The Banner Rising: Clare's 2013 All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship campaign

"Ahead of Clare's upcoming All Ireland Final clash with Cork on September 8th 2013, The Clare Herald has compiled a video chronicling The Banner County's path through this year's Championship. Up The Banner!!!" Posted on Youtube on the 27th of August 2013 by theclareherald.

The Banner's Road To Croker (original song)

"This is a small song I wrote for Clare in the 2013 All Ireland (hurling final) this year. I tried to make it funny and catchy and hopefully it'll get everyone in Clare up for the game, An Clár Abú." Posted on Youtube on the 25th of August 2013 by Noel McInerney.

Scariff Harbour Festival

"Guide to Scarriff Harbour Festival, County Clare - handcrafts, copperwork, oak forest walks, woollen mills and more." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of August 2013 by LuxuryHotels Ireland.

Burren Winterage Weekend

"This video is a short overview of the Burren Winterage Weekend - an event held at the end of October in the Burren region to celebrate the unique pastoral farming that exists in this region, the legacy it has create on this beautiful landscape and why it should be celebrated." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of August 2013 by BurrenBeoTrust.

Ennis Brass Band (playing in Barrack Street)

"Walked into town for a pint and heard some lovely brass band music coming from one of the streets. Wish we had known this was happening earlier, would have brought the decent cameras, mics and stayed longer. Location: Ennis Gourmet Store, Barrack Street, Ennis, Co. Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of august 2013 by GR8Aspect.

The Fleadh Down In Ennis 2014

"Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the most important event in the traditional music calendar. Twice before, the All-Ireland Fleadh has been held in Ennis, in 1956 and 1977, and both were landmark events in the annals of Irish traditional music. Ennis and Co. Clare are now seeking to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann once again and through a co-operative effort involving Comhaltas branches, local authorities, business people, sporting organisations and local volunteers, we are working hard to bring music lovers from all over the world to The Fleadh Down In Ennis in 2014!" Posted on Youtube on the 20th of January 2013 by bacaed07.

Medals of a Hurling Hero on display in Clare Museum

Inspired by the success of the Clare U-21 and Senior hurling teams in recent weeks, Clare Museum has put on display a collection of medals won by Brendan Considine and donated by his sons to the museum in 2006.

Born in the Turnpike, Brendan Considine, along with his brothers William ‘The Dodger’ and Turlough ‘Tull’Considine achieved fame over three decades as both hurlers and footballers. Brendan is reputed to be the youngest ever winner of an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Medal – he was a 17 year old student in St Flannan’s when Clare won the title in 1914.

When he finished school he took up a position with the Munster and Leinster Bank and was frequently moved to branches around the country. He consequently represented Dublin, Waterford and Cork during his playing career. Leinster and All-Ireland Senior Hurling medals he won with Dublin also make up part of the display, along with rare medals awarded for participation in hurling tournaments organised to raise funds for Republican relief organisations during the War of Independence. A member of Sinn Fein, Brendan Considine spent time on the run and had once been on hunger strike for 42 days.

According to Museum Curator John Rattigan, this is a rare opportunity to see the collection. "Although photographs of the medals are viewable on the museum website, they were last displayed to the public in 2006. However, other GAA medals such as the one won by Ned Grace in 1914 make up part of the permanent exhibition". The medals will be on display until mid-September.

Draft national strategy for libraries open to public consultation 2nd Sept 2013 to the 11th of October 2013

The draft national strategy for libraries will be open to public consultation from the 2nd of September 2013 to the 11th of October 2013. The draft public libraries strategy is an initiative of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the County and City Managers’ Association and the Local Government Management Agency. It sets out a plan for the systematic growth and development of public libraries in Ireland for the period 2013 to 2017 in the context of people’s changing needs, Government policy and the current and predicted economic, social and cultural environment.

Since its origins in the Public Libraries Ireland Act, 1855, Ireland's library service has been continuously reviewed at national level by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government as part of its role in overseeing the implementation of successive public library legislation. In 1998 the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government published Branching Out: A New Public Library Service, the first strategic plan for the development of the public library service at national level. Branching Out: A New Public Library Service ran from 1998 to 2007 and was followed by Branching Out - Future Directions from 2008-2012. The Branching Out strategies and capital funding programmes delivered improved library buildings, opening hours, ICT, stock, staffing and staff training. They provided the mechanism for stakeholder co-operation to realise a uniformly agreed vision for public libraries and for planned and co-ordinated development and enhancement of the service. 

