The Spancilhill Horse Fair 2012

"For one day each year on 23rd June a field in the centre of Clare becomes the focus for thousands of horse buyers and sellers. Spancilhill Fair has been running for 300 years and is a great day out for the family - the sights and the smells, the middlemen and the deals. Horses, ponies, donkeys, dogs and fowl are all sold there. The craic and banter as potential buyers haggle for the best price and the seller tries to keep them interested. Unlike the lyrics of the song the Fair is on the 23rd of June. I heard stories at the Fair of many people coming to Spancilhill on the 24th and being disappointed. If the 23rd falls on a Sunday then the Fair will be on the 24th." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of June 2012 by clare virtually.

Mick Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy & Cyril O'Donoghue at Fleadh Nua Ennis 2012

"Playing a set of reels (The Mullingar Races, The Morning Dew, and The New Line) at The Fleadh Nua, Ennis, Co. Clare, on May 26th 2012. Abbeyfeale button accordion player Mick Mulcahy is accompanied by his daughter Michelle, and by Cyril O'Donoghue from Clare on bouzouki." Posted on Youtube on the 5th of June 2012 by Livetrad.

Twin Headed Wolf sing Poison Arrow

"Twin Headed Wolf sing their song Poison Arrow in a silky fort they built. Twin Headed Wolf are twin sisters Julie and Branwen from Lahinch in County Clare. Inspired by the circus, scrapyards and performance art they bring folk music to a whole new level. Using exciting instruments such as kalimbas, jugs and saws as well as a guitar they juxtapose sinister lyrics and a raw sound with ethereal vocal harmonies. Twin Headed wolf has gained momentum fast as the band, only established in April 2011, has performed at Knockanstockan and Electric Picnic. They have also played Jovial Bienallen festival in Oslo, appeared on two Norwegian radio stations and performed at the festival expo at the Music Show in the RDS." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of March 2012 by TheTwinHeadedWolf.

An 'Open Classroom' - Burrenbeo Volunteers at newly discovered Late Mesolithic 'shell midden' archaeological site in Fanore

"Meet some young Burren students as they join Co.Clare archaeologist and Burrenbeo conservation volunteers exploring work taking place on a new 'shell midden' archaeological site found in Fanore. Thank you to Galway LA21 funding for supporting this work." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of June 2012 by BurrenBeoTrust.

Scariff - A Birds Eye View

"Just happened to see the Fire Service drive the hoist into Scariff and took a chance that they might let me up in it. They kindly said yes. How many times in your life would you get the opportunity to take video from 90ft up? Enjoy a birds eye view of the Town, Lough Derg and the surrounding countryside." Posted on Youtube on the 7th of June 2012 by clare virtually.

Registration of DOMESTIC waste water treatment systems (including septic tanks) commences

From Tuesday 26th June 2012 owners of domestic waste water treatment systems are required to register their systems with their water services authority – currently the local authority. A once-off registration fee will apply starting with a reduced offer of €5 from now until 28 September 2012 which will then increase to €50 from those who register after 28th September.  Owners need to renew their registration every five years, at no cost.  Having a register of domestic water treatment systems and septic tanks enables inspections to check that systems are working properly so that water – ground, surface and drinking water - can be protected from the risks posed by malfunctioning systems. This initiative will ultimately enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and improved water quality.

How to register?

You can register and pay on-line as follows:

Online at www.protectourwater.ie or

In person in the following Local Authority Offices in County Clare where payment can be made by cash, cheque, money order or debit / credit card:-

Áras Contae an Chláir, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis,

Ennis Town Council and Area Office, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle,Ennis 

Kilrush Town Council and Area Office, Town Hall, Kilrush

Ennistymon Area Office, Ennis Road, Ennistymon

Shannon Civic Offices, Town Hall, Shannon

Scarriff Area Office, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff

Westbury Area Office, Knockballynameath, Corbally  

By post - application forms can be collected at the above local authority offices, in public libraries and Citizens Information Centres and sent by post with the registration fee to Protect our Water, PO Box 12204, Dublin 7.  Please DO NOT send cash by post.

Background:

The water services (amendment) act 2012 introduces a new registration and inspection system for septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems in Ireland.  Registration will be valid for five years and there will be no charge for re-registration. It is intended that the revenue raised will be used by the water services authorities to manage the registers and to meet the cost of having inspections carried out.  There will be no inspection charges for  households. All owners of premises connected to a domestic wastewater treatment system are required to register their systems by 1 February 2013.

How to tell if there is a problem with your system?

