Jewellery making workshops at Kilrush Library

24 Primary School children attended a jewellery making workshop in Kilrush Public Library on Tuesday 28th October 2014, which was given by library staff. The children created an assortment of beautiful bracelets, necklaces and rings. A fun time was had by all.

Crag Road session in Kilshanny, County Clare

"Crag Road played in Kilshanny House, Kilshanny, County Clare, 4th Oct 2014. A few friends joined us after a while. Thierry Masure (fiddle), Luka Bloom (guitar), Robert Crosby (box), John Harrison (reso guitar), and Pamela Queally (fiddle)." Posted on Youtube on the 7th of October 2014 by burrencrawler.

Steve Wall sings My Town - Bosca Ceoil TG4 Promo

Ennistymon's Steve Wall, of The Stunning and The Walls fame, sings his song My Town in a TG4 promotion for its new programme Bosca Ceoil. Posted on Youtube on the 27th of September 2014 by Bosca CeoilTG4.

Between All Things - A retrospective of the work of Dermot Twohigk

"Between All Things - A retrospective of the work of the late Clare artist Dermot Twohigk in an exhibition at the Courthouse Gallery & Studios, Ennistymon, County Clare Sept-Oct 2014. Music by Arvo Part." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of October 2014 by Fergus Tighe.

Cliffs of Moher - one millionth visitor in 2014

Rita Shaw, from Niceville, Florida, USA, became the one millionth visitor to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in 2014 when she arrived at the centre with her husband Stephen on Monday 20 October at 11.01am. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of October 2014 by Nackaer Pasolcer.

The Wild Atlantic Way at Fanore, County Clare

The Wild Atlantic Way at Fanore, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 16th of October 2014 by Phoenix Rizing.

A brief history of Clare Castle and the Port of Clare

"A brief history of Clare Castle and the Port of Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of July 2014 by Clarecastle Community Development Ltd.

Science Week Events at Clare County Library

Science Week Events 12th and 13th November: Educational and fun science shows in four branches of Clare County Library.

Science can help us answer the what, the why and the how, while also revealing new questions. It is a problem solver, helping us crack everyday challenges and children in Clare will have the opportunity to see this theory in practice in November.

Two educational and fun science shows will be hosted by four libraries on the 12th and 13th of November. Move It! a fast-moving show exploring the forces that are so important in allowing us to move and The Mad Professor Science Show will be offered to primary schools at Sixmilebridge, Shannon, Miltown Malbay and Ennistymon libraries. Both interactive shows will involve lots of audience participation and will cover a number of different science disciplines ideally suited to primary school children.

The Mad Professor Science Show will visit Miltown Malbay Library on the 12th of November at 10.30am and Ennistymon Library at 1.30pm. Sixmilebridge Library will host the Move It! Show on the 13th of November at 10.30am from where it will travel to Shannon Library to begin at 1.15pm. Both shows will run for approximately one hour. These events are taking part to celebrate Science Week Ireland and come to Clare County Library courtesy of the Science Federation of Ireland.

Wildlife Ranger visits Killaloe Library

David Lyons, Wildlife Ranger, National Parks and Wildlife Service, brought a mix of images, sounds and videos detailing the amazing wildlife to be found in Killaloe and its environs when he recently visited Killaloe Public Library and enthralled pupils from 5th and 6th classes in local schools.

Mick O'Dea elected as president of Royal Hibernian Academy

Ennis artist Mick O'Dea was elected the 23rd President of the Royal Hibernian Academy at its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 14th October, 2014.

Born in Ennis, County Clare, in 1958, O’Dea studied at the National College of Art & Design, Dublin and the University of Massachusetts from 1976 to 1981. In 1997, he received an M.A. in European Fine Art from the Winchester School of Art in Barcelona and Winchester. He taught at NCAD from 1981 to 1999, and has also taught at universities in England and the U.S. O’Dea served as the first principal of the newly revived RHA School, 2006–2011. He has also worked extensively with art and education programmes in prisons and rehabilitation centres, including Portlaoise Prison, St. Patrick’s Institution, Wheatfield Prison and Youthreach, Kilrush, while establishing a successful painting career which has included many solo exhibitions. He has received numerous national and international awards and his work is held in many national collections. Upcoming exhibition...

