Thursday 31 March 2011

The Bad Pennies play "No Man's Land"



Clare band The Bad Pennies play their original song "No Man's Land" with guest violinist Louise Quinn. "Performed in a studio in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. The Bad Pennies jam out a few tunes." A Greg Ryan (GroggHD) Production. Posted on Youtube on the 28th of March 2011 by geofflyons.

William Trevor/Elizabeth Bowen International Short Story Competition

William Trevor/Elizabeth Bowen International Short Story Competition



Mitchelstown Literary Society is now accepting entries for the first annual William Trevor/Elizabeth Bowen International Short Story Competition 2011. Each story should contain a maximum of 3000 words and should be submitted, by post only, on or before Friday 29th April 2011 to Trevor/Bowen International Short Story Competition, 37 Upper Cork Street, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. The Mitchelstown Literary Society says that “this is an ideal opportunity for creative writers to have the standard of their literary efforts appraised. Our short listing adjudicator for the competition is Vincent McDonnell, who is a well known short story writer and has won several prestigious national competitions in recent years. He will select a short list of circa 25 stories and the final adjudicator will be John MacKenna, whose recent book of short stories, The River Field, has received much critical acclaim. If competition, in any facet of life, is the act of testing oneself against, or being judged by, the best then, in this competition, that tenet certainly holds true”. The winner will receive the Prize of 2,500 Euro and a Laptop Computer.
Five runners up will receive cash prizes of 200.00 Euro each. There is an entry fee of 20.00 Euro per entry and each entry must have an official entry form attached.
Full details available at www.mitchelstownlit.com.

Tuesday 29 March 2011

Junior Infants class, Ennis National School, on a visit to the Clare Museum

Pupils and teachers from Junior Infants class, Ennis National School, enjoy the exhibits on a visit to the Clare Museum.

Junior Infants class,  Ennis National School, on a visit to the Clare Museum #1

Junior Infants class,  Ennis National School, on a visit to the Clare Museum #2

Junior Infants class,  Ennis National School, on a visit to the Clare Museum #3

Biodiversity talk at deValera Library

Biodiversity talk at deValera Library








Shane Casey, biodiversity officer with Clare County Council presented an entertaining and informative talk to Transition Year Students from Ennis Community College on the 29th of March 2011 at the deValera Library. This event organised by the library was the second in a week-long programme planned for post primary students in Ennis. Shane’s talk covered an introduction to biodiversity, the kind of biodiversity we have in Ennis and Clare, and how it links to our built and cultural heritage. His presentation to a lively and interested audience also featured interactive demonstrations of biodiversity in our county, and its importance throughout history. Events for teenagers continue until Thursday the 31st of March.

Teen Week 2011 kicks off at deValera Library

Teen Week 2011 kicks off at deValera Library, Ennis #1












Teen Week 2011 beagan in the deValera Public Library, Ennis, on the morning of the 28th of March. The week of events specially scheduled for second level schools was launched with a music workshop facilitated by John Lillis. John has extensive experience in studio and music project management and has very successfully delivered music workshops both nationally and internationally to several youth groups. He was ably assisted on the morning by Sam Lavery, who specialised in Rap, and Vido Sampaolo who amazed the group by teaching them the techniques of beatboxing. The workshop more than met its aims to educate, entertain and inspire young people in a musical environment where they enjoyed two and a half hours of hands-on music creation involving many different techniques. Focusing on hiphop and DJ culture, the class was introduced to current music technology and alternative ways of artistic expression. They got basic introductions to the techniques involved in dj-ing, scratching, production, sampling, rapping and beatboxing. Having confidence and respect for others were some of the underlying principles of the workshop and were seen to be subtly observed with each group successfully performing their own musical creations in front of their classmates at the end of the session.

