The Brock McGuire Band play Tom Ward's Downfall

"The Brock McGuire Band performs 'Tom Ward's Downfall' and 'Lucy Campbell' on WDVX's Blue Plate Special." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of September 2011 by Knoxville News Sentinel.

Kilfenora Céilí Band in Portmarnock

Kilfenora Céilí Band playing at Naomh Mearnóg GAA club in Portmarnock, County Dublin. Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of April 2013 by IsMiseKey.

Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill at Temple Bar TradFest 2013

Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill playing in Christchurch Cathedral during the Temple Bar TradFest 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 24th of January 2014 by TradIrishForums.

County Clare and The Great War

Ireland's World War I Memorial Records, which provide information on the 49,647 Irish soldiers who died in the Great War, have been updated and made available online. It follows a collaborative project between Google, In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres in Belgium and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The records were originally compiled by the Committee of the Irish National War Memorial. Records of Clare soldiers can be retrieved by searching for ‘Co Clare’ here.

A list of soldiers from the Kilrush and North Clare areas can be viewed on Clare County Library’s website. There are also stories of individuals from Clare who took part in the Great War, e.g. Peter Vaughan from Moy and the Connoles and Hallorans from Ennistymon.

Corofin Dramatic Society presents The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley

Corofin Dramatic Society presents The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley on the 2st and 22nd of January 2014 in Glór, Ennis. Posted on Youtube on the 8th of January 2014 by glynn i k.

Scaruint - A Tribute to Junior Crehan by Tim Dennehy

Tim Dennehy composed this for the passing of his friend Martin (Junior) Crehan. Lyrics and Vocals: Tim Dennehy; Flute Tommy Keane. 'My heart is heavy, my eyes teared, Since you have slipped into a quiet sleep', Monday August 1998. From the album 'Old Boots and Flying Sandals." Posted on Youtube on the 25th of September 2013 by HEADSUPBERKELEY.

An Post Rás na mBan 2013, County Clare - Race Highlights

"The event, raced over five days in County Clare last September, was the biggest and most successful in the 28 year history of international women's bike racing in Ireland featuring riders from 13 countries representing teams from ten different nations. Four current national champions rode the race which also included several riders honing their fitness ahead of the world road race championships in Tuscany. The race was comprised of six separate stages over five days including four road stages, a circuit race and a team time trial. The riders raced on some of the most scenic roads in Munster in a series of epic encounters with the destination of the final pink leader's jersey in doubt right to the end of the final stage." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of January 2014 by west wind.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park - one of Ireland's premier visitor attractions

"Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is one of Ireland's premier visitor attractions. Explore Ireland's most complete & authentic 15th Century fortress and imagine living here 600 years ago. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th Century life is vividly recreated." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of January 2014 by VisitorFlix.

The library’s most popular films in 2013

Almost 30,000 films on DVD were borrowed from Clare County Library in 2013. Film adaptations of books accounted for some the most popular films loaned to adult members. The film versions of the three books in Steig Larsson’s Millennium series dominated the top 10 most popular film list. Slumdog Millionaire, which has remained very popular among library members since its release in 2009, is an adaptation of the book Q & A by Vikas Swarup. The French film Wild Grass (Les Herbes Folles) is also based on a novel – L’Incident by Christian Gailly. True Grit by the Coen Brothers is the second adaptation of the novel of the same name by Charles Portis - the 1969 version starred John Wayne. Other films popular with adult library members during 2013 were The King’s Speech, The Social Network, Black Swan and Clint Eastwood’s The Changeling.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The King’s Speech
The Girl who Played with Fire
The Social Network
Black Swan
Slumdog Millionaire
The Changeling
Wild Grass
True Grit

Pete Seeger (3rd May 1919 - 27th January 2014)

A PBS American Masters TV programme on the late Pete Seeger, folk singer and song writer. Posted on Youtube on the 17th of March 2011 by DjChonUA. See also www.youtube.com/channel/UC6J7zes7i6Fr2GmwkadEq-w.

Clew Bay Critters play Only Love can Break Your Heart at the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend 2014

"The Clew Bay Critters perform Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" in Bunratty Castle, County Clare, at the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend ,January 2014". Posted on Youtube on the 20th of January 2014 by Hugh Carty.

Josephine Marsh, Mick Kinsella & Jean Sabot play the Star of Munster

Josephine Marsh from County Clare on accordion, with Mick Kinsella (originally from Tullow, Co Carlow and now living in West Clare) & Jean Sabot from Brittany on chromatic harmonica. Posted on Youtube on the 1st of September 2013 by harmandor22.