Some of the signs that your system may not be operating correctly are:

There are foul odours around the system or the percolation area;

There is an excessive amount of vegetation growing in the percolation area;

The area around the system or percolation area is soggy;

Your drains or toilets are running slowly or overflowing.

Inspections:

It will be a matter for the EPA to determine the level of inspections that will be required. However, as it is to be a risk-based scheme, not every system will be inspected.  In developing the inspection plan, the EPA will consider many factors, including proximity to rivers, lakes and streams (particularly drinking water sources). 

Important message regarding inspections:

Inspections under the new system will commence in 2013.  The commencement of inspections will be publicised in the national and local media. People should take care not to allow uninvited persons, or persons claiming to be inspectors, to enter onto their property in advance of the launch of inspections. People will be formally notified by their local authority if their domestic waste water treatment system is to be inspected.  Inspectors will be required to carry identification and you should ask for this to be presented to you. For further information and media queries please contact Local Government Management Services Board 01 6438400

De Valera Public Library’s Children’s Summer Project 2012

The De Valera Public Library in Ennis runs a variety of events for children during their Summer holidays in July each year. A programme of educational and entertaining events is put together annually by library staff and includes activities such as art and crafts and storytime. Educational visits to local places of interest are also a regular feature. These have included guided tours of Ennis Fire Station and the Ennis Sculpture Trail and visits to the Clare Museum to name but some. Click here for a timetable of events...

Unprecedented double for A Monster Calls - Carnegie Medal & Kate Greenaway Medal winner

For the first time in the awards’ history the same book has won both the prestigious Carnegie Medal and its sister prize for illustration the Kate Greenaway Medal. Both are awarded annually to a book for young people by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (UK). Patrick Ness's novel A Monster Calls was based on the next book Siobhan Dowd would have written were it not for her untimely death. Award-winner Patrick Ness takes the legacy left behind by one of the best teenage writers in recent years and gives the story his distinct working. In A Monster Calls, Conor’s mother has cancer and is putting on a brave face for the sake of her son, focusing outwardly at least on the treatment programme she must follow. But despite her efforts the end is inevitable and something Conor cannot accept. Nightmares haunt Conor’s nights. The recurring presence of a monster from the darkness with the accompanying wind and screams is just another daily endurance test for him. Unbearable as this may seem it’s a different monster that Conor is further pressed to contend with. This time it’s something ancient and wild demanding the most dangerous thing of all from him…... the truth. Through their interaction Conor learns to come to terms with his grief. In an author’s note in the novel Patrick Ness writes: “Almost before I could help it, Siobhan’s ideas were suggesting new ones to me, and I bagan to feel that itch that every writer longs for: the itch to start getting words down, the itch to tell a story.” A Monster Calls is the result of a triumphant coming together of two of the finest writers of Young Adult novels, Siobhan Dowd and Patrick Ness.

Caring for Carers Ireland Art and Writing Competition at DeValera Public Library

Mayor of Clare Cllr. Pat Hayes speaking at the launch of the Caring for Carers Ireland Art and Writing Competition at DeValera Public Library, Ennis, on Tuesday 19th June. The theme of the competition was ‘How We Care’ and 3rd to 6th class pupils of national schools in Clare, Cork and Galway were invited to demonstrate their creative skills and also to develop thoughtfulness and a greater awareness of those who provide care to others. Special guests on the day were pupils of Rineen National School, their Headmaster Mr. Michael Rouine, and regional prizewinner Ashling Sexton.

Waiting for the President- A Story of Community (Scariff)

"A historic film of the visit of Irish President Michael D. Higgins to the East Clare Community Co-Op and Community Garden in Scariff, Co. Clare. It tells the story of the preparation for the visit and how the town came together over the weeks prior to the visit. But it's not about the President alone. Sarah is a schoolgirl who won a competition to present a gift to the President so this is where the title comes from. She is Waiting for the President." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of June 2012 by clare virtually.

President Higgins opens the new Seed Bank at Irish Seed Savers Association, Scariff, Co. Clare

"A wonderful speech by President Michael D Higgins at the official opening of the new Seed Bank at Irish Seed Savers Association in Scariff, Co. Clare, Ireland. An equally wonderful introduction was given by Clare O'Grady Walsh, Director at Irish Seed Savers. This Seed Bank will hold Irish Seed Savers 800 varieties of heritage vegetables seeds. We also have over 140 varieties of heritage Apple Trees and 50 varieties of potatoes. Support us at www.irishseedsavers.ie." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of June 2012 by IrishSeedSaversAssoc.

Micho’s Quadrilles - The Kilfenora Céilí Band at the Fleadh Nua Ennis 2012

"Performing during their concert at Glór in Ennis, as part of the Fleadh Nua Festival on May 26th 2012. This clip formed part of a live web broadcast on www.LiveTrad.com." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of June 2012 by Livetrad.