Teen Week 2011 kicks off at deValera Library, Ennis #2

Teen Week 2011 kicks off at deValera Library, Ennis #3

Monday 28 March 2011

Scéalaíocht do dhaoine óga le Séamus O Rian

Scéalaíocht do dhaoine óga le Séamus O Rian








Seventeen pupils from Rockmount National School enjoyed a storytime session as Gaeilge in Miltown Malbay Library to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge on Tuesday 15th March. Seamus Ryan of Clare County Library read three stories as Gaeilge to a very happy and responsive audience of children from 1st and 2nd class.

Lisa Ní Laoire (Molly as Ros na Rún) i Leabharlann Sráid na Cathrath

Lisa Ní Laoire (Molly as Ros na Rún) i Leabharlann Sráid na Cathrath









Actress Lisa Ní Laoire from the popular TG4 series Ros na Rún visited Miltown Malbay Library on Monday 14th March for Seachtain na Gaeilge. Lisa was interviewed about her acting career and her plans for the future by Clare County Council’s Irish Officer Emer Ní Fhlathairtaigh. A group of transition year and 5th year pupils from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanish Point attended. Both pupils and teachers enjoyed the interview and were delighted to talk to Lisa in person after the interview.

Thursday 24 March 2011

Mary Custy and Donal Lunny play two jigs



Mary Custy and Donal Lunny play two jigs including 'a charming version of The Battering Ram'. Recorded in 2006, and posted on Youtube on the 11th of February 2010 by Custysmusic.

St Patricks Day 2011 in Miltown Malbay



"Happy St Patricks Day 2011 from Miltown Malbay". Posted on Youtube on the 17th of March 2011 by VisitMiltownMalbay. Music by Hou-jun Chen.

Surfing in Lahinch on St Patrick's Day 2011



"Surf was a bit chopping and mushy. Still, had a fun session, which is what its all about." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of March 2011 by wezzzor.

Seachtain na Gaeilge in Kilfinaghty Library, Sixmilebridge











On the morning of Tuesday 15th March 2011, two groups of second class pupils from St. Finnachta’s National School, Sixmilebridge, attended a special ‘scéalaíocht’ in Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge, with library staff member Teresa Carmody - O’Shea. The event was held to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge which ran from 5th to the 17th of March. Teresa read the pupils some lively stories as Gaeilge and they were then encouraged to share a poem or song they had learned in class – as Gaeilge as well of course! Lots of fun was had by all involved.

Tuesday 22 March 2011

Teen Week 2011 - 28th to 31st March

Teen Week 2011Clare County Library invites second level students to take place in Teen Week, 2011, a celebration of Arts, Education and Literary activities specifically planned for teenagers in Ennis. Teachers and pupils are invited to take time out from a busy school schedule and to relax after the recent pre-leaving and junior cert exams by joining in library entertainment sessions with a difference. Taking place from the 28th of March to the 31st inclusive, Clare County Library has organised this programme to showcase to teenagers what your local library has to offer with the aim of welcoming young people to become regular library visitors and users of the service which is cost free. Click here for more info...

Friday 18 March 2011

Tulla Céili Band & Clare Set Dancers (1996)



"The Band was formed in 1946, by Paddy Canny and P.J. Hayes, their passion for traditional Irish music and talent set the tone for the band. The Tulla Céilí Band has celebrated its 60th year in existence. They toured all over the world and even played at New York City's Carnegie Hall. On their trip to America in 1997 the band received a presentation from Mayor Rudolf Giuliani at New York City Hall. This clip [from the Late late Show] is from 1996." Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of March 2009 by clarebannerman.

Bobby Gardiner and Marcus Maloney with a selection of reels



"Accordion maestro Bobby Gardiner joined by Marcus Maloney on banjo with a selection of reels: 'Sporting Nell' and 'The Maids of Castlebar'. Bobby concludes the selection by lilting 'The Boys of Ballysodare'". Posted on Youtube on the 24th of April 2008 by comhaltas.