Tommy Keane & Jackie McCarthy play some jigs at 'Music for Maggie'

"Recorded Thursday 5th December 2013 during the 'Music for Maggie' concert for Maggie Boyle who is battling cancer at this difficult time." Jacqueline McCarthy was born in London in 1957. Her parents had emigrated to England in the early 1950s. She grew up to traditional music, her father Tommy McCarthy being a piper and concertina player from Kilmihil, County Clare. She played with all the legendary players from Ireland who were living in London. Musicians like Máirtín Byrnes, Raymond Roland, Roger Sherlock, Danny Meehan, Paddy Taylor and Bobby Casey were all part of a thriving music scene that Jacqueline experienced first hand. She also recalls meeting John Kelly and Willie Clancy during frequent visits to Ireland. More info... Posted on Youtube on the 16th of December 2013 by banjo234.

An Ode to Kilbaha

"An ode to the great little town of Kilbaha, County Clare. My wife and I vacationed there in June of 2010. A very beautiful, quiet, out of the way place on the Shannon Estuary. Where the river Shannon meets the sea, on the southern edge of Loop Head peninsula. We cannot wait to return. The best vacation of our lives. The property featured is available to let. This video is not intended to advertise that cottage, but more to promote the wild beauty, and warm welcoming culture of the residents of Kilbaha and the other small towns on Loop Head. Backing Music was recorded live at the John Kelly Memorial Concert, 2010. Pat Good and Liam Kennedy are the players." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of July 2010 by broons brain.

Brian Kennedy sings The Ballad of Killaloe

Brian Kennedy sings The Ballad of Killaloe. Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of August 2009 by Nigel Dillon.

TCD Petroleum Geology and Exploration field trip to County Clare

Some clips from a Trinity College Dublin Petroleum Geology and Exploration field trip to County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 10th of November 2013 by Lord Boddington.

Useful links:
The Geological Heritage of Clare: An audit of County Geological Sites in Clare.
Stone, Water and Ice: The Geology of the Burren Region, Co. Clare, Ireland.
The Burren: Geology of the Burren.

Beyond Belief - Feakle and the legend of Biddy Early

"Science and logic have provided us with explanations for many things, but there remains at the core of human beings a love of and a need for mystery, magic and myth. This video explores the nature of belief and traditional storytelling in rural Ireland through the eyes of the inhabitants of Feakle, County Clare, a town still feeling the lingering influence of their famous 'wise-woman', Biddy Early (1798-1874). This video was produced by Patrick Gormley, Fionnuala Holohan, Andy Nally and Sarah Reilly." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of January 2013 by Fionnuala Holohan.

Kilrush Hunt in the town

Kilrush Hunt moving through the town of Kilrush in 2012. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of February 2012 by Kilmurry Stables.

Traces of the Great Famine in the Landscape of the Kilrush Poor Law Union

"Research carried out in preparation for the National Famine Commemoration 2013 and the accompanying events held in the former Kilrush Poor Law Union served both to highlight the material remains from the Great Famine period which can still be clearly seen in west Clare, and to draw attention to other remains which may lie hidden or may have completely disappeared. A selection of such remains are highlighted in this short and hurriedly compiled documentary film submitted to the National Famine Commemoration Committee by Clare County Council in October 2012 in support of Kilrush's application to host the event. The film was scripted by Paul O'Brien and Paddy Waldron, narrated by Paddy Waldron, and filmed by Neil Hynes." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of January 2014 by Kilrush and District Historical Society.
More links:
Kilrush Union Minute Books 1849
Deaths and Staff in Kilrush and Ennistymon Workhouses 1850-51
Reports and Returns Relating to Evictions in the Kilrush Union (1847-1849)
The Famine in Clare from The Illustrated London News, 1849-50

Sporting activity and wagering in 18th century Ireland

The North Clare Historical Society’s 2014 lecture series commences at 8pm on Monday the 27th of January in the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon, with a talk by Feakle native Kieran Sheedy. Entitled “Sporting activity and wagering in 18th century Ireland”, the lecture includes details of various sporting activities throughout the country, including horse racing, trotting, cock fighting, hurling, foot races, boxing, real tennis, cudgelling, swimming, gaming tables and lotteries. Kieran Sheedy's published works include three books on Irish-Australian history while works on his native county include The Clare Elections, The United Irishmen of County Clare: 1798 and The Horse in County Clare (2 vols). He also edited The Clare Anthology and is presently completing a history on the foundation of the Irish bloodstock industry. Kieran held a number of posts in RTE Radio, including Head of Documentaries and Controller of Radio 1 before leaving to concentrate on writing.