The Branching Out strategies established a forum for all stakeholders to collaborate on forming a positive, inclusive vision for public libraries and led to a well thought-out and grounded national policy that transformed services, buildings and resources. As the progress made in these two previous strategies has been substantial, it is important to build on the momentum of results and outcomes already achieved.

The five year period of the proposed strategy begins in a very different economic climate and in a rapidly changing society with high levels of unemployment, a surge in birth rate and a significantly growing population of people aged over 65. Technological changes in the last decade have revolutionised life for the majority of people. The changing face of local government in Ireland under the action plan for effective local government, Putting People First2, will have far-reaching impacts at local and national level.

The public library service needs to provide an effective, vibrant and relevant service for people and communities in this changed and continuously evolving environment. A new strategy provides the framework to achieve this and to position the public library service to best advantage for the future, for the benefit of the public.

The draft public library strategy has been developed taking stakeholder views into account. The consultation process has included local and national policy makers, discussions with a broad range of focus groups, public library management and staff, government departments, interested public bodies and international library authorities. This public consultation is the final phase in the planned stakeholder engagement on the development of the public library strategy. The purpose of this phase is to open the consultation widely, ensuring input from as broad a range of interested parties as possible.

Stakeholders are invited to read the text of the draft public library strategy and return comments to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government via Libraries Development, Local Government Management Agency, before the 11th of October 2013 and respondents are kindly requested to use the electronic template provided.

Completed templates should be returned by post or email before the 11th of October 2013 to:

Libraries Development,

Local Government Management Agency,

Local Government House,

35 – 39 Ushers Quay,

Dublin 8.

Email: librariesdevelopment@lgma.ie

Telephone: 01 6332200

Click here for the draft version of “A Strategy for Public Libraries 2013 – 2017” (PDF)

Click here for “Public consultation on the draft Strategy forPublic Libraries 2013 – 2017” (PDF)

Click here for “Comhairliúchán poiblí ar anDréacht-Straitéis do Leabharlanna Poiblí 2013-2017” (PDF)

Donal Ryan - Irish debut novelist on Booker longlist

Debut Irish novelist Donal Ryan will find out on September 10th whether he has made the shortlist for the 2013 Man Booker prize. Ryan’s novel The Spinning Heart joins novels by two fellow Irishmen on the longlist of 13 chosen from 151 entries. Colm Toibin’s Testament of Mary and Colum McCann’s Transatlantic feature on the eclectic list which includes authors from seven different countries. As Robert MacFarlane, the chair of judges, points out, the novels on the list "range from the traditional to the experimental, from the first century AD to the present day, from 100 pages to 1,000 and from Shanghai to Hendon". Ryan’s novel is one of three debut novels on the list. The others are The Marrying of Chani Kaufman by Londoner Eve Harris and We Need New Names by Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo. The 2008 Man Booker prize was won by Aravind Adiga, for his debut novel The White Tiger. The prize is the world's most important literary award and has the power to transform the fortunes of authors and publishers. The shortlist will be announced on September 10th with the winner announced on October 15th. For the full list of longlisted authors see http://www.themanbookerprize.com/news/longlist-2013-announced

Newmarket-on-Fergus library renamed in honour of William Smith O’Brien

On Friday 23rd August 2013 Newmarket-on-Fergus Public Library was officially named in honour of William Smith O’Brien. Pictured at the naming ceremony were Grania O’Brien Weir and the Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Joe Arkins.

Also pictured at the recent naming ceremony of the William Smith O’Brien Public Library, Newmarket-on-Fergus were (L to R): Michael O’Brien, John O’Brien, Emby Cunningham, Director of Service Bernadette Kinsella, Mayor of Clare Cllr Joe Arkins, Conor O’Brien, Grania O’Brien Weir, Margaret O’Brien and Hugh Weir.