Doolin to Fisherstreet - Caving trip

"Something of a caving classic this trip from St. Catherine's Swallet to Fisherstreet Pot passes under the village of Doolin and the Aille River. Music is by the late Micho Russell who used to be seen in the bar of Gus O'Connor's pub in Fisherstreet playing on his pipe... Team consisted of Angie, Peter and Sally Glanvill, Martin Grass, Tony Boycott, Martin 'Basher' Baines and Martell Lindsley." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of April 2012 by mrodoc.

Young dancers at the Fleadh Nua Ennis 2012

"Young Co Mayo musicians having fun at the Fleadh Nua in Ennis." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of June 2012 by duncaolog.

Kelp Beds (Laminaria digitata) in the Burren

"Kelp beds line the shoreline of the Burren in County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of June 2012 by seaweedguiry.

Kelp beds and crustose corallines at Black Head, County Clare

"Kelp beds line the lower shore of the exposed coast of the Burren in County Clare in Ireland. Below the kelp, forming pink crusts, are crustose coralline algae. These corallines are very resistant to grazing because of their calcium-carbonate encrusted cells." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of June 2012 by seaweedguiry.

Tour de Burren Fanore D'Huez

"The 2012 An Post Tour de Burren takes place on the 23rd June in Ballyvaughan County Clare Ireland. 2500 cyclists from around the world will take part. Here is climb 1 on the 162km route. There are also 108km and 66k routes. Full details on tourdeburren.com. Music by: AC/DC - Thunderstruck." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of June 2012 by sundaycottage.

Kilkee Moments Book Launch

"O'Donovan Productions were delighted to film the Kilkee Moments Book Launch which took place in Kilkee with Bobby Kerr from Dragons Den officially launching it and signing copies. It was the brainchild and work of Jerome Murphy & Haidee McCaffrey with all proceeds going to the Kilkee Marine Rescue Centre. It was eagerly anticipated and it didn't disappoint. Hundreds of copies were sold at the launch alone. It is a truly wonderful book, which Kilkee lovers everywhere will enjoy immensely and treasure forever." Posted on Youtube on the 5th of June 2012 by oDonovanProductions.

St Patrick's Day 2012, Miltown Malbay

Posted on Youtube on the 7th of April 2012 by VisitMiltownMalbay.

Féile Chnoc na Gaoithe 28th June - 1st July, Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre

World Refugee Day - Clare County Library "does 1 thing" to support refugees

No one chooses to be a refugee. This World Refugee Day, borrow a refugee book from your local library and show you care.  Libraries across County Clare will participate in the do 1 thing campaign run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland to mark World Refugee Day on 20th June. Stands displaying refugee titles, written by or about refugees, will be displayed in libraries across the County for one week around World Refugee Day.  

Hassan H Faramarz will read from his book The Flagless Ones: An Iranian Refugee Family Story in deValera Library, Ennis on Friday 22nd at 11am. Now a resident of Ennis, Hassan's story tells of his family's journey from Iran to China and finally to Ireland as part of the UN Refugee Agency.  Fleeing for their lives, this Iranian family found hearbreak, agony, bigotry and hatred before finally finding the good that exists in some people. Hassan describes the trials and difficulties of being a refugee cut off from his native land. 

All 15 branch libraries in the county will take part in the campaign. There are lots of refugee books to choose from, including titles for children and adults, fiction and non-fiction, popular novels like The Kite Runner as well as less well-known but equally moving ones like Purple Hibiscus. Relevant film titles are also listed and these are also available for loan. Anyone who takes out a refugee title will get a free bookmark with a list of other recommended reads on it.

The do 1 thing campaign asks people in Ireland to take one simple action to show support for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland and internationally who have fled their homes in the hope of finding safety in another country. Reading a refugee related book is one way to show you care. Sophie Magennis, Head of Office at UNHCR Ireland says, “Refugees across the world have shown great courage and resilience in escaping from terrible situations and the do 1 thing campaign is about showing understanding and support. Some of the books highlighted by the do 1 thing campaign are difficult reads, but many of these titles are also testaments to human ingenuity, resilience and strength.” For more information about UNHCR Ireland and the do 1 thing campaign, log on to the UNHCR Ireland website: www.do1thing.ie

Ger Hoyne sings 'Looking for a Love'

"Ger Hoyne sings 'Looking for a Love' by Neil Young. Other musicians are Eoin O'Neill (Bouzouki), Quentin Cooper (Banjo), Yvonne Casey (Fiddle), and Josephine Marsh (Melodeon). It was shot in Brogan's Bar in Ennis, Egan's Bar in Liscannor, on the beach in Lahinch, and The Old Deanery in Kilfenora, County Clare. It is a live recording." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of June by burrencrawler.