Laureate for Irish Fiction - three Clare authors nominated

The Arts Council has just announced the full list of nominees for the Laureate for Irish Fiction, with County Clare's Edna O'Brien, Niall Williams and Ré O’Laighleis joining the likes of John Banville, Sebastian Barry, Emma Donoghue, Anne Enright, Eimear McBride, and Joseph O'Connor among the 34 authors nominated. Nominations were made by 119 organisations and individuals, including book clubs, bookshops, poets, playwrights, arts organisations (including the Ennis Book Club Festival) and public libraries.

In December 2013 the Arts Council announced the establishment of a new award which will honour an outstanding Irish fiction writer and encourage the next generation of Irish fiction writers. The Laureate for Irish Fiction will be awarded by the Arts Council to an Irish writer of national and international distinction. The honour will be used to promote Irish literature nationally and internationally and to encourage the public to engage with high quality Irish fiction. The video above offers an introduction to the Laureate and outlines the nomination process via interviews with Orlaith McBride, Arts Council Director, Sheila Pratsche, Arts Council Chair, and Denis Staunton, Deputy Editor of the Irish Times.

Click here for the full list of nominees: http://www.artscouncil.ie/laureate/list-of-nominees/

Sharon Shannon & Alan Connor - 'Mickey Joe Mikes'

County Clare's Sharon Shannon with Alan Connor on TG4's Bosca Ceoil. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of October 2014 by Bosca CeoilTG4.

The Famine in Kilrush, County Clare

An 1851 Report on Kilrush Workhouse published in the memoirs of Dr Robert Madden was recently added to the library website. In February of that year Dr Madden witnessed “ a multitude of human beings, exceeding a thousand, congregated round the building, men, women and children, in every state of famine debility and disease, arising from want of food, want of sufficient raiment, and in many cases want of shelter fit for human beings in that inclement season.” A number of other articles on the website throw light on the tragic situation in Kilrush Union during this period including the Minute Books for the workhouse for 1849; a return of deaths in the workhouse for 1950-51 and a report on evictions in Kilrush Union, 1847-49 by Captain Kennedy. Reports and drawings in the Illustrated London News vividly convey the dire circumstances as they unfolded and more local newspaper reports are collected in the History of Kilrush by Senan Scanlan who also addresses the role of the Vandeleur family during the Famine.

2014 Samuel Johnson Prize Shortlist announced

Six titles have been shortlisted for the 2014 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. The winner of the award worth £20,000 will be announced on November 4th. There are two memoirs on the shortlist. Helen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk tells of how she trained a goshawk, and Marion Coutts’ humane account of her husband's loss of speech and death from a brain tumour is recounted in The Iceberg. Village of Secrets by Caroline Moorehead tells the story of how villagers in France’s Massif Central mountains saved thousands of people from concentration camps during the Nazi occupation. The Empire of Necessity is an account of how slaves on board a 19th-century ship rose up and slaughtered most of the crew. The final two books on the shortlist are John Campbell’s A Well-Rounded Life, a biography of politician Roy Jenkins, and Alison Light’s Common People, an exploration of her family through generations of obscurity and poverty.