William O' Brien, Patriot, was born in Dromoland, County Clare on October 17th, 1803. He was the second son of Sir Edward O' Brien, fourth baronet of Dromoland. William's brother was the well-known Sir Lucius O'Brien, Conservative member for Clare. His mother was Charlotte, nee Smith, whose father owned a property called Cahirmoyle in County Limerick. William inherited it and adopted the additional surname of Smith, thereafter he is known as William Smith O'Brien...

1848 was a year of revolution all over Europe. In Ireland, William Smith O' Brien urged the formation of a National Guard, and an armed rising was planned. However, the Famine had left the country spiritless and they had made no real preparations. At the end of July a small group under O' Brien clashed with forty-six policemen at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary. This skirmish at widow McCormack's cabbage garden brought the rising of 1848 to an inglorious end. William Smith O' Brien was arrested and sent to Clonmel for trial. Continue...

A Short Trip To County Clare

Photographs by Colm Jackson. Music: O'Donnell's Lament, Eileen Ivers. Posted on Youtube on the 19th of August 2013 by Colm Jackson.

Dave Flynn & The Clare Memory Orchestra with Mary Bergin & Johnny Óg Connolly

"Live performance of part of the suite 'Sruth' composed by Mary Bergin & Johnny Óg Connolly, arranged by Mary and Johnny with Dave Flynn & members of the Clare Memory Orchestra. Performed during the Clare Memory Orchestra Festival in Teach Cheoil, Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland 22 June 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of August 2013 by Dave Flynn & the Clare Memory Orchestra.

The Banner to Roar Again on All Ireland Final Day

"For the first time since 2002, Clare will be involved in an All Ireland Senior Hurling Final, when The Banner take to the field on Croke Park against Cork on September 8th. Davy Fitzgerald's side were impressive in dismissing Limerick - Were You There?" Posted on Youtube on the 19th of August 2013 by officialgaa.

Clare beat Limerick to claim All-Ireland Final place

"Watch post-match reaction to Clare's victory over Limerick in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of August 2013 by rte.

Claddagh Set Dance by Johnny Reidy in Spanish Point

"Johnny Reidy Céilí Band played this Claddagh Set during the set dancing festival at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of August 2013 by Bill Lynch.

Connemara Set Dance by Johnny Reidy in Kilrush

"Johnny Reidy Céilí Band played this Connemara Set at an open air ceili on the Market Square in Kilrush, County Clare. The band concluded the céilí with the national anthem." Posted on Youtube onthe 16th of August 2013 by Bill Lynch.

Clare's Built Heritage

"A short video to introduce an animation programme to encourage communities to explore possible heritage projects in their area." A Clare Heritage Forum production, introduced by Dick Cronin, Architectural Conservation Officer, Clare County Council. Posted on Youtube on the 19th of August 2013 by 1CLDC.

Ballyvaughan, July 2013

"A lift though Ballyvaughan back to Orchard House." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of August 2013 by Kristina Ricci.

Inner Warrior - the History of Kilfenora Boxing Club

Documentary exploring the history of Kilfenora Boxing Club in County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of August 2013 by Brian Ruane.

Smoked Salmon by The Burren Smokehouse

"The Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna is one of Ireland's best fish smokers. Filmed over several days, this shows the smoking process and places the smokehouse in its signature geographical region: The Burren." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of July 2013 by Roger Overall.

The Teetotallers play The Rising Sun, Follow Me Up To Galway and The Road To Monalea

The Teetotallers (Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford, & John Doyle) at The Front Hall April 28, 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 19th of May 2013 by John Boatman.

Jacqueline McCarthy, Tommy Keane, Alec Finn - The Congress Reel, Edenderry Reel

Jacqueline McCarthy, Tommy Keane and Alec Finn play The Congress Reel and the Edenderry Reel. Posted on Youtube on the 25th of January 2009 by Peter Corfield.

Joe Crookston sings "Caitlín At The Window"

"July, 8, 2013, at the estate of Caitlín Macnamara's grandfather in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland. Joe shared the evolution of Caitlín's regard for her husband, Dylan Thomas, following Dylan's death." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of August 2013 by Cheryl Oatts.