Reel steps - Mick Mulkerrin and Mairéad Casey, dancers

"Reels steps - Mick Mulkerrin and Mairéad Casey, dancers. Music, Lad O'Beirne's and Come West Along The Road, (reels) by Mick Mulcahy, accordion, Lousie Mulcahy, flute and Michelle Mulcahy, accordion. Recorded at the old style step, sean nós and traditional set dancing concert at the 33rd Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy / Willie Clancy Summer School, 7 July 2005." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of June 2012 by ITMAVideos.

Clare Rose of Tralee 2012 Final Show

"Summary of the Clare Rose of Tralee 2012 final show. Congratulations to Orla McDonagh. Good luck!" Posted on Youtube on the 31st of May 2012 by Clareroseoftralee.

Béal Ború - Brian Boru's Fort, Killaloe

"A tour of Béal Ború - Brian Boru's Fort, Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland. The extremely old Beech Tree beside the fort is also covered. " Posted on Youtube on the 12th of June 2012 by thebettyfordclinic.

Teens On Wheels - Scarriff Foroige Youth Club cycle event

Teens On Wheels - a cycle event organised by Scarriff Foroige Youth Club for students from 6th class in primary school upwards on the 23rd of June 2012.

Clare Roots Society talks in Clare libraries for Heritage Week 2012

Tuesday 21st August 2012 at 11.00 am
Starting Your Family Tree – 
Ennistymon Public Library
Gerry Kennedy of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Starting Your Family Tree from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Tuesday 21st August 2012 at 3.00 pm
Starting Your Family Tree –
Patrick J. Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay
Gerry Kennedy of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Starting Your Family Tree from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Wednesday 22nd August 2012 at 11.00 am
Genealogy for Beginners –
Killaloe Public Library
Fiona de Buitléir and Eric Shaw of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Genealogy for Beginners from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Wednesday 22nd August 2012 at 3.00 pm
Genealogy for Beginners –
Scariff Public Library
Fiona de Buitléir and Eric Shaw of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Genealogy for Beginners from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Thursday 23rd August 2012 at 11.00 am
Genealogy for Beginners –
Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge
Larry Brennan and Eric Shaw of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Genealogy for Beginners from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Thursday 23rd August 2012 at 3.00 pm
Genealogy for Beginners –
Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon
Larry Brennan and Eric Shaw of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Genealogy for Beginners from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Thursday 23rd August 2012 at 7.00 pm
Starting Your Family Tree –
Scariff Public Library
Gerry Kennedy of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Starting Your Family Tree from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Friday 24th August 2012 at 11.00 am
Genealogy for Beginners –
Kilrush Public Library
Paddy Waldron of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Genealogy for Beginners from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Friday 24th August 2012 at 7.00 pm
Myles of Myles Creek –
Sweeney Memorial Public Library, Kilkee
Paddy Waldron of Clare Roots Society will give a talk entitled Myles of Myles Creek from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. This event is part of Heritage Week 2012, and all are welcome.

Bealtaine at Dr Patrick J Hillery Library, Miltown Malbay

To celebrate the Bealtaine Festival in May, older people from the Miltown Malbay area were invited to bring any home-made hand crafts to the library where they were put on display. Many knitted items were brought in, as well as paintings, needlepoint, French embroidery, crochet, and woven willow baskets. The standard of the items amazed visitors to the library and is a testament to the skills and pleasure involved in hand crafts.

Doolin Heritage Weekend 16th – 17th June

Doolin Heritage Weekend, Russell Cultural Centre, Doolin, County Clare. Two days of talks on the Archaeology of the Burren, Built Heritage and Conservation Heritage Walks and Site Visit to Killilagh Church, Doolin. A ‘Doolin Heritage’ initiative to benefit the Killilagh Church Window Restoration Projec.

Saturday 16th June 2012, 10.15am

“Killilagh Church– the story so far” Joseph McCooey, Field Archaeologist and member Doolin Heritage Committee

“Archaeology and everyday life, finding the right balance” Christine Grant, Archaeologist, National Monuments Service

“Building Technology and Practice in Mediaeval Ireland” Risteard (Dick) UaCróinín, Architectural Conservation Officer, Clare Co. Council

“Archaeological Excavation at Caherconnell” Graham Hull, Director, TVAS Archaeology, Ireland Ltd.