"Brilliant" Saint Patrick’s Day

Brilliant by Roddy DoyleA short story entitled "Brilliant" by Roddy Doyle provided the theme for this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin. The story was commissioned in honour of Dublin’s designation as UNESCO City of Literature. Ireland’s leading pageant companies interpreted different chapters of the story using their own inimitable style. In the story a black dog of depression has settled over Dublin and stolen its funny bone. A gang of children take off in pursuit, chasing the dog from suburban gardens through the city center to the zoo and back to the sea. The funny, uplifting story can be downloaded from http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/downloads/brilliant.pdf

National Library "Library Late" Programme

Library LateThe National Library of Ireland’s spring 2011 "Library Late" programme features a season of interviews exploring Irish popular fiction. Over three evenings from February to April some of Ireland’s leading popular fiction writers will discuss their craft. February’s session was entitled The Making of a Bestseller where broadcaster John Murray chaired a panel discussion with author Monica McInerney, literary agent Faith O’Grady and Maria Dickenson of the Irish Booksellers Association. On Wednesday March 30th best-selling author Sheila O'Flanagan will be in conversation with John Murray. On Tuesday 12th of April authors Sinéad Moriarty and Cathy Kelly will be John Murray’s guests. Admission to all events is free, but tickets must be booked in advance. For details see http://www.nli.ie/en/library-late.aspx.

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Storyteller Niall de Búrca in DeValera Library

Storyteller Niall de Búrca in DeValera Library












The bilingual storyteller Niall de Búrca visited DeValera Public Library on Wednesday, 9th March, for Seachtain na Gaeilge. A large crowd of 160 children from the CBS Primary School, Gaelscoil Mhichíl Chiosóg and Crusheen N.S. attended. Niall's interactive performance was excellent and was enjoyed by students and teachers as well as library users passing through. Overall, it was full of energy with plenty of laughs.

Monday 14 March 2011

Art is for Everyone Exhibition 2011, Kilrush Public Library



"Exhibition of oil paintings by County Clare artists, Ireland, March 2011. Thanks to our sponsors, friends and supporters." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of March 2011 by clareartist.

Clare artist, Avril Brand, will have her annual art exhibition in Kilrush Public Library from Thursday 10th March to Thursday 31st March. Avril runs oil painting art courses from her home in Tullabrack, Kilrush, details of which are available from http://courses.clareartist.com/

Al-Andar Flamenco at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon

Al Andar Flamenco











A St.Patricks Day Celebration! Enjoy an evening of flamenco culture featuring stunning music and dance from Andalusia at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon on Thursday March 17th at 8pm. Al-Andar performs Flamenco in its purest form. The evocative singing of Olayo Jimenez, the pulsing beats of Lucas Gonzalez's guitar, and the passionate dance of Fatima Lucia come together to bring you the unique sensitivity of this old tradition from Southern Spain. Tickets €10.

Al-Andar is a Flamenco company and school based in Galway and was founded by Fatima Lucia in 1993. Al-Andar Flamenco organizes Flamenco classes in Galway and Clare and performances all over Ireland. Fatima Lucia also teaches at her home studio in the Burrren, County Clare. More info…

Friday 11 March 2011

Eric, Hugh and Colm Healy, Noel O'Donoghue, Seanie McGrath - Rose in the Heather Set of Jigs



Clare musicians Eric, Hugh and Colm Healy, Noel O'Donoghue and Seanie McGrath play their Rose in the Heather set of jigs. Posted on Youtube on the 21st of March 2009 by k4hx1.

Geraldine Kelly sings 'Bunch of Thyme' Live in Kennys, Lahinch.



Geraldine Kelly is the grand daughter of the famous fiddle player Patrick Kelly from Cree. Quentin Cooper and Eoin O'Neill accompany her on this song. Posted on Youtube on the 19th of December 2010 by burrencrawler.