Bunratty Folk Park

"Travel guide to Bunratty Folk Park including baking, butter making and school room interviews and demonstrations." Posted on Youtube on the 7th of August 2013 by LuxuryHotels Ireland.

Dancing at the Teach Ceoil, Corofin

"Every Thursday night during July and August, my little village (Corofin) hosts a traditional seisiún at the Teach Ceoil (CHUCK yole, literally house of music). For the first forty-five minutes, entertainment is provided by a group of local and very talented young musicians and dancers. At the break, refreshments are trotted out on a long table: biscuits, scones with butter and jam, buttered bread, and tea/coffee served in china cups. After refreshments, the evening is open to anyone who wants to join in. I've seen some wonderful dance, singing, recitations, story-telling, and other cool performances. It is so much fun, and I'm so glad to have chosen to live in Corofin. It's a happenin' place for more than just Teach Ceoil. The first girl is dancing Sean-nós (SHAN ose), or old style Irish dance. It's looser and less formal than the traditional Irish step dance. The next girl is a talented musician who can also 'cut a mean rug' with a broom. The last dancer is Peggy, a fine dancer in her own right!" Posted on Youtube on the 12th of August 2013 by Janet Buell.

Declan’s Bar Float for the Kilmihil Festival of Fun Parade 2013

"Declans Bar Float for the Kilmihil Festival of Fun Parade 2013. Winner of Most Entertaining." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of August 2013 by Damo Glynn.

Love Killaloe & Ballina - Where there's lots to do

"Love being active in Ireland? Then you're going to love Killaloe & Ballina. Whether it is water activity (boat hire on the Shannon, cruising the Shannon, angling, fishing lessons for children, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing) or land based (art workshops, team bonding and team building activities, cycling, walking, exploring). Killaloe & Ballina has it all. Come and explore Killaloe & Ballina, where there's lots to do. Featuring some of our many activities: AnnaCarriga Estate, University of Limerick Activity Centre, Fishing for Kids and LakeBoat Hire, Planet Tri, Spirit of Killaloe, Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, Quay Arts." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of August 2013 by DergProductions.

Pat Lawler Diving Competition Kilkee 2013

"O'Donovan Productions (www.odonovanproductions.ie) were delighted to film the 30th anniversary of the Pat Lawler Diving Competition held every year in Kilkee, County Clare. As it was filmed from Rory's boat, it was naturally almost impossible to get the steadiest of clips from the best vantage point. Congratulations to all who took part in another hugely successful year." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of August 2013 by ODonovanProductions.

Clare vs Tipperary (Munster U21 Final) - Play of the Game, Colm Galvin of Clare

"Here is the play of the day from Clare's Colm Galvin's from the Bord Gáis Energy Munster Under 21s Hurling Final..." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of August 2013 by breakingthrough.

Zetor gathering in Kilmihil, 2013

A Gathering of Zetor tractors in Kilmihil, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 6th of August 2013 by MrZetormatic.

Christy Barry, Terry Bingham, Kevin Griffin and Eoin O'Neill in Lisdoonvarna

Christy Barry, Terry Bingham, Kevin Griffin and Eoin O'Neill at the Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, for the TG4 TV program An Samhradh Linn, 1st August 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of August 2013 by SongsandTunes.

Beautiful Affair - Stocktons Wing, 1982

"Beautiful Affair" by County Clare based Stockton's Wing in 1982. Mike Hanrahan, Vocals Guitar; Paul Roche, Whistle Percussion; Maurice Lennon, Fiddle vocals, percussion; Kieran Hanrahann, Mandolin, vocals; Tommy Hayes, percussion; Dave Flemming, Bass; Fran Breen, Drums. See www.stocktonswinglive.com. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of November 2008 by stocktonswinglive.

The Stunning - Brewing Up A Storm - July 2012

The Stunning, featuring Steve and Joe Wall from Ennistymon, play 'Brewing Up A Storm' at Volvo Ocean Race in Galway, July 2012. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of September 2012 by TheStunningTv.

Lough Derg

"Ireland. Lough Derg, the river Shannon. Shown in video are Garrykennedy , Castlebawn 'castle on an island' and then onto Scariff harbour." Posted on Youtube on the 31st of August 2013 by wwwcelticvideo.com.

