The Gathering Clare - Highlights from 2013

"The Gathering Clare Steering Committee is delighted to present highlights from the year of the Gathering in County Clare - a year to remember! Thanks to all the people of County Clare for making The Gathering a huge success." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of December 2013 by TheGatheringClare.

The Magic of Hurling - Fitzgerald, Loughnane and Daly on Clare's 2013 hurling tactics

"The RTÉ documentary of the epic 2013 hurling season "The Magic of Hurling" will air on 27 December at 7.50pm on RTÉ Two TV. In an out-take from the upcoming documentary 'The Magic of Hurling', Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald talks to Ger Canning about the changes he made to turn a young Clare team into All-Ireland contenders and how the year progressed. Ger Loughnane and Anthony Daly also give their assessment of the new strategy and how it was received within the county." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of December 2013 by RTE Sport.

Christmas Lights of Clare

"Christmas lit houses of Clare as recommended by listeners of the Clare FM Breakfast Show with Ross O'Donoghue. Music by the spectacularly lovely Wallis Bird (www.wallisbird.com) recorded live in Studio 2 of Clare FM. Shot & Edited by Ross O'Donoghue." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of December 2012 by clarefmTV.

Martin Hayes, Dave Flynn & The Clare Memory Orchestra - An Irish Farrago

"Martin Hayes guests with Dave Flynn and members of The Clare Memory Orchestra in a performance of 'An Irish Farrago' a suite of Traditional Irish Tunes arranged by Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill and orchestrated by Dave Flynn. This is part of a live performance with half of the Clare Memory Orchestra filmed during the Clare Memory Orchestra Festival at Teach Cheoil, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland on 29th June 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of December 2013 by Dave Flynn & the Clare Memory Orchestra.

Pádraig Rynne, Sylvain Barou and Donal Lunny at The Pavilion

Concertina player Pádraig Rynne from County Clare with Sylvain Barou and Donal Lunny at The Pavilion during Cork Folk Festival, October 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 10th of November 2013 by PRAK14.

Mrs Elizabeth Crotty, concertina player, West Clare

A TG4 televison programme celebrating the life of Mrs Elizabeth Crotty."In the 1950s Mrs Crotty was one of the best known and highly respected traditional musicians in Ireland. She was born Elizabeth Markham on 6th December, 1885 in Gower, Cooraclare in West Clare. Her family were small farmers and she grew up in a home that was filled with music." For more click here... Posted on Youtube on the 4th of July 2013 by Liam Mc Keogh.

Chapel Gate Wren Boys, Cooraclare

"Cooraclare wren boys went to Listowel in August 2011 to the wren boy competition in memory of the late Marty Marrinan, and won the competition, also won the best individual act which was dancing, and Joe Joe Marrinan won King of the Wren..." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of October 2011 by martess5.

Al Mennie surfing at the Cliffs of Moher

A short film by Bob Harlow featuring surfer Al Mennie at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 10th of December 2013 by Al Mennie.

The Loop Head Peninsula

"Loop Head (Irish: Ceann Léime, meaning "leap head"), is a headland on the north side of the mouth of the River Shannon, in County Clare in the west of Ireland. Loop Head is marked by a prominent lighthouse. The opposite headland on the south side of the Shannon is Kerry Head. The Shannon Foynes Port Company controls navigation in the Shannon estuary and river." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of October 2013 by PhotoClub7910.

Doolin Cave and Farmland Nature Trail

"Boasting the world's third biggest (and the biggest outside South America) free-hanging breeze-formed stalactite, Doolin Cave is one of the most stunning attractions to be found in County Clare and it would be difficult to find a more exciting underground caving adventure in Europe. Thanks to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, visitors will be constantly learning about the geology and history of the cave as they navigate the winding paths and inclines, before eventually reaching the breathtaking 'Great Stalactite'. There is also a new Farmland Nature Trail for all the family, which is free and features pygmy goats, rare breeds of cattle, sheep and chickens, not to mention picturesque rural backdrops of the wildflower meadows." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of December 2013 by mydestinationvideo.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare

"One of Ireland's cultural treasures, Bunratty Castle is located a short drive from Shannon Airport. Incorporating Bunratty Folk Park it provides an excellent opportunity to take in many aspects of Irish culture and history. Comprised of three fantastic attractions - the castle itself, the Village Street, and the 19th century Folk Park, a trip to Bunratty is not to be missed. The castle dates from the 15th century, was restored in the mid-1900s, and houses original 15th and 16th century paintings, tapestries and furniture. The Folk Park and Village Street are set within the grounds of the castle. The Village Street offers a glimpse into the past, recreating 19th century life. You can meet the characters and enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era." Posted on Youtube on the 6th of September 2013 by mydestinationvideo.

Caherconnell Stone Fort, County Clare

Caherconnell Stone Fort in north Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 1st of August 20011 by av8r915.

Edel Fox, Neill Byrne & Josh Dukes - 3 Reels

"Edel Fox, Neill Byrne & Josh Dukes, live at The Coatesville Cultural Center, Coatesville Pennsylvania, USA. Presented by The Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Series: www.ctims.info." Reels are The Humours of Lisadell, Give the Lady Her Fourpence & The Sunny Banks. Posted on Youtube on the 1st of October 2013 by Dave Hanson.