Historian Ruth Scurr of the judging panel said “It has been a very uplifting experience to read these books. Even the straight historical narrative books on the list are as compelling as the best novels.” Lucy Hughes-Hallett won last year’s prize for her book The Pike, a portrait of the Italian Fascist poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

Roald Dahl Live! at Miltown Malbay Library

The children attending Wayne O’Connor’s Children's Book Festival show at the Dr. Patrick J. Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay, laughed all the way back to class and so did their teachers. Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes were introduced and explored through Wayne’s hilarious banter and his quirky drawings. The Big Bad Wolf, Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk all featured. By the end of the hour they had been re-created in Wayne’s drawings wearing tattoos, earrings and dressed like never before with lots of help from his audience. The children, teachers and library staff said that "Wayne was absolutely amazing. A fantastic, energetic performance!"

Discover Ireland - Discover Lough Derg

"Sitting cosily between the three counties of Galway, Tipperary and Clare, Lough Derg on the Shannon offers 32,000 twinkling acres – just waiting to be enjoyed. Lough Derg is a handsome inland sea set in an attractive blend of mountain and hillside, woodland and farm and has become a major area for waterborne sport and leisure. Yet at its southern end, the Shannon ceases to be a leisurely river moving gently southward across quiet countryside." Posted on Youtube on the 30th of September 2014 by discoverireland.ie.

Surfing at Barrtra, Lahinch, October 2014

"Short edit from place called Barrtra, few miles from Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland. Waves were pumping. What an incredible day..." Posted on Youtube on the 6th of October 2014 by Michal Púchy.

Cliffs Of Moher - Walking on the northern path to O´Brien´s Tower

"Northern path on Cliffs of Moher, near Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of October 2014 by Daga Muten.

The unveiling of Brian Boru Shield at Killaloe Library

On Saturday 11th October 2014 a spectacular copper shield commemorating Brian Boru in his birthplace was unveiled outside Killaloe Public Library and Heritage Centre by local author, teacher, and historian Seán Kierse. Local Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Clare Tony O’Brien, representatives of Feile Brian Boru, the local 2014 Millenium Committee and St Anne’s Community College Kincora Call Group, local residents and visitors were present at the event.

The shield was commissioned by the Feile Brian Boru Committee and created by the adults and children who took part in copper-craft workshops in July with silver-smith Suzi Lewisohn at the CELT Traditional Craft Experience. The shield is a copper sculpture using different techniques, including stamp work, riveting and wirework. The artwork was created and finished by East Clare-based blacksmith Mark Wilson, and the design for the piece was taken from a woodcut created by artist and printmaker Suzannah O’Reilly with the assistance of Ballinahinch Primary School children. Both the staff in Killaloe Library and Tourist Office and the community in general are delighted with this fabulous artistic addition to the building.

The photograph above shows Sean Kierse, local historian; John Grimes, chairman of Feile Brian Boru; Tony O’Brien, Deputy Mayor of Clare; Una Kierse, 2014 Millenium Committee and Mark Wilson, blacksmith, under the Brian Boru Shield.

Absence – An Adam Pomeroy exhibition in Glór

'Absence' is an exhibition of new works by the Clare-based figurative artist Adam Pomeroy. Inspired by the theme of loss, the collection includes figure painting, portraiture, still life painting, and drawings. Pomeroy is probably best known in local art circles for his ‘Annunciation’, which hangs in Ennis Cathedral. It was one of a series of large-scale biblical paintings on display in various cathedrals around the country. The exhibition will continue until Friday 31st October in Glór, Ennis.

The Architectural Heritage of County Clare – A talk at X-PO Kilnaboy by Dick Cronin

The first lecture in the X-PO Kilnaboy autumn/winter series is entitled “The Architectural Heritage of County Clare” - an illustrated overview of the architectural "jewels" hidden throughout the county. The guest speaker is Dick Cronin, the Architectural Conservation Officer with Clare County Council. Dick is responsible for the built heritage of the county including historic buildings, vernacular houses, protected structures and architectural conservation areas in towns and villages. Having studied in UCD and UCG, he has worked in the conservation and restoration of historic buildings since the 1980s. In 1986 using local skills he restored Dysert O'Dea Castle which has been open to the public since as The Clare Archaeology Centre and Trail. He has published widely on the local history, archaeology, built environment and place names of County Clare and gives regular lectures to interested groups and third level colleges. Dick has served on three occasions as editor of the county archaeological journal "The Other Clare". The talk takes place at the X-PO in Kilnaboy on Wednesday October 29th at 8.00 pm. All are welcome to the talk which is free of charge. More information 087 292 54 87.