Huge rise in visitors to Clare Museum in 2013

A total of 28,947 people visited Clare Museum during 2013 making the year the busiest year since 2008. More than 3,000 extra visitors came to the museum during the year representing a 12.5% increase on 2012, continuing an upward trend that began in 2011. While both ‘The Gathering’ and increased traffic into Shannon Airport, particularly from the United States, were important factors in this increase, a number of museum initiatives were hugely successful during the year also. Among these initiatives were public talks on the ‘Hidden History of Clare’ that attracted great interest locally during the winter and spring. Another was the ‘Festival of Poland’, a project designed to build a bridge between the museum and the largest ethnic minority in the county. Both of these initiatives have helped to broaden the museum’s potential audience. One of the outcomes of the Polish Festival was the launch of a Polish translation of the exhibition guide which will help promote the museum to the influx of visitors from Poland that is anticipated in the year ahead. Over the coming twelve months it is intended to provide another series of public talks and increase the number of educational events, exhibitions and community activities at the museum. Furthermore, it is planned to open six days per week from June to September for the first time since 2008 to facilitate the increase in tourists expected in the county in 2014.

Crag Road play McHugh's & The Mist Covered Mountain in Kilshanny

"Quentin Cooper, Eoin O'Neill, Noirin Lynch, & Aoibheann Queally play "McHugh's" and "The Mist Covered Mountain" in Kilshanny, County Clare. Thanks to Mary and Aidan at Kilshanny House, for the venue and splendid treatment. Also to the dudes with the cameras who were Phil Greaney and James Skerritt." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of January 2014 by burrencrawler.

Seán Tyrell, Paul Dooley, and Fergus Feeley play ‘Carolan’s Draught’ & ‘Lost and Found’ in Ballyvaughan

From TG4s Geantraí TV programme, in Greene's Pub, Ballyvaughan, County Clare, April 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 26th of April 2013 by ForeFronttv1.

Christy Barry, Terry Bingham, Kevin Griffin and Eoin O'Neill play the 'Holy Well' and other reels in Lisdoonvarna

"Christy Barry, Terry Bingham, Kevin Griffin and Eoin O'Neill. A second set of tunes from the Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna. TG4's An Samhradh Linn - August 1st 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 7th of August 2013 by SongsandTunes.

Discover the Loop Head Peninsula in the West of Ireland with Carsten Krieger

Posted on Youtube on the 9th of December 2011 by WildIrelandFilms.

Storm at Lahinch, January 2014

"Lahinch was battered by high seas during the weekend of 3-6 Jan, 2014. Here's some video footage from the seafront taken on the morning of 6th January." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of January 2014 by Hugh Carty.

Cliffs of Moher Tour Movie

"This 1 day tour to the Cliffs of Moher also includes Limerick, Doolin, The Burren national park, Corcomroe Abbey and Kinvara." Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of January 2014 by Extreme Ireland.

Caherconnell Stone Fort

"Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren Ireland , offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts, which are to be found in the Burren Ireland. The fort is in its original state. Its position, overlooking virtually all-surrounding areas suggests a defensive settlement." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of January 2009 by CaherconnellFort.

Top 10 Music CDs borrowed in 2013

12,000 music CDs were borrowed from Clare County Library in 2013. A CD to celebrate 100 years of The Kilfenora Céilí Band released in 2009 was the second most popular music CD borrowed. Their 2012 release Chapter Eight also made the top ten list. As further evidence of the interest in traditional music in the county, Around the Hills of Clare: Songs and a Recitation from the Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie Collection reached third place on the list. Other Irish artists whose music reached the top ten list were Van Morrison and Glen Hansard.

Two CDs originally released in the 1970s, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits, also featured on the top ten list. Taylor Swift’s Red, the fastest selling album in over a decade, was the tenth most popular CD borrowed from the library in 2013.

