The Clare People Archive

A LEADING Dublin interior de- sign and architecture firm has been appointed to guide the redevelop- ment of the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point into the future.

Millimetre Design, already having directed the design of other leading hotels across Ireland, has been com- missioned to lead the design of the Clare coast hotel.

John Burke, director of the Armada Hotel, said, “After looking over the portfolio of many of Ireland’s lead-

ing design companies, it became apparent the Millimetre Design team and in particular their company director, Ronan Holohan, displayed the ability and vision to lead this project in the right direction”

“In particular, the new concept of the ‘tranquility suites’, which he grasped and brought to new levels, is exciting. The tranquility suites will be unique and original in providing spa facilities within the comforts of one’s bedroom. While enjoying the great location, the tranquil setting will be created by a combination of

mood lighting, 1Pod surround sound, bespoke furniture and a floor-to-ceil- ing window. The real diamond of this concept is the ability to enjoy a spa bath while looking across the bay.”

The development, due for comple- tion in spring 2008, will comprise a full re-design of the existing hotel, along with the addition of 25 new rooms, including superior rooms and tranquility suites.

Ronan Houlihan, chief designer with Millimetre, said, “I was drawn to the project by the location, the tranquility suites and the exciting

concepts I was able to produce for the bars, restaurant and function room. I think Clare has something to be ex- cited about, and this property, when completed, will be able to compete with the best in the country.”

Work on the project will commence in November and the new-look hotel will be rolled out from February to April. The hotel will remain open ex-

cept for a short period in January.

IF the urge to draw and paint is some- thing you’ve had since you first man- aged to stay inside the black lines ina colouring book, then a course that is starting on the lively shores of Lough Graney shortly could be for you.

Art At The Park at Killanena starts Saturday, November 24, running un- til Sunday, November 25.

The two-day course teaches draw- ing, using a variety of subjects and media, from pencil to chalks, char- coal to water-soluble crayons.

“People learn to draw what they really see. This is tuition that will change your attitude to drawing, help

you really progress and improve your painting ability for ever’, said artist and teacher, Julie Douglas.

‘We have a very mixed bag of peo- ple who come to Killanena House for courses. Some are older people who used to draw and maybe haven’t been back to it since school. Others are people who have done painting courses and enjoyed them but real- ised they can only go so far before they need to learn how to draw prop- Se WA

“We also have established artists who want to get back to basics, so it’s CL DN Comr: ecb Dem Jalomcr BLCE

All artist-quality materials are sup- plied – “and we’re big on cake,” said

Julie – as well as coffee and home- made lunch.

The courses are not residential except for Julie’s five-day portfolio preparation course for students who are hoping to get into art college. “It’s a bit like prison,’ said Julie.

Julie guides students through wa- tercolour painting, drawing, life drawing, portraiture and botanical painting in the quiet, unspoilt corner off the tourist trail.

The course runs from |lam to 4pm. For more information, contact Ju- lie on 061 925975 for bookings and information or visit the website at www.artatthepark.net

SCARIFF is the location this week for film, art, drama, poetry, music and thought-provoking photography on the theme of human rights.

One World Week (OWW) is an international initiative to provide space for people from diverse back- grounds to learn about global justice, to spread that learning and to use it to challenge inequality, discrimina- tion and degradation, locally and globally.

Last year during this week, Fish- bowl Youth worked with the theme of HIV/AIDS and this year, the club has organised a host of events on the theme of power and justice which

will appeal to all ages to mark the Neto)

With the help of five European vol- unteers, Fishbowl are organising the ‘Cornered’ Human Rights and Arts Festival in Scariff.

Over the past six weeks they have given workshops at Youth Reach, The Alfa Project, Mercy College Wood- ford, EMC Youth Club, and Scariff Community College, the results will be displayed during the festival.

From November 19 to 25, young local artists will have their work ex- hibited at Fishbowl Youth club and the Market House. Photos by Sophie Breuker, taken in South Africa and Turkey will be exhibited in main street shop windows while Brian and

Joe’s Coffee Shop will host Katie Moore’s photos of Nigeria.

At Youth Reach, visitors can come face to face with a thought-provok- ing collection of photos of Israel and Palestine and Philip Daly’s inspiring pictures of “Burma Action Ireland” will be exhibited at the new Scariff Public Library.

Anyone interested can try their tal- ent at the drumming workshops, get information about the work of Am- nesty International, hear local musi- cians play, or explore human rights through the living statues of Fish- bowl Youth.