Burren et les falaises de Moher

Posted on Youtube on the 4th of august 2013 by Mahmood Mahmoodz.

IRLAND - Westküste

"Irland - Urlaubsziele an der Westküste Irlands im REISEKINO - Filmporträt. Galway, Kilbeggan - Lockes Whiskey Distillery, Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Killary Harbour, Schloss Kylemore und Connemara Region sowie Bunratty Folk Park." Posted on Youtube on the 5th of August 2013 by Reisekino.de - Urlaubswelt.

Katarzyna Szklarz - violin at the Cliffs of Moher

Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of August 2013 by Piotr Sobocinski.

Ennistymon: Vanishing Heritage, an exhibition of photographs in The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon

Photo shows Roughan's hardware shop, Ennistymon.

“Ennistymon: Vanishing Heritage” is a photographic exhibition presented by The Old Ennistymon Society celebrating the rich architectural, economic and social heritage of Ennistymon. The photographs date from the early part of the 20th Century and capture a long forgotten age. The exhibition will give a fascinating insight into now disappeared buildings, daily activities of the inhabitants, and long forgotten businesses and crafts - indeed everything that contributed to the rich tapestry of life in a north Clare market town. Included in the exhibition are many photos from Clare County Library’s Michael John Glynne Collection. The Old Ennistymon Society presents this exhibition to commemorate its 21st anniversary. The society is the voluntary organisation responsible for the preservation of Ennistymon Courthouse and developing it into the stunning arts complex “The Courthouse Studios and Gallery”. It is now a centre of excellence promoting both arts and culture in the North Clare area.

The exhibition will be launched on Friday, the 16th of August at 8pm in the Courthouse Gallery with an official opening reception by Ennistymon native Eddie Stack, author and lecturer, to which everyone with an interest in Ennistymon is cordially invited. The exhibition will run from August 16th to September 12th from noon to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. On Wednesday August 21st at 8pm in the Courthouse Gallery there will be a heritage discussion illustrated by the film “I Was Happy Here”, depicting many of the streets and buildings portrayed in the exhibition. On Thursday morning August 22nd at 11.30 there will be a town walk led by Frank Davis, Frances Madigan and John O’Loughlin. This is a must see exhibition for everyone with an interest in how life was lived in Ennistymon, a North Clare market town, in the early to mid-20th century.

Celebrating our Heritage with Clare County Library

The message from the Heritage Council for National Heritage Week 2013, which will run from 17th to 25th August, is to ‘Discover the Past and Build the Future!’ National Heritage Week really has something for everybody and most events are child and family friendly. Over 1,700 events will take place nationwide, ranging from guided nature and archaeological walks, lectures, tours of historical buildings and historic gardens, food fairs, music, dance, story telling, historical re-enactments, wildlife excursions, whale watching and much more.

Clare County Library will play its part as it does every year in hosting heritage-themed events. For instance, members of the Clare Roots Society, Gerry Kennedy and Larry Brennan, will visit a selection of library branches to give a talk entitled ‘Starting Your Family Tree.’ Their talk will outline the basic guidelines, sources of information and the use of the Internet in research followed by a Q&A session. Branches scheduled for the talks are Scariff Public Library on Tuesday 20th August, De Valera Public Library, Ennis on Wednesday 21st August and Ennistymon Public Library on Thursday 22nd August. All talks will commence at 2.30pm. Eddie Connors of Imeco Farm in Clarecastle will also give a talk in the De Valera Public Library on Renewable Energy on Friday 23rd August at 12 noon. He will cover topics such as building your own wind turbine and rainwater harvesting. He will also discuss the pros and cons of other renewables such as hydro, solar pv, solar thermal, biofuels and electric vehicles.

On Tuesday 20th August at 7.30 pm Conjella Maguire, Heritage Officer in Clare County Council, with the support of Olive Carey and Duchas na Sionna, will present an illustrated talk entitled 'Green Infrastructures, Plan for Shannon’ in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon. For those of you with an interest in music the library in Shannon is the place to be on Saturday, 24th August at 11.30am when The Jaskane Café Trio, made up of Etain McCooey, Karen Kelly and Jason Noone, will showcase a unique blend of oboe, violin and guitar, while playing an eclectic mix of musical genres and evoking sounds of international café culture.