Shannonside Winter Music Weekend 2011, Sixmilebridge



"Sixmilebridge Folk Club presents the 12th Shannonside Winter Music Weekend 2011 held in Sixmilebridge 13th - 16th January. Artists featured here include Mutefish,... Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane & Paul Kelly, members of Diversus Guitar Ensemble, Brendan Devereux, John Nyhan, Hot Lips and Chilli Fingers, McDarragh, Brendan Walsh, Christy McNamara, Colum Sands , Sliabh Notes. Dozens more quality acts played in a range of venues. The festival attracts thousands of music fans to the South Clare village every year. See www.wmw.ie for more information on this festival and on the Sixmilebridge Folk Club." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of March 2011 by cailin12.

Niall de Burca in Newmarket Library

Niall de Burca in Newmarket Library







The visit of Niall de Burca for Seachtain na Gaeilge was a great success in Newmarket Library. Eighty children from classes 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th of Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire attended the event. He enthralled them with his remarkable storytelling and they look forward to seeing him again sometime soon!

Recent Events at Scariff Public Library

Olive O’BrienPupils from Tuamgraney National School attended a session with children’s author Olive O’Brien in Scariff Public Library on the 3rd of March. The children enjoyed an hour long session of stories from Olive’s eco-friendly books Perry the Playful Polar Bear and Perry the Polar Bear Goes Green.

Lions, white witches, knights and fawns took over Scariff public library in celebration of World Book Day 2011. Pupils from Mountshannon national school dressed as characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and took part in an art workshop with artist Alan Shoosmith in the library on Monday 7th March. The children produced bookmarks and works of art based on their chosen book.

Scariff Library celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge with two events, a storytime as gaeilge with Séamus Ó Riain and a visit from well known author in his native Irish language, Maidhc Dainín Ó Sé.

Pupils from Bodyke national school enjoyed three different stories as gaeilge and sixty five young adults from Scariff Community College and St. Munchins, Corbally, attended a talk by Maidhc Dainín Ó Sé. The author of A Thig Ná Tit Orm spoke about his life, his work as an author and also played some traditional music on his accordion during the session.

Burren In Bloom Festival Returns

Burren in Bloom FestivalThe Burren in Bloom Festival returns this year with a series of illustrated talks and organised walks throughout the month of May. The festival, in association with the Burren College of Art and the Burrenbeo Trust, will give people an understanding and appreciation of the Burren and its formation, and how it continues to be a source of great botanical, archaeological, and cultural wealth with its unique wild flowers and ancient sites. Click here for more info...

Monday 7 March 2011

Cuimhneamh an Chláir (Memories of Clare) on Nationwide



"This is a clip from Nationwide discussing the folklore group Cuimhneamh an Chláir (Memories of Clare). Geraldine Greene (Cuairteoir) is shown going 'on cuairt' and recording oral history. We also hear from Tomas Mac Conmara (Project Coordinator) about the history and objectives of the group. For more information on this group log onto www.clarememories.ie". Posted on Youtube on the 13th of march 2010 by tseandun.

Certificate Course in Oral Heritage Studies – University of Limerick

In response to the growing interest in oral history and recorded oral narratives, the University of Limerick (UL) is introducing a new Certificate Course in Oral Heritage Studies in September 2011. This Certificate will incorporate training in best practice in oral history and folklore collection and will be available to participants countrywide (due to a significant e-learning component). To introduce this course and to “initiate a conversation around oral history and its potential uses at community level”, the university is organising an Oral History Forum on Friday 8 April, from ten to one p.m., at UL. The programme will include presentations from Tomás MacConmara (Cuimhneamh an Chláir) and Marie Mannion (Heritage Officer, Galway County Council), both of whom have extensive experience in this area. Attendance is free, but early booking is advised as places are limited. (Lunch will be provided). To book a place or for further enquiries, please contact niamh.lenahan@ul.ie.

Friday 4 March 2011

Geantrai in Malachy's, Quin, County Clare



"Cut 1: Maire Ni Ghrada (Uill. Pipes), Cyril O' Donohoe (Bouzouki) and Maeve Donnelly playing Hopjigs followed by Reel "Kiltytown". Cut 2: Mary McNamara (Concertina) accompanied by Geraldine Cotter (Keyboards) playing 2 Jigs ("Tommy McCarthy's" and "The Rakes of Kildare". Cut 3: Damian Maurice (Banjo), John Lyons (Accordion), Aisling Lyons (his daughter, Concertina), James Kennedy (Tinwhistle), Eddie Moloney (Mandoline) and Connor Cummins (Flute) playing a Set of Reels ("The London Lasses" and "The Kerry Reel")." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of November 2010 by kilozs3.