During the weekend there will be presentations on Fair Trade, and there will be two workshops or the

‘Breaking through the Wall’ work- shop in Youth.

There will be a number of short movies, relating to the issue of Hu- man Rights, Ruaille-Buaille dance night and The Acoustic Music evening in a cafe style setting.

Not forgetting the younger ones, on Sunday the ALFA Project’s students will present a puppet-show of “Vasil- issa the beautiful”.

Everyone interested is welcome to the grand opening with music, poet- ry and refreshments at the new pub- lic library on the Thursday at 6pm when Deputy Timmy Dooley will officially open the event with Elean- or Feeley, Youth Theatre Officer, in attendance.

“OH what a beautiful morning.” No, we’re not talking about a clear winter’s day in Clare but one of the well known songs from ‘Oklahoma’ which is this year’s presentation from the East Clare Musical Society.

Now in their third year of musical production after their ‘Joseph And His Amazing Dreamcoat’ in 2005 and the hilarious musical extrava- ganza ‘God Bless Archie Dean’ in 2006, ‘Oklahoma’ will be performed by the East Clare Musical Society from December 13 to 16.

Set in the early 20th century, ‘Okla- homa!’ tells the story of a boisterous and hard Aunt Eller (Niamh Murphy) who is seated outside her house when the debonair Curley played by Paul Connery call’s by singing, “Oh what a beautiful morning.”

Curley is in top form as he 1s ask- ing Aunt Eller’s niece Laurie (Imelda Flannery) to the box social. Love-ri- val Will Parker is played by Michael Tuohy and Judge Carnes by Peader McMahon. Ado Annie is played by Louise O’Connor and Persian ped- dler Ali Hakin by John Moloney. Moody farmhand Jud is played by

Tim Landers.

The show is produced and choreo- graphed by Tim Landers and assisted by Aifric Devane and the music di- rector is Johnny O’Brien.

People came from all over east Clare last year to take part in the mu- sical society’s production and it was their proud boast that almost every village and area was represented in some way.

“This year, we have many new members of the society. It is tremen- dous that we have representatives from Norway, Denmark, Spain, Ger- many, Scotland and from many more

parishes stretching form Killaloe to Gurteeny in County Galway.

“We wish all our newcomers many enjoyable nights of rehearsing, cama- raderie, laughs and moments of seri- ousness and success to all involved in the production,” a spokesman for the society said.

Tickets for the show will go on sale from November 24 in Centra, Scariff and at the door subject to availabil- ity. The venue is Scariff Community College, doors opening at 7.15pm and show starting at 8pm sharp.

Due to unprecedented popularity it is advisable to book early.

SOMEWHERE out there could be the next Roddy Doyle or Enda O’Brien and, if you think you have even a spark of that kind of genius, then the Killaloe writers workshop is the place for you.

Just started up again after a sum- mer break and now in a new location at the Family Resource Centre, the free and friendly workshop sessions are open to writers of every experi- ence and none.

On the third Tuesday of each month, the group meets between

Spm and |lOpm to read, exchange views and opinions, offer construc- tive criticism, advice and pool in- formation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

“People are very welcome to come along and just have a listen and see what’s going on initially but we would hope in the end that every- one would have a go and read their work,” said Mike Durack, one of the founder members of the group since ie

The evenings feature short stories, poetry, works in progress, magazine articles and writings for radio.

“We have people who have been published in magazines or featured on radio and people who are just starting to write but everyone can learn something,’ said Mike.

Numbers in the group vary and there are currently up to eight people attending.

As well as reading and making sug- gestions to improve writing skills, the group shares experiences on the best styles for different disciplines as well as contacts and methods of get- ting published or broadcast.

“We are open to every level of ex- perience and any suggestions made

are made in a friendly way that will encourage people so there’s no need to worry.”

The evenings give fledgling writ- ers a chance to share their work in a sympathetic environment and new- comers to the art blossom under the encouragement and constructive ad- vice given by the more experienced scribes.

Anyone interested in taking part in the workshops should contact Mike at 087 7810577 or Sean O’ Donohue on 061 375384.

Alternatively, just come along on the night.

A ROW is brewing over the post of- fice field after wildlife experts be- came the latest group to express con- cern over plans for the site.

The Clare Regional Game Council has expressed its opposition to plans to build a new state of the art public library in the centre of Ennis. Ac- cording to the Council, any develop- ment at the site would have a negative impact on the abundance of wildlife inhabiting it.