Also to celebrate the week, a range of events all centred around the theme of ‘Harvest Time’ will take place at Dr. Patrick J. Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay and the Resource Centre on the Ballard Road. Traditional crafts displays such as spinning, weaving, making corn dollies, cookery involving seaweed etc. will all be demonstrated on the day. Ruth Marshall will be re-launching her book Celebrating Irish Festivals and Melanie Lorien will be giving a talk on the harvest. Storytelling for children will also take place. Events will continue throughout the day from 11.00am to 4pm.

All of these events are free and all are welcome. For more information you can phone Clare County Library at 065-6821616 or visit the website at www.clarelibrary.ie. Details of all events nationwide are available at www.heritageweek.ie. National Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union. In Ireland, Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government with support from the Office of Public Works and Fáilte Ireland.

The Jaskane Café Trio at Shannon Library

The Seán Lemass Public Library in Shannon is the place to be on Saturday, 24th August at 11.30am when The Jaskane Café Trio, made up of Etain McCooey, Karen Kelly and Jason Noone, will showcase a unique blend of oboe, violin and guitar, while playing an eclectic mix of musical genres and evoking sounds of international café culture. Violinist Karen Kelly’s influences span from the simplicity of baroque string music to modern contemporary scores. Her performances include orchestral works, chamber music and lead violin for the much loved musicals. A former violin teacher, Karen has now established a career as a music therapist. Bringing her classical roots to the group, she shows a particular propensity for cafe style playing. Etain McCooey has developed a uniquely ‘Irish’ oboe style by combining her classical oboe training with her knowledge of Irish whistle style and technique. She plays with The Clare Memory Orchestra, works as a session musician countrywide and was commissioned to compose music for the Hidden History TV series. She displays the versatility of the oboe through the Jaskane Café Trio’s repertoire. Jason Noone is a guitarist and producer with a background in rock, blues and improvisation. He has performed throughout the country, teaches guitar skills and is a qualified music therapist. His sound complements the Trio’s melodic and harmonic tapestry while also diversifying with intricate solos and riffs. His guitar style provides the rhythmic underpinning of the Jaskane Café Trio’s distinctive sound.

Summer Activities in Scariff Library

Children were treated to all things spooky in Scariff Public Library last week. The theme was inspired by this year’s Creepy House summer reading challenge. The week kicked off with the scary film Paranorman for older children on the big screen while the little ones watched cartoons with popcorn and drinks. Tembre De Carteret  transformed the filmgoers into spooky creatures with her face paints which proved a hit! On Wednesday children were treated to a Little Monsters story time and a fun bat-making workshop. Children loved the multi-coloured felted snakes they made with Mia Foley on Thursday and were thrilled how you could twist them into different shapes. Friday was the turn of Isabelle Gaborit’s scratched art workshop where children revealed beautiful colourful pictures underneath the black painted surface of their artwork.

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill in New Zealand

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill live in New Zealand, March 2008. Posted on Youtube on the 31st of March 2008 by feadog1.

Loop Head Peninsula (a journey in time lapse)

"Shot in and around the Loop Head peninsula, County Clare, Ireland, during the hottest summer we've had in years, with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius. In particular, there's a sequence of the Pollock Holes, a popular spot in Kilkee, and sequence of Loop Head lighthouse at night, where a significant number of meteors can be seen." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of July 2013 by Dave Hunt.

The Macnamara Family of Corofin - Tales of a GP Dynasty

A recent article in the Irish Medical News details the Macnamara family of Corofin and their 180 years of medical service in north Clare. Dr Michael Macnamara (1806-1892) was the first member of the family to work as a GP. He was followed by his son, Dr George Unthank Macnamara (1849-1919). George was a keen genealogists and photographer and a member of the Royal Society of Antiquaries. He was a contemporary and colleague of T.J. Westropp and R.W. Twigge, both renowned antiquarians. He can be seen in many of Westropp’s photographs, providing scale for various monuments (see photo).