The Top 10:

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Century: a Celebration of 100 years by The Kilfenora Céilí Band
Around the Hills of Clare: Songs and a Recitation from the Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie Collection
Ceremonials by Florence and the Machine
Born to Sing: No Plan B by Van Morrison
Love This Giant by David Byrne and St. Vincent
Rhythm and Repose by Glen Hansard
Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits
Chapter Eight by The Kilfenora Céilí Band
Red by Taylor Swift

Launch of new national strategy on public libraries

If you could build your ideal public library, what would it be like? A bright, spacious place to work, study, relax or enjoy community events? Free access, longer opening hours, WiFi, self-service, ebooks and professional staff to help you with any research you might need? Or maybe you'd prefer to enjoy the digital library from the comfort of your own home? All of the above... or is that too much to ask? You may think this idyllic service is only available within the bounds of your imagination, but the new public library strategy 2013-2017, Opportunities for All: the public library as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural development sets out a progressive plan to makes these dreams a reality. Published by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Opportunities for All was launched on 19th December 2013, by Minister Phil Hogan at the Institute of Public Administration, Dublin. Split into seven strands of activity, Opportunities for All sets out concrete action plans to revitalise the public library service to meet the needs of the 21st Century community. Under the overarching social, economic and cultural policies, the foundations have been laid for the construction of our ideal public library. Staff working in libraries around the country were asked to contribute ideas to help guide the work of the strategy and to input novel or worthwhile case studies. An award of an iPad was given to a member of staff who contributed the most valid and worthy input. Clare Library’s staff member, Samantha Morrissey scooped the award and is pictured receiving her iPad from Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Arkins, with County Librarian Helen Walsh and County Manager Tom Coughlan. The strategy is an initiative of the LGMA, CCMA and the Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Collaboration between Art Students from Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon and The Courthouse Gallery

Congratulations to Fifth Year and Leaving Cert art students from Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon and CBS Ennistymon who took part in an exciting new exhibition in the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon. The students worked with local art facilitator and Courthouse Gallery employee Steve Mathieson to produce models of their houses using brown paper bags. The artwork is linked with the current exhibition in the Courthouse gallery by artist Robert Dunne. Robert forwarded instructions to the students on what he wanted them to make and the work was completed under the instruction of art teacher Mary Fahy. The inspiration for the work comes from Dunne's experiences growing up in a mining village in Kilkenny with the ever present fear of sink holes. His delicate paper house constructions draw the viewer into a dialogue about fears and identity. Participating students will exhibit their creations alongside those of Mr Dunne's. Congratulations to all involved: Anna Gormley, Kelly Hynes, Nicola Kenneally, Emma McGinley, Sophia O'Brien, Lia Sambrook. Sam Harriman, Ella Barrett, Amy Commane, Martina Daly, Aimee Greene, Julian Zander and Diorraing McNamara. Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon enjoys a collaborative relationship with the Courthouse Gallery under the leadership of curator Trudi Van der Elsen.

Kevin Crawford on WTJU's Folk & Beyond

"Flute and whistle player Kevin Crawford from County Clare, part of acclaimed traditional Irish music group Lúnasa, stopped by WTJU on November 23, 2013, for a visit with Pete Marshall on Folk & Beyond. Kevin was in town for a concert and workshop sponsored by the Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS)." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of January 2014 by WTJU Charlottesville.

Inside video guide to the Scariff Harbour Festival

"Inside video guide to the Scariff Harbour Festival, County Clare. Check out our guide to copper jewellry makers, ancient Ireland forests, woollen weavers and more at this annual harvest festival. We're here at the Scariff Harbour festival and they've got all sorts of things going on..." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of January 2014 by i2iTravel.

Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher - The Wild Atlantic Way

"Enjoy this spectacular 3 minute video of the walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This is a tiny part of the "Wild Atlantic Way" which opens up the West Coast of Ireland to visitors." Posted on Youtube on the 9th of January 2014 by clare virtually.

Storm surge at Doolin Pier, January 2014

"Huge waves swamp the pier at Doolin, County Clare (Jan, 2014)." posted on Youtube on the 9th of January 2014 by Hugh Carty.

Storm at Liscannor Harbour, January 2014

"These are 2 small videos of the destruction of Liscannor Pier, County Clare, this morning at 09.30. Don't mess with the Atlantic Ocean!" Posted on Youtube on the 6th of January 2014 by Daragh Carey.

Dromore Woods, Ruan, County Clare

Dromore Woods, near Ruan, County Clare. No sound. Posted on Youtube on the 29th of December 2013 by trevbing57.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Slideshow

A slideshow about Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, County Clare, 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 24th of October 2013 by Joe Holler.

Christmas storytime and crafts in Killaloe

Children and parents enjoying the Christmas events in Killaloe Public Library.