The proposed development in the Ennis Post Office field will incor- porate a new Public Library, Head- quarters, Local Studies Centre, per- formance arena, community meeting

facilities and a range of ancillary exhibition areas for Clare County L1- brary and the Clare Arts Office.

Council secretary, Jimmy Allard said the post office field is an impor- tant breeding ground for birds.

He said, “We are objecting to any building or development on any part of the field. We stopped a builder building a hotel there before. That field is a wildlife sanctuary, from there out to Doora. There are a lot of ducks and geese in the area where they want to build that use it to nest”.

One of Ireland’s most successful fishermen, Mr Allard is a three time All-Ireland fly fishing champion and international gold medal winner.

He was the first person to introduce ducks to the River Fergus at the post office field in 1990 and the popu- lation has thrived since. He fears though that construction work would damage the delicate eco-system that has developed in the field.

“The ducks hatch along the area Where they are proposing to build. There will be hatching boxes going in there in the spring. You couldn’t start building there. There are a lot of people in the town that aren’t happy with it. Everyone would like to see a new library in the town, but we feel that there is plenty of space on the present site that could be re-devel- oped”

Mr Allard said the Council is also

planning to call a public meeting to discuss the issue.

Last week Minster of State Tony Killeen announced the appointment of a project design team to explore the development of a three-story 45,000 sq ft library building and arts centre.

However members of the arts com- munity in Ennis have questioned the merit of the project given Ennis al- ready has two major arts and cultural venues in glor and the recently rede- veloped Cois na hAbhna.

Library and Council officials have said the need exists for a new library in Ennis and that re-development of the existing De Valera library site is unfeasible.

THE clocks turned back in Kilmaley last week when residents of the local day care centre provided a hands on CCeaeyerieeclmCOembeMOlUlAKcsmpeeteD operon

Using an authentic butter churn the residents of Kilmaley Day Care Cen- tre relived an age-old practice much to the delight of students from Kil- maley National School.

The demonstration was organised by Clare Museum as part of its out- reach work in communities across the county.

According to Mr. John Rattigan, Curator, Clare Museum, “I brought a handling collection from the museum

to the daycare centre and tried to en- courage people to bring in artefacts from their own homes. Over the next couple of weeks we found that we had amassed most of the equipment needed to make homemade butter in the traditional way, and we decided to give it a go.”

He continued, “Most of the mater1- al is probably less than 50 years old, and I was told that the glass churn represented the height of fashion in 1950s Ireland.

Somebody else brought in the but- ter pats for shaping the butter and, more importantly, all brought in the knowledge of how to make butter.”

Clare Museum’s outreach pro-

gramme has been well received around the county since its concep- tion in early 2005.

During 2005 ands 2006, the clients of Ennistymon Hospital and Daycare Centre and Raheen Hospital and Daycare Centre were invited to take part in a reminiscence project called Preserving the Past for the Future.

Participants were invited to bring in family heirlooms, or objects that represented the lives or achievements of either themselves or their relatives, and to recall memories associated A Leem Ne ToOen

“None of the children present at the demonstration realised that but- ter was once made at home by their

erandparent’s generation’, explained Mary Ita Griffin, Manager of the Kilmaley Day Care Centre.

Ms. Griffin stated, ““The fascination of watching cream turn to golden but- ter proved to be an enjoyable learning experience for kids and adults alike. I would like to express my gratitude to Clare Museum, the children of Kilmaley National School and, most of all, everyone who attends Kilma- ley Day Care Centre for their enthu- siasm.”’

THE people of Stonehall and sur- rounding areas are being asked to help, financially, with the extension of the local primary school.

An additional classroom, games hall, office, learning support room and cloakroom have been built onto the school, which was constructed in 1901.

There were four classrooms, but

the additional room was needed, so that the increasing pupil numbers could be afforded adequate space. There are currently 106 pupils on the school roll, along with a teaching staff of eight.

In an effort to cover the costs of the project, the school is currently fund- raising with a “Buy a Brick’ project to help put the finishing touches to the extension of the building.

Some government funding was re-

ceived, but local assistance is also required, in order that the project can be completed.

The parents committee has raised some money and are still looking for more funds. The building work started during the summer and it is hoped that the final works will be completed within the next month.

Teacher Helen O’Brien is appealing to past pupils to help out, as the wider community will benefit as a result.

“The government funding is not ad- equate so we are asking for the help of past pupils to buy a brick. If they do, they would be helping with the kitting out of the school,” she said.