Some of Dr George’s own photographs have been donated to Clare County Library and Clare County Archives over the years and are available on this website. The collection contains family portraits of the Macnamara family and other local families and images of social and archaeological features of late 19th and early 20th century Clare. The medical tradition was continued by George’s son, Dr Donough Wheeler Macnamara (1893-1970) and finally by his son, Dr Maccon Macnamara.

The article was written by June Shannon, an award-winning journalist with the Irish Medical News. She has a special interest in medical history which stems from a family connection in medicine going back over two generations. Her father Professor William (Bill) Shannon is a retired GP originally from Kilkee, Co Clare and his father (also called William) was also a GP. Dr William Shannon (1899-1940) from Cranny, Co Clare served as the Dispensary Medical Officer in Carraigaholt from 1929 to 1940. His son Professor William Shannon was born in Kilkee and worked as a GP in Cork from 1969 to 1987. In 1987 he was appointed as the first Professor of General Practice in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) where he worked until retirement in 2005.

Cliffs of Moher Kayak Trip (Liscannor to Doolin)

"Liscannor to Doolin 1 hr before high tide. Puffins, Kittiwakes, Gulls, Guillemots, Razorbills, Doolin dolphin, jellyfish, Goats on steep cliff face." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of July 2013 by Tadhgh Hayes.

Leaving Gleninagh Castle on a Kayak

"Kayaking around Ballyvaughan bay in the Burren, County Clare and just after leaving Gleninagh Castle. 19th July 2013. Hot!" Posted on Youtube on the 19th of July 2013 by Noel Hogan.

Kilkee Cliff Jumping - with added excessive slow motion!

"Doing some recording of jumps from the cliffs in Kilkee, County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of July 2013 by landoflemon.

West Clare, Ireland

Posted on Youtube on the 5th of June 2013 by Christian Bitter.

The Shannon International Airport Piano

"Shannon Airport Piano, County Clare, Ireland." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of August 2013 by machinehay.

Gathering of Clann Considine, St Bridget’s Well, Liscannor

Considine family from the Michael John Glynne Collection.
On Saturday the 3rd of August 2013, Considines, global and local, will gather at Considine’s Bar (the nearest bar to the Cliffs of Moher) reuniting the clan in their ancestral homeland of County Clare. Considine’s will be open from 11am offering beverages and light snacks. At 6pm, Maureen Considine will host an informal meet and greet encouraging those gathered to get to know their extended family by sharing their histories and family trees. At 7:30pm, Craig Considine will present his research “A Considine History, including; the origins of the name Considine (dating back to Emperor Constantine and before); the roots of the Irish Considines dating back to Brian Boru; and Considines in modern times with a focus on emigration. By 9pm there will be a traditional music seisiún led by well known Clare musicians Adrian O'Connor and Rita Dowling, and the Considine Clann will celebrate till late.

Artist Maureen Considine created this Gathering event as part of her project ‘In Search of My Father’ a contemporary art project on personal and familial identity. Maureen’s father Mathew Considine died, aged 30, when she was a newborn and having reached thirty years in 2012 Maureen became preoccupied with the question: what does it mean to be a Considine? Encouraged by family members, weary of meeting only at funerals and the occasional wedding, and members of the facebook group Club Considine, Maureen chose Considine’s Bar in the beautiful west of Ireland, close to the Cliffs of Moher, as the perfect location to call the clan home. Maureen got in touch with Kevin and Catriona Considine the owners of the bar and delighted in chatting with her distant cousin Kevin. Kevin and Maureen agreed on a date for the Considine Gathering and made a loose plan for the event, with Maureen handling the online details and Kevin and Catriona preparing to host the clan in their bar and home. Soon afterward Considines across the world, particularly the US and UK began planning their homecoming. Barry Considine and his son are travelling from New York; Pam Considine is journeying from Florida; Laura Considine Hehemann hails from Illinois and Chris Considine of New Hampshire will also make the journey home. Contact: Maureen Considine: maur.considine@gmail.com or 0868828557.

This week is CONSIDINE WEEK at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where visitors will be able to select their Considine family names and bring up their own coat of arms for a photo opportunity. Also if a Considine family visits the Centre this week they will gain admittance at a reduced fee and receive a complimentary Welcome Certificate marking the occasion.