriers as to why more women do not, or can not avail of further education or participate in the work-force. Programme organisers stated, however, that the most important aim of this study is to give women a voice. The programme was created by Dr. Niamh Clune and Douglas Johnson of GRACE (Gort Regional Alliance for Community and Environment) in partnership with the Family Resource Centre. Initially, a group of women were invited to participate in a training programme designed to enable them to conduct a women's equality study, which will then be submitted to Pobal. Should you need further information, please contact: 0863381773. If you cannot attend either of those two meetings, we would still love to hear from you. This is your chance to have your say!!!
Who wants to be a Thousandaire?
On Saturday October 13th next, Ballyvaughan National School brings the thrilling live gameshow, "Who wants to be a Thousandaire" to the Burren Coast Hotel in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. This show has attracted large audiences all over Ireland over the past six years and is the most popular nationwide source of fund-raising for schools and clubs. Contestants are drawn from ticket sales and each contestant will play for 1000 Euro. The show is fully computerised with 50/50, Ask the Audience and a brilliant video linked Phone a Friend. The questions and four possible answers are displayed on two 8ft x 6ft screens, one at each side of the stage. We are all looking forward to a great night on the 13th as the show is really hi-tech and offers a superb night's entertainment. The show is timed to start at 8pm and we would encourage people to come early to ensure a seat" said Marie. "We would also like to say a particular word of thanks to our main sponsor, Atlantis Holiday Group and to all of those who have taken out advertising at the show" she continued.
Tickets are just €10 for "Who wants to be a Thousandaire" and are available from any member of the fundraising committee or at the door on the night.
Celebrations as Fanore School wins National Award
By George Keegan
There was great excitement among pupils and staff at St.Patrick's National School in Fanore when it was announced recently the school had been chosen as the winner of a nationwide competition to design the most 'Extraordinary GAA kit in Ireland'.
The competition was organised by Bank of Ireland and the pupils were presented with 36 tickets for the All Ireland football final in Croke Park where they had the opportunity to showcase their winning kit design at a pre-match ceremony. As there are less than 32 pupils attending the two teacher school it was decided to invite sixteen members of the Ballyvaughan/Fanore U 12 football team ( winners of their league this year) to travel to Dublin also.
The theme of the winning design was 'burning flames' - the flames representing the passion the school feels the GAA ignites in every town and village throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. The school dedicated a great deal of time developing their extraordinary kit in a design which didn't represent any particular county. Colours chosen were red, black and gold for the powerful image they create when combined. Speaking at the presentation of the award on Friday 7th September competition judge Peter Canavan (who is a PE teacher for Holy Trinity College, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone) said, " It was fantastic to be involved with Bank of Ireland in such an exciting and motivating competition for young players. As a teacher myself, I can see the GAA plays a very important role in the lives and development of the new sporting stars of the future".
On All Ireland Finals day the group were VIP guests of Bank Of Ireland and were treated to lunch in a city hotel before going to Croke Park where they carried the Cork flag on to the pitch. Speaking afterwards to ADMAG , Brid Queally Principal of Fanore National School said the children had a wonderful day out and being able to walk on to the pitch wearing a kit they had designed themselves was brilliant. Brid also paid tribute to Bank of Ireland who she said looked after the children so well throughout.
The competition celebrated the 14th year of Bank of Ireland's sponsorship of the Football Championship- one of the biggest sponsorships in the country.
Ré O Laighleis - Novelist
Kilrush Tidy Towns
Extraordinary GAA Kit in Ireland