The bricks cost €50 each and con- tributions can be made to the account at AIB, Town Centre, Shannon. Ac- count Number: 06585022. Sort Code: ee te yo

Contributions can also be sent to the school.

A YOUNG branch of the national charity, St Vincent de Paul, has been set up in St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon.

The interest in the initiative in the school has been fantastic and its co- ordinators believe the group will be around for a very long time to come.

The key thing about this group, Youth St Vincent de Paul, is that it is the local community that will ben- efit, through the work of enthusiastic youngsters.

School chaplain Cora Guinnane, who is co-ordinating the initiative, said the idea came about after stu-

dents showed an interest in carrying out charity work.

Two senior students, Ashley Mason and Caitriona Lynch, went to Lour- des in June and they wanted to con- tinue with charity work, when they ued AUD U NLerOm aCe) eatss

“I suggested to them about setting up a junior conference with St Vin- cent de Paul. I put it out to the whole school,” said Ms Guinnane.

A number of meetings were set up, with a view to setting up the group and the reaction was phenomenal.

‘There was a huge response. There were 40 people at the first meeting. Out of that, we decided to set up a committee and we elected officers.

We wanted a good mix between jun- ior and senior students,” she said.

Ms Guinnane and another teacher Mary Ryan facilitated the initial meetings and various students were given key roles on the new commit- oren

A number of key initiatives form a central part of the work being under- taken by the group.

Some students visit the sick in Car- rigoran, Newmarket-on-Fergus and St Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis.

A Christmas party, for the senior citizens in the town, will be held in St Caimin’s on December 14. This will be organised by the Leaving Certificate Applied class, who will

organise the food and decorations for the event.

Other students are planning to help out with the annual Christmas col- lection in Shannon, while others are interested in helping assemble ham- pers in the school, for Christmas.

“Every student will be asked to con- tribute at least one food item. That is the plan, in the run-up to Christmas,” said Ms Guinnane.

“The reaction has been fantastic, wi th so many young students keen to get involved. There is good mix between boys and girls. The students have to learn to give something back to so- ciety and it is great to be involved in charity,” said Ms Guinnane.

THE Government is set to miss its own deadline in opening the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor between Ennis and Galway.

That is the view of Fine Gael’s Pat Breen who told the Dail that the link is unlikely to be opened before 2009 and not 2008 as originally envis- aged.

Deputy Breen said that when the new rail link is open, “There will be a railway network linking Limerick, Ennis and Galway, three major ur- ban areas and two large cities. This will facilitate many people, not only

morning commuters but third-level students in both cities.”

The Fine Gael deputy, however, was critical of the Government’s pro- vision of transport infrastructure in jabber) BB uote he

He said, “Unfortunately, this Gov- SIM ONDOLS)OLMN OT-omrsloyeDOLO CO) elerOmncseelO)IT-D INO lor velopment. Very little of the money set aside for Transport 21 will go towards rural Ireland, somewhere around one per cent or two per cent of its budget or €30 million.”

Deputy Breen said, “I commute weekly between Clare and Dublin and one would expect to find a dual carriageway at least from Limerick to

Dublin by now. The National Roads Authority, NRA, is widening the road at the Nenagh bypass to make it a dual carriageway. If this had been a few years ago when the Nenagh by- pass was opened taxpayers’ money would have been saved.

“Poor roads will not encourage people to live in rural areas, they will instead move to urban areas. That is part of the problem we face in County Clare. There is a dual car- riageway from Barefield to Limerick but the Ennis bypass which should have opened in 2004 is not yet com- pletely open.

“T welcome that it is partly open and

has eased gridlock in the town. The dual carriageway was opened last January yet two critical link roads, have not been opened at Clareabbey in Clarecastle and on the Tulla road. A link road should have been built on the Tulla road but it isn’t part of the

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“We should have a broad vision when building roads and look to the future. The transport sector is the fastest growing contributor to our national rate of greenhouse gas emis- sions.

“A few years ago there was only one car per house, now most house- holds have two or three cars. Our

infrastructure has unfortunately not kept pace with that development. We all know how slow travel is now be- tween towns. A few years ago I could travel in ten minutes from my house to Ennis, now it takes 15 to 20 min- utes because of the gridlock.

“If we are to take cars off the road it is important to improve public trans- port. According to the 2002 census 62 per cent of people use the car to get to work compared with 45 per cent in 1986.

“The number of people driving their cars to work has increased by 50 per cent in that period. This is a worrying trend.”