The Brock Maguire band in Albany - Because It's There & Coal Miner

The Brock Maguire Band from County Clare in Albany, New York, USA, playing an old time American tune called Because It's There, and Coal Miner from the Flanagan Brothers repertoire . Posted on Youtube on the 15th of August 2014 by irisheyz53.

The Shannonvale Céilí Band at Féile Cnoc na Gaoithe, Tulla

"The Shannonvale Céilí Band CD launch Concert at Féile Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla, County Clare, 28-06-2014 with dancers Mairead Casey, Gearoid Devane, Suzanne Leahy and Caitlin Nic Gabhann". Posted on Youtube onnthe 6th of October 2014 by enworb01.

Cliffs Of Moher & Ireland Road Trip

"RoadTrip d'une semaine en Irlande avec Max et Dmitri. Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, le Connemara etc.. tout n'est pas dans la vidéo malheureusement, mais de très belles images malgré tout!!!". Posted on Youtube on the 7th of October 2014 by TRIP DUCH.

Diving in Fanore, County Clare, September 2014

Diving in Fanore, County Clare, September 2014. Posted on Youtube on the 1st of October 2014 by Piotr G Irish.

Burren Winterage Weekend, October 24th-26th

Looking for something original to do this October Bank holiday weekend? Why not join in a unique Burren celebration which honour’s the generations of Burren farmers, take part in re-enactments of ancient pastoral traditions and Samhain pursuits; enjoy the songs, stories, heritage and food of the Burren landscape and experience the Burren from the farmers perspective. For hundreds of years, Burren farmers have marked the end of summer by herding their cattle up onto winter pastures in the limestone uplands, in the tradition known as winterage and the Burren is one of the only places in the world where it still occurs. Winterage has been integral to shaping today’s familiar Burren landscape.

Along with the local community, the Burrenbeo Trust is coordinating the 2014 Burren Winterage Weekend (October 24th -26th) which celebrates this fascinating farming heritage and the broader significance of pastoral farming in the Burren and beyond. The weekend includes an intriguing range of events themed around 'people, food and nature' including Sharing @ Samhain (a community feast of local produce open to all), a Burren Winterage School (focusing on the theme of sustainable farming in Ireland) and a series of farmer-led Herdsman’s Walks across some of the finest winterages in the Burren. There is a choice of two Herdsman’s Walks – one beginning in Gortlecka and the other in Fanore. Booking is essential and places are filling up fast.

Interactive Talks, an Open Farm, Family Fun and an amazing Food Fayre of local produce will also take place. The weekend will culminate in the Winterage Cattle Drove, which will be held this year in Turlough, where you can join local farmers in herding their cattle onto the high Burren where the cattle will remain for the winter. The Winterage Weekend is a non-profit event which depends on the good will of a great many people. To cover the costs of running this event raffle tickets are available - which will give the holder entry to most of the events during the weekend, so you can’t lose! These will be on sale for €5 prior to the weekend in Kinvara (Burrenbeo Office) and during the weekend at the different events. Pick up a programme locally or visit the www.burrenwinterage.com website for details of all the events. For more information or bookings please contact trust@burrenbeo.com or 091-638096.

Summer Reading Challenge Presentation at Killaloe Library

At the presentation of the certificates for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge Presentation at Killaloe Public Library, storyteller Ruth Marshall sang and played the ukulele and told the children folk tales for 45 minutes. All the children are looking forward to the next Summer Reading Challenge!

A Horse’s Tale gets another airing in response to public demand

The local community and equine industry enthusiasts all over the county will get a further opportunity to view Neville Presho’s television documentary, ‘A Horse’s Tale’ on Monday next, October 13th at The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon.