Liosta na Laochra Awards in Shannon Library

On Thursday 5th December 2013, Shannon Town Council held a civic reception at Seán Lemass Public Library in honour of the Liosta na Laochra awards scheme. Awards are given to individuals who have achieved national or international recognition or are involved with a club, society or organisation operating within the town. Mayor of Shannon Councillor Greg Duff officiated at the event. 13 people were honoured on the night, including 4 national broadcasters/journalists: Valerie Sweeney, Aisling O’Loughlin, Rachael English and Orla Walsh. All-Ireland winning athletes from Shannon Athletic Club and members of Shannon Kickboxing Club, recent medal winners at the World Kickboxing Championships also received awards. Clare Civil Defence and EI Electronics received civic honours on the night. Clare Civil Defence was recognised for its voluntary work in the Shannon community and throughout the county. EI Electronics, manufacturer of smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms was honoured in recognition of 50 years of success in Shannon. Mayor of Shannon Greg Duff praised the company for not only creating employment in the community but also for contributing generously to community organisations and events in the Shannon area. Indeed, EI Electronics were very generous in sponsoring Children’s Book Festival in Clare County Library this year. A number of voluntary organisations were also awarded funding under the council’s Community Grants scheme. Shannon Chess Club was one such organisation. The Chess Club meets in Seán Lemass Public Library every Friday at 6.30pm under the leadership of Stephen Danaher and has won a number of medals at provincial and national level. Photo courtesy Joe Buckley.

The Story of Iona - Book Launch at Shannon Library

On Tuesday, 17th December at 6.30pm Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, was delighted to welcome author Dr. Rosemary Power to launch her new book ‘The Story of Iona’. Published by Canterbury Press, Dr. Power’s book tells the story of the small Hebridean island of Iona and its remarkable spiritual influence over fifteen centuries. Dr Rosemary Power is a historian specialising in Norse and Gaelic studies. She is associate researcher of the National University of Ireland, Galway, and has published academically on Iona. Dr. Patrick Wallace, former director of the National Museum of Ireland was on hand at the event to launch ‘The Story of Iona’. Entertainment on the night was provided by harper Janet Harbison of the Irish Harp Centre.

Todos Juntos "Los Paddys de las Pampas" - in Ennistymon

"Los Paddys de Las Pampas CD launch, filmed at the Ennistymon Courthouse Gallery by Niamh Ryan, December 14th 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of December 2013 by Paddy Mulcahy.

Clare Memory Orchestra & Friends - The Cuckoo

"Dave Flynn & The Clare Memory Orchestra with Mary Bergin & Johnny Óg Connolly perform 'The Cuckoo'. Composed by Mairtín O'Connor, orchestrated by Dave Flynn from CMO Chamber Concert, Ennistymon, Clare 22nd June 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of December 2013 by Dave Flynn & the Clare Memory Orchestra.

Ennis Festival of Light 2013

"A video for the Ennis Festival of Light." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of December 2013 by Applesauce Films.

Burren Wild Baker

"This is our video of photo-shoot for the Burren Wild Baker cookbook." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of December 2013 by KashaKola.

Ballyvaughan Senior Room Christmas Animation December 2013

"School children from 3rd to 6th Class were involved in this animation under the direction of a parent in our school community. Well done to all." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of December 2013 by Ballyvaughan NS.

Willbrook National School

"Willbrook National School built in 1884." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of January 2014 by David Lee Black.

The Cascades at Ennistymon

The Cascades at Ennistymon, County Clare, following heavy rain. Posted on Youtube on the 1st of January 2014 by Bob Hilscher.

Storm, Coast Road, Kilrush

"Wind, over 100km/h, full tide. Time: 23:50. Video was taken on Coast road in Kilrush." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of December 2013 by pawel1712.

Storm damage at Lahinch Promenade

A storm from the southwest and a high tide lashed Lahinch last night (January 2nd) resulting in damage to the promenade. Thanks to Mary Comber, Lahinch, for the photo.

Scariff Library's Teen Book Club

Scariff Public Library's Teen Book Club celebrated its last book club of 2013 with a book club party. One of the members baked a very special cake to mark the occasion which was delicious! Some members have gone on to university and we miss them but new members have joined the club recently which now has a core group of nine teenagers. New members are always welcome and we look forward to reading lots of great new books in 2014. Don't forget there's also the teen film club. Eighteen teens turned out for the last film. In January we are going to get teens to vote for what film to show next.