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Peter Harbison “12th-Century Pilgrimage in the Burren”

Sunday 17th June 2012 10.30am

“The Power and Symbolism of Axes in Prehistory and the significance of Fisher Street, Doolin” Dr. Carleton Jones, Lecturer in Prehistoric Archaeology, NUIG

“Medieval Churches and their survival” Simon Large, Field Archaeologist

“2012 Excavation at Fanoremore” Michael Lynch, Field Monument Advisor, Co. Clare

Presentation on Local Monuments of interest Mattie Shannon, Doolin Heritage Committee

Heritage Walks and Site Visit to Killilagh Church
Please note that places on the walks and the site visits are limited. Appropriate clothing and footwear essential.

Door Admission: €15 one day, €25 for two days (includes walks and site visit)
 For further details, check Facebook page
“SAVE KILLILAGH CHURCH WINDOW DOOLIN”
or contact seosamh33@eircom.net

Tá sé mar aidhm ag clubleabhar.com lucht na Gaeilge in Éirinn agus thar lear a spreagadh chun leabhair a léamh agus iad a phlé i bhfóram an tsuímh seo. Roghnaítear leabhar nua gach mí agus bíonn deis ag na baill plé a dhéanamh ar an saothar i bhfóram an tsuímh. Bíonn fáil ag na baill ar aistriúcháin Bhéarla ar na focail agus frásaí is deacra sna leabhair a bhíonn á bplé, rud a éascaíonn an léitheoireacht go mór. Tugtar tús áite d’úrscéalta agus do chnuasaigh gearrscéalta, ach bíonn seánraí eile (filíocht agus leabhair thaistil, cuir i gcás) i gceist ó am go chéile chomh maith. Bíonn meascán ann de leabhair nua-fhoilsithe agus clasaicigh atá fós i gcló. Is féidir na leabhair a bhíonn á bplé ar ClubLeabhar.com a fháil ar iasacht ó Leabharlann Chontae an Chláir. Tá maoiniú á chur ar fáil do Clubleabhar.com ag Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge (Foras na Gaeilge) agus ag an gComhairle Ealaíon.

Clubleabhar.com aims to encourage Irish speakers in Ireland and abroad to read books in the language and to discuss them in the site’s discussion forum. A new book is chosen each month and club members have an opportunity to discuss this book in the website’s forum. Members have access to English translations of the most difficult words and phrases in the books being discussed, which makes reading them a lot easier. The focus is on novels and short-story collections for the most part, but books from other genres (poetry and travel books, for example) are discussed from time to time. There is a mix of newly-published books and classics that are still in print. The books discussed on ClubLeabhar.com can be borrowed from Clare County Library. Clubleabhar.com is supported by Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge (Foras na Gaeilge) and by the Arts Council.

Celine Kiernan wins the 2012 CBI Book of the Year Award

Celine Kiernan was announced as the winner of the CBI Book of the Year Award on the 28th of May 2012. The County Cavan based author is the first to win both the Book of the Year Award and the Children’s Choice Award for her novel Into the Grey. The book tells the story of identical teenage twins Patrick and Dominic who are forced to move after a fire destroys their family home in the 1970s. The judges had the following to say about the winning choice: “this supernatural thriller brings together past and present to explore the complexities of fraternal love and the pain of loss”.

The winner of the Eilís Dillon Award, annually awarded by CBI to a first time author or illustrator, was Paula Leyden for The Butterfly Heart, a book which reflects much of her own experience growing up in Zambia. The Judges’ Special Award went to Mark O’Sullivan for My Dad is Ten Years Old, which deals with complex family and health issues and which portrays a realistic teenage reaction to difficult family circumstances. The Honour Award for Illustration went to Oliver Jeffers for his picture book STUCK and the Honour Award for Fiction went to recent Children’s Laureate Siobhán Parkinson for her novel in the Irish language Maitríóisce.

The following books made up the CBI Book of the Year 2012 Awards shortlist:
A Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle;
Bruised by Siobhán Parkinson;
Into the Grey by Celine Kiernan;
Maitríóisce by Siobhán Parkinson;
My Dad is Ten Years Old: And It’s Pure Weird by Mark O’Sullivan;
Ó Chrann go Crann le Caitríona Hastings agus Andrew Whitson;
STUCK by Oliver Jeffers;
The Butterfly Heart by Paula Leyden;
Will Gallows and the Snake-Bellied Troll by Derek Keilty.

This is the 22rd year of the CBI Book of the Year Awards formerly sponsored by Bisto. “This year’s shortlist features nine excellent books which all offer young readers a rich and satisfying experience. With subjects which range from difficult contemporary issues to stories of whimsy and fun, each book is beautifully crafted and brilliantly conceived” - Keith O’Sullivan, chair of the judging panel.