Last month two screenings of the film, first broadcast on RTE in 1979, attracted very large attendances to the Courthouse. In fact, the ‘house full’ signs went up for the initial event, organised by the Old Ennistymon Society as part of its contribution to National Heritage Week. In response to public demand, The North Clare Historical Society has now linked up with The Old Ennistymon Society to facilitate another showing, starting at 8pm on Monday next and admission is €5. The 25-minute film and accompanying set of evocative photographs are bound to generate much discussion and contributions from the audience, as did the September screenings.

‘A Horse’s Tale’ features three schoolchildren from Moy National School observing, and lending a hand to, farmer Joe Garrihy from Carrowntedaun, Lahinch, and his trusted Irish Draught mare ‘Doonbay’ as they carried out various tasks on the farm These ranged from cutting and harvesting the hay to drawing home turf from the bog. The film also showed the mare being shod at Moloney’s blacksmith forge in Ennistymon while her repaired bridle is retrieved from the local Crowe’s saddlery. Scenes were also shot at Kilmihil cattle fair and the famous Spancilhill horse fair.

The documentary, produced in association with RTE, was inspired by prize-winning entries from pupils at the Moy National School, under the guidance of School Principal, Úna Uí Rócháin, in a national essay competition. “The previous screenings provoked much stimulating discussion and reminisces about precious but largely forgotten farming and equine traditions, as well as town-based crafts such as the blacksmith and saddler,” said John O’Loughlin, Chairman of the North Clare Historical Society. “We look forward to many further contributions during a group discussion after the film at next week’s event, when the contributors will include Colman Garrihy, the son of ‘Doonbay’ owner, the late Joe Garrihy,” he concluded.

The photo above shows the 'stars' of A Horse's Tale - Joe Garrihy, owner of the Irish Draught mare, Doonbay, flanked by Sean Curtin and Michael Harhen with John Garrihy (seated on creamery can) get a lift from local man, Mick Conlon in Ennistymon.

Crochet workshop at Kilrush Library

As part of the celebrations of Positive Aging Week, twelve people really enjoyed a hands-on crochet workshop by Mary Reynolds at Kilrush Public Library. They learned various stitches from beginners to advanced. Various small projects were completed including flowers and bracelets. Several books on crochet were available and borrowed by people attending the workshop.

Stories, Poetry and Dreams: An intimate evening with Michael Murphy and friends

Stories, Poetry and Dreams: An intimate evening with Michael Murphy and his friends, including Emer O’Kelly, Eamonn Lawlor and Eileen Dunne takes place in Glór, Ennis at 8pm on Saturday the 25th of October 2014.

Michael Murphy is a broadcaster, psychoanalyst and author. In emotionally powerful readings from his three books At Five in the Afternoon, The House of Pure Being, and The Republic of Love, Michael and his guests share deeply insightful reflections on love and sex, friendship and family. He tells of the cancer journey in the company of two inspiring women in Spain who also survived. Thought-provoking and eloquent, this truthful and open evening which invites your participation, underlines a wise affirmation of life in the midst of difficulty, and a steadfast belief in the transcendence and sacredness of love. €16/Pre-Theatre 2 course Evening Meal & Ticket Deal €30 (food by Nolan & Lambe @ glór).

Dromindoora National School exhibition in Killaloe Library

Pupils from Dromindoora National School recently held an exhibition of their art and craft project for the Brian Boru Millennium celebrations in Killaloe Public Library. The library, in turn, arranged for the pupils to go in a historical tour of Killaloe with Una Kierse, a local historian, and to have a tour of St. Flannan’s Cathedral where they were given the opportunity to ring the bells, much to their joy. On return to the library they were given treats which were very much enjoyed.