Beginner Concertina Lesson with Edel Fox from The Online Academy of Irish Music

"This course is aimed at complete beginners to the concertina. We have included animated graphics showing which button to press as well as whether it's on the push or pull. Couple that with the fact that we have such a master of the instrument teaching it, in Edel Fox, that we think you'll be bowled over by how easy you find you are picking it up and how quickly you can progress through the lessons. There are six free lessons onsite, so head to the website - sign up for free and enjoy the first six lessons on us." Beginner Concertina Lesson (Number 1 of 6) with Edel Fox from The Online Academy of Irish Music. Posted on Youtube on the 10th of October 2012 by irishmusicacademy.

Ralph McTell - From Clare To Here

Ralph McTell sings his own composition "From Clare To Here". Posted on Youtube on the 27th of December 2007 by elltell1990.

Chell-Divo Cello Ensemble of MMA Killaloe plays "Silent Night"

The Chell-Divo Cello Ensemble of Munster Music Aacademy Killaloe plays "Silent Night" in St. Flannan's Cathedral, Killaloe, November 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of December 2013 by Péter Sebestyén.

Walking tour guide to the Lughnasa festival at Craggaunowen

"Enjoy our interactive guide through the Celtic festival re-enactments at the Lughnasa festival in Craggaunowen, County Clare. From warrior helmets, jewellery makers, ladies clothes, money mints to medieval cooking and more." Posted on Youtube on the 9th of December 2013 by i2iTravel.

Killaloe Festival of Light 2013

A short video shot at the Killaloe Festival of Light , Nov 1st - 3rd 2013. For more information visit http://www.killaloefestivaloflight.com/about/. Posted on Youtube on the 28th of November 2013 by Katelijne Verbruggen.

Music in a Breeze of Wind: Traditional Dance Music in West Clare 1870-1970

A new publication on Clare music - Music in a Breeze of Wind: Traditional Dance music in West Clare 1870-1970 – by Barry Taylor was launched in Cooraclare recently. Music in a Breeze of Wind depicts the explosion of music and dance in the country houses of west Clare from the last decades of the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. It portrays the lives of many of the prominent musical families of the region, many of whom became household names during the renaissance of Irish music in the 1950s. The book is currently available by contacting the author at mibw@eircom.net or phone 065 9059981 (price €30 including post & packaging to Irish addresses). It can also be bought in K & K in Kilrush and Dalys in Cooraclare. Barry Taylor has written many articles on Irish music and his study of Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, A Touchstone for the Tradition, with photographer Tony Kearns, was published in 2003. Barry has also contributed articles on the Tulla Ceili Band to the Music of Clare section of the library website.

Nelson Mandela – some books in Clare County Library

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom was written secretly during his imprisonment for 27 years on Robben Island. An abridged illustrated version is available for children.

Other books about Mandela available in Clare County Library include:
Saving Nelson Mandela: the Rivonia trial and the fate of South Africa by Kenneth S. Broun.
Invictus: Nelson Mandela and the game that made a nation by John Carlin.
Conversations with myself by Nelson Mandela.
Higher than hope: the authorized biography of Nelson Mandela by Fatima Meer.
After Mandela: the battle for the soul of South Africa by Alec Russell.
Mandela: the authorised biography by Anthony Sampson.
Nelson Mandela: the struggle is my life: his speeches and writings brought together with historical documents and accounts of Mandela in prison by fellow-prisoners.

Books for children include:
Nelson Mandela by Richard Killeen.
Nelson Mandela by Ann Kramer.
11 February 1990: the release of Nelson Mandela by John Malam.
Nelson Mandela by Benjamin Pogrund.
Nelson Mandela and his struggle for freedom by Sarah Ridley.

Scariff Library’s morning book club & Milford Hospice

Scariff Public Library’s morning book club hosted a coffee morning for Milford Hospice last Friday. It was very well attended and supported by the local community and thanks to all who brought the most delicious cakes! It was great to see new faces in the library and it is hoped it will now be an annual event!

Polish Irish Association celebrates St. Nicholas Day at Ennis Library

On Friday evening the 6th December staff at deValera Public Library, Ennis, held a craft workshop for members of the Polish Irish Community to celebrate St. Nicholas Day which traditionally starts off the Christmas holiday in Poland. In the Polish tradition St. Nicholas, called Sw. Mikolaj in Poland, is a saintly, dignified figure who comes as a bishop, carrying a crozier. Descending from Heaven with an angel helper, he travels on foot or in a sleigh pulled by a white horse as he visits homes in the countryside. Fifteen children and their parents along with teenage siblings and helpers decorated a tree in creative hand-crafted decorations during a fun workshop. The tree is now on display in the window of deValera Library. Polish Christmas music and treats for the busy children added to the evening’s enjoyment. Clare County Library is pleased to welcome our Polish friends to its main branch and plans to continue to maintain links with the group in the coming year.

Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill - The Sailor's Bonnet

Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill of The Gloaming play The Sailor's Bonnet in Christchurch, Cork, December 2012. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of December 2013 by The Gloaming.

Tony McMahon & John Keogh, Christmas 1985 - Napoleon Crossing the Rhine

"Tony McMahon & John Keogh - Napoleon Crossing the Rhine - accordeon & piano, 1985 (2007 Siar an Bóthar www.tg4.ie)." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of December 2007 by Ciarán Ó hÁgáin.

Joe Ryan - Paddy O'Brien's & The Few Bob

"Paddy O'Brien's (O'Reilly of Athcarne); The Few Bob, hornpipes. Joe Ryan, fiddle. Recorded at Máire O'Keeffe's fiddle class at the Willie Clancy Summer School, Miltown Malbay, 12 July 2002." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of August 2013 by ITMAVideos. Click here to listen to Joe Ryan's tunes in the Music of Clare project.

Bobby Gardiner Lilting

"The legendary accordion player Bobby Gardiner doing the old Irish music tradition of Lilting at a traditional house party in Lisdoonvarna on Saturday October 26th, 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of October 2013 by StoneCrackeder.

A Pilgrim Voyage: Mungret To Scattery

"Mungret Heritage Society set off from St. Nessan's Church in Limerick and made a round trip via the historic Scattery Island, the mighty Shannon River and the majestic city of Limerick. July 20th 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of july 2013 by Ross O Donoghue.

Love Food - Love Killaloe Ballina

"Love food? Then you're going to love Killaloe Ballina. Killaloe & Ballina are well known for the variety of its award winning restaurants and cafes. In fact, many come to the area just to eat and watch the Shannon past by. Walk around guided by your senses and be enticed to explore your tastebuds. From coffee & sweet treats to fine dining, we have it all. Come and explore Killaloe & Ballina. Featuring just some of our finest establishments: The Cherry Tree Restaurant, Flanagan's on the Lake, Scoops Ice Cream Palour, The Wooden Spoon, Tuscany Bistro, Annacarriga Estate, Wood Brothers Bistro and McKeogh's Food market. www.discoverkillaloe.ie." Posted on Youtube on the 18th of May 2013 by DergProductions.

Santa at Bunratty Folk Park

"Watch the wonderful sounds and scenes at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park at Christmas - Meet Santa, Mrs Claus, the Elves, Scrooge and a whole host of colourful characters. It's the most wonderful time of the year and and the place to be this Christmas!". Posted on Youtube on the 20th of August 2013 by Shannon Heritage.

Public Library Buildings Ireland

Posted on Youtube on the 18th of December 2012 by AskAboutIreland.

Crash of flying boat at sea off Carrowmore, Doonbeg , December 1941

The posting of headstone transcriptions for Miltown Malbay Church of Ireland Graveyard on the library website in 2010 which contained details of the burials of four British Airforce crew prompted a query on our Clare Past Forum regarding the background to the burials. It emerged the airmen were killed in a crash of a flying boat at sea off Carrowmore, Doonbeg in December 1941. Details of the crash were found on a website – Foreign Aircraft Landings: Ireland 1939-1945 - run by aeronautical engineer Dennis Burke. The Doonbeg landing is outlined here http://skynet.ie/~dan/war/w3988.htm and more in-depth information is provided on this PDF http://skynet.ie/~dan/war/w3988.pdf.

Staring at Lakes - the Listeners’ Choice

Michael Harding’s Staring at Lakes: a Memoir of Love, Melancholy and Magical Thinking was announced winner of the RTÉ Radio 1’s The John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award at the 2013 Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards. The memoir also won the The National Book Tokens Nonfiction Book of the Year award.

Children’s writers Benji Bennett and Derek Landy, newcomer Niamh Boyce, crime writer Louise Philips, sports writer David Walsh, cookery writer Darina Allen, short story writer Billy O’ Callaghan and Fintan O’Toole, Roddy Doyle and Paul Howard were also honoured at the gala ceremony held in Dublin. The Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Irish literature was presented to John Banville. RTÉ Television will be broadcasting the highlights of the Awards on RTÉ One at 10.55pm, Saturday 30th November. This programme will showcase one of the biggest celebrations of Irish writing with many of Ireland’s most celebrated and loved authors in attendance. For further details see http://www.irishbookawards.ie/.

The John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award - Staring at Lakes by Michael Harding
Novel of the Year - The Guts by Roddy Doyle
Best Irish-published Book of the Year - A History Of Ireland in 100 Objects by Fintan O’Toole
Popular Fiction Book of the Year - Downturn Abbey by Ross O’Carroll Kelly
Crime Fiction Book of the Year - Doll’s House by Louise Philips
Newcomer of the Year - The Herbalist by Niamh Boyce
Children’s Book of the Year Jnr. - When You Were Born by Benji Bennett
Children’s Book of the Year Snr - Skulduggery Pleasant: Last Stand of Dead Men by Derek Landy
Sports Book of the Year - Seven Deadly Sins by David Walsh
Cookbook of the Year - 30 Years at Ballymaloe by Darina Allen.