Killaloe & Ballina, Winter 2010-2011, by SHV-Studio



Killaloe & Ballina, Winter 2010-2011. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of February 2011 by Svanhilds.

A Drive Around West Clare, March 2010



"Tour of west Clare including Kilrush, Kilkee, Quilty, Spanish Point, Milltown Malbay, The White Strand, Liscannor, Lahinch, Cliffs of Moher, Ballyvaughan, Aillwee Cave, the Burren, Dolmen, spawning frogs, Corofin, Ennis. Music by Planxty." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of March 2010 by mickdaniels1.

"Captain Kennedy's Daughter" by Giles Watson



I wear wee shoes upon my feet
And on my head a bonnet;
My father drives a wagonload
And I am riding on it,
And when we stop, then I lean out,
The crowd about me presses.
My lily hands don't shake at all
A-handing out the dresses.

I know not if they're girls or boys,
Their cheeks are all so hollow.
They totter after on bare feet
Scarce strong enough to follow.
Their ragged parents urge them on,
Their faces lined with sorrow
Since Colonel Crofton Vandeleur
Deprived them of tomorrow.

Twelve thousand people dispossessed,
Left to die in ditches:
They hobble on a-shivering
For want of shoes and britches.
Though I am small, come one come all,
The cart is heavy-laden.
You're shy of adult charity?
You'll take it from a maiden.

"Lyrics by Giles Watson, 2010, to the tune of 'The Maid Who Sold Her Barley'. Captain Arthur Kennedy's daughter is depicted handing out clothes for the destitute in an 1849 illustration for the Illustrated London News. Kennedy, a Poor Law inspector of an unusually compassionate disposition, was deeply critical of the mass evictions which left thousands homeless in the Kilrush union between 1847 and 1850. Kennedy, who was honest as well as charitable, himself admitted "that there were days in that western county when I came back from some scene of eviction so maddened by the sights of hunger and misery I had seen in the day's work that I felt disposed to take the gun from behind my door and shoot the first landlord I met." Vandeleur and other landlords claimed that Kennedy's estimates of the numbers rendered homeless were inflated, but a House of Commons select committee vindicated his figures by comparing the number of farms marked on the 1841 Ordnance Survey maps with the number still in existence at the end of the decade. Vandeleur was shown to have evicted over a thousand people on his estate alone."

Posted on Youtube on the 15th of December 2010 by GilesConradWatson.

See also:
Reports and Returns Relating to Evictions in the Kilrush Union 1849

Derek Walcott wins TS Eliot Prize For Poetry

White EgretsCaribbean poet Derek Walcott has won this year's prestigious TS Eliot Prize for Poetry for his latest collection, White Egrets. Walcott won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. Judges' chair Anne Stevenson said the judges had found it difficult to choose a winner. But they concluded White Egrets "was a moving, risk-taking and technically flawless book by a great poet". Also on the shortlist of ten were collections by Seamus Heaney, Simon Armitage, Pascale Petit and John Haynes. The TS Eliot Prize is presented annually for the best new collection of poems published in the UK or Ireland. Last year's winner was Philip Gross for The Water Table. Previous winners include Don Paterson, Carol Ann Duffy, Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney and Alice Oswald.

Thursday 3 March 2011

Library Ireland Week - "Smart People Use Smart Libraries"



Library Ireland Week - from the 7th to the 13th March 2011 - celebrates and highlights the role of libraries, librarians and information professionals in Ireland. This year's theme (Smart People Use Smart Libraries) will seek to
- show the relevance of libraries in the "smart economy"
- highlight how technological developments are being used in libraries to maximise access to and use of resources and
- demonstrate practical examples of the interaction between technology and learning in all library sectors.