Images of County Clare, September 2014

"A selection of images from around County Clare during September 2014. Submit your images to theherald@live.ie, by posting to our Facebook page timeline or tweeting (www.twitter.com/theclareherald)." Posted on Youtube on the 30th of September 2014 by theclareherald.

The Henns of Paradise House

Paradise House, Ballynacally, was home to the Henn family for almost three centuries. The house was said to be one of the most beautiful residences in County Clare. In a fascinating history - now on this website - Brigadier Frank Henn outlines the genealogy of the Henn family, with biographical details on many of its members. He also details the history of Paradise itself, including his own recollections of visits to the house, which was sadly burnt down in 1970. See The Henn Family of Paradise, County Clare, Ireland, Notes compiled by Francis Robert Henn.

Science Books of the Year

The shortlist for the 2014 Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books has been announced. This prestigious prize celebrates outstanding popular science books from around the world and is open to authors of science books written for a non-specialist audience.

The shortlisted titles are:
Gulp: Adventures of the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach
Stuff Matters: The Strange Stories of the Marvellous Materials that Shape Our Man-made World by Mark Miodownik
The Cancer Chronicles: Unlocking Medicine’s Deepest Mystery by George Johnson
The Perfect Theory: a Century of Geniuses and the Battle over General Relativity by Pedro G. Ferreira
Seven Elements That Have Changed the World: Iron, Carbon, Gold, Silver, Uranium, Titanium, Silicon by John Browne
Serving the Reich: The Struggle for the Soul of Physics under Hitler by Philip Ball

The winner will be announced at a public award event on November 10th. The author of the winning book will receive £25,000 and £2,500 each is awarded to the authors of the five shortlisted books. Sean Carroll's story of the hunt for the Higgs Boson, The Particle at the End of the Universe, won the award in 2013.

Kilkee Library’s Children's Book Festival celebrations begin

The staff of Kilkee Public Library were joined for their first CBF event by children and teachers from Scoil Réalt na Mara, Kilkee and Querrin National Schools. Poet Stephen Murray whose collections House of Bees and On Corkscrew Hill, published by Salmon Poetry instantly captured the imagination of his audience and co-workers in a fun-filled productive workshop on this rainy Friday morning in Kilkee Library. “Stephen had them working from the start, writing plans that soon became poems. All the children enjoyed it and had a lot of fun, and they had great ideas. I was very impressed as to how Stephen ran the workshop, and kept their attention and interest. All the children shared their poems reading them aloud at the end of Stephen’s workshop” (Anne Finucane, Kilkee Library). Children’s Book Festival events continue in Clare libraries until the 23rd of October.

Tommy Browne sings Nancy Hogan's Goose

"The one and only Tommy Browne, with his rendition of the great song 'Nancy Hogan's Goose', recorded in Kelly's Bar, Carmody Street, Ennis, County Clare, on 30th December 2013." Posted on Youtube on the 15th of September 2014 by Alan Hogan.

Three Sets by the Tulla Céilí Band, Feakle Festival 2014

"At this céilí in Pepper's Marquee during the 2014 Feakle Festival, the Tulla Céilí Band played three sets in the second half - the Plain Set, the Connemara Set, and the Kilfenora Set. After the last set, Mairéad Casey danced a display of sean nós dancing before the music finished with the national anthem." Posted on Youtube on the 30th of August 2014 by Bill Lynch.

Micho Russell – The Road to Galway

"Memories of Micho, Packie & Gussie holding forth 'till the wee small hours of the morning in O'Connor's Pub, Doolin, County Clare. Love the west Clare accent. More info here: http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/people/russell_brothers.htm." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of September 2014 by clarebannerman.

Cliffs of Moher – Timelapse by Clément Vignault

"Cette vidéo traite de Cliffs of Moher." Posted on Youtube on the 28th of september 2014 by Clément Vignault.

Little Stint in Seafield, Quilty, County Clare

Little Stint - Seafield, Quilty, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 29th of September 2014 by JL Copner.