Library Ireland Week coincides with many important festivals and celebrations taking place in Ireland in March and the events being organised around the country by librarians already reflect the excitement and diversity of the modern library in Ireland. Click here for more info...

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Kelly Clan Gathering, Spanish Point, May 2011

Kelly Clan GatheringAn event that aims to connect people from across the world who share the surname Kelly (Kelley, O’Kelly or Ó Ceallaigh) is to take place in Ireland this May. The Kelly Clan Association is staging its 9th gathering during the weekend of 20 – 22 May at The Bellbridge House Hotel, Spanish Point, near Milltown Malbay, County Clare. As well as getting to know ‘fellow-Kellys’ the weekend's activities include tracing the family tree of the West Clare Kellys and learning how to research your own family with the help of eminent genealogist, Helen Kelly; also on the programme is a talk by Aidan Kelly from Australia on genetic genealogy and DNA findings of the Clan. On Friday night there wil be music from traditional band Tír na nÓg and for those who want to see something of the local rugged scenery, there’s a tour taking in the beautiful Loop Head Peninsula. Mary Kelly, one of the organisers and a spokesperson for the Association, says that although the weekend is action-packed, the atmosphere is relaxed. “It’s a real opportunity for people who have a genetic, historic and cultural link to meet and have a good time, in a great location with the added benefit of learning about their ancestors as well as meeting their living relatives.” The event is open to all, as long as your name is Kelly or derived from the name Kelly. This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet with guests expected not only from Ireland, but UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. For more information see the Kelly Clan website (www.kellycln.com), email clankellyinfo@gmail.com or phone Mary Kelly on + 353 (0)86 3296475.

Tuesday 1 March 2011

The 2nd Phoenix Sister Cities Disability Awareness Committee’s International Competition for Writers with Disabilities.

Persons 19 years of age and older with a disability residing in Arizona or one of Phoenix Arizona’s nine sister cities: Calgary, Canada; Catania, Italy; Chengdu, China; Ennis, Ireland; Grenoble, France; Hermosillo, Mexico; Himeji, Japan; Ramat‐Gan, Israel; and Taipei, Taiwan are invited to take part in the Phoenix Sister Cities Disability Awareness Committee’s International Competition for Writers with Disabilities. The theme of this year’s competition is “One World, One Place, One Home”. Entrants may submit poems of 32 lines or less written in English. There is no fee for residents of Phoenix’s nine sister cities. Poems are required to be submitted by e‐mail as Word or Adobe files or other formats if accommodation is requested. Please e‐mail entries to mjtrunzo@mindspring.com. Poems must be submitted with a cover note listing the author’s name, address and phone number. The name must not be on the poem itself. Style is open. Subject matter is open, but must be consistent with the theme. Entries not conforming to contest rules will be disqualified; entry fees will not be returned. A panel of judges will evaluate entries on the basis of theme interpretation, composition and originality. During the judging, artists’ names and communities are kept confidential. The due date for entries is Friday, April 15, 2011. [Note: the deadline for accepting entries has been extended to May 1, 2011]

Prizes: 1st Place $500, 2nd Place $300 and 3rd Place $150. (Limit one cash award per writer). Trophies will be provided to the winners and a certificate of participation will be provided to all entrants. Trophies will also be provided to top three entries from residents of Phoenix Sister Cities. Poems will be published on Phoenix Sister Cities Website and made available internationally. The awards event will take place on Friday June 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Mary Jane Trunzo at mjtrunzo@mindspring.com.

Competition Summary Table:
https://www.phoenixsistercities.org/images/DAC/icwd%202011%20new%20st.pdf
Entry form (PDF):
https://www.phoenixsistercities.org/images/DAC/icwd%202011%20application2.pdf
Compilation of 2010 poems:
https://www.phoenixsistercities.org/images /DAC/reflections%20on%20life%20poetry%20compilation%2011-8-10%20.pdf